3 games left to play, 2 to determine who is promoted, 1 to determine the overall BBB 13 champion. That’s right, we’re down to the conference championships and if you win one game at this point, you’re moving up out of the 13. It’s go time for four teams, the Austin Lumberjacks, Dallas Strikers, Miami Canes and New Orleans Golden Kangaroos. 57 regular season wins and more postseason wins than combined losses (8-7). It’s go time, let’s check out the predictions. I got all 4 games right this week, but that doesn’t mean anything at this point as each team can win from here on out.
WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP – The Texas Derby
(1) 1. Austin Lumberjacks v. (6) 3. Dallas Strikers – The last matchup between these teams was a terrific battle, all the way back in just the second game of the year. The Lumberjacks won that game in large part to a bend but don’t break defense. Rooster Andrews, the Lumberjack place kicker, missed his easiest kick of the night, but also went 3 of 3 from 50+ yards and made the difference with 6 converted field goals in the 24-16 victory over the Maulers. The Strikers held off a second consecutive upset bid by the Resurrection with a field goal with just a minute remaining to put the game not out of reach, but under control. Mitchell Maleckyj took care of business as Dallas held on from his place kickers spot. The championship will be a great defensive battle, but there will be only one team to advance. It’s going to be the Lumberjacks who will be able to force turnovers from the Strikers in order to continue the bend but don’t break defense. The Strikers committed five turnovers against the Resurrection and won’t be able to do enough to see USA A#7, at least not this season, but maybe soon. Austin 23-7 Dallas
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP - The Hurricane Lands Showdown
(2) 1. Miami Canes v. (4) 2. New Orleans Golden Kangaroos – The Canes and the Roos are throwing down yet again as they are appropriately in the 1-2 spot and are back in the battle of 1 vs. 2. The first time these two teams met, it took a 42 yard field goal my Morten Andersen Jr. with just 39 seconds left on the clock to decide the winner. Miami is coming off the biggest victory in the conference semis with a 9 point victory over Key Largo, getting a huge boost again from kicker Andersen Jr. The man has been the biggest scoring threat of the Canes while the defense does well enough to win. New Orleans was able to knock off the Rivermen with another big performance from who else, but a kicker! Strongfoot Rimfalk missed his only extra point attempt, but also went 4 of 5 on field goals to help push the Golden Kangaroos past in a 2 point victory. This will be another great game which will come down to which kicker is more accurate in field goals longer than 40 yards. Yes, I’m being that specific in my prediction. The Miami Canes survive thanks to their kicker to set up an epic battle of 1 vs. 1. Miami 19-17 New Orleans
WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP – The Texas Derby
(1) 1. Austin Lumberjacks v. (6) 3. Dallas Strikers – The last matchup between these teams was a terrific battle, all the way back in just the second game of the year. The Lumberjacks won that game in large part to a bend but don’t break defense. Rooster Andrews, the Lumberjack place kicker, missed his easiest kick of the night, but also went 3 of 3 from 50+ yards and made the difference with 6 converted field goals in the 24-16 victory over the Maulers. The Strikers held off a second consecutive upset bid by the Resurrection with a field goal with just a minute remaining to put the game not out of reach, but under control. Mitchell Maleckyj took care of business as Dallas held on from his place kickers spot. The championship will be a great defensive battle, but there will be only one team to advance. It’s going to be the Lumberjacks who will be able to force turnovers from the Strikers in order to continue the bend but don’t break defense. The Strikers committed five turnovers against the Resurrection and won’t be able to do enough to see USA A#7, at least not this season, but maybe soon. Austin 23-7 Dallas
EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP - The Hurricane Lands Showdown
(2) 1. Miami Canes v. (4) 2. New Orleans Golden Kangaroos – The Canes and the Roos are throwing down yet again as they are appropriately in the 1-2 spot and are back in the battle of 1 vs. 2. The first time these two teams met, it took a 42 yard field goal my Morten Andersen Jr. with just 39 seconds left on the clock to decide the winner. Miami is coming off the biggest victory in the conference semis with a 9 point victory over Key Largo, getting a huge boost again from kicker Andersen Jr. The man has been the biggest scoring threat of the Canes while the defense does well enough to win. New Orleans was able to knock off the Rivermen with another big performance from who else, but a kicker! Strongfoot Rimfalk missed his only extra point attempt, but also went 4 of 5 on field goals to help push the Golden Kangaroos past in a 2 point victory. This will be another great game which will come down to which kicker is more accurate in field goals longer than 40 yards. Yes, I’m being that specific in my prediction. The Miami Canes survive thanks to their kicker to set up an epic battle of 1 vs. 1. Miami 19-17 New Orleans
