BYU scored 12 tries and defeated Arizona State 72-8 in an early-season non-conference clash between the two Varsity Cup rivals.
The game was played Saturday at Snow Canyon High School in St. George Utah, a bit of a trip for both teams but one where there was warm enough weather to play.
Center Hoseki Kofe, No. 8 Brian Keith, wing Jordan Lowry, and wing Tua Laei all scored two tries for the Cougars. Meanwhile flyhalf Josh Webber, Josh Nicols, Joe Pikula, and Ara Elkington all scored once. Former HS All American captain Calvin Whiting notched his first points as a Cougar with two late conversions, while starting scrumhalf Luke Mocke added a conversion and fullback Ryan Blaser added three.
Arizona State were held tryless until the final ten minutes.
The game was played Saturday at Snow Canyon High School in St. George Utah, a bit of a trip for both teams but one where there was warm enough weather to play.
Center Hoseki Kofe, No. 8 Brian Keith, wing Jordan Lowry, and wing Tua Laei all scored two tries for the Cougars. Meanwhile flyhalf Josh Webber, Josh Nicols, Joe Pikula, and Ara Elkington all scored once. Former HS All American captain Calvin Whiting notched his first points as a Cougar with two late conversions, while starting scrumhalf Luke Mocke added a conversion and fullback Ryan Blaser added three.
Arizona State were held tryless until the final ten minutes.
“The first half was a little slower than expected but we were able to play our game and stay true to our system in the second half,” BYU captain Kyle Sumsion said in BYU Rugby's account of the game. “I’m proud of the team for coming out strong and starting the season right.”
Still the Cougars scored two tries in the opening ten minutes.
Still the Cougars scored two tries in the opening ten minutes.
“It’s always important we set the tone for the game,” said BYU head coach David Smyth. “This game was key in helping us figure out our set pieces as we move into the season. We were able to see several great plays from different players.”
Both teams used open substitutions for the game, trying to get as much early game time for players as possible.
BYU’s 2nds beat ASU's 2nds 88-21.
