Quad Rugby/Story - USQRA Atlantic Sectional Playoffs

UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION

March 2006

Denver leads Gunners, Eagles and Generals to Austin

The USQRA's Atlantic Sectional Playoffs were held in sunny Jupiter, Florida the weekend of March 10-11, 2006. In what was once the leagues most active section, this years Sectional was attended by just five teams, one of which had transferred in. Despite the tournaments size, the teams from Denver, Sarasota, Tampa and Philadelphia had each come to hopefully earn a spot at the Division I Championship. The Casco Bay Navigators from Maine came to give it their best effort, but knew before arriving that the warm weather and local hospitality would be their weekends reward.

The first game of the weekend pitted the #2 seeded Denver Harlequins against the #3 seed Tampa Generals. Back in January at this same venue, the always game Generals pulled a one point victory off on Denver. Looking to prove that they were much improved, the Harlequins made an early statement by downing Tampa, 35-22. Game two saw the Magee Eagles swamp the Casco Bay Navigators for an easy win, 39-8.

All season the Hoveround Gunners from Sarasota have practiced and played against the neighboring Tampa Generals. Scrimmages and games favored Sarasota more times than not, but the Generals were always in the mix. When these two rivalries played at Sectionals, Tampa played a slowed down passing game that seemed to catch Hoveround off guard. Coach Bill Renje had instilled patience into his team, which led them into double overtime, and almost a major upset. In the end it was Hoveround that prevailed 29-28, but the Generals showed a new style that could make them a top contender at DII Nationals. In the other games of day one, Denver beat Maine, 43-18, and Hoveround downed Magee, 38-33.

The final day of the Atlantic Sectionals brought a classification change to Philadelphia's newest member, Rob Deller. Having never been seen by a formal panel, Deller saw his classification go from a 2.0 to a 2.5r on day one, with another bump up to a 3.0 on day 2. This effectively took away several of Magee's line up options, and reduced the court time the rookie had hoped to see. The morning opener saw Casco Bay fall to Hoveround, followed by Denver grounding the Eagles, 52-40. Tampa avenged their previous days two losses by marching over Maine, 41-21.

Hoveround and Denver were up next for what became the Championship game. Results of this match would affect seeding at DI Nationals, and both teams knew how important this win could be. Having split their two previous meetings, it was anyone's call who would prevail today. Denver won the tip-off and scored first, ending the period with an 8 to 7 lead. At the start of the second period Denver forced two unanswered turnovers on Hoveround and ended the half ahead by as many, 17-15. In the third period, Denver again stepped up play and finished with a 4 point advantage, 25-21. Not ready to be counted out, MVP Mike Whitehead and All Tournament 2.0 Nick Springer, rallied their teammates to get back into the game. With just two minutes to go Hoveround had brought the score within one to rattle the Harlequins, but at the final buzzer Denver prevailed, 32-31. Both teams advance to Austin, Texas in April to compete for the USQRA Division I trophy.

The final match of the weekend would be between Tampa and Philadelphia. In their only other meeting this season, it was Tampa who won on their home court at the Coloplast International. Unlike their previous game, results of this match would have a direct impact on seeding at DII Nationals. Magee won the tip-off, but the Generals played well and both teams were tied at 8 apiece at the end of the first. Despite 3 trips to the penalty box in the second period, Tampa trailed by just 1 point at the half, 14-15. Three minutes into the 3rd, the Eagles took a two point lead, and that remained the buffer throughout the remainder of the game. Magee went on to win, 28-26 and took 3rd place for their efforts. Both Tampa and Philadelphia advance to Austin where they will compete for the USQRA DII trophy.

As with any event, its overall success is largely a direct result of the tournaments staff and volunteers. We are exceptionally grateful to the wonderful people from Palm Peach County Parks and Recreations Therapeutic Services, who stepped up to host this tournament on short notice. Thanks also go out to all of the USQRA sponsors who have contributed money and product to make post-season play possible. Your services and commitments are appreciated by all who participate in our sport! Special thanks also to the officials and classifiers who worked so hard over the weekend. You're the best!

Results of the 2006 USQRA Atlantic Sectionals are as follows:

1st Place - Denver Harlequins
2nd Place - Hoveround Lightning
3rd Place - Magee Eagles
4th Place - Tampa Generals
5th Place - Casco Bay Navigators

All Tournament Team

0.5 - Jason Regier - Denver
1.0 - Dave Ceruti - Tampa
1.5 - Eric Anderson - Magee
2.0 - Nick Springer - Hoveround
2.5 - Grant Boxall - Tampa
3.0 - Adam Bencsick - Magee
MVP Mike Whitehead - Hoveround

Photos courtesy of Bob Henderson

Hit Counter

How to Contact us | Quad Rugby Central Index