NEFL Weekly - Week 6
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/30390/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/30390/3377/richmedia/NEFL_WK_6.mp3
Ray Roberts, Menomonie Thunderhawks owner/head coach
Martin Adams, Chippewa Valley Predators head coach/co-GM
Fred Hoversholm, Eau Claire Crush head coach
Dan Bridges, River City Rough Riders owner/offensive coordinator
Mark Heiser, St Paul Pioneers head coach
* * * * *
NEFL Playoff Picture - Week 6
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios: FORCE clinch EAST DIVISION with WIN and GLADIATORS LOSS.
Elimination Scenarios: None
Playoffs if season ended today:
(E) Force - Bye
(WC) Storm -at- (C) Predators
STANDINGS
EAST
Force 4-0 (3-0 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Storm 1-3 (1-1 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Gladiators 1-3 (0-2 Conf, 0-2 Div)
CENTRAL
Predators 3-1 (3-0 Conf, 2-0 Div)
Crush 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-1 Div)
Spartans 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
WILD CARD
Storm 1-3 (1-1 Conf, 1-0 Div) *Conference record tiebreaker
Crush 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-1 Div)
Gladiators 1-3 (0-2 Conf, 0-2 Div)
Spartans 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios: None
Elimination Scenarios: None
Playoffs if season ended today:
(N) Pioneers - bye
(WC) Rage -at- (S) Thunderhawks
STANDINGS
SOUTH
Thunderhawks 1-3 (1-1 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Giants 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Rough Riders 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
NORTH
Pioneers 4-0 (3-0 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Rage 3-1 (2-1 Conf, 1-1 Div)
Dragons 3-1 (1-1 Conf, 0-1 Div)
WILD CARD
Rage 3-1 (2-1 Conf, 1-1 Div) *Head-to-Head tiebreaker
Dragons 3-1 (1-1 Conf, 0-1 Div)
Giants 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Rough Riders 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
* * * * *
POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 6
1 (1) - Pioneers 4-0 - For the second straight week, St Paul was forced to dig deep in the second half to put away their opponent on the road. Now the schedule gets interesting, with games remaining against the Dragons (twice), the Rage and the Force. If they split those games, they could be on the outside looking in for the postseason.
2 (5) - Rage 3-1 - They thrust themselves right back into the playoff (and championship) discussion with a hard-fought win over Minnesota. They also have the schedule advantage, with only 2 remaining games in the North Division, as opposed to 3 apiece for the Dragons and Pioneers.
3 (2) - Dragons 3-1 - The loss to the Rage doesn't take the Dragons out of the postseason--they very much control their fate with 2 games against the Pioneers and a game against the Rage left on the schedule. Sweep those games and the Dragons are in the playoffs.
4 (3) - Force 4-0 - If the Force win and the Predators beat the Gladiators, they will lock up a postseason spot with 3 games to play. Just business as usual for Fox Valley, with the big Elite Bowl III rematch looming next week. Despite their unbeaten record, they've played 4 teams currently at 1-3, which is why they sit behind the Rage and Dragons in the rankings.
5 (4) - Predators 3-1 - If there's such a thing as a soft schedule in the NEFL, the Predators own it, with only one game (Minnesota) out of their 8 regular season games being against a team with a winning record. That could change, but the Preds are in the midst of a 7-game stretch against teams that all have records currently at 1-3.
6 (6) - Crush 1-3 - How can you lose 3 straight and not move in the power rankings? Play the Force and Pioneers to the last minute. The Crush went 0-3 in games against teams with winning records, but only one (the Predators game) was a bad loss. Their remaining opponents should be prepared--the Crush are getting better every week.
7 (8) - Thunderhawks 1-3 - With 3 division games left, the Thunderhawks could sweep those games and clinch a postseason bid. They have the advantage of getting last week off, but now they play 5 straight weekends (NC against the Sting on 7/2). Lots of big games ahead for Menomonie.
8 (7) - Giants 1-3 - Last week's long road trip coupled with playing a previously-winless team did them in, but they have the same schedule remaining as the Thunderhawks (3 division games). They also have a game this week against the Crush, which would be good insurance in case they lose one of their two games against Menomonie.
9 (12) - Gladiators 1-3 - Heartbreak was avoided last week, as Green Bay earned a win. Their reward is a road game against the Predators, but outside of one bad half against the Rage they've played their opponents very close this season.
