Life takes on Cal in the D1A men’s college final on Saturday in Santa Clara, and it’s the first time in seven years that the two teams have met in 15s.

"We are proud to reach the final. It is typical to play teams in the postseason that you don't normally see in the regular season,” said Cal captain Thomas Robles, who has been outstanding this postseason. 

But this is more than just a “team you don’t normally see.’ This is Cal with the history versus Life the still relatively new upstart. Forget that Life has been in the D1A final five times in a row - this is about the established against the new establishment.

The Life players know this, and know how to handle it, said Running Eagles head coach Colton Cariaga.

“The guys are focused,” said Cariaga. “We have had good, intense trainings, but nothing too much. They players have definitely matured, and they know how to handle the adrenalin and anxiety in a big game.”

That, said Cariaga, is because his team has had tough games throughout the season. Yes the Running Eagles have won big, but, said the coach, they had also had challenging road trips, and perhaps their opponents have been ore difficult than might appear.

“What I’m pleased with is that the guys just tae the feedback and run with it,” said Cariaga. “And against Penn State the guys jumped out early, but when we lost our rhythm we were also able to get it back.”

Robles, for his part, said that Cal handled itself well against a physical Lindenwood team.

"We were pleased with our composure,” said Robles. “[It’s] still not that close to what we're capable of, but we showed grit and composure.”

As for improvement, said the Cal No. 8, “for sure, we need to make sure our exit strategies from our own half of the field are polished."

So, everyone holding things close to the vest. What fans know is this promises to be an end-to-end battle, and a close one.