I hope you are all sufficiently sunburnt after Vegas and Ruggerfest. While I didn't get to visit Sin City this year, I did get to watch some action in Fort Lauderdale last weekend, and saw some great high-level rugby that isn't usually showcased in this state of ours. The visitors from Argentina, Alumni RFC, were the real deal, and showed just how further Florida rugby still has to come. 

Now we get into the stretch run of the season, with both D2 and D3 having games scheduled for four of the next five weekends, finishing up on March 28.

Oh, and it appears I need to step up my game if gifttimerugby.com is going to provide some friendly prediction competition! At least this fine site's administrator, Charlee Velazquez, didn't have the ego to name a rugby site after himself. And to my fans, you know who the original predictor is. WHISPERER 4 LIFE!

Email me at sidelinewhisperer@rugbyfl.com if you have any comments, criticisms, or you're Gift Egbelu and want to set up something head-to-head.

Division II

Jacksonville (5-1) at Tridents (3-3): Jax's three-point win over Orlando two weeks ago has them in the driver's seat when it comes to securing a home semifinal in April. Another win here would certainly help their cause even more, although they do still have games against Boca and Orlando to come. Tridents, meanwhile, have kept their playoff hopes alive with back-to-back wins over Miami RFC and Naples. A fourth loss could be a killer blow though, even with two very winnable games against 0-6 Krewe next month. One note: these two teams will meet again on March 21. While it's a long trip for Jax, I think they'll have just enough to squeak this one out. An upset wouldn't surprise me by any means, however. Jacksonville 28, Tridents 25

Boca Raton (6-0) at Orlando (4-2): The Buccaneers continue their quest for an undefeated season here as they play their final road game. Their last three games are at home against tough opposition in Jax, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, however, so running the table won't be easy by any means. Orlando are coming off a heartbreaking loss to Jax in a game they lost a sizable lead in. That might be in the back of their mind in this one, and I think the Buccaneers will have enough to put the Griffins away and make Orlando's final three games very interesting if they want to make the postseason. Boca Raton 24, Orlando 14 

Naples (1-5) at Miami RFC (1-5): Two teams already out of playoff contention meet in the 305. I'll take the home team in a romp. Miami 42, Naples 0

Tampa (0-6) at Fort Lauderdale (4-2): What should be another snoozer. Knights stay in race for home field semi in another shellacking. Fort Lauderdale 52, Tampa 7 

Division III

Palm Beach (4-0) at Tallahassee (1-2): This might not seem like an interesting matchup on paper (or your monitor), but the Panthers haven't traditionally been a good traveling team and other than their last home game against Gainesville, haven't played anyone else useful this season. The Conquistadors, meanwhile, have been all over the place with a blowout win, a blowout loss and a tight loss. I think the guys in black will bring enough of a team to handle Tally. Palm Beach 31, Tallahassee 17

Brevard (2-2) at Indian River (0-4): Indian River, bless 'em, have scored 17 points and allowed 270 points in four games this season. I'll give them credit for showing up each week, but this is going to be another crushing. Brevard 62, Indian River 5

Sarasota (1-2-1) at Pelicans (2-2): Can the Surge get their crap together and start playing like their capable of? They better if they don't want to take a third loss of the season here to a Pelicans team that can surprise on occasion. However, the Pelis' two wins have come against teams with a combined 0-9 record. Surge roll. Sarasota 48, Pelicans 12

Gainesville (4-1) at Daytona (4-0): Saving the best for last here in D3. This game should be a cracker, with both teams fighting for a home semifinal. The Hogs are coming off a demoralizing shutout loss at Palm Beach, while Daytona have yet to lose in their first season since dropping down from D2. I like the Coconuts and their momentum at home in a tight contest. Daytona 22, Gainesville 19

Last Week: 1-0
This Season: 31-11-1 (72.1%)
All-Time: 132-45-1 (74.2%)