NEFL Weekly - Week 10
(Click to listen--plays in your default media player)
1-Eau Claire Crush HC Fred Hoversholm
2-Chippewa Valley Predators HC Martin Adams
3-Menomonie Thunderhawks HC Ray Roberts
4-NEFL All-Star Selections
5-Countdown to Kickoff/Playoff Picture
NEXT WEEK: Interviews with the coaches of the 4 remaining teams in the postseason
* * * * *
NEFL Week 10 Playoff Picture
##=clinched home field through Elite Bowl
#=clinched home field in conference title game
*=clinched division
^=clinched playoff spot
X=eliminated
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios for Week 9:
-FORCE clinched EAST DIVISION
-PREDATORS clinched CENTRAL DIVISION
-CRUSH clinched PLAYOFF SPOT
FORCE clinch AMERICAN CONFERENCE with WIN or TIE and PREDATORS LOSS
PREDATORS clinch AMERICAN CONFERENCE with WIN and FORCE LOSS OR TIE or TIE and FORCE LOSS
Elimination Scenarios for Week 9:
-SPARTANS are eliminated
-STORM are eliminated
-GLADIATORS are eliminated
Playoffs if season ended today:
* Force (E) - bye
^ Crush (WC) -at- * Predators (C)
STANDINGS
EAST
* Force 6-1 (5-0 conf, 3-0 div) - --
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 3.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 5 GB
CENTRAL
* Predators 5-1 (4-0 conf, 3-0 div) - --
^ Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 1.5 GB
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 4.5 GB
WILD CARD
^ Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 1.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 3 GB
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 3 GB
CONFERENCE STANDINGS
* Force 6-1 (5-0 conf, 3-0 div) - --
* Predators 5-1 (4-0 conf, 3-0 div) - 0.5 GB
^ Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 2 GB
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 3.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 5 GB
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 5 GB
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios:
DRAGONS clinched PLAYOFF SPOT
PIONEERS clinched PLAYOFF SPOT
THUNDERHAWKS clinch SOUTH DIVISION with WIN or LOSS/TIE and GIANTS LOSS or TIE and GIANTS TIE
GIANTS clinch SOUTH DIVISION with WIN and THUNDERHAWKS LOSS/TIE or TIE and THUNDERHAWKS LOSS
DRAGONS clinch NATIONAL CONFERENCE with WIN or TIE
PIONEERS clinch NATIONAL CONFERENCE with WIN
Elimination Scenarios:
-ROUGH RIDERS are eliminated
-RAGE are eliminated
THUNDERHAWKS eliminated with LOSS/TIE and GIANTS WIN
GIANTS eliminated with LOSS or THUNDERHAWKS WIN
Playoffs if season ended today:
^ Dragons (N) - bye
^ Pioneers (WC) -at- Thunderhawks (S)
STANDINGS
SOUTH
Thunderhawks 2-4 (2-2 conf, 2-1 div) - --
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 0.5 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 1 GB
NORTH
^ Dragons 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - -- [wins head-to-head tiebreaker]
^ Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
WILD CARD
^ Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 4 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 4.5 GB
CONFERENCE STANDINGS
^ Dragons 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - -- [wins head-to-head tiebreaker]
^ Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
Thunderhawks 2-4 (2-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 3.5 GB
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 4 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 4.5 GB
NEFL STANDINGS (ELITE BOWL HOME FIELD)
* (1)Force 6-1 (5-0 conf, 3-0 div) - -- [wins division record tiebreaker]
^ (1)Dragons 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - -- [wins playoff seeding tiebreaker]
^ (3)Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
* (2)Predators 5-1 (4-0 conf, 3-0 div) - 0.5 GB
* (3)Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 2 GB [wins playoff seeding tiebreaker]
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
(2)Thunderhawks 2-4 (2-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 3.5 GB [wins playoff seeding tiebreaker]
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 3.5 GB
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 4 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 4.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 5 GB [wins division record tiebreaker]
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 5 GB
ELITE BOWL HOME FIELD - Here are the four teams that can still get guaranteed home field through the Elite Bowl:
DRAGONS - WIN and FORCE LOSS/TIE or TIE and FORCE LOSS and PREDATORS LOSS/TIE
PIONEERS - WIN
FORCE - WIN and PIONEERS LOSS/TIE or WIN and PIONEERS/DRAGONS TIE or TIE and PREDATORS LOSS/TIE and PIONEERS/DRAGONS TIE
PREDATORS - WIN and FORCE LOSS/TIE and DRAGONS/PIONEERS TIE
Keep in mind that if a higher seed meets a lower seed, example #2 Predators 5-1 meeting #3 6-1 Pioneers in Elite Bowl IV, the #2 seed Predators would host. In addition, a team must be in GOOD STANDING to host a playoff game.
