The Liberty Conference enters a bit of a new phase with a two-tiered competition and perhaps we will see some teams put their hands up as being potentially a Tier 1 even if they're now in Tier 2.
It will be a bit of a struggle as the division is partly based on school support, with the Tier 2 really being a Tier 2 Club. But it's possible.
Teams on our mind this week:
Fairfield. Buffalo has a good group of players and Fairfield beat UB convincingly last week, which followed up on their August 24 defeat of Nazareth. Of course Fairfield decides to take the week off this week but they are still a team to watch.
Head Coach Austin Ryan liked his squad, which returns the vast majority of last season's A-side. They have depth, too, fielding a side in the Tri-State Conference's D2 competition as well. With over 70 players in the men's program, Ryan has a wealth of options and a need to find game time for them all.
Fairfield is led by captain and Scholastic All-American Nick Lapponese at No, 8, and he has started where he left off last year, plying superbly, leading well, and scoring five tries in the first warmup games. Daniel Enright, flyhalf who is a convert from Gaelic football has a superb boot and unleashed two 50-22s against Buffalo. John Thompson, who was a standout at Gonzaga and is the grandson of legendary Georgetown basketball coach of the same name, has been excellent at flanker. His work rate, physicality, and rugby IQ are excellent.
Chris Giunta and Rob Betsais are younger players who have plenty of skills; Giunta is a center with a good sidestep and Betsais is a hardworking lock who played every minute last season.