Two D1AA conference champions were crowned this weekend, and the playoff picture cleared for a few other conferences, as well.

Hawks Fly In Final Moments

Paced by some dynamic player from Aram Keshgegian, St. Joseph's came back to defeat West Chester 47-38 in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference (MARC) final. Keshgegians long run for a try erased a five-point deficit late in the game.

That win puts St. Joe's once again in the D1AA fall final eight.

Wildcats Rule

Meanwhile, Kentucky defeated South Carolina on Saturday and Alabama on Sunday by virtually identical scores - 38-31 and 36-31 - to win the SCRC. Last year's conference Player Of The Year, Brendon Essons, was outstanding on the weekend, and scrumhalf Grant Broeder was strong, as well.

"Last year we stayed healthy this year we have had a fair amount of injuries," said Kentucky head coach Gary Anderson. "Freshmen played a big role for us with 8 freshman playing big minutes this weekend."

UK takes Back to Back SEC titles over a very good Alabama side. pic.twitter.com/5ZCmgaaMgi

— Kentucky Men's Rugby (@WildcatRFC) November 4, 2018

Speaking of the similarity of the scores for the semis and the final, Anderson said "the conference is very close; I think we just have a little more depth."

Alabama beat Tennessee 21-17 in the other semi, again showing how close the teams are. This is Kentucky's first back-to-back conference championship run since 1987-1988.

Down To Two In MAC

Bowling Green shut out Cincinnati 51-0, with flyhalf Adam Kubicki and fullback Timothy May each scoring two tries. Led by flanker Ryan Steinmetz, BGSU's defense has been barely touchable the last couple of weeks. 

Bowling Green will face the only team to beat the Falcons in conference play this year, Western Michigan, in the final. WMU downed Lousiville 53-8 to confirm the Moosemen's place in the championship game November 10.

Center Kyle Williams and flanker Matthew Compeau each scored two tries. The winner goes on to the playoffs.

Ivy League Final Set

Brown and Dartmouth won in the semifinals to set up next week's title match. Brown took care of Penn 45-26, while Dartmouth torched Yale 99-7. Dartmouth is the heavy favorite to win the final.

Chesapeake Down To The Wire

Mary Washington won a scrappy match with Mount St. Mary's in a forwards-dominated game. But the big news was Salisbury defeated James Madison 48-22 to secure a place in the 2nd-3rd playoff game. UMW has clinched 1st as a result.

Now the only question is whether JMU can earn a bonus point or two and slide up to third when Madison plays Mary Washington next week. Even if JMU gets one bonus point, it could well not be enough, as tiebreakers come into effect. MSM holds 3rd at the moment.

Lindenwood-Belleville continued its strong run of results with a very creditable 29-10 loss to Lindenwood, the D1A program.