Game of the week- Orange over White. The highly anticipated "Slade vs Slade' matchup did not disappoint. Orange broke first and looked unstoppable early on deep hucks to Mason Johnson and Alec. White, playing with 10 players and Audrey "Iron Woman" Kelly as the sole woman, generated a couple of key blocks running 6 men against Orange's 5-2 O line. Dan Wilson in particular gobbled up three of Orange’s early hucks in the first half. A high hammer from Dan was simultaneously caught by Ben and Kent for the goal. An overthrow from Orange allowed for a fast break and Dan-to-Ben scoober to take half 6-4.
Up 8-6, Danny hit a streaking Dan Wilson just shy of the goal-line, inches away from a decisive 9-6 lead. After a timeout, White's called play faltered and a late-stall scoober swing went wide of its intended target. Orange ran a fast break, but threw an incredibly ill advised lefty inside break by yours truly. It missed the cutting Robbie by about 15 feet, seemingly gifting white another chance. However, Kiya made a spectacular possession-saving layout grab and orange punched in the goal. Orange's numbers and fitness, plus some unforced errors from White, led to an incredible 4-0 run. On the final point, Mason picked off a desperation huck and then went 70 yards the other direction to catch the game winner as Team Orange maintained its undefeated streak with a 10-8 win.
Offensive player of the week- Heather from Pink team. In a game featuring a lot of 6-0 vs 5-2 action, she absolutely punished whatever junk looks sent her way. She consistently found the seams in white’s clam set up, whether it was streaking deep when needed or calmly distributing the disc from the back. Her play was monumental in securing Pink’s comeback win over White.
Defensive play of the week- Mason from Orange team. He has been a major part of Orange’s tall and fast cutting triumvirate (along with Matt T. and Alec.) Not only was he consistently getting open deep off of transition situations, he also helped control the deep shots on defense. He helped contain the huck happy offense of Purple and White all day. He also matched up very well against captain Ben on White, allowing the 2nd half comeback to happen
Rookie of the week: John from Pink. He emerged as a deep threat for Pink. He snagged several hucks the whole day and added another critical piece to the team’s rising offense.
Next week’s game of the week- Pink vs Blue. Pink has played very well the last two weeks. The team has moved up to 2nd place in the league, tying white’s record. They also have come closer than any other team to beating orange so far. Blue’s handler core seems to be custom made to weave through Pink’s tricky zone. Blue needs the win to make up some ground on the ⅔ slot ahead of them, while pink needs the win to stay pace with white and earn the coveted first round bye.
1st round results:
Blue win over Purple
Pink win over Maroon
Orange win over White
2nd round results:
Orange win over Purple
Maroon win over blue
Pink win over White
White took an early lead against pink's man to man defense, swinging the disc quickly and attacking downfield space. Despite some early miscues, Pink was able to right the ship after a timeout at 4-1. Captain Nolan played through a torn hamstring and came up with two key layout blocks and steady handler play.
Pink transitioned to zone late in the first half and took a 'bend not break' philosophy. Repeatedly, white would move the disc 60+ yards only to turn it over on an aggressive throw into the endzone. Down 5-3, Pink dropped a blady pull and it looked like halftime was imminent. However, Pink mounted a goal line stand, forcing a turnover and sending the disc the other direction to a streaking Jaime. On the following point, white dropped a pull of their own which pink promptly punched in to tie the game at 5s. Pink's zone defense generated yet another endzone turnover and sent a reeling white team into half down 6-5. White's zone offense stabilized in the 2nd half but were unable to put consistent pressure on pink's 5-2 O line with only 6 defenders. Heather Rogers was everywhere throughout the second half, distributing the disc and securing numerous high passes. Hard cap went on with Pink up 9-8. White tied it at 9s but Shawna secured a deep pass in the back corner of the end zone for the win, 10-9.
The win from Pink has generated a two way tie for 2nd place. Blue and Maroon are still absolutely in contention to move up in the standings as we are now just past halfway through the season.
Current standings after week 5:
Orange 10-0
White 6-4
Pink 6-4
Maroon 4-6
Blue 4-6
Purple 0-10
