Game Recaps from Week 4:
Fiji Rage (3-0) vs Samoa Savages (3-0) (Prediction: Samoa by 10, 34-24.)
Well, Fiji just made the major statement that that are not only a playoff team, but possibly one of the top teams with their defeat of Samoa, 16-7. This was just an all around solid game by the Rage squad – defense made it difficult for Samoa to move the ball and the offense was able to move it effectively. Powerful rushing lead the way with David Oku HB (20 Rush, 66.5yds; 1 Rec, 13yds; 1 TD) and Rich Head HB (23 Rush, 109.5yds; 2 Rec, 15.5yds; 0 TD) each having good days. Congratulations to Fiji to be on top of the leader board and the only remaining unbeaten team.
DECATUR STALEYS (3-0) vs Komodo Dragons (2-1) (Prediction: DECATUR by 28, 45-17)
Komodo brought their best game and knocked off the previously unbeaten DECATUR team even giving up two kick-offs returned for TDs by the STALEYS’ DOCTOR SHUTZUMDOWN (ugh, more caps!). The Dragons, behind the rushing of Moving Wall (39 rushes, 156 yards, 3 TDs) and the receiving of mitchell orr (2 rec, 85 yards), were able to just pound the ball away at DECATUR. Also, the Dragon defense was able to generate 2 turnovers. Major victory for Komodo and definitely says they are one of the teams to be reckoned with.
Honolulu Skulls (2-1) vs Suva Sparkless (0-3) (Prediction: Honolulu by 202, 202-0)
Well, I was right about the outcome for the first time today (thank goodness!). Honolulu gave it their best attempt to get to the 200 mark, but didn’t quite make it in their comfortable trashing of Suva, 169-0. There’s not much to say about this game other than the Skulls were unstoppable, with a total offensive production of 921 yards. Great game Skulls. I can promise it will get harder after today! Well, maybe after you trash Lexington.
Dunedin Drones (2-1) vs Christmas Islanders (1-2) (Prediction: Christmas by 7, 34-27)
What a surprising destruction of Dunedin! Christmas restates their case for being considered in the good teams with the thorough pummeling, 52-7. Two pick 6s by the Islanders helped the cause, but really the Islanders defense was able to break up the Drones drives and forces punts as Dunedin punted 11 times to Christmas’ 3. Big days for Marshall Smith HB (23 Rush, 85yds; 6 Rec, 114.5yds; 4 TD), Sam Speedy Shady WR (5 Rec, 106yds, 1 TD), and William W Smith QB (21/31, 306.5yds, 3 TD, 1 Int) as Christmas wins the battle decisively of last seasons A level Zeta Champions.
Ayers Rock Krakens (2-1) vs Port Moresby Scallywags (2-1) (Prediction: Port Moresby by 9, 33-24)
Port Moresby sends out a friendly, “Welcome to AA, Ayers Rock!” as they beat up the Krakens, 55-26. Very clean game by the Scallywags as they rolled big time over Ayers Rock. Stephan Decator HB (12 Rush, 154.5yds; 2 Rec, 9.5yds; 2 TD) and Ana Bolic HB (26 Rush, 174yds, 20 broken tackles; 2 Rec, 13.5yds; 1 TD) truly ran the Krakens defense into the ground. But that wasn’t the only thing working well for Port Moresby as Chuck DaDuck QB (21/32, 260.5yds, 4 TD, 0 Int) also had an outstanding day throwing to Achilles Bodlin and eat mydust. No one can count out the Scallywags as one of the teams that will be in the competition late into the season.
Alaska Wild (1-2) vs Lexington Armada (0-3) (Prediction: Alaska by 47, 60-13)
Alaska has another great day as they down Lexington in expected fashion, 55-16. This contest went like it was scripted with Lance Ball HB (26 Rush, 186yds; 8 Rec, 50yds; 5 TD) leading the way for the Wild in this victory. However, this was a pretty sloppy day for both teams overall with a total of 6 interceptions and 2 fumbles. But the Wild rushing proved to be the difference as they averaged 5.2 yds/rush. Things will get tougher now for Alaska as they move on to face the injury Samoa Savages.