10 (9) - Spartans 1-3 - It's not an easy remaining schedule, with both Eau Claire teams and the Rage all on tap. They'll need to win at least 2 games and probably 3 to get to the playoffs.
11 (10) - Rough Riders 1-3 - All of their remaining opponents have played in a championship game in the past two seasons. 3 of them have won it (Predators 2009 NEFL, Dragons 2009 NPFL, Thunderhawks 2010 NPFL). It's not going to be easy to make the playoffs.
12 (11) - Storm 1-3 - Two of their last 4 games are against the Force. They also play a pair of Wisconsin-based teams looking to jump them for a playoff spot. If Kimberly wants to play its first playoff game in history, it's going to take some great efforts and they'll have to knock off the Force at least once to have a chance at getting it.
Last 10 Games Power Rankings
Rank (Last Week) Team - Record in last 10 games - Opponent Rank - Streak
1 (1) Pioneers - 10-0 - 5 - 10W
2 (3) Rage - 8-2 - 7 - 2W
3 (4) Force - 8-2 - 10 - 4W
4 (2) Dragons - 8-2 - 9 - 1L
5 (5) Predators - 8-2 - 11 - 3W
6 (6) Gladiators - 4-6 - 4 - 1W
7 (8) Crush - 3-7 - 3 - 3L
8 (7) Thunderhawks - 5-5 - 8 - 1L
9 (10) Giants - 3-7 - 1 - 2L
10 (9) Rough Riders - 5-5 - 12 - 1W
11 (11) Storm - 3-7 - 6 - 3L
12 (12) Spartans - 1-9 - 2 - 2L
* * * * *
Week 6 Previews
#11 River City Rough Riders (1-3) -at- #7 Menomonie Thunderhawks (1-3) - 6pm
ALL TIME: Menomonie leads 1-0
5/28/2011 (NEFL) - Thunderhawks 21, Rough Riders 14
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Menomonie 27-45 (1-3), River City 35-48 (1-3)
Outlook: The first step towards a home playoff game for two division rivals
Upset Watch: The Rough Riders got after it and knocked off the Storm 20-3. They'll need the same defensive intensity to cut off the quick slants and off-tackle runs the Thunderhawks favor on offense, and control the tempo when they have the ball.
Importance: The winner will have at least a tie for first place in the South Division. For River City, a sweep at the hands of Menomonie puts their season on life support (games remaining: Predators, Dragons, Giants). For Menomonie, a loss can be overcome a bit easier (they play the Giants two games in a row).
Power Rankings Say: The Thunderhawks use home-field advantage to win in similar fashion as Memorial Day weekend
#12 Kimberly Storm (1-3) -at- #4 Fox Valley Force (4-0) - 4pm
ALL TIME: Force lead 4-0*
5/9/2009 (NEFL) - Force 21, Storm 6
6/27/2009 (NEFL) - Force 27, Storm 22
5/15/2010 (NEFL) - Force 34, Storm 17
7/10/2010 (NEFL) - Force 48, Storm 0
*The teams played in 2008 when the Storm were an independent, and the Force won 41-6. However, it counts as exhibition for Fox Valley, so I'm leaving it out here.
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Force 52-9 (19-5), Storm 3-21 (3-17)
Outlook: Another divisional battle, with playoff implications on both sides
Upset Watch: The Storm and Force are headed in opposite directions. Kimberly has yet to get its high-powered offense going and the Force found some points to go with their stellar defense. The Storm will need to reverse the trend and play their best game of the season to win here.
Importance: The Force clinch a home playoff game with a win and a Green Bay loss--in their FIFTH GAME. The Storm, currently atop the wild card standings, will play Fox Valley again in a few weeks, but they're in a 4-way race for a playoff spot, and as a franchise have yet to deliver a signature victory.
Power Rankings Say: The Force will be motivated to do their part to clinch a playoff spot, and all the questions about their offense were wiped away with a big outburst last week. It will be a reprieve of last week for the Force in winning big at home.
#9 Green Bay Gladiators (1-3) -at- #5 Chippewa Valley Predators (3-1) - 6pm
ALL TIME: Predators lead 4-0
6/17/2007 (GPFL) - Predators 20, Gladiators 6
5/17/2008 (NEFL) - Predators 24, Gladiators 0
7/11/2009 (NEFL) - Predators 26, Gladiators 7
6/19/2010 (NEFL) - Predators 62, Gladiators 0
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Predators 75-29 (24-7), Gladiators 15-24 (13-18)
Outlook: The annual Predators/Gladiators battle resumes this Saturday at Carson Park.
