East Versus West Comparison
MCFFU Grades the East and West...

The East has the distinct advantage over the West in the special teams game due to the fact that the West does not kick-off.  Kick-off coverage (maintaining lanes, aggressive play and setting walls) and the kick return game if the West will have to practiced prior to Dallas in order to prevent cheap touchdowns and excellent field position by the East.

Field goal kicking is part of both the East and West, but look for the East to bring more effective kickers, that will win the close games.

Should the West be unable to bang on the kickoffs/punts, they will find themselves defending a short field and having to put together long drives versus physical defenses.

East teams are excellent at setting up kickoff returns and delivering wicked blocks, while also being able to mix it up on kickoff coverage preventing big returns by their opponents.   This is where the East can impose their will and force the West to operate from a disadvantage regarding field position.

Offense:

Both sides will feature unique offensive styles; however the East will utilize their blocking-backs more than will the West who uses them primarily for pass protection and in the red zone.  Deep QB’s are common on the East, allowing the WR’s to clear the underneath for the blocking backs release in the voided areas. 

West coast games are usually offensive with a vertical attack, while the East will exploit the LB’s and rushers with their athletic blocking backs.  Both sides will utilize the WR screen and feature mobile QB’s who can break containment and make big plays on the perimeter.  Look for several big arm QB’s who can pass from the pocket and with protection, can put up the points.

Defense:

Both sides offer similar defensive schemes, but the physical style of the East is the topic of discussion.  They pull hard flags, impeding the runner’s forward momentum while deflagging them in the same motion which often results in the ball carrier hitting the turf.  Most feel that the East’s physical play will either shake the West teams or get them out of their game by attempting to prove they can play physical.

On average, West coast teams are accustom to shootouts when facing each other, while the East will grind it out when facing familiar opponents. 

Though the East is more physical, the West is not far behind leaving this topic of discussion the most intriguing regarding the two sides.  But based on observing both sides, the edge has to go to the East because of thier style.

Overall Play:

The only advantage between the two is the aggressiveness and special team play of the East as compared to the West. Offensively, both sides hold a distinct advantage due to the fact that most of the teams are unfamiliar with the others offensive style.

Defenses will have 1 hour to figure out their opponent’s offensive style before they have to face another complex system.  Dallas will feature the best that both sides have to offer and the East is highly favored to dominant the Championships based solely on their physical style of play.  That being said, the West is out to prove they are just as physical as the East and most importantly, just as good, if not better.

If anything, this will be the most interesting tournament in years as 8-Man (Pro and Comp) square off for the Wilson-Carrigan Trophy and bragging rights for the up coming season.