Rugby Posts Win Over Houma and Focuses on Playoffs Match vs. St. Paul’s

Jacob Whitlow (center) takes a Hurricane out of bounds. Joel Epling (#6) comes to assist.
The Blue Jay rugby team improved its record to 6-3 with a win over the Houma Hurricanes on Saturday, April 11. The win puts the Jays in the playoffs with a match against rival St. Paul’s on Wednesday, April 15th at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s. The winner of the match between the Wolves and the Jays is likely to be the favorite in the state title this year.
Josh Mackles helped the Jays to an early start against Houma by scoring a try early in the match. The conversion was no good and the Jays led 5-0. The Jays continued to force the action to the Hurricanes’ side of the pitch and came away with another score when Bryce Duffy fought his way across the goal line to increase the lead to 10-0. The conversion was wide, but the Jays seemed to be in control of the match.
The Jays gave Houma some breathing room, and Houma took advantage of a lapse in the Jays defense. A Houma try with 7 minutes left in the half brought the score to 10-5. As the first half was winding down, the Blue Jays fought through the heat and humidity with an inspired drive that ended with a try by Sam Clutter. Despite being ahead 15-5 at the half, Jesuit left 6 potential points in missed conversions on the pitch.
The Jays continued to work together in the second half and went ahead 20-5 when Gabe Massey fought his way through tackles and broke away to score a try. Once again, the Jays missed the conversion. The Jays seemed in control, but Houma took advantage of a Jesuit turnover to close the score to 20-12 with a try and conversion. Houma put the heat on when they scored another try and conversion off a drive, bringing the score to 20-19.
Houma now had the momentum and the Jays found themselves on the ropes. Josh Mackles closed the match the way he opened it, by scoring a try. It was enough for the Blue Jays to walk away with the 25-19 win.
Photos courtesy of Hudson Ellis.
Galleries
Rugby vs. Houma, April 11, 2015
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Gabe Massey tackles a Houma ball carrier. Brian Nguyen looks to assist.
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Tony Celano looks to evade a Houma defender.
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The Blue Jay Rugby team enjoy a little fun with their post-match picture after a hard fought win over the Houma Hurricanes.
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Senior Captain Sam Clutter and the captain from the Houma Hurricanes meet before the match.
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A group of Blue Jays stare into the eyes of the Hurricanes.
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Case Ellis (#14) makes a tackle with a host of Jays looking on.
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Josh Mackles prepares to make an impact.
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A group of Jays take down a Houma ball carrier.
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Nate Beech knocks the ball free from a Hurricane. Tony Celano prepares to make the recovery.
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The Blue Jay Rugby Team celebrates the end of the regular season with a team picture after their 25-19 victory over the Houma Hurricanes.
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Bryce Duffy prepares to fight thru a group of Hurricanes.
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Bryce Duffy looks for an opening.
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Brian Nguyen fights off a Houma defender.
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The Jays and the Hurricanes prepare to scrum.
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Mr. Jason LaLonde S.J., prepares the Jesuit Blue Jays and the Houma Hurricanes for a pre-match prayer.
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Jacob Whitlow (center) takes a Hurricane out of bounds. Joel Epling (#6) comes to assist.
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Sam Clutter breaks away from the Hurricanes.