On Friday, February 11th, the UC Davis Aggies faced off against Grand Canyon University, a
team ranked 21st in D1A Rankings (Oct 11 2021). In the opening minutes of the game, the
Aggies looked strong with good line speed and game management. There were a few ball
handling errors but other than that the team maintained discipline in open play against a very
powerful side. The glaring weakness became apparent with the first few scrums. GCU
dominated in this set piece and with growing confidence translated this strength into open play
and the breakdown with a physical style of play that overpowered the Aggies.
With about 12 minutes into game GCU scored their first try off the back of a scrum near the 5
meter line after several phases of aggressive engagement and a failed Aggie line out. Several
minutes later, the Aggies (Francis Schumann, #12) secured a penalty kick awarded after GCU
was caught offside, bringing the score to 3-7.
Those would be the only points the Aggies won in the first half. GCU went on to score four
more tries in the second quarter as a rattled Aggies defense allowed GCU to add speed to their
powerful play. The score at half time was 3 to 31. The Aggies coach’s speech in the interim
was simple. The players needed to face the powerhouse head-on and slow them down to regain
the advantage in the game.
Grand Canyon ran another try in with just three minutes on the clock in the second half. But
something clicked for the Aggies at that point. They firmed up their defensive line and brought
the aggression up a level. By the end of the third quarter, the Aggies ratcheted up the score to
13 to 36 with two unconverted tries from James ‘Cole’ Lipelt #5 and Jordan Naumburg #13.
GCU had one more moment on the field with their seventh and final try of the game with just 10
minutes left on the clock. But it was the Aggies who had the last sip of glory with a try by Sam
Faucette #4 right as the buzzer went to end the game. The final score was 20 to 43
All in all it was physical match. Both sides had their share of yellow cards and the Aggies lost
Harrison Wheeler #8 to an arm injury halfway through the game.
Coach Malpass summed up the game stating the team showed a strong start with a
disappointing second quarter. However, he was pleased with mental fortitude in the second half
from some young players who are learning to step up and take more of a leadership role.
“There is some very good young talent on the team. They are facing some difficult tasks in their
growth and understanding of the game. Mistakes are an important part of learning but being
able to restart when challenged is critical. We will take what happened in the game and
continue to grow from it. The big lesson from today’s match is to stay mentally in the game
despite set backs.”
Club captain, Sam Eddins, was ruled out of play for this game due to his head knock in the last
game. But he continued to lead from the sidelines throughout the game with encouragement
and tips for the players. In his absence, Cole Lipelt (#5) was awarded captaincy for this match.
Cole has shown consistent dedicated play throughout the season and his career at UC Davis.
He carried this new responsibility as captain very well in the game.
Coach Malpass recognized Tom Dowling (#2) as his player of the match for the Aggies. Tom’s
high energy and physicality at high tempo continues to be an asset on the team and for this
game.
Also critical during the match and deserving of highlight was the work of Aiden Moore (#3), Sam
Faucette (#4), William Bradford (#7) and Cole Libelt (#5) carrying hard in the tight and
producing quick ball which allowed for Guy Barrons (#9) to move the ball away from the
breakdown quickly creating space for the outside backs to attack. This display of quality skill
gave Azeh Kane (#14) the opportunity to show off his dazzling footwork, high work rate and
speed in the game causing problems for the the GCU defense.
Special mention also goes to Alexander ‘Obi’ Obodoefuna (#1) who played a full 80 minutes as
loose head prop in a very physical game. Obi is showing great potential in his skill and handling
in the game as he continues to learn.
The coaches and team wish to thank the GCU players and coaches who brought a hard
physical game after several hours on the bus. They also want to thank the parents and alumni
for all the support including another wonderful meal for both teams at the end of the match.