Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers Finish 11-2 Season With Another MIAA Rugby Championship Appearance

The Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers continued their rise as one of Maryland’s top high school rugby programs during the 2026 season. Spalding finished 11-2 overall, reached another MIAA championship game, and once again proved the program belongs among the elite teams in the Mid-Atlantic.

The Cavaliers entered the spring with high expectations after recent championship success and responded with another physical, disciplined season under head coach Chad Newcomb. Spalding combined experienced senior leadership, strong forward play, and aggressive defense to build one of the best records in Maryland rugby.

The strong season also added another chapter to a growing run of success for Spalding athletics. Recent coverage on marylandsportsblog.com has highlighted the school’s continued dominance across multiple sports, including Archbishop Spalding wrestling, lacrosse, and cheerleading championship runs.

The Cavaliers battled through one of the toughest schedules in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association and consistently played their best rugby in major conference matchups. Rugby outlets across the country took notice, including coverage from goffrugbyreport.com and the official marylandiaa.prestosports.com.

Fans who followed recent Maryland Sports Blog coverage of Maryland high school athletics also saw Spalding’s rugby season fit the same pattern as the school’s other successful programs. Stories covering the Cavaliers’ wrestling success, national championship cheerleading season, and lacrosse playoff runs all reflected the same culture of discipline and toughness that carried the rugby team throughout 2026.

Fast Start Helped Build Momentum

Spalding opened the season against Delaware powerhouse Salesianum School in a high-scoring battle that immediately tested the Cavaliers. Salesianum escaped with a 42-38 victory, but the close performance showed Spalding could compete with one of the strongest rugby programs in the region.

Instead of folding after the loss, the Cavaliers responded with one of their best stretches of the season.

Spalding ripped through conference competition over the next several weeks. The Cavaliers defeated Mount Saint Joseph 40-14, controlled possession against Calvert Hall, and consistently dominated field position with disciplined kicking and physical ruck play.

The forward pack established itself as one of the strongest groups in the MIAA. Senior leaders Matthew Bushar, Brody Kelly, Bryan McKernan, Hagen Pedersen, and Jack Schaecher helped anchor the physical identity of the team throughout the spring.

Jonathan Kandrac Delivered Big-Time Moments

Senior playmaker Jonathan Kandrac emerged as one of the top players on the roster during the 2026 campaign.

Kandrac consistently created offensive pressure in open space and delivered several clutch scoring plays throughout the season. The senior leader saved one of his biggest moments for the MIAA championship game against Loyola Blakefield.

After Spalding fell behind 21-0 in the first half, Kandrac helped lead the comeback effort with a late try that cut the deficit back to one possession. The Cavaliers battled until the final whistle before eventually falling 28-21 in one of the best rugby games played in Maryland this season.

Kandrac’s leadership reflected the overall toughness of the senior class.

Peter Almoguera, Andrew Gardiner, Reid Gerber, Matteo Marques, Connor Woodward, Charles Smith, Porter Taylor, and Max Wrenn all provided key minutes throughout the season while helping maintain the aggressive style that defined Spalding rugby.

Defense Became The Identity

The Cavaliers built their season around defense.

Spalding tackled aggressively in open space, pressured opposing backlines, and consistently forced turnovers near midfield. Several conference opponents struggled to establish offensive rhythm against the Cavaliers because of the speed and physicality of Spalding’s defensive structure.

The Cavaliers also excelled at controlling possession. Spalding’s forwards dominated several matches near the breakdown and gave the backline opportunities to attack in transition.

The 40-14 victory against Mount Saint Joseph showcased that balanced approach perfectly. Spalding controlled territory early, won the physical battle at the line of scrimmage, and converted scoring chances efficiently throughout the match.

Younger Players Strengthened The Future

The success of the varsity roster also highlighted the growing depth inside the program.

Several younger players stepped into larger roles throughout the season and gave Spalding important minutes during conference play. Ryan Sparta, Oliver Ruiz, Brooks Macias, William Crosley, and Adam Nepp helped bring speed and energy to the lineup.

The JV program also continued to develop future contributors for the varsity level. That pipeline has become one of the biggest reasons Spalding continues competing for championships every season.

The coaching staff emphasized conditioning, discipline, and toughness from the first day of training camp through the final match of the season. That culture continues separating Spalding from many other rugby programs in Maryland.

Championship Game Showed The Program’s Growth

Spalding’s championship matchup against Loyola Blakefield demonstrated how far the program has grown.

The Cavaliers faced an undefeated Loyola team that entered the title game with momentum after a 23-19 regular-season victory over Spalding earlier in the spring. Loyola built a 21-0 halftime lead in the championship game, but the Cavaliers refused to quit.

Spalding stormed back with two second-half tries and nearly completed the comeback before Loyola held on late for the title.

Even in defeat, the Cavaliers earned respect throughout Maryland rugby circles for their resilience and physical play.

National rugby coverage from usa.rugby and regional coverage from Goff Rugby Report both highlighted the strength of MIAA rugby competition this season.

Another Strong Season Adds To Spalding Tradition

An 11-2 finish and another championship appearance reinforced Archbishop Spalding’s place among the best rugby programs in Maryland.

The Cavaliers once again played deep into May, developed younger talent, and competed at a championship level throughout the season. The senior class helped preserve the winning culture that already produced recent MIAA titles in 2024 and 2025.

Spalding did not capture another championship trophy this spring, but the foundation remains strong.

With returning young talent, experienced coaching, and one of the toughest rugby cultures in the state, the Cavaliers already look positioned for another title run in 2027.