Torrey Pines Over Carlsbad in SoCal
Torrey Pines Over Carlsbad in SoCal
Torrey Pines defeated Carlsbad in the meeting last year’s SoCal single-school champion and last year’s SoCal multi-school champions.
Played as a curtain-raiser for the game between UCLA and Stanford, the game was a contrast in styles; Carlsbad used its size and power, and Torrey Pines looked to go wide and kick to space to use their speed.
It worked well for Torrey. Early on Carlsbad got into penalty trouble and Torrey Pines used those penalties to set two tries and a 14-0- lead.
Prop Matthew Staycer then broke through for a 40-meter gallop and while he was caught, No. 8 Jacob Jaffe was there in support to help send the ball through the hands to set up the score in the corner.
Torrey was clinical and patient with their approach and by maintaining possession and getting to the breakdown they denied Carlsbad the ball; their defense was also solid as they took a 21-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half Carlsbad looked to kick for territory and test Torrey Pines that way. But Torrey Pines captain and inside center Jonty Lee returned those kicks and did a solid job finding green when he did.
The pressure from those kicks led to another Torrey Pines try.
Carlsbad responded and was finally able to get over the line.
But as the game came to a close Staycer bulled his way over to seal it 33-5.
UCLA Head Coach Harry Bennett spoke to both sides after the match and praised the teams for their skill. He chose Lee as the player of the game for his attacking flare and his tactical kicking.
