It was an interesting scene along the sidelines of George Cupples Stadium as the newly formed VULTUREZ "shocked" STEELTOWN in the PFFL Playoffs Sunday afternoon. Dozens of competitors from teams that had already lost stayed around to see the result of the game, or so it seemed.

In reality, the players stuck around to scout for upcoming tournaments and future PFFL seasons.

Flag football has become widely popular, and the PFFL has proven to be the most competitive league in the Pittsburgh area. Because of this, teams have had a greater stake in games.

And it's improving the ever-evolving PFFL.

"I think REIGN will win it all," one player told me prior to the Iron Conference semifinals. "But VAPOR is tough. Very tough."

Still, as that evolved from prediction to conversation, one point became very clear -- These players and teams know each other inside out.

Think about it, really think about it.

When STEELTOWN was in its inaugural season in the PFFL, the veteran bunch was playing in more games where it "Mercy Ruled" opponents than didn't.

Now, while STEELTOWN is still one of the best teams in the league, it's much more rare for the game to end in a Mercy Rule. And definitely not in playoff action.

Another veteran team with a high-octane offense, BALLZ DEEP, recognized the competitive balance in the league currently.