Hedgehog’s Power Rankings – Week Fourteen
Only real constant this week is the Sasqutches who retain their #1 spot as usual. There’re lots of changes this week in a big Week 14 for both Conferences with big significant movements up the top of both divisions. Queen City Black Cats, Vikings, and the Air Force all lose as rivals move up against them. And the the playoff picture for the rest of the Western Conference still looks murky coming out of Week 14.
Movers and Shakers:
Best Risers: Iqaluit Arctic Wolves (+4); Vancouver Vindicators & Nebraska Husker Maniacs (+3)
Biggest Drops: Cheyenne Mountain Air Force & Vinland Vikings (-4)
Week Fourteen Power Rankings
The Championship Contenders
1.-X (1/-) – Saskatchewan Sasquatches – (14-0)
-The unstoppable force that is the Sasqutches stomp the Kelowna Outlaws for their 14th straight season victory. It’s scary to think just how dominating this team is amongst their peers: they possess the most scoring offense in the Western Conference and the stingiest defense in points given. Two more speed bumps are ahead of them as this team should face no challenge till the second round of the playoffs, at the very least.
2.-X (3/+1) – Sudbury Spartans – (12-2)
-This team belongs here. This is one of the most complete packages in their division: #2 in pass yardage; #3 in rush yards; least points scored against in the Eastern Conference; third most scoring offense in the division. And they haven’t lost by more than six points in their defeats. The easy last couple weeks means this team will finish the year 14-2 and one team others will certainly want to avoid come playoff time.
3.-X (5/+2) – Halifax Hashishim – (12-2)
-The Hashishim climb over the Queen City Black Cats by defeating them in a nail-biting 23-20 finish. Credit the offense for effectively moving the chains and getting that winning late-stage drive for the FG. In what turned out to be a very even game by the numbers, their defense gave them the winning edge: their very early INT helped set them up for the early lead and this team prevented the league #1 rushing game from doing much damage. Next is an easy victory coming up then a challenge in Week 16 vs. the Winnipeg Warriors.
4.-X (2/-2) – Queen City Black Cats – (12-2)
-A tough loss sends the Black Cats down two spots this week, their grasp of the #1 playoff seed going from frim to toe-hold with the 3-point defeat. In recent games, twice has this team’s run game been nullified and twice has this team lost; an early pick converted for a TD against them didn’t help things either. Their next games against the Husker Maniacs and the Revelstoke Revolution now crucial if this team wants to head in holding the top playoff spot: they need to win both to retain it.
5.-X (8/+3) –Vancouver Vindicators – (11-3)
-It looks like the Vindicators boosted for this game and it helped in a 19-12 win against the Vikings. The second stingiest defense to score points lived up to their record as the Vindicators keep the Vikings to their lowest points scored in any game this season. With very winnable games in the next couple of weeks the Vindicators will turn out to be this season’s surprise #2 team in the Western Conference playoffs.
6.-X (9/+3) – Nebraska Husker Maniacs – (11-3)
-The Husker Manaics edge out the Hillbillies this week as they take in the easy win against the Destruction Bay Dragons. This team, with the highest leveled starting lineup on average amongst the Eastern Conference elite, faces a tough couple of weeks. It’ll be the Eastern Conference Game of the Week against the Black Cats next week; can the pass-inclined Husker Maniacs score against one of the toughest pass defenses in the league? And following that will be the tough game against the Icemen.
7.-X (7/-) – Hillsburgh Hillbillies – (11-3)
-The Hillbillies follow up with their impressive victory last week with another against the lowly Cold Lake Wolverines. So why are the Vindicators ahead of the Hillbillies this week when I usually place this team first? Of the three remaining teams vying for home-field advantage the Hillbillies are in danger of losing it as they have a challenging duo of Revelstoke Revolution and the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force next. Can the Hanz and Co. win against both teams? We’ll find out starting next week against the resurgent Revolution.
8.-X (4/-4) – Cheyenne Mountain Air Force – (11-3)
-The Cheyenne Mountain Air Force drops four spots this week. In the team’s two previous losses the glaring number that pointed to the loss was the pass yardage. And it was the same story again this week as they lost to the St. John’s Salty Dogs by a margin of 31 points. This team’s QB, Ryan Farsight, must be feeling the morale loss as he was picked off twice; one of which ran all the way to the other side for a touchdown. Their loss looks like a bad omen for the next two weeks; they have a challenging stretch of the Canadiens and the Hillbillies lined up.
The Dark Horses
9.-X (10/+1) – St. John’s Salty Dogs – (10-4)
-The Salty Dogs keep on climbing after shooting down the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force. I’d place this team higher if I could. They’ve won nine straight and post impressive numbers as a unit: the top passing team in the East, #4 in rush yards, 4th most scoring offense and they boost a good D. Their seeding for the playoffs belie their strength: you do not want to mess with this #7 ranked team. Next up should be winnable games against the Cavaliers and the Calgary Thunder.
10.-X (12/+2) –Manitoba Icemen – (10-4)
-The Icemen knock down the Guerillaz this week and move two spots to #10. Though they seem just a touch under the Western Conference elite in quality, they’ve quietly they’ve amassed the third best rush unit in the conference in terms of yards ran. This team is looking at the Husker Maniacs in the last week as the next big game for them; in a couple of weeks this team could be poised to get home-field advantage by the time they face the Husker Maniacs.
11.-X (7/-4) – Vinland Vikings – (10-4)
- The Vikings drop two straight in as once again, the run was stopped. The loss is surprising given the level disparity between them and the Vindicators; the result drops them four spots in my rankings this week. Barring divine intervention, the Vikings will bottom out here as they face a laughably easy duo of cupcakes to finish off their season.
12.-X (12/-1) – Montreal Canadiens – (10-4)
-The three win streak ends with blowout of the Preachers. Like Dan, I think the record makes them better than they really are. They need to bring their “A” game - the one they used to beat the Husker Maniacs with – in the next couple of weeks. The Canadiens face off against the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force next week followed up by the Saskatchewan Beavers in the next.
On the Bubble
13.-X (13/) – Calgary Thunder – (9-5)
- They beat the Beavers and a likely win against the Pimps should prevent them from being the #8 seed this season. They’ll be underdogs for the last game against the Salty Dogs.
14. (15/+1) – Red Deer Blue Elk – (8-6)
-Giving the shutout instead of taking it must feel good for this team. Should be successful the next couple of games.
15. (16/+1) – Revelstoke Revolution – (7-7)
-They're going to need an upset to have a crack at the playoffs.
16. (17/+1) – Winnipeg Warriors – (7-7)
-Will go three in a row next week; need another upset to secure their spot in the playoffs.
17. (14/-3) – Saskatchewan Beavers – (6-8)
-I expect them to win next week. Then again I’ve been doing just that in the past couple of games with this team.
18. (21/+3) – Calgary Wrestlers – (6-8)
-Underleveled team doing a good job this season.
The Longshots
19. (23/+4) – Iqaluit Arctic Wolves – (6-8)
-They’ll go 8-8 this season; an improvement over the last one.
20. (22/+2) – Flint Tropics – (5-8)
-Expect getting a pounding in the next game.
21. (18/-3) – Cold Lake Wolverines – (6-8)
-I’m sure the new boss has his sights for next year.
22. (19/-3) – In San Jose Pimpin Ain’t Easy – (5-9)
-Very much a longshot for the playoffs; add a couple right pieces for next year and you better watch out.
Better Luck Next Season
23. (20/-3) –Saskatoon Guerillaz – (5-9)
-Their season came off the rails after Week 4-5. Will get creamed in the next two games.
24. (24/-) – Destruction Bay Dragons – (5-9)
-At least you know this team can beat the worst in the Eastern Conference.
25. (25/-) –Portsmouth Cavaliers – (4-10)
-Butt-whoopin’s next two weeks are in order for this team.
26. (26/-) – Toronto Smoke – (3-11)
-Another team that should rise from the ashes next season.
27. (26/-) – Barkmere Bulldawgs – (2-12)
-Best of the worst in the Eastern Conference.
28. (28/-) –Quebec Boreal – (2-12)
-It’s torture to say anything good about this team. So I won’t.
The D-League - And the Preachers take back their rightful mantle of: The Best Worst Team in Canada A6
29. (30/+1) –Bloodweiser Bugle All-Stars – (1-13)
30. (29/-1) – Kelowna Outlaws – (1-13)
31. (31/+1) –Castlegar Crusaders – (0-14)
32. (32/-1) – Peterborough Preachers – (0-14)
-X – Clinched Playoff Berth
Only real constant this week is the Sasqutches who retain their #1 spot as usual. There’re lots of changes this week in a big Week 14 for both Conferences with big significant movements up the top of both divisions. Queen City Black Cats, Vikings, and the Air Force all lose as rivals move up against them. And the the playoff picture for the rest of the Western Conference still looks murky coming out of Week 14.
