SALT LAKE CITY – Snow Canyon got a taste of its own medicine and it took a little while for the Warriors rugby squad to swallow what was happening.
The speedy, execution-oriented SC team met an Olympus team very similar in style and ability and it took a big run in the second half for the Warriors to pull away for a 38-15 win in the state semifinals at the University of Utah’s soccer main field Friday.
“Most of the year, we’ve played brute force teams and we could get around them using our finesse and execution,” SC coach jay Day said. “But Olympus was very much like us in style and quickness and we aren’t used to that. In the second half, we just decided we wanted it more.”
Day said the very talented backs of Olympus neutralized Snow Canyon’s backs, putting the pressure on the Warriors forwards to get the job done.
“Robert Schwenke and Norv Beagley needed to step up and they did,” Day said. “I’m really proud of them. They played well and made the plays when we really needed them.”
Snow Canyon actually trailed 15-12 in the game, but finished the match on a roll, racking up 26 straight points.
The Warriors earn the right to defend their state championship with the semifinal victory. SC will play at 5:30 p.m. Saturday against East High School. The Leopards were surprise 24-19 winners over nationally-ranked Herriman Friday afternoon.
“East upsetting Herriman is kind of a shocker, but we have our work cut out for us,” Day said. “They are huge and very athletic. We’re probably giving up 100 pounds per man against them. We’ve got to play with discipline and have plenty of passing and kicking and strategy. That’s what will make the difference, I think.”
The news wasn’t all good for SC rugby fans as the girls team lost in the semifinals as did the younger seventh/eighth grade team. Snow Canyon’s lightweight team (120 pounds or less) did win and will play for that title at 11 a.m. Saturday against Lone Peak.
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