As can be expected for an expansion franchise’s first season, the Portland Thunder have seen their share of ups and downs. The Thunder’s woes have been exacerbated by a struggle at quarterback, starting the season with a battle between two inexperienced gunslingers in Darron Thomas and Nathan Enderle.
In a desire to seek a solution at the position, the Thunder went out and acquired AFL veteran Danny Southwick. Faced with some improving fortunes, head coach Matthew Sauk still sought better and acquired Kyle Rowley, who helped lead the Thunder to their first victory. Quickly, Rowley earned the distinction as the team’s undisputed starter, a something no other QB had yet earned.
Of course, fortune was not in the favor of the Thunder. Rowley quickly went down with an injury (as of this writing, he remains on injured reserve and the starting job will await him when he returns), and Southwick stepped up with some support from Thomas.
They saw moments of brilliance, including the franchise’s first home victory against the San Antonio Talons. They saw struggle, including last week’s loss against division and regional rival Spokane Shock. All told, the Thunder have somewhat limped to a 3-8 record with seven games left to play.
Doesn’t sound like a playoff resume? You’d be wrong.
The AFL is comprised of two conferences, the American and National. Each conference sends four teams to the playoffs. As of this writing, the Thunder hold the fourth spot on the National Conference. Ahead of them are the two time AFL defending champions Arizona Rattlers (11-0), the San Jose SaberCats (7-4) and the Spokane Shock (6-5). The Thunder currently have a half game lead over fellow expansion team Los Angeles KISS (2-8) and Talons (1-10). The KISS have the tiebreaker over the Thunder, having beat them in the team’s first match up.
However, that tiebreaker is far from set in stone. There are two games left against the KISS, one at home at the Moda Center and one more in Los Angeles. With the last playoff spot up for grabs, these games instantly become some of the highest stake games left. If the Thunder can grab both games, they own the tiebreaker and easily secure the inside track to the postseason.
The Thunder also have one game left against the Shock. It would require a lot of luck but the Thunder rest three games behind the Spokane squad. If the Thunder catch fire (difficult with the undefeated Rattlers coming to town this week), they have a chance to snag the coveted three seed, avoiding the Rattlers in the first round, in all likelihood.
If the chips fall well for the Thunder, the team’s final regular season game against Spokane on July 26th, at the Moda Center, could have huge playoff implications.
The Thunder are gaining momentum and, if it can continue, may just ride it into the postseason.
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