The Washington Mutual Mile High Classic
Denver (CO) - Aug 2006

On August 5th and 6th the City of Denver will host its first National tournament since 1992.  In the name of the MCFFU, the 2006 Western Division Champion Denver Gamblers will play host to several high impact teams from all over the country.  The most notable are All Met Hammers from Baltimore Maryland, the Houston Sleepers and Quick 6 from Salt Lake City, Utah.  In addition to the stellar out of state line up, this tournament boasts two other National powers from the State of Colorado, Ace and Brock’s Buffs from Pueblo.  Combined with other Colorado teams, this tournament offers the stiffest competition ever seen in the Central region of the MCFFU. 

All Met Hammers are the undisputed World Champions as they braved out the fierce weather conditions in Dallas this past March and dominated the competition.  They made a statement to the world that they are true warriors and will persevere any obstacle in order to meet their goal.  With their traditional style of play punctuated with a physical presence on both sides of the ball, it appears they are poised to continue their dominance and add another championship to their glorious eight-year history.  By earning multiple style championships they are by far the most decorated team to grace the flag football world in the past 10 years. 

The Houston Sleepers are arguably the best team in the West as they have won 2 National Championships in the past 4 years.  As last years top money winner, the Sleepers hail from a style of football that is steadily changing the way the game is played today.  Having the ability to score from anywhere on the field at any given moment explains their success over the past four years.  Their style is fast, relentless and merciless on offense and physical fast and daring on defense.  They are notorious for ending a game with the same type of hype and fury as they began it.  If a team is not careful they can easily find themselves down 18 points by half time and that’s AFTER a night of heavy drinking by the Sleepers!!!  Their raucous attitude and fast pace of play easily heightens a tournaments excitement from start to finish.

Quick 6 is a team that can compete with any elite team on the planet in one game and then play down to a “B” team the next.  Rest assured in this tournament, Quick 6 will be focused and ready to play at one level the entire weekend.  They bypassed this summer’s money tournament in order to concentrate more on the Classic.  Their philosophy is, “if you’re going to be the best, you have to beat the best.”  They arguably possess the best talent in the State of Utah with several players hailing from the east coast.  They easily adapt to any style a team has to offer and effectively adjusts to shut a team down.  The offense has the capability to score quick and from deep while the defense is not afraid to mix it up in your face.  These are the characteristics that build upsets and championships.  If they by chance fall short, you better believe the experience gained will make them battle tested for the WDC-2K-7. 

ACE is steadfastly emerging from the National shadow cast upon them by the Denver Gamblers and staking a claim as another elite team in the U.S.  They were not afraid to play in the WDC’s in 2006 undermanned and when they took their lumps, they took it like men.  No excuses, no complaints, they just accepted the criticisms as they were handed and stored them for motivation.  That motivation rejuvenated them as a team in Dallas when they faced the Sleepers and defeated them.  They are not afraid to compete short-handed nor within 3 weeks rest between tournaments.  Ace has a style that is unorthodoxly fast but yet very physical, it’s like fighting a fast southpaw with power in boxing.  If you ain’t careful you’ll get knocked out.  They took their show on the road to L.A. this summer and impressed everyone by making it to the final four.  Their two loses came at the hands of the tournaments first and second place teams, losing by a combined 12 points.  Yes they too are a team that boasts big play capability on offense and a stifling shut down defense.  A combination that spells “S-U-C-C-E-S-S” on any level of football during any playoff format. 

Brock’s Buff’s are the reigning 2006 Western Division Champions from the “C” level of play.  Over the past five years they’ve been a perennial power in the West as they competed for several National championship titles.  They are very organized, smart and patient with their style of play.  Using a very methodical approach on offense they will chip away at a team to lull them asleep and when its not expected, they’ll hit you deep with the most unsuspecting player on the planet.  Defensively they have a bend but don’t break attitude but when the game is on the line, they will come up with a stop.  Knowing the characteristics of every football region this State has to offer, Brock’s part of the state represents a very tough and never quit brand of play.  Combine that with their football smarts and any team in this tournament could go home lying about their record and whom they lost to because it underestimated the “heart” factor.

GOATS are a Denver team that has plenty of National experience and are by far good enough to compete in this tournament.  During the 2003 Nationals they made it as far as the semi-finals only to be knocked out by North Highlands Posse.  Although they have younger players that are new to the game, they still have enough veteran savvy to make them a dangerous opponent.  Nothing frustrates a fast attacking offense more than a smart and methodical opposing offense and that’s what the Goats offer.  When a team UNDERSTANDS the game and efficiently executes what it does best, the other teams athleticism is severely neutralized because it’s forced to think about its next move instead of simply reacting.  Because the Goats compete annually against the Gamblers and Ace, it does have the savvy to compete and survive a tournament of this magnitude. 

Denver Gamblers are at home for the first time in many years and are eager to show their fan base the skill set only heard of by those who don’t travel with them. If you think their 60-person entourage in Vegas is huge, wait until you see the crowd they attract at home.  Don’t be surprised at seeing more stars on their sidelines than at a Laker game.  Playing at home won’t disrupt their focus but playing with a new Quarterback could, as arguably the best player at that position in all of flag will miss this tournament due to a knee injury.  Although it’s hard to overcome such a significant loss at a critical skill position, the Gamblers are talented enough to win no matter the circumstance.  There will be no excuses, they are not afraid of playing at less than full strength, unlike many teams.  With several impact players remaining on offense and the same stifling defense that can score more points (4 defensive touchdowns in Dallas) than most offenses, the Gamblers epitomize the words team and elite.  Don’t think for a minute a team of this caliber is going to lethargically use excuses not to perform in their own backyard, they have too much pride for that.  They will battle, they will persevere and they will represent their title of being the best team in the West.

Other notable teams are the Rough Riders, Heat and Gators.  Although several teams failed to appear, this tournament still has the make-up of legendary games.  Imagine an All Met and Sleepers re-match or everyone’s “dream” match-up between the Gamblers and All Met.  Ace and it’s magic against Quick 6 and their ability to “in-game” adjust on sudden notice.  Brock’s making a final stand at home in front of their fan base of about 80 people going up against the new breed Auckland Raiders.  This tournament is real and it is going to happen, although several obstacles were thrown in front to block it.  The fields are pristine, a bar-b-que with DJ on Saturday for that “And1” theme and 6 of the best teams in the country competing.  It don’t get no better than that.