The first 3 rounds of this series went to the Portland Stags. A much different narrative has been set in 2014, compared to last season when the San Francisco Dogfish took the series 3-1. Two teams that have switched places, much like a time machine was installed in the Rose City and Portland changed their identity and future. Could the Stags make it 4 in a row or could the Dogfish play spoiler?
Portland has earned credibility and respect around the MLU after starting the season at 5-1 and sitting alone on top of the West. This Stags team doesn’t feel content where they are right now. They have 1 objective and that’s to win each individual game.
I talked with Stags coaches Michael Knapp and Danny Quarrell before last week’s game; it was astounding to me how focused these leaders are. When I asked the question, “Is it true if you guys win and Seattle loses that the Stags have clinched a playoff berth”? They replied, “Don’t know – go ask that guy over there. Our focus is to beat the Dogfish only”. I couldn’t have received a more sincere answer then that.
The good news for the Dogfish is that they are home, but the bad news is Portland is in town with a confident bunch of home run hitters that get better every single match. Last week in Gresham, the Dogfish hung around the first half, before getting exposed on both sides of the disc the remainder of the game for a 20-15 defeat.
What has to be different for San Francisco this Saturday in order to get sweet revenge? First of all, it would be real comforting for the Dogfish if they could have a full active roster. That has been one of the downfalls for this SF team compared to last, but you will never hear Coach Justin Safdie complain or make excuses. The Dogfish need to contain and pressure Portland’s handlers, preventing the cutters from getting wide open on uncontested hucks. It’s much easier said than done, but Safdie will have whatever group shows up ready to rumble at Boxer.
I don’t see anything different from last week to this match set for Saturday, even if SF has a full roster active and ready. The Stags are too athletic and starting to gel more and more with each game under their belt. They already became the first road team to win at Boxer Stadium, with every member of the team buying into the system. Portland’s last 2 matches were their best all-around games, holding their opponents to 15 and 16 points respectively.
How do you slow down a team who is clicking on all cylinders? Get a comfortable lead right off the start, force them into a few turnovers and frustrate the team so they are out of that system installed by Knapp and Quarrell. Then, SF should hope for the windy disturbing weather to play havoc on the Stags offense.
The Portland Stags won’t be affected by any weather and will make it a clean sweep on the Dogfish, earning their 6th victory of the season. You can count on the athletic new additions to the squad and stout veterans to provide all the guidance they need for their 3rd road win of 2014.
Final score: Stags 18 Dogfish 15
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