🏉 North Carolina: A Match You Don't Want to Miss 💥

Charlotte Catholic and Hough have been on a collision course this season.

Hough, the reigning State Title winners, have continued their winning ways, defeating Marvin Ridge and South Meck — last year’s #2 and #3 teams, respectively. Charlotte Catholic, meanwhile, has been the surprise story of the season, transforming from an 0-7 team last year into a 4-0 contender this season.

4-0 vs. 4-0 is the headline, but there’s more to it. Last year, Hough blew out Charlotte Catholic in a game that left the Charlotte boys gutted. It was rock bottom for Catholic in a tough 0-7 season. 

But this season’s matchup features a very different Charlotte Catholic squad: They have a new coach, a new fire in their belly, and a 4-0 record to boot. That loss to Hough last year serves both as a reminder of how far they’ve come, as well as a rallying cry to improve each week. And now, they get their shot at redemption in a rematch that will surely test their mettle.

There’s plenty to like about this matchup.

• Both teams are undefeated. Only one will leave the field with that accolade intact.

• Both have very good players and key decision makers. Vince Keller (#10 and captain) is a killer with his boot for Charlotte. He makes you pay for lax kick coverage and keeps his head on a swivel all game. Luke Zehmke (#12) delivers punishing hits on defense and is always a threat to break loose as a ball carrier, while Finley Costello (#3 and vice-captain) is a dominant presence in the forward pack. Porter Keubler and Max Colson are the maestros for Hough at 9 and 10 — both key players on last year’s Charlotte Cardinals’ National Title squad. If you let these two get humming with the rest of Hough’s talented crew…look out.

• Two very good coaches: Bruce Colson and Jason Zehmke have their lads ready for action each week, and their records tell the tale. Colson’s ability to keep Hough hungry despite their past success has been a hallmark of his leadership — the laurels are not being rested upon. Zehmke, on the other hand, has orchestrated a lightning-quick turnaround season at Charlotte Catholic as their new coach, injecting fresh energy and confidence into a team that is rapidly climbing to the top of the food chain.

Summarizing the importance and excitement surrounding this match, Coach Zehmke said:

It’s going to be a great game of rugby, folks. Both of these teams can PLAY.

We’ll circle back after the game…which happens TODAY, Tuesday Jan. 28th.

Location: Charlotte Catholic
Time: 6 PM

Cheers!