Upset Watch: The Gladiators need to take the momentum from their win last week and bring it to downtown Eau Claire. They've had only one really bad half this year, and if they stick around in this game late by preventing the big play capabilities of the Predators, they'll have a chance.
Importance: The Gladiators are off the mat, but they get the Eau Claire double-dip and a game against the Force in the second half of the season. They'll need to pull some upsets along the way to make the postseason. The Predators can't get trapped into complacency in thinking they won't play anyone tough the rest of the way--the NEFL is tougher top-to-bottom this year.
Power Rankings Say: The Predators will win, but it won't be by a crazy amount like last year.
#6 Eau Claire Crush (1-3) -at- #8 Rochester Giants (1-3) - 5pm
ALL TIME: Giants lead 1-0
8/4/2007 (GPFL) - Giants 28, Crush 7 - Playoffs - Championship
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Giants 61-22 (3-9), Crush 28-15 (19-12)
Outlook: A rematch of the last-ever game in the Great Plains Football League. Nostalgic.
Upset Watch: The Giants will need to solve the complex zone-blitz schemes of the Crush and put up at least 3 scores. The Crush this year have scored 13, 6, 14 and 7 points in their games, and much of it has come because of their terrific defense and a couple of plays on special teams. If the Giants take care of the ball and win the field-of-position battle, they can come away winners.
Importance: It's a non-conference game, but both teams are reeling after having their guts ripped out last week. The team on the rebound will be in great shape chasing a playoff spot, since their respective remaining schedules feature mostly winnable games.
Power Rankings Say: The over-under is 40, but the Crush have played 3 straight tough teams and that experience should help them edge the Giants this week on the road by the slimmest of margins. 17-16 sounds about right.
#2 Lake Superior Rage (3-1) -at- #10 Central Wisconsin Spartans (1-3) - 4pm
ALL TIME:
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Rage 43-14 (27-7), Spartans 26-53 (7-21)
Outlook: A Wisconsin clash of contrasting football styles.
Upset Watch: Another year besieged by injuries for the Spartans has resulted in opportunity for most of their players, but this week they'll need to use that experience and find their offensive groove again. If it turns into a shootout (the best possible opportunity for the Spartans to win), they'll need every round of ammo they have, since the Rage have scored 88 and 61 in games this season.
Importance: The Rage are firmly entrenched in the playoff picture, so they need to keep winning to maintain that status. The Spartans, on the other hand, will have the Eau Claire double-dip and the Storm after this game, so their playoff hopes would be greatly enhanced with a big upset this week.
Power Rankings Say: The Rage are capable of big scoring numbers despite their normally physical, control-the-trenches mindset, and it could be another video game scoring total this week in a big win.
*GAME OF THE WEEK*
#3 Minnesota Dragons (3-1) -at- #1 St Paul Pioneers (4-0) - 4pm
ALL TIME:
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Pioneers 79-31 (12-2), Dragons 25-8 (9-3)
Outlook: Just think, these two teams play AGAIN in mid-July.
Upset Watch: The Dragons really don't want to fall a game (effectively a game and a half) back of the Rage for the Wild Card (and 2.5 games back of the Pioneers). The entire North Division schedule is a weekly playoff tilt, and they'll need to find some scoring to put away the veteran Pioneers, who have turned away upset bids on the road the last two weeks.
Importance: If the Dragons win, the entire North Division becomes a must-see event the rest of the way. If the Pioneers win, the Dragons' once-promising season will be in serious jeopardy, while the Pioneers will solidify their top ranking in the North.
Power Rankings Say: This will be an all-out war. The team on a big winning streak and defending the NEFL Championship will win at home, setting up a potentially Earth-shattering rematch in the last game of the year.
NEFL ALL TIME RECORDS (not counting exhibition play in seasons affiliated with the NEFL)
Rage 43-14 (NEFL: 27-7)
Predators 75-29 (NEFL: 24-7)
Force 52-9 (NEFL: 19-5)
Crush 28-15 (NEFL: 19-12)
Gladiators 15-24 (NEFL: 13-18)
Pioneers 79-31 (NEFL: 12-2)
Dragons 25-8 (NEFL: 9-3)
Spartans 26-53 (NEFL: 7-21)
Giants 61-22 (NEFL: 3-9)
Storm 3-21 (NEFL: 3-17)
Rough Riders 35-48 (NEFL: 1-3)
Thunderhawks 27-45 (NEFL: 1-3)
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/30390/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/30390/3377/richmedia/NEFL_WK_6.mp3
Ray Roberts, Menomonie Thunderhawks owner/head coach
Martin Adams, Chippewa Valley Predators head coach/co-GM
Fred Hoversholm, Eau Claire Crush head coach
Dan Bridges, River City Rough Riders owner/offensive coordinator
Mark Heiser, St Paul Pioneers head coach
* * * * *
NEFL Playoff Picture - Week 6
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios: FORCE clinch EAST DIVISION with WIN and GLADIATORS LOSS.
