Jesuit made the trip up the hill to play Mother Lode at Ponderosa High School in the early going of the Rugby NorCal season.

The first ten minutes were error-strewn with the wet, cold day having an impact on both teams. The Jesuit team was led by senior captains George Henry Miller, playing hooker, and Max Schumacher, lining up at outside center. It wasn’t until almost 15 minutes were gone before the Jesuit backline was able to find some space. A good interchange allowed wing David Starnes to get free and score under the posts. Schumacher hit the conversion. Jesuit 7 Mother Lode 0.

Schumacher was at it again just three minutes later with a long break and some nifty footwork to score and convert. Jesuit 14 Mother Lode 0.

Starnes got a second with a savvy defensive move to jump the line and intercept a pass. The conversion was missed, but Jesuit was up by 19 with 19 minutes gone.

The Marauders had to weather a bit more pressure when scrumhalf Elias Ramirez was yellow carded for tackling a man in the air. Mother Lode used this advantage to kick a penalty. Jesuit 19 – Mother Lode 3.

Jesuit got right back on the front foot with two quick tries. Laiatu Latu was not to be stopped close to the line and then Schumacher found a gap on the kick off to score again. Both tries were converted by Schumacher.

Halftime score was Jesuit 33 – Mother Lode 3.

The second half was a bit tougher to keep the continuity with the rain picking up, the temperatures dropping and multiple players getting a run. Inside center Hunter Donelson was able to get over the line with Schumacher finishing his day with the conversion. Mother Lode never quit and scored a well taken try late in the game.

Final Score – Jesuit 40 – Mother Lode 13.

Schumacher and Miller were named players of the game.

“It was a good effort in tough conditions and the team stuck to the game plan,” said Head Coach John Shorey. “These are the games we need to get multiple players a good run while gaining valuable experience as we move forward.”