Movers and Shakers:
Best Risers: Iqaluit Arctic Wolves (+4); Vancouver Vindicators & Nebraska Husker Maniacs (+3)
Biggest Drops: Cheyenne Mountain Air Force & Vinland Vikings (-4)
Week Fourteen Power Rankings
The Championship Contenders
1.-X (1/-) – Saskatchewan Sasquatches – (14-0)
-The unstoppable force that is the Sasqutches stomp the Kelowna Outlaws for their 14th straight season victory. It’s scary to think just how dominating this team is amongst their peers: they possess the most scoring offense in the Western Conference and the stingiest defense in points given. Two more speed bumps are ahead of them as this team should face no challenge till the second round of the playoffs, at the very least.
2.-X (3/+1) – Sudbury Spartans – (12-2)
-This team belongs here. This is one of the most complete packages in their division: #2 in pass yardage; #3 in rush yards; least points scored against in the Eastern Conference; third most scoring offense in the division. And they haven’t lost by more than six points in their defeats. The easy last couple weeks means this team will finish the year 14-2 and one team others will certainly want to avoid come playoff time.
3.-X (5/+2) – Halifax Hashishim – (12-2)
-The Hashishim climb over the Queen City Black Cats by defeating them in a nail-biting 23-20 finish. Credit the offense for effectively moving the chains and getting that winning late-stage drive for the FG. In what turned out to be a very even game by the numbers, their defense gave them the winning edge: their very early INT helped set them up for the early lead and this team prevented the league #1 rushing game from doing much damage. Next is an easy victory coming up then a challenge in Week 16 vs. the Winnipeg Warriors.
4.-X (2/-2) – Queen City Black Cats – (12-2)
-A tough loss sends the Black Cats down two spots this week, their grasp of the #1 playoff seed going from frim to toe-hold with the 3-point defeat. In recent games, twice has this team’s run game been nullified and twice has this team lost; an early pick converted for a TD against them didn’t help things either. Their next games against the Husker Maniacs and the Revelstoke Revolution now crucial if this team wants to head in holding the top playoff spot: they need to win both to retain it.
5.-X (8/+3) –Vancouver Vindicators – (11-3)
-It looks like the Vindicators boosted for this game and it helped in a 19-12 win against the Vikings. The second stingiest defense to score points lived up to their record as the Vindicators keep the Vikings to their lowest points scored in any game this season. With very winnable games in the next couple of weeks the Vindicators will turn out to be this season’s surprise #2 team in the Western Conference playoffs.
6.-X (9/+3) – Nebraska Husker Maniacs – (11-3)
-The Husker Manaics edge out the Hillbillies this week as they take in the easy win against the Destruction Bay Dragons. This team, with the highest leveled starting lineup on average amongst the Eastern Conference elite, faces a tough couple of weeks. It’ll be the Eastern Conference Game of the Week against the Black Cats next week; can the pass-inclined Husker Maniacs score against one of the toughest pass defenses in the league? And following that will be the tough game against the Icemen.
7.-X (7/-) – Hillsburgh Hillbillies – (11-3)
-The Hillbillies follow up with their impressive victory last week with another against the lowly Cold Lake Wolverines. So why are the Vindicators ahead of the Hillbillies this week when I usually place this team first? Of the three remaining teams vying for home-field advantage the Hillbillies are in danger of losing it as they have a challenging duo of Revelstoke Revolution and the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force next. Can the Hanz and Co. win against both teams? We’ll find out starting next week against the resurgent Revolution.
8.-X (4/-4) – Cheyenne Mountain Air Force – (11-3)
-The Cheyenne Mountain Air Force drops four spots this week. In the team’s two previous losses the glaring number that pointed to the loss was the pass yardage. And it was the same story again this week as they lost to the St. John’s Salty Dogs by a margin of 31 points. This team’s QB, Ryan Farsight, must be feeling the morale loss as he was picked off twice; one of which ran all the way to the other side for a touchdown. Their loss looks like a bad omen for the next two weeks; they have a challenging stretch of the Canadiens and the Hillbillies lined up.
