This was by far the most exciting Zeta season in recent history. Three different teams held the #1 spot during the course of the season, and really it came down to a Week 15 game between the Pandas and Ho Chi to it being a 4th team in #1.
Some quick hits about Zeta: Hong Kong still scares the bejeeesus outta me in the playoffs. Taiwan definately proved that they can hang with the best, even with the bullseye on them for the majority of the season. Who would've thought at the beginning of the season, that Krak and Ho Chi, the top two teams of the conference since season 3 (each teams respective inaugaral pro season) would finish out of the top 3? Put your hand down dkgojackets, stick to punting. Lets see if NACJAC can keep the playoff win streak going (currently 12). What a fall from grace Peking Stampede had, going from a playoff team last year to AAA this year. Without further adieu, here are the top 8 teams that will showdown for a chance to rep Zeta in the Super Wok (i'm calling it that cause thats the best name suggested, and its my column so fuck all y'all.)
1) Taiwan Blood Pandas (15-1)- This team was really no surprise to anyone who did their homework. I know the solitary loss to the Red Warriors stings, especially since they had been waiting to play Krak since season 1. But, these two teams have a chance to meet in Round 2 if (IIIIIIFFFFFF) each team wins its first game. Taiwan has their AAA counterpart from last year, the Manila Warlords up first. Even though Taiwan dominated Manila in their matchup this year 30-7, I am not going to write off the Warlords solely due to the fact that they probably have the most experience playing the Pandas out of every team in SEA Pro. That being said, the Pandas have too much talent and overpower the Warlords. Prediction: Pandas, 34-24.
2) Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon (14-2)- The defending SEA Pro Champs did very well during the season in which they said they "would be spending less time playing than in previous years". I hope they refocus their efforts in the playoffs so they get a legit shot at defending their crown, as the Bangkok Seamen did in seasons 2 & 3. This team is always the hardest to predict: They blewout teams like the Red Warriors and the Ducks, narrowly defeated the Tweets and Highlanders, and got skunked by the Pandas and Ho Chi. As in previous games, I believe much of their success hinges on their play at DE and at WR. Their first round matchup is against the Guangzhou Ducks, whom they crushed in the regular season by two touchdowns. Prediction: NACJAC, 27-10.
3) Hong Kong Highlanders (14-2)- This team really flew under the radar last year, but with strong offseason moves and a beastly running game, have drawn attention from everybody in the league. Their only losses came from the #1 and #2 seeds, losing only by a TD to NACJAC. They have the fiesty Bangkok Tweetys up first, a team they also narrowly escaped by a TD. I think Bangkok matches up very nicely with the Highlanders, and although i'm picking Hong Kong to win, an upset by the Tweets would not surprise me. Prediction: 20-19 Highlanders.
4) Krakatoan Red Warriors (13-3)- This team is a powder keg of unpredictability. They have a glaring loss to NACJAC, a very tightly played loss to Hong Kong in which they were favored, and an embarrassing loss to the #8 team Manila. On the flip side they are the only team to have knocked off the king of the mountain Pandas, by the narrowest of margins. They also beat a VERY tough opponent from Alpha, Phuket All, in a great defensive showing against the #2 passing offense in the land. They played a great game in Week 2 against their Round 1 opponent Ho Chi Mean Hot Mamas, and this playoff rematch promises not to disappoint. One of Zeta's biggest rivalries, and one well known throughout SEA Pro, its a shame we have it in the first round. Just goes to show how well Zeta has improved since Season 3. Prediction: I picked Phuket to win today, i'm not picking against my team again in the playoffs. This game though, will be won by 3 points or by 27. Krakatoan 24-20.
5) Ho Chi Mean Hot Mamas (13-3)- It was apparent to me, that Ho Chi did not play up to its standard of football (loldots, whatever) and was made clear late in the season as its owner confessed to some RL distractions which I know I can relate with. Hopefully the Rat will have time to devote to scouting and gameplanning for the playoffs, as we could very very easily see Zeta rep'd in the final game by the #5 seed. They did not make things easy for themselves though, having no home games these playoffs for the first time... well, ever. Huge rivalry game in round 1 against Krak, which would really not be an upset if the Mamas pulled off the victory. Should be the game of the week in all of the playoffs, save for maybe a #3 vs. #6 game of Bangkok vs. Phuket in Alpha. Prediction: Krak, 24-20.
6) Bangkok Tweetys (11-5)- This team made a great run to the championship game last year, upending the heavily favored Hot Mamas on the way. Do they have enough in them for another high-caliber streak to the finish line? They definately have the tools to win their first round matchup against Hong Kong in what should be the closest game in Zeta Round 1. Prediction: Hong Kong, 20-19.
