Zeta Pre-season Power Rankings week3 recap, week 4 preview
Ladies & gentlemen, if we said that week 2 was a breathtaking one, you haven’t seen anything on this one yet. Week 3 was marked with a big red cross on the calendar for all the teams with any championship hopes as another round on the battle between Hague Pirates and Vatican City was going to take place after their last season drama. Well, I think the game was up to the expectations from everyone and both teams delighted us with a great football game that was finally resolved on a way that you usually don’t expect, but that it happens more often than you like.
The game was BIG, it had everything you can expect on a football game, from the atmosphere to the standing implications that can cost you a million or two on post season tickets. It started with a solid and powerful demonstration from the Vatican, which on their second drive after a 3 & out moved the chains for 4 times to score the first FG of the game and put them up for the first time on the scoreboard. However, the Pirates were not impressed by the VCA start and supported on their running game kept control of the tempo to score their first TD of the game on their following drive, who embraced the end of the first quarter and 2 min on the second. With 7-3 on the boards, Vatican was forced 3 & out again by Hague defense, who performed to a superb level on this game. Hague kept moving the ball on the ground and managing the clock to their wishes until Meann Markk got the first turnover of the game by forcing a fumble on Hague running back Henry Brighton. That was a huge play by VCA as on their upcoming drive they were going to score their first (and last) TD of the game. Probably bumped on their morale from the great defensive play, the Vatican guys seemed unstoppable on that drive.
However here it comes what it takes to be a champion, Hague kept playing like if nothing had happened. They were 10-7 down on the boards with 2:43 to play on the 2nd quarter. They kept playing exactly the same, heavy run, play after play, moving the chains and controlling the clock, like a hammer hitting repeatedly on a nail… and then it happened again, on 2nd & 9.5 a bad pass from Ben Snoox ended on an Interception by VCA cornerback Cubierto Seguros. At that time, most of you would have already thought that the game was over. Not a lot of teams are able to suffer 2 consecutive turnovers when going down on the score and resist to comeback… but you are not talking about any team, this is a great team and they showed why.
However, as when it rains it pours, Hague struggled on the first few minutes after the half-time and after another well driven drive VCA was able to put another FG on the boards. That kick put the 13-7 for VCA on the scoreboard and most of their guys was already celebrating on the sideline, especially when on the following drive Hague’s QB sent another pass for a pick. 5:47 on the 3rd, 13-7 down on the score and your morale shaking… the opposing team shutting you down play after play, there is no way on earth you can expect a comeback from the other team. But hey, this is football, and a big momentum shift can happen when you less expect and that’s what it happened when Ben Roethlisberger pass to Drew Eldorado-Irvin was intercepted AND returned for a TD by Howard Ayhangin (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=399421&pbp_id=4143997). That’s without a doubt the play of the game and probably the play of the championship. This is what makes football such a great sport, because a team, who was completely overtaken by the circumstances and their own mistakes, step up and turn the score on the game on a single play.
It’s not only the score who was completely turned upside down; it was also the way both teams looked. The self confident Vatican guys who were playing a great game suddenly disappeared. Hague took advantage of the big morale bump and scored another FG with 9:48 to go on the final quarter, once more supported on their solid running game. That was a 17-13 lead for the Pirates who for most part of the game were completely dominated by the opposing team. Vatican was struggling and the best staging to it was when his QB Andrew Luck sent another pass for an Interception again by, guess who?, Howard Ayhangin. That was the end of the Vatican. They tried to resist with another great defensive play from their DT Mean Markk, who forced another fumble on Hague’s RB, however, Hague recovered the ball and was able to finish the drive with another FG that put the final 20-13 on the electronic.
There were still 4:51 to play but the die were cast for the holy city guys as they were unable to move the chains a single time on their following drive. After shutting down VCA for a 3 & out on the crucial drive of the game, Hague relied once more on their backs to put the game away, not without first sending another ball for a pick with 14 seconds on the clock.
It was a great game, none of the teams deserve the loss, but one of them had to lose and in this case it was not the one who took better care of the ball but the one who were able to make the plays when it counts. Hague turned the ball over for 5 times against the 2 committed by VCA, but they tonight they had Howard on their team and that was the true difference. However, I believe both teams will learn from this game and will come even stronger, so be prepared for a playoff rematch that can be EPIC.
This week, there is no time for more, as THE GAME took a lot of time on the analysis, I will make a quick update on how the rankings are looking after 3 weeks.
