All eyes are on the second season of the single-school boys HS competition in Southern California, as the Varsity Red gets going once more.

The seven teams are committed to fielding 100% single-school rosters, and adhering to California interscholastic sports requirements, thus trying to spark sanction of the sport in schools throughout the state, eventually.

Last year’s champion, Fallbrook, is back on the field after a bit of an admin struggle, which is good news, but they graduated some impressive talent and will be hard-pressed to get back to that level immediately.

This weekend Torrey Pines opens against La Costa Canyon, and for many that game may well direct how the division will go. Torrey Pines has a solid outfit, said coach Matt Sandoval. They’ve had a solid three weeks of training, and will again feature a solid backline.

But it will all start up front for Pines, with their front row of Cole Maes-Valley, Benny Ruffolo (both over six feet tall), and HSAA U17 hooker Nick Zimmer. All are select-side players and will help set a platform for scrumhalf Aiden Mabrito and Bryce Pickwell, who can play center or in the #9 jersey.

Meanwhile, the La Costa Canyon Mavericks have a large continent of returners. Head Coach Michael French said he thinks the entire competition is tough, but he likes his chances.

Sean Lumkong, Patrick French, Justin Peterson, Calvin Rice, and Ryan Leigh all bring experience, and most have been playing for seven to ten years.

“We have a core group that has been playing together for a while,” said French. “Then we’ve brought in some brand-new players who are good athletes who will just need to become good rugby players.”

This is LCC’s 4th year in existence, so their first group of freshmen are now the leaders. Like many teams in the SoCal Varsity Red, they aren’t huge, but they work the skills and play fast.

Also on the slate for this weekend, Cathedral takes on Del Norte, and Fallbrook plays St. Augustine, another team many think could contend for the division title. The Poway Titans have a bye and won’t start play until the New Year.