Yup, only a month behind their D3 brothers, all eight D2 teams will finally be in action this Saturday. Miami RFC are the defending state champions, and should be a factor again, while others will be in the mix as well. I think this could be one of the closest races in years with no one or two teams significantly better or worse than the rest. Oh, you want a predicted order of finish, do you? Well, let's give this a shot and see how close I get:

1) Fort Lauderdale

2) Miami

3) Boca Raton

4) Jacksonville

5) Krewe

6) Tridents

7) Naples

8) Orlando

With that said, now Orlando will probably win the whole thing. Don't forget to send all comments on these predictions to sidelinewhisperer@rugbyfl.com and maybe I'll post some of the best responses next week. 

Now, on to this weekend:

Division 2 (View schedule, results and standings)

Jacksonville (1-0) at Miami RFC (0-0): Well, well, well. Thanks to Jax's unexpected 29-10 crushing of Krewe on the road last month, this contest suddenly has a little pizzazz to it. Was that result just a fluke, or was Jax's second-half shutout and the fact they traveled with a full 23-man squad a sign of improving fortunes for the men from the NE corner of the state? With the success of the local rugby league side, the Jax Axemen, over the last few years, you had to wonder if that would ever trickle down to the union side improving at some point, and I think it might finally have. However, Miami are no slouches, and the five-hour ride down south will certainly take a bit out of the visiting team. The Bumblebees will want to defend their state title and their numbers are strong from what my sources tell me. Can they stay away from Art Basel parties this weekend and come out strong in their fall season opener? I think so, but it could be a close one if Jax brings numbers and their momentum. Miami RFC 28, Jacksonville 22 (Result Miami RFC 27, Jacksonville 36)

Miami Tridents (0-0) at Fort Lauderdale (0-0): The host Knights got off to a rough start last season, losing two of their first three games, but then went on to reach the state finals, where they fell to Miami RFC. They have added some more talent this year, and the return of some of the UCF players who won back-to-back titles to their South Florida home area has this team thinking about a long postseason run. The Tridents, meanwhile, finished just outside the playoffs last campaign and aren't getting any younger. Do they still have the legs left in them to compete for a playoff spot? In their only preseason game vs. a senior team, they lost 29-19 to Palm Beach. I wouldn't read a whole lot into that result, but I just don't see them hanging around with the Knights in this contest. Fort Lauderdale 30, Miami Tridents 17 (Result: Fort Lauderdale 45, Miami Tridents 23)

Naples (0-0) at Boca Raton (0-0): The Hammerheads are a bit of an unknown factor for me coming into this season. They lost some key players last season and ended up going 3-7, and with Sarasota's success potentially taking away some talent, you have to wonder what the guys in green and white have up their sleeve this season, especially as they didn't play any official friendlies September-November. As for Boca, they lost in the state semis to hated rivals Fort Lauderdale on a drop goal, and while a couple of key forwards are gone, the FAU pipeline is still alive and well, and the Bucs always seem to find a way to remain competitive. Going with the home team, here. Boca Raton 24, Naples 10. (Result: Boca Raton 29, Naples 7).

Orlando (0-0) at Tampa Krewe (0-1): Orlando played pretty well at AFW, and showed signs of improvement towards the end of last year's 4-6 season with big wins over Jacksonville and Naples. This I-4 rivalry is always a fun one to watch, and last year's sole meeting was squeaked out by Krewe 21-18. Speaking of the guys in red, black and yellow, their home loss to Jacksonville last month is a little concerning, but they did start last season 0-2 with losses to Naples and Tridents, so maybe they're just used to starting slow. For that reason, I think I like O-town to come west and knock off the home team in a slight upset. Orlando 20, Tampa Krewe 17 (Result: Orlando 24, Tampa Krewe 21)

Division 3  (View schedule, results and standings)

Bay Area Pelicans (0-2) at Tampa Krewe (0-3): I guess someone has to win this game, right? The fact Tampa hasn't scored more than seven points in a game this season leads me to believe that the Pelis might pull this one out. Bay Area Pelicans 25, Tampa Krewe 7. (Result: Bay Area Pelicans 33, Tampa Krewe 8)

Sarasota (1-2) at Daytona (3-0): Well, talk about an early time to have what is basically a must-win game for the Surge. No, a loss won't put them out off the playoffs at this point, but it would likely mean having to win out the rest of the way. Daytona has got off to a great start since dropping down and will want to keep pace with 4-0 Gainesville and maintain a spot in the top two, as they will want to host a semifinal. Have to like the Coconuts with their momentum and the fact they won't be driving three hours before the game. Daytona 27, Sarasota 23. (Result: Daytona 26, Sarasota 26)

Palm Beach (2-0) vs. Brevard (2-1): I saved the best for last here, as this local rivalry has a lot riding on it with both teams in the playoff mix at the moment. Brevard fell to Daytona by eight in the first week of the season, but then knocked off Sarasota in their last game to show they are ready to compete for a top four spot once again this season. Palm Beach, meanwhile, will face their first real test having beaten Tampa and Indian River so far. Hard to say how good the Panthers are this season, but we'll certainly know after this one. I think Brevard has enough talent and momentum to hand the men in black their first loss in a high-scoring affair. Brevard 38, Palm Beach 34. (Result: Brevard 12, Palm Beach 52).

Last Week: 1-0

Season: 9-5 (64.3%)

All Time: 110-39 (73.8%)