Goff Rugby Report #1-ranked single-school boys team Gonzaga tightened their grip on that ranking Saturday with an impressive 31-14 defeat of #4 Xavier HS.

Xavier showed well in a game that was close until well into the second half, with flyhalf James Tweedy once again having a strong game for the New York-based school. But the kids from DC were too big, and too powerful, and wore Xavier down.

Gonzaga got on the board first when Xavier lost the ball in contact and wing Tyree Randolph picked it up and sped to the line over 80 meters.

Gonzaga was on the front foot after that and only a staunch defensive effort from Xavier held them out. Eventually, though, it was going to happen.

"It was really good rugby on both sides," said Gonzaga Head Coach Peter Baggetta. "Good continuity and phase play from us, and great defense from them." 

Finally scrumhalf Danny Callahan saw a tiny gap and scampered over to make it 12-0.

Gonzaga had some opportunities after that, but couldn't convert, and the half ended 12-0. Xavier scored right after the break and Gonzaga realized they were in a tough contest. With a penalty in opposition territory, Gonzaga would usually kick to the corner and take the lineout. But against Xavier, they opted for points with Patrick Sheehy's boot.

"We know at the National Championships we're going to be in this position, so it's smart to get the players used to taking points as an option," said Baggetta. Sheehy slotted two penalties, and after Gonzaga scored another try, added a third penalty to make it 26-7.

Late in the game center Rahshan Jones went over to make it 31-7. Xavier punished some Gonzaga mistakes and scored late.

"In the first half we could have been smarter tactically," said Baggetta, once again harkening to the decision to take, or not take, points on offer. "But we got smarter as the game went on. The tough thing for Xavier was that our wings are so fast, that they force opposition wings to play up, and then Pat Sheehy saw that and kicked behind them. When their wings moved back, our wings had space to run."

Flanker Jack Perry had a standout game for Gonzaga.

Next up for Xavier is a clash with Greenwich HS out of Connecticut (currently ranked #7). Gonzaga takes on Salesianum in Wilmington, Del.