Thrilling Finish in MAC Final
Thrilling Finish in MAC Final
In a wildly entertaining and tense Mid American Conference final, Bowling Green came back from 20 points down to defeat the Louisville Cardinals 34-33 and win the conference championship.
These teams have played twice this season, both Bowling Green victories, and both by a single point. The earlier match ended up 28-27 for the Falcons.
And this game may well have been the best that either team has played. Contested at Mazzarella Field at BGSU in front of the President of Bowling Green University, it was non-stop from the kickoff.
Bowling Green opened the game with a penalty goal from center Joey Apel. Louisville answered in a somewhat bizarre way. Three Bowling Green backs had held up the Louisville ballcarrier, looking to force a scrum. The ball then popped out of the top of these four players, landed in Louisville hands, and 50 meters later it was 5-3. The conversion was good and the Cardinals now led 7-3.
Bowling Green answered with a try from Colton Crabiel and that made it 8-7.
After that Louisville went on a tear. They scored quickly twice, both tries converted from the sideline by JB Meier, and at halftime the Cardinals were in control 21-8.
Louisville extended that lead with a try after halftime and now they led 28-8.
Bowling Green was in trouble.
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But No. 8 Phil Tracey powered over for a try to stop the bleeding. Freshman prop Evan Holderer broke through from long range. Apel converted both tries and with 10 minutes left it was 28-22; Louisville still in the lead.
Tracey’s second try of the day nudged Bowling Green to within a point, and Apel’s third conversion of the day put the Falcons ahead 29-28.
Bowling Green received the next restart but couldn’t hold onto it. The Cardinals swooped in to gather and score. No conversion, but Louisville now led 33-29 with time winding down.
Bowling Green working the phases after that, and with time expired, prop Vinnie Pfahl, whose dad was a teammate of BG Head Coach Tony Mazzarella, powered over for the game-winner.
For Louisville, unfortunately it means that’s the end of their season. Only the MAC winner goes on into the NCR playoffs, and one point is one point too far for the Cardinals.
This season brought unique challenges, from coaching staff changes to integrating a large freshman class into the rigors of college rugby. While the transition wasn’t easy, it provided valuable opportunities for growth.
“We knew this game would be tough, and Tony’s team came prepared,” said Louisville Head Coach Emil Walton. “True to his style, he adjusted and improved—just as we did in our early years. Our team started strong, but as the game progressed, the pressure proved overwhelming for some younger players. It was a tough yet invaluable lesson in composure and performance under pressure, one that will serve us well moving forward.”
But there are other successes outside of this result for Louisville and indeed the conference. UL senior Devon Roosna has earned a scholarship to play at Loughborough University in the UK, a huge achievement for him. And Walton points to something bigger.
“I’m proud to see what was once an ‘unhealthy’ rivalry evolve into a true competition built on mutual respect,” he said. “Both teams now play with intensity while upholding rugby’s core values of respect, integrity, and camaraderie. My commendations to the BGSU players and our own for leading this shift. We’re excited about the possibilities ahead.”
