Since its inception six years ago, Highlanders RC has taken three state titles, sent players into international competition and came within two points this year of returning to the Rugby Nationals.

"Winning a third straight state championship is really something special," head coach Robert Joseph said. "The guys played so well. The seniors especially had made such a commitment and shown such leadership, I really wanted to see them get that reward of a state championship."

Despite being heavy favorites after winning all nine of its games against N.C. high schools this year, the Highlanders (9-3) didn't just walk onto the pitch at Charlotte Rugby Club and collect the trophy.

With the Lions leading 7-5 in the first half, Highlander junior hooker Michael Pugliese took a knee to his head during a scrum, causing a gash that would require five deep sutures and even more stitches.

"Losing Michael in the first five minutes certainly disturbed our rhythm and pattern of play," said Joseph. "It took the boys 10 minutes or so to regain their composure, but when we did it was business as usual."

Eight seniors -- captain Kieran Kepler, Alex Kieber, Will Reily, Aaron Rogoff, Drew Zabor, Justin Page, Colm O'Reilly and Neil Smith -- set the tone, Joseph said.

Two more tries by Kepler and Page put Highlanders comfortably back in front by halftime. In the second half, Rogoff, Asher Thomas and Graham Joseph added tries, while Page and O'Reilly each scored for a second time.

"Rugby is a tough game, a physical game, but it was gratifying afterwards to have 4-5 coaches walk up and compliment the team on how they played the game and for their sportsmanship," Joseph said. "That mutual respect is a very encouraging and positive element of rugby."

The victory brought what some might call the first state championship for East Chapel Hill teams this spring season. Actually, the Highlanders have no varsity affiliation with the school at all, though the team is predominantly composed of East Chapel Hill students.

"In our first year we tried really hard to connect with the school but there were too many barriers," said Joseph. "I don't think it is something we would want anymore although I think the players would like the recognition of being a school team."

The Highlanders now turn their attention to some fun, such as Touch Rugby games that start this week, and tryout camp June 1 for the N.C. All-Stars.

Further down the road, several Highlanders justifiably hope to make the all-star team that will return to Charlotte June 7-8 to play in the South Region invitational tournament and June 21-22 in Pittsburgh's Potomac All-Star Challenge, both tournaments serving as showcases and de facto tryouts for the Rugby USA U-17 and U-19 teams that will represent the United Sates internationally.

Two Highlanders, Asher Thomas and Jonathan Marshall, already played for the U17 National Team.

Beyond even that, Joseph has another goal in mind.

"We need to recruit more, new players to the sport," he said. "We know we have a very good team, but we'll need new people to replace our graduating players if we expect to make it back to nationals."