Photos by Henry Mebane

Coach Gary Giepert outlines Brother Martin rugby season highlights thus far: "After suffering losses to powerhouses Santa Monica, Strake Jesuit, and cross-town rivals Jesuit New Orleans, the Brother Martin Crusader Rugby team notched its first win of the season with a 31-5 win against East Jefferson High School.

Approximately ten minutes into the game, Brother Martin pressured the Warrior goal line with repeated pick-and-goes by the forwards. The Crusaders were awarded a penalty, and senior Michael Sauve saw an opening, took a quick tap, and scored in the corner. Junior Branson Perez converted the try and Brother Martin led 7-0. A short time later, Perez ripped the ball from an East Jefferson ball carrier and ran in twenty meters for a try under the posts. He converted his own try, giving the Crusaders a 14 -0 lead.

Midway through the first half, Brother Martin was awarded a scrum close to the East Jefferson line. Brother Martin's Maverick Trimble picked and went from the scrum, setting up forward pick-and-goes. The Crusaders sent the ball wide to outside center, Joe David Ward, who scored. The conversion was no good, increasing the score to 19-0.

As halftime drew close, Brother Martin was awarded another penalty and Michael Sauve again saw the Warriors turn their back and quickly tap and was able to score. The conversion was good, and Brother Martin led 26-0 at the half.

The second half saw the East Jefferson defense stiffen and hold Brother Martin scoreless until close to the end of the match. At the twenty-minute mark in the second half, the Warrior's inside center got a turnover ball and raced the length of the field for a try.

As the clock wound down, Brother Martin had a scrum close to the East Jefferson line. The ball popped out of the scrum, and the scrumhalf, Cameron Coughlin, alertly scooped up the ball, found a gap, and scored. The conversion was missed, and the game ended Brother Martin 31 and East Jefferson 5."

Our Crusaders will take on St. Paul’s today on Farnet Field in City Park at 12:00 p.m. Let's geaux, Crusader rugby!