BY MATTHEW EBBERWEIN
Franciscan University continued to show their dominance in the rugby world on Saturday after a 48-0 win over Fairmont State University.
Between good ball movement, effective tackles and overall execution, it is clear that the Barons are a well-oiled machine on the field. Barons Head Coach Chris Courtnell agreed that he was extremely pleased with his team’s performance.
“We played Franciscan Rugby. We came in and played for each other. We played as one solid unit,” said Courtnell.
Despite the decisive win, the Barons still recognize they have a lot to work on as they get ready to take on Allegheny next week.
Courtnell commented, “It’s tweaking. It’s all about the basics. … When it’s their ball we’re putting them under pressure. You know, forcing them into mistakes. Then when we win the ball, we get to do what we do best, which is to hit the gaps wherever the gaps are. We’re just going to keep working on that.”
According to Courtnell, “Everyone played out of their skins.”
There was relentless intensity on the Barons’ side of the ball and a great deal of energy from the bench. The teamwork and leadership on the Franciscan rugby squad was impressive.
“The team spirit, the team unit here, comes from the captains and it filters down. Everybody played out of their skins today and it’s great to watch them develop as men,” said Courtnell.
The Barons are now 4-0 and they move forward to continue their season on September 27 at 5:00 p.m. at Allegheny College.