Arkansas State University defeated Arkansas 78-0 Saturday in the annual rivalry game between the two teams, and the degree of victory really wasn’t a surprise.

While the Razorbacks have been playing very well in DIAA, Arkansas State, and their physicality and speed of play, are another thing entire.

“It was the first time the ‘A’ side had played because we have been trying to get the younger players some experience,” said Matt Huckaby, executive director of Student Health and Wellness and director of the rugby program. “It took a little while for the rust to wear off, but the players had a good positive mindset.”

ASU has several experienced players back on the field or back from injury, such as Zinzan Elan-Puttick, Curt Pretorius, and Ricardo Lategan. But the player who really shone was Brentwood, Tenn. product Alex Goff (no relation to GRR Editor of the same name). 

“He’s really maturing as a player,” said Huckaby of Goff. “He also showed great veteran leadership. And he takes command in the lineout.”

Freshman Edwin Escalera was given a chance to start and was a pleasant surprise.

“Edwin was somewhat of an unknown factor when he first came,” said Huckaby. “But, he showed up to play and scored twice. He proved he knows how to get the ball into the end zone.”

There’s still veteran leadership on what is still a young Red Wolves team, and Huckaby said the new coach, Shaun Potgeiter, and the new players are all still getting used to it.

“We have a lot of really good talent, but very few of them have played any significant minutes together,” said Huckaby. “Guys are starting to putt their hands up. Watching the game I wasn’t sure we’d seen those combinations before. I think it took them a while to get on the same page, but they stuck with the game plan and we started to see the game open up. They are a good bunch of guys, very positive, a great attitude, and a lot of fun to coach.”

ASU now looks ahead tot he Little Rock Men’s Club October 24, and then a non-conference game at Davenport on November 7. It’s a short season for them, but a crucial one in terms of getting players working together.