Southern Disappointment

 

Even the bravest observers would have admitted, just by the line-up that in this year’s World Championships that the South would be a force to reckon with.  You had the defending Champions Tampa Hawks (FL), in-state rival the Tampa Bad Boys (FL), the Hot Boys (TX) one of the South’s premiere teams, the Texas All-Stars (TX) and a strong representation from North Carolina market.

True a southern powerhouse, ATL Connection was MIA, but the South had more than enough to hold its own and a chance to make a strong statement in 9-Man.  But of all the Southern teams, the only one that stood out was an undermanned Northside Show (TX)!  Outside of that, even the South’s biggest advocate would be hard pressed to find any other real defining moment.

There were several occasions where the South flat out dropped the ball; losing on mental mistakes late, losing shootouts, losing defensive battles – the South lost just about every way imaginable in the WC.  And by no means is this taking away anything the North did as they clearly dominated the WC.

But one could make an argument that it was more mental than physical for the South as far as preparation for the WC (the North took teh contest more seriously and prepared better) or that the extended game times played a roll in the outcome of some of the games, as the Northern teams are usually much bigger around the line of scrimmage and as the games carried on it could’ve began to take its toll. 

But aside from all the reasoning and excuses, the South simply got out played, which means the next major test will be in VA Beach as several teams from TX, AL, GA and NC will be making their 2009 debut versus their northern counterparts.

If the South would like to regain national respect in 9-Man, they will have to make a statement at the Beach in June.  However, this time the task may be much tougher for the South as the distance to VA Beach favors the North.

 

 

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