Xavier HS laid down a very impressive performance over the weekend with a 59-7 defeat of Fort Hunt.

A hugely physical game, Xavier brought some of the size and power they have in other years lacked. With some monstrous hits in the opening minutes the tone for the game was set early on and the game looked to be a grind-it-out affair.

(Photos, Adam Smith above, and bottom two at left. David Hughes photos top three at left)

But despite the size of the forward packs and the wet conditions, the backs opened it up. The backlines showed some good ballhandling and played good defense, as well, and made sure they wouldn't left out.

the hard hits took their toll and Fort Hunt saw one player taken off early for a suspected concussion. That didn't help the Warriors any.

"I would venture to say that the scoreline may well have been different if he had remained on the field," said Xavier Head Coach Greg Norris.

Both teams lost more players due to injury in what was an intense game.

But in the end it was Xavier on top. Flanker Valery Gwardyak played some excellent defense and lock Jordan Sosa was dominant in the contact area. Flyhalf Nathan Salter looked very comfortable, while wing Aidan Smith tested the Fort Hunt defense repeatedly.

"We were certainly given a challenge in the defensive department," said Norris. "We did squander at least three or four opportunities in the oppositions 22."

The lineout misfired a few times and Norris said that, and the scrum, will need work as Xavier takes on Gonzaga next.

"The positive points that we can take away from this game would be that we moved the ball really well and with confidence," said Norris. "We were strong in the breakdown and attempted to keep a good pace in the game. With some good vision of the lie of the field we were able to put the ball into space and capitalize on the unfortunate absence of the oppositions center."