Games to be played on 7 February 2016. The winners will play the number one seeds (away) and the other games will be the number two seeds hosting the number three seeds on February 13/14 2016.
Reports are coming in that the first Head Coaching casualties have come in following the conclusion of the 2015-16 regular season:
Jim Smith(Victoria Panthers) [2-16 in 2015-16, 33-39]
Jim was fired after an short meeting with team executives. Following a disasterous season, a 33-39 record over four seasons, it was considered time for the Panthers to look elsewhere for their team leadership.
Alan Wyatt (Tallassea Oilers) [4-14, 9-27]
Alan Wyatt was initially given three years-to rebuild this once great team. It seem that management grew increasingly impatient with the lack of progress. It was rumoured and reported that he had lost the locker room in November and that some players were “waiting for hime to leave so they could play for someone they believe in”. Coach Wyatt leaves with a 9-27 record and it is rumoured that he might return to NUSA Uniball as soon as possible.
Oakland finished the season on a roll, playmaking Quarterback “TOM2” Tom Tomkowski has been an effective dual-threat weapon for the attack. Coupled with a good ground game, the question marks relating to the offensive line and defence.
Whether the line can block for the runners and hold off the Phoenix pass rush is to be determined. When on a roll, they give Tomkowski enough time to work his magic- sometimes barely though. The defence needs to be able to stop both the aerial threat from QB Matt Kelly and his great core of wideouts AND also Marshall Knight. Marshall has shown to be very at home in the playoff surroundings so it may prove to be a tall order.
Stopping Marshall Knight will be key to the Ravens’ success.
For the Phoenix, a leaky run defence has proved limited all year long, expect the Ravens to exploit this and gain much on the ground. If that is enough, then the Ravens move on. I give the edge to the Phoenix as home advantage will play a part.
Edge: Phoenix by a touchdown (+7)
National Conference:
Arkheim Raiders at St. George Sharks
Arkheim snuck into the playoffs this year on the back of an improved defence. The achillies heel for thepast few years, the unit was shored up and with future hall of legends member Jon Palmer possibly playing his last season- will be looking to go out with a happy swansong.
The Raiders are let by a fully-fit Kurt Sierra and he has great weapons at his disposal. A strong line and versatile halfback, in Ray Shell means the attack is potent. If the defence holds, forces turnovers, this will be close.
Saint George, on the other hand ended the season with two losses and if they don’t win, question marks will be asked about QB Trent Harris and his legion of stars on the offensive front. The defence is still strong, although lacking the star names of 2-3 years ago. Sure-tackling is key, rather than playmaking and forcing turnovers.
The Sharks should be just too strong and sorry, Raiders fans- the Raiders will be ready to build for 2015-16.
The Professional Football League of Eboria 