LEAGUE BYLAWYS SECTION 13.09 - TIEBREAKERS FOR PLAYOFF SEEDING
1. Overall League Record (win percentage)
2. Head-to-Head
3. Division Record
4. Total points allowed against league opponents (all 8 games)
5. Total points allowed against conference opponents (the 6 in-conference games, including 4 division games)
6. Coin Flip
* * * * *
WEEK 10 POWER RANKINGS
1. (1) Pioneers (6-1) - St Paul Remains atop the power rankings with a tremendous defensive effort against an offense that can score. 9-6 is any of a high-scoring baseball game, a typical Minnesota Wild loss or a game in the NEFL North. They have the easiest scenario to figure out for hosting playoff games: Just Win, Baby. Losing puts them on the road for the entire playoffs unless the Crush pull two upsets in the American Conference. A lot at stake this Saturday.
2. (2) Dragons (6-1) - The decimation of the Rough Riders doesn't really help their case for #1 considering that the Pioneers edged out a very tough football team, but a win this week gives the Dragons a home playoff game, a bye, and a chance to host the Elite Bowl. A loss would, like it does for the Pioneers, put them on the road through the Elite Bowl. The Trophy game has never meant more--it's the difference between having the inside track to Elite Bowl IV and trying to win on the road 2 and probably 3 straight weeks to claim a championship.
3. (3) Force (6-1) - Despite piling on the wins, the Force still have a lot to lose this Saturday if they lose. We've found the Force on upset watch plenty this season, but it says a lot about a team that they're able to close out games in the fourth quarter, and their only loss was to the Pioneers. Points come at a premium, but their defense can keep them in a game against anyone in the league.
4. (4) Rage (4-3) - A team eliminated in the playoffs ranks #4 (and nearly #3). That's how absurdly difficult the NEFL North is this season. The Rage have lost to the Dragons and Pioneers this year, but the way they battled to the bitter end (an overtime loss to the Dragons two weeks ago and missing a 54-yard field goal to send the game to OT last week against the Pioneers) shows you just how close in talent the three teams are in the NEFL North. They're clearly one of the top teams in the league.
5. (5) Predators (5-1) - How does a team with one loss rank behind a team that's been eliminated? Their schedule has been very weak--and they lost their only game against a team presently ranked higher than them. They'll be playing at Carson Park this postseason, flying under the radar, but it's a talented team that was a yard away from being unbeaten and haven't played a close game since week 1--they've blown out everyone since that Dragons game.
6. (6) Crush (4-3) - Take out the bad loss to the Predators and you have a team that's played a difficult schedule, played 6 close games and come out on top in 4 of them, losing 2 of them in the last 2 minutes to teams that have lost only one other time all year. This week is literally an exhibition game in terms of playoff standings, but for confidence, pride, and the fact that it's the Showdown in Eau Town, the Crush will undoubtedly go all-out to show their in-town rivals just how far they've come since Week 2.
7. (7) Giants (2-5) - All of a sudden, the Giants go from clinching easily to needing to win and get help. The Giants should send a gift basket to Superior this week (provided it doesn't violate some stupid by-law)** because they need to win and have the Rage beat the Thunderhawks to make the postseason. It would be a disappointing end to a once-promising season if Rochester isn't in the playoffs, but they had several opportunities to close out the pesky Thunderhawks and couldn't put them away.
**Intended as a joke, but it would actually violate by-laws since nobody can be paid to perform in a game, including gifts. So, um, leave the gift baskets at home?
8. (8) Gladiators (2-4) - All offseason, the Gladiators will look at games that just simply got away from them. Close losses to the Storm, Force and Crush did them in this year. Spoiling Fox Valley's glide to the playoffs would be a huge victory for a Green Bay squad that is certainly capable of pulling a late-season upset--they did it last year.
9. (12) Thunderhawks (2-4) - Which Menomonie squad makes the trip up 53? The one that held off the hard-charging Giants last week, or the one that got its doors blown off three weeks ago on the road against the very same team? Their season hinges basically on how many of their talented defenders make the trip. Win and they're in. Lose, and root for the Rough Riders.
10. (9) Spartans (1-6) - Injuries have reduced Central Wisconsin to a shell of what they are capable of being for the second straight year. This team has been around forever, but ending this year on a sour note would put them at 1-15 in 2010/11.
11. (10) Storm (1-6) - Another season in which the Storm are at the bottom of the standings. This is a team, however, that has definitely improved and showed great heart in battling the Force to a 12-6 loss. If they spend the offseason balancing their offense and defense, they are a prime candidate for a breakthrough 2012 campaign.
12. (11) Rough Riders (1-5) - It's a rough first year in the NEFL for this newcomer, but they showed flashes (especially on defense) of being a good team in the near future. They'll need to find some difference-makers on offense this offseason, since they haven't had much of a scoring punch all year.
