San Pasqual HS is now 2-0 in the Southern California Varsity White San Diego North after defeating San Marcos 27-10 Saturday.

This follows on from an impressive 39-12 win over Rancho Bernardo the week before.

Top, Hardan busts through. Bottom photo, Burnett outpaces the chasers.

The strong start is the result of a cadre of young, talented rugby players coming up through the ranks. 

“Last year we were really young,” said Head Coach Ray Steel. “We had only three seniors and two juniors, and all 15 of last year’s freshmen played Varsity because they had to.”

Now those freshmen are sophomores and with their experience playing middle school rugby as well as, and some new recruits, things are coming together.

“It’s the middle school thing that helps us,” said Steel. “Something you get a whole team that way - a group of friends. The group of sophomores we have now were all in the U14 championship game a couple of years ago and they’ve stayed together.”

Players like the speedy Terrell Burnett, who is one of those players who is just comfortable playing the game. Captain and No. 8 Connor Contreras is a junior but has been a starter since his freshman year. Flyhalf Hunter Boyce has been effective at flyhalf, while prop Marco Grimlado is a big presence up front.

San Pasqual also got a new recruit in senior Cole Hardan. The 6-2, 265- beast-man was initially slotted in at prop, but during a post-practice touch rugby session he showcased some impressive speed, the ability to pass from both hands, and a nice drop-kick. Change of plans, Hardan gets moved to inside center, and defenses have all sorts of trouble stopping him. But if they do key on him, Boyce finds space elsewhere.

Hardan is going to take a college scholarship in track & field (he puts the shot), but has emerged as quite the rugby find, regardless.

Meanwhile, another recruit is Sam Serrato, a running back and kick returner for San Pasqual HS football, Serrato is a dangerous runner, and his younger brother, Samuel, is pretty good, too.

So watch out for San Pasqual. The team takes a few weeks off for the winter break, but will get back at it on January 6. On that date they take on the Carlsbad Thunder, which started their season off a week ago with a 24-22 over a tough Mission Vista team and took on Fallbrook Saturday night.