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2006 USAR National Championships
May 19 & 20, 2006
Brentwood finishes 5th at Nationals, wins Consolation
Finals in Tier B
The Brumbies departed for Dartmouth College last Thursday
to take part in the High School National Championships.
This was our travel day where 30 players and over 50 parents
and supporters would go to represent Tennessee and the
South territory. Upon arrival, we checked in at the Fireside
Inn and headed to the clubhouse to see the locale. Corey
Field house was impressive and the fields looked picturesque
on this sunny day set in the New Hampshire Green Mountains.
After a short walk-thru, we headed to the practice fields
to shake off the day's rust and get a run. On the practice
field next to us, Highland H.S., the defending National
Champions warmed up. They were huge and quick. They had
over 45 players that had traveled to Hanover, NH. We knew
we were now in the “Big Time”.
Our first game Friday morning was against the number 1
seed from the West, the Dallas Harlequin Colts, who boasted
U19 Junior Eagle at number 10. As forecasted, the rain
was steady and the field conditions were slick. Both teams
tried to get a feel for each other at the beginning and
there were many handling errors. The Brumbies had good
go forward but could not get the ball out to their dangerous
back line. The A-Panel English Referee seemed lost and
confused as the Colts stole a ball from an off-side position,
threw it out wide to their speedy wing for the first try.
Conversion made. 7-0.
In the second half, the Brentwood forwards began to take
over. Big Joel Fugate was excellent in the line-outs and
the Colts decided not to contest because of their failure
to disrupt. Also, the Brumbies were dominant in their
scrums and finally began to produce good ball to their
backs. This set up several phase possession that saw our
hard charging number 8, Benji Goff thru their defense
and into the try zone. Conversion made, 7-7. Brentwood
continued to apply pressure with their forwards and their
fitness and organization seemed to overwhelm the Colts.
However, with the short 22 minute halves, time expired
and the referee called the game a tie.
After the whistle, confusion ensued. The referees walked
off the field and seemed to be unaware of their next move.
They eventually called the captains, and then the coaches
for a conference. Another referee made an appearance on
the field and determined that penalty kicks would be how
the game was decided. Five players who were on the field
of play at the end of the game would alternate kicks from
the 22. The Colts went first and hit their kick, followed
by Chad Edmonds who equalized. The Colts then hit 2 more
kicks and the Brumbies failed to match and were eliminated.
The referee designated the Colts as the winners and the
Brumbies walked off dejected...Obviously, the boys were
gutted with the loss because they felt that the game was
in hand and definitely within their grasp. Both sides
agreed that the game began with rugby and ended with soccer
. . . not a fitting end to the sport we have grown to
love.
Game 2 put Brentwood in the Consolation semis at 2 pm
against the #5 seed from the Mid Atlantic, West Shore
United from Harrodsburg, PA. Consequently, the rains had
picked up and the conditions worsened. Some lightning
was seen and there was question that the game would even
take place. However, the Brumbies got their act together
and looked to get a much needed win. As with the first
game, the opposition scored first with strong forward
play. Their lead would be short lived, however, as Brentwood
willed their way back into the game. Chad Edmonds was
excellent with the boot and continually kicked the boys
out of trouble. In the end, the Brumbies ran in 19 unanswered
points including a long run from #13 Steve Reese and a
nice kick and chase from wing, Michael Schober. Final
19-7.
Game 3 was Saturday morning and it put the Brumbies in
the Consolation finals against the West #2 seed and Texas
State Champion, Austin Area High Schools. There was a
sizeable crowd on hand and it was nice to play on the
main fields in front of the million dollar Dartmouth facilities.
Also, with little chance of rain and favorable conditions,
Brentwood came out firing, rucking hard and working several
phase ball. It was apparent that the much larger Texas
team could not handle Brentwood's intensity and the team
from Tennessee seemed to score at will. They ran in 31
unanswered points and clearly dominated from start to
finish. This was their most complete game of the weekend
and the boys came with the attitude that they were worthy
of playing for the Tier B Finals. Score, 31-0.
After our final game, the team hustled back to the hotels,
cleaned up, ate, and made it back to the facilities to
watch the Finals between 16-time defending National Champion,
Highland against Jesuit from Sacramento. It was a great
match between 2 stellar programs and it was good for Brentwood
to see that high level in action. Afterwards, we scoured
over the merchandise tents and purchased as much USA gear
as we could carry. Then, the team and supporters traveled
back to the hotel and we had our own awards ceremony.
