In perhaps the tightest final in this past weekend’s Boys all-star tournaments, Virginia edged Florida 19-17 to win the Mid-Atlantic Challenge Cup.

This game was a replay of the final from 2014, which was won by Florida. The Juice Head Coach, Chris Oosthuizen, said his team was better this year than last, which means Virginia was, too.

“It was a really good game,” said Florida’s Oosthuizen. “We played well. The boys did everything we asks them to. Defensively we stood up to those pick-and-go offenses, and we played as a team, but Virginia was just better than us.”

Florida flyhalf Matt Mairowitz (Weston) and fullback Justin Smith (Orlando) were instrumental in the Florida effort, especially as they came back from an early Virginia try to lead 14-7. But Virginia, bolstered by a strong game from scrumhalf Jacob Estes (Springfield/West End), came back, scoring two second-half tries to a Smith penalty to win 19-17.

Flanker Kelly Fernandi of Prince William was a revelation, beating most of his opposition to the ruck and ensuring Virginia kept up the pace of the game. But of course the game-changer was Dmontae Noble. The fullback/wing out of Warrenton was again superb - fast, elusive, daring, and the MVP.

“We spread the ball quickly,” said Virginia Manager Dale Roach. “They were very big but our pace allowed us to hand with them. Fernandi was at every ruck, and we worked the ball as much as we could.”

Virginia defeated Ohio-North, New Jersey, and Maryland on the way to the final. Florida defeated Empire (NY), Illinois, and Indiana.

The Challenge Cup also crowned champions in JV Boys and Middle School Boys brackets. Both of those brackets were won by Indiana. 

Varsity Scores from Pittsburgh

Indiana 46 New Jersey 0

Pennsylvania 24 WNY 0

Maryland 12 Illinois 12

Florida 24 Empire 10

Virginia 22 Ohio-North 19

Virginia 51 New Jersey 0

Indiana 19 Pennsylvania 15

Maryland 38 WNY 3

Florida 10 Illinois 5

Ohio-North 19 Empire 5

Sunday

Semi - Florida 20 Indiana 13

Semi - Virginia 14 Maryland 7

Final - Virginia 19 Florida 17