So early in the season we’ve still got two of the top Texas Boys HS teams facing off this weekend, as Dallas Jesuit (3-0) plays 2-0 Westlake.

Dallas Jesuit is actually 5-0, having beaten Memorial and Strake Jesuit in non-league games, as well as defeating Plano, Richardson, and Alliance. Only the Alliance game was particularly decisive. 

“We kind of battered and bruised them with 5 games in 13 days,” said Jesuit Head Coach Anthony Mattacchione. “But it was a good way to start.”

Jesuit v Plano earlier this month.

Dallas Jesuit graduated six starters last year but some other players have non-rugby commitments, which means they’ve had to rely on a depth they didn’t really have in 2014. But 26 new players means they have expanded their program with a robust JV coaching staff.

“Having alumni who have gone through the school and are on campus helping coach really helps,” said Mattacchione. “We have assistant coaches that I’ve coaches or taught or both.”

They have also brought over some players from the football team, and that has ramped up the squad’s athleticism and physicality. Matt Slovak is one of the captains of the football team but could be playing rugby in college. The all-district running back is a center on the rugby team and given them an offensive push. 

“He likes the aggressive nature of the sport,” enthused Mattacchione.

Slovak partners with Emmet Flood in a strong midfield.

Fullback Cole Wilson and flyhalf Joey Nuchereno are experienced players who know how to read the game. 

“The guys are working hard and learning the game and studying film,” said Mattacchione. “We just need to find playing time for everyone.”

Defending state champs Westlake, meanwhile, won 60-12 over Allen in their league opener, after handing Woodlands a big defeat in pre-season. But they ran up against some issues last week against Lake Travis. They won, but only 7-5.

“Lake Travis is a strong program and [should] be a real contender this year,” said Westlake Head Coach Jason Spodick. “We, having come off two big victories, were a little full of ourselves and almost let one slip away.”

Wetlake dominated field position in the first half but could only get one try - scrumhalf Ryan Rees kicked a deep box kick that Lake Travis covered in-goal, but before the ball could be touched down, Rees and wing Ryan Markus tackled him, jarring the ball loose, and allowing Rees to pounce on it to score.

Up 7-0 Westlake got a yellow card for a late hit, and Lake Travis, after a long period of pressure, scored in the corner. Westlake were knocking on the door when the game ended.

“The defensive pressure and intensity of the match is evident in the score,” said Spodick. “Their size proved to be their biggest threat.  We struggled to get good clean ball from the back of the scrum because of their constant push. They were also very good at slowing things down by contesting every breakdown.”

So some lessons learned and on to Jesuit. 

“This week's match will be much like the last match,” warned Spodick. “Jesuit will be big up front, and will look to slow the ball down at the breakdown. As long as we really focus on keeping our tempo and continuity, getting to every breakdown first, I feel we have a great opportunity to win this match.”