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Gamebreakers in HS Rugby This Week

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Gamebreakers in HS Rugby This Week

Pearson Hill puts on a move against Xavier HS. Photo Richard Hill.

We honor over a dozen players for their contributions in Boys HS Rugby this week.

We have several players recognized for doing the unglamourous work of making tackles, securing possession, and contesting rucks, but there are some flashier players, too. Have a look.

Ryan Miller, Medina

In what has been a very successful season so far for Medina, Miller scored 14 points in a 56-0 defeat of Walsh Jesuit in Ohio, with a try, three conversions, and a penalty. The senior fullback has played solidly all-around this season and also leads the team in points scored with 63 (five tries, 16 conversions, and two penalties) in six games this season.

Tyler Inserra, Morris

The Morris U19 forward was a superb leader in his team's defeat of Union in the season opener. Committed to getting his backs good possession, Inserra worked just about every breakdown to ensure good possession and keep the pattern flowing for Morris. He did all the unglamorous stuff, and did it well.

Joe Golden, Woodlands

The Woodlands left wing scored two tries and was a constant attacking threat in the Woodlands 43-0 shutout of Katy. Golden was named the Alex Rayton Man of the Match (see photo).

Lochie Treister, SOC Raptors

In a convincing win over San Clemente, No. 8 Treister scored three tries.Dom Cortello, Brother Martin

In Brother Martin's key semifinal win over the Bayou Hurricanes, Cortello was brilliant at scrumhalf, moving the ball quickly to open runners and keeping the attack flowing.

Jack O'Keefe, Cardinal Gibbons

Defense and ball control were key for how Cardinal Gibbons upset Naples in the final of the Florida U19 league. Central to that was O'Keefe at flanker. He made tackles, stole ball, and made sure his team avoided costly turnovers and depressing momentum shifts. Other players got the tries; O'Keefe made them happen.

Pearson and Carson Hill, Aspetuck

While Aspetuck's power-runners were impressive, for sure, how they and their dangerous outside backs got those chances centered around the Hill brothers at scrumhalf (the younger Carson) and flyhalf (Pearson). Their ability to move quickly, communicate, find and create space, and to use all of their teammates despite their own impressive athletic abilities, was crucial to Aspetuck's comeback win over Xavier HS.

Trevion Reed, Charlotte

The Tigers hammered a very good Richmond Strikers and prop Trevion Reed was a force. With the ball in hand he continually gained territory and drew in tacklers, leaving space for the rest of the Tiger team to exploit.

Graham Ebert, Vienna

Vienna opened their Virginia league season with a 43-19 defeat of Great Falls and captain and flyhalf Ebert was the player of the game, running the attack and keeping everyone on an even keel. Vienna went down to 14 players due toa  red card but Ebert's expert use of the boot kept Great Falls on their heels.

Dillon Wilson, Thunder Rugby

In Thunder Rugby's tight win over San Diego, Wilson was a tireless worker on defense and was  constant worker in the breakdowns, ensuring solid possession for his team and keeping the Mustangs at bay.

Seth Smith, West Houston

West Houston's flanker was all over the place (in a good way) playing defense and getting active in the breakdown as he helped West Houston edge Strake Jesuit.

Chase Toaeono, De la Salle

Named by the opposition as the player of the game, the De la Salle prop forward set the platform for his team's victory over Marin.

Aiden Kalmar, Bixby

As Bixby won their Rugby Oklahoma semifinal over Edmond, sophomore hooker Kalmar had perhaps his best game of the season, nailing down the set piece and being a force on attack and defense.

Apiu Moe, Belmont Shore

As Belmont Shore beat Back Bay, prop Moe set the tone up front and ensured Shore's dynamic attackers had good ball and momentum to score.

Payton Ptasnik, St. Thomas Aquinas

Ptasnik showcased some aggressive and impressive counter-attacking in the backline., and he also distributed nicely, getting the ball to the speedsters out wide. His defense was outstanding as well as Aquinas beat Kingfishers.