Coming into its 20th season, PAC rugby had to overcome some early, weather-related hurdles before it was really able to get into the groove of things. But now, just a few months later, the local Misfits are poised to make a run in the postseason, which starts this week.

Just a few years back, PAC — which is comprised of Platte and Conifer kids, along with a few from Evergreen — was a force to be reckoned with in Division II Colorado rugby. After winning state three out of four years, the Misfits got bumped up to the Premier League five years ago and have been working their way through the top division ever since.

This year, PAC boasts the second-largest program in the state with 55 kids, 23 of whom are high school seniors.

After years of head coach Hugh Miller’s encouragement, Platte Canyon’s Logan Blevins finally decided to give the sport a go this year. He hasn’t regretted it since.

Miller calls the 6-foot-7 senior a “force to be reckoned with.”

“I decided to come out because I’m a massive person, and I figured that it would be beneficial for the team for me to come out,” Blevins said. “It’s probably been one of the best times I’ve had in my high school career. The guys on the team are so bright and so fun.”

With the snow at the start of this season, the Misfits had a hard time getting much practice in at the Marshdale fields. That lack of conditioning hurt them in their early matches, during which they fell 0-3.

That all changed during spring break, when half the team made a trip to England and Wales to witness the European style of the game.

“It was amazing,” Miller said. “We got to play two matches overseas, played a team outside of London and played a Welsh team. At Bath, we got coached by their professional coaches, and we also got coached by the London Harlequin professional coaches.”

After that, the boys had the motivation and training needed to turn their year around and finish the regular season in the middle of the pack.

“When we got back, our mentality in practice for our upperclassmen and our captains totally changed,” Miller said. “Practice was hugely crisp, kids running from drill to drill. The focus was amazing. Then we went on a three-game winning streak against teams that we never beat before.”

On Saturday, they ended their season against the perennial powerhouse Denver East with a 35-0 loss.

Now, PAC has its eyes set on the quarterfinals this weekend. If the Misfits win that game, they’ll play the next two weeks no matter what. From there, they’ll either end up in the championship match or the third-place match.

“I think we have a great chance,” Miller said. “My personal goal for the team was to get past quarters because I always say that once you get past quarters, you’re playing with house money, and you’re guaranteed to play the next two weeks. Anything can happen depending on who’s playing well and injuries. This year has been really strong for us.”