Torrey Pines High School rugby team beats Del Norte, 27-19

Torrey Pines senior Mason O’Rosky is tackled by Nighthawk sophomore Joshua Friedman (skull cap, mouth guard), but gets the ball over the try-line for a score during the Falcons’ 27-19 victory over Del Norte on Jan. 16 in a high school rugby match played at TPHS Stadium. The Falcons are now 3-0 in the Southern California High School Red Division, tied for first with Cathedral Catholic. Torrey Pines, ranked No. 8 in the nation by the Goff Rugby Report, struggled unexpectedly against the Nighthawks, and trailed 7-5 at halftime. The backline played a much improved second half, with Conner Mead (named ‘Man of the Match’) anchoring the defense at fullback. ‘We came out flat tonight for reasons I can’t explain,’ said head coach Matty Sandoval. ‘Fortunately, the team has great pride and character and played a much better half after the break.’ The Torrey Pines Junior Varsity (2-1) defeated the Del Norte JV, 27-15 in the undercard, with five different players scoring for the Falcons. Both the JV (10:30 a.m.) and the Varsity (9 a.m.) play Saturday at La Costa Canyon. Photo by Anna Scipione.