​While the West Valley Warriors and EIRA Midwest made the boys varsity cup final at the Rocky Mountain Challenge, there were other teams that showed talent and potential this past weekend in Aurora, CO.

First off, there were the Arizona Bobcats, who went 3-1 and took the top consolation prize. Wisconsin and Rugby Texas also impressed by winning their pools on Saturday. Wisconsin beat both Nebraska and Utah by a 31-10 margin, while Texas earned a pair of 19-5 wins over 5785 and Oklahoma. 

"We felt like we were underdogs," Wisconsin's Carm Consolino said. "But we wanted to push limits and show we could do it. It all starts with the basics. We like to play a little smashmouth and play a little mean, but you have to have those basics."

Texas

For Texas, its key was physicality in the breakdowns. The team hit hard in its clearouts and produced some snappy open-field play. Even its 38-24 loss to EIRA Midwest in the semifinals, Texas rallied from a deficit to make a game of it and showed plenty of moxy as well as skill.

Griffin Maat showed excellent fitness and was player of the game twice on the weekend, while Alex Rayton also shined for Texas.

Wisconsin

In their iconic cow-pattern jerseys, Wisconsin received plenty of compliments for the commitment of its players to their game plan. The team didn't vary or back down and just relentlessly went about its business.

"Every time, even in the practices, our coaches tell us, 'Think about those who came before you and respect that,'" Wisconsin's TJ Stoltman said. "We have pride in Wisconsin. And we wanted to keep it simple, because that's the best way to play rugby out here. You try to get too fancy you could make mistakes."