GRR: Rugby Arizona
The top four teams in Rugby Arizona are close to being decided after a relatively full slate of games this weekend.
Red Mountain remains undefeated and clinched 1st with a forfeit win over numbers-stressed Old Pueblo. West Valley defeated Chandler United 24-10 to finish up the team's league season and clinch 2nd.
It's a busy weekend around the country in Boys HS rugby, as some leagues are getting started, and others heading into playoff-decision time; here's a look:
The West Valley Misfits are indeed aptly named, as they have surprised many by moving into 1st place in Arizona’s HS league.
Now, admittedly, it should be a shot time there, as Red Mountain, the favorite to win the state title, is undefeated and just didn’t play a league game this weekend. But, still, at 5-1 after a 34-29 defeat of Phoenix, West Valley is enjoying a nice season.
Rugby Arizona is in full swing and the competition has become very competitive.
Tempe and East Valley merged, competing as Tempe, and that has strengthened the schedule as 14 teams compete; every single team has won at least one game, and after Blackbirds lost to Tempe this past weekend, only Red Mountain is undefeated.
Few are surprised that Red Mountain has started unbeaten in Rugby Arizona’s HS league, but the Tucson Blackbirds have certainly turned heads by going 3-0 out of the blocks.
For Head Coach Tim Pappas, the good start is not really a surprise.