CRYSTAL BOWL XLVI | Sunday March 6, 2016 | The StarDome, Hallas.
Adelphia Attack vs Ballymore Defence:
The Phoenix attack is a quick-scoring offence, stretching the field, looking for holes in the defence to exploit. The strong run game is run by the flashy and elusive Marshall Knight. The pass attack is orchestrated by Matt Kelly who distributes the ball to wingers Rice, White and rookie sensation Drew Hart. The forwards (Centre, Guards and Locks) make holes well and have protected Kelly all year long.
The Tiger defence, their greatest asset, is the number three ranked defence in the league. Strong up front and stout in the midfield, they are completed by one of the best back fours in the league. Hybrid End/Attacking Midfielder Sam Randall leads the league in hurries and has two touchdown returns from fumbles.
Edge: Tiger defence- the line is so strong, they will create havoc for the Phoenix forwards. Although Adelphia are blessed with one of the best front lines in the league, the Tigers will out-gun them.
Ballymore Attack vs Adelphia Defence:
The Ballymore attack is a ground and pound retro approach. With strong runners Tito Hawkins, Bo Mills, Marcus Jones and Robbie Slater- they can split defensive lines and break though to the second level quickly. They are adept at breaking down the defence with their continual option runs. Throw a few play-action passes in there and you have a great mix, especially as defences nowadays are generally built to defend the pass more than the run.
The Phoenix line is built well, but is mainly a bend but don’t quite break system- with some crazy blitz packages and coverages thrown in there. They have chancers in the back four, which van be exploited by Tiger QB Mills. It may depend on whether the blitzes and gambling on defence pays off. The Phoenix defence is in their third Crystal Bowl in four years. They have experience on their side .
Edge: Phoenix- by a whisker- they have been here twice before, recently too.
Special Teams: Evens! They both cover kicks well, return well and have pretty reliable kickers in Todd Lovell and Ricardo Hernandez.
OVERALL EDGE: PHOENIX– by 1-3 points. This is going to be a close one, unless the Phoenix can strike big early, or Ballymore can shut down Adelphia completely and dominate the game.