Texas High School State Champions: 2002-2008-2009-2011-2012-2013 Western Rugby Union Champions: 2007-2008-2009 USA Rugby National Tournament Qualifiers: 2002-2007-2008-2009

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Eagles Find a New Gear Against Crusaders

The Eagles and Crusaders renewed their rivalry on Friday night at Granger Stadium.  While Strake Jesuit has never notched a win in the series, the Crusaders are always a tough, physical opponent.  Over the years a very deep mutual respect has developed between the two squads, which is unique in modern sports.  The coaching staffs share a friendship and while the matches are always spirited, they are always conducted with good sportsmanship.  While Strake suffered a big loss in their last match against Westlake, everyone was expecting them to rebound for THE game.  However, that was not to be as St. Thomas put on a dominating offensive display and defeated the Crusaders 91-14.

John Gentempo scores one of his two tries on the day.
The Eagles set the tone immediately when lock Reed Hogan scored forty-three seconds into the match after a series of good phase play by the Eagles.  The Crusaders came storming back with a try of their own (3:50) and with the conversion, they held a brief 7-5 lead.  The Eagles then opened up their high-power offense with four straight tries - two by scrumhalf Eddie Caballero, for a 29-7 lead.  This established control of the match for STH and Strake did not spend much time in the Eagles half, with St. Thomas dominating possession for the rest of the game.

The Crusaders would draw blood once more before the half after a poor choice and knock-on on a restart by St. Thomas.  Strake was awarded a five-meter scrum and their captain #8 Christian Stengal took full advantage, smashing over for his second try (24:29).  Once again the Eagles responded with vigor and punched two more tries over before the half ended, including the first of the season by fullback Michael Reul.  This put STH in front 43-14 at the half.

In the second stanza the Eagles were virtually unstoppable as they marched in with eight tries.  The final 91-14 score is the biggest margin ever in the series and a testament to the quality of this year's squad.  Captain Keegan Mills led all scorers with 21 points (try, 8 conv.) followed by Caballero, Gentempo, Hanson, and White who all had two tries on the day.  Joining Reul in scoring his first try was flanker Zach Kruz.  Reed Hogan, Brent Miles, and Nate Devlin also added individual scores.  The Eagles also welcomed back center Pearson Garnett, who returned to pitch in fine fashion with a try after finishing his basketball duties.

The Eagles go on a Spring Break tour next week in the Carolinas.  They will face some highly-respected opponents and it will be a great challenge for them to play some teams they are unfamiliar with.  The Eagles will play at home twice more this season - against Dallas Jesuit (Pink Ribbons) and Westlake (Senior Night).   

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