Dayton Gunslingers (1-2) vs An Album Cover (0-3) (Prediction: AAC by 10, 30-20)
An Album Cover also showed one of the promoted teams that things will not be easy in AA #4 Zeta, as AAC took down the Gunslingers, 47-33. This was really a pretty close game as scoring was traded back and forth, but AAC put in a good 3rd qtr outscoring Dayton 17-6 to build a lead that they would take to the end. This was a good solid performance by both clubs, but the passing attack of Brady Jess QB (26/38, 410yds, 4 TD, 0 Int) to Matt Orr TE (4 Rec, 123.5yds, 2 TD) and Big Ernie McKrackin WR (4 Rec, 100.5yds, 1 TD) was too much for the Gunslingers on this day.
Devonport Devils (1-2) vs Rochester Iroquois (0-3) (Prediction: Devonport by 7, 31-24)
The Devils showed up big and took a little revenge from last season on Rochester while they are still trying to get their feet under themselves this season. Devonport left no doubt about this one as the won 52-19. Behind the rushing attack of nom nom nom nom nom HB (21 Rush, 131.5yds; 0 Rec, 0yds; 2 TD) and the receiving of Ty West WR (6 Rec, 125yds, 1 TD), the Devils were able to make a case for why they should be considered one of the top teams. Granted, the Iroquois haven’t won yet, but they are not a bad team and will get on the war path before long.
My Current Top 10:
(this list has an error and is updated in a later post)
1. Fiji – they have earned the top spot as the only unbeaten team.
2. Honolulu – they took out Komodo, so they earned #2.
3. Komodo – they took out DECATUR, so they earned #3.
4. DECATUR – they took out Devonport, so they earned #4.
5. Port Moresby – they took out Samoa, so I think that puts them at #5.
6. Devonport – they took out Honolulu, so they earned #6.
7. Samoa – they are a good team, but haven’t beaten anyone above them in these rankings.
8. Christmas – they beat out Dunedin for this spot.
9. Dunedin – they defeated Dayton and Rochester to earn this spot.
10. An Album Cover – we’ll see if this is right when they play Ayer Rock this week.
The others have to beat someone on this list to make it into the top 10. Do I think these are the playoff teams and final rankings. Yes and No. I do think that the top 8 are probably the playoff teams, with Dunedin and AAC having an outside chance at making it in. Do I think the top 8 are in the right order for the final rankings, no. I think 4 teams will separate themselves as the top 4 over the next 4 weeks.
Let’s take a quick look at this weeks predictions.
Fiji Rage (4-0) vs Port Moresby Scallywags (3-1)
This is going to be a fun one. Both these teams felt like I didn’t show them any respect last season. Well, they have earned it this season as proved by my rankings above. Based on those rankings, this will Fiji’s toughest contest to date to prove they are number 1. The same can be said of Port Moresby about this being their toughest opponent, other than their one loss to the Pittsburgh Steelrzs. Fiji has been playing smart and doing very well in their game planning. They have proven they can rush the ball, but the Scallywags defense will prove to be the toughest to date. Can the Rage continue their streak and reach 5-0? Or will the Scallywags storm into Fiji and steal the day? Mgoblue definitely called that last game. This will be a tough battle and could go either way. I think it could come down to the kicking game and I’ll give the edge to the Scallywags to pull the upset. Port Moresby by 3, 30-27.
Honolulu Skulls (3-1) vs Lexington Armada (0-4)
After an early loss, Honolulu has looked very solid and finds themselves at #2 in my rankings. Obviously, they won’t have any problems with the Armada this week; it is just a matter of by how much. I challenged them last week to hit 200, but they didn’t quite make it. I’ll be a little more conservative this game and pick Honolulu by 155, 161-6.
Komodo Dragons (3-1) vs Rochester Iroquois (0-4)
Komodo is riding high after their victory over DECATUR and want to continue their move up the rankings to the top. Rochester has a good team, but has been scalped the entire first part of the season. After seeing the Dragons handle the STALEYS, they are the obvious favorite in this game. One day though, Rochester will get their game plan straightened out and the Iroquois will be back on the war path – but if it doesn’t happen soon, it will be too late for season 8. Komodo continues their roll by 33, 50-17.
DECATUR STALEYS (3-1) vs Suva Sparkless (0-16)
At least DECATUR will have two easy games to lick their wounds. But in reality, the competitors that they are, I’m sure they would rather be out there against another top team this week to regain the respect. Not much to say about this except poor Suva. Bad time to face the STALEYS. DECATUR by 180, 180-0.
