As we have reached the midseason point of the spring 2010 season, much of the dust is beginning to settle and the picture has started to become clear as to who the teams of the PFFL really are. With the sudden growth of the league, and the need to split into two separate conferences, we wanted to spend some time and provide the avid followers of this upstart 4 on 4 flag football league with a mid-season report card of sorts. By no means is this analysis considered the gospel according to adult flag football, but more so, you as the reader, should look at this as objective unbiased judgment. First up… the IRON CONFERENCE.

PRO BOWLERS : Known as the PRO BOWLERS to some, but to PFFL veterans and insiders, this team is really the Fall 2009 Championship team better known as CHAOS. Sure this veteran and savvy group of players may have changed their name, but their opponents are getting served up the same stingy defense and always tricky offense. Posting the best defense in the PFFL thus far, neutralizing the opposition to an average of just 4.5 points a game, the PRO BOWLERS are poised to make a run at defending their title. With a competitive second half of the season against some of the PFFL’s top teams, the road ahead may not be paved with bricks of gold, but if they continue on the path of flag football righteousness, the flag gods may bless these guys again.

D’S DOGS : Yes, they maybe sponsored by a place that sells weenies, but these guys sure as hell won't be confused for being punks! Leading the PFFL in INT’s , this team is quietly defeating its opponents while on the progressive path to the top. Nestled within arguably the toughest division in the PFFL, D’S DOGS has developed a reputation of pulling out wins in the last moments of the game. This team has what it takes to get to the pot of gold, but if their not careful their “Cardiac-Kids” like attitude may eventually lead to their demise.

BALLZ DEEP : Perennial powers in many nearby Latrobe, PA leagues, BALLZ DEEP began to make their presence felt back during the DUST off the RUST tournament. With a gutsy offense dominated by the “BALLZ DEEP” attitude of “Going up top”, this mixed team of veteran and new flag footballers has shown confidence that makes many believe they could be the Cinderella story of the league. Having only played four games thus far and facing a challenging week #4 with opponents such as the PRO BOWLERS primed and ready, BALLZ DEEP may prove to take their confidence up one more notch or the may melt in the predicted hot sun of Sunday afternoon. Four games in one day is a tall order for any team, but if they succeed this could be the week to turn the EASTERN Division upside down.

COOKIES & CREAM : This personality packed team has seen their fair share of close losses this season, and judging by week #3 they seamed to have finally got their groove. Last week, loosing to the defending league champion PRO BOWLERS, COOKIES & CREAM managed to stay alive because of precision passing and a defense the has a nose for getting flags. Facing a BAD COMPANY team that is poised to make a run at the championship, COOKIES & CREAM could up end the BAD COMPANY late season push by posing as a “Nasty Roommate”. Quietly look for these guys to walk away with two W’s this week.

STALLIONS : Coming off a week of two losses, the STALLIONS should arguably be pissed off and ready for vengeance. This veteran and super athletic team has shown moments of greatness, but hasn’t been able to consistently put it together week in and week out. I certainly feel bad for the STINGERS this week because if the STALLIONS are coming with their “A game”, the riders of the dark horse may be able to get on the track before the playoffs.

BAD COMPANY : Some have accused this team of having an identity crisis, having changed their name twice already this season, but judging by their on the field play, BAD COMPANY knows exactly who they are. The power packed team of consistent two way players has the big play talent to go the distance, but if they can’t get past inter conference rival PRO BOWLERS, none of those factors really matter. Insiders predict this week #4 match-up could be a sneak peak at the IRON CONFERENCE Championship game.

TEAM GET SMOKED : You may have thought these guys were high having lost twice to COOKIES & CREAM, but make no mistake TEAM GET SMOKED is smoking most of the competition in receptions. With a deadly short game passing attack that’s keeping many on its toes, TEAM GET SMOKED has made a living off of a very singular QB/WR passing game. If this team isn’t careful, someone may discover their lack of continuity and shut down their offense by locking up their go to target.

WOLF PACK : Easily one the most athletic teams in the PFFL, the WOLF PACK have had there fair share of early struggles while trying to find their way and adapt to the new style of play. Coming off of a two game losing streak, I think the WOLF PACK has had enough of the growing pains and is ready to play like the former champs of the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena.

STINGERS : Little can be said about a team that hasn’t won a game yet, but to the credit of the STINGERS, they are scratching and clawing closer to that elusive first “W”. Having made some quality signings before the end of free agency, this team which is predominantly comprised of free agents could make a playoff run if they focus on the basics.

CARNEGIE FC : With the second worst defense in the PFFL , CARNEGIE FC has not seen a win yet this season. Grinding through the growing pains of the PFFL week to week, CARNEGIE FC managed to make two positive signings towards the end of free agency. This rookie team may not have posed much of a task for its opponents thus far, but as the STINGERS should wisely do, these guys should play for the playoffs.