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.