Samoa Savages (3-1) vs Alaska Wild (2-2)
Samoa dropped the big one to Fiji, but that may have been more due to Fiji’s strength than to Samoa’s mistake. Alaska has shown that they are much better than last season, but are they ready to compete with a team like Samoa? Earlier this season, they played Komodo and only lost 31-16. That’s not too bad of showing. I still think that the Savages are stronger than the Wild, but a mistake or two by Samoa would make this a very close game. In the end, I think it is Alaska that will make a mistake or two and Samoa will win by 10, 27-17.
Christmas Islanders (2-2) vs Dayton Gunslingers (1-3)
Christmas has been all about lose big or win big, there is no in between. Dayton has played pretty consistently and pretty well. They seem to be a little out-matched in this one, but not by much. And with the Islanders erratic play, it is hard to know what might happen. Dayton seems to be able to stop one or the other on defense, but not both. Can they do enough to mess up the Islanders? I am tempted to pick the Gunslingers in an upset, but I think the balance offensive attack of the Islanders will be too hard for Dayton to handle. Christmas by 10, 24-14.
Devonport Devils (2-2) vs Dunedin Drones (2-2)
The Battle of DD. Dis day decides da Duke of double D. Do da Devonport Devils destroy da Dunedin Drones? Or duz da Drones de Dunedin delivery da knockout due da Devils? In dis double dose of DD, da winner dons da crown of Duke DD. Da pick: Devonport downs da Drones by double digits, 30-17.
Ayers Rock Krakens (2-2) vs An Album Cover (1-3)
I can’t think straight after that last one… Ok. Ayers Rock is still trying to prove they belong in AA as they have two losses to teams from last season’s AA lineup. They face another in An Album Cover. An Album Cover has worked hard and lost to 3 good teams, and then finally defeated a promoted team last week. Can they do it again? I think the Krakens will come closer to their first victory over an old AA team, but in the end, I think AAC’s defense will prove tough enough to hold off the final drive by Ayers Rock to pull out the win. An Album Cover by 4, 24-20.
Wow, I am tired now. Hope you enjoy. Have fun with these guesses!
Fiji Rage (3-0) vs Samoa Savages (3-0) (Prediction: Samoa by 10, 34-24.)
Well, Fiji just made the major statement that that are not only a playoff team, but possibly one of the top teams with their defeat of Samoa, 16-7. This was just an all around solid game by the Rage squad – defense made it difficult for Samoa to move the ball and the offense was able to move it effectively. Powerful rushing lead the way with David Oku HB (20 Rush, 66.5yds; 1 Rec, 13yds; 1 TD) and Rich Head HB (23 Rush, 109.5yds; 2 Rec, 15.5yds; 0 TD) each having good days. Congratulations to Fiji to be on top of the leader board and the only remaining unbeaten team.
DECATUR STALEYS (3-0) vs Komodo Dragons (2-1) (Prediction: DECATUR by 28, 45-17)
Komodo brought their best game and knocked off the previously unbeaten DECATUR team even giving up two kick-offs returned for TDs by the STALEYS’ DOCTOR SHUTZUMDOWN (ugh, more caps!). The Dragons, behind the rushing of Moving Wall (39 rushes, 156 yards, 3 TDs) and the receiving of mitchell orr (2 rec, 85 yards), were able to just pound the ball away at DECATUR. Also, the Dragon defense was able to generate 2 turnovers. Major victory for Komodo and definitely says they are one of the teams to be reckoned with.
Honolulu Skulls (2-1) vs Suva Sparkless (0-3) (Prediction: Honolulu by 202, 202-0)
Well, I was right about the outcome for the first time today (thank goodness!). Honolulu gave it their best attempt to get to the 200 mark, but didn’t quite make it in their comfortable trashing of Suva, 169-0. There’s not much to say about this game other than the Skulls were unstoppable, with a total offensive production of 921 yards. Great game Skulls. I can promise it will get harder after today! Well, maybe after you trash Lexington.
