(E)CC

I never ended up posting any results or recaps from Colorado, so let's just use that as a good transition into ECC/Spawnfest Elite...

I always enjoy Colorado Cup. Tourney food is fully stocked, water refilled, and they always have little bonuses that push it over the top (this year was mini-Clif bars and Mix1 energy/protein drinks...the lime flavor kicks ass). I also love that this is a tourney played at elevation, thus making it a great training opportunity.

Boston was very short on numbers (i.e. 15 or so before injuries set in), and we dealt with them pretty easily. Machine rolled over for us as we almost put an "oatbag" on them (ask a Hodag if you don't know what that means). Revolver and Truck Stop were a little bit closer, but I still felt that we were in control. We let both Condors and Jam back into those games, but we ended up losing the Jam game and beating Condors. Bravo remains one of our struggles. The 14-10 scoreline was very deceiving as they were out in front by 7 or so before we rattled off a few breaks in a row to gain little dignity back.

This was the first time we "qualified" for ECC since my first year on the team, 2003. That year we went 0-7 or so and generally embarrased ourselves. This year either marked how far we've come as a team, or how much worse everyone else has become (I'd like to think that it's the former). We finished 3-3, losing only to Sockeye, Furious and Buzz Bullets.

Chain--We come out flying, and they come out extremely flat. We took advantage while we could and took half 8-3. Then it was our turn to be sluggish. We switched roles, and they went on a 9-3 run to take the lead at 12-11. Our O line scores the next point. D line gets a huge break courtesy of a Jeremy Allred layout D on a high stall in cut. We trade points to take the game 14-13.

Furious--Zero typically matches very well against Furious, but never seems to get over the hump. Today would be no different. We were less intense on D than the previous game, but held tight through the first half. We had the score at 11-9 before Furious rolls out 4 straight breaks to take the game 15-9.

Revolver--Hey guess what? Their offense through Robbie Cahill. Most of the sets were keep three cutters close to the disc, let Robbie cut by himself, deep or in, and then follow up with another ISO cut. They have the throwers to get this done and obviously have other options (as witnessed by their rolling of Furious in quarters in the rain), but we seemed to be able to chip away using zone transitions to slow down the Cahill threat. Zero wins 15-11.

Voodoo--We ended up winning 15-8 in a game that was never in question. They were at the end of a tough day, but they are no slouches. Their new Five Ultimate jerseys are sweet close up, but look to be dirty yellow shirts from far away. NW Regionals are going to be a difficult weekend for Rhino and Voodoo to contend with Revolver, Furious, Jam, and Sockeye. Oh, and I threw my first scoober turnover since I've been on Zero (unless Timmy can contradict that) on a throw to the endzone to Baylis. It was truly not good.

Buzz Bullets--We've faced them before and this game was better for us (i.e. not getting broken six times in a row). They never really pulled away from most teams, but still are obviously very good. Our D line was generating turns here and there but (painfully) not converting. Nothing else new from me versus what's being said about them on RSD. Lost 15-12.

Sockeye--I love a good challenging game. This game was tantalizingly close for a long while. We were generating turns but making bad choices to give it back. As Sockeye (and all great Elite teams) typically does, they maintain a high level of play and outlast you. Apply constant pressure and make the other team crack first. We ended up losing 15-11 in a game that seemed closer than that purely because I was playing for the team that scored 11, and I'm delusional while playing. Highlight of the game was Muffin picking up a turn in the endzone, bringing the disc to the goaline on the backside corner, seeing a straight up mark and bombing an 85 yard forehand to Will Lokke in stride. Besides being a disgustingly sick throw, Muffin did not release the flick until Will (being covered by Nord) was a good 40 yards downfield. Filthy.

Overall, I've been very happy with how the team is shaping up this year. We are playing up for big opponents, but more importantly are eliminating playing down to lesser opponents. We just need to keep working towards maintaining an even keel throughout the game and making constant pressure work for us instead of against us.