Wednesday evening saw the Deep South HS rugby conference hold its semifinals, with undefeated St. Paul’s taking on New Orleans Jesuit, and Archbishop facing Mississippi.

St. Paul’s had run the table in league play on the back of a stingy defense and an impressive wide game. The program, only in its second year, is athletic and playing well together. They showed this once more, defeating Jesuit 31-17.

Michael Dvornak photo.

St. Paul’s unleashed an explosive backline attack, but it wasn’t easy.

“Jesuit’s scrums were intense,” said captain Christian Jarrett. “We had to fight for every ball. But they couldn’t touch our backs.”

Meanwhile in the other semifinal, Shaw held off a furious late charge from Mississippi. Shaw ran out to a 32-5 halftime lead, only to give almost all of it back. Mississippi controlled the second half and scored four tries to Shaw’s one, but it was enough for Shaw to hold on 39-31.

“It was nerve-wracking at the end,” said Shaw Head Coach Tim Falcon. “I think our guys kind of felt they’d won it. Then Mississippi started getting across the gain line and we didn’t reorganize well on defense. I give Mississippi a lot of credit. They were beaten, and they rallied.”

Shaw prop Justin Adams was monstrous on the day, counter-rucking the Mississippi forwards back, and breaking the gain line with bull-headed runs. His run at the end of the game made sure the contest ended with Mississippi defending their line.

No. 8 Max Chambers was a big presence on defense. With some key Shaw players out in the second half due to injury, Chambers and Adams held it together.

So now it’s a rematch of the March 14 league much won by St. Paul’s 17-10. In that game, Shaw had a penalty 15 meters out and a chance to tie the game, and muffed the play. The teams meet Saturday for the Deep South Championship.