As week three of the PFFL approaches, the division races are beginning to shape up. There are five teams still undefeated, four teams winless and even one team (STEELTOWN) who has yet to play a game.
Two divisions are emerging as clear powerhouses, while the other two seem to be all but wrapped up. Here is your inside look into how the divisions currently look, and bold predictions of how they will finish.
Iron Conference
Iron East: It seems as if veterans BALLZ DEEP will finally break through, and should win this division. Quarterback Steve Chockla is having another excellent season, but it has been the emergence of Gary “Goose” Fisher which may finally put this team over the top. Fisher is second in the conference in tackles (14) and sacks (8), while bringing an intensity to the game that offenses fear.
While it doesn’t appear as if any team can overtake BALLZ DEEP in this division, SABOTAGE should stay competitive throughout the season. Josh Linton leads the conference in tackles (17) and receptions (18), and Gabe McKee is proving to be a formidable quarterback.
PREDICTION: 1. BALLZ DEEP; 2. SABOTAGE; 3. STALLIONS; 4. SHAKE & BAKE.
Iron West: This division appears to be much more difficult to decide a winner, and could prove to be the toughest division in the entire league. SIX is undefeated, behind 10 touchdowns from Greg Kreigel. His favorite target is Mark Kobistek, who has 16 receptions. While SIX may be the feel-good story of the league, the consensus is that STEELTOWN may be the most talented team in the division, despite not playing a game yet this season.
The TITANS proved in week two that they will have something to say about the winner of this division, when backup quarterback Brad Russell stepped up and played brilliantly. As good as the top three teams are in this division, it may be hard for newcomers BAD NEWS to even win a division game. This division may only become more clear after week three once STEELTOWN plays its first games.
PREDICTION: 1. STEELTOWN; 2. TITANS; 3. SIX; 4. BAD NEWS.
Steel Conference
Steel North: The PA PUNISHERS look poised to run away with this division, as quarterback Jason Cahill is proving to be one of the best in the league with eight touchdowns in only two games. While wide receiver Mike Washington, appears to be the best pure route-runner in the entire league. As long as PA PUNISHERS avoid injury and absence, it may be the team to beat in the PFFL.
The real battle will come for second place, as THE U and the HORSEMEN should keep pace with each other through the season. Branden Ballard leads the conference in tackles with 15 for THE U, which is proving to have a defense that could give even the PA PUNISHERS some trouble. While the HORSEMEN may not have many players topping the statistical categories, it still will give other teams in this division fits.
PREDICTION: 1. PA PUNISHERS; 2. HORSEMEN; 3. THE U; 4. TEAM GET SMOKED; 5. ILLUMINATI.
Steel South: With two teams undefeated through the second week of the season, this division is another will supreme talent. Team REIGN won all four of its games in week two, including a win against the BULLDOGS, which was its first loss of the season. Mike Lucyk leads the entire league in touchdowns (16), and Matt Lobaugh leads the league in sacks (9). This team appears to be the perfect balance of offense and defense.
WRECKING CREW is also undefeated in this division, but has yet to play a division opponent. While it may be a talented team, the BULLDOGS appear to be the all-around better team. Eugene Smith has 10 touchdowns, and has connected with LC Trent, the league-leader in receptions, 20 times as many defenses are taking away Zack Gorney, the team’s main deep threat. Gorney isn’t lacking in contributions however, as he has five sacks on the season.
PREDICTION: 1. REIGN; 2. BULLDOGS; 3. WRECKING CREW; 4. TEAM UPDAWG.
