My playoff X-factors

After ten grueling weeks, the regular season has ended and the playoffs are here. Each team begins fresh with a clean slate and the drive to Iron Bowl XII is in full swing. Over the course of the year, many players contribute to a team’s success on the field, and in the playoffs, the scenario is no different. However, there are those players who can change the momentum of a team, a game, or an entire season with just one play. These are the guys the opposition makes sure they hone in on. Here are my “X- Factor’s” for each playoff team.

Zak “Flash” Gordon #24, OLB/KR, Madison Mustangs

Gordon has the speed, agility, and explosiveness at linebacker to take an interception back for a touchdown and to light up a wide receiver over the middle. His big hit and big play ability set the tone for a tough Mustang defense that has only given up 44 points all season. This multiple time all-star also plays on special teams as a kick returner. He can single-handedly change the momentum of a game with just one return, and in his career, already has a few touchdown returns to his name. Opposing defenses should also beware, since Gordon has seen some time at wide receiver too. If he lines up to the outside, look for a QB Marques Korpela to hit him on a quick screen that may go the distance.

Mike “Thrill” Hill #20, HB, Muskego Hitmen

Last season’s starting National Conference tailback has both the bruising prowess straight ahead and the versatility to the outside to make defenses worry when he carries the rock. It will be important for Hill to establish his running capability against any opponent because that takes the pressure off of first year starter QB Andrew Janatis and allows the Hitmen offense to control the clock. It also opens up the playaction pass, which is a largely successful component for Muskego.

Solomon Cabell #7, FS/KR/WR, Milwaukee Venom

The league’s 2006 Most Valuable Player does it all for the orange and black. Due to lack of depth this season defensively, Cabell was moved to free safety, and he’s played outstanding. He currently leads the team in picks, and against Spring City, he took an interception back 102 yards for the score. In addition, he is the primary returner for the Venom. Much like Zak Gordon, he can change the momentum of a game with just a single kick return. Because of his new defensive role, Cabell has not played as much as normal at wide receiver. If he does though, look for QB Tony Henner to air one out, since Cabell is Milwaukee’s home run threat.

Martin Ringeisen #8, QB, Fond du Lac Crusaders

Ringeisen started off the season as a tight end, but injuries to starting QB Tony Gribben and backup Aaron Gudex have forced him under center. He has already seen action against the likes of the Mustangs and Hitmen this season, so he knows what to expect against those tough defenses. It will be important for Ringeisen to manage the Crusader wingback offense by relying on the rushing attack of WB Ramone “Mo” Jenkins and the short passing game to WR’s Courtney Gatlin and Rodney Ellison.

Deejay Spencer #20, HB, Roscoe Rush

The rookie running back has carried the rushing load this season for Roscoe very nicely. He’s a very versatile and elusive runner, which really helps when he gets in the open field. He has a knack for making defender’s miss and dictating a defense’s strategy, which takes the pressure off of playmakers QB Jason Hufford and WR Justin Opengo. The more he brings the opposition closer to the line of scrimmage, the more the Rush can take advantage of the single coverage to the outside. If that happens, both Hufford and Opengo could have big games.

Brent Ferdinand #4, QB, Burlington Blue Devils

One of the taller quarterbacks in the league, his size allows his to read defenses better than most and he has the accuracy to hit the quick screen and arm strength to connect on the deep ball. Ferdinand can also sell a playaction very nicely and throws on the run pretty well too. The only way to throw a hitch into his game is to bring the pressure and force him to unload his passes early. You can bet Ferdinand is excited for the opportunity to be the main guy at the helm after being a backup or sharing time under center each of the last two seasons.

Ray’mon “Big play shay” Porchia #2, WR, Wauwatosa Spartans

Recently, the Spartans have dropped three of their last four, and in those losses, Porchia has been very quiet offensively. He has some of the best open field speed in the league and runs the fly route second-to-none. He will also have to rely on the catching abilities of fellow WR’s Brad Guettel and Markese McDowell to take the secondary’s focus off of himself. The return of QB Brad Dement for the playoffs will definitely help his case. Also, when given the chance, he can make opposing teams pay in the kick return game. Wauwatosa will have to bring pressure in the punting game to force the opposition to either kick to Porchia or give the Spartans good field position offensively.

Brandon Benda #8, QB, McHenry County Pirates

Over their last three games, Benda has engineering a Pirate offense that has put up 100 points, which is their best three game scoring tally all season. The passing attack is very potent and Benda has good mechanics which contribute to his good arm strength. A very good pocket passer, he has the awareness to step up when the defensive line collapses in, and he has a knack for hanging in and release the ball right on cue.