Gonzaga Holds Off Charlotte Cardinals in High-Intensity Matchup
Gonzaga Holds Off Charlotte Cardinals in High-Intensity Matchup
In a meeting of the #1 Boys school team and the #4 HS Club, Gonzaga defeated the Charlotte Cardinals 36-27 on the campus of Hampden-Sydney College Saturday.
Charlotte capitalized on some Gonzaga handling errors in the Eagles' 22 and ran out to an early 15-5 lead.
"A fantastic effort from our boys this being their first full game of the season," said Charlotte Head Coach Jason Zhemke. "We started well and we ended well. I guess we've got work to do in the middle."
"All credit to [Head Coach Peter Baggetta] and the Gonzaga boys," added Zhemke. "They are a quality team with great structures and discipline. They are exactly what we expected of them."
Charlotte's U16s and B sides did garner wins over Gonzaga.
For Gonzaga, Brody Johnson, the MVP of the 2023 HS National Championship final, scored four tries. The center's effort was bolstered by a strong forward pack effort and a solid showing from the deep three of Mack Smith, Ethan Helm, and Will Breslin, who helped handle Charlotte's kicking game.
Scrumhalf Axel Ries, the third Ries to don the #9 jersey for Gonzaga, was very good.
"Another excellent team performance," said Baggetta. "Of course there are a number of things we need to improve on as it's still early in the season, but it was good to get such a tough match. Have to give the credit to the Cardinals as they did not quit and played until the end even when they were down 36-15 with about 12 minutes left."
Zach Colson was solid for Charlotte at flyhalf, testing the Eagles with his kicking game.
Next up for Charlotte is a rivalry match with the Charlotte Tigers, who won today. Meanwhile for Gonzaga it's one of their rivals in St. Ignatius of Cleveland.
