ASU Preview

ASU PREVIEW: WILDCATS LOOK TO GET BACK ON TRACK IN TEMPE

#15 Arizona vs Arizona State

Saturday February 25

Tempe, AZ

3:30 PM

Steven Branham and the Wildcats look for a key win in the PAC Conference this weekend.

February 24- Arizona hits the road to resume conference play this weekend as they travel to Arizona State tomorrow to take on the Sun Devils. The 15th-ranked Wildcats have named the team that will travel to Tempe, with Kyle Rogers sliding back to Flyhalf and skippering the side.

In the Forwards, a mostly unchanged group from last week will take the field, with Steven Branham and Jake Hedge being joined by Kurt Vecchio who moves in to the starting lineup after a strong performance from the bench last weekend. The usual USA U20 pairing at Lock of Vice Captain Sean Coleman and Bronson Teles return along with the back row trio of Zach Heisterkamp, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Tyler Hansen.

A few changes occur in the backline for the Wildcats, with Matt Rogers fresh off a two-try performance against San Diego State taking the lead at Scrumhalf. He pairs with his brother, Kyle, at Flyhalf with Shane Dempsey slotting in at Inside Center. Luke Thayer moves in to the starting lineup after a stellar effort last week in a reserve role. On the outside, Jack San Pietro starts at Fullback with Jeremy Fleet moving in to the lineup and joining Ben Joseph.

In the reserves, Arizona names a mostly unchanged group with Zach Biggs, Karl Steffany, and Cody Hunt covering in the front row. Sam Peri and Ben Scoular are prepared if called upon while Lucas Bartzis, Dante Weeks, and Kalanie Aholelei provide cover across the backline.

This weekend will serve as a key one for the Wildcats in their aim to keep pace in the PAC Conference. While the in-state aspect of the match is present, Arizona Head Coach Sean Duffy looks to keep the team focused on the program's week to week growth. "I like our team" said Duffy "this program is going in the right direction from the Freshmen all the way up to the Seniors and throughout the staff. Our culture is strong and to see these guys circle the wagons this week in response to our loss has been a joy to watch. Thankful for guys like Kyle Rogers and Sean Coleman for taking great leadership this week and we are excited for the weekend."

Arizona Second XV also returns to action this week as they take on Arizona State Junior Varsity at 1:00 PM.

Arizona State Lineup (click for bio)

2. Jake Hedge

9. Matt Rogers

10. Kyle Rogers (C)