7) Guangzhou Ducks (10-6)- Starting 0-4 and making the playoffs is nearly unheard of. But I always kept faith that this team would pull it together and beat teams they are capable of beating. The question mark with this team still remains, can they beat the top-tier teams ahead of them advance in the playoff? Or will they fizzle out in the first round? They did themselves no favors drawing NACJAC in round one. Prediction: NACJAC 27-10.
8) Manila Warlords (9-7)- The bubble playoff team checks in in the 8 spot. I wasn't sure what to expect of this team, coming out of what "seemed" to be the weaker AAA, and I will be the first to admit, I had written this team off after the loss to Kentucky. But they surprised everyone (especially me haha) with the Week 15 victory over Krakatoan to secure their playoff bid. Will we see that same type of play in Round 1 against Taiwan? Thats why they play the game! Prediction: Taiwan 34-24.
It was fun doing these predictions when I had the time, I wish I could've done one for every week. I tried to focus on the weeks with high profile games and it seemed to work fine. I hope the rest of the teams in Zeta that didn't quite get there (Kentucky, Port Moresby) keep recruiting in the offseason and up their caliber. Those teams have solid cores of players that surrounded by the right talent and gameplanning could compete as soon as next year. 4077th M.A.S.H staved off relocation to AAA, I hope they continue their rebuilding and we'll see you next year for a playoff run.
If everyone would like to post their predictions on who will win Zeta, feel free to reply with them. I will give you mine here.
Quarterfinals
(1) Taiwan Blood Pandas vs (8) Manila Warlords --- Taiwan
(2) NACJAC vs. (7) Guangzhou Ducks --- NACJAC
(3) Hong Kong Highlanders vs. (6) Bangkok Tweetys --- Hong Kong
(4) Krakatoan Red Warriors vs. (5) Ho Chi Mean Hot Mamas --- Krakatoan
Semifinals
(1) Taiwan Blood Pandas vs. (4) Krakatoan Red Warriors --- Krakatoan
(2) NACJAC vs. (3)Hong Kong Highlanders --- Hong Kong
Finals
(3) Hong Kong Highlanders vs. (4) Krakatoan Red Warriors --- Hong Kong
Good Luck to All! Funny Quote of the Week:
Duke Henry: You Sir, are not one of my vassals... who are you?
Ash: Who wants to know?
Duke Henry: I am Henry the Red. Duke of Shale, Lord of the Northlands and leader of its peoples.
Ash: Well hello Mister Fancypants. Well, I've got news for you pal, you ain't leadin' but two things, right now: Jack and shit... and Jack just left town.
Ash(voiceover): Sure, I could've stayed in the past.I could have even been king. But in my own way, I *am* king.
Ash: Hail to the King, baby.
Some quick hits about Zeta: Hong Kong still scares the bejeeesus outta me in the playoffs. Taiwan definately proved that they can hang with the best, even with the bullseye on them for the majority of the season. Who would've thought at the beginning of the season, that Krak and Ho Chi, the top two teams of the conference since season 3 (each teams respective inaugaral pro season) would finish out of the top 3? Put your hand down dkgojackets, stick to punting. Lets see if NACJAC can keep the playoff win streak going (currently 12). What a fall from grace Peking Stampede had, going from a playoff team last year to AAA this year. Without further adieu, here are the top 8 teams that will showdown for a chance to rep Zeta in the Super Wok (i'm calling it that cause thats the best name suggested, and its my column so fuck all y'all.)
1) Taiwan Blood Pandas (15-1)- This team was really no surprise to anyone who did their homework. I know the solitary loss to the Red Warriors stings, especially since they had been waiting to play Krak since season 1. But, these two teams have a chance to meet in Round 2 if (IIIIIIFFFFFF) each team wins its first game. Taiwan has their AAA counterpart from last year, the Manila Warlords up first. Even though Taiwan dominated Manila in their matchup this year 30-7, I am not going to write off the Warlords solely due to the fact that they probably have the most experience playing the Pandas out of every team in SEA Pro. That being said, the Pandas have too much talent and overpower the Warlords. Prediction: Pandas, 34-24.
2) Neo Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon (14-2)- The defending SEA Pro Champs did very well during the season in which they said they "would be spending less time playing than in previous years". I hope they refocus their efforts in the playoffs so they get a legit shot at defending their crown, as the Bangkok Seamen did in seasons 2 & 3. This team is always the hardest to predict: They blewout teams like the Red Warriors and the Ducks, narrowly defeated the Tweets and Highlanders, and got skunked by the Pandas and Ho Chi. As in previous games, I believe much of their success hinges on their play at DE and at WR. Their first round matchup is against the Guangzhou Ducks, whom they crushed in the regular season by two touchdowns. Prediction: NACJAC, 27-10.
3) Hong Kong Highlanders (14-2)- This team really flew under the radar last year, but with strong offseason moves and a beastly running game, have drawn attention from everybody in the league. Their only losses came from the #1 and #2 seeds, losing only by a TD to NACJAC. They have the fiesty Bangkok Tweetys up first, a team they also narrowly escaped by a TD. I think Bangkok matches up very nicely with the Highlanders, and although i'm picking Hong Kong to win, an upset by the Tweets would not surprise me. Prediction: 20-19 Highlanders.
