7 Most Impactful Games on the 9-Man Circuit

 

 

 

Over the years 9man has had some very meaningful games that not only affected the teams that played but 9man as a whole.  The U went back and selected 7 games that have had the most impact on the 9man game.  Games that changed the way we think about regions, leagues and the entire 9man game.

• 1.  Hot Boy’s defeating Metro Dawgs in 1st 9Man World Championships in 2006:

Leading up to the 2006 9man World Championships, the Metro Dawgs were by far the strongest team in the game.  Winning numerous tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Region, the Metro Dawgs looked to complete a spectacular year with a win in the 2006 9Man World Championships in Dallas, TX.  The Hot Boys were not known outside of Texas much, but quickly gained national attention with an upset over the Metro Dawgs, causing an uproar in competitive 9man.  The back and forth debating between the Northern and Southern regions had begun, and Texas 9Man Flag Football was on the map.

 

• 2.  Packers defeating Real Deal in the 2nd 9man World Championships 2009:

Everyone remembers the video of DJ (Donny Johnson) and Go-Go (Polonio Gomez) toe-to-toe in the pre-game festivities leading up to the coin toss.  DJ, a former QB with Real Deal was facing his former team for the World Championship title and there was no love lost between the two sides.  The game was a defensive battle throughout resulting in an overtime tie (7-7).  The Packers overtime defensive stand was the difference as they sacked QB Carlos Hernandez multiple times on the Real Deal OT possession in overtime to seal the victory 13-7.  This coming after the Packers scored, but missed their extra point leaving Real Deal with a great chance to win with their solid kicking game.   This World Championships led to the start of the 9-Man Circuit and was a key game in helping establish the 9man World Championships.  This game brought the energy and excitement to the 9man Circuit leading back to the World Championships the following year in Miami.

 

• 3.  Hot Boys defeating Metro Dawgs for ENC 2009 title:

There were 2 sides to this game; the Hot Boys had already defeated the Metro Dawgs in the 1st World Championships in Dallas, TX and that was followed by a win in the much anticipated Hall of Fame Game against Metro in the 2008 Eastern National Championships in VA Beach where the Hot Boys blew out Metro 19-2.  Though the Hot Boy’s won the first 9man World Championships, they still did not have the respect of 9man due to the fact the WC was played in their backyard (Dallas, TX). 

To gain respect, a win on the road in a major event was needed and the Hot Boy’s delivered.  They were flawless in the 2009 ENC going 6-0.  They finished the season with the best winning percentage (.833), tied with the most tournament wins (2) and winners of 2 National Championships.  Though the Hot Boys' 2008 season fell short of a World Title, they had proven themselves to their peers and doubters as a legit 9man team and drew more interest to the south.

 

• 4.  Da Show defeating the Packers in a shoot out 28-24 in the 2010 Charlotte NIT

Da Show was the 2010 Pro Open World Champions, finishing the Championships undefeated at 6-0.  After falling short of the Top 16, Da Show was seeking to bring more attention to North Carolina as being a legit 9man market.   In the 2nd Annual Charlotte NIT, some heavy-hitters descended on NC including the circuit’s top team at the time Main Event (NY), Gladiators (NY) and of course the 2-Time Defending Champions Baltimore Packers (MD).  After missing the cut in 2010, Da Show was ready to make the cut in 2011 as well as prove NC belonged on the circuit.  Da Show defeated the Gladiators, Main Event and finally the Champs 28-24.  Even though this was a home win, defeating those 3 teams in any single tournament is a feat.  This helped place NC on the 9man circuit as a legit market as well as launch Da Show into the Top 16 with a shot at the WC Title.

 

• 5. Northside Show (TX) defeated Omni with 12 players in the World Championships:

Omni was just coming into its own on the circuit and had blasted 2 previous opponents before a little unknown Texas team; 12 players deep pulled off the upset of the tournament.  Out numbered and out-sized, Northside Show used speed and quickness on both sides of the ball to out match a heavily favored and much stronger Omni team; defeating them 13-6. 

This small, under manned team finished 10th overall with a 3-1 record (going undefeated Friday and Saturday) defeating the Scorpions, Silverbacks and of course Omni.  This win was huge for the underdog Northside Show; showing that any team can step up pull off the upset if they make the cut.   It also had teams in other regions eying the Southern National Championships more closely as a "must-play" tournament because of the depth in that area.  Texas is loaded with talent and the Northside Show showed what any team can do on the big stage if they make it.

 

• 6.  Packers defeating Texas 9man All-Stars (Packers 2nd World Title):

After winning the World Championships the previous year, the Packers entered the World Championships as the 8th seeded team and zero circuit wins.  The talk of the team aging was circulating throughout 9man and the Packers inability to deliver a marquee win on the circuit was the source of all the doubt.  After a slow start against a scrappy, young Alabama Herd squad and a Saturday loss to Main Event (NY), a repeat did not appear to be in the cards for the defending champions. 

Starting the elimination rounds on Sunday, the Packers had to get through the Hot Boys and Omni to have a shot at a repeat.  They defeated the Hot Boys (14-8), then knocked off Omni (13-7) giving them a second consecutive Finals appearance where they ended the Cinderella story of the Texas 9man All-Stars who surprised many by making it to the Finals on the back of solid play and World Championship MVP Anthony Crabtree.  The Packers consistency and experience helped them overcome various opponents, with different challenges to win their 2nd title.  The game was the finale to a season that was more consistent than spectacular and proved that consistent play can take you far on the circuit.  

 

• 7.  Show Tyme defeating Hot boys in 2010 Southern Nationals

In the 2010 Southern Nationals, the Hot boys and Texas 9man All-Stars were the usual suspects.  But this time a 3rd team stepped into the headlines and is said by several to be the "best team" in Texas at this time.  Show Tyme defeated the Hot Boys to go undefeated in the Southern National Championships, further showing the strength of the Southern region.  Each year, Texas seems to launch a new team on the circuit that can beat the most notable 9man teams in a big time tournament.  Only time will tell if Show Tyme can win the World Championship Title, but this team is not short of confidence or talent and will make it difficult for anyone in Sanford, FL.  Teams like Show Tyme proves that the market for 9man runs deep and is growing each year. 

FIND A FLAG FOOTBALL DIRECTOR YOUR AREA | MCFFU/USSSA TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION POLICIES