Semifinal Guesses
John Hoh
Thursday August 9, 2001
And, so far, my ArenaBowl picks are still in the hunt! But, alas, my choice of a cat-fight will come to naught. My Kats-‘Cats matchup occurs this weekend, leaving only one litter of kitties to play in the ArenaBowl.
The Semifinal matchups are:
(3) San Jose at (2) Nashville
(5) Indiana at (1) Grand Rapids
My picks, for my recreational pleasure and not to be used for actual wagering (Hence the lack of betting lines!):
(3) San Jose (11-4) at (2) Nashville (11-4)
Nashville holds the all-time series between these teams (3-2) despite losing to the SaberCats by one point earlier in the season. But the regular season game was in San Jose; the match-up is in Music City. Both teams are well-coached and led by decisive quarterbacks. But while “Mad Mike” likes the SaberCats by five, I like the Kats by three. I believe there is a hunger in the Kats tummies and this cat-fight goes to the home alley cats. Pick: Nashville.
(5) Indiana (12-4) at (1) Grand Rapids (12-3)
Grand Rapids swept the season series of this budding Central Division rivalry. But the total point spread of BOTH games was 7 points! Michael Trigg certainly has the Rampage on a rampage, claiming the regular season’s best record. Another classic Arena QB battle between Raymond Philyaw and Clint Dolezel. The Firebirds have to be tired without a week off. In a close battle, the edge goes to the team sleeping in its own bed. For once, a central division team will participate in the Arenabowl other than the Iowa Barnstormers (this game between Central Division teams assures that prediction). The Mustangs will wish they had kept Trigg as coach. Pick: Grand Rapids
John L. Hoh, Jr., is a free-lance writer from Milwaukee who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, as an avid Dolphins fan. He followed Arena Football since its inception, at one point watching tape-delayed games on low-powered WAV-TV in Waukesha. His happiest day was when Milwaukee was awarded the Mustangs franchise; his saddest when the Mustangs were contracted out of the league. John is married to his wife Maija (13+ years) and has a young son, Matthew. John pines for the return of the Arena Football League to Milwaukee.
