Nerf Wars - Round One recap

The 2019 edition of Nerf Wars began this week, and although only 12 of 38 teams were in action, there was plenty going on. The most exciting matchup of the round had to be Team Joe vs. Team Lori Stevenson. Team Joe quickly took the lead with a kill by Tracy Fields, but Jeffery Mata of Lori Stevenson countered later that night to even the score at 5. Sophomore Mata finished the round with two kills as Lori Stevenson won the match 3-2.

Another close matchup was Darty Deeds vs. Gorf or Norf, in which Gorf or Norf narrowly won 5-4. Sean Pendergest had the only kill for Darty Deeds, and Micheal Droppelman and Eli Henson led the way for Gorf or Norf. Multiple shutouts were posted this round, by G.O.N., 5 ninjas 1 ginga, BBO, and the Ankle Spankers. None of these was more impressive than the 6-2 win by the Ankle Spankers over 5 Guys 1 Chick. The Ankle Spankers were led by sophomore Eric Rawlings with an unprecedented performance of four kills in his first ever round of Nerf, making him this week’s Player of the Round.

Player of the Round: Eric Rawlings, Interview

What can you attribute your round 1 success to?

Eric - “I’d say having bigger guns and better strategies and simply outsmarting the other team. My teammates played a huge part as well.”

Does being a sophomore and a younger team affect you at all? Why or why not ?

Eric - “Nope, our only downfall would be a lack of drivers and obviously we have been able to overcome that so I don’t think there are any issues.”

How did you prepare with this being your first experience in nerf ?

Eric - “I just happened to have good guns and the ability to use them, as you saw with the bow and arrow I used. I was also smart about everything, I wasn’t going to go for anyone without a plan.”

Which of your four kills was the hardest and why?

Eric - “I would say Colby and Jack just because it was a little 2v1 action. However it still wasn’t very difficult.”

How do you think your team will fare with the next round matchup?

Eric - “I’d say we have a good shot at sweeping them this time, it’s looking like they will only come for me. However, I think my team will show out more this round and we should advance.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

Eric - “I may go for the full sweep this round, I’m not sure yet but either way never count out the ankle spankers. I would also like to say I’m more prepared this week than the last so watch out Dart Daddies.”

Eric Rawlings and the Ankle Spankers look to continue their success in Round 2 as they take on the Dart Daddies. Round 2 will be the first round for the majority of teams, with 32 of the original 38 teams still in contention. Check back here next week for another Player of the Round interview, and everything you might have missed about Round 2.