The semi-finals are set for co-rec soccer. The semi-final match-up features the top-seeded team Tricks for Chicks against the fifth-seeded The Pain Train.
Tricks for Chicks advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Hash-Slinging Slashers, with goals from Conner Lane and Mike Johnson. Chris Madera had four saves in goal to record the shutout.
The Pain Train also comes into the semi-finals fresh off a 2-0 victory over Something Stupid, led by goals from Nate Wirta and Cody Figueiredo.
The other semi-final match-up features The Bomb Squad, coming off of a 10-4 quarter-final victory over Benchwarmers. Maura Doyle, Teal Harrison-Hertz and John Ramsay all come into the game hot, scoring two goals each in the quarterfinal.
The Bomb Squad take on The Amigos, led by Tyler Martin, with five goals on the season.
The men’s flag football playoffs also begin next week with several teams coming in as favorites. AC Moonspanks enters with three victories by a combined 115 points.
They come in averaging 58 points in their last two victories. Led by an explosive passing attack led by quarterback Ryan Kelley, this team should make it deep in this year’s tournament.
Last year’s semi-finalist Parliament also returns to the playoffs with the finals on their mind.
Led by dual-threat quarterback Leo Mullin and a balanced running attack from Ben Hoban and Tyler McKelvie, Parliament can score quickly.
Andrew Bosco also leads an elite pass rush that has held opponents to an average of ten points a game.
Kansas City also comes into the tournament undefeated and boasting the league’s best statistical-passing offense.
Quarterback Thomas Frost leads the league with seven touchdown passes and receiver Steve Mahoney leads the league with four touchdown catches.
Fans looking for an underdog team to root for should look at Team Blue Shells.
Quarterback Beau Donovan is tied for second in the league with six touchdown passes, and when at full strength the team has looked good against talented opponents.
We Dem Boyz could also provide some exciting moments in the playoffs. Their two losses in the regular season came to solid opponents early in the season and they come in riding a two-game winning streak. Captain Dante Sacchitella anchors the defense with two interceptions on the season as they will look to find the offense necessary to survive and advance.
Nick D’Amato can be contacted at ndamato@keene.edu