Jesuit of Sacramento improved to 5-0 in their defeat of one of their chief rivals in Northern California, Dixon.

Dixon dropped to 4-3.

Jesuit Head Coach John Shorey called Dixon “a thorn in our side,” and thus he was pleased to pull out that thorn to the tune of 34-14. It was a rough weekend for Jesuit, as they dealt with a team-wide illness and absences due to the SAT being held this weekend.

“It was tough game,” added Shorey. “It’s a rival game and Dixon plays their best rugby against us.”

Also a challenge for both teams was unseasonably warm weather - into the 80s.

“We have had an early hot spring in NorCal and I am not sure we are ready for the heat yet,” he said. 

No. 8 Luke Bagley had a strong game for Jesuit, while center Luke Thayer played well in defense.

Things don’t get any easier for Jesuit this March as California seems to be the destination for three overseas school teams. Teams from New Zealand and England visit the area and will play Jesuit in March.

Meanwhile, Clayton Valley beat Riordan and remain atop the NorCal single-school league with a 5-1 record. But it wasn’t easy. Riordan is an improving team and it wasn’t until the final minute that Clayton Valley pulled it out 17-12.

Winners also this weekend were De La Salle over Bellarmine.

On March 26, Jesuit visits Clayton Valley under the lights for the game that will decide 1st place.