It’s early days in the Massachusetts Boys HS rugby competition, but Friday brings one of the bigger games, as Boston College High School takes on Belmont High.

Both of these teams are regular contenders for the stare title.

Both teams are also 1-0 in the Massachusetts Youth Rugby DI league - BC High beat St. John’s Prep 24-5 last week, and Belmont edged Needham High 15-14. Both are chasing Xaverian Brothers, which has won close ones over Bishop Hendricken and Needham.

BC High has enjoyed a good start from junior forward Chris Troiano, who has been setting the tone by leading on defense and putting in good carries in attack. Seniors Nick Govoni and Jeff Calci have also been tenacious in the loose. In the backs, Pat McDonough has been excellent with ball in hand, and junior Ryan Connolly is a powerful runner on the wing.

BC High Coach Paul Carty said this game, followed by the Northeast Jesuit Tournament, will yes the team’s depth.

“I think for us as coaches, we are eager to see how our depth holds up,” said Carty. “So far we've been training with what we view as two varsity teams. There has been very little drop-off between our first two sides in practice.  So it will be fun to see how that translates to a weekend like this.”