Coming of a tough loss against Belmont Shore, the SOC Raptors managed to edge Thunder 31-26, defeating the defending national HS club champions and making it clear that Southern California is competitive throughout.

Once again this game came down to the last play, and the two teams were separated by the thinnest of margins. The first 20 minutes of the game belonged to Thunder and they wasted no time taking 12-0 lead via two very well-worked tries by their big pack. The Raptors helped dig their own hole, running the ball out of their own 22 rather than kicking for territory. Following Thunder's second try, the Raptors played with some better continuity, marshaled by scrumhalf Will Lhomedieu and flyhalf Keegan Hannon. 

After some consistent pressure from the Raptors, newcomer and sophomore flanker Clarence Haney crashed over in the corner. Lhomedieu converted from the sideline to take the score to 12-7. The Raptors kept going after the restart, and after a scrum, moved wide quickly and a skillful pass from center Nate van Buskirk put Jacob Bower through the line for a 70-meter gallop for a try. Lhomedieu to put his side ahead 14-12.

The second half started with both sides sharing the early spoils and a moment of magic from Lhomedieu—he chipped over a ruck and went high to regain the ball before crashing over in the corner for the try. He converted from the sideline again and it was 21-12 Raptors.

The Raptors controlled the game for the next five minutes and then Lhomedieu converted a penalty to take the score to 24-12. The penalty goal proved important as Thunder was not done. After a sustained period of time their they crashed over and the conversion made it 24-19 10 minutes to go.

Raptors replied with Bower's second try after some good interplay between backs/forwards for a 31-19 lead with three minutes left. Raptors tried to run out the clock from the restart, but Thunder turned the ball over and raced in for another try. That left it a one-score game at 31-26 and one play left. Raptors kicked the ball deep and through the dead-ball line. So Thunder had the ball once more. They charged down the line, backed up the Raptors, but were held up in-goal. No try, game over.

"It was definitely a frustrating game," said Thunder Head Coach Josh Williams. "We thought we had scored the try at the end for the win and we were told it was held up. We have to be a little more patient and run another phase. Big picture: these games with strong teams like Raptors, Mustangs, and Belmont Shore will make us better. Our backline only had a few games together so we are focused on improving and playing smarter rugby. Well done by Sam and his Raptors. Their backline beat our backs and we need to get better."

"We are really happy with the win," added Raptors Head Coach Sam McMillan. "Our players really showed grit and toughness after a tough loss last week. We love their adventure, but we will need to learn to manage the game, especially closing out these big games."

Lhommedieu was named player of the game for the second time in four games. He logged 16 points and was hugely effective. Bower scored two tries and was strong on both sides of the ball, while hooker Nate Riley and prop Jack de Mora have been solid additions to the team.

The Raptors U16s beat Thunder U16s 52-17.