The Red Eyes will now represent the FRU in the Gulf Coast Super Regionals in New Orleans in May
Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club Celebrates 50 Years of Glory
Florida Rugby Union Division 3 Champions!
Just last Saturday, the Brevard Old Red Eye squad rolled into the Gibson Athletic Complex in Titusville and left the St. Pete Pelicans scrambling after a 33‑15 victory.
What Makes Half a Century Count?
Fifty years—that’s a full half‑century of scrums, scrapes, and coffee‑filled mornings. The club’s legacy is etched in resilience, teamwork, and an unwavering defiance that has kept the spirit alive across decades.
Key Moments from the Game
- Early pressure: A lightning‑fast try sparked the momentum.
- Midfield masterstroke: An audacious off‑load in the 22‑yard zone left the crowd in awe.
- Stall‑free “Bleed Rock” rally: Every player carried the same passion that fuels the team’s 50‑year journey.
- Final whistle: A well‑deserved win that crowned the Old Red Eye Division 3 champions.
Community Cheers and Sparkly Memories
Fans from around the county streamed into the field, waving banners and shouting “Old Red Eye! Red Eye!” The local bar even showcased a photo of the victorious team clutching the trophy—yes, that shout‑out was a real highlight at the fence that day.
Here’s to the 50th anniversary and to every match that turned into a memorable adventure. May the next fifty years bring more victories, more celebratory shouts, and countless stories to share.
Old Red Eye Rugby Club Turns 50 and Takes the Crown!
On Saturday, April 12, the Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club celebrated a golden jubilee while clinching the Florida Rugby Union Division 3 Championship. The Red Eyes smashed the St. Pete Pelicans 33‑15 at Gibson Athletic Complex in Titusville, proving that age is just a number—and that they still have plenty of rugby to give.
From an Early Setback to a Dream Finish
- They opened with a 14‑17 defeat against Sarasota in late January.
- Then they responded with an 8‑1 run, scoring a staggering 448 points while keeping opponents to just 77.
- Three shutouts along the way—talk about dominating!
Semifinal Smash
On April 5, at Provost Park in Cocoa, the Red Eyes blew past the Gainesville Hogs 56‑14, securing their spot in the finals for the fifth straight year.
The Finals: A Throwback Celebration
The championship game drew a packed, loud Brevard crowd. To honor the club’s founding members and their first FRU title in 1988, the Red Eyes showed up in throwback jerseys—because nothing says “champion” like a nostalgic throwback look. With the roar of the fans, the 50‑year‑old club stamped their legacy onto the field.
Celebrating 50 Years of Thrills: Brevard Old Red Eye Triumphs
Cheers, Newkatz! The Red Eye players Dewayne Parks and Joey Joseph stood proudly beside the shiny Championship trophy, marking a monumental milestone for the Brevard Old Red Eye Rugby Club. Their 50th anniversary shine didn’t stop at nostalgia – they inked a decisive 33‑15 win over the St. Pete Pelicans at Gibson Athletic Complex in Titusville on Saturday, April 12.
Opening Sparks and Quick Responses
- – The Pelicans kicked off the excitement with a fast-twitch converted try about 5 minutes into the game, capitalizing on a few careless penalties from the Red Eyes.
- – But the Red Eyes weren’t shy. Six minutes later, lock Kyle Frieberg dove over for a triumphant try; flyhalf Brock Roper nailed the conversion, tying the score at 7‑7.
Red Eye Dominance Rises
With a roaring sideline run at the 25‑minute mark, winger Eddie Escalera sliced through the defense for another spectacular try. Roper’s conversion kept the balance, but the momentum was clear: Bravery and skill were on full display.
Momentum Shifts and Tactical Speeds
- Only ten minutes later, outside center Ulice Gillard snatched a Pelicans pass, turning it into a 40‑meter joyous touchdown. Roper again unleashed an easy conversion, pushing the lead to 21‑7.
- Just before the half‑time whistle, the Pelicans exploited another Brevard miscue, netting a penalty kick that tightened the score at 21‑10.
Halftime: A Neck‑and‑Shoulder Battle
Despite feel‑difference from a larger team, the Red Eyes showed stunning resilience. The Pelicans pressed relentlessly, yet the Red Eye defense held on, setting the stage for a second‑half masterclass.
