This has been quite a season. For the first time in three years the league will see a new champion crowned. Much respect goes to the Chargers for the level of excellence they have managed to maintain for all of these years. They have faced all comers and have defeated them all. During their run they have faced four different opponents (Wildcats 2x, Asfit, Overachievers and Warriors) in five championship games. None of the games came within 10 points*. This is a dominance we may never see again!
Parity is the name of the game this season. For the first time in as long as anyone can remember none of the top four seeds have made the finals. Had the Saints managed to hold off the Titans during the semi-finals the finals would have had two wildcard teams.
Since the time of the last non-charger title Asfit broke up, joined the Warriors, left the Warriors to form Asfit again (made the final) only to join the Warriors again, while the Warriors (without Asfit) have won the "B" playoffs.
During this same time the Nittany Lions AND the Titans have won the "B" championship only for the Nittany Lions to dissolve, with leftover members joining forces with the Titans. Since Sasso and Wood have joined the Titans, the Titans have seen a steady increase of success. Their first season together found the Titans losing in the second round. Their following season saw the Titans lose to the Chargers in the semi's as Sasso played valiantly on one ankle. Finally, the Titans have found the opportunity that has alluded them for years. It should be noted, the last two teams that have beaten the Saints in the semi-finals have gone on to lose the finals (Warriors and Overachievers).
For those of you who have found yourself in the "B" understand that perseverance and improvement are the keys to success. Unless you want to misrepresent yourself in other leagues, promise league payment and pick up players who might not otherwise show!
Time for the picks:
Raiders v Giants - The Raiders have seemingly fallen on hard times. Upon closer inspection of their record the line between A and B is a thin one. Of the Raider's five losses four were by less than a touchdown. Two of those games saw the Raiders leading the game late only to cough up a loss. After the success of the fall campaign the Giants found themselves in the toughest division in the league and with a ramped up schedule. In addition to these issues the Giants found themselves in the midst of a quarterback change. After starting the season 0-3 the Giants finished winning four of their last seven games. During the playoff the Raiders have beaten the Silverbacks, the Spartans and the Crimson Tide. The Giants have vanquished the Seahawks, Quick Set and the Bulldogs (will the Bulldogs just take your ass whoopin and shut the hell up!). Neither team has been tested. The defenses have been the strength of both teams, but the Giants look to be stronger. The Raiders have mixed and matched all season long. The first game saw the Giants win in dramatic come from behind fashion. Rematches never go well for the team that won the first time. Raiders win the "B"!
Warriors v Titans - The Warriors started out the season a bit slow as they faced the Wildcats and the Chargers in the opening weeks while trying to incorporate freshmen Todfeec Hill. Their three losses came against opponents with a combined record of 24-6. This team is battle tested. In the semi-finals the Warriors overcame fatigue due to a tournament, an 8 o'clock start, a gruesome injury to Robert Price (get well) in that tournament, and a late arrival by Reese Singletary. The Titans had about as off-the-radar season as one could have going 7-3 and winning their division. The only blip on the screen came against the chihuahua Jaguars and the followup Facebook fallout. Coming into the semi final game the Titans were seemingly huge underdogs. They even played up to it as the Titans found themselves down two scores and throwing three interceptions. However, the Titan defense managed to confound the Saints and won the game on extra point conversions. These two teams faced off earlier in the season with the Warriors being so thoroughly dominant it looked as if the Titans were just trying to escape the game without an injury. The game was so one-sided I am having a hard time believing the Titans can make it competitive. The Warriors can finally go back to Pennsylvania and tell the truth. Congratulations.
All Star Game - Congratulations to the "All Stars" selected to the game. The game is made to be a celebration of our little fraternity. Sure there will be snubs and omissions, but if you want better representation then the captains of the teams should vote! 13 of 31 teams voted which includes two division winners neglecting to submit votes. One side seems to have a decided talent advantage, but you know what? It does not matter. We're all winners unless you scored 18 touchdowns in nine games and got snubbed!
*Wildcats championship games were ended early due to fighting.