July 9, 2008
Tana River, Alaska (AP): The playoffs are fast approaching. Some teams have secured their seeds while others continue to battle. In the East, Tecmo and New Jersey have secured the first and second seed, baring some major upsets. In the West, Honolulu, Timpanogos, and Tana River have secured the top three seeds, respectively. The Chihuahuas still need to win one of their remaining three to secure the fourth seed. After this the playoff picture starts to get murky. Looking into the muddy pool, seven teams own a record of 8-5. After these teams, there are a few others with legitimate shots of stealing a playoff birth.
In the West, two teams felt like they would do much better this season. Los Angeles was projected to be a top four seed. Throughout the season they have struggled. Their longest win streak has been three games. They are looking stronger now as they need to play better to secure a playoff spot. They are not in panic mode yet, as they sit on an 8-5 record. Their final three games are all against playoff bound teams. To make sure they secure a spot, they must win at least one of these games.
Long Beach is another team many felt would challenge for a top four seed. They also have not put together more than a three game win streak. The remaining schedule for Long Beach is much easier than Los Angeles. Only one playoff bound team remains. Unless two major upsets occur, Long Beach will be in the playoffs.
Chicago is on the outside looking in. They sit with a 7-6 record. The experts have predicted they will finish the final three games with a 2-1 record to give them an overall record of 9-7. Their only real chance of making the playoffs then is if Los Angeles drops at least one of their games. Earlier in the season, Chicago went to LA and left with a victory. If the two teams end with a tie record, Chicago will win the tie break.
The Eastern playoff hunt doesn't look as complicated on the surface. Eight teams make the playoffs, eight teams have winning records. Pretty cut and dry. There is a wrinkle though. The 10-Yard Fight travel to Tampa Bay to battle the Krakens. Currently Tampa Bay has a one game lead on the Fight. If the Fight can win this game, the two teams will own the same 7-7 record. Tampa Bay will have to play well as the Fight have come on strong lately. After this game, the Fight have a difficult game against FC Hezbollah. Tampa Bay has a difficult intra-conference game against Honolulu. This is an important game for both teams. The Fight is this writer's dark horse.
The biggest game of the week doesn't involve any of these teams. This is a highly anticipated game. The Chicago vs Possum Trot game has been bumped from their TV slot so more viewers can tune in. Tickets are hot for this game. People are paying five times the face value for tickets. Lakewood makes the journey to Montana for the epic battle of the Lancers and the Crow. Recently the Crow have hired some outside help from one of the best BBB 12 general managers from the Beach Boys. The Lancers are fighting back with help from the Dub All-Stars. Forget the thirty-one game losing streak. Forget the eight game losing streak. Everything comes down to this one game. This will determine the season for these two teams. A Crow player was contacted, but asked to remain anonymous. His voice full of excitement, “This is the reason I got into football. Some people think it is for all the hoes and drugs, I mean that all nice, but this is real football. This is what dreams are made of.” The Lancers have remained quiet and determined. Look for a hard fought battle, one to tell the grandkids about.