In one of three massive clashes between highly-ranked teams this weekend, #5 Xavier HS came back to beat #7 Greenwich HS 37-36 with a penalty kick at the death.

Greenwich stormed out of the gates with three first-half tries to lead, but Xavier figured out what they were doing wrong and managed to get a try across before halftime. After the break, it was more Xavier, with three tries and a penalty making it 27-17 for the New Yorkers.

Greenwich, however, was not going to roll over and fought back with two long-range tries by their speedy wings Luke Bienstock and Jack Freiheit to retake the lead at 31-27.  Xavier promptly answered with a try from sophomore No. 8 Malik Fisher to pull ahead, 34-31.  With only five minutes left, Greenwich's U17 HS All American scrumhalf Soh Nakayama scampered around the side of a maul to dot down for an unconverted try and a 36-34 lead. 

Stung by the try, Xavier rebounded, and worked their way back into Greenwich territory. Greenwich was penalized for an infringement at the breakdown, and Xavier flyhalf James Tweety slotted the penalty for a 37-36 Xavier victory.  Tweety had a stellar day with a three conversions, two penalties, and a 70-meter breakaway try.

“The spectators were very well served,” said Greenwich Head Coach Joe Kelly. “If we won by one point I would say ‘best game ever,’ but they won by one point. In the past this long-running, intense rivalry has led to some chippy behavior, but not today. All the players were too focused on winning the game. There was no time for such things. Both teams were well-coached, showed great discipline, and all were perfect gentlemen. The Greenwich vs Xavier game of 2015 was an example of what the high school game should in America.”

The two teams also played games for their JV and freshman teams. At the post-game barbecue the Greenwich players and coaches were greeted by welcoming Xavier fans, parents, alumni, and players. 

“On my way home from Randell's Island I thought to myself, this is why I do this,” said Kelly.

“Xavier and Greenwich have a great rivalry that stretches back over 25 years, and this was one of the best games I've ever seen the two sides play,” said Xavier Coach Joe Sweeney. “Both teams played with great intensity and skill and the 70th minute was played at the same pace as the first. I feel like the kids could have played another 70 minutes at that level if we had let them. Greenwich is very fit, very skilled and they will punish every mistake you make. The only losses they have had this year were to the #1- and #5-ranked teams in the country, and that was by a total of seven points in two matches.  They can go far at the Nationals.” 

The win was a big one for Xavier. Sweeney praised his team’s bravery, saying “they do not back down from anyone. This match gave them confidence that they can play through any adversity as they retook the lead three times and closed out the match with a confident, composed drive for that last penalty.”