What's On Tap - September 18, 2021

Well well well, here we are a month out from Nationals.  Teams are making different plans for Austin in October, and for those who are going and going in numbers, the chances to get in those crucial hitouts before playing for Nationals titles are getting fewer and fewer.

But it's another packed weekend, and the last big one before the seedings are announced at the end of the month.  And we have all sorts of good stuff going on from coast to coast, including a big women's tournament in Denver; one of two events happening in that city on Saturday.

Here is what's on tap:

Centennial Invitational (Women’s)
8:30am MDT - Harlow Park, Littleton, Colorado
Centennial Tigers (0-2), Centennial Reserves (0-0), DC Eagles (5-0), All Comers

Hosting their first ever big event, the hometown Tigers will have enough players to fill a firsts and seconds team as the club looks for their first ever win.  The Tigers rookies have been impressive so far, led by ruck Evie Oglesby and maiden-goal kicker Alyssa Blavat.  They’ll have to contend with the buzzsaw that is the DC Lady Eagles, who will go flying into Division 1 at Nationals for the first time with a mix of rookies and vets, led by breakout star Morgan Daugherty.  The field is rounded out by an All-Comers side that is made up of women from nine different clubs, including a few National teamers in Brette Brower (San Francisco) and Lizzy Even (Wasatch).

Mile High Showdown
8:30am MDT - Central Park-Stapleton, Denver, Colorado
Men: Denver Bulldogs (1-2), Austin Crows (6-0), Seattle Grizzlies (1-2)
Women: Denver Lady Bulldogs (3-0) vs Seattle Grizzlies (0-0)

A rematch of the last Men’s D1 Grand Final pits the Crows and the Bulldogs as part of the festivities on the east side of Denver on Saturday.  Austin’s three season win streak is on the line as Bryan Dragus and the Crows not only do battle with mighty Denver, but also a Grizzlies team that is looking to bounce back following a disappointing 1-2 showing at the Sacramento sub-regional back in August.  Both teams have strong defenders, with Denver’s led by Tim Wilson-Humphries, and Seattle’s led by veteran Saleh Tyebjee.  On the women’s side, the six time National Champion Lady Bulldogs are in search of their fourth win in a row as they take on the hearty band of traveling Grizzlies.

Philadelphia Hawks (3-7) v Baltimore Dockers (3-6) v New York Magpies (4-1)
11am EDT - Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, Oaks, PA

New York is back on the horse after coming into Philly during the Summer Series and wrenching back regional supremacy from the Hawks last month.  Luke “Shoey” Schoenmakers and the ‘Pies will look to make their marks back at Nationals, but first they return to the Hawks’ nest to face the home team and the Dock Show.  The Hinchens and Philly are looking for revenge, as are the Nick Siska led-black and Orange from Baltimore.

North Texas Devils (2-7) v Dallas Dingoes (3-5)
11am CDT - Old Shepard Park, Plano, Texas

Round three of the Big D Derby (that’s a working title) and the Devils are still looking for their first W over their cross town rivals.  Alex Foster, Jeff Kraemer and the Dingoes knocked back North Texas in the first leg of the series back in June, and then won at the Arlington Sub Regionals.  The Devils’ rookies have steadily improved each game during the season, and will look for a good result to go flying into Nationals down the road in Austin.

St Louis Blues (1-6) v Kansas City/Chicago
11am CDT - Buder Park North, Fenton, Missouri

It’s the Show Me Showdown… and friends!  St Louis welcomes in the KC Power who will be topped up by players from Chicago and Wisconsin.  There’s been great signs of life from everyone involved, and it’s led by seasoned experienced players on both sides, such as KC’s Caleb Daughtery and the Blues’ Dave Zitko.

California Cup
Los Angeles Dragons (5-3) vs Golden Gate Roos (3-0)
11am PDT - Westchester Recreation Center, Los Angeles, California

Two perennial powers on the men’s side do battle in La La Land on Saturday morning out west.  The Roos are coming off of a win at the Sacramento Summer Series, and Tim Lindfelt and company will try to extend their win streak.  But it will be a tough road to hoe against the determined Dragons, Revo ruck Donald Lee and company breathing fire and attempting to get back at the Gaters for their regionals defeat.

Surf and Sand Cup Leg #2
Arizona Hawks (1-8) v San Diego Lions (6-4)
5:30pm MST - Mesa, Arizona

It’s always fun in the sun when the Lions and Hawks get together.  It’s a rivalry, but a friendly one, and another chance for the Hawks to get better against Division One competition.  Bryan Powers and the Lions are seen as a dark horse at Nationals, but Darren Henderson’s Hawks have heart, soul, and skill, and are on the hunt for their second win of 2021.

Photo: Jerry Long (@myfootypics)