Semi-Finals
In 2001, the second year of AldenLeague history, Adam Wojnowski entered the league as BaltoWojo, and won Fantasy Bowl II in his first season. In 2002, Corey Maras's C-Men were added to AldenLeague as an expansion team, and won Fantasy Bowl III. In 2004, Ben Metz joined AldenLeague as the Widgets, and made a run to Fantasy Bowl V, finishing as the runner-up. Moral of the story? Beginner's luck exists in AldenLeague! Welcome to the semi-finals Los Petates Mexicanos! Joining you are first-time playoff contender L.A. Ninjas, and the two of you are taking on some of the more historical and decorated teams in AldenLeague history - CheektoWojo and the Boys of Summer. Andy's Red Hots and Fireseed? Another early exit to add to their own histories. Onto the Semi-Finals!
Semi-Final Matchup #1: #1 CheektoWojo vs. #4 L.A. Ninjas
How They Got Here: CheektoWojo is on an impressive streak. Since they finished the 2007 season 6-7, they ran through the playoffs to become Fantasy Bowl VIII Champions, powered their way to a leauge-best 9-4 record in 2008, claimed victory in the total points race, won the Sandridge Division, and earned a first-round playoff bye to bring them to this week. Their opponent? The L.A. Ninjas. The Ninjas, despite some strong teams in the past, have never made the step to the post-season until this year, when an 8-5 record and second-most points scored in the league earned them the #4 playoff seed. In the Wild Card round, the Ninjas dropped 168 points on Andy's Red Hots and walked away with a 57-point victory.
Last Meeting: The teams weren't scheduled to play this year. They didn't play in 2007, either. In fact, one needs to go back to Week 3 of the 2006 season to find the last time these teams met, which was a 142.85-131.76 victory for CheektoWojo.
Playoff History: CheektoWojo's playoff history is highlighted by Championships of Fantasy Bowls II and VIII, and an appearance in Fantasy Bowl VI. This is the L.A. Ninjas' first playoff appearance.
What to Watch For: Marion Barber III (CW) did not practice Wednesday due to toe and calf injuries, but is still questionable for this week. Kurt Warner and Aaron Rodgers (CW) are the 3rd- and 4th- highest fantasy scorers in the NFL this season, and Warner takes on the 20th-ranked Minnesota pass defense. One of the players that eclipses Warner and Rodgers is Jay Cutler (L.A.), who ranks 2nd among NFL players in fantasy scoring. Tony Romo (L.A.) put up a 12-point week last week following two 40+ point outings, and this week takes on the 8th-ranked New York Giants pass defense. The Ninjas must decide between the high potential but inconsistant Carolina RB Jonathan Stewart vs. Denver or Green Bay's Ryan Grant at Jacksonville. CheektoWojo also has a final ACQ which could be used this week.
Yahoo! Projection: CheektoWojo 167.99 - L.A. Ninjas 153.99
Semi-Final Matchup #2: #2 Boys of Summer vs. #6 Los Petates Mexicanos
How They Got Here: The 2008 Boys of Summer redefine the word "scrappers." Despite finishing 9th in total points scored, the team put together a solid 8-5 record (including going 4-2 in the division) and hit their stride at the perfect time, stringing together three straight victories to end the regular season and claim the Westwood Division, the #2 playoff seed, and a first-round bye. Los Petates Mexicanos had a rollercoaster-like inaugural season, losing 3 of their first four, followed by a five-game win streak, followed by losing three of their last four. Their 7-6 record was good for the final playoff spot and a Wild Card matchup with Sandridge Division Champion Fireseed, who they beat by 13 points.
Last Meeting: In Week 2, the Boys of Summer won 133.3 to 112.92.
Playoff History: The Boys of Summer became Fantasy Bowl VII Champions in 2006, and also appeared in Fantasy Bowl IV. He also made the playoffs following Pacific Division titles in 2006-07. This is Los Petates Mexicanos' AldenLeague playoff debut in their first season in the league.
What to Watch For: Injuries to QBs Matt Hasselbeck and Carson Palmer, and the relegation of Sage Rosenfels to the Houston bench, the Boys of Summer find themselves in a QB quandry opposite San Franchisco's Shaun Hill. Enter: Dan Orlovsky, the forgotten man in Detroit who had been hurt for 5 weeks and fell behind Daunte Culpepper on the depth chart. However, with the possible injury to Culpepper, Orlovsky has a chance to start this week. If he can't go, look for the Boys of Summer to go with Willie Parker in a 3RB-set. RB Frank Gore (LPM) is listed as a game-time decision and could be replaced by QB Jeff Garcia (@ Atlanta) or RB Justin Fargas (vs. NE). QB Peyton Manning (LPM) and WR Marvin Harrison (LPM) take on a suspect Detroit Lions defense.
Yahoo! Projections: Los Petates Mexicanos 117.84 - Boys of Summer 110.3
Toilet Bowl Update
League, one of the longest-standing traditions of recent history has come to a tragic end. The BountyHunters, 3x reigning Toilet Bowl Champions, fell short of an historic 4th Toilet Bowl campaign, who fell last week by 0.08 points to the Ice Cold Bruschi's. BountyHunters, your reign of terror will be remembered for years to come. This week, they will take on Karate Xplosion in the all-important 11th place position. Why is 11th place significant? Because it's not 12th place. As we all know, the 12th-place team is at risk to be given a name by the Toilet Bowl Champion for the first 6 weeks of the 2009 season. Best of luck to you both.
