NCRC Latest - Chase for Top 2 Intensifies

While the biggest news out of the NCRC may well be how a football player feels about rugby, there is more going on in the Pacific Northwest.

First of all, there's Western Washington. The Vikings have raided and pillaged their way to a 4-0 record and sit atop the conference. But since the conference is decided by a playoff after the regular season, other teams are still in with a look. The two teams at the head of that chase are Gonzaga - 3-0 and idle this weekend - and Washington - 3-0-1 and playing a tough 2-2 Boise State.

UW had a bit of a blemish with their tie against Oregon, but it hasn't hurt them too much.

"Our lads work really hard," said Mike Alfstad, who coaches the defending conference champs. "We may or may not repeat, but we will give everything and a bit more. I love coaching these guys. They have have big hearts and big brains."

Good for the Huskies. Also on the slate this weekend, Oregon State and Washington State, both winless, play each other, and Oregon - very close at 2-2-1 - will face 2-3 Western Oregon. WOU has shown a propensity for surprising opponents. WWU hosts Eastern Washington and should be OK there.

All eyes will be on next week, when Washington hosts the WWU team they upset in the conference final last year. Gonzaga still has to make up their game with UW (postponed due to frozen field) and also has WWU on April 1. Those three games will likely decide the top two.