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2014 USAFL Season Preview: Western Region

  • Sunday, May 18 2014 @ 09:39 pm ACST
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This is the fifth part of the six part series of the 2014 USAFL Season Preview as we conclude the Men's Division in the Western Regional.

Western Region
The Western Region lays claim to the most teams in any region (9) and also is the most unpredictable region for teams that can contend for titles this season.  The Western Regional tournament is in Los Angeles in late September just before the Nationals and it will be interesting to see where everyone sits after that.  There are several teams rising in the region, but several teams also faltering so severely that a refocus in another division is in order.  With that, here are the teams in the Western Region, in alphabetical order:
Denver Bulldogs (7-4, 18 points, Finish Rank:  11th)
The 2014 Western Regional begins with the Denver Bulldogs.  2013 was a interesting year for the Bulldogs as the team struggled in that their home field advantage wasn't much of one as the eventual Division 1 Champion Austin Crows, however, they bounced back in the Nationals to finish 2-1 in Pool B to finish 4th in Division 1.  Will 2014 see them rise back for a chance for an 8th title?  I think it is possible, but with a number of teams in recent years pushing ahead of them, it could be an interesting Nationals if they can drag themselves to the top again.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 1 as the 4th seed.
Golden Gate Roos (6-3, 16 points, Finish Rank:  13th)
This is one of the teams that was looking for to rise in the Division 1 title race for 2013, only to severely disappoint and finish with a thud in 6th place in Division 1.  The team is solid, but they must improve, especially with the likes of Austin, Nashville, Columbus and New York in the Division 1 title rounds.  This will be a wait and see for them this season.  Expect them to be in the hunt again for the pool title.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 1 as the 7th seed.
Las Vegas Gamblers (0-1, 0 points, Finish Rank:  28th)
The Gamblers have a ton of questions after having only 1 game played in 2013.  They didn't even field a team for the Nationals for the first time in several years, so a lot of unknowns abound for this year for them.  First analysis for Nationals:  Most likely not to field a team for 2014.
Los Angeles Dragons (9-4, 30 points, Finish Rank:  4th)
The surprise team of the West Region is the Dragons as they busted out like a team with a mission, to win the Division 2 title, which they almost accomplished.  Unfortunately, they got the buzzsaw of the Columbus Jackaroos in the Grand Final and finished runner-up.  With a distinct possibility of Columbus moving to Division 1 in 2014, LA may have the chance to finally get their first title.  Expect a lot from this team and watch out, Division 2.  This is most likely the team to beat.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 2 as the top seed.
Orange County Bombers (4-6, 14 points, Finish Rank:  16th)
Orange County had a very disappointing regular season and Nationals as they went 0-3 and finished a very disappointing 7th for the second year in a row.  This year maybe it is a time for them to move down a division to regroup and get their footing back before they can get back to contend for Division 1 title again.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 2 as the 4th seed.
Portland Steelheads (2-7, 8 points, Finish Rank:  25th)
Portland was starting to gel in 2013 and was really making some moves in the Nationals after going 0-6 in the tough West region and was just percentage points from making the Division 3 Grand Final.  I think this team can definitely take a big move this year and can threaten for the Division 3 title after the strong performance in Austin.  First analysis for Nationals:  Division 3 as the 2nd seed.
Sacramento Suns (5-3, 18 points, Finish Rank:  12th)
Sacramento has improved the most behind the Los Angeles Dragons in 2013 as they had their first winning record and making it to their first Division Grand Final in Division 3.  Can they repeat the feat and win the title this time?  I say, definitely yes.  This team is very well built with USA Revolution coach Matt Bishop and I feel they are the team to beat in Division 3 with Houston moving to Division 2.  First analysis:  Division 3 as the top seed.
San Diego Lions (3-6, 12 points, Finish Rank:  21st)
As the 2013 season began, a lot of questions were being asked of the one-time powerhouse of Division 1.  As 2014 begins, some of the questions are still left unanswered if the team can make the jump back up to Divisions 1 and 2.  At the present, their fit in Division 3 is the best fit for them as they are still rebuilding this season.  Expect them to battle for Division 3 title.  First analysis:  Division 3 as the 7th seed.
Seattle Grizzlies (5-3, 14 points, Finish Rank:  14th)
Seattle had a great regular season in winning the battle of I-5 and winning the Portland Stumpdown Throwdown.  However, that didn't translate to the Nationals as they went with a thud, finishing 8th in Division 1.  This team is a borderline Division 1/2 as is Orange County and Nashville, however, unlike Orange County, Seattle has a bit more potential to bounce back in 2014.  First analysis:  Division 1 as the 8th seed.

Please check us out Alex's work online via usaflweeklyreport.com and watch the USAFL Weekly show, Fridays @ 7:30 pm USA Central Time on UStream.tv.  (Please check his USAFL Weekly Report Facebook page (and give it a Like) for any schedule changes).