Tank’s Bracket Picks for Derby in the Burbs
Here we go, the second WFTDA regional of the year is upon us. Yet again, I am throwing my bracket out there for the world to see. I have my top three spots going 1. Gotham 2. Philly and 3. Charm City. Boston, Steel City, and Montreal all have shots of making the big dance in Chicago as well, but its going to come down to who’s on and who’s off this weekend. Check out my picks and post yours as well as we love reader feedback and opinion here at Roller Derby Inside Track.
Game 1: Providence vs. Dutchland: When Dutchland is confident they can win games and I think they will be in this game, since they beat Providence by 73 points in early September.
** Winner: Dutchland**
Game 2: Carolina Rollergirls vs. DC Rollergirls : DC has come a long way in the past year, but Carolina is a gate keeper in the East, a former top level team that tests younger teams to see if they are ready to be on the upper end of the region. I like DC but I still think they are a year away from moving into the upper echelon of the East. Carolina is going to throw everything they have at them in this one.
Winner: Carolina.
Game 3: Charm City vs. Steel City Derby Demons: This is going to be a battle, but at the end of the day, Charm City wins this one. Steel City banks on a high scoring offensive attack, but I don’t believe that they can match up against Charm’s defense. Hands down the biggest game of the first day and the possibility for an upset is very real in this one if Charm City overlooks Steel City.
** Winner: Charm City**
Game 4: Boston vs. Montreal: This matchup is almost an exact mirror of Charm City vs. Steel City. It’s going to be a good game, but Boston is going to take Montreal out to the deep water, where they have never been before. Boston gets the W and moves on, while Montreal learns a valuable lesson for next year.
** Winner: Boston**
Game 5: Gotham vs. Dutchland: Gotham runs roughshod over Dutchland like Vikings pillaging a village. If Dutchland were to win this it would be the biggest sports upset since Appalachian State over Michigan in 2007.
** Winner: Gotham**
Game 6: Philly vs. Carolina: Philly rolls in this one from the opening whistle and gets the win.
** Winner: Philly**
Game 7: DC vs. Steel City: DC will make this an interesting game, but Steel City’s offensive is too fast to be stopped in this match up.
** Winner: Steel City**
Game 8: Providence vs. Montreal: Providence’s experience is no match for Montreal’s talent and athleticism in this match up.
** Winner: Montreal**
Game 9: Gotham vs. Charm City: Charm City is good, but Gotham is better. Gotham grabs the win and secures a spot in the WFTDA Championship.
** Winner: Gotham**
Game 10: Boston vs. Philly: If Boston wins this; it would be the biggest win in their league’s history. However, Philly is refocused after being defeated by Rocky Mountain last year at home at the WFTDA Championships 2009, are playing better then ever, and are 3-0 against Boston lifetime. Philly gets the W and moves onto the East Regional Championship round.
** Winner: Philly**
Game 11: Dutchland vs. Steel City: Steel continues to roll in the consolation bracket as they have superior pack play and jammers.
** Winner: Steel City**
Game 12 Carolina vs. Montreal: This will be a great match up of the old guard vs. the new lion. Montreal’s superior athleticism gets them the win in this match up.
** Winner: Montreal**
Game 13: DC vs. Providence: DC’s superior pivots and pack play secures them a win in this game.
Winner: DC
Game 14: Dutchland vs. Carolina: Carolina and Dutchland met earlier this year and while Dutchland kept it close in the beginning, Carolina ultimately routed them. Carolina gets the win again and takes home 7th place.
** Winner: Carolina**
Game 15 Steel City vs. Montreal: These two teams are very evenly matched, but I feel that Steel City gets the win as they have played in bigger games.
** Winner: Steel City**
Game 16: Boston vs. Charm City: I like Charm in this match up because I think they are grittier and are willing to do what needs to be done to capture the win. That being said it’s going to be a very tough game that could go either way, but I believe that Charm City has the fire in their belly that they need to get the W. Boston will not make it easy though and if this game does happen it should be the best game of the weekend.
** Winner: Charm City**
Game 17: Gotham vs. Philly: Philly is good but his year, but Gotham is back to their old form. Gotham gets the win and is your East Regional champion.
** Winner: Gotham**
Eastern Regional Wrap Up
The East looks a lot like it did last year on the upper end with Gotham, Philly, Charm City, and Boston battling it out for the top 3 spots. Philly and Gotham might as well book their flights for Chicago now, but Charm vs. Boston is a huge tossup. If Boston play like the team I saw in the first half against Rose City or the 2nd half against WCR they are in, but if they play like they did in the second half against Rose City or the 1st half against WCR, they will definitely be watching the WFTDA Championships from home. The 1st and 2nd seeds from the East will be able to match up with anyone from the West, North Central, and South Central. While the West might have the deepest region in parity and talent, Philly and Gotham can match up with their top teams.