CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville’s high school rugby club (the Highlanders) recently traveled to face their conference rivalry (the Sumner County All Blacks) to determine which side would advance to the Tennessee Rugby Association (TRA) state semi-final in the “plate” division.
After a difficult regular season campaign in which the Highlanders had all but one match decided by five points or less, Clarksville drew probably the most difficult road to the semi-final. After defeating Riverdale of the Murfreesboro division 51-15 the Highlanders knew they would have their work cut out for them facing off against Sumner Co., who have been to the state tournament every year for the past four years.
Under the leadership of the team captain Jake Jorstad (senior, Ft. Campbell H.S.) and co-captain Daniel Castagna (senior, West Creek H.S.) Clarksville was amped up and ready to play. The Highlanders scored first early in the match followed quickly by Sumner Co. Clarksville scored again to go into the half leading 14-7. After the half, the Highlanders would score two more times to extend their lead to 26-7. Never a team to go down easily, Sumner Co. would continue to press and brought the match to within a converted try; 26-19.
With only minutes left on the clock, Clarksville played some solid defense which resulted in a penalty against Sumner Co. With no time remaining on the clock, suitably, the Highlanders’ captain kicked the ball into touch ending the game and winning the match.
It was a hard fought match on both sides of the ball played by both teams. Each side played an excellent match and the caliber of all the young men is to be commended.
In the end, Clarksville advances to the state semi-final for the second time in their four year history. With the support of their sponsors: Nutri-Shop Clarksville, Marco’s Pizza, and Meineke Car Care the Highlanders will play Saturday May 2 in Memphis and plan to continue their run all the way to the state final May 11 in Nashville.
Highlander point scorers: AJ Ogburn (senior, Ft Campbell H.S.) 10 / Jackson Sewell (sophomore, Ft. Campbell H.S.) 6 / Daniel Castagna (senior, West Creek H.S.) 5 / Jake Jorstad (senior, Ft. Campbell H.S.) 5