USD vs PLNU- City championship game 3

In the third game of the day, USD found itself in the 3/4 playoff. This was certainly not where USD intended to be on the day, but gave a great opportunity for younger players to get playing time. In this game USD would run out 10 rookie player with 5 senior vets out there to hold the team together structurally. The lineup would work out well and produce a convincing USD victory. Off the first kickoff, the ball was swung out to outside center Iso Moimoi for his first touch of the game. Moimoi burst through two tackles then outraced the fullback for a great first score. The half would be more of the same with 3 more tries for USD being put in. Scoring next for USD was Darren Seward, who stiff armed a couple players out of his way then showed his speed off for a big finish. Getting in on the scoring next for his first ever try was Jacob Benham. Benham had just had a try disallowed, and earned his second score with some intelligent play. After fullback Henri Vatinel made a break and was forced to the sideline, Benham made a good break inside to be there for a perfect offload inside. It was a great bit of play between two freshman who are very new to the game. Capping off the scoring was Mickey Miller, who took a simple crash off Jordan Sandoval and overpowered several defenders for the score. The score was 4 tries to none at halftime and USD was able to get the veteran players some rest and roll on more of the rookies for the final 20. The second half was not as clean as the first, with USD not able to finish off good scoring opportunities. Conner Staal had several nice breaks that were unfortunately not supported. Spanish student David Alba put in a great shift at fullback, making a couple try saving tackles. Point Loma would put in a try off some good forwards play near the end of the game. MVP for the match goes to Iso Moimoi, who set the tone with his first touch. Moimoi carried well all game and was very strong defensively. The work from him and several other young players speaks very well to the future of USD Rugby.

Final Score: USD 4 tries- PLNU 1

Starting Lineup

1.       Nick Classen

2.       Clayton Cervantes

3.       Darren Seward

4.       Adam Walter

5.       Johnathan Hale

6.       Pedro Gomez

7.       Owen Weikert

8.       Mikhail Mabourakh

9.       Brandon Arriaga

10.   Jordan Sandoval

11.   Conner Stahl

12.   Mickey Miller ©

13.   Isoa Moimoi

14.   Jacob Benham

15.   Henri Vatinel

Substitutions

15. David Alba (15’ Vatinel)

16. Wyatt Darien (20’ Mabourakh)

17. Parker Rogers (20’ Walter)

18. Mark Boschetti (25’ Seward)

19. Matthew Desalvo (25’ Miller)

20. Mabourakh- rolled back in (30’ Classen)

Scoring

Moimoi, Benham, Seward , Miller