Top Teams Putting Hands Up in CRAA D1AA
Top Teams Putting Hands Up in CRAA D1AA
We're seeing the top teams establish themselves in the CRAA D1AA competitions after this week's results.
Western Washington hasn't clinched the NCRC but they have gone a long way toward that goal.
With a 40-24 defeat of Oregon State the Vikings are now 5-1 in what has turned out to be a fairly close conference this season. Everyone has two games left in the season (there is no conference playoff) and the win, along with Boise State's defeat of Oregon, mathematically eliminated Oregon State, Oregon, and Washington from a chance at 1st.
Boise State, however, is still in with a shout at 4-2. BSU's 20-16 win put them at 19 standings points compared to WWU's 26. So what Boise State needs is for Western to lose to Oregon on March 8 (WWU would be favored there but Oregon is the only NCRC team to beat WWU this season), and then for Boise State to beat WWU April 12.
Here are the current standings:
| NCRC | W | L | T | PF | PA | PD | BT | BL | Pts |
| WWU | 5 | 1 | 0 | 213 | 64 | 149 | 5 | 1 | 26 |
| Boise State | 4 | 2 | 0 | 137 | 162 | -25 | 3 | 0 | 19 |
| Oregon State | 2 | 4 | 0 | 153 | 164 | -11 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| Washington | 2 | 4 | 0 | 89 | 153 | -64 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
| Oregon | 2 | 4 | 0 | 50 | 95 | -45 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
As we said, this has been a very competitive league this year. Five of the 15 games have been decided by a try or less, which is a very high percentage.
In Florida D1AA, Florida State defeated Central Florida 45-15 paced by three tries from Andrew Crouch and a torrid sequence of four tries, all converted, in the final 20 minutes. Francesco Mozzi converted five on the day. That improved Florida State to 3-0 in the Florida D1AA North. Meanwhile South Florida, hoping to keep pace with FSU, were defeated by University of Florida 34-13. The Gators finally put it together, especially defensively where they held USF to one try until the closing minutes. Daniel Shumway scored two tries for the Gators.
St. Thomas continued their winning ways and got four tries from Gianni Bolognini and 16 points from Mathia Adamo Maugere to defeat FAU 65-21.
California D1AA
American River defeated Fresno Sate in a very high-energy match 74-31. ARC did well to spread their scoring throughout the team, but flyhalf Michael Volavola and center Haydn Williams each bagged a brace.
"I was extremely proud of our team’s character and effort, especially with a reduced squad," said ARC Head Coach Zach Swithenbank. "We were down four starters before kickoff and lost two more during the match, yet the team dug deep, overcame adversity, and found a way to prevail."
Williams had an excellent day, not only scoring two tries but playing well defensively. Up front, Villi Foe and Edgar Montes delivered outstanding efforts at prop while No.8 Tre Robinson was a force, s he has been much of the season.
Swithenbank brought on Kevin Curry at scrumhalf late and moved starting scrumhalf Dylan Alexander to wing. The tempo raised through the final quarter while Alexander's physical style and smart decisions helped create three late tries.
"Overall, this match was a huge step forward for our club," said the coach. "We had five players making their first big contributions on the A-side, and after today, it certainly won’t be their last. Seeing our team respond to adversity with grit, discipline, and resilience speaks volumes about the culture we’re building at ARC Rugby."
Also in the California Conference North, San Jose State won big over Stanford 110-19.
In the South U San Diego's game with Claremont Colleges was canceled and word is USD will be taking a bonus-point win from that. Arizona State beat Cal Maritime 69-12 with Austin Cox, Danny Segoviano, and Bennett Ronay all scoring two tries. Aidan Brooks scored 14 points from seven conversions.
So right now we are seeing at the top of the various heaps: Western Washington, St. Thomas and Florida State, American River with SJSU close behind, and San Diego.