- Will fight for the championship -
1.The Hague Pirates (3-0) W3
This team is probably the most dominant one on the field right now. They are a tough physical team, with great players and good depth, they also have a hell of a team when it comes to prepare the games, so the best you can do is just pray they don’t have a good day when they are coming into town. They had two tough games on the Nuts and Vatican and they did great on both. The next few weeks must confirm the climb to the top of the rankings for the team to beat on Zeta.
Next three: Storm, Manglers, Scourge
2.Iberian Bocs (3-0) W3
Not much to say on the bocs on their game against Motown. The final score is a reflection of the difference in levels between these two teams. I’m sure the Legends tried hard, but it will take them at least a season or two to prepare a team who can seriously compete on this league. Now, The Bocs will have 3 relatively easy games before they face their true challenge on this season.
Next three: Snakes, Bulls, Nuts
3.Vatican City Apocalypse (2-1) L1
They deserve some credit even though the last two rounds fall on Hague’s side. They have a great team and they haven’t said their last word on this league. The season has just started and they can still regroup and comeback before week 16 dictates the order for the playoffs. However, they can’t relax and lick his wounds after Hague’s game, as next week they receive at home the dangerous Mamertini, who are looking pretty good this season and that wants to take onto the 3rd place.
Next three: Milano, Motown, Snakes
4.Milano Mamertini (2-1) W1
I told you last week that this team is looking really good this season. It’s for sure that some of the upgrades they have made on their roster have helped them out to make that step but these guys have been playing the same for quite some time now, and still not many teams can say that are able to stop them. It all comes to put Welcome to the Show on the field and make him play. This week, the “show” consisted on 176 rushing yds and 136 yds on the air, combined with 6 TD. If Milano is able to steal a W away from Vatican, they will become probably the biggest thread for the elite, but if they can’t, they will still be too dangerous on the playoffs that you would pray to have them on the other side of the brackets.
Next three: VCA, London Storm, Manglers
- The best of the rest -
5.Pamplona Bulls (2-1) W2
The Bulls move up one place this week after their solid performance against Tilburg on another heartbreaking game. 23-31 was the final scored on a game that Pamplona controlled well since the beginning but failed to put out of reach for the Snakes who bite them with 17 points on the second half. Luckily for the guys from Pamplona, they got the work done on the 1st half with 3 TD. Next week they have a pretty interesting game against the Nips to show if they will be a consistent winning team this year or they will turn into the new Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde of Zeta.
Next three: Bologna, Bocs, Warlords
6.Bologna Nips (3-0) W3
The surprising Nips are the only team with the Pirates and the Bocs to remain unbeaten on Zeta. Moreover, they took advantage of their matchup against the Knights to claim the #1 position on the table. It’s still to be seen against a quality opponent who this guys resist under pressure, but that is not going to happen anytime soon, so they can take advantage and pile up some more W on their route to the playoffs.
Next three: Bulls, Warlords, Stallions
7.London Crimsom Storm (2-1) L1
London came to week 3 leading the standings in the league after their first two wins, but they got hit pretty hard by the Dragons who bounced back from their lost against the Vatican and got the ball 7 times to London’s endzone. The schedule doesn’t get any better for the Storm, as they now have to face the untouchable Pirates and the Mamertini. It’s time to discover who tough is to play on this level.
Next three: Pirates, Milano, Legends
8.Dublin Dragons (1-2) W1
This team is looking better and better each week and this time they destroyed the London Storm with another remarkable appearance of Micah McDonald who was named Player of The Game. On their favor runs the fact that they don’t face any of the remaining big 3 until the second half of the season, so they have some time to consolidate their game and position on the table.
Next three: Manglers, Scourge, Knights
9.Blackpool Scourge (2-1) W1
Blackpool bounced back with pride after their last week loss against the Nips. These guys were named early in the season to be in the fight for the big pot, but it seems that adjusting to the league is taking more time than expected for them. Their win 37-24 over Dallas Warlords will give them some confidence to stay on the fight and next week they’ll have another cupcake before meeting again with another strong team. After the game against Dragons we will know how to rate this team, if they put up 2 W they will get a good jump on the rankings, but if they fail life will get worse for them.
Next three: Stallions, Dragons, The Hague Pirates
- In a world of hurt -
10.Bastogne Nuts (0-3) L3
We knew it could happen and finally it happened again. The Nuts got destroyed once more by another top team on the league and their morale will start to suffer if they can’t put some Wins on the boards soon. Their loss 86-20 against the Mamertini at least showed us that these guys are able to score, but they need a step to the front from their big guns if they want to have any shot to make the playoffs on their first appearance on the league. Next two games should be accessible for them before meeting the Bocs.
