The Ohio Celts swept both games in the Boys Midwest All-Star Challenge, a three-team warmup for later Regional Cup Tournaments.

Playing at the Moose Rugby Grounds in Elkhart, Ind., Ohio defeated Illinois 57-0, and then came back from a 17-0 deficit to beat Indiana 24-17.

"Indiana gave us a really good game," said Ohio Coach Tom Cleary. "We had a rough start - three bad tackles and they scored three times. But we came back and got it under control."

Andrew Baldado, Brock Yoho (both of St. Ignatius), and Jack Bradfield and Zach Heisterkamp (both of St. Edward) all played well on the day. But perhaps the main standout was Hudson HS hooker Derek Hess. Hess stole several scrum put-ins throughout the day, and also scored a try.

In Boys JV action, Indiana A beat Indiana B 17-10 and then beat Illinois 32-17. Illinois beat Indiana B 41-0.

Joe Hawthorne powers ahead for Ohio. Allison Bradfield photo.