LAST 10 GAMES Short-form power rankings
RANK (Last Week) TEAM - Record - Schedule Strength - Streak
1 (1) Pioneers - 9-1 - 1 - 2W
2 (2) Dragons - 8-2 - 6 - 3W
3 (3) Force - 8-2 - 9 - 1W
4 (4) Predators - 8-2 - 12 - 5W
5 (5) Rage - 6-4 - 5 - 2L
6 (7) Crush - 5-5 - 9 - 3W
7 (6) Gladiators - 4-6 - 7 - 1L
8 (11) Storm - 3-7 - 4 - 6L
9 (9) Thunderhawks - 5-5 - 11 - 2L
10 (8) Rough Riders - 5-5 - 10 – 1L
11 (10) Giants - 3-7 - 3 - 1W
12 (12) Spartans - 1-9 - 2 - 4L
* * * * *
WEEK 10 PREVIEWS
*GAME OF THE WEEK*
#1 St Paul Pioneers (6-1) -at- #2 Minnesota Dragons (6-1)
7pm - Irondale High School (New Brighton, MN)
ALL TIME: Series tied 1-1
7/24/2010 (NEFL) - Pioneers 17, Dragons 12 - Playoffs
6/18/2011 (NEFL) - Dragons 14, Pioneers 6
AT RECORDS (NEFL) - Pioneers 81-32 (14-3), Dragons 28-8 (12-3)
Outlook: The Trophy Game has a lot at stake this week.
Upset Watch: Hardly worth writing here, since this is a huge matchup. When these teams last met, it wasn't greeted with the same sort of fanfare normally reserved for this kind of game because everyone knew that they'd be meeting again in a few weeks. Going by Power Rankings, the Dragons just need to repeat their success from a few weeks back. Going by the past result, the Pioneers will need to find ways to score on a defense that has shut down some great offenses (the Rage, the Predators) this season.
Importance: Whoever wins has a first-round bye and possibly home field for the Elite Bowl. Whoever loses has to play at either Menomonie or Rochester, and if they win that, a rematch of this game on the home field of the winner. (If they tie, the Dragons will have all the advantages of having won this game since they won the other game this year).
Power Rankings Say: The Pioneers return the favor and win by one score on the Dragons' home field.
*Playoff Implications*
#9 Menomonie Thunderhawks (2-4) -at- #4 Lake Superior Rage (4-3)
4pm - Ole Haugsrud (Superior, WI)
ALL TIME: First meeting between these teams
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Thunderhawks 28-46 (2-4), Rage 44-16 (28-10)
Outlook: The Rage look to close out their season by spoiling Menomonie's
Upset Watch: The Thunderhawks need to win to clinch (or hope the Rough Riders beat the Giants--either scenario gives Menomonie a home playoff game). This is a Rage team that can put up points in a hurry (88 against the Terror, 61 against the Gladiators), so they'll need their defensive difference-makers to make the trip up 53 if they want to advance to next weekend.
Importance: For the Rage, it's a chance to show how good they are, and fuel the argument against the current divisional setup. For the Thunderhawks, a win over a tough team like the Rage would probably legitimize their being placed in the postseason--but the Rage undoubtedly feel like they belong and not Rochester or Minnesota, so it won't be easy.
Power Rankings Say: The Rage have a lot of reasons to win this game, and none of it will matter for the playoffs for them. Menomonie has given up too many points this year to be confident of them limiting the Rage to fewer than a few scores. Lake Superior closes out the year at 5-3 and will observe the playoffs rather than participate in them.
*Playoff Implications*
#12 River City Rough Riders (1-5) -at- #7 Rochester Giants (2-5)
7pm - Rochester Regional Sports Stadium (Rochester, MN)
ALL TIME: Giants lead 1-0
5/21/2011 (NEFL) - Giants 34, Rough Riders 3
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Rough Riders 35-50 (1-5), Giants 62-24 (4-11)
Outlook: Rochester tries to save its season and hope that the Rage beat Menomonie.
Upset Watch: River City has shown that its defense is capable, but they'll need to give their offense (scoring only about once per game) some major overhauls this offseason. This is probably a good spot to try some new things and look at younger guys for next year. They'll need their defense and special teams to grind out a win here against the desperate Giants.
Importance: The only way Rochester can make the playoffs is by winning this game and Menomonie losing. So, for the Giants, this is their playoffs, and even if they win, they aren't guaranteed to advance.
Power Rankings Say: The Giants only need two or three scores to put away the scoring-challenged Rough Riders.
