The Crusader Rugby team is back in the State Finals on Saturday at 5:30 at Pan Am Stadium in City Park. Brother Martin will face Jesuit in this Finals match-up.
The Crusaders earned their berth in the state finals by beating last year’s state runner-up, Bayou Hurricanes, a physically tough team. Senior wing, Jack Altman, started the scoring with a hard-charging run on the left-hand side of the field. He pulled a few of the Hurricanes across the try (goal) line with him and placed the ball down for the score.
The difficult conversion was missed and Brother Martin led 5 -0. Next, it was senior outside center, Jack Rau, with a slicing run to score. Junior Seth Alfonso hit the conversion and Brother Martin’s lead grew to 12-0. Not to be outdone by his center pairing mate, senior inside center, Vincent Rizzo scored next finding a gap in the Hurricane stout defense. Senior Josh Merritt hit the conversion and Brother Martin led 19-0. Shortly before half the Bayou Hurricanes took advantage of Crusader penalties and pressured the Crusader defense, Brother Martin held firm only giving up a penalty kick. Halftime score, 19-3.
Just when it was looking like the Crusaders would cruise into the final, the Bayou Hurricanes scored a converted try to narrow the lead to 19-10. Senior flyhalf, Andrew Jeffries then sealed the victory with a determined run right through the teeth of the Hurricane defense to score a try. The conversion was good and Brother Martin had some breathing room, 26-10. Showing what a proud team they are the Hurricanes scored the last try of the game, leaving the final score, 26-15.
Notables in the win were, senior captain, Sam Mosrie, who led the troops throughout the game and junior second row, Jonathan Cohn, who played the entire game way above his fighting weight.
