Fall Playoffs start - Thursday, October 26, 2017

Post date: Oct 27, 2017 3:17:32 AM

Sadly, Black's attendance remained weak to start the playoffs. 3rd seed Black was savage with only six players versus a strong and deep 2nd seed White team in the early game. White scored first, but Black played gritty defense and kept it close. White led 8-6 at the half. In the second half, Black continued to run hard on defense, but their lack of subs caught up to them. Tired cuts gave White a number of opportunities for break scores, and White's chilly handlers capitalized. White built a big lead before Black scored a few points to avoid being doubled up. White earned a comfortable win, 15-8, avenging their loss to Black on Monday at the end of the regular season.

The late game featured Red and Blue teams that both showed up to play. Each squad boasted college and club players that wanted to win. Blue playing a lot of hero zone, and Red matching up with tight man to man defense. The score went back and forth, and the game was a treat to watch. The sidelines were loud and engaged. Red broke a 7-7 tie to end the first half up 8-7. Blue received the second half pull and promptly tied it back up at 8-8. The battle royal continued. With the score tied 11-11, Jimi bombed a huck to Willard to put Blue up 12-11. Peri connected with Keegs for a short score to tie it again at 12-12. Bri had a big catch at the goal line then quick give and go to Corey, who dished back to Bri to put Blue back in the lead, 13-12. John Shelley appeared to get the D on Zac in the end zone, but Zac called foul. John did not contest, and Zac took the disc at the goal line, converting a short score to tie it again at 13-13. Corey Vaccaro used the infamous end zone hill to reel in a huge score to put Blue back on top 14-13. Billy connected on a score to JT to tie it up for Red, 14-14.

The teams agreed the game would be win by two. Blue received the pull and their handlers patiently worked the disc up the field connecting to Bri for a score, 15-14 Blue. Zac was fouled in the end zone again, and Red converted to tie 15-15. A floaty throw by Blue enabled Red to get the first D in quite a while. Zac streaked to the end zone to convert the break, giving Red the lead 16-15. Blue worked the disc back to tie, but the throw sailed too high for Willard in the end zone, and Red had the chance to win. Blue got a D in Red's half of field to immediately get the disc back. This time, Blue converted to Meghan, tying the score at 16-16. Red called timeout before receiving the pull. It was getting late, and the teams were so evenly matched that winning by two seemed like it might never happen. They agreed to a hard cap at 17.

Red received a rolling pull that got to the back of their end zone. Blue played very tight defense, looking for a Callahan. Red tossed a 60 yard huck that hung in the air. Jimi and John had position to make the D for Blue, but Zac would not be denied. He skied both of them, and then converted a quick throw to Billy for the game winning score. 17-16 Red.

Neither team lost the late game. It was epic. Well, Blue lost. But let's be serious - it could have gone either way. It was a game of inches that came down to one point. Zac was certainly the MVP, but both teams had their share of stars. I sure wouldn't want to play Blue in the loser's bracket on Monday. Oh, wait. I have to do that, and I may need to do it playing savage with the few, the proud, the Black team players who show up.

Blue faces Black early on Monday, with the loser going home out of the loser's bracket. White faces Red in the late game on Monday, with the winner getting a bye next Thursday. Halloween will be observed during Monday's playoff matchups. Wear a costume you can play disc in. Onesies are a good choice now that the weather is cooler. Candy will be served. Photography is encouraged. Share your best pics in our Facebook group, and we will hopefully have some to post here on the website.