Can Real Deal Rebound in 2009?

 

After a 26 team World Championship that saw some of the countries top teams facing off for the first time; the Championship game presented two familiar foes in the Baltimore Packers (MD) and the Real Deal (NJ). 

The tightly contested game was decided in OT with the Packers prevailing 13-7.  For the Packers, it was a moment of complete fulfillment and pride, while Real Deal slipped in the abyss of “What ifs” and discussing openly, potential game changing opportunities they failed to capitalize on.

But as usual, there is always next year.  But next years’ World Championships could bring with it an even tougher pool of talent to fight through. 

The early favorites for WCV would have to be the Packers (MD) and Real Deal (NJ) as they both dominated the 2008 season, finishing 1 and 2 respectively with a combined record of 33-5-1 and 4 tournament wins!

But getting back to the title game in 2010, may prove to be a difficult task for not only the current WC Champs (Packers), but for Real Deal who was so close to winning it all last month.  Next years competition could prove to be much, much tougher to make it through as the talent level continues to rise all around 9-Man, minimizing opportunities.

Looking at some of the top 9-Man teams that could have a say at the title; you have an emerging Baltimore Blaze (MD) team who took out the defending 9-Man Championships, Tampa Hawks 13-0 before falling to Real Deal in a nail-bitter in the Semi-finals 7-6.  They also compete regularly with the Packers in league play throughout the year adding more experience and toughness.  There are the Outkast Warriors (MA) who finished the season at 14-2 (1 loss coming the WC), falling short to the eventual WC Champs Packers in the Semi-Finals and finishing 3rd overall in the WC Rankings looking to take the next step.

Other teams who can shake-up the title run include:

Free The Fan, who pitched 3 shutouts in the opening rounds, before giving up 20 in a shootout win over the 2006 World Champion Hot Boys (TX), who were fighting for redemption after an embarrassing loss in the first round.

The Silverbacks who competed in close games all throughout the tournament, has the talent and experience to make a run in 2010.

NJ Raiders, who were not even mentioned in any pre-tournament talk, making noise with a surprise win over the Hot Boys (TX) in Friday’s opening rounds and tough play throughout

The surprise teams to watch in 2009 include:

Northside Show (TX) playing 14 deep (or shallow) and taking down a red-hot Omni Fitness who out scored their first two opponents by a combined score of 80-0!

Da Show (NC) who took out the Silverbacks and an always tough Metro Dawgs (VA) team to help give the state of North Carolina a louder voice in competitive 9-Man, along with in-state rival New Era (NC).

Other teams to beware of in 2009 will include the Tampa Hawks, Hot Boy’s and Metro Dawgs (VA), all of who are seeking to regain their national respect and pride.  A Texas All-Star team that plays everyone tough, adding more pieces and experience and ATL Connection who missed this year’s event, but who has tasted a title and sporting one of best defenses in all of 9-Man looking to return.  

Add to this a list, several up and coming teams from each represented region and some expected new blood from the West and the 2010 WCV may prove to be the test of all test in 9-Man! 

Though Real Deal (NJ) may remain one of the early favorites to win it all in 2010 (along with the Packers), it remains to be seen if they can rebound from a tough loss and hold off the sudden surge of young, talented 9-Man teams with more experience and confidence; along with a slew of veteran teams who are battle tested and something to prove.

THE 2010 FLAG FOOTBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS V - ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 15-17, 2010

 

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