Gregory the Great, Doylestown, West Allegheny, and St. Joseph's Prep all recorded important victories in Week 4 of the Rugby Pennsylvania's Boys HS league to secure a spot in the state semifinals.

While West Shore didn't make the semis, they also recorded an important victory that potentially boosted their ranking. 

GGA over Berks

Berks County had plenty of chances and tested the Gregory the Great squad, working the ball wide and trying to get around the edge.

But GGA handled the threats well, putting in a solid defensive effort as a team.

"The forward pack did a lot of work to prevent them from scoring when they were in our half," said Head Coach Garret van Beek.

Loose forward Joseph Kerstiens was strong and Demetrius Gergerich led the team in tackles, but even then Berks led with ten minutes to go. Gregory the Great scored two tries in the closing ten minutes and won 26-21.

West Allegheny over Moon Area

West Allegheny beat Moon Area in convincing manner 33-5 to win their conference and set themselves up for the semis.

West Shore over Cumberland Valley

West Shore used the wind much more effectively than Cumberland Valley and that proved to be the difference in a 32-7 West Shore win.

Caleb Brubaker and Max Schlager were very effective in the midfield, while Jonah Roth and Colin Brassel helped control field position with their tactical kicking. No. 8 Hunter Hertzog scored a try, Brubaker scored two and Schlager scored one and played excellent defense. Roth added 12 points on kicks.

Roth's goalkicking also got West Shore on the board early when they were struggling. The lead was extended to 10-0 at the end of the half when Brubaker, the fullback and captain, quick-tapped and scored from 25 meters out. Roth converted. In the second half West Shore had the wind at their backs and kicked to the corners. That pressure set up more tries for West Shore as they pulled away.

St Joseph's Prep over Downingtown

In a very physical encounter St. Joe's beat Downingtown 38-5, leading 19-0 at halftime. While Downingtown scored early in the second half, they couldn't quite close the gap after that. St. Joe's scored three tries later in the second half to put the game away.

Captain Titus Henkels scored three tries, with Shane Baffa and Conel Garrido also getting tries. Frank Lilley added a try and four conversions. Mike Marrone, Jaxon Clayton, and Shane Mullen anchored the forwards.

Doylestown over La Salle

In a tight, high-scoring game Doylestown edged LaSalle 39-38 to take their conference.

So Doylestown, St. Joe's, West Shore, and West Allegheny are all set for the semifinal/finals weekend May 15-16.