Well, if we had to end our season before the playoffs, this was the game to go out on. The Power cruised to a decisive 61-48 win, and controlled the whole game. We can now proudly say that we've beaten every team in our division at least once, and we vanquished the ghost of our season opener.
Figuring, I guess, that there was no reason not to, the Power started their new acquisition Bill Stull at QB, and he played well, if a bit conservatively. He was slightly better than 50% on his passes in mostly short distances, but still totaled 260 yards, 6 touchdowns and no interceptions. I'm not sure, really, how much it means as next season is a long ways away, and who knows if he'll even still be on the team. For right now, it was nice to watch us controlling the game, no matter who was behind center.
So where was big Mo this game? Was he riding the bench and taking it easy? Of course not. He was playing wide receiver of all damn things, and he had almost 40 yards and a touchdown. He looked like he was having a great time, and got to lower that shoulder and charge like he's been wanting to as quarterback all season. Again, it means nothing for next season, but it was good to see the guys having fun out there.
Mike Washington continued to scare me that he's not going to be here next season. Him going to the CFL is a strong possibility with his performance this season. This week, he put rival WR Donovan Morgan's 112 yards and a touchdown to shame with 155/4. All season, he has been an electrifying player, from the first game on. I'd be sorry to see him go, but if he has to, I'm happy for him.
The defense had a respectable night, holding the Soul on several key drives. They also snagged a pick and harried Vena. There wasn't a lot of flashiness, but there weren't a lot of stupid mistakes either. They could walk off the field with their heads held high.
Season in retrospect
It was a lot of ups and downs for the Power's inaugural season, and it passed far too quickly for me. We struggled a lot for identity, but it was a good start. They were able to end their season 50/50 and sat at the top of the division for a number of weeks. More so, a lot of characters were created for the fans to follow.
Joystick Washington, Nightrain/Power Tool DeWalt, Total Chaos Carter, Da Bully Butler and Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuue! National announcers picked up the nicknames, something that I rarely see in other teams. Why is this? Because the fans enjoyed themselves at the arena. Announcers make stuff like this up all the time, but if no one cares, it fades away. Not here.
Here, our fans responded to the Power. They might not have fully understood the game, might have found it a bit weird and certainly didn't show up every game - but when they did, there was a core group of characters that they felt they knew. Almost more watched for than wins and losses, people seemed to show up to see what these characters would do this week.
This is a good sign.
I think that we need to pull more in and get more asses-in-seats, but it's a start. It's still a tough sell in this town where this will always be thought of as fake football, but we can hope that changes. If no one gave a crap about the Power, those nicknames would have gone nowhere. It's the seed that can grow. Right now, people are coming for the spectacle, the fun and the cheap night out. Eventually, that might grow into pride for another home team.
The lockout ended today, and the NFL is going to do its best to pick up like nothing ever happened. Summer will pass into fall, and a lot of people are going to forget all about the Power. But, come next spring, in all likelihood they'll be back for a new season. Original fans will remember and come back, and hopefully they'll bring friends.
I've already got my season tickets reserved.
The Power season may be over, but there are still playoffs to go. I will keep covering the league through then, so stay tuned for more Arena Football action.
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