Jacksonville Can't Hold On

After a 5-1 regular season and then a strong performance against Daytona Beach in a semi-final match, JRFC's season closed out on Saturday. With a strong start, Jacksonville ended the first half up 20-15 with a strong forward presence and a back line that was unrelenting. David Morse, Jose Alvarez and Ryan Bannerot would get themselves across the line to help give the Bold City that first half edge. The battle was contained to the midfield with a variety of penalties going both ways and absolute brick wall defense on both sides. At half, a few changes were made to give the JRFC forwards some room to breath and give the backline a change in responsibilities. Right after the half time whistle blew, Long time club veteran David Dragonetti got across the line to extend the lead to 25-15. With a 10-point cushion JRFC was focused on keeping the Red Eyes across the 50m mark to secure the first state title in 10 years.

Then with a change of the wind, Brevard found some space on the wing at 50' and 55' to make it 27-25. JRFC responded with a resounding try attempt from Hooker Luke Wiseman but the officials opted to strip that try due to questionable contact. With the pressure on, Brevard would go on to extend their lead with 2 more breakaway tries at 60' and 70' to put the championship out of reach and finished with an exclamation try at 79'. Final score 46-25. Stephen Woolley went 1/1 on penalty kicks and 1/4 on conversions.

Man of the went to Center Ryan Bannerot. The man of the match for the Semi-Final against Daytona, his playoff heroics continued with a try, multiple gain stopping tackles and an intensity unmatched by Brevard. You see Ryan again soon on the pitch for the Jacksonville Axemen this coming summer.