*Playoff Implications*
#8 Green Bay Gladiators (2-4) -at- #3 Fox Valley Force (6-1)
4pm - The Banta Bowl (Appleton, WI)
ALL TIME: Force lead 5-1
5/30/2009 (NEFL) – Force 38, Gladiators 0
6/20/2009 (NEFL) – Force 19, Gladiators 17
7/25/2009 (NEFL) – Force 26, Gladiators 16 – Playoffs
6/26/2010 (NEFL) – Gladiators 21, Force 18
7/17/2010 (NEFL) – Force 27, Gladiators 0
5/21/2011 (NEFL) - Force 14, Gladiators 12
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Gladiators 16-25 (14-19), Force 54-10 (21-6)
Outlook: The Gladiators look to play spoiler for the second straight year to the Force
Upset Watch: Green Bay did it last year, and they're more than capable of doing it this year. A week after the Storm couldn't do it, the Gladiators (a better team this year) will have their shot to alter the course of Fox Valley's playoff journey. They'll need to have their best game on offense all year to win, since the Force defense is one of the best in the league. They'll also need to take advantage on defense of a Force offense that is now down a starter at a crucial position.
Importance: The Force can wrap up a bye and possibly host Elite Bowl IV with a win. A loss sends them to Eau Claire (two weeks in a row if they win the first go-round) if the Predators beat the Crush.
Power Rankings Say: The Force dominate defensively and get yet another narrow victory.
*Playoff Implications*
#5 Chippewa Valley Predators (5-1) -at- #6 Eau Claire Crush (4-3)
6pm - Carson Park (Eau Claire, WI)
ALL TIME: Predators lead 6-2
6/23/2007 (GPFL) – Predators 24, Crush 17
7/28/2007 (GPFL) – Crush 20, Predators 17 – Playoffs
7/12/2008 (NEFL) – Crush 12, Predators 6
5/30/2009 (NEFL) – Predators 20, Crush 15
6/27/2009 (NEFL) – Predators 31, Crush 2
5/29/2010 (NEFL) – Predators 51, Crush 14
7/10/2010 (NEFL) – Predators 60, Crush 29
5/21/2011 (NEFL) - Predators 37, Crush 6
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Crush 31-15 (22-12), Predators 77-29 (26-7)
Outlook: A virtual exhibition match between the rivals in Eau Claire.
Upset Watch: In what will probably be one of the closer contests of the day, the Crush have improved in every area since Week 2's big loss to the Predators. They'll need to hold the Predators' scoring to around 3 touchdowns, since the Crush aren't very adept at scoring themselves. That means not giving up big plays or returns, and capitalizing on the good field position the Predators sometimes give up because of turnovers or penalties.
Importance: The Crush are playing for pride, and this would be a great measuring stick to see how far they've come since Week 2. The Predators need a win to give themselves a shot at a first-round bye, but they'll play at Carson Park at some point this postseason.
Power Rankings Say: In a normal home game, you add points for the home team since having the home field does give some advantages (travel really does affect teams at this level). Since they share the same field, the Crush won't get much of a boost from that, so the Predators will win, but in much different fashion than the week 2 snoozer of a blowout.
#11 Kimberly Storm (1-6) -at- #10 Central Wisconsin Spartans (1-6)
4pm - Stiehm Stadium (Schofield, WI)
ALL TIME: Spartans lead 2-0
6/6/2009 (NEFL) - Spartans 13, Storm 7
7/11/2009 (NEFL) - Spartans 52, Storm 14
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Storm 3-24 (3-20), Spartans 26-56 (7-24)
Outlook: Pride on the line in the only game that won't affect the playoffs.
Upset Watch: By the power rankings, the Storm are the underdog. Kimberly will have to display the balance it showed earlier in the year and not rely on the pass-happy attack that they're known for. The Spartans still have a core of players very dedicated and capable, and they still can put up some points. The Storm will need to adapt and slug it out to earn a win.
Importance: You hate saying any game is not important, but for these teams, it's the difference between 1-7 and 2-6--and 2-6 would be a decent record in the NEFL South. Both teams need the wins to help in recruiting and both teams need to showcase players who will help them win next year.
Power Rankings Say: The Spartans have the slight edge due to home field and a higher power ranking. These sorts of games tend to be pretty good, though, and you won't see 55-54 on the scoreboard.
