As we mentioned, San Francisco Golden Gate comes in with one of the best pedigrees in the country. Top to bottom they are quality. Mose Timoteo and Volney Rouse have arguably been the best halfback pairing in the country this summer. Both are excellent at being vocal and directing play. Danny Barrett could very well be the next big thing on the Eagles 7's. He's quick, he's strong, and has great rugby intelligence. Tim Maupin has flown under the radar as a speed player. One of the most under appreciated aspects of SFGG is their defense. They get in their opponents face and force them to play the way they want to play. By playing defense it allows the team to have a strong platform for attack. SFGG stormed through the difficult NorCal without losing a tournament. They were also minutes away from winning the Pacific Coast 7's. If there is one thing that may go against the team is that they have the World Club 7's the next weekend. They will have to watch their bodies and make sure they aren't distracted.
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It took a little longer than they would have liked but Old Blue finally sealed up the top spot in the Northeast at the Middlesex 7's. That top spot was well deserved as they were the most consistent team all season. Led by coach Steve Lewis the team has weapons to make a difference Derek Lipscomb continues to get better and better. This weekend could be his national breakout performance. Gareth Stoppani has also been very good this year. Both players will be playing with the New York City 7's in the World Club 7's.
1823 finished tied for second in the Midwest with Milwaukee but advanced to nationals on a tie-breaker. Although they didn't win any of the Midwest tournaments thanks to the Chicago Lions dominance, they did have plenty of strong showings of their own. If there is one think about 1823, or any other Paul Holmes led team, it's that they will be fit. Most tournaments throughout the summer are only one day so fitness could be the difference at nationals. 1823 have also been proactive in going out and playing in extra tournaments. That could mean they are more cohesive than some of the other teams. They will be targeting a top two finish and will be disappointed with anything less.
New Orleans made it to nationals by finishing second in the South. There was only one tournament in the South this year so they didn't have the opportunity to test themselves against their regional rivals as often as they would have liked. That said, the team started their 7's preparation early this year and they credited that training to their making the DI final four. If their success at that tournament is any indication they should be difficult.
Prediction: If SFGG don't qualify for the Cup quarterfinals it will be a surprise. Among the other three teams it's a bit less clear. All three have quality. We think that New Orleans will surprise and make the Cup.
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