Scobel Wiggins Photography

The first round on Sunday was a little too early for this reporter. I arrived at the field midway through play, and shortly both the Furious/PoNY and Revolver/Condors games were already over. Furious' defense clubbed the PoNY offense, getting break after break, and never looked back. The game ended lopsided at 13-4.

On the far end of the field, Revolver's methodical offense and grinding defense was able to hold off the Condors in what ended up being one of their best challenges of the weekend. Revolver shut the door and finished the game 13-10.

The last remaining game of the round was between Rhino and Voodoo, two teams whose capabilities and styles are quite similar. Both teams looked to throw deep on every possession. Unlike the offenses of Sockeye and Revolver that patiently and decisively set up their deep cuts, both teams are overeager to hit the endzone and are unable to get seperation from their defenders. When the hucks go up, it is a 50/50 disc more often than not.

During this game, Voodoo seemed to be getting the better of these 50/50 discs. Up 7-4 at half, Voodoo tried to hold off the Portland team. But Rhino made a charge.

Voodoo's offense made some sloppy turnovers and Rhino's defense created a few turns of their own. More pointedly, though, Rhino found their rhythm resetting the disc on the dump. With an extra count and less turnovers, Rhino became more dangerous as they could pick and choose their moments to strike and take advantage of Voodoo's defensive lapses.

Rhino brought the game back to 8-9, Voodoo's advantage. But that was as close as they would get. Voodoo started hitting their shots, and Rhino fell out the rhythm that got them back in the game. Voodoo closed the game out 12-10 at the cap.

The game marked the end of the tournament for Portland Rhino, who had a last round bye, with a winless record. With plenty of athleticism and skills, it will be interesting to see if Rhino will be able to put it all together for the series this fall. If they do, I wouldn't be surprised to find them spoiling someone's Nationals aspirations once more.