* * * * *
ALL TIME RECORDS (NEFL)
Lake Superior Rage - 44-16 (28-10)
Chippewa Valley Predators - 77-29 (26-7)
Eau Claire Crush - 31-15 (22-12)
Fox Valley Force - 54-10 (21-6)
St Paul Pioneers - 81-32 (14-3)
Green Bay Gladiators - 16-25 (14-19)
Minnesota Dragons - 28-8 (12-3)
Central Wisconsin Spartans - 26-56 (7-24)
Rochester Giants - 62-24 (4-11)
Kimberly Storm - 3-24 (3-20)
Menomonie Thunderhawks - 28-46 (2-4)
River City Rough Riders - 35-50 (1-5)
(Click to listen--plays in your default media player)
1-Eau Claire Crush HC Fred Hoversholm
2-Chippewa Valley Predators HC Martin Adams
3-Menomonie Thunderhawks HC Ray Roberts
4-NEFL All-Star Selections
5-Countdown to Kickoff/Playoff Picture
NEXT WEEK: Interviews with the coaches of the 4 remaining teams in the postseason
* * * * *
NEFL Week 10 Playoff Picture
##=clinched home field through Elite Bowl
#=clinched home field in conference title game
*=clinched division
^=clinched playoff spot
X=eliminated
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios for Week 9:
-FORCE clinched EAST DIVISION
-PREDATORS clinched CENTRAL DIVISION
-CRUSH clinched PLAYOFF SPOT
FORCE clinch AMERICAN CONFERENCE with WIN or TIE and PREDATORS LOSS
PREDATORS clinch AMERICAN CONFERENCE with WIN and FORCE LOSS OR TIE or TIE and FORCE LOSS
Elimination Scenarios for Week 9:
-SPARTANS are eliminated
-STORM are eliminated
-GLADIATORS are eliminated
Playoffs if season ended today:
* Force (E) - bye
^ Crush (WC) -at- * Predators (C)
STANDINGS
EAST
* Force 6-1 (5-0 conf, 3-0 div) - --
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 3.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 5 GB
CENTRAL
* Predators 5-1 (4-0 conf, 3-0 div) - --
^ Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 1.5 GB
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 4.5 GB
WILD CARD
^ Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 1.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 3 GB
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 3 GB
CONFERENCE STANDINGS
* Force 6-1 (5-0 conf, 3-0 div) - --
* Predators 5-1 (4-0 conf, 3-0 div) - 0.5 GB
^ Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 2 GB
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 3.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 5 GB
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 5 GB
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Clinching Scenarios:
DRAGONS clinched PLAYOFF SPOT
PIONEERS clinched PLAYOFF SPOT
THUNDERHAWKS clinch SOUTH DIVISION with WIN or LOSS/TIE and GIANTS LOSS or TIE and GIANTS TIE
GIANTS clinch SOUTH DIVISION with WIN and THUNDERHAWKS LOSS/TIE or TIE and THUNDERHAWKS LOSS
DRAGONS clinch NATIONAL CONFERENCE with WIN or TIE
PIONEERS clinch NATIONAL CONFERENCE with WIN
Elimination Scenarios:
-ROUGH RIDERS are eliminated
-RAGE are eliminated
THUNDERHAWKS eliminated with LOSS/TIE and GIANTS WIN
GIANTS eliminated with LOSS or THUNDERHAWKS WIN
Playoffs if season ended today:
^ Dragons (N) - bye
^ Pioneers (WC) -at- Thunderhawks (S)
STANDINGS
SOUTH
Thunderhawks 2-4 (2-2 conf, 2-1 div) - --
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 0.5 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 1 GB
NORTH
^ Dragons 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - -- [wins head-to-head tiebreaker]
^ Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
WILD CARD
^ Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 4 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 4.5 GB
CONFERENCE STANDINGS
^ Dragons 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - -- [wins head-to-head tiebreaker]
^ Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
Thunderhawks 2-4 (2-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 3.5 GB
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 4 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 4.5 GB
NEFL STANDINGS (ELITE BOWL HOME FIELD)
* (1)Force 6-1 (5-0 conf, 3-0 div) - -- [wins division record tiebreaker]
^ (1)Dragons 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - -- [wins playoff seeding tiebreaker]
^ (3)Pioneers 6-1 (4-1 conf, 2-1 div) - --
* (2)Predators 5-1 (4-0 conf, 3-0 div) - 0.5 GB
* (3)Crush 4-3 (3-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 2 GB [wins playoff seeding tiebreaker]
X Rage 4-3 (2-3 conf, 1-3 div) - 2 GB
(2)Thunderhawks 2-4 (2-2 conf, 2-1 div) - 3.5 GB [wins playoff seeding tiebreaker]
X Gladiators 2-4 (1-3 conf, 1-2 div) - 3.5 GB
Giants 2-5 (2-3 conf, 2-1 div) - 4 GB
X Rough Riders 1-5 (0-4 conf, 0-2 div) - 4.5 GB
X Storm 1-6 (1-4 conf, 1-3 div) - 5 GB [wins division record tiebreaker]
X Spartans 1-6 (0-5 conf, 0-4 div) - 5 GB
ELITE BOWL HOME FIELD - Here are the four teams that can still get guaranteed home field through the Elite Bowl:
DRAGONS - WIN and FORCE LOSS/TIE or TIE and FORCE LOSS and PREDATORS LOSS/TIE
PIONEERS - WIN
FORCE - WIN and PIONEERS LOSS/TIE or WIN and PIONEERS/DRAGONS TIE or TIE and PREDATORS LOSS/TIE and PIONEERS/DRAGONS TIE
PREDATORS - WIN and FORCE LOSS/TIE and DRAGONS/PIONEERS TIE
Keep in mind that if a higher seed meets a lower seed, example #2 Predators 5-1 meeting #3 6-1 Pioneers in Elite Bowl IV, the #2 seed Predators would host. In addition, a team must be in GOOD STANDING to host a playoff game.