4) Krakatoan Red Warriors (13-3)- This team is a powder keg of unpredictability. They have a glaring loss to NACJAC, a very tightly played loss to Hong Kong in which they were favored, and an embarrassing loss to the #8 team Manila. On the flip side they are the only team to have knocked off the king of the mountain Pandas, by the narrowest of margins. They also beat a VERY tough opponent from Alpha, Phuket All, in a great defensive showing against the #2 passing offense in the land. They played a great game in Week 2 against their Round 1 opponent Ho Chi Mean Hot Mamas, and this playoff rematch promises not to disappoint. One of Zeta's biggest rivalries, and one well known throughout SEA Pro, its a shame we have it in the first round. Just goes to show how well Zeta has improved since Season 3. Prediction: I picked Phuket to win today, i'm not picking against my team again in the playoffs. This game though, will be won by 3 points or by 27. Krakatoan 24-20.
5) Ho Chi Mean Hot Mamas (13-3)- It was apparent to me, that Ho Chi did not play up to its standard of football (loldots, whatever) and was made clear late in the season as its owner confessed to some RL distractions which I know I can relate with. Hopefully the Rat will have time to devote to scouting and gameplanning for the playoffs, as we could very very easily see Zeta rep'd in the final game by the #5 seed. They did not make things easy for themselves though, having no home games these playoffs for the first time... well, ever. Huge rivalry game in round 1 against Krak, which would really not be an upset if the Mamas pulled off the victory. Should be the game of the week in all of the playoffs, save for maybe a #3 vs. #6 game of Bangkok vs. Phuket in Alpha. Prediction: Krak, 24-20.
6) Bangkok Tweetys (11-5)- This team made a great run to the championship game last year, upending the heavily favored Hot Mamas on the way. Do they have enough in them for another high-caliber streak to the finish line? They definately have the tools to win their first round matchup against Hong Kong in what should be the closest game in Zeta Round 1. Prediction: Hong Kong, 20-19.
7) Guangzhou Ducks (10-6)- Starting 0-4 and making the playoffs is nearly unheard of. But I always kept faith that this team would pull it together and beat teams they are capable of beating. The question mark with this team still remains, can they beat the top-tier teams ahead of them advance in the playoff? Or will they fizzle out in the first round? They did themselves no favors drawing NACJAC in round one. Prediction: NACJAC 27-10.
8) Manila Warlords (9-7)- The bubble playoff team checks in in the 8 spot. I wasn't sure what to expect of this team, coming out of what "seemed" to be the weaker AAA, and I will be the first to admit, I had written this team off after the loss to Kentucky. But they surprised everyone (especially me haha) with the Week 15 victory over Krakatoan to secure their playoff bid. Will we see that same type of play in Round 1 against Taiwan? Thats why they play the game! Prediction: Taiwan 34-24.
It was fun doing these predictions when I had the time, I wish I could've done one for every week. I tried to focus on the weeks with high profile games and it seemed to work fine. I hope the rest of the teams in Zeta that didn't quite get there (Kentucky, Port Moresby) keep recruiting in the offseason and up their caliber. Those teams have solid cores of players that surrounded by the right talent and gameplanning could compete as soon as next year. 4077th M.A.S.H staved off relocation to AAA, I hope they continue their rebuilding and we'll see you next year for a playoff run.
If everyone would like to post their predictions on who will win Zeta, feel free to reply with them. I will give you mine here.
Quarterfinals
(1) Taiwan Blood Pandas vs (8) Manila Warlords --- Taiwan
(2) NACJAC vs. (7) Guangzhou Ducks --- NACJAC
(3) Hong Kong Highlanders vs. (6) Bangkok Tweetys --- Hong Kong
(4) Krakatoan Red Warriors vs. (5) Ho Chi Mean Hot Mamas --- Krakatoan
Semifinals
(1) Taiwan Blood Pandas vs. (4) Krakatoan Red Warriors --- Krakatoan
(2) NACJAC vs. (3)Hong Kong Highlanders --- Hong Kong
Finals
(3) Hong Kong Highlanders vs. (4) Krakatoan Red Warriors --- Hong Kong
Good Luck to All! Funny Quote of the Week:
Duke Henry: You Sir, are not one of my vassals... who are you?
Ash: Who wants to know?
Duke Henry: I am Henry the Red. Duke of Shale, Lord of the Northlands and leader of its peoples.
Ash: Well hello Mister Fancypants. Well, I've got news for you pal, you ain't leadin' but two things, right now: Jack and shit... and Jack just left town.
Ash(voiceover): Sure, I could've stayed in the past.I could have even been king. But in my own way, I *am* king.
Ash: Hail to the King, baby.
