When: U16/Developmental: Saturday, June 2 at 10 am
B-Side: Saturday, June 2 at 11:30 am
A-Side: Saturday, June 2 at 7 pm
Where: Fortress Obetz in Columbus
Broadcast Info: https://www.ignatiuswildcats.com/sibn-live with Michael FitzGerald '18 and Seamus McCarthy '19
Follow on Twitter: @SIHSSports / @SIHS_Varsity15s
For every year since 2014, Saint Ignatius and St. Edward have met for the RugbyOhio State Championship.
The perennial state title contenders will meet on the pitch on the State Championship yet again on Saturday, as the Wildcats will face off at Fortress Obetz in Columbus at 7 pm.
Entering the contest, the Eagles are the narrow favorite. St. Edward has the higher ranking and seed on the basis of a narrow 21-14 victory at Brother Everett Stadium in Lakewood on April 12. Ranked No. 7 in the country, the Eagles have a strong, all-around squad.
The Eagles come into the match with confidence. As Norm Weber wrote for stedwardeagles.com, "What St. Ignatius has planned is of no concern. 'We are going to play our game,' Coach Cleary said. “Our goal is to get the other team to match us. We don’t match them. We make them go for our style of play.'”
In the four battles dating back to 2014, the Wildcats have won three – in 2014, 2015, and 2017.
The rich history of the two teams will become moot once ball meets foot on Saturday, however. A fresh chapter of the rivalry will be written in blood, sweat, and tears of a fierce battle.
As for the Wildcats, the squad is looking strong after a dominating 48-10 victory over Archbishop Moeller in the State Semifinal. The senior-laden Rugby Cats have plenty of experience, along with size and speed. Look for veteran players such as Nick Zolikoff, Alex Chura, Sean Whalen, Juan Pen, and Tommy Lavelle to play critical roles in the matchup. Declan Boldy's adept boot could also be a game-changer for the blue and gold.
The U16 and B-side contests will also be exciting for fans and players alike. The U16/Developmental Cats dominated the Eagles, 44-14, earlier in the year in Lakewood. The B-side squad is undefeated, and earned a 31-19 victory over St. Edward on the road in April.
The SIBN will have coverage of the A-side contest, and will attempt to cover the developmental and B-side contests.