The Weekly Wire - 2025 Playoffs
The Weekly Wire - playoffs - 2025 Season
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matchup: #3 Matadors (6-2) at #2 Aztecs (7-1)
This semifinal matchup is shaping up to be a heavyweight battle between two of the ICFL's most physical and disciplined teams. The #3-seeded Matadors (6-2) face the #2-seeded Aztecs (7-1) in a game where both squads know exactly what’s at stake: a trip to the ICFL Championship.
On paper, this is one of the most evenly matched games of the year:
Matadors: 317 points scored | 88 allowed
Aztecs: 255 points scored | 78 allowed
Both teams come in riding momentum, fueled by elite defenses, efficient offenses, and battle-tested rosters. This won’t be a shootout—it’ll be a war in the trenches.
Matadors: Tough, Tested, and Clicking
The Matadors may be the #3 seed, but they come in looking every bit like a title contender. After surviving early inconsistencies, they've rattled off huge wins behind a surging offense and a no-nonsense defense.
QB Jordan Else has quietly become one of the league’s most effective signal callers, making plays with his legs and showing improved poise in the pocket.
RB Matthew Garner continues to be a bruising, punishing force between the tackles, and WR Grant Roberts is a reliable chain-mover who can stretch defenses when needed.
The defense has been relentless, even with the absence of some key linemen, and their secondary—led by ballhawks like Kapena Ho—has smothered opposing passing games.
As one commentator predicted:
“Matadors win 21-6. They execute more efficiently, and the defense will disrupt Colt, block Hull, and stop Barber.”
Another added:
“Dors prove too much. Jordan Else is a gamer. Barber won’t carry them, and Colt’s deep ball won’t land.” – 26-13 Matadors
Aztecs: Experience, Balance, and Grit
The Aztecs have quietly posted one of the league’s best seasons, and they’re hungry to return to the championship after falling short last year.
QB Colt Knigge is talented but turnover-prone. His chemistry with James Hull will be crucial if the Aztecs want to stretch the field.
The strength of the Aztecs lies in their backfield—Austin Barber and Donald White bring a devastating 1-2 punch that can wear down defenses across four quarters.
Defensively, the Aztecs boast arguably the best front in the league, led by Freddy Llamas, Wyatt Johnson, and Daniel Ghormley. They can disrupt the run, collapse the pocket, and create short fields.
One take in favor of the Tecs:
“Aztecs over Dors 27-13. Grant Roberts keeps them in it, but without the Polys, the Dors defense wears down.”
Another predicted a grinder:
“Aztecs win 14-6. Low scoring, defensive battle. Turnovers will decide this.”
Key Matchups to Watch
Matadors Defensive Front vs. Barber/White Duo – If the Matadors win this battle, they control the game.
Else vs. Aztec Secondary – Can he avoid mistakes and extend drives with his feet and smart throws?
Turnovers – Colt Knigge’s decision-making will be under a microscope.
Red Zone Efficiency – Field goals won’t cut it. Both teams will need to capitalize on short fields.
Final Thoughts
This is going to be a chess match—every possession will matter. Expect limited scoring, field position battles, and a defining moment late in the second half. The Aztecs have more playoff experience. The Matadors have more physicality. Both teams know this may be their best shot at a ring. This one goes down to the wire. Matadors control the line of scrimmage, force a key turnover, and grind out a win on the road. The Dors move on to the championship with a final exclamation point in a battle worthy of the postseason.
Final Outcome: Matadors Win 20-14
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Matchup: #4 Black Tide (5-3) at #1 Alphas (7-1)
The top-seeded Alphas (7-1) host the #4-seeded Black Tide (5-3) in a playoff rematch with stakes at their absolute peak: a berth in the ICFL Championship. This isn't just a replay of Week 9—this is the real thing, with both squads expected to bring full rosters, full emotion, and full physicality.
Alphas: League-leading 320 points scored, 72 allowed
Black Tide: 272 points scored, and league-best 70 points allowed
Their last meeting? A narrow 20-14 win for the Alphas. But the story doesn’t end there. The Black Tide were missing key pieces in that game—most notably in the backfield and on the defensive line. This week? They’re back. And they’re not just healthy—they’re angry.
Black Tide: Built for Revenge, Ready for Redemption
The narrative surrounding the Black Tide has shifted from “injury riddled” to “playoff prepared.” With RBs Marco Garcia and Orlando Clay back in the lineup, they’re once again a balanced, bruising offense capable of controlling the clock.
QB Isaac Sanchez has found his rhythm and has dangerous targets like Tyson Summers and Nico Jaime who can change a game with a single play.
Defensively, Nick Dotellis, Josiah Maae, and Jeff Santos anchor a front that thrives on chaos. If they dominate the trenches, this game tilts quickly.
The coaching staff? One of the most veteran in the league—and they’ve been here before.
As one commentator said:
“This time BT comes out with their full squad and makes the Alphas feel very Beta.”
Another added:
“Garcia being there this time is the X-factor. He turns the Tide in their favor—pun intended.”
Alphas: The League’s Most Explosive Team, But Are They Rattled?
The Alphas have done everything right this season: score in bunches, defend with discipline, and win close games. But that final win over the Black Tide may not hold as much weight in hindsight.
QB Connor Perkins has been electric all year, with deep-ball accuracy and mobility that frustrates defenses.
Logan Bowers, the 2024 MVP, is back to form and makes the Alphas nearly impossible to key in on defensively.
Defensively, Bryson Hammer, Andrew Woolsey, and Juan Blancas lead a fast, physical unit that flies to the ball.
But this week, there are whispers. Key players’ eligibility is in question. Injuries may linger. And Twin Falls isn’t the venue—it’s the playoffs.
One warning:
“The Alphas always play better in Twin Falls. With multiple players in question, it will be interesting to see how this shakes out.”
Commentary & Predictions
BT 30, Alphas 18 – “Angry and healthy Black Tide is too much.”
BT 22, Alphas 16 – “Backfield return and trench strength flips the script.”
BT 20, Alphas 14 – “Garcia is the X-factor. Veteran discipline wins playoff games.”
There’s a pattern here: belief in the Black Tide’s full-strength roster, and skepticism about whether the Alphas can duplicate their regular season success with more pressure and fewer advantages.
Key Matchups to Watch
Garcia & Clay vs. Alphas Front 7 – If the Tide can grind out first downs, they control the tempo.
Perkins vs. Dotellis & Co. – Pressure is coming. Can Perkins escape and extend drives?
Turnovers – The team that protects the ball and capitalizes on field position will win.
Momentum Swings – Special teams could be the tiebreaker in a tight game.
Final Thoughts
This is the playoff matchup that had to happen. A rematch of a one-score regular season game, now with both rosters at full strength and no room for error. The Alphas have been the league's most dominant team statistically, but the Black Tide are peaking at the right time, fully loaded, and playing with a chip the size of the ICFL trophy. The Tide avenge their earlier loss, control the pace, and wear down the Alphas late. Veteran presence and healthy reinforcements prove the difference as the Black Tide punch their ticket to the 2025 ICFL Championship.
Final Outcome: Black Tide Wins 24-20