Hough, Marvin Ridge Win Semifinal Shutouts in North Carolina
Hough, Marvin Ridge Win Semifinal Shutouts in North Carolina
Hough will play Marvin Ridge in next week’s North Carolina School final, providing fans with a replay of last year’s championship match.
Both teams won their semifinals Friday night via shutout.
Hough won comfortably over Sun Valley, taking the game 56-0 (officially listed as 35-0 per NCYRU rules). But when we get to knockout rugby all bets are off about winning margins.
For Sun Valley it was the end to a really nice inaugural season against a Hough team that is now 8-0 with an astonishing six shutouts (all by at least 35 points). Only the other two semifinals, Marvin Ridge and South Meck, have scored against them.
For the Huskies on Friday night Zach Colson scored two tries and was a perfect 8-for-8 on conversions for a personal haul of 26 points. Daveon Neibauer scored three tries while Porter Kuebler, Beyon Bemby, and Colby Marr all touched down as well.
Kuebler’s work in challenging bo kicks and keeping Sun Valley on their back foot was outstanding. Sun Valley therefore had trouble getting out of their 22. Max Coulson at fullback set up several tries and made a series of key tackles, while openside flanker TJ Kieffer was effective running in traffic and making meters after contact.
Meanwhile, Marvin Ridge met South Meck in a matchup that resulted n a 28-24 Marvin Ridge three weeks ago in the regular season. This time, however, Marvin Ridge was via shutout 17-0.
“We didn’t have out best game and definitely needed it to beat Marvin Ridge,” lamented South Meck Head Coach Rick Norvell.
"It was a really well-played game of rugby," said Marvin Ridge Head Coach Alan Mitchell. "It was very physical and played in a good spirit."
Marvin Rodge had the lion's share of territory and possession in the first half but could only get the one converted try out of it and led 7-0 into the break. In the second half, a penalty goal from Cameron Mitchel.
The game remained 10-0 until No. 8 Nate Rawls, who had a superb game both as a defender and running with the ball, cut through to score under the posts. Key for Marvin Ridge was their ability to manage the game and the first position. With skipper Finaly Mitchell in control they as a team displayed rugby nous in getting out of their own 22 in a controlled manner and keeping South Meck on the back foot.
Marvin Ridge and Hough will face off next week for the North Carolina school-team season championship. These two teams last met December 9, a game that Hough won 31-14.
Hough Wins Rematch of 2022-23 North Carolina School Final
But a year ago it was Marvin Ridge that took the final 27-5.
New HS Team Marvin Ridge Wins North Carolina Single-School Title
