In an interesting turn of events this summer, the Rugby Washington Boys HS 7s championship was won by a JV team.

In the final tournament of the season, the Rainier Highlanders, the program that also won the Boys 15s title, fielded two teams, a Varsity and a JV squad. 

It wasn't too much of a surprise that the Rainier JVs were solid. They had played well in previous tournaments, going 3-0-1 in the first of the summer's events, and 2-0-1 in the second - both ties were against the Rainier Varsity team.

Under Coach Kino Auvaa the Highlanders JVs continued to improve. Auvaa told Goff Rugby Report that the players love the game, are a close-knit group and so play well as a team, and are committed to their preparation and their fitness.

They also learn from the past he said. "This group lost in state finals last year, and that experience toughened them up - they realized the hard work needed to win."

And so to the final tournament. The Rainier JVs lost to Seattle in pool play, but made the knockout rounds, and in the final garnered revenge against Seattle, winning 31-14 to surpass not only their Varsity team, but every other 1st team in the state.

Leading the way for the Rainier JVs was captain Marques Fualaau, a smart decision-maker. Tomasi Puletu led from the front and was a huge physical presence, while Jonah Auvaa was the teams most skillful forward. Naki Tuamoheloa combined nicely with Falani Jennings to open up holes out wide, while Gabreal St. Hilaire was a tough ball hawk who showed a high work rate. Finishing it all off were Mason Ruffin, Jeffrey Moegu - Ruffin with his speed and Moegu with his elusiveness.

Jennings, Fualaau, Ruffin, St. Hilaire, and Sam Suaava all scored tries in the final. All of the Rainier JV players were either sophomores or freshmen. 

"Kino has done an outstanding job with this group both last season and this season," said Rainier Highlanders Program Director Andrew Ramsay. "Like the kids themselves, Kino learned a lot during his first year coaching about how to get these kids playing disciplined and effective rugby and earned huge returns on this during this past season. Not only is this group of kids achieving results on the field they are a very respectful close knit group who love to have fun and embrace all that is good in our game."

Rainier Highlanders JVs - Washington state HS 7s champions:

(Fwd) Tomasi Puletu - Soph (Fife HS)

(Bks) Falani Jennings - Soph (Fife HS) 

(Fwd) Jonah Auvaa - Soph (Puyallup HS) 

(Fwd) Jake Mareko - Soph (Fed Way HS) 

(Fwd) Misi Kalinivalu - Soph (Auburn HS)

(Fwd) Calvin Liulamaga - FR (Auburn HS)

(Fwd) Gabe St Hilaire - FR (Rogers HS)

(Bks) Knocks Tuamoheloa - Soph (Auburn HS)

(Bks) Marques Fualaau - Soph (Kent Lake HS) 

(Bks) Mason Ruffin - Soph (Auburn HS)

(Bks) Jeffrey Moegu - FR (Lincoln HS)

(Bks) Sam Suaava - FR (Auburn Riverside HS)

(Bks) Samson Siolo - Soph (Emerald Ridge HS)