STEUBENVILLE, OHIO - The Franciscan Rugby team capped their 2025 XV's regular season with a resounding victory over a depleted Kent State side, 101-15 this past Saturday. Franciscan scored less than a minute into the match and continued to score every few minutes until the final whistle sounded. Several players scored multiple tries, and plenty of others joined in on the scoring onslaught. Franciscan came into the match looking to work on their phase plays, set pieces, kicking tactics, improve tackling and individual skills (such as offloading, kicking, setting rucks) and get the first-year players plenty of playing time, in a match that had no bearing on their record or playoff seeding.
Player of the Match was once again, freshman Dom Grecol with his tackling and running style, setting the pace of the match. Dom finished with four tries in this one. DAWG of the match went to freshman Franek Ignatik, who came in the second half and had a few hard runs and played physical defense. Kent State played well when they had possession of the ball, often stringing together several phases before losing the ball on errant passes or knock-ons. They scored three tries in the last 30 minutes of the match. Christopher Ascough had a hat trick of tries, as well as converting 6 out of 9 points after kicks, and making his lone penalty kick. Luke Lang (Lex) had two tries and several assists. Kolbe Evert started things off with a try in the corner on an offload by Paul Leerkes. William Schaifer (Sawyer) executed a pick and go and touched it down. Freshman Samuel King took a pass from Joseph Moleski (Joe Bob) and made a nifty shake move and scored his first try of his career. Fintan Ahearn corralled a kick from Lang and dotted down the ball. Paul Leerkes also joined in on the scoring with a try of his own. Joe Bob had several assists to lead the team and was perfect on the day with his conversion kicks, making 5 out of 5 conversion kicks and 2 out of 2 penalty kicks. Jacob Leerkes led the way on forward plays with his running prowess, setting the tone for the match.
The Barons will have an open weekend due to capturing the ARU East's #1 seed and will wait to see who wins between Hillsdale and John Carroll this weekend and will host one of these two teams on November 1st. Game time will be released at a later date.
The Barons will also hold a fundraiser at the Harp and Habit on Monday October 20th, from 6pm to 10 pm. Joe Bob will be the live music entertainment from 7pm to 10pm as 15% of the profits will go towards the Barons' playoff march. Come support the rugby team!!
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