Dunedin Drones (2-1) vs Christmas Islanders (1-2) (Prediction: Christmas by 7, 34-27)
What a surprising destruction of Dunedin! Christmas restates their case for being considered in the good teams with the thorough pummeling, 52-7. Two pick 6s by the Islanders helped the cause, but really the Islanders defense was able to break up the Drones drives and forces punts as Dunedin punted 11 times to Christmas’ 3. Big days for Marshall Smith HB (23 Rush, 85yds; 6 Rec, 114.5yds; 4 TD), Sam Speedy Shady WR (5 Rec, 106yds, 1 TD), and William W Smith QB (21/31, 306.5yds, 3 TD, 1 Int) as Christmas wins the battle decisively of last seasons A level Zeta Champions.
Ayers Rock Krakens (2-1) vs Port Moresby Scallywags (2-1) (Prediction: Port Moresby by 9, 33-24)
Port Moresby sends out a friendly, “Welcome to AA, Ayers Rock!” as they beat up the Krakens, 55-26. Very clean game by the Scallywags as they rolled big time over Ayers Rock. Stephan Decator HB (12 Rush, 154.5yds; 2 Rec, 9.5yds; 2 TD) and Ana Bolic HB (26 Rush, 174yds, 20 broken tackles; 2 Rec, 13.5yds; 1 TD) truly ran the Krakens defense into the ground. But that wasn’t the only thing working well for Port Moresby as Chuck DaDuck QB (21/32, 260.5yds, 4 TD, 0 Int) also had an outstanding day throwing to Achilles Bodlin and eat mydust. No one can count out the Scallywags as one of the teams that will be in the competition late into the season.
Alaska Wild (1-2) vs Lexington Armada (0-3) (Prediction: Alaska by 47, 60-13)
Alaska has another great day as they down Lexington in expected fashion, 55-16. This contest went like it was scripted with Lance Ball HB (26 Rush, 186yds; 8 Rec, 50yds; 5 TD) leading the way for the Wild in this victory. However, this was a pretty sloppy day for both teams overall with a total of 6 interceptions and 2 fumbles. But the Wild rushing proved to be the difference as they averaged 5.2 yds/rush. Things will get tougher now for Alaska as they move on to face the injury Samoa Savages.
Dayton Gunslingers (1-2) vs An Album Cover (0-3) (Prediction: AAC by 10, 30-20)
An Album Cover also showed one of the promoted teams that things will not be easy in AA #4 Zeta, as AAC took down the Gunslingers, 47-33. This was really a pretty close game as scoring was traded back and forth, but AAC put in a good 3rd qtr outscoring Dayton 17-6 to build a lead that they would take to the end. This was a good solid performance by both clubs, but the passing attack of Brady Jess QB (26/38, 410yds, 4 TD, 0 Int) to Matt Orr TE (4 Rec, 123.5yds, 2 TD) and Big Ernie McKrackin WR (4 Rec, 100.5yds, 1 TD) was too much for the Gunslingers on this day.
Devonport Devils (1-2) vs Rochester Iroquois (0-3) (Prediction: Devonport by 7, 31-24)
The Devils showed up big and took a little revenge from last season on Rochester while they are still trying to get their feet under themselves this season. Devonport left no doubt about this one as the won 52-19. Behind the rushing attack of nom nom nom nom nom HB (21 Rush, 131.5yds; 0 Rec, 0yds; 2 TD) and the receiving of Ty West WR (6 Rec, 125yds, 1 TD), the Devils were able to make a case for why they should be considered one of the top teams. Granted, the Iroquois haven’t won yet, but they are not a bad team and will get on the war path before long.
My Current Top 10:
(this list has an error and is updated in a later post)
1. Fiji – they have earned the top spot as the only unbeaten team.
2. Honolulu – they took out Komodo, so they earned #2.
3. Komodo – they took out DECATUR, so they earned #3.
4. DECATUR – they took out Devonport, so they earned #4.
5. Port Moresby – they took out Samoa, so I think that puts them at #5.
6. Devonport – they took out Honolulu, so they earned #6.
7. Samoa – they are a good team, but haven’t beaten anyone above them in these rankings.
8. Christmas – they beat out Dunedin for this spot.
9. Dunedin – they defeated Dayton and Rochester to earn this spot.
10. An Album Cover – we’ll see if this is right when they play Ayer Rock this week.
The others have to beat someone on this list to make it into the top 10. Do I think these are the playoff teams and final rankings. Yes and No. I do think that the top 8 are probably the playoff teams, with Dunedin and AAC having an outside chance at making it in. Do I think the top 8 are in the right order for the final rankings, no. I think 4 teams will separate themselves as the top 4 over the next 4 weeks.