Next three: Motown, Snakes, Bocs
11.Motown Legends (0-3) L3
Pretty dramatic game the one that London will play this week against Bastogne on a duel of teams who doesn’t know yet what a W is like on the A leagues. Motown came to the league as the current BBB#9 League champion but they have showed very little yet on this level. They have their first must win game this week against the Nuts or they can start thinking on the next season.
Next three: Nuts, Vatican City, London Storm
- making some noise –
12.Tillburg Snakes (1-2) L1
The Snakes are a team difficult to decipher. They put a W against the Legends when nobody expected and the week after fall to the Bulls on a game that at least they were able to keep close. There are so many teams involved on the fight for 4 positions and depending on the matchups these guys could still have a chance if they perform well against those teams. Next week however they have a tough game against the Bocs when there shouldn’t be much room for the surprise.
Next three: Bocs, Nuts, Vatican City
NOTE ON THE PREDICTIONS: I do not use any of the league projectors, so this is my prediction based purely on observation.
GAME OF THE WEEK: VATICAN CITY APOCALYPSE vs MILANO MAMERTINI
After another epic battle against Hague, Vatican go back home to face the booming Mamertini. I’m sure that Powers have learnt the lesson and it’s unlikely to commit the same mistakes that cost him the game against the Pirates, but when you face a guy like Welcome To The Show who can do almost everything on the field it’s difficult to predict what can happen. Whoever that takes this one will have a big advantage at the end of season, but because there are still so many possible combinations, even the looser will still have a chance to the get the highest seed.
After a thrilling comeback, Vatican will take this one by a TD
Vatican City 31-24 Milano Mamertini
MUST SEE TV: BOLOGNA NIPS – PAMPLONA BULLS
The Nips are still unbeaten, the Bulls are trying to find their identity and make a good run before they face the elite teams of the league. Both teams have similar weapons and both teams know well each other. The winner of this game will get more than a win, as considered the competence on the league, the playoff spots from 5th to 8th will be fought to death.
The surprising Nips take this one over and keep their nice streak going.
Bologna 31-17 Bulls
Enjoy!
Ladies & gentlemen, if we said that week 2 was a breathtaking one, you haven’t seen anything on this one yet. Week 3 was marked with a big red cross on the calendar for all the teams with any championship hopes as another round on the battle between Hague Pirates and Vatican City was going to take place after their last season drama. Well, I think the game was up to the expectations from everyone and both teams delighted us with a great football game that was finally resolved on a way that you usually don’t expect, but that it happens more often than you like.
The game was BIG, it had everything you can expect on a football game, from the atmosphere to the standing implications that can cost you a million or two on post season tickets. It started with a solid and powerful demonstration from the Vatican, which on their second drive after a 3 & out moved the chains for 4 times to score the first FG of the game and put them up for the first time on the scoreboard. However, the Pirates were not impressed by the VCA start and supported on their running game kept control of the tempo to score their first TD of the game on their following drive, who embraced the end of the first quarter and 2 min on the second. With 7-3 on the boards, Vatican was forced 3 & out again by Hague defense, who performed to a superb level on this game. Hague kept moving the ball on the ground and managing the clock to their wishes until Meann Markk got the first turnover of the game by forcing a fumble on Hague running back Henry Brighton. That was a huge play by VCA as on their upcoming drive they were going to score their first (and last) TD of the game. Probably bumped on their morale from the great defensive play, the Vatican guys seemed unstoppable on that drive.
However here it comes what it takes to be a champion, Hague kept playing like if nothing had happened. They were 10-7 down on the boards with 2:43 to play on the 2nd quarter. They kept playing exactly the same, heavy run, play after play, moving the chains and controlling the clock, like a hammer hitting repeatedly on a nail… and then it happened again, on 2nd & 9.5 a bad pass from Ben Snoox ended on an Interception by VCA cornerback Cubierto Seguros. At that time, most of you would have already thought that the game was over. Not a lot of teams are able to suffer 2 consecutive turnovers when going down on the score and resist to comeback… but you are not talking about any team, this is a great team and they showed why.
