Warrior General Games

#4 Padang Lightning at #1 Sumatra Swarm:

Sumatra Swarm:

The Swarm dominated the Storm in round one to prove they are the top SS in the league. More than doubling their opponents total yards, the Swarm, led by by HB Hal McGlothlin (197 yards, 6 touchdowns) trampled an outclassed Salford Storm on their way to the second round.

Offense:

The Swarm stuck to doing what they do best in the post season - RUN, RUN, and RUN again. With some of the league's top blockers, and arguably the best HB in SEA AA#1, they pounded the Swarm with score, after score, after score.

Sumatra did show some signs of weakness in their attack, especially when forced to pass. QB Larry Ballstar was only 13 out of 22, and their run-focused O-line allowed Salford defenders to sack him twice. They'll have to be much tougher going forward in the postseason, as their opponents are only going to get better.

Defense:

The Swarm defense was silent but deadly against the Salford attack. DE Dewayne White had a pivotal forced fumble, and perennial threat CB Lockdown Pick(SIX) intercepted a throw for a 19 yard return, but mostly Sumatra got it done with efficiency not flash. Limiting their opponents to a single TD, and the entire team combining for 0 missed tackles will attest that this is a strategy that works for the postseason.


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Padang Lighting:

In a very close game, the Lightning sneaked past round one opponents, Ho Chi Minh Hookers, by controlling the time of possession with a run-focused attack and by a key interception seconds before halftime, that allowed star kicker Stevie McKickenstein to kick one through the uprights from over 50 yards out. That's one hell of a leg!

The Hookers fought back hard, and were in Padang's redzone with a chance to win in the last two minutes, but QBs Chaz Winstonberger and Kurt Wariner were not able to find their receivers, thanks to smothering coverage led by LB Terry Outlaw, who had a crucial pass deflection on the Hooker's final drive.

Offense:

Padang was very one-sided in their attack, rushing the ball nearly each and every play. Throwing the ball only three times, the Lightning gained 97% of their 256 yards on the ground. Very predictable, but very effective. By keeping it in the hands of their dangerous runningbacks corps including star tailback LenDale Jameson (147 yards, 1 TD), they avoided the costly interceptions and sacks that plagued other teams in the post season.

As good as their running game is, they'll have to be even better to keep going in the postseason. Opponents will stack the box, and the defenders are going to be more and more talented the further the Lightning advances in the playoffs.

Stevie McKickenstein also deserves the thanks and praise of his team. In a very close game, he was perfect of the day, 2/2 PAT's and 4/4 on field goals, including the monster 50+ yarder that took the wind out of the Hookers right before halftime.

Defense:

Padang's defenders did not play their best game, but made the plays they needed to. CB Chad Bailey had a big pick for 15 yards, and DT Patrick Fearless had a forced fumble, but there were few highlights otherwise. They got the job done but nothing spectacular. The defensive coaches might want to spend a little extra time next practice teaching LB Kenny Garcia how to wrap up tackle, he was unable to bring down his man on three occasions.


PREDICTION: This game will be a battle between two of league's best rushing attacks. The game will be decided by a close margin, and quality play on Special Teams and avoiding turnovers will be key in deciding who wins and loses. Padang has Steve McKickenstein on their side, which is a huge plus, but I think Sumatra has better options on offense, and I have more faith in their defense to get the job done. This should be very close, but Sumatra is a little better. SWARM by 7

#6 Mongolian Horde at #2 Algeria Addiction:

Algeria Addiction:

The Addiction relied on their brilliant defenders and timely turnovers to give their offense all the chances they needed overcome a pesky Hiroshima Radiation in the first round. The Radiation played well enough to keep pace, but every time they got within scoring range, something ended up going wrong for them. While AA still played well enough to advance, they also looked beatable at times.

Offense:

The Addiction focused on attacking through the air, and did enough damage to get the job done. Their O-line did show a little weakness though, allowing QB Joe Kane to be sacked once, and hurried 9 times. Kane threw well enough when he needed to, but he has to be disappointed with a 1 to 1 TD/INT ratio.

The Rushing game needs some work. Neither back ran well, each coughing up the ball and averaging a paltry 2.1 and 1.7 yard per carry average. The Algeria blockers are somewhat to blame as well, as both backs were tackled for losses repeatedly.

