The Woodlands made something of a statement this weekend with a 34-14 victory over highly-regarded St. Thomas in Rugby Texas action.

In an intense, physical clash, both teams boasted large and physically gifted forwards, which were relatively evenly-matched. The game, then turned on the fact that the Woodlands backs were the better.

Woodlands junior flyhalf Kieren Farmer returned to action for the first time after an ATV accident in December, and showed no ill effects from his time off.  The all-state player used his impressive speed to score two tries on breathtaking runs. Wing Kameron Gladney added two tries and was active defensively all day, while centers Eugene Bizer and Jose Maria Guzman also were able to find space on the outside for tries.  

Bizer and Woodlands lock Stijn Abers added a conversion each, while HS All American Alex Rayton was named Man of the Match by Coach Phil Beck for his overall solid play.

Strong forward play kept St. Thomas in the match with punishing running, rucking, and and tackling by senior loosehead prop Robert Rodriguez, junior tighthead prop Nate McKinney, junior lock Sam Yeboah, and junior HS All Americans flanker Griffin Maat.  

Maat was able to dominate lineouts consistently. Bright spots for the backs included sophomore Eli Young making his first start at scrumhalf and senior wing Derek Allen, who provided tenacious defense. 

Sam Yeboah scored the lone St. Thomas try on a bruising 10-meter run, and junior flyhalf Riley Bishop kicked three penalty goals.

In Rugby Texas South, St. Pius X beat Cy-Fair in a dramatic comeback.

Cy Fair was able to dominate up front with their large and athletic forwards, controlling the scrums, mauls, and running consistently for ball control.  

David John Selby of St. Pius X opened with a penalty kick followed by Cy Fair and St. Pius trading tries.  Cy Fair was stopped just shy of a try by a strong St Pius X defense to end the first half 10-5 for St. Pius.

That stop proved important even as Cy-Fair continued to put on the pressure in the second half, scoring three tries, all unconverted, to take a 20-10 lead.

With four minutes remaining, St. Pius scored cut the deficit to 20-15.  All State senior center Khalid Farrakan then rumbled in from 25 meters with no time left on the clock to tie it at 20. then Selby, a freshman who has kicked a penalty and a conversion already, slotted the extras for the 22-20 St. Pius X victory.

Selby was able to keep Cy Fair on their heels for much of the night with long and accurate directional kicking and was named player of the game.  All State No. 8 and captain Alec Kenda led the defensive charge with senior center Tyrell Franklin playing well on offense and defense.

Also in the North, Rocky Rugby beat Jesuit of Dallas 17-9 and Westlake also won over Katy, but in a friendly.

Latest unofficial standings: