Week 2: 7-1
Week 3: 6-2
Week 4: 7-1
Week 5: 6-2
Week 6: 7-1
Week 7: 7-1
Week 8: 7-1
Week 9: 8-0 (!!!)
Week 10: 6-2
Week 11: 7-1
Week 12: 7-1
Week 13: 6-2
Week 14: 7-1
Week 15: 8-0 (!!!)
Season: 96-16 (86%)
Well, I closed out conference play with a perfect 8-0. My second one, to date. Would be more if it weren't for the D-Monks and Grim Reapers of the world. I'll try not to hold a grudge against you... but it's kind of like a Bears-Dolphins, Patriots-Giants kinda thing. Can't make you any long-term promises.
But nonetheless, It's saturday. Some big OoC games going down tomorrow. So I figured why not go all-out this week for a league-wide edition of Bolts' Predictions? No reason not to. Hopefully, the Zeta guys can jump in on this one for some discussion. And maybe with their predictions guy home, we might get to see some comparing of pick sets this week.
And away we go!
Games of the Week
A#5 Belfast Mafia at Z#1 Antwerp Jewish Diamond Dealers
Well, this game is one of the better ones we'll be seeing. Belfast isn't atop the standing in Alpha, but they have made their presence known. Antwerp is closing out an amazing season, facing few setbacks in their march through Zeta to clinch a #1 seed. This game looks like a solid win for Antwerp at first glance, but those of us in Alpha know what can happen if you don't take the Mafia seriously. You get whacked.
Whereas I think this one will be closer than most people think, I still have to say that I don't think Antwerp is going to lose this one. Belfast is clinging to any chance of a home game, and Antwerp is looking to make the case for the strength of Zeta. It'll be a good game, but I think Antwerp will win by 10ish.
A#8 Grim Reapers at Z#10 Newcastle Nightmare
Grim Reapers haven't finished the season as well as they would have liked. But they haven't given up. Pride is on the line in this one as two mid-seeds square off. Grim has beaten some damn good teams, but that was early. They have found themselves losing 6 of their last 7. Falling from a chance at a #3 spot to an at-best Bloodsuckers first round. This is a tough one to call, really. Both teams are very capable of pulling off this win. Both teams' playoff hopes hang in the balance. It's going to be a great one to watch. But in the end, I think it will take more than Ivy and Kilik's help to overcome Death Incarnate.
If only Raphael were around...
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A#1 Transylvania Bloodsuckers at Z#7 Vatican City Angels
Well, no offense to VCA... but this one is a no-brainer. I think the 'Suckers would have to try to lose this one. This runs a chance of ruining VCA's playoff aspirations, and will certainly lock up the #1 seed in Alpha for the 'Suckers.
Z#12 Coventry Thunder at A#2 South Yorkshire Stars
This game is of little significance to either team. Hard to say how much effort either will put into it. SoYo shouldn't run the risk of getting players below 70 Energy in preparation for the playoffs, and Coventry is looking to the offseason. But nonetheless, SoYo should win this one handily.
A#3 Warsaw Knuckleheads at Z#9 Vienna Blood Sausages
Warsaw isn't the 3 seed for nothing. A hell of an offense that many teams have failed to find an answer for. Vienna is still alive in the playoff race, so you can count on them putting effort into this game. Unfortunately for them, I don't think Warsaw is going to be going down quietly any time soon. Or any time this week, period.
A#4 Dublin Drunken Monkeys at Z#15 Dresden Bombers
D-Monks coming off the wrong side of a heartbreaking 4th Quarter comeback culminated by a TD reception from yours truly. They brought it on themselves by ruining my 8-0 a couple weeks ago. I made the forecast, and they simply obliged. Finally, we are on the same page. But with that said... it took SoYo a 14-point 4th Q to beat these guys. This team is a force. And that force is fighting for a home game. Dresden is not so much a force yet. And is basically fighting for nothing. D-Monk's win this one easily.
Z#14 Istanbul Three Headed Pygmy Dragon at A#6 Amsterdam Arctic Blast
Would've been much more fun to see the Amsterdam Civil War here, but you take what you get. Amsterdam was the consensus preseason favorite to win Alpha; now they find themselves staring at all hopes of a home playoff game shot with a DMonk's win and Belfast loss. Despite Amsterdam surely winning this one handily, they are only playing for 5-7 now, most likely. Looking for the best first-round match possible. As is the case with any league, no team wants to be the #7 or 8 team, if they can avoid it.
Z#2 Quebec Colored Trombones at A#7 Basin City Blues
Yep, that's right. I said it. I am calling the upset. Don't let BCB's #7 seed fool you. They are legit. QCT stopped displaying their early dominance as the season went on. BCB dropped some tough losses to some damn good teams. Both teams did. But all things considered, I really feel like BCB will pull this one out. That's definitely not a Knock on the Trombones (Bach Strad: Rose Bell, woo hoo!), but it is a compliment to the BCB. If they look at this as a chance to gain some HUGE momentum for payoff time and a chance to improve to a better first round matchup... and put some real effort into the prep for this game... then I think they can pull it out. But QCT is the favorite to prove me wrong so far.
Z#3 Amsterdam Smugglers at A#9 Wrexham Maelor Brionnfhionn
The guys from Wales have proven they are no cupcakes. But this Amsterdam team has proven they are more than just a contender. They are the real deal. They are surely upset and dissatisfied with a #3 seed. They are out for blood. They are bringing it all. If for nothing more, than just to make a statement. I have nothing but love for my boys in Alpha, but the Smugglers are poised to take this one.
Z#16 Chanhatten Knights at A#10 St. Louis Storm
Easy win for the Storm, who could certainly use it. Jerry Applewhite and crew have suffered a pretty bad close to their season. They need a win here to have any remote chance at the playoffs after extremely high hopes early on. They will find that win with little opposition. Any time you see an orange Helmet and Grey silhouettes, there is little need for concern.
A#11 Kilkenny Cannibals at Z#5 Athens Gators
Too little too late for the cannibals who have bursted onto the scene in the late season. Too little too late, especially considering they are facing an athens squad who has been on the scene all along. The Gators ground game will probably be too much for the Cannibals to handle. And once they fall behind, they are facing the #2 Passing Defense in the league. Not a good combo.
Z#6 Konoha Hokages at A#12 Vatra Dornei Wraiths
I'm not saying the Wraiths are bad, per say.... but I am saying the Hokages are pretty good. Both teams are playing for practically nothing. But I think both will still be trying. However, the Konoha "try" is a bit more effective it seems than the Wraiths' "try".
Z#11Malmö Dawgs at A#13 Oklahoma (U.S.A.) Outlaws
Unless the outlaws bring in Barry sanders and Adrian Peterson both to take this show over.... I don't see them ending their inaugural season with a W. But anything is possible in GLB, right? Outlaws just got off to a slow start, and the Dawgs seem to have just caught some bad breaks. Noetheless, Malmo will get that win they need to close out at .500 and put their name in the 5-team hate for that 7-8 Zeta position.
A#14 London Brawling Tommies at Z#8 Cardiff Cobra's
Despite my disagreement with the comma in the Cardiff mascot, I will give them this one vote of confidence then be done. London's only 2 W's are to the 2 teams below them in the Alpha standings. To their credit, though.. they have played infinitely better recently. But it's not going to be enough to knock of a team like Cardiff. 2 Wins vs. 7 wins, and it's hard to call for an upset... especially when the team going for it has the least-productive Passing offense in the league.
A#15 Ithaca Space Munkees at Z#13 Valencia Bats
Ithaca just hasn't found a groove yet. Only win coming to the winless CCSM. This could actually be a close game. But regardless of it being close or a blowout, I think Valencia denies the Ithaca attempt to double the win count on the season.
Z#4 Hamburg Parrots at A#16 CCSM
Easy win for Parrots. Really all there is to say.
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So overall, that gives me an ........ 8-8 Split.
Man, that sucks. I kind of hope I'm not right... That would be lame. lol. But either way... there they are, folks. Zeta Conference? Welcome to the discussion!
