Led by the hard running of lock Laiatu Latu and Saint Mary’s-bound Prop Joe Marchant, the Marauders were able to get two wins to start the season at the Kick Off Tournament held in Sacramento.

First up was Peninsula Green. It was a hard-hitting affair with both teams finding it hard to keep control of a wet ball. Peninsula Green stuck first with a penalty before Senior Flanker Max Sackett got over the line for a first Jesuit try. Fullback Mason Phillips converted to give Jesuit a 7-3 at the half.

The second half saw more of the same, hard running and big hits. Peninsula Green’s flyhalf hit another penalty to draw them close, but Marchant went on a rampaging run to score a second try for Jesuit. Phillips converted and then hit a late penalty to end the scoring.

Final Score Jesuit 17 Peninsula Green 6

In the next match the Marauders faced off against a new crosstown rival, the Lions from CK McClatchy High School. Many of the players grew up playing together in junior rugby so it was a familiar foe.

The Lions controlled the ball for long patches with their very shifty flyhalf pulling the strings. Jesuit was stretched several times, but did not break. The Jesuit backrow put in a massive shift – making multiple tackles to keep McClatchy pinned deep in their half.

Neither team was able to cross the line so the second half became a bit nervy with both teams trying not to make a mistake.

The Jesuit forwards battered the line for several phases before Sackett finally bulled over for a try. Phillips converted to give Jesuit a bit of breathing room.

Both teams launched attacks, but defense was the order of the day. The game ended with Jesuit prevailing.

Jesuit 7 McClatchy 0

Last game of the day was a forfeit by the SAC PAL team.

“This was exactly what we needed to start the year,” said Head Coach John Shorey. “Two tough physical opponents that exposed us and showed the players what we need to improve on as we move forward. I’m sure that both Peninsula Green and McClatchy will go far this year.”

Jesuit Varsity B Side

The Jesuit Varsity second side faced off against quality opposition. First up was Motherlode Rugby that saw a back and forth battle end in a tie. McClatchy B side was up next and the Marauders escaped with a narrow victory. The final match saw the B-side stretched against Liberty from Washington. Unfortunately the game was called early due to an injury with Liberty in the lead.

“The games gave the coaches to see the younger players in action and good idea of the work-ons going forward. It is a long list, but we will take this one week at a time,” said Coach Shorey.

CK McClatchy

For their part, CK McClartchy looked pretty useful, too.

McClatchy's A side dominated SAcPAL 55-0. SacPAL finished the season ranked #40 in the nation and looked to be holding their own early until CKM opened up the offense and started scoring at will.

An early season ankle injury CK's starting No. 8 set them back, but the team is hopeful for a quick recovery. It didn't help in the loss to Jesuit, but that close 7-0 scoreline shows the teams aren't far apart.

In their final match of the day CKM A-side came up victorious against a powerful Peninsula Green squad 21-5. The victory was an important milestone as the #20 ranked Penn Green has beaten CKM in every meeting for the last four years.