LEAGUE BYLAWYS SECTION 13.09 - TIEBREAKERS FOR PLAYOFF SEEDING
1. Overall League Record (win percentage)
2. Head-to-Head
3. Division Record
4. Total points allowed against league opponents (all 8 games)
5. Total points allowed against conference opponents (the 6 in-conference games, including 4 division games)
6. Coin Flip
* * * * *
WEEK 10 POWER RANKINGS
1. (1) Pioneers (6-1) - St Paul Remains atop the power rankings with a tremendous defensive effort against an offense that can score. 9-6 is any of a high-scoring baseball game, a typical Minnesota Wild loss or a game in the NEFL North. They have the easiest scenario to figure out for hosting playoff games: Just Win, Baby. Losing puts them on the road for the entire playoffs unless the Crush pull two upsets in the American Conference. A lot at stake this Saturday.
2. (2) Dragons (6-1) - The decimation of the Rough Riders doesn't really help their case for #1 considering that the Pioneers edged out a very tough football team, but a win this week gives the Dragons a home playoff game, a bye, and a chance to host the Elite Bowl. A loss would, like it does for the Pioneers, put them on the road through the Elite Bowl. The Trophy game has never meant more--it's the difference between having the inside track to Elite Bowl IV and trying to win on the road 2 and probably 3 straight weeks to claim a championship.
3. (3) Force (6-1) - Despite piling on the wins, the Force still have a lot to lose this Saturday if they lose. We've found the Force on upset watch plenty this season, but it says a lot about a team that they're able to close out games in the fourth quarter, and their only loss was to the Pioneers. Points come at a premium, but their defense can keep them in a game against anyone in the league.
4. (4) Rage (4-3) - A team eliminated in the playoffs ranks #4 (and nearly #3). That's how absurdly difficult the NEFL North is this season. The Rage have lost to the Dragons and Pioneers this year, but the way they battled to the bitter end (an overtime loss to the Dragons two weeks ago and missing a 54-yard field goal to send the game to OT last week against the Pioneers) shows you just how close in talent the three teams are in the NEFL North. They're clearly one of the top teams in the league.
5. (5) Predators (5-1) - How does a team with one loss rank behind a team that's been eliminated? Their schedule has been very weak--and they lost their only game against a team presently ranked higher than them. They'll be playing at Carson Park this postseason, flying under the radar, but it's a talented team that was a yard away from being unbeaten and haven't played a close game since week 1--they've blown out everyone since that Dragons game.
6. (6) Crush (4-3) - Take out the bad loss to the Predators and you have a team that's played a difficult schedule, played 6 close games and come out on top in 4 of them, losing 2 of them in the last 2 minutes to teams that have lost only one other time all year. This week is literally an exhibition game in terms of playoff standings, but for confidence, pride, and the fact that it's the Showdown in Eau Town, the Crush will undoubtedly go all-out to show their in-town rivals just how far they've come since Week 2.
7. (7) Giants (2-5) - All of a sudden, the Giants go from clinching easily to needing to win and get help. The Giants should send a gift basket to Superior this week (provided it doesn't violate some stupid by-law)** because they need to win and have the Rage beat the Thunderhawks to make the postseason. It would be a disappointing end to a once-promising season if Rochester isn't in the playoffs, but they had several opportunities to close out the pesky Thunderhawks and couldn't put them away.
**Intended as a joke, but it would actually violate by-laws since nobody can be paid to perform in a game, including gifts. So, um, leave the gift baskets at home?
8. (8) Gladiators (2-4) - All offseason, the Gladiators will look at games that just simply got away from them. Close losses to the Storm, Force and Crush did them in this year. Spoiling Fox Valley's glide to the playoffs would be a huge victory for a Green Bay squad that is certainly capable of pulling a late-season upset--they did it last year.
9. (12) Thunderhawks (2-4) - Which Menomonie squad makes the trip up 53? The one that held off the hard-charging Giants last week, or the one that got its doors blown off three weeks ago on the road against the very same team? Their season hinges basically on how many of their talented defenders make the trip. Win and they're in. Lose, and root for the Rough Riders.
10. (9) Spartans (1-6) - Injuries have reduced Central Wisconsin to a shell of what they are capable of being for the second straight year. This team has been around forever, but ending this year on a sour note would put them at 1-15 in 2010/11.
11. (10) Storm (1-6) - Another season in which the Storm are at the bottom of the standings. This is a team, however, that has definitely improved and showed great heart in battling the Force to a 12-6 loss. If they spend the offseason balancing their offense and defense, they are a prime candidate for a breakthrough 2012 campaign.
