In a meeting of two highly-ranked HS programs, Royal Irish (HS Club #1) defeated Gonzaga (single-school #4) 11-6 Saturday on the campus of Wheeling Jesuit University.

It was, clearly, a defensive battle.

"We had opportunities; we just didn't take them," said Gonzaga head coach Peter Baggetta.

And that, perhaps, was the story.

"Both teams, I thought, played excellent defense," added Royal Irish head coach Scott Peterson. "Gonzaga was very quick off the line and put us under pressure the whole game. We had a hard time getting anything going and most of our positive stuff came from counter-attacks and kicks and broken play."

Nick Frederick scored the lone try of the game, and Royal Irish flyhalf David Hannon added two penalties. Gonzaga's six points came from two Owen Sheehy penalty kicks.

Royal Irish fullback Jack Kafka was very good, while captain and prop Andy Guhl was inspiration, playing most of the game with a twisted ankle that was taped up during the game.

No. 8 Russell Lemaster continues to be massive for Royal Irish, especially offensively, but it was the team defensive effort that saw the Indiana team home.

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"Our defense was superb," said Peterson. "They were down in our end and the guys stiffened up and held them out. I think it's the grit and determination of the players we have, more than anything we've taught them, that has led the defense. They just don’t want to let teams in; they don’t want to give up tries. They take pride in that."