It’s the end meets the beginning as the Air Force Academy Zoomies finish up their fall season with a visit to San Diego State, who are just getting started.

Air Force is 5-1 this fall, winning four league games in the DIA West, and splitting games against their military academy rivals - beating Navy in Colorado Springs 38-26 and losing to Army 19-17 at West Point.

In fact, that sole loss was their last game, and happened three weeks ago. Since then the Zoomies have been in training and preparing for a short trip to Southern California for warmer weather and a chance to showcase their impressive open-field running.

Air Force balances an exciting backline featuring Calvin Johnson, with a tough forward pack that includes loose forwards Garrett Jameson and flanker Greg Search. The motor that keeps it all moving is scurmhalf Victor Woo, who is the link between the two units and a vocal leader.

With a little time to heal up from the fall they should be in solid shape to play the Aztecs.

SD State has been playing 7s this fall, winning the California State University tournament and, most recently, winning the San Diego City 7s last week. But now it’s time to shift to 15s, and the challenge is a big one.

“We are honored to host Air Force this Friday,” said SD State Head Coach Alex Lichtig. “They have been a standout in the Fall 15s season in both D1A and out-of-conference games. Over the last three weeks, we have shifted our focus from 7s to 15s and our team is progressing well. Although we are still early in our 15s development, it will be a great test for us to compete against a top side like Air Force.”

The Aztecs welcome veterans such as Frank Ramos and All-American Kalei Konrad, who are at top form this fall. Meanwhile, younger players such as Austin Switzer and John Raby are coming along well. Lichtig knows where the two teams are - Air Force is hardened and in full 15s swing; San Diego State is still finding things out - and hopes to learn something from the game.

“The game will give us an accurate depiction of where we are as a team and will be a good starting point to develop prior to our Spring DIA campaign,” he said.

Both SD State and Air Force are in DIA. Air Force will also play in the Varsity Cup, but has committed to competing in both. They are the first team to do so.

This week’s game kicks off at 7pm Friday night on the San Diego State campus at Turf Field PG 610.