The CRC Qualifier at the LVI is down to four teams still in the hunt for a spot at the NBC-covered college 7s invitational in Chester, Pa. in June.

St. Joseph's v NDC Jimmy Wolfer boots the ball ahead. David Barpal photo.

Air Force Academy The Air Force Academy surprised many by playing a consistent, explosive brand of 7s. David Barpal photo.

Arkansas State Goff Rugby Report fans voted in our poll for Arkansas State to be the likeliest winner of the CRC Qualifier, with 38 percent of poll-takers picking the Red Wolves. Kutztown was second with 18%, followed by AIC at 10%. David Barpal photo.

Of those three, one already has a spot. The other three are playing for an invitation. Friday's games were just the one for the Cup teams, with the quarterfinals held at the Silver Bowl fields near Sam Boyd Stadium. The semis and final will be held on Saturday.

On Friday, AIC edged Lindenwood 14-12 in a contentious match. The Lions seemed displeased with the result, but they were up 12-0 and had the ball, and yet saw it slip away, which is on them. 

Meanwhile, Air Force continued to work their magic against a Kutztown team that was probably favored against them. But Kutztown's defense let them down at key moments, and it was the Zoomies that prevailed 19-14.

Arkansas State has been working well together, and they incorporate a good skill base with enormous power. It worked against a Utah team that isn't particularly big to the tune of 29-12.

And then St. Joseph's put in an impressive performance over Notre Dame College, with Jimmy Wolfer scoring twice and otherwise testing the Falcon defense, the Hawks won 17-5.

"I think our guys play really well together," said St. Joe's Head Coach Dan Yarusso. "This is the second year the nucleus has played together. We've got to stick together as a team and limit our mistakes."

St. Joe's were here last year and saw how crucial points were in pool play.

"Look what happened with Utah and Dartmouth," said Yarusso, noting that Dartmouth were just edged out of a quarterfinal spot. "We've learned a lot about not only that but handling the sun and the dry air. A lot of it's about preparation before we get here and also when we get here. Got to put yourself in the best position to win tomorrow."