ELKMONT GRAD IN RUGBY NATIONAL PLAYOFFS

Elkmont has broken into the rugby world with a connection to the University of North Alabama rugby team. Daniel Logan, Elkmont grad of 2012, and the UNA rugby team finished the regular season 11-2 and are in the National Small College Tournament. 

The March 12 playoff game was in Alexandria, Louisiana against the Generals of Louisiana State University at Alexandria. 

The state of Louisiana was flooded and the Lions' first round game was played in the water and mud.  The LSUA 's team was an international squad with players as far away as Australia. The older, more mature Lions smashed, slid and splashed their way to a 22-5 win.

The biggest part of UNA’s success has been its stifling defense, giving opponents trouble all season long. The Lions play tough and physical defense, not allowing more than 20 points a game.  

Aside from defensive play, the team’s strong suit is its trucking ability, which was a factor in the win over LSU-Alexandria, said senior Eli Phillips. “If we come in and play our game, which is fast and physical rugby, we can run over them,” Phillips said. “They might have had more experience than us, but they haven’t played a team that is as big as we are.” 

The win over the Generals  advances the Lions to the Southern Cup round in the playoffs. They will be playing the next two matches in Atlanta at the Old White Rugby Grounds. 

March 19

*UNA vs University of North Florida @ 10 am
*Tennessee Tech vs Valdosta State @ Noon

March 20
*3rd Place Match @ 10 am
*Championship Match @ Noon  

The playoff format is single elimination, meaning a loss at any juncture would end the season. If the Lions advance past the round in Atlanta, which consists of two games, they will advance to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the quarterfinals. 

VERY MUDDY SENIORS

If the team wins in Charlotte, it advances to Glendale, Colorado, for the National Small College Rugby Organization Final Four, April 30.