Week 3: 6-2
Week 4: 7-1
Week 5: 6-2
Week 6: 7-1
Week 7: 7-1
Week 8: 7-1
Week 9: 8-0 (!!!)
Week 10: 6-2
Week 11: 7-1
Week 12: 7-1
Week 13: 6-2
Week 14: 7-1
Week 15: 8-0 (!!!)
Season: 96-16 (86%)
Well, I closed out conference play with a perfect 8-0. My second one, to date. Would be more if it weren't for the D-Monks and Grim Reapers of the world. I'll try not to hold a grudge against you... but it's kind of like a Bears-Dolphins, Patriots-Giants kinda thing. Can't make you any long-term promises.
But nonetheless, It's saturday. Some big OoC games going down tomorrow. So I figured why not go all-out this week for a league-wide edition of Bolts' Predictions? No reason not to. Hopefully, the Zeta guys can jump in on this one for some discussion. And maybe with their predictions guy home, we might get to see some comparing of pick sets this week.
And away we go!Games of the Week
A#5 Belfast Mafia at Z#1 Antwerp Jewish Diamond Dealers
Well, this game is one of the better ones we'll be seeing. Belfast isn't atop the standing in Alpha, but they have made their presence known. Antwerp is closing out an amazing season, facing few setbacks in their march through Zeta to clinch a #1 seed. This game looks like a solid win for Antwerp at first glance, but those of us in Alpha know what can happen if you don't take the Mafia seriously. You get whacked.
Whereas I think this one will be closer than most people think, I still have to say that I don't think Antwerp is going to lose this one. Belfast is clinging to any chance of a home game, and Antwerp is looking to make the case for the strength of Zeta. It'll be a good game, but I think Antwerp will win by 10ish.
A#8 Grim Reapers at Z#10 Newcastle Nightmare
Grim Reapers haven't finished the season as well as they would have liked. But they haven't given up. Pride is on the line in this one as two mid-seeds square off. Grim has beaten some damn good teams, but that was early. They have found themselves losing 6 of their last 7. Falling from a chance at a #3 spot to an at-best Bloodsuckers first round. This is a tough one to call, really. Both teams are very capable of pulling off this win. Both teams' playoff hopes hang in the balance. It's going to be a great one to watch. But in the end, I think it will take more than Ivy and Kilik's help to overcome Death Incarnate.
If only Raphael were around...------------------------------------------------------------
A#1 Transylvania Bloodsuckers at Z#7 Vatican City Angels
Well, no offense to VCA... but this one is a no-brainer. I think the 'Suckers would have to try to lose this one. This runs a chance of ruining VCA's playoff aspirations, and will certainly lock up the #1 seed in Alpha for the 'Suckers.
Z#12 Coventry Thunder at A#2 South Yorkshire Stars
This game is of little significance to either team. Hard to say how much effort either will put into it. SoYo shouldn't run the risk of getting players below 70 Energy in preparation for the playoffs, and Coventry is looking to the offseason. But nonetheless, SoYo should win this one handily.
A#3 Warsaw Knuckleheads at Z#9 Vienna Blood Sausages
Warsaw isn't the 3 seed for nothing. A hell of an offense that many teams have failed to find an answer for. Vienna is still alive in the playoff race, so you can count on them putting effort into this game. Unfortunately for them, I don't think Warsaw is going to be going down quietly any time soon. Or any time this week, period.
A#4 Dublin Drunken Monkeys at Z#15 Dresden Bombers
D-Monks coming off the wrong side of a heartbreaking 4th Quarter comeback culminated by a TD reception from yours truly. They brought it on themselves by ruining my 8-0 a couple weeks ago. I made the forecast, and they simply obliged. Finally, we are on the same page. But with that said... it took SoYo a 14-point 4th Q to beat these guys. This team is a force. And that force is fighting for a home game. Dresden is not so much a force yet. And is basically fighting for nothing. D-Monk's win this one easily.
