Sues was widely regarded as the favorite at the beginning of the tournament, and while they never led our power rankings, they delivered on that hype when it mattered. The team took advantage of the Bennies’ upset of Dudes while avoiding a loss versus Jones. In the championship game, Benny was no match for Sues’ physicality.
Before we dive in, here’s what you’ll find in this article:
- Playoffs: Results and Recap
- End of Tournament Points Leaders
- Play of the Week
- Looking Ahead: Power Rankings for 2021
Playoffs Recap
- Semifinal 1: Benny 26, Dudes 17
- Semifinal 2: Sues 29, Jones 19
- 5th Place Game: Canham 24, Ross 19
- 3rd Place Game: Dudes 17, Jones 14
- Championship: Sues 29, Benny 12
Benny started off the playoffs with a bang, beating a Dudes team that was caught sleeping. Dudes committed a number of errors, including a botched lineout that led to an immediate Bennies try from Pablo Ballesteros. In the other semifinal game, Sues tore off to an early 15-0 lead, but Jones came back within three thanks to tries from Sam Glasberg, Cesar Orozco, and James Olson. George Janke scored an unassisted try for Sues in the 13th minute that sealed Jones’ fate.
The fifth place battle between Canham and Ross came down to the final play. Ross found themselves up three with possession when the time expired. However, instead of kicking it out of bounds like softies and taking the win, Ross decided to keep playing and get as much rugby in as possible. Unfortunately, this resulted in Henry Silverman scoring a game-winning try for Canham.
Dudes took care of business against Jones in the third place game, despite playing part of the match with six players. After an egregious call by touch judge Bryce Watson, Dudes captain Jordan Perez was not shy about his feelings. He got away with a yellow card, and Dudes got the win.
In the championship, Benny took the lead in the fifth minute after an excellent try from Irishman Dan Geary. But Sues literally steamrolled from there. Every Sues player was a giant in comparison to the Bennies, and they couldn’t compete.
Final Points Leaders
Liam Clancy sat out most of playoffs with an ankle injury, allowing Jordan Perez to reclaim his spot atop the points leaderboard. Clancy still led all players with 14 tries. Sues had five players inside the top 15, four of which will return next year. However, Dudes also has four players from the leaderboard returning, including two in the top three.
Play of the Week
The Play of the Week goes to Brandon Walter (for the second time this tournament!). Walter received the ball in his own try zone and carried it the entire length of the field, almost scoring a try. In the process, he made defenders miss a total of eight times. All this while his teammate Jordan Perez was out of the game with a yellow card. What an elusive prop!
Power Rankings for 2021
Finally, check out our power rankings for 2021. Remember, these rankings are based solely on the opinions of this committee. Is there anything that you disagree with? Feel free to leave your own opinions in the comments.
1. Dudes
Although 2020 wasn’t Dudes’ year, the team dominated for most of the tournament. And, believe it or not, every contributor this year will be back in 2021! Dudes led our power rankings all tournament, and will continue to do so in the near future.
2. Sues
There will be a notable absence on Sues’ roster next year as the 2020 Intrasquads Champions will be losing Jamie Demers, who played a massive role in the team’s success this year. However, they have little to worry about as veteran Jack Vecchio will be returning alongside key freshmen George Janke and Braden Loughnane. The team will also benefit from breakout newcomer Brett Silber. Pay close attention to their draft to see what direction this team decides to head in. Will they go tank-heavy like they’ve traditionally done or transition into being a more speed-reliant team?
3. Ross
Ross ended the 2020 tournament in last place, but the team has high hopes for next year. Ross will lose senior captain Nate Orlowski, but will return its star, Eoin Sansavero, who put up 59 points this year. Ross will also return young stud freshman Grant Sasina, and get the first overall pick in next year’s draft. If Alex Leichter recovers from his torn ACL and Langston Sholl returns to the team, Ross will dominate.
4. Canham
Next year, Canham will lose Tanner Visco, Tanner Hoag, and Logan Fettes, who contributed veteran leadership and also played key roles in set pieces. That said, juniors Bryan Flowers and Bryce Watson, both top 10 scorers this tournament, will return for another year. The team will also retain defensive specialist Henry Silverman and two fast wings in Menelik Weatherspoon and Max Xie. Their high draft position provides another boost; they will most likely look for another quick player to add to their offensive arsenal.
5. Jones
After a disappointing final night, Jones will head into next year with one of the tournament’s youngest rosters. Jake Bodner, Cesar Orozco, and Wyatt Tyrna are among Jones’ key returning players. With a strong draft and continued health/development, Jones can look to make more of an impact.
6. Benny
Benny had a great 2020 tournament. The team improved every week, and capped the tournament off by upsetting Dudes in the semifinals and finishing in second place. That said, the team is losing everybody next year: Liam Clancy, Juan Marco, Pablo Ballesteros, Dan Geary, and Niko Kyriacou will all be out the door. Nathan Feldman had 26 points this year, which leads all of Benny’s returning players. This team will be devoid of talent, and won’t have a good draft pick either.
That’s all for the 2020 Intrasquads Tournament.
Until next year, The Intrasquads Committee
