The current Raptor Senior class may be one of the most decorated in the history of the program, but they also had recent history in mind when they faced cross-town rivals Father Ryan. This Father Ryan squad had upended this class the last two years in the 7's state finals and that played heavily in today's match. The outcome of the match would also determine the top seed in the East going into the state playoffs.
The Raptors took no time at all opening the scoring with Senior Ty Lavender taking the opening kick-off the distance for a quick 5-0 lead. Kentucky commit Jake Orefice converted the kick to make it 7-0. Orefice went 12-14 on the day in conversions, also scoring a try. Life commit Wyatt Appleton scored the first of his two tries off some nifty back line play to make the score 14. Senior newcomers Henry Drazek and Peyton Husak also touched down early to give the Raptors a 28 - 0 lead. From that point on the game was never in doubt and the Raptors maintained their discipline with strong phase play and further first half tries by Seniors Owen Stopforth and Brady Griffiths.
The second half was similar to the first; however, Father Ryan did have several trips inside the Raptor 22, but stingy Raptor defense was able to prevent the Irish from scoring and the strong defense led to several short field tries with Arkansas State signee Grant Webber dotting down and Kentucky signee Andrew Ryan scoring from out wide on a pretty give and go with center Baron Lankford. The defense was led by the pack with Seniors: Cager Sutherland and Hudson Husak laying down early markers with strong tackles.
The Raptors kept the energy up all game, leaving the pitch with an emphatic and well-earned victory.
"The boys had a quiet confidence today and they needed it with several starters nursing injuries and under the weather. It was also a great opportunity for some of our underclassmen and newcomers to make a statement as we work towards the state finals and high school nationals"
Next Up:
The Raptors, with their in-state regular season complete, are traveling to Memphis this Saturday to take on Saint Martins (KS) and KC Jr. Blues (MO) while Father Ryan will look to bounce back against Spring Hill (TN) with significant playoff implications in the balance.
Riot Take:
We had the pleasure of seeing the Raptors in action at Friendship Cup. This is a very talented squad. Speed across the park and heady play from their leaders make this a dangerous group week in and week out.
Their matchup with St. Martin’s (KS) this weekend is fascinating, as the Kansas team might be the best Central region team outside Utah. While there aren’t any trophies on the line in Memphis this weekend, it’s still can’t miss rugby between two programs that are absolutely cruising at this stage of the season.