However, as when it rains it pours, Hague struggled on the first few minutes after the half-time and after another well driven drive VCA was able to put another FG on the boards. That kick put the 13-7 for VCA on the scoreboard and most of their guys was already celebrating on the sideline, especially when on the following drive Hague’s QB sent another pass for a pick. 5:47 on the 3rd, 13-7 down on the score and your morale shaking… the opposing team shutting you down play after play, there is no way on earth you can expect a comeback from the other team. But hey, this is football, and a big momentum shift can happen when you less expect and that’s what it happened when Ben Roethlisberger pass to Drew Eldorado-Irvin was intercepted AND returned for a TD by Howard Ayhangin (http://goallineblitz.com/game/replay.pl?game_id=399421&pbp_id=4143997). That’s without a doubt the play of the game and probably the play of the championship. This is what makes football such a great sport, because a team, who was completely overtaken by the circumstances and their own mistakes, step up and turn the score on the game on a single play.
It’s not only the score who was completely turned upside down; it was also the way both teams looked. The self confident Vatican guys who were playing a great game suddenly disappeared. Hague took advantage of the big morale bump and scored another FG with 9:48 to go on the final quarter, once more supported on their solid running game. That was a 17-13 lead for the Pirates who for most part of the game were completely dominated by the opposing team. Vatican was struggling and the best staging to it was when his QB Andrew Luck sent another pass for an Interception again by, guess who?, Howard Ayhangin. That was the end of the Vatican. They tried to resist with another great defensive play from their DT Mean Markk, who forced another fumble on Hague’s RB, however, Hague recovered the ball and was able to finish the drive with another FG that put the final 20-13 on the electronic.
There were still 4:51 to play but the die were cast for the holy city guys as they were unable to move the chains a single time on their following drive. After shutting down VCA for a 3 & out on the crucial drive of the game, Hague relied once more on their backs to put the game away, not without first sending another ball for a pick with 14 seconds on the clock.
It was a great game, none of the teams deserve the loss, but one of them had to lose and in this case it was not the one who took better care of the ball but the one who were able to make the plays when it counts. Hague turned the ball over for 5 times against the 2 committed by VCA, but they tonight they had Howard on their team and that was the true difference. However, I believe both teams will learn from this game and will come even stronger, so be prepared for a playoff rematch that can be EPIC.
This week, there is no time for more, as THE GAME took a lot of time on the analysis, I will make a quick update on how the rankings are looking after 3 weeks.
- Will fight for the championship -
1.The Hague Pirates (3-0) W3
This team is probably the most dominant one on the field right now. They are a tough physical team, with great players and good depth, they also have a hell of a team when it comes to prepare the games, so the best you can do is just pray they don’t have a good day when they are coming into town. They had two tough games on the Nuts and Vatican and they did great on both. The next few weeks must confirm the climb to the top of the rankings for the team to beat on Zeta.
Next three: Storm, Manglers, Scourge
2.Iberian Bocs (3-0) W3
Not much to say on the bocs on their game against Motown. The final score is a reflection of the difference in levels between these two teams. I’m sure the Legends tried hard, but it will take them at least a season or two to prepare a team who can seriously compete on this league. Now, The Bocs will have 3 relatively easy games before they face their true challenge on this season.
Next three: Snakes, Bulls, Nuts
3.Vatican City Apocalypse (2-1) L1
They deserve some credit even though the last two rounds fall on Hague’s side. They have a great team and they haven’t said their last word on this league. The season has just started and they can still regroup and comeback before week 16 dictates the order for the playoffs. However, they can’t relax and lick his wounds after Hague’s game, as next week they receive at home the dangerous Mamertini, who are looking pretty good this season and that wants to take onto the 3rd place.
Next three: Milano, Motown, Snakes
4.Milano Mamertini (2-1) W1
I told you last week that this team is looking really good this season. It’s for sure that some of the upgrades they have made on their roster have helped them out to make that step but these guys have been playing the same for quite some time now, and still not many teams can say that are able to stop them. It all comes to put Welcome to the Show on the field and make him play. This week, the “show” consisted on 176 rushing yds and 136 yds on the air, combined with 6 TD. If Milano is able to steal a W away from Vatican, they will become probably the biggest thread for the elite, but if they can’t, they will still be too dangerous on the playoffs that you would pray to have them on the other side of the brackets.
Next three: VCA, London Storm, Manglers
- The best of the rest -
5.Pamplona Bulls (2-1) W2
The Bulls move up one place this week after their solid performance against Tilburg on another heartbreaking game. 23-31 was the final scored on a game that Pamplona controlled well since the beginning but failed to put out of reach for the Snakes who bite them with 17 points on the second half. Luckily for the guys from Pamplona, they got the work done on the 1st half with 3 TD. Next week they have a pretty interesting game against the Nips to show if they will be a consistent winning team this year or they will turn into the new Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde of Zeta.