Red Eyes Rally to 33‑15 Victory Over the St. Pete Pelicans
Last Saturday at the Gibson Athletic Complex in Titusville, the Red Eyes rolled out of the gate and took control, leaving the St. Pete Pelicans scrambling for a comeback. The final score? 33‑15 in favor of the home side.
Game‑Changing Moments
- Half‑time Strategy: The Red Eyes opted for zero substitutions, trusting their fresh legs to finish the job.
- Pelicans’ Early Fire: A spark jump‑starting with an unconverted try that cut the deficit to 6‑points. Sounds like the Pelicans might have had a shot!
- Red Eyes’ Defense: Every challenge met with textbook tackling—no gaps, no foibles.
- Eddie Escalera’s Break‑through: At the 57‑minute mark, he thundered down the sideline for another points‑after‑try.
- Fullback’s Touchdown: Jean‑Eric Van der Elst added a converted try around the 75‑minute mark
Why the Red Eyes Stood Strong
The pack held firm, sending the Pelicans back to the drawing board each time the ball crossed the try line. Their forwards “bangers” wore down the larger opposition, while the fast backs kept the ball moving with crisp passes and fearless support.
What’s Next?
With the victory secured, the Red Eyes will represent the FRU at the Gulf Coast Super Regionals in New Orleans on May 3‑4.
Heartfelt Thanks to Sponsors and Fans
Success would not have been possible without the support of:
- Premier Sponsors: CMR Constructors & MedFast Urgent Care
- Gold Sponsors: Pig & Whistle English Sports Pub, Armstrong Transport Group, & Roper Plumbing
- Silver Sponsors: Gatto’s Tire & Auto Service Center, Dog & Bone British Pub, Three Bridges Planning, Island Direct Primary Care, & Terry Mulreany
If you’d like to help fund the trip to New Orleans, tick the box below to discover how you can contribute.
Red Eye Lock Gets a Slam Dunk in the Semis!
Picture this: it’s April 12, the sun’s blazing over Titusville and the Red Eye Lock is in full swing at the Gibson Athletic Complex. Kyle Frieberg, our whirlwind of energy, rolls up the court and tackles a Gainesville player with the precision of a seasoned chess master. It’s a moment that’s been replayed in countless highlight reels – and let’s just say the crowd’s roar might have a new favorite chant.
The Thrilling 33‑15 Showdown
- Red Eye Lock squad dominates the St. Pete Pelicans with a solid 33 points.
- The Pelicans manage only 15 – that’s one‑third the score, baby.
- Gibson Athletic Complex? More like a stepping stone to championship glory.
Why Kyle’s Tackling Moment Stole the Show
So you’re wondering why a tackle made headlines? Kyle Frieberg didn’t just lean on a Gainesville player, he turned a routine play into a spectacle. Picture someone slipping a runway into your face — the kind of move that gets the cameras locked in on that exact moment, because it simply cannot be missed.
The Feel‑Good Ending
With that decisive tackle, the Red Eye Lock squad gleamed into the victory lane, celebrating like a bunch of over‑excited kids after a long day of paperwork. The scoreboard reads 33‑15, but the real score is the community feel and the bragging rights heading into the next round.
Big Shout‑Out to Our Amazing Sponsors!
Without their unwavering support, The Red Eyes just wouldn’t have reached the spectacular heights these past few seasons.
Premier Sponsors – The VIPs of the Green
- CMR Constructors – Building dreams on every pitch.
- MedFast Urgent Care – Quick checks that keep the goals coming.
Gold Sponsors – Where Hype Meets Reality
- Pig & Whistle English Sports Pub – The home base for fan chants.
- Armstrong Transport Group – Making sure our gear scrambles to the ground.
- Roper Plumbing – Keeping those goalposts leak‑proof.
Silver Sponsors – Rocking the Middle Tier with Flair
- Gatto’s Tire & Auto Service Center – Every goal deserves a smooth ride.
- Dog & Bone British Pub – Pun‑tastic cheers that keep spirits high.
- Three Bridges Planning – Plotting our next big victory.
- Island Direct Primary Care – Because your health is our mission.
- Terry Mulreany – Delivering the perfect pitch.
To everyone else on the support crew: thank you for being the backbone that holds us together. Without you, we’d still be chasing that elusive victory in the middle of nowhere. Cheers!
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