Xavier HS pulled off a bit of a surprise result over the weekend with a 5-5 tie of #2 HS Club Fort Hunt.

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Photos By David Hughes

Xavier is a young team and perhaps not expected to push the very highest-ranked teams this early in the season, and yet they managed to do so.

"A draw is a good reflection of the game," said Xavier Head Coach Greg Norris, who added that he felt his team missed some additional scoring opportunities.

Xavier prop Milton Guzman scored just a couple of minutes into the second half to give Xavier their lone try. He had come within inches of scoring late in the first half.

"I felt that our defense was a lot stronger than the previous week and that the line speed contributed to putting the pressure on the Warriors back line," said Norris. "I think it was a huge deciding factor contributing to them being unable to mount a sustained attack. I was proud that our boys were able to stand toe-to-toe with a team that was well bigger than our own, however not surprised as this is a Xavier trait that I have become accustomed to."

"Xavier was a well-trained and organized team that played good defense," concurred Fort Hunt Head Coach Dale Roach. "Their tackling and rucking was very good … especially at the start of the game. The game was fast paced and very competitive."

With both teams unable to score in the first half, Guzman's try held for much of the second. Late in the game, Fort Hunt was able to find a little time to move the ball and Andrei Golding scored in the corner to tie it up. 

"I think we left a lot on the table through poor game management and lack of concentration when reserves came into play," said Norris. "Also, while our discipline was OK in the first half, we got lazy and the two yellow cards certainly did not help."

"Neither team was satisfied with the 5-5 draw, but both teams left the field knowing that it was a hard fought match that will help prepare the teams for future competitive games," said Roach. "The Warriors want to play the best teams in America and this sort of regional contest was a great test for both teams."

The two teams actually faced off at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. The Saint Joseph’s rugby program hosted both teams well with a regulation pitch, medical support, and fan support from the St. Joe's players.