Z#14 Istanbul Three Headed Pygmy Dragon at A#6 Amsterdam Arctic Blast
Would've been much more fun to see the Amsterdam Civil War here, but you take what you get. Amsterdam was the consensus preseason favorite to win Alpha; now they find themselves staring at all hopes of a home playoff game shot with a DMonk's win and Belfast loss. Despite Amsterdam surely winning this one handily, they are only playing for 5-7 now, most likely. Looking for the best first-round match possible. As is the case with any league, no team wants to be the #7 or 8 team, if they can avoid it.
Z#2 Quebec Colored Trombones at A#7 Basin City Blues
Yep, that's right. I said it. I am calling the upset. Don't let BCB's #7 seed fool you. They are legit. QCT stopped displaying their early dominance as the season went on. BCB dropped some tough losses to some damn good teams. Both teams did. But all things considered, I really feel like BCB will pull this one out. That's definitely not a Knock on the Trombones (Bach Strad: Rose Bell, woo hoo!), but it is a compliment to the BCB. If they look at this as a chance to gain some HUGE momentum for payoff time and a chance to improve to a better first round matchup... and put some real effort into the prep for this game... then I think they can pull it out. But QCT is the favorite to prove me wrong so far.
Z#3 Amsterdam Smugglers at A#9 Wrexham Maelor Brionnfhionn
The guys from Wales have proven they are no cupcakes. But this Amsterdam team has proven they are more than just a contender. They are the real deal. They are surely upset and dissatisfied with a #3 seed. They are out for blood. They are bringing it all. If for nothing more, than just to make a statement. I have nothing but love for my boys in Alpha, but the Smugglers are poised to take this one.
Z#16 Chanhatten Knights at A#10 St. Louis Storm
Easy win for the Storm, who could certainly use it. Jerry Applewhite and crew have suffered a pretty bad close to their season. They need a win here to have any remote chance at the playoffs after extremely high hopes early on. They will find that win with little opposition. Any time you see an orange Helmet and Grey silhouettes, there is little need for concern.
A#11 Kilkenny Cannibals at Z#5 Athens Gators
Too little too late for the cannibals who have bursted onto the scene in the late season. Too little too late, especially considering they are facing an athens squad who has been on the scene all along. The Gators ground game will probably be too much for the Cannibals to handle. And once they fall behind, they are facing the #2 Passing Defense in the league. Not a good combo.
Z#6 Konoha Hokages at A#12 Vatra Dornei Wraiths
I'm not saying the Wraiths are bad, per say.... but I am saying the Hokages are pretty good. Both teams are playing for practically nothing. But I think both will still be trying. However, the Konoha "try" is a bit more effective it seems than the Wraiths' "try".
Z#11Malmö Dawgs at A#13 Oklahoma (U.S.A.) Outlaws
Unless the outlaws bring in Barry sanders and Adrian Peterson both to take this show over.... I don't see them ending their inaugural season with a W. But anything is possible in GLB, right? Outlaws just got off to a slow start, and the Dawgs seem to have just caught some bad breaks. Noetheless, Malmo will get that win they need to close out at .500 and put their name in the 5-team hate for that 7-8 Zeta position.
A#14 London Brawling Tommies at Z#8 Cardiff Cobra's
Despite my disagreement with the comma in the Cardiff mascot, I will give them this one vote of confidence then be done. London's only 2 W's are to the 2 teams below them in the Alpha standings. To their credit, though.. they have played infinitely better recently. But it's not going to be enough to knock of a team like Cardiff. 2 Wins vs. 7 wins, and it's hard to call for an upset... especially when the team going for it has the least-productive Passing offense in the league.
A#15 Ithaca Space Munkees at Z#13 Valencia Bats
Ithaca just hasn't found a groove yet. Only win coming to the winless CCSM. This could actually be a close game. But regardless of it being close or a blowout, I think Valencia denies the Ithaca attempt to double the win count on the season.
Z#4 Hamburg Parrots at A#16 CCSM
Easy win for Parrots. Really all there is to say.
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So overall, that gives me an ........ 8-8 Split.
Man, that sucks. I kind of hope I'm not right... That would be lame. lol. But either way... there they are, folks. Zeta Conference? Welcome to the discussion!
Last edited Jul 12, 2008 12:41:28