The Brumbies played a great tournament and represented
themselves, the state, and the entire South well. Winning
two matches and tying the other at their first trip to
Nationals is a great accomplishment. It must also be said
that this trip could not have happened if not for the
relentless and tireless work of the parents and their
supporters. They provided a pivotal role of organizing
the 80+ travelers, cheered on the boys, washed jerseys,
provided food and water, and everything else that was
necessary to make for a successful showing. It was a true
Team Effort!
The boys earned the respect of nearly every team in attendance.
They were one of only 3 teams in 16 that was from a single
High School. The Texas Teams, California Teams, and Ohio
Team gave our boys (and program) a resounding “send
up” and cheer at the conclusion of the matches on
Saturday as the final team placements were announced.
It was impressive to hear their cheers, as their heads
turned to our group during the final announcement. The
“shouts of support rose above the rest” and
was so loud it gave the announcer pause, causing him to
stop and wait before proceeding to the next team on his
list. We knew we had made a very favorable impression
on this National Stage.
We learned a lot on this trip. Mostly we learned that
the South belongs in this event and if we continue to
grow, will have a “crowned” champion soon.
Ruck on.
Date: Saturday, May 13th
Harlequins Score Sheet
Benji Goff, 1 T
Chad Edmonds, 1 Conv
West Shore, PA
Steven Cragg, 1 T
Steve Reese, 1 T
Michael Schoeber, 1 T
Chad Edmonds, 2 Conv
Austin City Schools
Cragg, 1 T
Joel Fugate, 1 T
Jared Wilson, 1 T
Benji Goff, 1 T
Steve Reese, 1 T
Chad E., 3 Conv.
Bowl Semi-Finals
Brentwood B 12
Metro Memphis 25
In the Semi-final game on Saturday, Brentwood B was
looking to defend their Bowl Championship title from 2005.
However, it was not to be as rust and disorganization
ruled the day for the young Brumbie team. Metro Memphis
did a decent job of setting the pace in the first half
as they took the lead with a couple of tries. Michael
Schoeber got the boys on the board with a solid try to
keep it managable at 20-7, conversion made.. Then, before
the half, the B side put in another try to make it a game,
20-12.
In the second half, the Brumbies tried to mount a come
back but were constantly giving away possession. Their
previous strength in the line-outs proved to be their
weakness as they constantly gave away promising ball.
Also, the Brumbies failed to do the basics as their presentation
was poor and they thru away far too many 50/50 balls.
Memphis scored another try in the 2nd half and that was
the game.
It was a good season for the B side, while posting a 5-1
record, and coming 2nd in the league is a good accomplishment.
Poor practice attendance and an overall lackidasical approach
leading up to the Bowl championship might have been our
undoing. However, we have a good, young core returning
next year to carry the torch. Good showing boys!
1. Juice
2. Keaton Smetana
3. Keith Holt
4. Kurt Pickard, Ian Smith
5. Billy Goff
6. Colton Wolfe
7. Justin Strickland
8. Pat Poole
9. John Lundquist, Greg Freeman
10. Spencer Buford
11. John Rice
12. Michael Schoeber
13. Tommy Parrish
14. Matt Reese, Blake Nixon
15. Mark Paul
Date: April 29/30
South Championship
Brentwood 47
Naples 0
In the championship game, Tennessee's Brentwood Brumbies
dominated the Palmetto Ridge Bears of Naples, FL. Using
a multifaceted and aggressive scheme, Brentwood kept Palmetto
off pace with strong offensive running by centers Reagan
Daniels and Steven Reese. Scrumhalf Seth Jones and Flyhalf
Chad Edmonds demonstrated critical vision and skill, kicking
into the shifting winds to find open space for the backline
as they hammered out a 33-0 halftime lead. Palmetto opened
the second half with a fierce attack to the Brenwood line
and spent 10 minutes inside 10 meters unable to crack
the line. Brentwood capitalized on several breakaway runs
with good support and some very fine conversions by Flyhalf
Chad Edmonds to build their lead a win 47-0.
