Nashville Storm (12-0) @ Central Penn Piranha (13-0)

This NAFL Final 4 match-up pairs two of the most successful franchises in NAFL history, when the Central Penn Piranha host the Nashville Storm.  These two teams have combined for 13 appearances in the NAFL Final 4 (Piranha 9, Storm 4), and 6 trips to the Championship Game (Piranha 5, Storm 1).

Whenever a game of this magnitude attracts a national audience, there sometimes is added pressure on the teams involved.  "The Storm have had a high level of success, but the Piranha have had a higher level of success than virtually any other program in the country (5 League Championships, 2 National Championships).  We aspire to be at that level, but we're not there yet.  Hopefully Saturday's game will get us closer," comments Storm Owner Bill Caldwell.

Charles Hunter, Head Coach of the Storm, offers his take.  "With all the attention surrounding this game, we are taking the approach that this is just another game against a good football team, with the winner advancing to the NAFL Championship.  There's no added pressure.  Games like this one are what minor league football is all about.  As a player or coach, you want to be part of a game like this." 

This years contest will mark the third meeting between these two prominent NAFL franchises, with Central Penn leading the series 2-0.  Both games were played in the NAFL Final 4 (35-13, 10/18/2003; 17-10, 10/30/2004).  The most recent game in 2004 was an epic contest.  The Piranha jumped out to a 17-0 lead at halftime, and were ready to punch their tickets for Orlando.  However, a Lamar Carter touchdown reception and a Blake Coble field goal by the Storm tightened the score to 17-10, which produced a fantastic finish.

With 2:46 remaining, Nashville began the game's final drive from their own 27-yard line.  It stalled at the 12-yard line of the Piranha with time left for one more play in the game.  A pass was lofted to the back right corner of the end zone, where Piranha cornerback Roman Morris (HOF 2009) knocked down the pass attempt as time expired.

"The last time we (Piranha) played Nashville, I was a player.  Let's just say that I'm glad to be coaching now, because that game was too much pressure for a player," states Ron Kerr, Piranha Owner / Head Coach.  Bill Caldwell states, "If we play well, this weekend's game has a chance to be that kind of contest again.  There are 10 members of the 2009 Storm team that played in that game.  Everyone else on our current roster has joined the program since then.  The veterans will let them know what to expect."

The Piranha bring 13 players into this game that played in the 2004 classic, so there's enough familiarity on both sidelines to add to the intensity level of this game.

Coach Kerr and the Piranha know that their task is a formidable one this week, having to face what is considered by many to be the best team in the NAFL.  "Nashville is big, fast, and physical.  They proved their worth by going undefeated while playing perhaps the toughest schedule in the nation."  Kerr adds, "We (Piranha) have to step it up another notch this week.  We have no choice, if we want to win this game."

The tough schedule played by Nashville during the regular season will be a huge benefit.  "Based on their body of work, the Piranha are going to be the best team we've faced all year.  However, we've had a chance to line up against teams that do various things well, so there's not a lot that we haven't seen," says Caldwell.

For Kerr, this is just another playoff game.  "Like I said last week, we (Piranha) approach every playoff game the same way, because every week the ramifications are the same, based on the result of the game.  If you win, you move on.  If you lose, you go home."

Both the Piranha and Storm have displayed championship-caliber football during the postseason, and this week they'll have the opportunity to match their superior play against one another.

Regular Season Stats
Points Scored Average
Piranha 38.8 (#6)
Storm 40.1 (#5)

Points Against Average
Piranha 3.3 (#1)
Storm 12.6 (#18)

Playoff Stats
Opponent's Winning Percentage
Piranha .848
Storm .842

Points Scored Average
Piranha 30.3
Storm 34.0

Points Against Average
Piranha 4.3
Storm 16.0


St. Paul Pioneers (13-1) @ Bellingham Bulldogs (12-0)

This match-up pairs two teams making their inaugural appearance in the NAFL Final 4.  Both the Bellingham Bulldogs and St. Paul Pioneers are playing on the big stage for the first time.   "We're happy to be in the Final 4, and not sitting at home watching the results of the games.  Our goal is to win a couple more games, and watch the reflection of palm trees in our hardware," states Pioneers' Owner George Hall.

Jeff Fisher, Owner of the Bulldogs, is also pleased.  "We are very ecstatic to still be playing football.  Once you start winning in the fashion that we did, it starts to cross your mind that you're not just happy to be here.  The Bulldogs are looking for more."  Fisher adds, "All year long, one of the toughest things to preach to a new team with young players is to take it one game at a time.  We did that, and now our eyes are on the prize, which is the NAFL National Championship."

Despite having huge postseason success on the road, this game will be a challenge for St. Paul.  "This road trip (Minnesota to Washington) is a whole different animal.  We (Pioneers) will battle the road, and then battle the Bulldogs.  Nothing is ever easy in the playoffs," says Hall.

Fisher understands home field advantage, and knows that a tough opponent is coming to play.  "The Pioneers are 'giants' in the landscape of the NAFL.  They beat some tough opponents on the road, no doubt.  However, I believe their toughest opponent is yet to come.  We (Bulldogs) play our best football in front of our home crowd, and we will be bringing our A-game on Halloween night."  Fisher concludes, "When it comes down to one team standing between us and Miami, I wouldn't want to be that team."

Even though the Pioneers are coming off of a dominating victory over the Racine Raiders (39-17), Hall feels his team still isn't firing on all cylinders.  "We started out very flat last week.  We finished strong, but we've yet to peak.  So far in the playoffs, we have clicked enough to stay alive."  Hall adds, "In order to advance, we need to play our style of football.  Bellingham is here for a reason, and they can't be taken for granted."

Any way you look at it, this will be an exciting game.  The winner will have the honor of proudly representing their respective conference at the championship game in Miami.

Regular Season Stats
Points Scored Average
Bulldogs 34.2 (#8)
Pioneers 32.7 (#9)

Points Against Average
Bulldogs 5.5 (#5)
Pioneers 5.8 (#6)

Playoff Stats
Opponent's Winning Percentage
Bulldogs .714
Pioneers .860

Points Scored Average
Bulldogs 27.0
Pioneers 28.0

Points Against Average
Bulldogs 10.0
Pioneers 6.0