One of the intriguing things about the ACRC Bowl Series is that conference champions can be matched up to face each other.

 

Such is the case with Keystone winners West Virginia taking on Empire champions Stony Brook. Both teams have been impressive in winning their leagues. Both had one rival (St. Joseph’s for WVU, Kings Point for Stony Brook) who tested them. Both want to know where they stand.

 

For both teams also cold weather and snow has undercut some of their training, but they are largely healthy and ready to go.

 

WVU Head Coach Richard Glover spent some time with his team poking at their Keystone final, where the Mountaineers led 22-0 and watched St. Joe’s storm back with three tries to make it scary 22-17.

 

“I think in the second half we had some frustration in not getting the ball, and that translated into some penalties,” said Glover. “We also had issues in our lineout. But it was really about how we can’t panic.”

 

Having said that, added Glover, WVU played 60 of the best minutes he’s seen. Now he needs 80.

 

“We’ve made some progress and hope to take a step forward Saturday,” said Glover. “This will be an evenly-tested game and both want a good end to the fall.”

 

Meanwhile Stony Brook will dig out of the snow.

 

“We’re fully healthy, which is great,” said Stony Brook Head Coach Gerry Mirro. “We don’t know anything about West Virginia. We’re familiar with some of the teams they’ve played, but that’s it. That’s what’s good about this game. We get a benchmark of where we are and play another team that won their conference.”

 

Try-leader Phil Salter accompanies Stony Brook, while try leader Ryan Blythe leads WVU.


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