2017 Rocky Mountain HS All-Star Challenge

Rocky Mountain Challenge Defending Champs Have Pace to Repeat

The Eagle Impact Rugby Academy Southern California All-Star team looks to repeat the 2017 RMC

Jun 15, 2017 by Alex Goff

Rocky Mountain Challenge Defending Champs Have Pace to Repeat

Eagle Impact Rugby Academy SoCal is eyeing its second straight Rocky Mountain Challenge title, but the team's coaches know there will be no guarantees when they return to Aurora, CO, on Saturday and Sunday.

The SoCal team beat Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Utah by a combined score of 176-8 in 2016, shutting out Utah 29-0 in the final game. The team was stacked with High School All-Americans, and this year it will be, too. Ethan McVeigh and Patrick Madden lead an impressive backline. But watch out for center Amitai Noah, who captained Belmont Shore and has been playing very well. The speedy Ryan James provides the three quarters with versatility.

"We have a very good set of backs," EIRA SoCal coach Jeff Bonnett said. "Even with some guys not returning, we've got some guys moving up from last year's JV team and some additional players, as well."

Up front, Max Walding comes back to the field after suffering a concussion after playing for the High School All-Americans in France. Walding missed most of the European Championships because of that injury but has been cleared to play again and is looking solid.

On the JV side, EIRA SoCal looks impressive, with Sean Nolan as one of its players to watch. Both teams have size and power, but their main characteristic is pace.

"Both teams are very fast," Bonnett said. "But this year we're a bit different from last year, and we know it will be a tough challenge. That's the point."