GRR: SOC Raptors
In typical dramatic fashion the Southern California Youth Rugby HS championships was decided by a razor-thin margin, as Thunder Rugby edged the SOC Raptors 14-12 Saturday.
This was the third time these teams had played. In March in a preseason clash Thunder had won 12-7, while in their league game May 14 the Raptors had emerged victorious 24-21. This time, it was even closer.
Paced by two tries from Jacob Bower the SOC Raptors won yet another nailbiter in Southern California, holding off a determined San Diego Mustangs 24-21 in a midweek clash.
In a result that could well shake up the HS club rankings, or at least give rankings and Nationals seeders some pause, the South OC Raptors defeated previously unbeaten Thunder Rugby 24-21 in Southern California league play.
Thunder, which had been pushed by the Raptors earlier in the season, led 21-17 only to see SOC score late to win it.
The SOC Raptors continued their strong run through the Southern California HS league with a 40-0 defeat of the OMBAC/Aztecs team.
Marcus Nguyen scored two tries in the shutout with Sammy McMillan, Asher Hannon, Keona Armstrong, and Leo Jay all touching down as well. Hannon converted five.
Southern California started its league season after a long delay and Thunder, Belmont Shore, and the SOC Raptors all came away victorious, two coming back to do so.