STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The rivalry weekend that determines the bragging rites for the state of Pennsylvania had arrived. There are a lot of sports rivalries in this country but in the collegiate rugby world, Kutztown vs Penn State, looms as large as any. The history books will show the majority of these contests ending in margins of five points or less. Often times, coming down to the last few minutes of the match or in several cases, the last play of the match. It only happens once a year and when the final whistle blows, everyone starts to contemplate next year, especially the team that falls short on the score line. Last year, Kutztown fell short, on not only the final play of the game but probably the most controversial referee's call, in the history of the rivalry. The stage was set and the Golden Bears, fresh off of a lopsided victory over these same Nittany Lions in the national collegiate rugby sevens championship, we're determined to keep their foot on the gas.
 
It was a perfect, sunny day in Nittany Valley. The moment had arrived and the opening kickoff was set afloat. You couldn't help but feel the anticipation throughout the grounds. The Golden Bears gathered it in and it was,,,, game on ! Kutztown was laser focused and took possession of the rock at their own twenty two meter line. They drove into the determined Lion defense. Penn State withstood the punishing salvos of maroon and gold flesh. As the Kutztown forwards did everything in their power to punish the opposing defense. Penn State's line bent but it didn't break, as the two sides blew off some of the contempt that had been compounded over the previous twelve months. The Golden Bears overpowered the Lions with a driving maul and a powerful scrum. They worked their way inside Penn State's red zone, only to be thwarted by their own errant line out throw. But within minutes they were on the march again and at the nine minute mark, wing Logan Bachman (Kutztown, Pa./Allentown Central Catholic) (Jr. Kutztown, Pa.) took a pass in the outside channel. The 6'3 220 lb. Bachman punishes would be tacklers. This moment was no exception, as he ran over a white jersey on his way to the promised land. Where he promptly dotted down in the corner. 
P.J.O'Reilly (Sr./ Springfield, Pa) sent the conversion through the uprights and Kutztown took an early lead. KU 7 PSU 0. 
During the fury that occupied the next eleven minutes, each side did everything in their power to launch an effective attack. As they scrambled to expedite an overload or dominance, wherever possible. It was near the twelve minute mark when Kutztown found themselves knocking on the door, when suddenly the whistle blew. The referee awarded a penalty to Kutztown, just left of the sticks and well within the range of P.J. O'Reilly (Springfield, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara). Once again, like he has been doing throughout this young season, P.J. put his powerful boot to the Bread of Heaven and the score board added three more points to the Golden Bear total. KU 10  PSU 0. If that wasn't enough, six minutes later, P.J. took a pass at his inside center position, juked a would be tackler and bolted into the try zone with two or three Nittany Lions trying to pull him down. He bounced up, dusted himself off and proceeded to calmly slot the conversion. Kutztown was building an early lead. KU 17  PSU 0. But don't ever get off the couch to grab a snack when these two teams are playing. It was only four minutes later, and Penn State was running with reckless  abandon. A strategic kick, a flashy line break and a pick and go at the try line, breathed new life into the Lions. As they bullied their way into the try zone. Their conversion was wide right and the half time scoreboard read KU 17 PSU 5.
 
The second stanza began with Penn State moving the ball in a commanding fashion. They seemed to have purposely switched gears and their rapid distribution was putting excessive pressure on the Kutztown defense. The Golden Bears were getting off of the ground and folding over in their defensive structure, as fast as their hearts and minds could move their feet but it wasn't fast enough. One of Penn State's flankers saw a gap that developed near the twenty two meter mark and he was through it like a laser. The Lions converted and the blue and white section of the hill was getting boisterous to say the least !
KU 17 PSU 12. As expected, the two sides spent the next ten minutes working their way up and down the pitch. A mistake here and a penalty there seemed to be the order of the day for the Golden Bears. As they couldn't seem to cash in on long drives that put them well within striking distance of busting this game wide open. The Golden Bear forwards were beginning to maximize their opportunities in close quarters and the backline was finding more space as Penn State fought valiantly to recapture the lead. Then at the fifty five minute mark, Kutztown's scrum half, Aiden Smith (Soph. / Trumbull, Conn.) followed a movement that saw two ensuing off-loads, only to find Aidan taking the third. He swerved his way into the try zone and P.J O'Reilly grooved one over the crossbar. The Kutztown fans unabashedly rejoiced on the hill. KU 24 PSU 12. Penn State wasn't going to give up but the Golden Bears refused to falter. Several minutes later, the Kutztown forwards were pounding on the Lion's try line. Several consecutive pick and go moves inched them closer to a much needed try. On the next attempt, tight head prop, Andrew Sampson (Moon Township, Pa.) (Soph./ Moon Township, Pa.) clutched the rock and with a little help from his friends, burrowed his way through a wall of Penn State humanity and into their house. P.J.O'Reilly answered the bell once again and was true to form. KU 31 PSU 12. The clock was winding down and with a few clicks left on the dial, Penn State fought to the bitter end and scored near full time. They missed the conversion and the game ended with the Golden Bears on top. KU 31 PSU 17.
 
This one is in the record books and Kutztown owns the bragging rights for the coming year. The rivalry is alive and well.
The outcome for 2023 will be decided in the friendly confines of Luckenbill Ave. on the Golden Bear campus. Until next year !
The Kutztown second side made it a clean sweep, as they took down Penn State 28-12.
RUN WITH THE BEARS !