It's sevens experience that has the two surviving single-school boys high schools in the final of the HSRC at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. this weekend.

Delaware state champions the Archmere Auks play 7s all season, and they showed they were very comfortable with the shortened version of the game, defeating Malvern Prep, Downingtown, and St. Augustine to win their pool. They gave up only three tries in those three games, and then the Auks defeated the vaunted Perry Street Pride 19-10.

"They played some smart, disciplined 7s," said Archmere Coach Drew Cocco. "We just played our system, tried to stay out of contact, use the space, and be there in support. Our defense was outstanding. Playing 7s all spring really helped us, I think. The guys just played their system."

The Auks were led by Danny Bark, De'Joun Lee, and Mark Dombroski. They provided a nce combination of physicality and speed, but Cocco added, everyone was playing at the top of his game. "And we needed them to."

Next up, then, will be Rock Rugby. The Texas team didn't make the Texas top four in 15s, but used the last month to work hard on 7s. Coach Paul McCartney has a team with three freshmen, but one that is fit and works hard together.

Rock lost to Greenwich in their pool opener before beating Bishop Shanahan 34-0  and Salesianum 28-5 to make the semis. There they beat Greenwich in the rematch 15-12. Rock had to come back from 12-5 down to win, and surprised Greenwich with their tenacity. Greenwich, which had been on a role, certainly would like that game back, but it was taken away from them by Rock, with David Chenevert the hero as he scored the game-winner.

Grant McCartney was strong at flyhalf, although despite his success as a kicker, didn't take the kicks against Greenwich, where they recorded no conversions. Jose Lugo was the leading try-scorer for Rock, with captain Adrian Escobedo a scrappy worker at scrumhalf, and Daemon Torres the MVP of the team, making ground with the ball and laying in big hits.

Having surprised one of the favorites, Rock now faces a team that is used to playing 7s under pressure. The final promises more surprises.