12. (11) Rough Riders (1-5) - It's a rough first year in the NEFL for this newcomer, but they showed flashes (especially on defense) of being a good team in the near future. They'll need to find some difference-makers on offense this offseason, since they haven't had much of a scoring punch all year.
LAST 10 GAMES Short-form power rankings
RANK (Last Week) TEAM - Record - Schedule Strength - Streak
1 (1) Pioneers - 9-1 - 1 - 2W
2 (2) Dragons - 8-2 - 6 - 3W
3 (3) Force - 8-2 - 9 - 1W
4 (4) Predators - 8-2 - 12 - 5W
5 (5) Rage - 6-4 - 5 - 2L
6 (7) Crush - 5-5 - 9 - 3W
7 (6) Gladiators - 4-6 - 7 - 1L
8 (11) Storm - 3-7 - 4 - 6L
9 (9) Thunderhawks - 5-5 - 11 - 2L
10 (8) Rough Riders - 5-5 - 10 – 1L
11 (10) Giants - 3-7 - 3 - 1W
12 (12) Spartans - 1-9 - 2 - 4L
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WEEK 10 PREVIEWS
*GAME OF THE WEEK*
#1 St Paul Pioneers (6-1) -at- #2 Minnesota Dragons (6-1)
7pm - Irondale High School (New Brighton, MN)
ALL TIME: Series tied 1-1
7/24/2010 (NEFL) - Pioneers 17, Dragons 12 - Playoffs
6/18/2011 (NEFL) - Dragons 14, Pioneers 6
AT RECORDS (NEFL) - Pioneers 81-32 (14-3), Dragons 28-8 (12-3)
Outlook: The Trophy Game has a lot at stake this week.
Upset Watch: Hardly worth writing here, since this is a huge matchup. When these teams last met, it wasn't greeted with the same sort of fanfare normally reserved for this kind of game because everyone knew that they'd be meeting again in a few weeks. Going by Power Rankings, the Dragons just need to repeat their success from a few weeks back. Going by the past result, the Pioneers will need to find ways to score on a defense that has shut down some great offenses (the Rage, the Predators) this season.
Importance: Whoever wins has a first-round bye and possibly home field for the Elite Bowl. Whoever loses has to play at either Menomonie or Rochester, and if they win that, a rematch of this game on the home field of the winner. (If they tie, the Dragons will have all the advantages of having won this game since they won the other game this year).
Power Rankings Say: The Pioneers return the favor and win by one score on the Dragons' home field.
*Playoff Implications*
#9 Menomonie Thunderhawks (2-4) -at- #4 Lake Superior Rage (4-3)
4pm - Ole Haugsrud (Superior, WI)
ALL TIME: First meeting between these teams
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Thunderhawks 28-46 (2-4), Rage 44-16 (28-10)
Outlook: The Rage look to close out their season by spoiling Menomonie's
Upset Watch: The Thunderhawks need to win to clinch (or hope the Rough Riders beat the Giants--either scenario gives Menomonie a home playoff game). This is a Rage team that can put up points in a hurry (88 against the Terror, 61 against the Gladiators), so they'll need their defensive difference-makers to make the trip up 53 if they want to advance to next weekend.
Importance: For the Rage, it's a chance to show how good they are, and fuel the argument against the current divisional setup. For the Thunderhawks, a win over a tough team like the Rage would probably legitimize their being placed in the postseason--but the Rage undoubtedly feel like they belong and not Rochester or Minnesota, so it won't be easy.
Power Rankings Say: The Rage have a lot of reasons to win this game, and none of it will matter for the playoffs for them. Menomonie has given up too many points this year to be confident of them limiting the Rage to fewer than a few scores. Lake Superior closes out the year at 5-3 and will observe the playoffs rather than participate in them.
*Playoff Implications*
#12 River City Rough Riders (1-5) -at- #7 Rochester Giants (2-5)
7pm - Rochester Regional Sports Stadium (Rochester, MN)
ALL TIME: Giants lead 1-0
5/21/2011 (NEFL) - Giants 34, Rough Riders 3
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Rough Riders 35-50 (1-5), Giants 62-24 (4-11)
Outlook: Rochester tries to save its season and hope that the Rage beat Menomonie.
Upset Watch: River City has shown that its defense is capable, but they'll need to give their offense (scoring only about once per game) some major overhauls this offseason. This is probably a good spot to try some new things and look at younger guys for next year. They'll need their defense and special teams to grind out a win here against the desperate Giants.
Importance: The only way Rochester can make the playoffs is by winning this game and Menomonie losing. So, for the Giants, this is their playoffs, and even if they win, they aren't guaranteed to advance.
Power Rankings Say: The Giants only need two or three scores to put away the scoring-challenged Rough Riders.
