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St. Edward Leads UK HS Showcase

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St. Edward Leads UK HS Showcase

Matt Harders fends off attention from the Ravenwood defense. Allison Bradfield photo.

St. Edward left the University of Kentucky High School Showcase 2-0 on the varsity level and 4-0 overall, beating South Doyle and Ravenwood.

St. Ed’s beat South Doyle 55-0 on Saturday, paced by Elijah Warfield's two tries, and their JVs won 53-0 over South Doyle’s Bs. On Sunday, St. Edward’s JVs were victorious again, and then in the varsity game, St. Edward beat Ravenwood 31-3.

That game was marred somewhat by a fractious attitude between the players, and the contest itself was cut short as tempers flared.

St Edward - Dave Redden photo
Dave Redden photo
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Meanwhile, Culver Military Academy lost to Ravenwood on Saturday, and then were pipped by South Doyle 12-10 when the Tennessee champs scored in the closing minutes.

St. Edward Head Coach Tom Cleary was pleased with his team’s effort, which included some dedicated defensive work. The St. Edward backline was speedy and unselfish.

“We had good, strong runners, but it was good to see the players set up their teammates for the scores,” Cleary said. Jack Bradfield controlled the attack nicely and was excellent with his kicking. Zack Heisterkamp was a dynamo in the forwards, working the rucks and the mauls, and running nicely, too. Inside center Pay Conway and hooker Joe Donay also had huge weekends.

“We have a bunch of tough games coming up, with St. Ignatius next,” said Cleary, referring to his Rugby Ohio rivals. “We needed this kind of competition and we got a lot put of it. We did a good job of running controlled phases, and when the space was there, we went wide.”

All of the teams had positives to point to, with South Doyle and Ravenwood both notching victories. Culver Academy may be leaving Kentucky 0-2 on the Varsity side, but they competed well and continue to make strides.

All of the teams also got to watch the University of Kentucky defeat the Cincinnati Kelts men’s club team 53-10 - led by flanker Caleb Canter and backs Shaq Suber and Nick Lewis - during the showcase.

 

Elijah Warfield on his way to score against South Doyle. Allison Bradfield photo.
St Edard - Elijah Warfield - Allison Bradfield