“Crown Of Sand XI: Qualifier V - Finals

We knew this would be a tough match with the 700k in inducements. We were 10k short of what we really wanted (Buy a 4th RR, Ivan, Frank n Stein, and a wizard). So, we didn't take the 4th RR, and instead took a keg. I think, in the end, we should have opted for no wizard, buying the 4th RR and maybe some kegs, if they could be afforded. The lack of a 4th RR really hurt.

They received and started beating us up really well. By turn 3, we had basically no cannon fodder left and were down a flesh golem (regen). By about turn 4, Frank n Stein was fouled, killed and did not regen.

We ended up using the wizard in the first half and got a strip ball shot on he ball. We took him down, but the ball bounced into the arms of a zombie who caught it. The zombie managed to score T8 with a gfi.

We setup for a one turn, but got a riot. We pressed down the sidelines. They crowded us, but we managed to knock a receiver free. We needed a 3+ pass, 3+ catch, 2+ gfi to tie it up at the half, but without a RR, we failed the pass.

In the second half, we received, and we proceeded to pick off players. We caused some casualties and ~6 KOs. We were able to fairly easily march down the side and score, although with a couple double skulls and a 1 on a key gfi, we were forced to use up all 3 of our RRs.

Heading into OT, with 0 RRs vs. their 2, it would be a tough task. All but 1 of their KOs returned (two tries), and they won the toss. This gave them 10 players, but most importantly brought back their legendary werewolf and some of his friends.

We had some chances in OT to stop them. We needed a 2BD (minimum push) without block to setup a 2 BD hit for a 1 BD strip ball juggernaut hit on the ball carrier, but we rolled the 1/9 and were turned over. The following turn, we had a 1 BD juggernaut stripball hit on the ball (basically 2+), but we rolled the skull and they walked in for the TD.

Ivan was amazing in this match, as I knew he would be. I needed that 4 str, tackle, juggernaut. The juggernaut was critical vs the flesh golems and pairs really well with strip ball, making him super dangerous with a 2+ even with 1 BD on the ball.

It was a fun game! I think if I had that 4th RR, the outcome may have been different. Maybe I get that 3+, 3+, 2+ to tie it up at the half? Maybe I have a spare RR in OT for my chances on the ball? Anyways, nothing that can be done about it now, that was a pre-game coaching decision that may come back to haunt me :).

Best of luck in the rest of the tournament!”