Utah vs Airforce 2023

Roster

  1. Sam Langi
  2. Spencer Hoon
  3. Sam Belcher
  4. Drew McDaniel
  5. Sami Bushnaq
  6. Payton Fountaine
  7. Ethan Cherne
  8. Jake Kinneeveauk
  9. Genaro Fiorillo
  10. Ian Wormer
  11. Ethan Ogzwalla
  12. Logan Shannon
  13. Jason Frantz
  14. Mason Walker
  15. Will Koth
  16. Alvaro mico
  17. Ian Tapueluelu
  18. Javi
  19. Lucas Gerbelot
  20. Gianni Corracci
  21. Alex Smith
  22. Junior Montano
  23. Garrett Walker

Recap

After a big loss in Arizona, University of Utah rugby needed to rebound and Utah came out and did exactly that in a 43-0 route of #18 ranked Air Force Academy. 
 
AFA had a great fall playing a in a good Mountain Conference, which had them starting the spring season ranked #18 in the country.  AFA is always a very fit strong team and have a had a very consistent program. Utah is running one of the youngest teams in the Pac conference with only 3 upperclassmen and after the loss against AZ Utah focused this week on playing a more disciplined especially in the tackle, on both sides of the ball. 
 
Utah started the game by winning the kickoff and began pushing the ball up the field. Forward pack was able to get some strong carries on the pick and gos and suck the defense in which opened up space for the backline, which saw Utah back Jason Frantz carry the ball over for the first score of the game making it 5-0.  After some good defense and back and forth play Prop Sam Langi was able to take a strong run breaking through the line and carrying it over 20 meters for the second try of the game making the score 10-0, Prop Sam Belcher was able to then carry the ball in making it 17-0. 
 
Utah had a few turn overs and Air force was able to maintain some possession and the remainder of the half saw a lot of back and forth play with some great defense on both sides. AFA was able to move the ball and test Utah’s red zone defense a few times, and Utah responded keeping them from scoring. Half time saw the score of 17-0Utah was able to play with Big forward runs set up 3 tries from Scrum Half Genarro Fiorillo, who played an outstanding game.   
 
At half Utah made a few adjustments and came out ready to play. After an offsides penalty Utah Captain Jake Kinneeveauk was able to take a quick tap 20 meters before a beautiful off load to recent transfer Sammi Bushnaq, for his first try as a Ute! Utah Senior Ethan Cherne was able to score next with a beautiful line break making it 29-0. Freshman Wing Mason Walker was also able to get his first try in 15s as a Ute on a 45 meter run up the sideline. The game ended with Sophomore Captain Jake Kinneeveauk taking a pick and go over the line for the last try of the night. 

Coaches chose Jake Kinneeveauk as the Player of the Match for his defense, massive tackles, crucial poaches, and a lot of big runs when we needed them.
 
Back of the match was Freshman Ian Wormer, Ian after a few missed kicks to begin the game I an worked it out and really changed the game with his boot. Utah was able to gain a lot of meters because of his kicking. Ian also set up a few of the tries with good passing and attacking space drawing in defenders and then letting the pass go.  
 
Forward of the match was Sam Langi, Sam’s try and strong runs set a tone that challenged Air Force. Sam worked hard the whole game and impressed coaches and team mates.  
 
 
Coaches Thoughts 
“We played a gritty game and stepped up on defense when we needed to, we still need to improve on ball protection. This season we have turned over too many opportunities and spent too much time on defense because of it. When we limit our 50/50 passes and get a little better discipline in the ruck we will be a dangerous team”
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