The Liberty Patriots won the Washington State Games Boys U17 rugby 7s gold after running the table in the final tournament of the four-tournament summer series.

Liberty played a very smooth style of 7s, unleashing a team-wide level of skill that saw them outstrip a  very strong Prairie team.

In fact, for Prairie, the season hung on a difficult second tournament that left them with only seven points. So even though they won four games in the third tournament to close the gap, they entered the day two points behind Liberty. Liberty went 3-1 and Prairie went 4-0 to leave both teams tied on points, but Liberty the winners on total points difference. Chuckanut took the bronze despite a difficulty day in Covington, Wash.

For Liberty, coach Tony “Shadow” Maphosa was not able to be with the team on Sunday, so Liberty alum and Central Washington player Ian Wright, who had been working with the team, coached them in the final tournament.

“They did some good things and worked hard to move the ball and keep a solid line on defense,” said Wright. “Shadow’s really taught them to stay calm - to take the gaps when they see them, or if it’s not there, pull out.” 

“We felt confident,” added player Simon Dodd. “We’ve got some guys who can pass and some big guys who take on just about everybody.”

Dodd showed some nice skills and breakaway pace, but said it was all about the team working together. Only 15 he was an impressive young talent.

Meanwhile young Luis Tellez laid in some big hits on defense.

“When I was a young player we didn’t have these camps and these opportunities,” said Wright, whose brother, Noah, was on the Liberty team. “It’s good to see them able to play and also have this opportunity to play for something like a State Games medal.”