The Rattlers come slithering into their first playoff match one game ahead of the Ohio Machine. Rochester, sitting at 10-4, will play host to the Machine on Saturday August 16 at 3PM EST.
ROCHESTER
I’ve said it time and again, maybe I’m biased from personally having witnessed his coaching skills at NFC7, but John Ortolani always finds a way to create offensive momentum for his team.
After 14 full-season games, he won 196-of-403 draws. Now, back around the midseason point, I wrote an article previewing a Rattlers game. Based on statistic analysis, I claimed Ortolani would need to step up his face off performance if Rochester wanted to see the playoffs.
Folks, John Ortolani has answered the call. He’s closer to a 50% performance now than he was mid-season, and having won more draws and found ways to create team momentum despite the outcome of any face.
The offense Rochester has pulled together is a pure powerhouse. Now featuring Ty and Miles Thompson, Miles quickly climbed the stats boards to 19 points on the season. His cousin Ty isn’t far behind at 2, and I know 17 points is a lot, but remember that the college players become active on the professional roster later in the season under normal circumstances, plus the Thompsons had to finish the playoffs with U. Albany.
The addition of Miles Thompson has an offensive presence that’s more intimidating in its own right. Defenses have to play smart and solid as a unit, but recognize more traditional and natural ways of scoring only a Native American or other player who grew up BELIEVING in the medicine game would see.
Justin Turre (34 points on the season) and Jordan Wolfe (33 points on the season) lead the Rattlers offensively into their 2014 playoff debut against the Machine. (not franchise debut, first game of the 2014 playoffs)
MACHINE
Inconsistent is the first word that comes to mind when talking about Ohio’s 2014 regular season. Though they finished at 9-5 it was a bumpy road to the playoffs.
Marcus Holman and Peter Baum are two offensive forces to be reckoned with. Each having 50 points on the 2014 season, the Machine have held their own with high scoring games all season long, just unable to cap off the final minutes or quarter.
With an away game will come a 1-hour time zone shift and travel fatigues. Hopefully, the bye week that just passed will be enough to rest for playoff performances.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Rochester has the draw advantage, home field advantage, and offensive advantage. Thompson will see more action yet, and the team will be an possession-controller for the entire game. Ohio will have to work for their possessions, and make the most of the slight opportunities they are granted.
