The men’s elite division kicked off the 2006 season with some entertaining football. With so much off-season player movement, and the addition of several new teams, contests throughout the weekend offered a fresh feel. We’ll kick off our first elite recap starting with the quarter finals.

In our first game, the Trojans jumped out to a quick two score lead. Despite a second half surge by the newly formed Capitals, the Trojans would hang on to advance to the semis. Two rivals from la belle Provence, Maroons and Mavericks, battled it out in our second game. The Maroons, and their fantastic off-season acquisitions, out played their usual tough opponents to advance.

Our third contest saw the Ottawa Tailgators take the heavily favoured Burlington Spartans to the limit, losing by only a converted touchdown. Our final quarterfinal game saw another newly formed team, the GTA Lions, give the mighty Piranhas headaches in their close 20 to 12 decision.

Semifinals

T.Litzen Spartans 27 vs Mtl Flagmag Maroons 6

Hamilton Piranhas 27 vs Toronto Trojans 12

Semifinal action offered the opposite of what we saw in the quarters. The Spartans and Piranhas handed their teams lopsided losses before squaring off in what was probably the best match of the tournament.

After losing a large chunk of their starting rotation over the winter, the Piranhas were all but counted out of any title hunt, in the eyes of some at least. As the tournament wore on, it didn’t appear as though the Fish were lacking in any department, as stalwart players played their usual steady roles, while others stepped up their play considerably.

The championship showdown between the Piranhas and the Spartans clearly displayed why their rivalry is one of the best in TFO. This game had everything you’d want in a match up of this sort. Big plays, aggressive collisions, and intense emotions are just some of the elements that made this game so fun to watch.

TFO would like to congratulate the Piranhas for taking the first elite title of the 2006 Tour, and for doing in such an entertaining fashion!

Finals

Hamilton Piranhas 20 vs T. Litzen Spartans 13