Todd Kutter 
Seattle Sea Dragons incinerated the Las Vegas Vipers, advancing to the North Division Championship game. And after the tragic loss of their teammate #42 DE Chris Smith, there was far more at stake than simply advancing to the playoffs. The Sea Dragons were undoubtedly on a higher mission, knowing their brother was watching from above.
First Half
Though Seattle had nearly every measurable advantage going into Sunday’s game against Las Vegas, a win alone wasn’t going to be enough to earn a trip the following week, to DC. In order to capture that highly contested North Division second place, several metrics had to go their way.
Moreover, both teams mustered up a lackluster first half. There were almost thirty minutes of agony for the 15,046 Sea Dragons fans who were in attendance. The vibe in the air felt anxious and worrisome. A DiNucci 14-yard run was the lone score in the first half.
But alas, Seattle’s first strike garners the lead over Vegas 6-0 after Jordan Veasy couldn’t pull down a near perfectly placed 2-point conversion pass in the corner of the endzone.
Mad props to the Sea Dragons’ defensive squad for their “best in the league” 17.7 points per game allowed. Along with 2nd overall 275.5 yards per game allowed, they are arguably the best overall defense in the league. To say defense wins games, would be in lockstep with how Seattle clawed their way into the playoffs.
Second Half
Whatever happened, or was said in the locker room during the halftime break, ignited a fire that was needed for the Sea Dragons. For they came back out in front of their loyal Horde fan base and lit up the field of play.
With 14 more points for the Sea Dragons and a field goal for the Vipers to finally get on the board in the third quarter, the score sat at 20-3, headed into the final quarter. Jordan Veasy’s redemption came with a 3-yard touchdown reception, followed by a successful 2-point Blake Jackson conversion.
In true form, Seattle’s offense had to give their opponent a couple of unnecessary opportunities from two interceptions. The last of which resulted in what would be the Viper’s final scoring drive of the game, netting 6, Finalizing the Seattle Sea Dragons’ winning tally at 28 to 9.
Looking ahead to the playoffs
Is the third time actually going to be the charm for a Seattle upset win over the DC Defenders? Odds makers have the Sea Dragons as a 3.5-point underdog as of 4/24/2023. Having played each other twice in the regular season, DC won both outings. However, the point differential for both those wins totaled a mere 5 points.
If both teams play at a near-flawless level, especially regarding turnovers and penalties, I see Seattle taking the North Division crown this coming Sunday the 30th of April, 2023.
The current forecast could make the passing game quite disorderly. With mild temperatures in the mid-’60s / Showers and thunderstorms with winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