The Dark Horses
9.-X (10/+1) – St. John’s Salty Dogs – (10-4)
-The Salty Dogs keep on climbing after shooting down the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force. I’d place this team higher if I could. They’ve won nine straight and post impressive numbers as a unit: the top passing team in the East, #4 in rush yards, 4th most scoring offense and they boost a good D. Their seeding for the playoffs belie their strength: you do not want to mess with this #7 ranked team. Next up should be winnable games against the Cavaliers and the Calgary Thunder.
10.-X (12/+2) –Manitoba Icemen – (10-4)
-The Icemen knock down the Guerillaz this week and move two spots to #10. Though they seem just a touch under the Western Conference elite in quality, they’ve quietly they’ve amassed the third best rush unit in the conference in terms of yards ran. This team is looking at the Husker Maniacs in the last week as the next big game for them; in a couple of weeks this team could be poised to get home-field advantage by the time they face the Husker Maniacs.
11.-X (7/-4) – Vinland Vikings – (10-4)
- The Vikings drop two straight in as once again, the run was stopped. The loss is surprising given the level disparity between them and the Vindicators; the result drops them four spots in my rankings this week. Barring divine intervention, the Vikings will bottom out here as they face a laughably easy duo of cupcakes to finish off their season.
12.-X (12/-1) – Montreal Canadiens – (10-4)
-The three win streak ends with blowout of the Preachers. Like Dan, I think the record makes them better than they really are. They need to bring their “A” game - the one they used to beat the Husker Maniacs with – in the next couple of weeks. The Canadiens face off against the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force next week followed up by the Saskatchewan Beavers in the next.
On the Bubble
13.-X (13/) – Calgary Thunder – (9-5)
- They beat the Beavers and a likely win against the Pimps should prevent them from being the #8 seed this season. They’ll be underdogs for the last game against the Salty Dogs.
14. (15/+1) – Red Deer Blue Elk – (8-6)
-Giving the shutout instead of taking it must feel good for this team. Should be successful the next couple of games.
15. (16/+1) – Revelstoke Revolution – (7-7)
-They're going to need an upset to have a crack at the playoffs.
16. (17/+1) – Winnipeg Warriors – (7-7)
-Will go three in a row next week; need another upset to secure their spot in the playoffs.
17. (14/-3) – Saskatchewan Beavers – (6-8)
-I expect them to win next week. Then again I’ve been doing just that in the past couple of games with this team.
18. (21/+3) – Calgary Wrestlers – (6-8)
-Underleveled team doing a good job this season.
The Longshots
19. (23/+4) – Iqaluit Arctic Wolves – (6-8)
-They’ll go 8-8 this season; an improvement over the last one.
20. (22/+2) – Flint Tropics – (5-8)
-Expect getting a pounding in the next game.
21. (18/-3) – Cold Lake Wolverines – (6-8)
-I’m sure the new boss has his sights for next year.
22. (19/-3) – In San Jose Pimpin Ain’t Easy – (5-9)
-Very much a longshot for the playoffs; add a couple right pieces for next year and you better watch out.
Better Luck Next Season
23. (20/-3) –Saskatoon Guerillaz – (5-9)
-Their season came off the rails after Week 4-5. Will get creamed in the next two games.
24. (24/-) – Destruction Bay Dragons – (5-9)
-At least you know this team can beat the worst in the Eastern Conference.
25. (25/-) –Portsmouth Cavaliers – (4-10)
-Butt-whoopin’s next two weeks are in order for this team.
26. (26/-) – Toronto Smoke – (3-11)
-Another team that should rise from the ashes next season.
27. (26/-) – Barkmere Bulldawgs – (2-12)
-Best of the worst in the Eastern Conference.
28. (28/-) –Quebec Boreal – (2-12)
-It’s torture to say anything good about this team. So I won’t.
The D-League - And the Preachers take back their rightful mantle of: The Best Worst Team in Canada A6
29. (30/+1) –Bloodweiser Bugle All-Stars – (1-13)
30. (29/-1) – Kelowna Outlaws – (1-13)
31. (31/+1) –Castlegar Crusaders – (0-14)
32. (32/-1) – Peterborough Preachers – (0-14)
-X – Clinched Playoff Berth
Last edited Aug 29, 2008 17:00:27
