Friday, October 3, 2025
Fairfield 55 – Fordham 31

Friday night games are always fun...it's reminiscent of Friday Night Lights and gives
everyone the full weekend to decompress, tend to their non-rugby commitments, and us
coaches an extra day to prepare for the next opponent. At the same time, it shortens the
week to prepare, and can poke holes in our focus. To minimize this, we collaborated with
our Jesuit brothers at Fordham Preparatory School for hospitality. Special thanks, as always
to The Horkans P'28, The Mullens P'29, and all the supporters of our Parent Hospitality
Team for arranging a meal and accommodations for our players to get to The Bronx early,
relax, and prepare for the game!
This contest was for the annual Fr. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J. Cup, a challenge trophy
established in 2022 to celebrate Fr. von Arx's service to both institutions (Dean at Fordham
and President at Fairfield) and to add some extra stake in the game between 2 Jesuit
institutions. Fr. von Arx couldn't attend, but he sent his regards:
"Dear Fordham and Fairfield Ruggers:
It's been one of the privileges of my life to serve as Dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill
and President of Fairfield University, so you can imagine how thrilled I was that you decided
to name a cup in my honor to be awarded at the Fordham-Fairfield rugby match. I'm sorry
that timing and distance prevent my attending this evening's match in person, but I want
you to know that I am very much there with you in spirit and in prayer for a good, safe game
and God's blessing on you all! I can't say may the best team win, because both of you are
the best!
Go Rams! Go Stags!
Jeffrey von Arx, S.J."
Since this cup's inception, Fairfield has remained undefeated. Friday's win was arguably
the most convincing victory! But it wasn't without its wrinkles...

Once again, we got off to a slow start, allowing our opponent to score first. After trailing 5-0,
Tommy Morales '27 scored off a strong maul and Henry Novicki '26 added the extras.
Next score was by Brendan McLane '27 on a textbook inside support line off a line break.
Novicki's extras put the Stags up 14-5. Fordham scored next to bring the game to 14-12.
For the rest of the half, our boys dominated territory and possession. Morales had 2 more
tries off mauling lineouts, and Aaron Traynor '27 scored a beautiful try off a Crossfield kick
from Tadhg O'Neill '29. Novicki added extras on 2 of the 3 tries, and the Stags led 31-12 at
half.
The second half did not start well as Fordham scored 12-unanswered points to bring the
game within 1 score. Novicki settled things down with a penalty goal to stretch the lead
back to 10, and then we got back on the right side of thins with another try by McLane,
Morales (4 total!), and Louie Sdao '29. Novicki converted all 3 of them and finished with 15
points on the day!
As the second half wore on, we were able to make substitutions. Players who have been
working very hard in practice like Brady Dennett '29, Tucker Martin '27, Ryan Mayerhofer
'26, and Aidan Boutin '29 were able to log significant minutes in this game. They were
supported by our front row wrecking crew of Owen Saya '29, Sebastian Leon '28, and Joey
Policastro '27 as well as veteran outside back Cian O'Callaghan '28. All in all, a true team
performance by the Stags!
We return home next week to face bitter-rivals Iona, and for the inaugural I-95 Cup. A
similar concept to the von Arx Cup, but due to branding constraints, we couldn't call it the
MAAC Cup , so we thought of the next best thing. Playing for hardware always adds extra
seasoning to the game, and next weekend will already by spicy!

B-side Match Report at Fordham University
Fairfield B 64 – Fordham B 12

The only blemish on this team's record is the cancelled Brown B game. Otherwise, this
team continues to dominate its opponents. Credit to this group's hard work, commitment,
and dedication! A-side run-ons Aidan Boutin '2 (2), Sebastian Leon '28, Brady Dennett
'29, and Tucker Martin '28 crossed the try line in this game. They were joined by Fordham
Prep alumnus Luke Arezzi '28 who had 2 himself. Carter Delleo '27 continued his scoring
streak, and we Matty Duddy '29 scored in his return from illness. A-side run-on Cian
O'Callaghan '28 slotted 2 conversions before coming off, and Myles Horkan '28 took over
goal kicking duties and went 5 for 7.
As we continue to preach, hard work and commitment pay off. No less so than for
sophomore Nate Crawford '28 returning to the D1 lineup, as well as Colby Carbone '27
and Finn McMahon '27. Another Fordham Prep alumni Cian O'Flynn '29 cracked the D1
lineup this week and logged quality minutes at outside center. Graduate scrumhalf Danny

Kelly continues to personify "blue collar, salt-of-the-earth" with his gritty play. We continue
to see players like Alec Wood '29, Ryan Pena '29, and Cullen Peterson '29 develop in
their physicality and their understanding of our system.
Men's D3 won by forfeit 28-0 against Hofstra University. Hofstra contacted Coach Brzoski
early Saturday morning that they did not have enough numbers due to injuries. We will
Hofstra all the best on the rest of their season, claim the victory, and will look to make up
this game for our boys in November!
This makes 2 weekends in a row that that Stags come back from a road trip undefeated.
This is a great prospect as we will end our season on the road...
First things first – on to Iona at home for the I-95 Cup. Go Stags!