Much like the NFL, the SPFL did not disappoint this year (well, some of you are disappointed…) What a final weekend we had. Not only was the third place game a nail biter, the SPFL Super Bowl, was absolutely down to the wire on the final Monday night game of the season.
In the end, just like was predicted behind the scenes in week one by the Ladds’ GM, the Thunder Monkeys triumphed over Greased Lightning to win their third SPFL Farley Trophy and take home the big winnings of our first year of higher stakes. While the final score was 163-153, if the Lightning’s amazing wideout, Puka Nacua, had been able to meet his projection of 26 points instead of his actual 15, we would have had a different outcome by less than one point! And if anyone besides me was watching, it looked like Nacua pulled off the catch of the century and we were on our way to overtime and probably a first Farley for the Lightning. Alas, the NFL’s silly catch rules prevailed and the Monkeys held off the young Lightning. Led by the steady triumvirate of Brock Purdy (35), Chris Olave (25), and Trey McBride (23) crowned their awesome season with another title. King Derrick Henry (49) seemed like he may have clinched the title for the Lightning early on, while Prince Valiant himself (24) has officially found his game, but Nacua was not able to pull off the Monday Night comeback.
The 3rd Place game ended in a 126 – 121 Yesterday’s Corn victory over Higgins and the Ladds, who were waylaid by a woeful wideout performance at the worst time, with Tet McMillan (1) and Michael Pittman (3) combining for less than a handful of points. The Corn were led by JaMarr Chase (25) and Josh Allen (24), while the Ladds had Chase Brown (31) and Omarion Hampton (21) leading the way.
Along with the glory of the SPFL championship, the Monkeys pocket a cool $700 to help pay their winter bills. The Lightning take home $250 for their runner up finish and Yesterday’s Corn collect not only $150 for finishing third, but also an extra $100 for juuuuuuuust barely winning the regular season total points total over the Bright 1s.
Honestly, this was my personal worst year in the SPFL ever … but I think I enjoyed the season more than any other before! I love the competition and the challenge we face each year now. Winning this league is no joke, so congratulations to all of you that have, did, or nearly did this season. I absolutely cannot wait for next season to begin. Until then, best wishes to each of you, happy new year, and I’ll be in touch in a few months to give you your keeper options and collect your dues! Enjoy the Chiefs-less NFL Playoffs!!!
The Commish