Serra Games v Bishop O'Dowd Wrap-Up:
Varsity: The Serra varsity rugby team came out strong with a fierce defense and an equally dominating offense against a seasoned and well-coached Bishop O'Dowd varsity rugby team. Serra drew first blood within the first three minutes, as Drew Takapoutolo engineered one of his signature long dodging runs to dot down the ball under the posts. Taupaki (Paki) Latu converted and Serra never looked back, as they quickly scored another try when Carson Strain scampered down the sidelines to score his first of three tries for the day. BOD took advantage of a series of Serra penalties to make it 14 to 7. Then, Serra roared away with two more tries by Carson Strain and a nice try by Will Oreccia. At half time, the score was 35 to 7. Throughout the game, the Serra forwards regularly gained 5 to10 meters with some long gains. This offense, combined with fierce tackling, kept BOD on their back foot. The BOD Pod play was well coached, but the Serra defense continued to meet them before the gain line, and they never penetrated the Serra line in the first half.
The Serra team continued to dominate in the second half as Parker Van Doren muscled through a try within the first five minutes of the second half. With the score 40 to 7, The Serra coaches made liberal substitutions to allow playing time for many of the upperclassmen on the squad. With 6 tries to 1, the Padres let off a bit in the second half, and BOD scored twice including a nice run by BOD stalwart, OC Lehner. Serra then finished the game with a crashing run by captain Peyton Thomas to make the final score 47 to 19.
There were so many Padres players who turned in excellent performances that it is hard to single out all those who shown brightly today. However, Carson Strain had the game of his life today with three long runs for tries. Usually after a long pass from Drew Takapoutolo, Carson streaked down the sidelines with lightning speed either knocking the opposing players out of the way or merely leaving them in the dust. The Serra pack was outstanding throughout the day with hard charges from captain Peyton Thomas, Tevita Heimuli, Parker Van Doren, Dylan Modena, Nino Oreccia, and Luke Young. Will Oreccia scored on a long run through traffic, and Paki Latu battered the BOD defense scoring one try. Cashe Penisini and Matt Melo were outstanding on both offense and defense. Cashe had the open field tackle of the day, stopping a scoring drive by BOD.
Varsity Rugby Championship Game
Kick-off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 at Bishop O'Dowd.
JV: The JV game was as exciting and well played as the varsity game. The team play was very well organized, with some exciting break away runs. Serra displayed some excellent tackling against a team that was playing well disciplined rugby. Serra was ahead by 24 points late in the second half, and BOD scored 2 tries at the end of the game to make the final score 24 to 12 in favor of Serra. Captain Rieker Marquez was outstanding at #10, scoring the first try, making the conversion and directing the team from his fly half position for the entire game. Eddie Costillo and Moni Huanga battered the opposition with their runs and tackling.
Players to Watch - Veterans:
- Peyton Thomas (Sr) - Number 8 and Captain. Veteran - Strong runner, ferocious tackling. Also plays for EPA club. Rambled for 2 tries.
- Parker Van Doren (Soph) - Number 7. Veteran Strong runner, rucker, tackler. A motor that does not stop. Plays on Wolverines club, Grizzlies All Star U19 and U16. Tour to Japan, Northwest Challenge All Star Tournament in 2025.
- Andrew (Drew) Takapoutolo (Jr) - Number 10. [also 9, 12] Veteran play maker - Strong elusive runner, excellent tackler. Plays for EPA club. Star football running back for Serra. In 2025, he played for the San Diego Legion Rugby Academy and will play for California Grizzlies in 2026.
- Carson Strain (Jr) - Number 11. Lightning fast runner, serious tackler.
Players to Watch - New or Freshmen
- Taupaki (Paki) Latu (Frosh) - Number 12. Veteran with middle school experience - Big Strong runner, ferocious tackling. Also plays for EPA club and played middle school rugby. Had a hat trick+ with 4 tries.
- Dylan Modena (Jr) - Number 5 and 6 [could play in backs]. Super strong runner, great tackler, jumper. Football player recruited by Cal.
