Quad Rugby/Story - Pacific Sectional Playoffs

UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION

March 2007

2007 Pacific Sectional Playoffs

A smaller than usual contingent of Pacific rugby teams competed in the 2007 Pacific Sectionals the first weekend of March in beautiful, rainy Portland, Oregon. Six squads: the Portland Pounders, California Quake, Sharp Edge, Northridge Knights, Seattle Slam, and Sin City Skulls all came to the Northwest in hopes of qualifying for Nationals this year in Louisville.

Friday’s games started with what was expected to be a close match between two teams looking for a DI slot, #2 seed Quake and #4 seed Northridge. A much improved Northridge came out with a fury and starting line Gerry Aldape, Dave Willsie, Lee Mercado, and Mike Deyoung took the first three goals of the game, ending up in a 6-1 run to start the game. Quake eventually found their composure but were unable to mount any serious comeback as the absence of class one Steve Davis (out with a mysterious flu bug, which also sidelined Doctor Doug on Sunday) forced Quake’s starting line of Garrett Hickling, Justin Patterson, Earl Bowser, and Doug Ota to play iron man rugby. The game ended with a tired Quake squad and a surprisingly lopsided 52-34 Northridge win.

Friday’s second games saw #1 seed Portland play #5, an overmatched Las Vegas. Portland came out strong and never looked back, digging all the way into it’s 15 man roster and cruising to a 48-17 win. In gym number two, #2 Sharp carried the game against #6 Seattle in a 50-24 win

Saturday’s first game featured an apparently rejuvenated Quake (still without Steve Davis) come out strong against Sharp, trading goals and a turnover to finish the first quarter with Sharp up by one. Quake scored first in the second quarter and the two teams traded goals for the first three minutes before Quake forced three quick turnovers. Sharp responded by getting one back in with a minute and change left in the half, but Quake stole one right back and scored the last two goals to end the half with a 17-14 lead. The third quarter saw both teams battling and playing solid rugby, trading goals and ending with Quake still holding a 29-26 edge. By the fourth quarter, Sharp’s ability to sub appeared to have worn down Quake’s starting four and with half a quarter left Sharp got three turnovers, tying the score and forcing the game into overtime. In overtime Sharp stole the jump, played smart and grabbed a turnover, ending the game with a 44-42 win.

Saturday afternoon featured a game that would decide the top spot in the Pacific when Portland matched up against Northridge. After Northridge’s Gerry Aldape won the jump both teams came out running; Portland’s press caused a few first quarter turnovers, Northridge’s strong recovery and two jump balls meant that Portland was only able to convert one and after scoring last goal the Pounders went into the second quarter up by one. In the second quarter Portland switched lines with Steve Pate, Will Groulx, Max Woodbury, and Jeff Zerba. With Pate’s added pressure and the big game debut of Max’s nasty new front end, the High-Low went up by one to give the Pounder’s a 2 point lead. When Ian Chan, Seth McBride, and Ed Suhr subbed back in and helped Portland grab a another quick turnover and a three-point lead it looked like the momentum had finally shifted in their direction, but Northridge had other ideas and behind the strong play of Dave Willsie – on his way to an MVP performance – grabbed the last two goals of the half.

After Northridge scored first in the second half to tie the game, Portland caused a flurry of turnovers in the middle of the third and this time, did not give any back, scoring last goal they went up by three entering the fourth. In the fourth quarter Northridge dropped back to try and force some 40 second violations. Untested in their half court offense all weekend, Portland fumbled a few possessions before turning to the corners and using the clock to their favor. As time ran down and Willsie worked the ball down court, Portland’s Ian Chan said hello to his fellow Canadian with a nasty front wing hit that sent Willsie (and Northridge’s hopes of grabbing the top slot) onto the floor. Converting the turnover and scoring last goal, Portland grabbed a 41-37 win

Sunday morning saw Sharp hoping to be the first to knock off undefeated Portland. Unfortunately for the boys from SoCal, Portland proved too tough from the start and towards the end of the second quarter Sharp started putting in it’s subs, presumably resting their starters for the afternoon showdown with Northridge that would decide the second DI slot. The strong play of the Steve Pate/Will Groulx high-low was highlighted by Max’s front-end sucking in high-pointer after high-pointer and Pate having his way with people as they racked up turnovers and Portland cruised to a 58-43 win.

In what turned out to be the 5/6 game, Seattle was able to use it’s experience and the wheels of newly re-eligible Para John to notch their first win of the weekend, 44-28 over Las Vegas. Sharp played Northridge at noon, looking to grab the final DI slot away from their slightly northern neighbors, but Northridge came out strong from the start, clearly making the most of their new import, they looked primed and ready to make their first DI appearance as they took a 12 point win, 58-46.

In the final game of the day, Portland played Quake. With Steve Davis back in the line, having passed his funk onto Doctor Doug, Chet went from equipment man to iron man, playing every minute of the final game as Juice and Garrett traded quarters. Though Garrett provided a strong presence in the key, Quake was unable to force many turnovers and Portland’s speedy press racked up a number of turnovers in the first half. Playing in a high/low with Chan and the old balanced line, Lynn Nelson looked like he was having fun again as Portland was able to sub and run lines to wear Quake out and take a 51-40 win and their second Pacific Sectionals title in a row.

The Pounders would like to thank all those who volunteered and spent countless hours organizing and running a great tournament. Also much thanks to Kiliii Yu, who did a great job taking photos.

Hit Counter

How to Contact us | Quad Rugby Central Index