Lineup for weekend:
1. Tom Derryberry
2. Alaa
3. Hanks, Juice
4, Jim Gore
5. Joel Fugate
6. Pat Poole, Colton Wolfe
7. Jon Martin
8. Benji Goff (2 T)
9. Seth Jones (1 T)
10. Chad Edmonds (3 Tries, 8 Conv)
11. Steve Cragg
12. Reagan Daniels
13. Steve Reese
14. Colt Dunahoo (2 T)
15. Jared Wilson (3 T)
Alternates that contributed key minutes:
Spencer Buford, Matt Reese (2 T), Michael Schoeber,
Jon Rice, John Waddle, John Lundquist, Justin Stickland,
Keith Holt
Man-of-the-match (weekend): Chad Edmonds,
with 31 points, and a drop goal in the Finals
that the referee didn't count because he was
overheard saying, "at
this point, I've stopped taking score..."
Monday, April 17, 2006
Brentwood A 41
Ravenwood 0
Cross town neighbors Brentwood and Ravenwood met at Crockett
Park Monday night for a very spirited rugby match. The
first year Ravenwood team were feeling confident after
their big win on Saturday against the Mud Dogs from Murfreesboro.
However, it was Brentwood's speed, fitness, and experience
that would see them earn the victory.
The game started off at a frenetic pace and the ball
was all over the pitch. The Brumbie's strong pack was
forceful in their rockets and they were rewarded with
the first try as Benji Goff bulled across the line to
take the early lead. Conversion made. 7-0. The pack continued
to try to set the tempo, but after the third and fourth
phase, a knock-on or lost ball would cause an ill-advised
turn over. Jon Martin, who ran hard at the flanks, was
rewarded with the next try after crashing over with a
pick and go. Conversion missed. 12-0. Defensively, the
Brentwood Backs played well and constantly punished the
Ravenwood fullback with well placed kicks and hard cover
tackles. Then, before the end of the half, Benji would
get his name on the score sheet again with another try
that resulted from a kick and chase from Chad Edmonds.
Conversion missed. 17-0.
The second half showed that the Raptors were not going
to give up and they worked hard to keep possession. However,
Joel Fugate was dominant in the line-outs and stole almost
every ball. This gave way to more rockets that resulted
in a several penalties called against Ravenwood. Consequently,
this would be Brentwood's strength as Seth Jones quick
tapped several times and saw Ravenwood unprepared. Jared
Wilson scored the next try after collecting another quick
tap from Seth. Conversion missed. 22-0. The pack again
looked to establish dominance with their rucks and got
big runs from Alaa and Hanks. Then, near the goal line,
Benji set up a nicely timed maul and Seth peeled off to
score his first try of the match. Conversion made. 29-0.
After the kick off, Brentwood again worked hard to keep
possession, and was intent on getting the ball wide. Steve
Reese was next to score as he received the ball from several
hands. Conversion made. 36-0. Finally, Seth Jones again
took advantage of Ravenwood's many penalties and quick
tapped for an easy score in the corner. Conversion missed.
41-0.
This was a good win for the Brumbies. The boys played
hard and tackled well. In retrospect, there was too much
individual play and we seemed to lose our cool in some
instances. It was obvious that we didn't stick to our
pattern and therefore we knocked the ball on or didn't
have enough support in our rucks. Over all, it was a good
performance and a total team victory which now ends our
"A" side regular season play. Conference record,
6-0. Total points for/total points against ratio: 290
to 8. On to the South Championships in two
weeks…
1. Tom Derryberry
2. Alaa Fadli
3. Andrew Hanks
4. Joel Fugate
5. Jim Gore
6. Pat Poole, (half) Colton Wolfe
7. Jon Martin
8. Benji Goff
9. Seth Jones
10. Chad Edmonds
11. Colt Dunahoo
12. Steve Cragg, (half) Spencer Buford
13. Steve Reese
14. Matt Reese
15. Jared Wilson
Friday April 14, 2006
Brentwood A 78
Overton 0
The A side finally got back on the field after a long
break aided by the bad weather that had hit the area.