Next three: Bologna, Bocs, Warlords
6.Bologna Nips (3-0) W3
The surprising Nips are the only team with the Pirates and the Bocs to remain unbeaten on Zeta. Moreover, they took advantage of their matchup against the Knights to claim the #1 position on the table. It’s still to be seen against a quality opponent who this guys resist under pressure, but that is not going to happen anytime soon, so they can take advantage and pile up some more W on their route to the playoffs.
Next three: Bulls, Warlords, Stallions
7.London Crimsom Storm (2-1) L1
London came to week 3 leading the standings in the league after their first two wins, but they got hit pretty hard by the Dragons who bounced back from their lost against the Vatican and got the ball 7 times to London’s endzone. The schedule doesn’t get any better for the Storm, as they now have to face the untouchable Pirates and the Mamertini. It’s time to discover who tough is to play on this level.
Next three: Pirates, Milano, Legends
8.Dublin Dragons (1-2) W1
This team is looking better and better each week and this time they destroyed the London Storm with another remarkable appearance of Micah McDonald who was named Player of The Game. On their favor runs the fact that they don’t face any of the remaining big 3 until the second half of the season, so they have some time to consolidate their game and position on the table.
Next three: Manglers, Scourge, Knights
9.Blackpool Scourge (2-1) W1
Blackpool bounced back with pride after their last week loss against the Nips. These guys were named early in the season to be in the fight for the big pot, but it seems that adjusting to the league is taking more time than expected for them. Their win 37-24 over Dallas Warlords will give them some confidence to stay on the fight and next week they’ll have another cupcake before meeting again with another strong team. After the game against Dragons we will know how to rate this team, if they put up 2 W they will get a good jump on the rankings, but if they fail life will get worse for them.
Next three: Stallions, Dragons, The Hague Pirates
- In a world of hurt -
10.Bastogne Nuts (0-3) L3
We knew it could happen and finally it happened again. The Nuts got destroyed once more by another top team on the league and their morale will start to suffer if they can’t put some Wins on the boards soon. Their loss 86-20 against the Mamertini at least showed us that these guys are able to score, but they need a step to the front from their big guns if they want to have any shot to make the playoffs on their first appearance on the league. Next two games should be accessible for them before meeting the Bocs.
Next three: Motown, Snakes, Bocs
11.Motown Legends (0-3) L3
Pretty dramatic game the one that London will play this week against Bastogne on a duel of teams who doesn’t know yet what a W is like on the A leagues. Motown came to the league as the current BBB#9 League champion but they have showed very little yet on this level. They have their first must win game this week against the Nuts or they can start thinking on the next season.
Next three: Nuts, Vatican City, London Storm
- making some noise –
12.Tillburg Snakes (1-2) L1
The Snakes are a team difficult to decipher. They put a W against the Legends when nobody expected and the week after fall to the Bulls on a game that at least they were able to keep close. There are so many teams involved on the fight for 4 positions and depending on the matchups these guys could still have a chance if they perform well against those teams. Next week however they have a tough game against the Bocs when there shouldn’t be much room for the surprise.
Next three: Bocs, Nuts, Vatican City
NOTE ON THE PREDICTIONS: I do not use any of the league projectors, so this is my prediction based purely on observation.
GAME OF THE WEEK: VATICAN CITY APOCALYPSE vs MILANO MAMERTINI
After another epic battle against Hague, Vatican go back home to face the booming Mamertini. I’m sure that Powers have learnt the lesson and it’s unlikely to commit the same mistakes that cost him the game against the Pirates, but when you face a guy like Welcome To The Show who can do almost everything on the field it’s difficult to predict what can happen. Whoever that takes this one will have a big advantage at the end of season, but because there are still so many possible combinations, even the looser will still have a chance to the get the highest seed.
After a thrilling comeback, Vatican will take this one by a TD
Vatican City 31-24 Milano Mamertini
MUST SEE TV: BOLOGNA NIPS – PAMPLONA BULLS
The Nips are still unbeaten, the Bulls are trying to find their identity and make a good run before they face the elite teams of the league. Both teams have similar weapons and both teams know well each other. The winner of this game will get more than a win, as considered the competence on the league, the playoff spots from 5th to 8th will be fought to death.
The surprising Nips take this one over and keep their nice streak going.
Bologna 31-17 Bulls
Enjoy!
Last edited Mar 2, 2009 15:15:30
