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- 🏉Gregory the Great (PA) Defeats Fort Hunt (VA)
🏉Gregory the Great (PA) Defeats Fort Hunt (VA)
GGA looked sharp in 47-7 win, but next week they face their biggest challenge yet.
Ipse
February 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time ⏳ 3 minutes
Gregory the Great Academy (PA) 47 — 7 Fort Hunt (VA)
Gregory the Great (GGA) wasted no time taking control in this East Coast clash. From the opening whistle, they looked dialed in—crisp passing, relentless support play, and a tempo that kept Fort Hunt on the back foot. By halftime, they had built a 28-0 lead, attacking from multiple angles—set pieces, brisk forward play, and sharp passing to exploit space out wide.
Fort Hunt, to their credit, started the second half with a moment of brilliance—arguably the highlight of their day. Their fullback fielded a kick deep in his own territory, sized up the defense, and took off like a lightning bolt—slicing through defenders en route to the try zone. A phenomenal solo effort.
Still, the day belonged to GGA. They dictated the pace, controlled possession, and executed a well-rounded attack. Flyhalf Jack Nolan and fullback Christopher Bateman kept Fort Hunt under pressure with smart kicking decisions, while GGA’s pack laid the groundwork with efficient forward play and solid defense.
After a disjointed showing against Vienna last week, GGA Head Coach Garret van Beek was much happier with his team’s performance this time around.
“We had a simpler approach to this game, and we played as a team much better than last week. Our defense was stronger, and we cleaned things up in attack. It was a good team effort.”
The final score might suggest a lopsided contest, but van Beek was quick to dismiss that notion.
“Fort Hunt has good athletes—big, powerful, strong kids. They made us work for our points and put some huge hits on us. The Fort Hunt team we saw today is not the team they will be in a month or two.”
GGA received scoring contributions from multiple players: Gabe Darakjy (1), Angelo Verona (2), Will Seele (1), Leam Treece (1), Bruno Lefler (1), Jack Nolan (1)
Big test on the horizon.
With this win, Gregory the Great moves to 2-0 in preseason play, but a bigger test comes next week: Gonzaga.
The reigning National Champions.
GGA has never beaten Gonzaga. History suggests this might be where their early-season momentum slams into a brick wall. But after two solid performances (7-3 vs Vienna, 47-7 vs Fort Hunt), there’s a lot to like about this Gregory the Great squad—though Gonzaga is a different beast entirely.
Coach van Beek knows what’s coming.
“Gonzaga is going to be organized. They’re going to do all the little things well.
One of the challenging things about playing them is that they are very smart and coachable while they’re playing. They’re able to adapt in real time. And they punish you for every mistake.”
GGA will have to be sharper than ever. Gonzaga doesn’t hand out wins—even in the preseason.
We’ll keep you posted on Saturday’s showdown.
When: 11 a.m. Kickoff
Where: Gonzaga College High School (DC)
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