AACo U19 Boys Take the Title

AACo U-19 played in the Gonzaga tournament this past Saturday. ‘This ones for Charlie’ was the cheer for the day, following the passing of Severn River Old Boy, Charlie Dayton. The first match of the day was up against Georgetown Prep. AACo controlled the match well, only making a couple line break mistakes. Brandon Jackson, the blind side flanker, scored four trys that match and flyhalf, Callum Ackerman converted every kick. The final score was 28-15. Next, AACo headed to the winners bracket vs Gonzaga, who advanced by beating Good Counsel, 30-15. AACo started off slow against Gonzaga, trailing 14-0 ten minutes into the first half. But Gonzaga didn’t see the try zone again, until one minute left in the match. Deon Huntel, scored four trys in the match and Jalen Lamen was awarded a penalty try. Ackerman and Nolan made all try conversions. Final score was 35-21, in favor of AACo. Coach Chris Alton Guagliardo said, “They simply outclassed their competition this weekend. They worked together as a team and were calculated with everything they did on the field. It was awesome to see that from a group of U-19’s”

After practice, Tuesday, May 7th, the AACo U19’s invited, Charlie Daytons’ wife, Sherry to stop by and accept the 1st place trophy they had received that weekend. Captain, Brandon Jackson had presentation honors for the evening.  His words couldn’t have rang more true, “If it wasn’t for guys like Charlie we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to win this trophy”.  Charlie was a former President of Severn River, a recipient of the Leather Balls Award and a member of the East Coast Championship team back in the day.  The presentation ended the only way it could…a giant rugby family group hug with Sherry in the middle.