The long and winding road has lead us here, to Championship Sunday, the day when it all will be decided.
The Prospect Pioneers and the Chewton Champs, two of the LFFL's “Original Seven” franchises meet today, both seeking their first championship after long drinking the bitter water of defeat. After today, there can be only one.
The Prospect Pioneers (14-1), led by Dan Coulter, come into today's game the beneficiary of a bye of sorts, winning last week's opening round game by forfeit. However, that does not detract from the legendary season the Pioneers have put together, winning the Landry Division and going 13-1 in the regular season, a league record for most wins in a season, and tying the mark of the 2003 Pioneers for fewest losses in a season. Additionally, Prospect's' 1263 points are the seventh most points ever scored in a season. Prospect's lone loss this year came against division rival Ellwood, 78.28 – 72.34 in Week Seven. This is the Prospect Pioneer's third appearance in the championship game, having lost both Leight Bowl II in 2004 to the Koppel Koonhunters 87.35 – 72.97, and Leight Bowl VI in 2008 to the Indiana Ignition 96.24 – 73.89. In the inaugural season of 2003, Prospect finished third.
The Chewton Champs (8-7), managed by Tony Pica, were the third seed in this year's playoff bracket, and enter the championship having defeated number two seeded Stram Division winner Indiana Ignition last week 107.26 – 67.88. Chewton started the season strong, opening undefeated at 5-0. However, in the next six weeks Chewton went 2-4, before finishing the season with three straight losses, and backing into the playoffs playing .500 football. Despite their mediocre record, the Champs' 1064 points were forth most in the league this season. This is the Chewton Champ's second appearance in the championship game, having lost Leight Bowl III to the Allentown Iron Men 114.00 – 91.44 in 2005.
Prior Meeting: Prospect defeated Chewton 102.95 – 82.20 in Week Ten.
Tale of the Tape
Quarterback: While both teams feature a big time quarterback capable of winning a championship, Prospect has a slight edge with Tom Brady against division opponent Buffalo. However, Chewton's Philip Rivers should keep it close as he plays an equally terrible Cincinnati.
Wide Receiver: Prospect is employing the zero sum strategy, starting Vincent Jackson at wideout in hopes that he neutralizes any big day that Rivers might have. Prospect's number two is Brandon Lloyd who makes for a nice play against a pitiful Houston secondary. Chewton counters with the excellent Calvin Johnson who is always good for a highlight reel catch, but is paired with the underwhelming Santana Moss. Give Prospect the check here.
Running Back: While Peyton Hillis has been a beast for Prospect, one can't expect miracles when he faces the Baltimore defense. Additionally, there's question as to who will start at tailback for Jacksonville, meaning Jones-Drew may rest, giving Jennings the nod. The Pioneers will wait till gametime to see. Pierre Thomas is a nice play, and makes for a fine 3rd RB. Chewton, meanwhile has LeSean McCoy who may be poised to run through a snowstorm against the paper tiger that is what has become of the Minnesota defense. For good measure, Chewton also has Mike Tolbert, who really has become a three down back set to score versus a terrible Cincinnati team. Finally, the Champs' third best back happens to be their first round pick, Ray Rice, who will look to match last week's magic. Advantage: Chewton
Tight End: This one is tighter than you might imagine, as Chewton's Brent Celek isn't as popular with Mike Vick this year as he was with Donovan McNabb last year. On the other hand, Rob Gronkowski is fast becoming one Tom Brady's favourite new toys. The favor goes to Prospect, by a nose.
Kicker: Prospect's David Buehler missed an extra point on Christmas Night Football and still managed ten points, while Chewton's David Akers is going to have to kick in the middle of the Sunday Night Blizzard. Bet on Buehler to come out on top.
Defense: Pittsburgh netted fifteen big points for Prospect on Thursday night. However, for Chewton, while Tampa Bay has a solid defense, and a chance to do well versus a turnover happy Seattle squad, it's hard to envision them scoring enough points to give Chewton a chance to make up any ground. The edge goes to Prospect.
For all the talk and speculation, this game has to be settled on the field. Prospect and Chewton are two of the most storied franchises in the history of the LFFL, and both seek their first championship this weekend. It's fitting that while these two rivals have had successful seasons, it all comes down to one weekend to see who will grab the brass ring for all the glory of lifting high the prestigious Leight Cup representing the pinnacle of sports achievement, and who will simply shrug and console themselves by waiting until next year. There can be only one.
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