During the inaugural season of the PFFL, the PRO BOWLERS formerly known as CHAOS went on a dominant run to capture the Fall 2009 championship. In those days, they were men amongst boys armed with experience, numerous formations, and impressive knowledge of flag football rules. However, the Spring 2010 season has seen a dramatic upgrade in the level of competition as evidenced by the new PFFL champions, the CYCLONES.

In an overtime game that was decided by an extra-point conversion, the CYCLONES edged the former champs to the tune of a thrilling 32-31 victory. Early on this matchup looked like a game for the ages. However due to some cyclonic weather conditions (ok, maybe not cyclonic but I couldn't resist) the game was delayed for about a half hour as the players waited for Mother Nature to get past her mood swing and allow the game to resume.

After the delay, the competitors played with a renewed sense of purpose, making key play after key play. With the CYCLONES leading 19-13, PRO BOWLERS defensive specialist Sean Kennedy returned an interception for a touchdown to even the score at 19 all. Originally Kennedy was tackled short of the end zone but because of the "last-man rule" (when a defensive player holds a player who is closing in on a touchdown), Kennedy was awarded the touchdown.

So many times in previous games, we've witnessed the PRO BOWLERS score and then make key defensive plays to preserve their leads. What the PRO BOWLERS didn't know was that the CYCLONES have a big-play offense that is more than capable of erasing any deficit. True to their statistical offensive prowess, the CYCLONES responded with a Dan Sloan-to-Paul Yurchak completion for a nasty touchdown connection to give the CYCLONES the lead at 25-19.

Not to be outdone by the beasts of the Steel Conference, the savvy PRO BOWLERS battled back with a couple nice completions from Offensive Player of the Year Mike Kregiel to standout wide receiver-turned-defensive juggernaut Mark Kobistek, including the game-tying score at the end of regulation. At this point it appeared that the PRO BOWLERS were going to repeat as PFFL champions for the second consecutive season. All that stood in their way was converting the extra point. WRONG! The CYCLONES were also standing in their way as they successfully knocked down the PRO BOWLERS signature shuffle pass to force overtime.

Now with the stage set, each team entered the extra period with one guaranteed possession to claim the victory. Picking up where they left off in regulation, Kregiel found Kobistek lurking in the end zone to give the PRO BOWLERS the lead. And just like their last extra point attempt, the PRO BOWLERS failed to convert.

On the CYCLONES' possession, Quarterback Dan Sloan smelled blood as he threw a beautiful strike to All-Star C.J. Yurchak to even the score. Now the CYCLONES were faced with the same scenario that the PRO BOWLERS were in at the end of regulation: If they scored the extra point, then they would win the game. Although deja vu seemed to be happening, the CYCLONES didn't fold. In fact, on a trick play Sloan lined up as a receiver, while C.J. (the receiver with quarterbacking tendencies) lined up under center. For some the reason the PRO BOWLERS underestimated the versatility of Sloan and C.J., as C.J. threw the game-winning extra point completion to an uncovered Sloan.

"I was struggling at quarterback on extra point plays," Sloan said. "So we had to come with a little trick to throw the defense off a little." The CYCLONES figured they could be successful with Sloan as a receiver—and they were right. "I'm out there running routes, they didn't know what to expect," Sloan continued. "So I came across the front of the end zone and CJ hit me."

This championship was especially gratifying for the CYCLONES who trekked all the way from Ohio week after week to compete in the PFFL. This was their first season in the new league, and it seemed the more they won, the more other teams thought they were legitimate title contenders. Among the water cooler conversations regarding the CYCLONES were criticisms of the Steel Conference competition, and questions about the CYCLONE defense. With their victory over the defending champions, the CYCLONES have answered all of their critics as they have etched their names in PFFL history.

"It's good," Sloan said of his team's win. "It's nice to win on your first time out."

So to all you skeptics of the Steel Conference, please note that the Steel conference All Stars beat the Iron Conference All Stars and now the CYCLONES have beaten the Iron Conference favorite PRO BOWLERS to sit atop the league as the team to beat. In addition the CYCLONES were undefeated during the regular season with a 10-0 record and led the league in points scored, amassing 272 (27.2 ppg). They were the number 1 team in several statistical categories, including entering the playoffs as a top seed. And in the end the number one team took home the trophy.

CONGRATULATIONS to the CYCLONES!