Winners
California: It's a great time to live in California if you are a U.S. fan. First the long-rumored test between Japan and the U.S. in Hawaii ends up in L.A. and then the test between the U.S. and Canada is set for Sacramento. Some might think it unfair for California to land two tests but from a logistical perspective it makes sense for the Eagles. Plus, the two locations are still six hours apart. The weather won't be too hot in either location and there are solid rugby communities in both.
St. Mary's: The Gaels have a legitimate claims to be the top team in the country right now. They both beat and lost to BYU and they put up a strong win over Cal this last weekend. The DI-A playoffs will be very telling for the team but with the finals at Stanford the Gaels have to go in as favorites.
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Junior All-Americans: It's still early at the Junior World Rugby Trophy but it's hard not to get a little excited over the team's strong start to the tournament. Yes, Hong Kong are not the best team but with so many players unavailable for the U.S. due to school and other commitments it was unclear how the U.S. would play. Judging off the one result they don't look bad. Their upcoming match against Georgia could very well be the pool decider. Georgia will be strong in the pack with with Titi Lamositele and Val Lee-Lo on the squad the U.S. has to fancy their chances.
NYAC, NOLA, Norfolk: With only weeks left in their regular seasons NYAC, NOLA, and Norfolk have either clinched their division or are close to it. All three teams expect to make the playoffs but being able to win their division is a great accomplishment.
Blaine Scully: It seems like just a short time ago that Scully had torn his achilles and had to miss almost an entire year. At that point a European contract seems a long way off. Now after the news that he has signed an extension with Leicester he can focus on his future as an integral part of the Tigers squad. A good time to be Blaine.
Losers
Women Eagles 7s: The overall goal is 2016 and in order to medal at the Olympics head coach Ric Suggitt is making some bold changes, namely the introduction of cross-over athletes like Jessica Javelet, Alev Kelter, and Elana Meyers. Anyone who has seen these players play knows they have the potential to get the Eagles a gold medal but it's going to take time. Still, even with a learning curve finishing 11th on a IRB Women's Sevens Series event is not acceptable.
Arkansas State: Like we have to say every week, they are not losers in that they have done something wrong but more in the sense that they haven't done as well as they would have liked or should have done. The Red Wolves will still make the playoffs and could even win the whole thing if they get hot but overall it hasn't been the strongest season for the team.
Northeast: It's been awhile since the Northeast has had an Eagles match. The Eagles-Maori All-Blacks was close but Pennsylvania is Mid-Atlantic. It looks like they are going to be shut out once again. However, they do get the College All-Americans this year.