After a big win last weekend, BG club rugby continued its prolific scoring and stern defense as it trumped Central Michigan University 67-7 this weekend.
Both teams dealt with less than ideal playing conditions due to bitter cold, rain and stiff wind, but the Falcons did not let the elements slow them down.
Head coach Tony Mazzarella was unsatisfied with BG’s second half play this past week and looked to improve on that against Central Michigan.
“Our goals this week were to come out of the gate on all cylinders and keep up that same pace with no drop off in the second half,” he said. “We did a great job of doing both.”
While Central Michigan retained possession for much of the game, most of its offensive plays resulted in negative yardage.
The Falcons took advantage of the negative plays, scoring their first try after pushing the Chippewas back to their own 15. Phil Bryant fed Mitch Sora for the score. Phil Bryant played incredibly well for BG. Bryant scored three tries and was stout on the defensive side of the ball. As a freshman, Bryant looks to be one of the brightest young stars for the Falcons.
Nick Ross punted the ball and used his speed to beat the defender to it. A perfect bounce allowed Ross to scoop the ball and race down the field for a fifty yard try, boosting the Falcons lead and causing momentum for BG. Retaining momentum seems to be a reoccurring factor for the Falcons success.
Mitch Sora yet again provided a spark for BG. To begin the second half, Sora received the ball and hesitated and caused the Central Michigan defender to overcommit, allowing Sora to burst through the defense for another BG try.
Griffen Palmer has consistently set up the Falcons for scoring attempts and did so again on Saturday. Palmer was named man of the match and made several long runs to set up the Falcons for easy tries.
“This was some of our best rugby so far this year,” Mazarella said after the game.
The Falcons did not show any let up in effort throughout the game and the score reflected that.
BG boosts its ranking to 12th in the nation in the rugby coach’s poll and looks to continue success at home against Western Michigan University. The Falcons take on the Broncos at the College Park rugby field at 1:00 p.m. this coming Saturday.