Their last game was in week 4 (Middle of March) and there
was a worry of rust that might show up after such a long
lay off. However, it didn't take the Brumbies much time
to get back in the groove and put up an impressive 78-0
victory. Reagan Daniels started off the scoring by dotting
down the first 2 tries in the game. In fact, the Backs
certainly came to play on this night and scored a large
portion of the tries. Steve Reese was named Man-of-the-Match
for scoring 2 tries of his own as well by putting many
of his team mates in position for scores. Steven Cragg,
JB, and Benji also had scores in the first half. And it
was JB who set up the nicest try of the first half as
the backs moved the ball out to Reece and then to Jared
Wilson for the long run.
In the second half, it was more of the same. The Brumbies
maintained a large amount of the possession and their
loose play was exceptional. In fact, the A side
had worked hard to keep the ball moving and the team played
very unselfishly. Alaa Faldi had a massive try in the
second half with a strong run through much of the Overton
defense. Another superb try was scored by John Waddle
on the Wing as he was in support from a strong pick and
go from Colton Wolfe. Pat Poole was also awarded for his
hard work and scored his first try of the season from
a nice pop pass from Seth Jones. Jones was quickly rewarded
the favor as Pat gathered the ball after the kick and
off and unloaded to Seth for another score under the posts.
Finally, the team now has their kicking game back after
Chad Edmonds returned from injury and was an impressive
with 9 out 12 on his conversions.
1. Tommy Derryberry
2. Alaa, (half) Juice
3. Keith, (half) Kurt Pickard
4. Joel Fugate, (half) Justin Strickland
5. Jim Gore
6. Jon Martin, (half) Colton Wolfe
7. Chad Edmonds, (half) Pat Poole
8. Benji Goff
9. Seth Jones
10. JB, (half) Chad Edmonds
11. Steve Cragg
12, Reagan Daniels, (half) Spencer Buford
13. Steve Reese
14. Colt Dunahoo, (half) Jon Rice
15. Jerad Wilson, (half) John Lundquist
Thursday March 23, 2006
Brentwood B 15
Franklin 12
The B side was matched up against Franklin who had suffered
a heavy defeat at the hands of Brentwood A one week prior.
This match was important because of the current Conference
standings and the potential for valuable play-off positions.
Right away, the Bs came out energized and ready to do
the hard work. They looked organized and determined in
the rucks. In fact, Brentwood was adventurous by establishing
multiple phases and worked to keep the pattern. Spencer
Buford started off the scoring with a penalty. 3-0. It
should be noted that the Bs maintained a large amount
of possession in the first half, but couldn't translate
that into points. Consequently, Franklin got on the board
after strong pack work and conversion was made. 3-8.
The second half saw the Bs again establish many phases
and they provided good ball to their backs. Tommy Parrish
and Ryan Alexander had strong runs on the wing and put
pressure on Franklin's backs. Also, Pat Poole and Justin
Strickland ran hard at the flanks. Finally, the forward's
work was rewarded when Kurt Pickard bulled over the try
line with a strong pick and go. Conversion made. 10-8.
Shortly after kickoff, Brentwood maintained more possession
and worked hard in the opposition's 22. More forward hard
work that produced another try from Spencer. Conversion
missed. 15-8. Both teams fought back and forth and in
the dying minutes, Franklin punched in a try. Conversion
missed. Game over. 15-12.
In conclusion, hard work was shown by the boys and they
deserved this well earned victory. The Bs were strong
as always in the line out and decent in the scrums. But
what stood out was the team's ever improving organization
as well as their ambition to establish phases and run
the pattern.
1. Kurt Pickard
2. Keaton S.
3. Juice
4. Billy Goff
5. Ian Smith
6. Justin
7. Colton Wolfe
8. Pat Poole
9. Greg Freeman, John L. (half)
10. Spencer
11. Tommy Parrish
12. J.J.
13. Michael S., Steve Reese (half)
14. Ryan, Taylor (half)
15. Mark Paul
Brentwood C 32
Ravenwood B 17
In the second game, our C side finally got to see some
action against a very game Ravenwood B side. This was
a good chance for us to blood some of our newbies and
get some valuable experience. As far as the game went,
the Brentwood forwards were pretty organized in the rucks
and there were some semblances of phases. Also, the boys
tackled hard and there were attempts to get the ball out
wide. But this was clearly the Greg Freeman show, who
put up a total of 17 points in the game, with 2 tries,
2 conversions, and 1 penalty kick. One score came from
a strong run from 8-man Justin Strickland who off loaded
to Greg for the score. It should also be noted that Michael
Schober had a cracker of a game by scoring the first try
of the game and then the last for the Brumbies to put
up a total of 10 points. Michael Morgan also dotted down
a try as he received a pass from several hands and finished
with a long run. Ravenwood scored all of their points
in the second half.