Elimination Scenarios: None
Playoffs if season ended today:
(E) Force - Bye
(WC) Storm -at- (C) Predators
STANDINGS
EAST
Force 4-0 (3-0 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Storm 1-3 (1-1 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Gladiators 1-3 (0-2 Conf, 0-2 Div)
CENTRAL
Predators 3-1 (3-0 Conf, 2-0 Div)
Crush 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-1 Div)
Spartans 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
WILD CARD
Storm 1-3 (1-1 Conf, 1-0 Div) *Conference record tiebreaker
Crush 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-1 Div)
Gladiators 1-3 (0-2 Conf, 0-2 Div)
Spartans 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios: None
Elimination Scenarios: None
Playoffs if season ended today:
(N) Pioneers - bye
(WC) Rage -at- (S) Thunderhawks
STANDINGS
SOUTH
Thunderhawks 1-3 (1-1 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Giants 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Rough Riders 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
NORTH
Pioneers 4-0 (3-0 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Rage 3-1 (2-1 Conf, 1-1 Div)
Dragons 3-1 (1-1 Conf, 0-1 Div)
WILD CARD
Rage 3-1 (2-1 Conf, 1-1 Div) *Head-to-Head tiebreaker
Dragons 3-1 (1-1 Conf, 0-1 Div)
Giants 1-3 (1-2 Conf, 1-0 Div)
Rough Riders 1-3 (0-3 Conf, 0-2 Div)
* * * * *
POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 6
1 (1) - Pioneers 4-0 - For the second straight week, St Paul was forced to dig deep in the second half to put away their opponent on the road. Now the schedule gets interesting, with games remaining against the Dragons (twice), the Rage and the Force. If they split those games, they could be on the outside looking in for the postseason.
2 (5) - Rage 3-1 - They thrust themselves right back into the playoff (and championship) discussion with a hard-fought win over Minnesota. They also have the schedule advantage, with only 2 remaining games in the North Division, as opposed to 3 apiece for the Dragons and Pioneers.
3 (2) - Dragons 3-1 - The loss to the Rage doesn't take the Dragons out of the postseason--they very much control their fate with 2 games against the Pioneers and a game against the Rage left on the schedule. Sweep those games and the Dragons are in the playoffs.
4 (3) - Force 4-0 - If the Force win and the Predators beat the Gladiators, they will lock up a postseason spot with 3 games to play. Just business as usual for Fox Valley, with the big Elite Bowl III rematch looming next week. Despite their unbeaten record, they've played 4 teams currently at 1-3, which is why they sit behind the Rage and Dragons in the rankings.
5 (4) - Predators 3-1 - If there's such a thing as a soft schedule in the NEFL, the Predators own it, with only one game (Minnesota) out of their 8 regular season games being against a team with a winning record. That could change, but the Preds are in the midst of a 7-game stretch against teams that all have records currently at 1-3.
6 (6) - Crush 1-3 - How can you lose 3 straight and not move in the power rankings? Play the Force and Pioneers to the last minute. The Crush went 0-3 in games against teams with winning records, but only one (the Predators game) was a bad loss. Their remaining opponents should be prepared--the Crush are getting better every week.
7 (8) - Thunderhawks 1-3 - With 3 division games left, the Thunderhawks could sweep those games and clinch a postseason bid. They have the advantage of getting last week off, but now they play 5 straight weekends (NC against the Sting on 7/2). Lots of big games ahead for Menomonie.
8 (7) - Giants 1-3 - Last week's long road trip coupled with playing a previously-winless team did them in, but they have the same schedule remaining as the Thunderhawks (3 division games). They also have a game this week against the Crush, which would be good insurance in case they lose one of their two games against Menomonie.
9 (12) - Gladiators 1-3 - Heartbreak was avoided last week, as Green Bay earned a win. Their reward is a road game against the Predators, but outside of one bad half against the Rage they've played their opponents very close this season.
