It’s been said that much triumph has been founded in innovation. Those that think unconventionally are rewarded greatly–they streamline our world, challenge our convictions, and turn our heads in new directions. The geniuses that pieced together our Ipods, taught our TVs to record live shows, and gave our trucks 24 MPG’s are the envies of society.
Yet not all curiosity is created equal. In the case of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, there is a line that technology and innovation are not supposed to cross. For argument’s sake, let’s call it “non-traditional” development. And sometimes that radical, unpopular idea changes the lives and morals of an entire generation. But sometimes, our masterpiece invention turns it’s electricity on us, and we’re left frying in a basement, the monster not coming to life at all, and all that grave robbing was for nothing.
Regarding the WFA Championship, which took place a shade over two weeks ago, allow me to first state the obvious (and equally laudable) truths: Boston was explosive and electrifying. Their offensive line manhandled the Surge’s hefty defensive front, and their speed in the backfield and secondary was insupposable. But the Surge had the talent to, at the very least, make a much closer contest of it. At times, it seemed that the Surge could score at will. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a passing offense so dangerous, due in part to USA gold medalist QB Gallegos (3), no stranger to deep throws and quick reads, and her two sensational receivers Javelet (11) and Cruz (81). San Diego’s defense held up most of the game, though they were worn down by the Militia’s Zelee (33), a running back with few equals in the league, and Alison Cahill (7), a quarterback so fast and coordinated, I thought I was watching an NCAA men’s game. Bonds (80) terrorized the Surge receivers all night from safety. But if you need a legitimate retelling of the game, head to James Wyatts’ Surge Examiner rundown or Boston’s rendition.
Zelee's all-around dominance meant no cease-fire for the Surge. Pictured here over San Diego's Tracy Wong (Barry Millman).
No, the real story of how Boston immortalized themselves with a second straight title is one of the unusual interpretation of how 4th down choices affect field position. San Diego refused to punt. Even when inside their own 20 yard line, the ball was heaved up for grabs by Gallegos, plagued by a furious Militia blitz. The crowd was amazed: shouts of “let the punter play” and “wake up, coach” were fogging the air. Wild rumors of an injured punter and a long snapper behind bars began swirling, but the truth ended up being stranger than fiction.
San Diego’s coaches decided that because of their own punting problems (an average of 18 yards on 3 punts early this season–if the stats are to be trusted) and a bastardized interpretation of the league’s punting averages, the Surge was better off going for it on 4th down than putting it on a foot. Let me say this: obviously it worked all year for them (10-0 heading into the championship game) and it helped to amass 1764 passing yards, 2nd in the league. Even when their choice began costing them points, it would be preposterous to imagine abandoning the mantra of your entire season in the final game. And who’s to say it would have been different? After all, Boston is Boston, and they were every bit as impressive as I expected them to be. But with two touchdowns scored off of short fields (inside San Diego’s 40) following 4th down prayers, one can’t help but think what could have been.
If it's a dynasty we wanted, we have one.
Needless to say, the failure of Madden-esque football is only a sidebar compared to the dynasty that has been rooted in Boston. Though their 2010 championship came in the IWFL, Boston antecedes a new era in women’s football, the fully professional era. I’m not saying girls are making a paycheck–I’ve heard rumors, but that’s unverified (though the $25,000 WFA Championship prize package will help). What they do have is a promotion powerhouse, making waves in one of the biggest sports markets on earth. They’ve also got a massive roster, an excellent coaching staff, and an affluent owner capable of generating the big-time sponsors (as well as judiciously selected local companies) that the Militia has come to know and love. What talented football player wouldn’t want to be part of a financially sound, successful, and marketable team like that? Welcome the Diamonds of the 2010′s…Boston is here to stay. Will they be able to grab 2 more rings in 3 years?
I only rehash this two weeks later to make a point. As I put together the season-ending report (stay tuned), it’s very clear that women’s football is an innovative, brave (and highly non-traditional) endeavor. We are all mad scientists, but collectively we are a monster–a two-headed one at that. San Diego’s Frankensteinian 4th down football failed to make it off the table, and we too have to reconsider where we got all of our parts, unless we want to have a similar fate. For now, consider the elements of a successful business.
“Hydra-Nomics”, the season-ending report, is next…
