Junior Case Ellis stiff arms a Wave tackler in Jesuit’s 17-0 win over Christian Brothers High School of Memphis.

The Blue Jay rugby team moved their record to 2-0 with a 17-0 win over Christian Brothers High School of Memphis. Despite missing a couple of starters and having to overcome two in-match injuries, the Jays rode crisp passing and aggressive defense to victory on a beautiful afternoon at the Marconi Pitch in City Park.

Jesuit got ahead of the Purple Wave, 5-0, on a nicely executed play that saw sharp passing from junior Jack Gab to junior Jacob Whitlow to senior Alex Esparza. Esparza ran it over the goal line for a try (score). The conversion was no good.

The Jays then took advantage of a long run by senior Scott Derbes that put the ball deep in Wave territory. After some back and forth, junior Bryce Duffy was able to score. With a conversion by Derbes, the Jays led 12-0.

Later in the first half, junior Case Ellis took in a pass from sophomore Gabe Massey who used his speed to break tackles and take the ball in for a try. The conversion was missed and the Jesuit closed the half with a 17-0 lead.

The lead would hold in the second half as the disciplined Blue Jay defense gave Christian Brothers few opportunities in their territory.

The Blue Jays look to continue their strong start to the season and improve upon their 2-0 record when they take on Brother Martin on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Marconi Pitch in City Park.