Rugby (Boys/Girls) | 3/7/2025 9:19:00 PM
Check out highlights HERE, courtesy of Fox 5 KUSI News.
In a thrilling SCIRF league championship showdown on Friday night, Cathedral Catholic emerged victorious with a 28-17 win over La Costa Canyon, capping off their season in front of a passionate home crowd on Senior Night.
The Dons controlled the scoreboard from start to finish, but the determined Mavericks made them earn every inch. LCC, riding momentum from a strong finish to their season, refused to back down and kept the pressure on for the full 70 minutes.
"It was a battle against a determined LCC team looking to finish their season with a statement performance," said Cathedral Head Coach Matt Hawkins. "Our seniors rose to the occasion."
And rise they did. Senior leaders Ethan Bartholow, Brendan Meiner, (Tama) Romeo Mageo, Finnegan Kenney, and Spencer Huntley anchored the Dons both on and off the field. Their physicality and discipline set the tone, but it was their leadership that made the difference.
"In a hard-fought contest, these five seniors delivered when it mattered most," Hawkins added. "It wasn't just about how well they played—it was their unwavering commitment to setting the standard for the entire team."
While Cathedral maintained the lead throughout, a couple of missed kicks kept the game tighter than it could have been. LCC's relentless effort tested the Dons until the final whistle, making the victory all the more meaningful.
The win not only secured Cathedral the SCIRF league title, but also marked a strong finish to an increasingly competitive school rugby season in Southern California.
With the high school season now in the books, many players will turn their attention to the SoCal club circuit. Meanwhile, conversations continue around the future of school rugby in California—including potential CIF recognition and a unified league structure. A consolidated league featuring programs like Cathedral Catholic, Torrey Pines, LCC, Loyola, Orange Lutheran, San Clemente, and Oceanside would be a powerhouse, possibly the best school-based rugby league in the country.
But for now, the focus is on the Dons, who end the season as SCIRF champions, led by a senior class that left a lasting legacy.
