1. The Season 47 in the DSFL was an absolute roller coaster of a season, and no team experienced a larger range of emotions than the Portland Pythons. Saying the start of the season was rocky is probably an understatement, as the Pythons limped to a 1-4 record and looked destined to finish behind the 4-1 Grey Ducks and 3-2 Royals to miss the playoffs. Starting week 6, the Pythons got just what the doctor ordered with 4 straight games against the bottom 2 teams in the DSFL. They took care of business, and climbed back to 5-4, putting them only 1 game back of London for the 2nd seed in the North. With games against Bondi Beach, Tijuana, and Minnesota coming up, it looked like the run may end for Portland. A 31-16 loss to Bondi appeared to make this even more likely, but Portland was still just a game back of the Royals and hope never waned for the Pythons squad.
In week 11, the Pythons found their groove and never looked back. They put the league on notice with comeback road wins against Tijuana and Minnesota, proving they could hang with the big boys if they needed to. After taking care of business against Norfolk in week 13, a win or go home game against the London Royals was set for week 14. Portland took control early and never let London get comfortable, winning 26-12 and securing a playoff spot.
Portland's reward for making the playoffs? A road playoff game against the number 1 seed in the entire DSFL and Ultimini favorite, the Minnesota Grey Ducks. The fairy tale looked like it was about to end as Minnesota roared out to a 27-0 lead, which they held late in the 3rd quarter. Kurt Wagner put the Pythons on the board to cut the lead to 20 at the end of the 3rd quarter, but all the Ducks had to do was run the clock out and start preparing for their Ultimini matchup with Tijuana. Then the unspeakable happened - Portland just kept scoring. An 8 yard pass to Jonathon Irons cut the lead to 13, and after an inexplicable interception from Ducks quarterback Greg Hirsch in his own end zone, Blundetto punched in another TD to cut it to 27-21. Again, Minnesota had a chance to run out the clock and win the game. Again, Minnesota failed. Portland marched down the field and scored the go ahead TD with 51 seconds left, taking the lead 28-27. Minnesota did not go down easy though, and hit Julian Rose for a 53 yard pass which would have set them up for the game winning field goal. Rose was stripped from behind, however, and the Pythons recovered the ball, sealing the victory and an appearance in the Ultimini against all odds.
This incredible comeback already made the season one to remember, but Portland had a chance to put the cherry on top with an Ultimini win against the Luchadores. Again, Portland trailed by multiple scores in the 4th quarter and again they buckled down and grinded their way to victory. This time, Tyler Higbee II was the hero, catching a 2 yard TD pass with 1:14 remaining to give the Pythons a 28-23 lead. Tijuana failed to match on their next drive, and the Portland Pythons were named the S47 Ultimini Champions.
All in all, it's hard to argue against Portland deserving their win and it will certainly be one that's remembered for a long time. Minnesota will likely leave the season as the most disappointed, and with good reason. They had a big TPE lead all season, earned the #1 seed in the regular season, and held a 27-0 lead over the eventual champs in the conference championship game. It's hard not to feel like the trophy was within their grasp this season.
In the ISFL, it should never come as a surprise to see the Outlaws raise the trophy, though they played some absolute classic games in the quarter and semifinals. After taking down NOLA in overtime and then scoring 14 points in less than 2 minutes to steal a win over San Jose, the Outlaws pulled away from CTC in the 2nd half to win their 2nd straight Ultimus 33-17. Arizona can't keep winning every season, right?
In week 11, the Pythons found their groove and never looked back. They put the league on notice with comeback road wins against Tijuana and Minnesota, proving they could hang with the big boys if they needed to. After taking care of business against Norfolk in week 13, a win or go home game against the London Royals was set for week 14. Portland took control early and never let London get comfortable, winning 26-12 and securing a playoff spot.
Portland's reward for making the playoffs? A road playoff game against the number 1 seed in the entire DSFL and Ultimini favorite, the Minnesota Grey Ducks. The fairy tale looked like it was about to end as Minnesota roared out to a 27-0 lead, which they held late in the 3rd quarter. Kurt Wagner put the Pythons on the board to cut the lead to 20 at the end of the 3rd quarter, but all the Ducks had to do was run the clock out and start preparing for their Ultimini matchup with Tijuana. Then the unspeakable happened - Portland just kept scoring. An 8 yard pass to Jonathon Irons cut the lead to 13, and after an inexplicable interception from Ducks quarterback Greg Hirsch in his own end zone, Blundetto punched in another TD to cut it to 27-21. Again, Minnesota had a chance to run out the clock and win the game. Again, Minnesota failed. Portland marched down the field and scored the go ahead TD with 51 seconds left, taking the lead 28-27. Minnesota did not go down easy though, and hit Julian Rose for a 53 yard pass which would have set them up for the game winning field goal. Rose was stripped from behind, however, and the Pythons recovered the ball, sealing the victory and an appearance in the Ultimini against all odds.
This incredible comeback already made the season one to remember, but Portland had a chance to put the cherry on top with an Ultimini win against the Luchadores. Again, Portland trailed by multiple scores in the 4th quarter and again they buckled down and grinded their way to victory. This time, Tyler Higbee II was the hero, catching a 2 yard TD pass with 1:14 remaining to give the Pythons a 28-23 lead. Tijuana failed to match on their next drive, and the Portland Pythons were named the S47 Ultimini Champions.
All in all, it's hard to argue against Portland deserving their win and it will certainly be one that's remembered for a long time. Minnesota will likely leave the season as the most disappointed, and with good reason. They had a big TPE lead all season, earned the #1 seed in the regular season, and held a 27-0 lead over the eventual champs in the conference championship game. It's hard not to feel like the trophy was within their grasp this season.
In the ISFL, it should never come as a surprise to see the Outlaws raise the trophy, though they played some absolute classic games in the quarter and semifinals. After taking down NOLA in overtime and then scoring 14 points in less than 2 minutes to steal a win over San Jose, the Outlaws pulled away from CTC in the 2nd half to win their 2nd straight Ultimus 33-17. Arizona can't keep winning every season, right?