IWFL Championships Take Over Charlotte, NC
IWFL World Championship and Founders Bowl Preview
The last two days of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) are upon us, and for most of the fans, I think we can all agree this has been a phenomenal year of action in the IWFL. The storylines are endless this season, from the Utah Falconz running the table and making it to yet another World Championship appearance to the Knoxville Lightning losing their quarterback mid-season but still going to the Affiliate Bowl championship. Oh, and I still can’t get over the sensational playoff game between the New York Sharks and the Minnesota Vixen! I have replayed it over and over and over and … I can’t find anything to top it, one of the greatest plays I have seen. Check it out it is #2 on ESPN’s Top Plays.
How a double overtime, walk-off pick six to go to the championship is not number one is a conversation for another day.
Affiliate Bowl
Maine Mayhem vs. Knoxville Lightning (Maine 48-0, Friday 10am)
(IWFL/YouTube)
This weekend, IWFL Championships take over Charlotte, NC and welcome a plethora of football fans to the region for some exciting competition. Friday morning the Maine Mayhem defeated the Knoxville Lightning, 48-0 to claim the 2016 Affiliate Bowl. The Mayhem dominated on defense and the Lightning, who have struggled offensively since losing starting quarterback Sheila Sickau, could not move the ball effectively. Maine finished the regular season strong, and with this win in the Affiliate Bowl, the Mayhem claim their first IWFL championship. The Lightning, only managed to bring 13 players today due to multiple injuries sidelining players this season. The fatigue was evident in the second half, but the Lightning never gave in, Maine just took advantage.
The Founders Bowl – ( Friday 7pm ET)
Carson Bobcats vs. Carolina Phoenix
(IWFL/YouTube)
The Carson Bobcats have been the surprise team for me all season, going through the regular season undefeated and earning a chance to play for the World Championship in year one. Unfortunately, the Bobcats would fall to the Utah Falconz in the first round of the playoffs and drop into the Founders Bowl playoffs as the Pacific division #2 seed. On the opposing end are the Carolina Phoenix who are also one loss away from playing in a World Championship. It was a loss to the New York Sharks that place Carolina into the Founders Bowl bracket where they have grown accustom to playing. In 2012 and 2015, the Phoenix crushed opponents on their way to Founders Bowl victories and in 2013 the Phoenix were World Champions. Some people see this as a David vs. Goliath matchup and I have to agree. The Phoenix play in the toughest conference, and the Bobcats haven’t played a lot of quality opponents minus the Utah Falconz, who won 38-0. If Carson can keep it close tonight then they will have a chance, however if Jennifer King and Mana Alison are on cue tonight, the Bobcats will be in some trouble. Prediction: Carolina Phoenix 28-17
World Championship – Saturday 6pm ET
Minnesota Vixen vs. Utah Falconz
(IWFL/YouTube)
Well after last season, I have to admit I didn’t think Utah was the real deal until I saw them play the Pittsburgh Passion in the 2015 Championship. They executed a terrific game plan against a powerhouse like the Passion. Although they fell short of their overall goal, they came back this season with a vengeance, scoring 70-80 plus points on opponents multiple times. This season throughout our MyWSports Power Rankings the Falconz remained #1, sure the strength of schedule was not the best but they did what they needed to do win! Now the Falconz are back in the Championship with an opportunity to claim a World Championship in year two as the Falconz. Their opponents, the Minnesota Vixen, are a team most people did not pay attention to coming in, myself included. When talking to people familiar with the league most assumed the Madison Blaze would win the division again. In game one of two between the Vixen and Blaze, Minnesota played their best defensive game of the year shutting down Madison and a few weeks later the Vixen would sweep the series and claim the division title in doing so. Minnesota’s defense was the best all season in the IWFL and with the best offense on the side of the field in Utah; they will need to rely heavily on that defense to slow down the Falconz offense. Prediction: Utah Falconz 35-28
Players to Watch Louise Bean – Utah Falconz – Quarterback
34-56 60.7 completion %, 723 passing yards, 17 touchdowns 0 interceptions
Kiersten Hansen – Minnesota Vixen – Quarterback
53-125 42.4 completion %, 692 passing yards, 18 touchdowns 2 interceptions
Follow Luis Sanchez on Twitter @Luis_MyW
