Germantown made a bit of a statement this week with a convincing 32-6 win over St. Louis University High.

Having graduated several senior starters, Germantown (ranked #50 among HS Clubs by GRR) was facing a key test for young players including sophomore flyhalf George Vezina and three freshman starters in flankers Owen Wright and Garret Hagan, and fullback Ryan Winfrey.

Wind would be a huge influence in the kicking game for both teams on the day as gusts seemed to be 20 mph.

The first 10 minutes of the game both teams tried to settle in. the wind didn't help as both teams made mistakes in their passing. SLUH controlled the ball and pt together a couple of multi-phase possessions, punishing some early penalties by the Mustangs.

But Germantown held. Junior outside center Brady Weatherly was a defensive machine, making his presence known with several huge tackles. His work eventually led to a not-releasing penalty by SLUH and Vezina slotted a penalty goal at the 10-minute mark.

Three minutes later No. 8 lan Bullock picked up from the base of the scrum and went 35 meters. While SLUH was able to scramble and eventually kick clear, Hagan picked off the overthrown lineout and raced in to score the opening try. SLUH got their first possession in the Mustang half after a knock-on and put a few phases together before an lan Bullock poach. Germantown continued to exert pressure deep inside SLUH territory for next eight minutes and came within inches of another try. SLUH was holding on but then just as the first half was ending a turnover led to Germantown center centers Will Grant and Brady Weatherly bashing through for the try. Vezina converted and it was 15-0 at the break.

Germantown started the second half attacking with several multi-phase possessions in the first five minutes. Both teams had chances but mistakes put paid to them. SLUH put Germantown under pressure with long, wind-aided kicks. One of those led to a penalty and SLUH's first points.

Germantown scored next taking a kick deep inside their territory and advancing 95 meters in seven phases. Grant capped it off by bursting through a seam for a 40-meter run. Vezina converted and it was 22-3.

A nice run from scrumhalf Caleb Schmidt capped off a six-phase attack for Germantown. SLUH answered with another penalty goal, and then as time wound down Germantown took the ball 95 meters in nine phases before Vezina was over to make it 32-6.

"Overall I was pleased with our first outing," said Germantown Coach Kevin Roedel. "Frank Corley and the SLUH side are always tough opponents that play good clean, physical rugby."

This was the first outing in a while for Germantown and while they made handling errors and opted for some risky passes, they will learn to be patient. Vezina, who moved up from fullback, ran the attack nicely, and the forwards ran hard and played smart, aggressive defense.

Next up for Germantown will be a trip to Louisiana to take on New Orleans Jesuit, Brother Martin, St Paul, and Bayou.

"We really appreciate Josh Macy and Lindenwood hosting us," said Roedel. "It's a fantastic facility and great opportunity for our boys to watch top level college rugby."