Defense:

The Addiction's defenders deserve the lion's share of the praise this game. They mastered the zen of bending and not breaking and although Hiroshima put up considerable yardage against them, they shut them down at nearly every crucial moment, including an outstanding 5 picks, all but one brought back for substantial yardage.

They played a solid containment defense and allowed their athletes in the backfield to out battle the enemy receivers. Despite giving the QB time to throw with only 4 hurries for the game, they made damn sure he didn't have any targets, and as no Addiction player missed more than one tackle, they made their tackles stick when they missed the pick.


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Mongolian Horde:

Despite only outgaining their first round opponents by less than 10 yards, the Horde subdued their enemy for a nine point win by executing a suffocating defense, and a penetrating pass rush complimented by a balanced and unpredictable offense.. Forcing four turnovers sealed the deal in upsetting a higher seeded Garudas team.

Offense:

The Horde showed that they can be a threat on the ground as well as the air. Rexy "Sexy" Grossman was his usual brilliant self in quarterbacking the ball to the team's elite stable of receivers, but
they enhanced their play and opened up the field by going to their running game regularly.

HB Stevie McRun made the most of his opportunities, averaging almost 5 yards a carry and scoring two TDs.

The Horde's biggest potential weakness was found in their Special Teams play, where kicker Dan Keir went 0 for 2 on field goals and missed 2 out of 4 extra point trys. He'll have to be much better if Mongolia expects to upset another team.

Defense:

LB Jebediah Knockdabottomout and DE Rolling BlackOuts both were both able to navigate the difficult waters of Krungthep's O-line and score two sacks a piece. FS Tante Vasquez also showed his worth grabbing a pick in the 4th quarter to help guarantee the win for his squad.

LB Hollywood Bartoski also deserves a mention, as his forced fumbles helped steer the course of a close game in the Hordes' direction.

All considered, the Horde defenders looked good in postseason play, and certainly look like they can handle their next opponent.


PREDICTION: Mongolian Horde lost a 2 point nail biter early in the Season to the Addiction, losing a game they probably should have won by turning the ball over too often. I think they've learned their lesson since then, and assuming kicker Dan Keir can redeem himself, they should have a legitimate shot of winning this game. HORDE by 3

The Elephant Riders:

These nomads may lack the benefit of town or country, but the Elephant Riders keep finding ways to win against tough teams. Forcing Davao to fumble five times and limiting them to 1.4 yards a rush deactivated a dangerous Destructobot team in a hurry.

Offense:

HB Neil O'Fallon didn't break away for many long runs, but he got the job down in short unstoppable bursts. Running for 145 yards and 4.8 ypc, he was as likely to run through you as around you, breaking 13 tackles on his way to 2 touchdowns. OT Tiredof Recruiting deserves some credit as well, making things easy for him, by pancaking the defenders 24 times.

QB Ryan Anderson was kept scoreless, but did his part by making sure to give O'Fallon the help he needed to get down the field. An interception tarnishes an otherwise fine outing.

Defense:

The entire Elephant Rider defense can take a bow as they played team ball and spread the glory around. While the team was unable to pick the ball off before it was caught, they got to the QB twice for timely sacks, and made sure to make teeth-rattling tackles to force five fumbles. There were a few missed tackles as a result, but the turnovers were well worth it. CB Milford Langly was in the right place at the right time to grab one loose ball and bring it back for points.


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San Fran Gold Rush:

Excellent Special Teams play and a stunning individual defensive performance by DE Rawr Rawr were enough to get the San Fran Gold Rush past their 1st round opponent, the Singapore Flames, despite losing the yardage battle by over 50 yards.

Offense:

Neither QB Chazz Michael Michaels or the rushing crew led by HB Jonas Ara had a spectacular game, but they did just enough to get their kicking unit into position. The Special Teams did a fantastic job, with kicker Butters Stotch hitting 4 out of 5 field goals, and kick returner Long Gone bobbing and weaving 81 yards for a touchdown. Which was just enough to win the game. The offense will have to convert more in the redzone from now on if they want to start their vacations early.


Defense:

Rawr Rawr was like a wild animal who had busted loose of his cage, getting by the Flames O-line for six sacks. He also stopped everything that came near him with 11 tackles on the day. Just a tremendous performance for the team.

