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Gamebreakers The Week of March 20

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Gamebreakers The Week of March 20

Marty Lenihan takes the ball up against Notre Dame de la Salette. Alex Goff photo.

In some close, dramatic, and intense games throughout the country, we look at some standout performances in Boys HS Rugby.

John Rink, Brother Martin

The wing and goalkicker for Brother Martin, Rink scored three tries and converted two to account for 19 points in a tight 29-24 win over the Bayou Hurricanes.

Sammy McMillan, SOC Raptors

The Raptors edged the San Diego Mustangs 19-16 and hooker McMillan was immense, getting go-forward with the ball in hand and playing excellent defense as well. Forced to move to prop because of injuries on the team, McMillan continued to excel.

Aki Pulu, Alani Maafu, Tempe

These two worked very nicely together as they sparked Tempe to a massive win over #2 Red Mountain.

Marty Lenehan, St. Ignatius

The focus of the St. Ignatius lineout, the leader of the forwards, especially in open field, a ball-poacher, try-scorer, and aggressive defender, this No. 8 (pictured at top and at left, fourth photo down) was everywhere in a shutout win over Notre Dame de la Salette.Cade Austin, Bayou Hurricanes

The scrumhalf for the Hurricanes, Austin converted all three Bayou tries, added a penalty, and stole several balls in the breakdown to keep his team close in a tight loss to Brother Martin.

Mason Barker, Herriman

In a game that didn't always go Herriman's way, Barker was the one constant, challenging the East HS defense, making key defensive players, and, at the end of the game, making the massive charge that set up Caden Suddall's game-winning penalty goal.

Trevor Thacker, Okapi Wanderers

Thacker played flanker and then inside center for the Wanderers as they defeated Tampa 53-14. He's the captain of the team, led them with maturity, and was excellent at both positions despite having different assignments to cover.

Tyler Palm, Charlotte Tigers

An aggressive and opportunistic scrumhalf, Palm (pictured at left, top photo) led the Tigers attack in a convincing win over Phoenix Alpharetta.

Jaylen Webster, Raleigh Redhawks

The Redhawks wing scored four tries to pace his team in their victory over the Raleigh Rattlesnakes.

Zak Elgogari, Berks County

As Berks got by St. Joseph's, Elgogari (pictured at left 3rd photo down) made sure that happened with a 16-point effort. He was a perfect 5-for-5 on kicks at goal with four conversions and a penalty, and added a try for good measure.

 

James Cardon-Leota, Genesis

The Genesis prop (pictured at left, 2nd photo)  scored two tries, thundered over the United defense, and helped secure the set piece in a key league win over their Utah rivals.

Jamez Early, Withrow

In a close game Withrow was under pressure because of the Walnut Hills kicking game and it was Early, who is new to the game, who fielded those kicks, ran them back with interest, and made some key tackles to keep his side close and set them up for a 21-17 comeback win.

Kaden Williamson, St. Edward

A versatile athlete for St. Ed's, Williamson scored a try and helped lead an effective attack against Penn HS. 

Voi Tunuufi, East HS

East may have lost to Herriman but they showed plenty of tenacity. Tonuufi was right in the middle of it all, playing a very physical game at No. 8 and scoring for East in a 25-22 loss to one of the best teams in the nation.