Final 4 Preview – A7FL 2020 Back in Motion Tournament Presented by Salus 

Game 1: Sunday August 9 at 6:30 PM ET
Paterson U (2-0) vs. BIC (0-2)

The Paterson U has blown out both of their opponents in the tourney, including a 47-14 win over BIC last week.  But this rematch gives BIC a chance for rapid redemption and so, determined to step up to meet the U’s daunting force, they’ve regrouped and retooled.

No doubt about it, BIC has had a tough tough tournament so far: a heartbreaking last second loss in their first game, followed by critical suspensions, and then a blowout last week. But a win on Sunday would not only silence the doubters but also land them a bid in the 2020 Championship.  Not only is BIC relying on the pride and experience of their past success, they’ve restocked their roster with some much needed weaponry including Week 1 starters QB Jelen Crooms and wideout Ashante Worthy.  Plus they’re also working to activate last season’s starting QB Jamal Williams (who had a huge season) to give themselves even more firepower at this key position. 

Having multiple quality quarterback options should enable star running back Jahleel “Courage” Mozie to get back on track.  Mozie has been forced to play multiple positions during BIC’s two losses, and while his heart has never been questioned, the results have been underwhelming.  Although he’s only rushed for 71 yards on 10 carries during the tournament, no one doubts Mozie’s abilities and potential for big plays.  

Paterson’s dominant start to the tourney is due in large part to their outstanding QB Quatrell “Huff” Huffin, who has been nothing short of outstanding. He’s thrown 9 touchdown passes in two games, with 4 of those going to main end zone target Joel “Jumpman” Rivera. If their line continues to dominate the trenches and Huffin is able to spread the ball around to his other favorite targets like Kareen “SilkySmoothe” Moon and Darryl Luck, BIC may be in serious trouble. 

For their part, BIC’s defensive stars Jibril Beamon and tournament tackle leader Laquan Johnson will need to have big games to keep the U’s offensive weapons in check. Plus, in perhaps their biggest upgrade for Sunday, BIC has activated Clavon “JJ” Radcliffe, one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs in A7FL history. A former U starter, Radcliffe could prove to be a difference maker in a do-or-die matchup especially paired up with Ronald Clerk, another notorious heavy hitter, in the BIC secondary.

One thing is certain: this will be a much different game than last week with a revitalized BIC squad looking to catapult their way past a dominant U team. Both veteran clubs know that a win in their Final Four matchup puts them in the Championship, This game has the makings of a surprise classic and fans won’t want to miss the fireworks!

Game 2: Sunday August 9 at 9:00 PM ET
Hawks (2-0) vs. Renegades (0-2)

Last week’s matchup between these two squads was decided in the final seconds, and it’s very likely that this game will follow suit. In the Final Four, the stakes are at their highest and it’s win or go home, which always seems to bring out the best in the best players. The past two weeks don’t matter going into this one, it’s one win away from the A7FL Championship game.

The Renegades defense somehow found a way last week to contain Hawks’ living legend Corey “CP3” Price, holding him to just 29 yards on the ground. Unfortunately for them, current tournament rushing leader Michael “Sweetness” Liberti picked up the slack and rushed for 88 yards. The Renegades’ own Bash brothers, Malik “Predator” Brown and Dondre “Clowney 2.0” Haynes, and 2nd and 3rd in tackles in the tourney, respectively, and they’ll need to add even more to their impressive totals if the Renegades want to shut down the Hawks 2-headed rushing attack.

Renegades QB Cory “The Iceman” Hammond has been a stud in his first two games of the tourney despite the Renegades not getting into the W column yet. He leads the league with 457 total passing yards, but absolutely needs to have his best performance of the tourney if the Renegades want a chance of playing in the Championship. Hammond has found a steady connection with wideout Edy Petiote, who leads the league with 14 receptions for 290 receiving yards, but the two still haven’t linked up in the endzone. That TD drought has to change to land a victory against a Hawks team that doesn’t give up points easily..

For the Hawks, CP3 looks to bounce back from an uncharacteristic off game last week where he threw two picks, something that he looks to avoid this week against a Renegades team led by The Iceman,  who is always eager to get back on the field. Look for Khaleel “MambaStackzz” Greene to play a big role again in this rematch as that veteran presence CP3 can look to especially when out of the pocket or under pressure.

With the stakes raised and playoff intensity, this clash has all the elements to be even more exciting than last week’s game.  The teams are evenly matched and while the Renegades are out for revenge, the Hawks hope to just keep on rolling all the way to the Championship. In the win or go home Final Four, this pairing is a must-see!