Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference

The 2018 MARC D1AA Fall 15's Season gets started this weekend.  Last year was an exciting season and this year should be just as entertaining.  The playoff structure has changed this year as all the teams will play each other once and then only the top two advance to the MARC D1AA Championship game on November 4th. How it will all shake out is anyone's guess but each team must treat each regular season division game as a playoff game. 

Game Previews:

Temple at West Virginia - The last time these two teams met, Temple squeaked out a 15-14 win over West Virginia in the quarterfinals last year.  This game has to be a toss up on who wins. Temple was a young side last year and this year, look for Matt Williams, Carson Delaney and the Nsiah brothers to make a big impact in the game.  For West Virginia, they will have home field advantage and be under the leadership of new coach John Hogan. Nigel Brooks will look to team up with speedster and West Virginia veteran Luke Ellis in the backs. And Aiden Perrenoud should have a breakout year in the forwards. 

IUP at Pitt - Another tough game to pick. Pitt was young last year and hopes to make a push to the top this year. Same can be said about IUP who held their own last year after making the jump from D2 to D1AA. Captain Tyler Horwatt will bring a veteran presence from the prop position while freshman Barry Ashway will lead the way in the backs. Last year these teams met in the first game of the season and Pitt took it 31-25. 

Rowan at Saint Joseph's - This has to be the game of the week. Both Rowan and Saint Jospeh's faced off in the Championship match with Saint Joseph's taking it.  Saint Joseph's has plenty of talent with both Noah Niumataiwalu and George Harris captaining the side. And Rowan also has their fair share of talent. Captains Casey Smith and Matt Rhodes will look to lead the way and John Dorman is a fantastic center that can get Rowan down the track.  This is one game not to be missed as two heavy weights battle it out in the first game of the season. 

West Chester will play the University of Delaware in an exhibition match this weekend.  They will start Conference play on September 22nd at home vs Temple. 

It will certainly be a tight race to the top and all the teams this weekend will look to go into the following week 1-0. Rugby fans are encouraged to come out and support their team. Good luck to all teams!!!