Big Small-College Showdown in Allegheny Conference
Big Small-College Showdown in Allegheny Conference
The two top men's small college teams will face off this coming weekend.
Franciscan and Slippery Rock are both 4-0 in conference play and are set for a massive clash this weekend.
Franciscan won a relatively tight one 22-10 over Robert Morris over the weekend. Vincent Prezzia did well to set up Nick Patryn for an early try for the Barons. Robert Morris equalized and then picked off a pass to take a 10-5 lead. Franciscan rebounded nicely with Clay Boyle and JP Leatherby getting some key meters.
Prezzia then set up John Thibault, who beat his man and was over to tie the game. Prezzia was involved again, this time picking up close to the line and going over, before converting his own try to make it 17-10.
And he did the same again after a long march down the field to seal it 22-10.
Prezzia and Matt Hinnig were outstanding for a Franciscan team that will likely have welcomed the tough game going into what is likely the conference decider.
For Slippery Rock, their weekend included a 64-17 win over Clarion. Unlike their other results, this one did not eclipse Franciscan's result against the same opponent. Games against Robert Morris, Frostburg State, and Fredonia State, Slippery Rock's winning margin was larger than that of Franciscan.
Head Coach Matt Heasley isn't really focusing on that and perhaps will be focusing more on the injuries his side picked up in the Clarion game.
"I expect a very close and physical game," said Heasley. "Franciscan has a nice rugby tradition and their coach, Jason Adams, is a very good coach, and I know he will have them ready to play." Adams, by the way, is a Slippery Rock alumnus, and this coming weekend will be Homecoming at Slippery Rock.
Leading the way for Slippery Rock of late is prop Anthony Houston; No. 8 Keith Perrotto, flyhalf Oskar Stang, and center Chase Nething. Houston is an excellent leader. He runs the set piece and sets the tone. Perrotto is a freshman but a powerfu; runner and understands the game. In the backline Stang and Nething play strong defense as well as attacking well; they will be key in dealing with a strong Franciscan backline.
"If we play our game, and hopefully keep from acquiring any more significant injuries, I expect SRU to give Franciscan a hell of a game," said Heasley.
