After running through the IRON Conference playoffs, VAPOR saved its best performance for the championship game where they thoroughly defeated the VULTUREZ 33-20. Perennial All-Star Cornell Mack led the way with a legendary performance.

On both team’s opening drives, the offenses advanced to the opposing five yard line. Apparently, the VULTUREZ and VAPOR were playing “bend-but-don’t-break defense” because neither team could punch the ball into the end zone to start the game.

Then within the blink of an eye, the game changed. Mack shook off a couple of overthrows to connect with All-Star Wide Receiver Dane Williams for a long touchdown pass to break the game open. From that point onward, Mack would go on to unleash his full arsenal of skills on BIRDS.

Overall, the multitalented Mack accounted for four of his team’s five touchdowns (two passing TDs, one rushing TD, and one pick-6 interception).

“I’m pretty much able to play all of the positions; my teammates have confidence in me to do that,” Mack said about his big game

Following the departure of All-Star players Marrio Poston, Aaron “AB” Brown, and Bryan Maldonado (due to injury), VAPOR has struggled to win another title. Back in the day, a former VAPOR All-Star and number two ranked player on the PFFL Top 50 List used to outperform everyone to help VAPOR win multiple championships. Once that player left, getting back to the big dance would prove to be very difficult.

One man that deserves an MVP award for the way he contributed to VAPOR’s playoff success is rookie WR Josh Vermeulen. In three playoff games, he caught 25 receptions four and four TDs. Vermeulen’s precise route-running and lateral quickness make him a tough assignment for any DB. He also picked off a pass by VULTUREZ QB Lance Brunsell and returned the play for a touchdown.

“He makes the game easier not just for me but to help his teammates get open,” Mack said about his new wideout.

In addition to the impact that Vermeulen had on VAPOR’s playoff dominance, two more players stepped up to the plate with key contributions. The new version of the Williams’ Brothers, Dane and All-Star Elliot Williams, were awesome on both sides of the ball. Both players caught touchdown passes from Mack. Moreover, Elliot’s pesky pass-rushing and Dane’s lockdown defense in the secondary kept Brunsell from establishing an offensive rhythm. In spite of injuries to All-Star DBs DJ Douglas and Ed Tozzi, VAPOR’s defense was still beastly good.

As noted earlier in this article, Maldonado was not available due to an injury he suffered in the offseason. While most injured players would stay home and wait to find out what happened to their teams in the playoffs later, the all-time single-season receptions’ leader decided to cheer on his team from the sideline. Perhaps his presence gave VAPOR an intangible boost during the big dance.

“Bryan is the heart and soul of our team and him being here with us just gave us a very uplifting feeling,” Mack said about his brother and teammate.

Other than a pair of garbage-time touchdown passes to rookie All-Star Bryon Clifford, Brunsell struggled to complete routine throws to his receivers. One sidelines spectator opined that VULTUREZ All-Star Ryan Lancia “can’t come off the field because Lance is lost without him.”

When asked to describe his confidence in VAPOR’s ability to successfully defend its title next season Mack said, “100 percent!”