SS Ace Matherton also played strongly deflecting several passes and making key tackles, but the rest of the team was largely silent. They'll have to do better if they want to keep the Elephant Riders in check.


PREDICTION: San Fran won when these guys squared off early in the season, but the Elephant Riders have improved since then, and are good enough to keep Rawr Rawr in reasonable check. It's going to be close, and I see turnovers and lucky bounces deciding this one.. and the Elephant Riders hanging on for a victory. ELEPHANT RIDERS by 6

#6 Xi'an Xplosivo at #2 Hong Kong Hustlers

Hong Kong Hustlers:

The Hustlers relied on their dominant Offensive line to establish a good rushing attack, and combining this with a peppering of strategic throws found a recipe to overcome the Metalheads, a tough first round opponent. The Hustlers did suffer repeated turnovers from their runningbacks, but their defense was solid enough to prevent scores on 2 of the giveaways, including an impressive goal line stand, stopping Sault Ste Marie at the half yard line.

Offense:

The Hustlers running game depends on their bruising front line and a stable of five good backs to pound defenders and wear down their endurance. HB Dirk Giggler is probably their best option, but they have plenty of weapons to choose from, including HB Martin Lynch who scored two TDS.

The backs will want to bone up on protecting the ball, as the repeated fumbles surely raised the blood pressure of Hustler coaches and fans alike.

As the defense tires and refocuses, QB Tony FastPass loves to step up and punish defenses for their mistakes. No scoring throws for him last game, but he kept the posts moving with nearly 75% of his passes being completed for 144 yards.


Defense:

Hong Kong relied on a solid, if unspectacular, game from their defensive unit. No sacks, no hurries, and limited success in forcing fumbles and picking passes, but they rarely missed their tackles, and did fine job of containing the Metalheads.

CB Freddie Fingers and DT Fili Moala deserve credit for creating the two turnover opportunities for the Hustlers.


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Xi'an Xplosivo:

Firing on all cylinders, the Xplosivo needed both a solid rushing game and an accurate air attack to upset the Blue Demons in a too close for comfort first round match.

Offense:

HB Tom Van Calster did the meat and potatoes work in establishing a viable run threat, and HB J.J. Blaze did an excellent job in spelling him and helping control the clock.

These efforts were amplified with a precision passing game headlined by QB Don Knight who was able to nail 83% of his throws, including a game deciding TD toss to top performer TE Mitchell McCulloch.

Both these units can thank a stalwart O-line, including top pancaker Jeff H. Hitter for making their lives a little easier. The Xplosivo line did an excellent job of protecting their skill players from a ferocious Bangkok attack.


Defense:


Xi'an's defenders chose substance over flash in holding the Blue Demons to only field goals. CB Dave Muskett was the only player with more than one missed tackle, but he redeemed this by deflecting a game high 5 passes.

The lack of highlight plays (0 sacks, hurries, interceptions, and forced fumbles) may hurt Xplosivo going forward, but they can also be proud to prevent a team as talented as Bangkok from scoring a touchdown.


PREDICTION: Xi'an will have to establish both the running and passing game in order to get past a superior Hong Kong squad. The last time these two matched up, the Xplosivo was able to do neither, throwing 4 picks and managing an abysmal 42 yards of rushing. No doubt the Xplosivo has improved and is much better now than they were then, but the Hustlers have also proven that old dogs can learn new tricks, and have a couple up their sleeves in store for Xi'an. HUSTLERS by 9

Originally posted by fool
#4 Padang Lightning at #1 Sumatra Swarm:

Sumatra Swarm:

The Swarm dominated the Storm in round one to prove they are the top SS in the league. More than doubling their opponents total yards, the Swarm, led by by HB Hal McGlothlin (197 yards, 6 touchdowns) trampled an outclassed Salford Storm on their way to the second round.

Offense:

The Swarm stuck to know what do best in the post season - RUN, RUN, and RUN again. With some of the league's top blockers, and arguably the best HB in SEA AA#1, they pounded the Swarm with score, after score, after score.

Sumatra did show some signs of weakness in their attack, especially when forced to pass. QB Larry Ballstar was only 13 out of 22, and their run-focused O-line allowed Salford defenders to sack him twice. They'll have to be much tougher going forward in the postseason, as their opponents are only going to get better.