1. Wells
2. Michael Morgan, Sam Todd (half)
3. Matt, Kurt Adams (half)
4. Michael Morris
5. Tyler
6. Kurt Adams, Mike S.(half)
7. Brian
8. Justin
9. Greg Freeman
10. Mike S., Andrew Balog
11. Ray, Brandon (half)
12. Balog, Richard
13. Will
14. Taylor, Thomas
15. Sam
Friday March 17, 2006
Brentwood A 42
Franklin 0
The Brentwood Brumbies got off to a quick start Friday
night against Franklin by putting up 4 tries in the first
20 minutes. Franklin was coming into the game undefeated
and it was forecasted to be a tight match. This was not
to be as Brentwood ran one-way traffic thru their opponent's
defense. Benji Goff started things off with a strong run
to score first. Conversion missed. 5-0. Next, it was the
Backs turn upon the second possession as Steve Reese raced
in for another try. Conversion missed 10-0. Seth Jones,
John Martin, and Jared Wilson also got in the act in the
first half and it was 27-0 at the whistle.
The game slowed some in the second half as Franklin tried
to get the ball out to their speedy backs. However, Brentwood
was solid on defense and would not allow any breakaway
runs. In fact, the next 2 tries came from their own back
line as Reagan Daniels and Steve Reese touched down for
points. Finally, in the dying minutes, Benji added another
try and that was that. 42-0.
It was another solid all around performance from the Brentwood
pack for which they won almost all of their line-outs
and scrums. Furthermore, this was easily the best performance
from our Back line who consistently spread the ball wide
and broke the opposition's gain line. Big ups to John
Waddle who played well at 7 and thanks goes to Juice for
filling in at Prop as well as William Hale (1st A side
appearance) who stepped in during Tom Derryberry's absence.
1. Juice, William Hale
2. Alaa
3. Hanks
4. Jim Gore
5. Joel
6. John Waddle
7. John Martin
8. Benji Goff
9. Seth
10. Reagan Daniels
11. Johnathan Rice
12. Stephen Cragg
13. Steve Reese
14. Colt
15. Jared Wilson
Brentwood B 8
Ravenwood 3
The best match of the night was easily against Brentwood's
cross-town rival, Ravenwood. The Raptors had come into
the match 2-0 and was looking to put another W in the
win column. However, the B side's experience and organization
showed as they continually put their opponents on their
heals with quality positional kicking. The 1st year team
repeatedly had their Backs out of position and the Brumbies
capitalized with booming kicks. Also, Billy Goff was again
solid in the line-outs and won tons of ball. Consequently,
the B's showed their own disorganization as they could
not decide whether to quick tap or kick points as the
Raptors constantly were whistled for penalties. Keaton
Smetana scored a nice try in the corner and Keith kicked
a penalty to go up 8-0. Ravenwood did get on the board,
but it was from a penalty, 8-3.
This was by far the best game by the B side. However,
it goes with out saying that Brentwood should have scored
WAY more points and should have capitalized on all of
their opportunities. The bright side was that the B's
were far more organized and the forwards were relentless
tacklers. Also, the Backs had some flashes of greatness
but could not finish the deal. Ravenwood's Backs, who
had received bonus points in their first 2 games for 4
or more tries, had no clean ball and were constantly under
the gun by the B's strong tackling. Big ups to Spencer
Buford and his quality positional kicking as well as Ian
Smith, Patrick Poole, and Colton Wolfe, and Kurt Pickard
who rucked and tackled like crazy. Cheers boys!
1. Kieth
2. Keaton Smetana
3. Juice, David Carter
4. Billy Goff
5. Ian Smith
6. Justin, Kurt Adams
7. Pat Poole
8. Colton Wolfe
9. John Lundquist
10. Mike Schoebel, Spencer
11. Tommy Parrish, Ryan Alexander
12. J.J.
13. Matt Reese
14. Blake Nixon, Greg Freeman
15. Mark Paul
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