It's still early days in Utah Youth Rugby Boys HS action, but several teams are making a move.

West Valley won big again. With an experienced and talented team, West Valley Coach Epoki Mahina has been able to focus on a team defense that has not allowed a single point in three league games. Saturday's 71-0 shutout of Kau Toa was the latest, and perhaps most impressive, of West Valley's victories.

Meanwhile, keeping pace with West Valley's activities was Genesis. Coach Tuli Vaitohi's group looked impressive in a 54-0 shutout of Provo.

“We played well in every phase of the game," said Vaitohi. "Our forwards controlled the rucks, the backs were well coordinated and our set pieces were executed according to plan."

Genesis No. 8 Tau Mulipola set the tone of the game very early when he took a ruck ball from 20 meters out and carried several defenders in for the try. From the ensuing restart the Genesis backline got involved and junior inside center Brook Vaitohi took a pass from 20 meters out and found enough space to shoot the gap and put one down under the posts.  From there it was all Genesis with Provo on the back foot almost the entire game. Junior scrumhalf Tai Kauwe controlled the action and conducted the Genesis game plan flawlessly in addition to contributing two scores of his own. Additional scorers for Genesis included Lakei Kolomalu, Payton Kelepolo, Mahonri Falo, and Niua Tuita.  

Next up will be a three-week flood of major matchups. West Valley plays United, who lost a close one to Herriman (Herriman Holds Off United in Utah) this past weekend and remains one of the most formidable HS rugby outfits in the Beehive State. Then a week later Genesis and West Valley will clash, and a week after that Genesis plays United.

“These are two of the best clubs in the country," said Vaitohi of West Valley and United. "Their respective styles are impetuous and their defenses seem virtually impregnable.  To have any hope of emerging victorious in these contests, our preparation must be exemplary and our execution must be flawless.  It will be arduous, but I believe we will be equal to the task.”It's    

Meanwhile, also in Utah, East HS took on Westlake and won 44-24. Pate Langi crashed through for East's opening score, and not long after Fusi Teisina was in at the corner. Jadin Afuvai, Langi, Joseph Sime, and PJ Leaaetoa made it 34-5 at halftime. Westlake scored two early in the second half, but Leaaetoa and Luani Vake finished up the scoring for East.

East is 1-1 in league play in the single-school bracket. West Valley is 3-0 in the club bracket, and Genesis 2-0. Wasatch is 2-0 in the single-school Central and is idle for a week before facing Westlake, Davis, and Olympus.