What Is At Stake?
Winning back-to-back championships in any sport is a serious accomplishment. Make that three-peating, and you are revered as one of the best sports teams in the entire world. And this is exactly what the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club could achieve this Sunday. On the other hand, losing a championship and being able to face off against the same team the next year is just as rare. This is precisely the opportunity the Chaos Lacrosse Club will get, a rivalry game that would avenge their devastating finish in last year’s finale.
What Is Lacrosse?
Now you’re probably wondering to yourself, who in the world are the Whipsnakes? Or maybe you are saying, what even is lacrosse? Well, to give a bit of background knowledge, lacrosse, was given to the Haudenosaunee people by their Creator. Given to them as a medicine game, which became a celebratory sport in their culture. Used to heal the sick, hence the name “medicine game”. It was also used to bring Native American nations together. Additionally, lacrosse is the oldest team sport on our continent, dating back to the 1100s. In the beginning, the Haudenosaunee people referred to lacrosse as “stickball”, however in 1634, French settlers decided to rename the sport “lacrosse”. Now, the sport is played all around the world in countries like England, Spain, and even Japan. In 2018, the Premier Lacrosse League, or PLL, was founded, with the Whipsnakes and Chaos as one of their first of six teams.
Who Are the Whipsnakes LC?
The Whipsnakes are the greatest teams to ever set foot in the PLL. And the roster is even greater, housing the best of the best at every position. Including Defensive Player of the Year, Matt Dunn. As well as Matt Rambo who was MVP of the league two years ago. Starting their winning campaign in 2019, the Whipsnakes proved to be the superior team of the league racking up 6 wins and 4 losses, while also winning the first-ever PLL Championship in a nail-biting finish against the Redwoods. Later in 2020, the team clearly separated themselves from the pack, posting a flawless 7-0 record, which included an insane comeback win against the Chaos. To many outsiders, this may seem like pure luck, but the team’s chemistry is the real “secret sauce”. This is due in part to the fact that 11 of their players all come from the University of Maryland. One of their main benefactors, Zedd Williams, is a human highlight reel. Becoming the season MVP and leading scorer of Championship Series back in 2020. Not to mention their other stars including Joe Nardella (Faceoff), Michael Ehrhardt (LSM), and Kyle Bernlohr (Goalie) who all finished as top ten players last season. And with all this talent, chemistry, and confidence, it is hard to believe that any team could defeat them.
Who Are the Chaos LC?
The Chaos Lacrosse Club is a trailblazing team that has quickly made its presence known this 2021 season. Knocking off teams like the Archers in the quarterfinals and the Atlas in the semifinals. Both teams were ranked in the top three at the end of the regular season. And making a late playoff kick is not something this team is not used to. Just last year, the team finished 0-4 in the regular season, and then finally found a rhythm in the postseason. Right until their tragic loss to the Whipsnakes, however, the 2021 season looks to be a turnaround season. Drafting players like Mac O’Keefe who is a certified sniper from any angle, Chase Fraser who is a scoring machine, Wes Berg who is a notable veteran, and Chris Cloutier who is as crafty as it gets. In addition to this, the Canadian presence is extremely apparent for this team. And I think head coach Andy Towers uses this to his advantage to create an offense that is unlike any other. And as the Chaos begin their hot streak, it is unlikely to see them come up short this Sunday.
Opinions
When it comes to who I think will be victorious this year, it is so hard to choose. I remember tuning in to last year's championship game, and saying the Chaos would take the cup. And that Blaze Riorden (Chaos Goalie) was bound to be the season MVP because of his acrobatic-like saves. But then out of nowhere, the Whipsnakes go from a 6-3 deficit to winning 6-12. All thanks to Zedd Williams's spectacular push, scoring five in just the 4th quarter. So it’s truly tough to say what either team will come up with. But it’ll all be set and done when the final buzzer hits.
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