With the season for the SOC Raptors and Back Bay rising to a climax, and brutal schedules leading into this match, this was always going to be a gritty, grinding battle. The Raptors had to get creative with their lineup, as several starters watched from the sidelines due to injury.
Back Bay, looking to lift their name back up the list of clubs to be reckoned with in the West, played a very physical game—clearly a tone coach Dan DeClark wanted to set—and from the opening whistle, neither side could pull away from the other. Every score was met with an answer.
“While for large periods we looked out of it, this young group held the belief we could win it…” — Raptors Coach Sam McMillan
As the game wore on, Back Bay began to look like they were claiming the advantage. A weary Raptors side was forced deep into their bench to maintain the pace, giving several young players the opportunity to step up. After some early struggles, they found their footing and seized the moment.
Scrums became a key source of momentum for the Raptors. Opting for scrums on penalties due to lineout miscues, they leaned on strong individual efforts from sophomore outside center Connor Rios to break the gain line, and it proved effective.
Led by senior No. 8 Jaxson Day, Jesse Torres (#15), and the debut effort of scrum-half Zander Stephens (#9), the Raptors caught fire with 10 minutes to play. Deep in Back Bay territory, Stephens executed a brilliant tap-and-go to score and take a 22–17 lead.
Time was running out for Back Bay, and the Raptors ramped up the pressure. Torres continued to show why many are calling him one of the best fullbacks in the high school scene. Breaking through the defensive line, he drew the tackle and offloaded to set up the final try—effectively putting the game away. He added the conversion himself.
When the final whistle blew, the score stood at 29–22. SOC Raptors on top.
"Tons of respect to coach Dan DeClark and the Back Bay team. They played some great rugby and it was a great contest. To our boys, young as they are the grit was just so good."
Riot Take:
Back Bay appears to be returning to their national-contender status. They face the Mustangs this upcoming weekend—a massive test—but we really like what we’ve been hearing about this squad lately.
SOC Raptors are down several starters right now, but they’re still getting it done. Frankly, getting their younger players more minutes right now could be a boon as they gear up for a possible Nationals trip—that experience for their bench is a huge asset. They clash with Belmont Shore next. Always a banger matchup.