10 (9) - Spartans 1-3 - It's not an easy remaining schedule, with both Eau Claire teams and the Rage all on tap. They'll need to win at least 2 games and probably 3 to get to the playoffs.
11 (10) - Rough Riders 1-3 - All of their remaining opponents have played in a championship game in the past two seasons. 3 of them have won it (Predators 2009 NEFL, Dragons 2009 NPFL, Thunderhawks 2010 NPFL). It's not going to be easy to make the playoffs.
12 (11) - Storm 1-3 - Two of their last 4 games are against the Force. They also play a pair of Wisconsin-based teams looking to jump them for a playoff spot. If Kimberly wants to play its first playoff game in history, it's going to take some great efforts and they'll have to knock off the Force at least once to have a chance at getting it.
Last 10 Games Power Rankings
Rank (Last Week) Team - Record in last 10 games - Opponent Rank - Streak
1 (1) Pioneers - 10-0 - 5 - 10W
2 (3) Rage - 8-2 - 7 - 2W
3 (4) Force - 8-2 - 10 - 4W
4 (2) Dragons - 8-2 - 9 - 1L
5 (5) Predators - 8-2 - 11 - 3W
6 (6) Gladiators - 4-6 - 4 - 1W
7 (8) Crush - 3-7 - 3 - 3L
8 (7) Thunderhawks - 5-5 - 8 - 1L
9 (10) Giants - 3-7 - 1 - 2L
10 (9) Rough Riders - 5-5 - 12 - 1W
11 (11) Storm - 3-7 - 6 - 3L
12 (12) Spartans - 1-9 - 2 - 2L
* * * * *
Week 6 Previews
#11 River City Rough Riders (1-3) -at- #7 Menomonie Thunderhawks (1-3) - 6pm
ALL TIME: Menomonie leads 1-0
5/28/2011 (NEFL) - Thunderhawks 21, Rough Riders 14
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Menomonie 27-45 (1-3), River City 35-48 (1-3)
Outlook: The first step towards a home playoff game for two division rivals
Upset Watch: The Rough Riders got after it and knocked off the Storm 20-3. They'll need the same defensive intensity to cut off the quick slants and off-tackle runs the Thunderhawks favor on offense, and control the tempo when they have the ball.
Importance: The winner will have at least a tie for first place in the South Division. For River City, a sweep at the hands of Menomonie puts their season on life support (games remaining: Predators, Dragons, Giants). For Menomonie, a loss can be overcome a bit easier (they play the Giants two games in a row).
Power Rankings Say: The Thunderhawks use home-field advantage to win in similar fashion as Memorial Day weekend
#12 Kimberly Storm (1-3) -at- #4 Fox Valley Force (4-0) - 4pm
ALL TIME: Force lead 4-0*
5/9/2009 (NEFL) - Force 21, Storm 6
6/27/2009 (NEFL) - Force 27, Storm 22
5/15/2010 (NEFL) - Force 34, Storm 17
7/10/2010 (NEFL) - Force 48, Storm 0
*The teams played in 2008 when the Storm were an independent, and the Force won 41-6. However, it counts as exhibition for Fox Valley, so I'm leaving it out here.
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Force 52-9 (19-5), Storm 3-21 (3-17)
Outlook: Another divisional battle, with playoff implications on both sides
Upset Watch: The Storm and Force are headed in opposite directions. Kimberly has yet to get its high-powered offense going and the Force found some points to go with their stellar defense. The Storm will need to reverse the trend and play their best game of the season to win here.
Importance: The Force clinch a home playoff game with a win and a Green Bay loss--in their FIFTH GAME. The Storm, currently atop the wild card standings, will play Fox Valley again in a few weeks, but they're in a 4-way race for a playoff spot, and as a franchise have yet to deliver a signature victory.
Power Rankings Say: The Force will be motivated to do their part to clinch a playoff spot, and all the questions about their offense were wiped away with a big outburst last week. It will be a reprieve of last week for the Force in winning big at home.
#9 Green Bay Gladiators (1-3) -at- #5 Chippewa Valley Predators (3-1) - 6pm
ALL TIME: Predators lead 4-0
6/17/2007 (GPFL) - Predators 20, Gladiators 6
5/17/2008 (NEFL) - Predators 24, Gladiators 0
7/11/2009 (NEFL) - Predators 26, Gladiators 7
6/19/2010 (NEFL) - Predators 62, Gladiators 0
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Predators 75-29 (24-7), Gladiators 15-24 (13-18)
Outlook: The annual Predators/Gladiators battle resumes this Saturday at Carson Park.