Let’s take a quick look at this weeks predictions.
Fiji Rage (4-0) vs Port Moresby Scallywags (3-1)
This is going to be a fun one. Both these teams felt like I didn’t show them any respect last season. Well, they have earned it this season as proved by my rankings above. Based on those rankings, this will Fiji’s toughest contest to date to prove they are number 1. The same can be said of Port Moresby about this being their toughest opponent, other than their one loss to the Pittsburgh Steelrzs. Fiji has been playing smart and doing very well in their game planning. They have proven they can rush the ball, but the Scallywags defense will prove to be the toughest to date. Can the Rage continue their streak and reach 5-0? Or will the Scallywags storm into Fiji and steal the day? Mgoblue definitely called that last game. This will be a tough battle and could go either way. I think it could come down to the kicking game and I’ll give the edge to the Scallywags to pull the upset. Port Moresby by 3, 30-27.
Honolulu Skulls (3-1) vs Lexington Armada (0-4)
After an early loss, Honolulu has looked very solid and finds themselves at #2 in my rankings. Obviously, they won’t have any problems with the Armada this week; it is just a matter of by how much. I challenged them last week to hit 200, but they didn’t quite make it. I’ll be a little more conservative this game and pick Honolulu by 155, 161-6.
Komodo Dragons (3-1) vs Rochester Iroquois (0-4)
Komodo is riding high after their victory over DECATUR and want to continue their move up the rankings to the top. Rochester has a good team, but has been scalped the entire first part of the season. After seeing the Dragons handle the STALEYS, they are the obvious favorite in this game. One day though, Rochester will get their game plan straightened out and the Iroquois will be back on the war path – but if it doesn’t happen soon, it will be too late for season 8. Komodo continues their roll by 33, 50-17.
DECATUR STALEYS (3-1) vs Suva Sparkless (0-16)
At least DECATUR will have two easy games to lick their wounds. But in reality, the competitors that they are, I’m sure they would rather be out there against another top team this week to regain the respect. Not much to say about this except poor Suva. Bad time to face the STALEYS. DECATUR by 180, 180-0.
Samoa Savages (3-1) vs Alaska Wild (2-2)
Samoa dropped the big one to Fiji, but that may have been more due to Fiji’s strength than to Samoa’s mistake. Alaska has shown that they are much better than last season, but are they ready to compete with a team like Samoa? Earlier this season, they played Komodo and only lost 31-16. That’s not too bad of showing. I still think that the Savages are stronger than the Wild, but a mistake or two by Samoa would make this a very close game. In the end, I think it is Alaska that will make a mistake or two and Samoa will win by 10, 27-17.
Christmas Islanders (2-2) vs Dayton Gunslingers (1-3)
Christmas has been all about lose big or win big, there is no in between. Dayton has played pretty consistently and pretty well. They seem to be a little out-matched in this one, but not by much. And with the Islanders erratic play, it is hard to know what might happen. Dayton seems to be able to stop one or the other on defense, but not both. Can they do enough to mess up the Islanders? I am tempted to pick the Gunslingers in an upset, but I think the balance offensive attack of the Islanders will be too hard for Dayton to handle. Christmas by 10, 24-14.
Devonport Devils (2-2) vs Dunedin Drones (2-2)
The Battle of DD. Dis day decides da Duke of double D. Do da Devonport Devils destroy da Dunedin Drones? Or duz da Drones de Dunedin delivery da knockout due da Devils? In dis double dose of DD, da winner dons da crown of Duke DD. Da pick: Devonport downs da Drones by double digits, 30-17.
Ayers Rock Krakens (2-2) vs An Album Cover (1-3)
I can’t think straight after that last one… Ok. Ayers Rock is still trying to prove they belong in AA as they have two losses to teams from last season’s AA lineup. They face another in An Album Cover. An Album Cover has worked hard and lost to 3 good teams, and then finally defeated a promoted team last week. Can they do it again? I think the Krakens will come closer to their first victory over an old AA team, but in the end, I think AAC’s defense will prove tough enough to hold off the final drive by Ayers Rock to pull out the win. An Album Cover by 4, 24-20.
Wow, I am tired now. Hope you enjoy. Have fun with these guesses!
Last edited Mar 3, 2009 21:59:57
