Oct 7- Arizona's Junior Varsity plays their first home match of the year this weekend as they welcome Arizona State University to Tucson. The Wildcats have named the side that will take on the Sun Devils, with a few new faces coming in to the lineup that will be led by Hooker Zach Biggs.

 

The Wildcats are unchanged in the front row from last week's victory over Grand Canyon University, with Props Cody Hunt and Reed Hirshman joining Biggs while the duo of Carter Harris and Zachary Knobbe-Hewitt team together at Lock. The Back Row sees one change with Flanker Jake Hedge starting at openside in his debut, shifting Zach Heisterkamp to Number Eight. Pat Evans returns at Blindside Flanker after a strong performance last week. "This is a dynamic, smart group of eight forwards from six states. Pretty exciting to bring them together from all over the world and see what they can do as a unit."

 

In the backline, Scrumhalf Calvin Brannon returns to the lineup and pairs with his high school teammate, Flyhalf Anton Grigoriou (Back Bay RFC) who also makes his debut. Grigoriou is joined by standout Centers Lucas Bartiz and Luke Thayer, while last week's two-try scorer Hadleigh Tucker slots in at wing with Mikey Joseph. At Fullback, Korbin Miller makes his second straight start for the Wildcats. "This is an explosive group and it's neat to see high school teammates continue on at the next level together in Brannon and Grigoriou. The keys for the backs will be making good reads, backing themselves, and staying within our structure against a quality team" said Duffy.

 

Making up the rest of the side is a group of talented reserves. In the Forwards, Jake Van Order, Christopher McBride, and Karl Steffany return from last week's victory to cover in the front row. Eddie Wood, Chris Napoli, and Charlie Harden provide cover at Lock and in the back row ready if called upon. In the backline, Flyhalf Kristian Sanchez joins Center/Wing Marek Easton and Wing Nathan Chen.

 

While the match will not feature First XV players from either side, this is a key game for a group of young players who are getting their introduction to College Rugby. "Our goal is a national championship in Fifteens and Sevens. We know that rings aren't bought, they're earned, and while these are developing players, they're getting a great feel for the step up needed in order for us to reach those goals as a team" said Duffy. 

 

Last year in this match the young Wildcats traveled to Tempe and emerged with a 60-14 victory. Arizona's Developmental Side will look to also continue last year's success, as they will take on Arizona State University Academy immediately following the Second XV match.

 

 

 

ASU Lineup (click for bio)

1. Cody Hunt

2. Zach Biggs (C)

3. Reed Hirshman

4. Carter Harris

5. Zachary Knobbe-Hewitt

6. Patrick Evans

7. Jake Hedge

8. Zach Heisterkamp

9. Calvin Brannon

10. Anton Grigoriou

11. Hadleigh Tucker

12. Lucas Bartzis

13. Luke Thayer

14. Mikey Joseph

15. Korbin Miller

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16. Jake Van Order

17. Christopher McBride

18. Karl Steffany

19. Eddie Wood

20. Chris Napoli

21. Charlie Harden

22. Kristian Sanchez

23. Marek Easton

24. Nathan Chen