By: Erik Dronberger

The morning dew was still dripping off the overgrown grass at the Polo Grounds in Poolesville, MD.   A pleasant April morning as Severn River Men rolled up for their 9:00 kick off against a makeshift team of UMBC and Baltimore D1 players; the Thunder Crocs.  The pitches weren’t much of a pitch at all, but more of a meadow, with foot tall grass being painted as the hosts rushed to set up the makeshift pitch.   With questionable playing conditions, Severn River decided they didn’t drive to the middle of nowhere for nothing, and with that the goal posts went up at the turn of 9:00, the tournament was underway. 

Severn River came out jittery, and let up the first try to the Thunder Crocs. The lads fought back, striving down the pitch, with strong runs from rookie Ryan Simpkins and John Ureste.  After stints of great phases and five minutes inside the Thunder Crocs 22, the lads couldn’t break into the try zone and ultimately lost the match 12-0.  The score didn’t reflect the match, River was unlucky not to get on the scoreboard.

As the sun rose, the lads had a few hours to kill, so John “Gio” Giovanni had the opportunity to show everyone his Marlon Brando impersonation. But after 5 minutes of telling everyone he had an offer we couldn’t refuse, Gio was made to sleep with the fishes. 

The second match was against Norfolk, who Severn River last played roughly 9 years ago, losing 70ish -7.  Norfolk came with a strong mix of their D1 & D3 side, but Severn River’s blend of D3 & D4 sides proved to be too sexy for the Virginia based side. Severn River’s high octane offense ignited from the kick off, as Erik “Punchy” Dronberger created space for the likes of Rich Maldonado, Gio, and Milton Greenstreet to do work.  With two quick tries from Sam “Hot Pants” Leone, the lads were on their way to a comfortable win. As the match continued, we saw powerful runs from the likes of Taylor Gavigan, Jake Davis, Steve Long and Mike Blimmel. Severn finished the match with a 42-15 victory.

The win rejuvenated the spirits of Severn River and gave them a chance to take 3rd place in the tournament.  All that stood in their way was a Baltimore Chesapeake side that had another strong mix of D1 & D3 players.   As Severn River made their way over to the pitch, BC stopped them, and suggested a boat race to determine the winner.  Unfortunately for BC, Severn River came to play and declined their offer.  At least it seemed unfortunate for BC, until they came out hot and scored two quick tries, but with a cheeky pass from Milton, Pat Fenn scored at the brink of halftime, to give the boys hope.  

Severn River came out of the half, grinding out crash balls, with Mike “Nips” Nichols, Tommy Sitar, Jackson Holtzman getting BC on the back foot.  However, a quick turnover and the BC wing slipped through the Severn defense.  With only 5 minutes remaining, the match looked all but over with BC in the lead at 14-5. The BC winger sprinting towards a certain try, if not for the determination of Pat Fenn he would have made it. Pat “Never Give Up” Fenn chased the winger from one touch line to the the other, and forced a knock on at the try line.  Severn River wasn’t dead yet. 

The next set of plays saw Jackson Holtzman pierce through a hole created by some side stepping by Punchy, and quick ball movement from Cullen Bilger. And bing, bang, boom, Pat with another try. Severn River 10, BC 14. Two minutes remaining, Severn River believing, but BC wasn’t about to let up, as they won the ball after kicking off and drove down the pitch. A great tackle from Steve Long, and an infringement from BC gave Severn River a penalty in their own 22. Without a beat, Milton new who to get the ball to, and with a quick tap and quicker pass, got the ball into the hands of Pat. With 80 meters to go, Pat hit the line running and bursts through a big hole. Only the over growth of the grass was sure to take him down, but no, the BC full back was on the chase, and tripped up Pat two meters short, but without a wrap, Pat kept up the momentum and trotted in for a try. SEVERN RIVER WIN 17 - 14. A dramatic come back, and a tournament that put Severn River’s heart full on display.