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Mass HS Latest

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Mass HS Latest

It has been an exciting start to the Massachusetts high school rugby season. 

In a somewhat amazing stat, all but two games in the Massachusetts Division 1 schedule have been decided by ten points or less.  Though teams appear to be evenly matched across the board, one thing has not changed from last year - the Eagles of Boston College High School are still soaring after winning the 2015 D1 state championship.  The boys from BC High are the one team in the state to take an undefeated divisional record into week four of D1 competition.

According to BC High Head Coach Paul Carty, picking up where his squad left off last year has not been very complicated - in fact quite the opposite.

“As a coach it can become tempting to try to do too much,” said Carty. “We really try to make sure we have the basic skills down pat, and implement that into a game plan that complements our strengths.”

The Eagles have a deep squad, and their coach believes that their depth and the competition in training have gone a long way towards helping his team stay at the top of the heap in Massachusetts.

“So far we’ve really pushed each other in training, with multiple guys really fighting hard for spots.  I think that has prepared us for the challenges of league play so far,” the coach explained.

The Eagles have a tough test ahead, though, as they host the ever-difficult Bishop Hendricken Hawks on Wednesday, May 3rd.

“I have a feeling patience will be key against Bishop Hendricken,” said Carty.  “They play an extremely physical style of rugby which tends to control the ball for long periods of time, so we have to remain disciplined in defense and focused in attack.”

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If the Hawks are able to hand BC High their first in-state loss since 2014 on Wednesday, it could result in a complicated three-way tie at the top of D1 heading into the last week of divisional play.  In order for that to happen, though, Xaverian Brothers would also need to beat perennial powerhouse Belmont, who is looking to bounce back from a string of tough results.  Also on Wednesday, St. John’s Prep hosts Needham.  SJP will look to continue their momentum from a big win over Belmont last week, while Needham - though they have been within single digits in every game thus far - are still looking to pick up their first win in divisional competition

In D2, Lincoln-Sudbury and defending champions Milton have both surged out to undefeated marks, while Algonquin and Hanover look like strong contenders in Division 3.