We have some questions to answer in D1A as we enter October.
What Happened with Life?
Life University opened their season with a somewhat surprising 35-33 loss to Millennia Atlantic. MAU is a school-supported program, but in D1AA, so you'd figure Life would win this. However, they have a cadre of experienced, intelligent rugby players who, as many saw during their 2025-26 playoff run, are very good at getting under an opponent's skin.
For Life DOR Blake Bradford ran out a mostly frontline side against the Macaws. Some players, due to injury and illness, did not play, but it was a strong Life team.
"We were disappointed in our effort and our execution," said Bradford. "No excuses. We need to be better. But we did learn a lot about ourselves."
Life has graduated some key senior leaders—#1 MLR draft pick by Old Glory, Logan Ballinger, Seattle Seawolves draftee Tristan Hubsch, and 2025 draftee Adam Chadwick are all no longer there. Chadwick was drafted but didn't join New England until after his final season at Life.
(It's also worth pointing out that Life University's summer quarter ended this past week and the fall quarter doesn't start until next week. Yes the Life players can adjust, but it is still an adjustment.)
"We need the younger players to step up and deliver," said Bradford. "MAU is good. They are tough. They tested us very well and we learned a lot. You don't win championships in September."
Life now takes on a solid Mary Washington team that just beat Mount St. Mary's. UMW Head Coach Andrew Spencer was happy with a lot within that game, but MSM did mount a comeback and Spencer said he felt his team could have closed the game out better.
But teams come into this match wary.
Who's Chasing Navy?
Navy hosts Southern Virginia and while SVU has been improving, Navy is in excellent form and are expected to win. The question is, what can Southern Virginia do against Navy?
The other game is Army at Penn State. While Army did lose to Navy last week, the Black Knights are looking stronger than last year and are always dangerous.
Penn State is also improved.
"We're getting better every week, and with a team as young as we are that's all you can ask," said PSU Head Coach Zac Mizell. "Wins are nice, but if you get better then we're happy."
Penn State has been working to play wider and more open (as has Army).
"But we still need to stay tidy with possession and defensively," added Mizell. "And we better be against Army. They are a physical team with a lot of talented ballcarriers. And with a time of that, of you get it wrong, if you miss in one area, you're in trouble."
JW Sarkees is coming off his experience with the USA U20s and has matured as a leader and a field general.
And, in fact, when you look at players who rejoined the team this fall improved from the previous season, it all comes down to those who have played high-level rugby during the summer.
Liam Averill has come in ready to roll after playing with the U18s. Shea Summers and Kody Goldman played with the CRAA U19s and they learned from it.
"Guys who played 15s over the summer seem more prepared and more mature," added Mizell. "We're seeing the value of that."