*Playoff Implications*
#8 Green Bay Gladiators (2-4) -at- #3 Fox Valley Force (6-1)
4pm - The Banta Bowl (Appleton, WI)
ALL TIME: Force lead 5-1
5/30/2009 (NEFL) – Force 38, Gladiators 0
6/20/2009 (NEFL) – Force 19, Gladiators 17
7/25/2009 (NEFL) – Force 26, Gladiators 16 – Playoffs
6/26/2010 (NEFL) – Gladiators 21, Force 18
7/17/2010 (NEFL) – Force 27, Gladiators 0
5/21/2011 (NEFL) - Force 14, Gladiators 12
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Gladiators 16-25 (14-19), Force 54-10 (21-6)
Outlook: The Gladiators look to play spoiler for the second straight year to the Force
Upset Watch: Green Bay did it last year, and they're more than capable of doing it this year. A week after the Storm couldn't do it, the Gladiators (a better team this year) will have their shot to alter the course of Fox Valley's playoff journey. They'll need to have their best game on offense all year to win, since the Force defense is one of the best in the league. They'll also need to take advantage on defense of a Force offense that is now down a starter at a crucial position.
Importance: The Force can wrap up a bye and possibly host Elite Bowl IV with a win. A loss sends them to Eau Claire (two weeks in a row if they win the first go-round) if the Predators beat the Crush.
Power Rankings Say: The Force dominate defensively and get yet another narrow victory.
*Playoff Implications*
#5 Chippewa Valley Predators (5-1) -at- #6 Eau Claire Crush (4-3)
6pm - Carson Park (Eau Claire, WI)
ALL TIME: Predators lead 6-2
6/23/2007 (GPFL) – Predators 24, Crush 17
7/28/2007 (GPFL) – Crush 20, Predators 17 – Playoffs
7/12/2008 (NEFL) – Crush 12, Predators 6
5/30/2009 (NEFL) – Predators 20, Crush 15
6/27/2009 (NEFL) – Predators 31, Crush 2
5/29/2010 (NEFL) – Predators 51, Crush 14
7/10/2010 (NEFL) – Predators 60, Crush 29
5/21/2011 (NEFL) - Predators 37, Crush 6
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Crush 31-15 (22-12), Predators 77-29 (26-7)
Outlook: A virtual exhibition match between the rivals in Eau Claire.
Upset Watch: In what will probably be one of the closer contests of the day, the Crush have improved in every area since Week 2's big loss to the Predators. They'll need to hold the Predators' scoring to around 3 touchdowns, since the Crush aren't very adept at scoring themselves. That means not giving up big plays or returns, and capitalizing on the good field position the Predators sometimes give up because of turnovers or penalties.
Importance: The Crush are playing for pride, and this would be a great measuring stick to see how far they've come since Week 2. The Predators need a win to give themselves a shot at a first-round bye, but they'll play at Carson Park at some point this postseason.
Power Rankings Say: In a normal home game, you add points for the home team since having the home field does give some advantages (travel really does affect teams at this level). Since they share the same field, the Crush won't get much of a boost from that, so the Predators will win, but in much different fashion than the week 2 snoozer of a blowout.
#11 Kimberly Storm (1-6) -at- #10 Central Wisconsin Spartans (1-6)
4pm - Stiehm Stadium (Schofield, WI)
ALL TIME: Spartans lead 2-0
6/6/2009 (NEFL) - Spartans 13, Storm 7
7/11/2009 (NEFL) - Spartans 52, Storm 14
AT RECORDS (NEFL): Storm 3-24 (3-20), Spartans 26-56 (7-24)
Outlook: Pride on the line in the only game that won't affect the playoffs.
Upset Watch: By the power rankings, the Storm are the underdog. Kimberly will have to display the balance it showed earlier in the year and not rely on the pass-happy attack that they're known for. The Spartans still have a core of players very dedicated and capable, and they still can put up some points. The Storm will need to adapt and slug it out to earn a win.
Importance: You hate saying any game is not important, but for these teams, it's the difference between 1-7 and 2-6--and 2-6 would be a decent record in the NEFL South. Both teams need the wins to help in recruiting and both teams need to showcase players who will help them win next year.
Power Rankings Say: The Spartans have the slight edge due to home field and a higher power ranking. These sorts of games tend to be pretty good, though, and you won't see 55-54 on the scoreboard.
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ALL TIME RECORDS (NEFL)
Lake Superior Rage - 44-16 (28-10)
Chippewa Valley Predators - 77-29 (26-7)
Eau Claire Crush - 31-15 (22-12)
Fox Valley Force - 54-10 (21-6)
St Paul Pioneers - 81-32 (14-3)
Green Bay Gladiators - 16-25 (14-19)
Minnesota Dragons - 28-8 (12-3)
Central Wisconsin Spartans - 26-56 (7-24)
Rochester Giants - 62-24 (4-11)
Kimberly Storm - 3-24 (3-20)
Menomonie Thunderhawks - 28-46 (2-4)
River City Rough Riders - 35-50 (1-5)
