In rugby tournaments, there's always a team that gets shut out of a chance for the top trophy that still puts in a series of notable performances, and at this past weekend's Rocky Mountain Challenge in Aurora, CO, that team was undoubtedly the Arizona Bobcats.

The Rugby Arizona all-star team finished the three-day tournament 3-1, losing only to eventual boys varsity runner-up EIRA Midwest. The Rugby Arizona JV team didn't do too badly, either, notching two wins over Nebraska and a victory against Wisconsin but also losing to EIRA Midwest in pool play.

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In the end, both Arizona teams took the top consolation bracket title to finish a combined 6-2. 

On the varsity side, the Bobcats signaled their intensions early with a 38-10 defeat of Colorado. In this game, Arizona started strong early, saw Colorado come back to make it 19-10, and then exploded for three second-half tries. Oliver Kwete was versatile and a leader (he can play center or scrumhalf and was the team's goalkicker), and hooker Braeden Looper had a nice turn of pace, threw well in the lineout, and got a ton of work done around the field. With No. 8 Tomalati Maafu and flankers Eloi Kwete and Adriaan Van Niekerk, Arizona had a big, powerful back row that was strong in the air, made tackles, and could run. 

Like a lot of high-performance high school rugby teams, the Bobcats have the challenge of finding locks who are both big and can move. They did better than most, though, with Cosmas Kwete and Matthew Myer showcasing a nice turn of pace and a willingness to get the physical work done in the breakdown.

For most scouts and observers, Arizona made a strong impression. The program accomplished what it is supposed to do -- take players from disparate teams and merge them into an effective unit while also elevating their play. Their organization and volunteer support was strong, and the players' attitudes toward their preparation and recovery showed plenty of maturity.

Arizona Varsity Boys

Tournament record: 3-1

38-10 win vs. Colorado
21-14 loss to EIRA Midwest
67-17 win vs. 5785
36-17 win vs. EIRA SoCal
1st in Top Consolation Bracket (5th overall)

Points For: 155
Points Against: 65

Arizona JV Boys

Tournament record: 3-1

48-7 win vs. Nebraska
59-0 loss to EIRA Midwest
22-19 win vs. Wisconsin
46-5 win vs. Nebraska
1st in Top Consolation Bracket (5th overall) 

Points For: 116
Points Against: 90