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Moosemen Match Report
MTSU hit the road for a trip to Rugby, Tennessee last weekend to take part in a pseudo-tournament. Western Kentucky, University of Tennessee, Lee University, and MTSU were the 4 participants. A *left on the directions where the *right should have been put one bus off course by a good 30 minutes due to human error so the game started late. The pitch was nestled in between mountains in a quiet little community with a water tower near by that aptly stated "Rugby, Tennessee home of the giant pumpkins".
Missing a Center, 2 Flankers, Scrum Half, and a Fullback due to injuries, there were some young players opting for a shot to prove themselves in this match. The 2nd half of the MTSU squad arrived late and scrambled to prepare for the game in 20 minutes. The game led with UT on the offensive plunging deep into MTSU territory quickly with quick passes to the unprotected wing. This was a trend for the first half of the game by a large margin. MTSU held UT out on to wild jaunts for the try zone and forced them to take a kick for points (6-0). Then the flood gates seemed to open. UT found an unmistakable rhythm against MTSU and began a try-scoring clinic. The Blue Raiders proved that they are indeed experiencing some growing pains and have a lot of work to do in the upcoming weeks to improve across the board, but specifically in fitness, agressiveness and tackling skills. UT's ball carriers slipped tackle after tackle and would off-load to one another with some skill. Score at the half - 0-56
Almost speechless, the coaches addressed the team about the performance and challenged them to find a way to turn it around and turn the corner. The team responded verbally, but not physically as the 2nd half proved to be part 2 of this trial. MTSU started out stronger and finally broke the shut-out with a kick for points by Nick Chamberlain, but almost immediately fell back into their slump as UT picked up speed again. 29 points later...the game ended with an detestable score of 3-85.
| 1 |
Sean Boland |
| 2 |
Scott McAnally |
| 3 |
Matt Smuck |
| 4 |
Cody Nolin |
| 5 |
Brad Lewis |
| 6 |
Blaik Waynick |
| 7 |
Jarrett Lane |
| 8 |
John Ferraro |
| 9 |
Kurt Faulkner |
| 10 |
Nick Chamberlain |
| 11 |
Danny Pitts |
| 12 |
Joey Mikan |
| 13 |
Seth |
| 14 |
Adam Zimmerman |
| 15 |
Dave-O |
Nick Chamberlain : 3
MTSU's B team took the pitch after some fire and brimstone from the coaches and again the team was challenged to improve. The game began with a handful of WKU players on the sidelines asking to get some time playing for the Blue Raiders. The first half of the B game was eerily similar to the A game as the guys were shut down 22-0. Although the B side showed promise and moments of organization they were unable to put it in the try zone.
After what would be the 2nd and final halftime speech of the day the 2nd half began. MTSU's B side finally answered the call and put up 17 points to UT's 10 before the end of the game.
| 1 |
Tyler House |
| 2 |
Corey Jeacock |
| 3 |
Thomas White |
| 4 |
James Hague |
| 5 |
Matt Chavez |
| 6 |
Brendan Hagerty |
| 7 |
Daniel |
| 8 |
Jazmen Skopljak |
| 9 |
Seth |
| 10 |
John Grate |
| 11 |
Joel |
| 12 |
Fletcher Burkhardt |
| 13 |
Blaik Waynick |
| 14 |
Derek |
| 15 |
Kurt Faulkner |
Dave-O :5
John Grate:7
Adam Zimmerman: 5
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