MATCH REPORT vs. Fordham University

Friday, October 11, 2024
FINAL SCORE Fairfield 35 - Fordham 26
On a Friday night before fall break, fighting a ton of weekend traffic and fatigue from exams, we traveled to the Bronx to revive the Jesuit school rivalry between Fordham. Specifically, for our annual Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. Cup match! Fr. von Arx served as Dean at Fordham University and President at Fairfield University. In an effort to promote friendly competition between two Jesuit schools while promoting a challenge cup, this trophy was created in 2022. Since its inception, Fairfield has held the trophy! The boys did a good job making sure it came back home with them with their performance!

Patrick McHale '27, elected as a practice captain by his peers this fall, returned to the #13 jersey, where he was named first-team all-conference last year, and started the scoring off for Fairfield! Chris Giunta '25 slotted 1 of his 5 conversions, as he would be perfect off the tee this night! Fordham answered quickly, but John May '25, another peer-elected practice captain and team president, crossed the try line for one of his three on the day! Giunta converted. The next Stags' try came from a busting bronco in the form of Nate Ryan '28, who moved from back row in high school to front row. His carry totaled over 50 meters as he nearly centered his score, with Giunta converting.
Halftime: Fairfield 21 - Fordham 7.
May and Giunta took care of the rest of the scoring for Fairfield in the second half; May scoring tries and Giunta slotting conversions. This game saw several players who've worked hard this season and put in maximum effort get selected and see some A-side field time: Tommy McKnight '26 and Liam Conlon '27, a Fordham Prep alumnus.

B-side/C-side
Fairfield 46 - Fordham 24
Luke Arezzi '28, another Fordham Prep alumnus, returned from a hamstring injury and showed he didn't lose a step, crossing the line twice with blistering runs that left tire marks on the turf! Jake Whitney '26, who returned from a few weeks of illness, also turned the corner and found the try zone. Ian Thomson '27 controlled the game with his foot again, slotting a huge penalty goal. Nate Crawford '28, a promising young halfback from Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey, ended the game with a long run as he sniped through the middle of Fordham's defense. Aaron Traynor '27 and Malachi Robinson '27 also scored tries, and Myles Horkan '28 filled in well for Thomson kicking at goal and running the team's strategy!