NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Norwich University men's rugby team earned a hard-fought 28-17 victory over the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on Friday night in an NCR Friday Night Lights matchup, using a physical forward pack, tenacious defense and timely attacking execution to secure the win.
Coast Guard struck first with a pick-and-go try and successful conversion to take an early 7-0 lead. After creating several promising opportunities, Norwich captain Joe Whiteside (Killingworth, Conn.) sparked the Cadets' response, kicking the ball through and grounding it in the in-goal area before converting his own try to even the score at 7-7.
The Bears answered with another try following a big break, regaining the lead at 12-7. Norwich responded shortly after halftime, as Sonny Mammaro (Asbury, N.J.) powered through the Coast Guard defense for a try. Whiteside added the conversion to give the Cadets their first lead of the night at 14-12.
Norwich continued to build momentum as Eegan Karmya (Livingston, N.J.) crossed the try line for his first try of the season. Whiteside converted to extend the Cadets' advantage to 21-12.
Coast Guard refused to go away, responding with an unconverted try to cut the deficit to 21-17. However, junior Tyreeque Green (Shirley, N.Y.) delivered the decisive score near full-time, slicing through the Bears' defense for a try that Whiteside converted to secure the 28-17 victory.
Whiteside led the Cadets with 13 points, recording one try and four conversions. Mammaro, Karmya and Green each added five points with a try apiece.
Norwich's physicality proved crucial throughout the contest, particularly in the set piece. The forward pack controlled the physical battle, stealing multiple Coast Guard lineouts and disrupting scrums while delivering punishing runs and strong defensive efforts.
The Cadets' defense also played a major role against a fast Coast Guard side, with the forwards setting the tone up front and the backs making their presence felt across the field. While the defensive discipline wavered during a 20-minute stretch, Norwich demonstrated resilience and mental toughness to respond to the Bears' pressure.
The attack featured a different shape and style, with the Cadets gradually finding their rhythm and sharpening their execution as the match progressed. The coaching staff praised the team's energy and focus throughout the night, as Norwich concentrated on its responsibilities rather than the uncontrollable aspects of the game.
Several individual performances stood out for the Cadets. Freshman flanker Nicholas Fortier (West Chesterfield, N.H.), who began playing rugby this fall, continued to make an impression, playing all 80 minutes in every match this season and already recording a try.
Sophomore Drew Myer (Fort Drum, N.Y.) also made an immediate impact after entering the match early off the bench, contributing on both sides of the ball. Green's physical attacking runs and punishing tackles helped keep Coast Guard in check before his late try put the result beyond reach.
The victory showcased Norwich's ability to combine physical dominance with composure in a challenging road environment, as the Cadets continued to develop their attacking identity and deliver a resilient performance under the Friday night lights.
The Cadets are back in action against University of Maine on the Dog River Pitch Saturday at 2 p.m.
