Associated PressAugust 2, 2008
Boulder, CO----------------------------
In today's top story we find ourselves at the location of one of the finest Ultimate Frisbee tournaments in the USA. The
2008 Colorado Cup tournament (
http://www.gru.org/tournaments/co_cup) started today here in lovely Boulder, Colorado. Pitting the best North American teams against one another, the numerous spectators from all around the world were witness to some seriously sensational Ultimate Frisbee action.
While the Elite division had their share of spectacular moments, the day's highlight surely belongs to the match-up of
Vancouver's Blackfish (
http://www.blackfishultimate.com) vs.
Kansas City's Prairie Fire (
http://www.prairiefireultimate.com). Both teams were primed and ready for a battle (spirited, of course) that would not soon be forgotten.
With Prairie Fire starting on defense, they came out with blistering speed and tenacious energy which quite literally shocked Blackfish into an early, unforced turnover. Prairie Fire's endzone offense was no match for a stunned team Blackfish, and Prairie Fire scored with ease earning them a quick break point.
Blackfish, however, would quickly rebound and set themselves straight. Under the direction of captains
Colin "Col. Mustard" Hanes and
Aaron "Moses" Koenig, Blackfish scored their next offensive possession efficiently and decisively.
Score: 1 - 1.
The game continued point for point with neither team able to pull away more than 2 scores at any given time. It looked like this one might not ever end. However, with the hard cap in effect and the score tied, the stage was set for a crowd-pleasing
Double Game Point.
Prairie Fire, having just scored two in a row to tie the game, let loose a deeeeep pull to start the point. Blackfish worked the disc effectively, never holding onto it for more than a few seconds at a time. It seemed Prairie Fire would not be able to stop this icy offensive force. But then, it happened. A somewhat forced pass was amazingly defended by a diving
Matthew "Seppo" Marcus. As he picked himself up off the ground, those close enough softly heard Seppo mutter "I hope UltiVillage caught that one on tape."
Prairie Fire now on offense, it was up to the D set to score the game winning goal. And with direct movement of the disc down field, the final knockout punch came with a reverse, behind the back, scoober score.
Winner: Prairie Fire.
This game will no doubt set a big precedent for the rest of the tournament. If the Semis or even the Finals are half as entertaining as this game, it will truly be surprising. Both teams fought hard, but in the end it seems the black fish was no match for the burning of the prairie.
----------------------------
Reported by
Frank McCracken & Duff Goodwood (Professional Observers, at your service...)
