Game Preview: Moose Island Sofa Kings @ Blacksburg Ballers (Conference Finals)

#6 Moose Island Sofa Kings
@
#1 Blacksburg Ballers

Two seasons ago, Troy Westwood was the most hated man in Blacksburg after missing an 18 yard field goal that proved to be fatal in the Ballers first round playoff loss to future league champions Drinkin' Hellraisers but oh how the tide has changed as Troy Westwood is the hero now who saved the Ballers season with an outstanding performance against Forumopolis. Troy went 5 for 5 including a 52 yarder, a 58.5 yarder (a new Ballers record) and a 55.5 yarder in overtime to send the Ballers to the Conference Championship. All this from a guy who missed an 18 yarder just two short seasons ago.

The team as a whole has improved dramatically and is set to host it's first Conference Championship with a shot at joining the Canadian Pro Leagues on the line. The Moose Island Sofa Kings come to town and they are seeing playoff success for the first time as well and both teams are eager to hit the pitch and try to join the ranks of Pro.

2nd Round Rewind

A defensive struggle in Blacksburg almost sent the Ballers packing as they turned the ball over 5 times, 4 interceptions (also a new Ballers record) and 1 fumble. 2 of those were deep in Forumopolis territory and could've swung the game more in favour of the Ballers. The Ballers still managed to put up 358 yards, 261 in the air, but had some key plays go there way in the 4th quarter. Particularly, a 58.5 yard field goal by Troy Westwood followed by a quick 3 and out on an amazing stop by Slasher Evans. A crappy punt would bring the ball into Llamas territory and down by a touchdown, Khari and company went to work. A crucial 4th and 10 conversion would keep the chains moving and on 4th and 1, Khari found BJ in the endzone to tie the game and send it to overtime. The defense would force a quick 3 and out and the Ballers would get close enough for Troy to nail a 55.5 yarder to win the game and keep the Ballers dreams alive.

In Moose Island, they hosted their first home playoff game. Fonz Arelli and Jeremy Outlaw went to work racking up 241.5 yards on the ground but no touchdowns. The only Moose Island touchdown came off a 6.5 yard pass by Jimmy Internet. Really Gangsta added 6 field goals as the Sofa kings won 25-21. Despite the loss, David Riccio had a solid game throwing for 3 TD passes but neither team could create any turnovers as the Sofa Kings barely get the edge.

The History So Far...

The Ballers have seen great success so far allowing only 3 points against the Sofa Kings across two contests.

The Ballers and Sofa Kings met early in season 2 and it was a defensive struggle. The Ballers held the the Sofa Kings to 88 yards in the air and forced 3 interceptions, 2 by Beast Baily, as QB Jimmy Internet completed only 44 percent of his passes. Khari Jones had his share of troubles on the offensive side of the ball throwing 32 incompletions of which 21 were deflected and 9 were dropped but managed to throw 1 touchdown when needed as the Ballers shut out the Sofa Kings 16-0.

The rematch would occur earlier this year with the Ballers cruising to a 27-3 victory. A solid performance by the passing and running game made things easy for the Ballers scoring once on the ground and twice in the air. The Ballers also managed two turnovers and held Fonz Arelli to 38 yards on the ground with no scores. The Ballers did apply a lot of pressure to Jimmy Internet with four hurries and four sacks and that will be the key again.

Regular Season Stats

Blacksburg Ballers

Points Per Game: 42.1
Points Allowed Per Game: 6.1 (1st in League)
Passing Yards Per Game: 273.9
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 172.8
Rushing Yards Per Game: 155.4
Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 34.6 (No Touchdowns Allowed)

Moose Island Sofa Kings

Points Per Game: 34.3
Points Allowed Per Game: 11.3
Passing Yards Per Game: 237.4
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 179.6
Rushing Yards Per Game: 179.3 (3rd in League)
Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 69.8

Let the Festivities Begin

Its fan appreciation day in Blacksburg and the Ballers organization has gone all out to show their appreciation to the fans.

- All fans will be given a mini-football as well as an autographed team photo.

- Meet and Greet prior to the game with many Western Conference players including the Ballers and Sofa Kings.

- Pre-game entertainment provided by Daughtry as well as the National Anthems sung by the Virginia Tech Choir.

- Prior to kickoff, the Western Conference Pro Bowl roster will be announced with the Pro Bowl Offense and Defense MVP awards being presented.

- Back by popular demand, the Virginia Tech marching band will perform at half-time with Virginia natives Timbaland and Chris Brown.

- Also at half-time will be the "Troy Westwood Kick to Win" Contest. In honour of Troy's amazing performance in last game, 10 fans will be selected to compete in a "kick-off" for a chance at season tickets for life. Each contestant will start at the 20 and try a field goal. If they make it, they move onto the next round which will be from the 25 and so on. The last remaining contestant will win season tickets for life. The final 5 will receive a pair of season tickets for next season and all 10 contestants will receive autographed Troy Westwood jerseys.

- Post game fireworks will be provided as the Western Conference Championship trophy is presented to the winner of the game.

The fans are certainly in for a treat as the Ballers organization strives to better the experience for all fans.

Summary

The biggest game of the year touches down in Blackburg as the #1 Ballers hope to enter the Pro's and keep the winning streak alive. The Western Conferences best passing game meets the best rushing game. The unfortunate part for Moose Island is that the best running game is also going up against the best rushing defense which hasn't allowed a touchdown all season and held Mr. Arelli to very few yards. The Ballers will need to do that again to ensure victory and when these two forces meet, sparks are going to fly.