JOHN CARROLL'S RUGBY RISING TO THE OCCASSION AGAIN

by Andrew Straub

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“When it matters.”

The John Carroll High rugby team adopted the phrase as its postseason motto after a disappointing regular season campaign in which they only won one match. Thursday, the six-time defending Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association champions were true to their word.

Trailing 12-0 early in the first half, the Patriots clamped down on regular season champ Mount St. Joseph, rolling off 33 consecutive points for a  33-12 decision at John M. Pleryak Field in Irvington.  

“I really am very, very proud of these guys.  We had a rough season, and like I said, when it matters we all turn it on,” said John Carroll coach Chris Powell.  “We had some good physical aggressive practices this week and clearly that showed.”

With the score tied at 12 late in the first half, Keith Sneddon’s try followed by a conversion by Trevor Wade gave the Patriots their first lead of the game, 19-12.  As the Gaels grew fatigued in the second half, hooker Zach Chell bulldozed his way into the try zone after a series of mauls to give the Harford County schoola commanding 26-12 lead.  The Patriots would add another try conversion late in the game from Jack Lutrell to seal the victory.  

“I saw an opening on the right hand side, and our scrum half Brent Mooney, I knew he could get me the ball and I just took it in,” said Chell.  “We just came together as a team, we’ve been playing more like individuals and today we came out and we rolled.”
 
John Carroll will look to continue their MIAA rugby supremacy as it will face Loyola Blakefield for the championship Monday. The Donds defeated Archbishop Spalding, 17-10, in the other semifinal Thursday.

With an overwhelming victory under their belts, the Patriots truly are on a roll “when it matters.”

“We’re a team that thrives on confidence so I think this can only help us,” said Powell.

Said Chell, “We have a swagger back. I think we’re going roll in the championship, it should be fun.”