Upset Watch: The Gladiators need to take the momentum from their win last week and bring it to downtown Eau Claire. They've had only one really bad half this year, and if they stick around in this game late by preventing the big play capabilities of the Predators, they'll have a chance.
Importance: The Gladiators are off the mat, but they get the Eau Claire double-dip and a game against the Force in the second half of the season. They'll need to pull some upsets along the way to make the postseason. The Predators can't get trapped into complacency in thinking they won't play anyone tough the rest of the way--the NEFL is tougher top-to-bottom this year.
Power Rankings Say: The Predators will win, but it won't be by a crazy amount like last year.
#6 Eau Claire Crush (1-3) -at- #8 Rochester Giants (1-3) - 5pm
ALL TIME: Giants lead 1-0
8/4/2007 (GPFL) - Giants 28, Crush 7 - Playoffs - Championship
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Giants 61-22 (3-9), Crush 28-15 (19-12)
Outlook: A rematch of the last-ever game in the Great Plains Football League. Nostalgic.
Upset Watch: The Giants will need to solve the complex zone-blitz schemes of the Crush and put up at least 3 scores. The Crush this year have scored 13, 6, 14 and 7 points in their games, and much of it has come because of their terrific defense and a couple of plays on special teams. If the Giants take care of the ball and win the field-of-position battle, they can come away winners.
Importance: It's a non-conference game, but both teams are reeling after having their guts ripped out last week. The team on the rebound will be in great shape chasing a playoff spot, since their respective remaining schedules feature mostly winnable games.
Power Rankings Say: The over-under is 40, but the Crush have played 3 straight tough teams and that experience should help them edge the Giants this week on the road by the slimmest of margins. 17-16 sounds about right.
#2 Lake Superior Rage (3-1) -at- #10 Central Wisconsin Spartans (1-3) - 4pm
ALL TIME:
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Rage 43-14 (27-7), Spartans 26-53 (7-21)
Outlook: A Wisconsin clash of contrasting football styles.
Upset Watch: Another year besieged by injuries for the Spartans has resulted in opportunity for most of their players, but this week they'll need to use that experience and find their offensive groove again. If it turns into a shootout (the best possible opportunity for the Spartans to win), they'll need every round of ammo they have, since the Rage have scored 88 and 61 in games this season.
Importance: The Rage are firmly entrenched in the playoff picture, so they need to keep winning to maintain that status. The Spartans, on the other hand, will have the Eau Claire double-dip and the Storm after this game, so their playoff hopes would be greatly enhanced with a big upset this week.
Power Rankings Say: The Rage are capable of big scoring numbers despite their normally physical, control-the-trenches mindset, and it could be another video game scoring total this week in a big win.
*GAME OF THE WEEK*
#3 Minnesota Dragons (3-1) -at- #1 St Paul Pioneers (4-0) - 4pm
ALL TIME:
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Pioneers 79-31 (12-2), Dragons 25-8 (9-3)
Outlook: Just think, these two teams play AGAIN in mid-July.
Upset Watch: The Dragons really don't want to fall a game (effectively a game and a half) back of the Rage for the Wild Card (and 2.5 games back of the Pioneers). The entire North Division schedule is a weekly playoff tilt, and they'll need to find some scoring to put away the veteran Pioneers, who have turned away upset bids on the road the last two weeks.
Importance: If the Dragons win, the entire North Division becomes a must-see event the rest of the way. If the Pioneers win, the Dragons' once-promising season will be in serious jeopardy, while the Pioneers will solidify their top ranking in the North.
Power Rankings Say: This will be an all-out war. The team on a big winning streak and defending the NEFL Championship will win at home, setting up a potentially Earth-shattering rematch in the last game of the year.
NEFL ALL TIME RECORDS (not counting exhibition play in seasons affiliated with the NEFL)
Rage 43-14 (NEFL: 27-7)
Predators 75-29 (NEFL: 24-7)
Force 52-9 (NEFL: 19-5)
Crush 28-15 (NEFL: 19-12)
Gladiators 15-24 (NEFL: 13-18)
Pioneers 79-31 (NEFL: 12-2)
Dragons 25-8 (NEFL: 9-3)
Spartans 26-53 (NEFL: 7-21)
Giants 61-22 (NEFL: 3-9)
Storm 3-21 (NEFL: 3-17)
Rough Riders 35-48 (NEFL: 1-3)
Thunderhawks 27-45 (NEFL: 1-3)
