Sun, October 31, 2010 2:33:41 PM
SUPER 6 Capsules

Game 1
Division III- 12:00

Alconbury (5-1) versus Sigonella (6-0)

Jeff Black's Alconbury Dragons seek back to back European championships. The cupboard is full, as many lettermen returned from the 2009 Championship team. Sigonella lost most of the talented bunch that fell in a disappointing loss in the semi-finals last year. Alconbury won a tight battle during the first meeting in September, but forfeited due to an ineligible player. The neutral field provides a brand new opportunity for both teams. Alconbury has shown that it can score and score big in the wide open game of 9 man football. Sigonella, led by Matt McKown, needs to slow down the offensive horses of Alconbury and control the clock. Alconbury has more athletes, but the rules only allow 9 on the field at a time. This should be one of the more exciting and competitive games at the Super 6.

Game 2
Division II-14:30

Bitburg (7-0) versus Mannheim (5-2)

There has been a history of fairytale endings as DoDDS has closed down schools. A few years back, Hanau went out with a European championship as they closed. Hanau was a favorite in its final game and won handily. This scenario is different. Bitburg has a large and deep team that has, more or less, run roughshod over all of its 2010 regular season opponents. The anticipated re-match with Ansbach did not materialize and now the Barons face a Mannheim team they defeated 21-6 in early October. Mannheim 's only other loss came from a forfeit to SHAPE in week 1 and they played Bitburg a tough game in the only other loss on their record. Bitburg "hangs its hat" on power football, running behind the largest offensive line in DoDDS-Europe, spreading the ball around to multiple running backs. Mannheim is more diverse offensively and has more skill athletes. Frank Macias and staff must slow down Mike Laue's powerful running game and keep the score down to have a chance to win. Mannheim will be the sentimental favorite to win, but will have a tall mountain to climb.

Game 3
Division I- 17:00

Heidelberg (7-0/6-1) versus Wiesbaden (4-3/5-2) (forfeit pending)

Heidelberg is the most athletic and physical team in DoDDS-Europe, blending a solid offensive line with a talented, deep backfield. This may be the best Heidelberg team in several years. Brad Shahan's Lions can run over, smash or out-run their opponents. The closest that anyone has come to shutting down Heidelberg was Jim Hall's Vilseck Falcons, in the rain, in week 2, but Heidelberg pulled away to win 14-0 in the second half. Steve Jewell and the resilient Wiesbaden Warriors have taken a hard road and have fought their way to the Super 6. It has been rollercoaster trip, with two losses (forfeit pending) to Heidelberg and a loss to Patch. Beating Heidelberg will be a tall order for Wiesbaden , but that is why they play games. Anything is possible. The key to the game for the Warriors will be holding the score down. In their semi-final win over Division I North champion Filton, the Warriors showed their normal offensive firepower. Expect an explosive game.