The first round of the 2007 college play-offs are in the books, and two teams make an early exit while lamenting what could have been. Before we get to the recap of week one of the post season, a review of the final week of the regular season is in order.
Week nine saw four teams in crucial match-ups. The Stallions and Elephants were competing for the C division crown and a play-off berth, while the Game Cocks and Cossacks were vying for the A Division title and a first round bye. Both contests saw teams losing in heartbreak fashion.
The Elephants needed a win, a top six, and a Stallion bottom six to win the division and advance to the postseason. Coach Brady did all he could as his team won and got the top six with a solid 95 points. Unfortunately for the Elephants, their bad luck continued as The Stallions were able to notch a bonus point with an 84. The Elephants needed six teams to best the Stallions, and in a year where teams missed the top six while scoring over 100 it was not to be. With the bonus point earned, the Stallions won the C Division and moved on.
The Game Cocks and Cossacks met in an epic battle to decide the A Division title. Even more important, the victor would earn s the first round bye. Both teams needed the bye as they would not be at full strenghth in week one of the post season. This game proved to be crucial for the Cossacks, and Coach Maze’s season was decided by nine points. The final score was 127 – 118, and the Sacks would have beat every other team on this day. The GCocks win relied on the legs of RB Charles. In a fourth quarter for the ages, the Longhorn back had huge TD runs on his way to 41 points. That had to be painful to watch as it all happened as the game was winding down. The Cocks had to feel good going into the late game with Brennan going, but the worst scenario came to pass. The Warrior QB hit The Sacks receiver Grice-Mullen all night allowing the Sacks to rack up 38 points. Unfortunately they came up short as a direct result of Charles runs. The Games Cocks could rest, while the Sacks could look to a first round in which they would without firepower.
The Play-off field was now set. The third seed Stallions would meet the sixth seed Venom, while the fourth seed Shamrox would face the dejected fifth seed Sacks. Dejected because they knew they would lose Slaton and Woodson on a bye, a fatal handicap that would not be overcome. The Game Cocks having won the right to the bye now wait with the DragonFarts to meet the victors of round one.
Round 1 Playoff recap
Venom @ Stallions ; 127 – 83 Venom
Now that The Stallions had won the C division crown, they were rewarded by being matched against the sixth seed. Unfortunately for Coach Mike, the low seed was his Brother’s Venom team who were coming off a 112 point win in week nine. The Venom continued their momentum posting an impressive 127 with the benefit of a few late free-agent pick ups. With the emergence of Knowshon Moreno, The Venom have been able to peak at the right time. The Stallions had a strong game, but did not get the right match-up. Coach Mike’s squad was strong all year, and endured a few tough losses. The season ended on the same note as his 83 would have bested the other two teams meeting in round one.
Cossacks @ Shamrox ; 61 – 39 Shamrox
The Sacks worst fears became reality as they completely collapsed. Their week nine heartbreaking loss was too much to overcome. To make matters worse, they made a free-agent move to try to compensate for the loss of stud Woodson on a bye.
The move proved disastrous as they got negative points while their released Nebraska QB went off. Sometimes no move is the best course of action in fantasy ball. The Shamrox had an off day, but their 61 was enough to move to round two. Coach Snyder is hoping to get Bernard back from injury as they move on to face the DragonFarts.
The Elephants continue their great play winning round one of the Scrub bowl. McFadden’s 300 yard day helped Coach Brady’s team score an impressive 124. Although The Elephants missed the post season in frustrating fashion, reaching it may have been worse. The Elephants would have met the Venom, and the three point 127 -124 loss would have been icing on a very frustrating fantasy cake.
Round Two Lines
Jeff Snyder
Venom @ Game Cocks Gamecocks - 14 -8
Shamrox @ Dragon Farts DFarts - 10 -7
The Game Cocks and Venom meet in a rematch of last years second round in which the GCocks won 86 -64. It is also a rematch of week one in which The Venom survived 116 -114. Round two also finds three of the same teams from last year’s second round with the Game Cocks, DragonFarts, and Venom advancing. This makes it the third year in a row the DFarts have found themselves in the second round. While the Game Cocks and Venom Coach have Championship rings, the DFarts have yet to find the promised land. The DFarts need to regain the momentum they had earlier in the year. It should be interesting…
Good Luck to all!
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