Defense:

The Swarm defense was silent but deadly against the Salford attack. DE Dewayne White had a pivotal forced fumble, and perennial threat CB Lockdown Pick(SIX) intercepted a throw for a 19 yard return, but mostly Sumatra got it done with efficiency not flash. Limiting their opponents to a single TD, and the entite team combining for 0 missed tackles will attest that this is a strategy that works for the postseason.


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Padang Lighting:

In a very close game, the Lightning snuck past round one opponents, Ho Chi Minh Hookers, by controlling the time of possession with a run-focused attack and by a key game deciding interception seconds before halftime, that allowed star kicker Stevie McKickenstein to kick one through the uprights from over 50 yards out. That's one hell of a leg!

The Hookers fought back hard, and were in Padang's redzone with a chance to win in the last two minutes, but QBs Chaz Winstonberger and Kurt Wariner were not able to find their receivers, thanks to smothering coverage led by LB Terry Outlaw, who had a crucial pass deflection on the Hooker's final drive.

Offense:

Padang was very one-sided in their attack, rushing the ball nearly each and every play. Throwing the ball only three times, the Lightning gained 97% of their 256 yards on the ground. Very predictable, but very effective. By keeping it in the hands of their dangerous runningbacks corps including star tailback LenDale Jameson (147 yards, 1 TD), they avoided the costly interceptions and sacks that plagued other teams in the post season.

As good as their running game is, they'll have to be even better to keep going in the postseason. Opponents will stack the box, and the defenders are going to be more and more talented the further the Lightning advances in the playoffs.

Stevie McKickenstein also deserves the thanks and praise of his team. In a very close game, he was perfect of the day, 2/2 PAT's and 4/4 on field goals, including the monster 50+ yarder that took the wind out of the Hookers right before halftime.

Defense:

Padang's defenders did not play their best game, but made the plays they needed to. CB Chad Bailey had a big pick for 15 yards, and DT Patrick Fearless had a forced fumble, but there were few highlights otherwise. They got the job done but nothing spectacular. The defensive coaches might want to spend a little extra time next practice teaching LB Kenny Garcia how to wrap up tackle, he was unable to bring down his man on three occasions.


PREDICTION: This game will be a battle between two of league's best rushing attacks. The game will be decided by a close margin, and quality play on Special Teams and avoiding turnovers will be key in deciding who wins and loses. Padang has Stevi McKickenstein on their side, which is a huge plus, but I think Sumatra has better options on offense, and I have more faith in their defense to get the job done. This should be very close, but Sumatra is a little better. SWARM by 7

you forget to mention we beat them in the regular season. holding hal to 76 yards or so. no td's and only 3 broken tackles. otherwise GREAT WRITE UP THANX. BUT I HOPE YOUR PREDICTION IS WRONG

I considered the regular season loss, and I definitely think the Lightning has a legit chance to win, but the Garudas also beat the Horde during the regular season, only to be upset at home in the playoffs. Things are different in the postseason, and anything can happen. Good luck to you guys though, it's always a sweeter victory when you win as an underdog.

Good stuff fool. However, I think we the Gold Rush are due for a break as far as lucky bounces go because it seems we do well enough minus a few hitches here and there in the big ones. It's time for our luck to change.

NO FAIR!

Now you've got us Hustlers hanging on every post waiting for your prediction, lol.

It can't be stated enough: awesome job, Fool!...

Great job Fool. The Riders are a damn good team and it will be a battle for sure.

Great descriptions.

I'm hoping AA isn't denied their shot at redemption versus sumatra the way we were denied our shot versus PSK last year.

We'll be ready for the Horde.

great job again fool. The GoldRush will just keep doing there best to prove you wrong

sorry for the delay in the last preview.. and good luck to all the teams, I'm looking forward to seeing some good battles.

if it wasn't for fool these forums would be more boring than SUPhenom's mother on extacy.

Great write-up again, fool.

We're looking forward to our game against the HKH. They've owned us in the past but...well...I guess that's it. We're just hoping to get luckier this time around!

Given how many interceptions we threw last time we might just punt on first and hope our defense can do the scoring.