(Larkspur, California) Kyle Sorensen's opportunistic 53th-minute try proved the difference in the Marin Highlanders' 20-14 victory over visiting Elsie Allen.
Pursuing Rob Spurzem's penalty goal attempt, which had rung the post and rebounded back but not yet fallen to earth, Sorensen dove to catch and ground the ball all in one play.
The athletic score made the count 17-7, enough to get the best of an intensifying North (San Francisco) Bay high school rivalry. A year ago, the Lobos snatched victory from the Highlanders here on the game's final play.
Spurzem added a 58th-minute penalty goal, but Elsie Allen scrumhalf Ricardo Mora goaled with 2 minutes to go, making good on runs by wing Marlon Whitmore and elusive fullback Ryan Yazell.
In the first period, Spurzem first struck a three-pointer, yet the play of the half was center Jake Anderson's loping 50-yard scoring run.
The visitors seemed likely score just before intermission, but were penalized for holding the ball in a ruck. Whitmore got the Lobos on the board five minutes into the second half, after some good work by flyhalf Eddie Castaneda.
At game's end, the Lobos might have mounted a final assault, but could not muster the possessional continuity that eluded both sides Saturday afternoon.
Not a few of the contestants would be at home in college sides, and the early-season fixture featured some clever handling and powerful running. But breakdowns were disorganized and tackling was also lackluster. Thus both teams struggled to build on positive moments, much the same way that young basketballers may be capable defenders but have not quite mastered the zone.
The Highlanders move to 1-0 in Redwood conference play (6-2 overall), while Elsie Allen drops to 0-2. The two sides meet again on March 26.
Marin Highlanders 20 Elsie Allen 14 (halftime: Marin 10-0)
Marin Highlanders
Tries: Jake Anderson, Kyle Sorensen
Conversions: Rob Spurzem (2)
Penalty goals: Rob Spurzen (2)
Elsie Allen
Tries: Marlon Whitmore, Ricardo Mora
Conversions: Eddie Castaneda (2)
Referee: Rich Anderson (Northern California)
Attendance: 50
The Marin Highlanders are another NorCal high school team really making progress. They are coached by former Cal player Dave Cingolani who has really done a good job with the team.
Jake Anderson is the real deal as well. Star quarterback on the Redwood High School football team, where he made all-league both as a punter and defensive back. That sounds like a rugby player. Quarterback, so he can think on his feet. Punter, so he can kick. Defensive back, so he can tackle.
He will join his brother Adam a college sophomore, on the Cal team in the Fall of 2010.
Posted by: Go Highlanders | 01 March 2010 at 11:17
Eddie castaneda that's my boyfriend #10 lobo rugby!!!!!!
Posted by: Andrea | 29 March 2010 at 17:24