Air Force Academy to test DI, DII Saturday

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Published on Friday, October 26, 2012

Written by Phillipa Snyman

In non-league matches this weekend, the Glendale Raptors DI and DII teams will host the Air Force Academy DI and DII teams at Infinity Park on Saturday. While the weather is scheduled to be somewhat chilly, the four teams are sure to heat up the pitch in what will most certainly be two well-contested games of rugby.

Looking to the weekend, Raptors Head Coach Andre Snyman had this to say, “The Air Force Academy, under coach Joe Muehlbauer, always brings a solid performance to any game. They’re fit, disciplined, and are a quality program.

“They can’t be taken lightly and we’ve spent the week preparing for physical and tough games this weekend,” added Snyman.

After both Raptors teams lost their respective league matches last weekend, the players will be looking to set the record straight and bounce back to winning ways. This is the second-to-last match of the fall season for the two Raptors teams -- and DI’s last home game -- and they’ll be attempting to end the fall season off on a high note.

On Sept. 2, 2006, the Raptors traveled to Colorado Springs to play their inaugural game, as a club, against the Air Force Academy. The Raptors won the match under current Director of Rugby Mark Bullock and thus began the long history between these two teams.

Some good news for the DI team is that back Sam Botkin, who has been sidelined for six weeks with a collarbone injury, is back for Saturday’s game. Missing from the lineup however will be prop Chad Slaby, forward and captain Zach Fenoglio, and backs Ata Malifa, James Paterson and DeWon Reed.

After a solid performance on a healed ankle last week, Mike Kenyon will be starting for the DI team.

With so many of the regular DI starting lineup absent this weekend, many of the DII players who have been working hard and knocking at the door, will get the opportunity to run onto the pitch for the DI team. These include backs AJ Miller, Cody Melphy and Ben Cappa, while prop Joe Sponem will be on the bench.

With the above listed DII players moving up to DI, it allows the DII depth chart to come into play and many of the DII squad will get game time on Saturday. This could lead to some exciting rugby as players attempt to muscle their way into the team and show their worth.

Despite the loss against the Utah Islanders last weekend, the Raptors DII team, remain on top of the standings in the Eastern Rockies Rugby Football Union DII League. While the Raptors DI team, remain at the top of the West Rugby Union West Senior Men’s DI league with 11 points.

Kickoff for the DII game will be at 4 p.m. on the turf pitch and the DI game will be in the stadium at 6.

Score updates during the DI game can be followed on Twitter @glendaleraptors. Halftime and full-time scores are available on facebook.com/glendalerugby for both the DI and DII games.