St. Ignatius won their opening game of their Texas tour in large part thanks to some precise kicking and smart game management from flyhalf Andrew Baldado.

The senior flyhalf was singled out by several observers as a key performer for the Ohio state champions, and Head Coach Dan Arbeznik agrees.

“Andrew is a special talent in American rugby,” said Arbeznik, who moved Baldado from fullback to flyhalf this year. “He can see space and exploit it with his foot, athleticism, speed, ball handling skills, power, or quickness.  Defensively he is quick over the ball and will rarely miss a tackle or assignment.  He's a great leader from a great family.”

While Baldado did not play much in Tuesday’s close win over Cy-Fair (he came on in the last 15 minutes), through the previous five games for St. Ignatius this season, the flyhalf was scored 71 points, including five tries and 20-for-29 in conversions.

Baldado’s two penalty goals this season came in his team’s 13-11 victory over Xavier.

Baldado has played for the Philippines national U19 team, and is a Mational Merit Finalist. This week, on the rugby field, against St. Thomas it was the kicking from hand that sealed it. His accuracy in kicking for space allowed St. Ignatius to chase and pin St. Thomas in their own end. It was essentially the difference in the game.

For that, Andrew Baldado is our Eagle Impact Rugby Academy Player of the Week.