2018 Playoffs Atlanta Game 16: Texas vs. Jacksonville
Texas Rollergirls (Seed #1, WFTDA #6) vs. Jacksonville Roller Derby (Seed #3, WFTDA #9)
172
155
The Texas Rollergirls Texecutioners of Austin, Texas, U.S. (Seed #1, WFTDA #6) outlasted Jacksonville Roller Derby of Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. (Seed #3, WFTDA #9) in the final game of the the 2018 International WFTDA Playoffs Atlanta, powering through eight lead changes to claim first place. Despite having 10 skaters — more than half of their roster — brand new to the Texecutioners this season, they were able to pull out the win to earn gold and a strong seeding position at the 2018 International WFTDA Championships New Orleans.
Never underestimate the Texies when it comes to playoff time! #t2k3 #txrg #talk2wftda
— Texas Jammers Superfan (@alley__oops) September 23, 2018
To say the game was intense would be an understatement. The electrifying finish to the tournament was loaded with lead changes, scrum packs so tight that it was hard for blockers to set up cohesive defensive positions, jammers that leapt through, around, and over the packs, and grinding defense that slowed those jammers to a crawl.
Jammers on both sides displayed jaw-dropping skill and talent. Erin Jackson, Jacksonville’s star Olympian, had jams where Texas could barely find her — much less contain her. On the Texas side, Hauss the Boss and Freight Train continued the Texan tradition of bowling over and slipping by the opposition. But defense from both teams was brutal when they got a touch on the jammers, making them fight for every single point. At the half, Texas was ahead by just 10 points, 86-76.
The second period remained a nail-biter. After a tight, back-and-forth 27 minutes that had the passionate audience at the Georgia International Convention Center exploding at every action that, in such a close content, could make or break the game,
This game is everything I wanted in a playoffs final. Close, intense, really competitive but not chippy, smiles, amazing play on both sides, this is A+ derby. #talk2wftda
— Shanananaaa (@shaanananaaa) September 23, 2018
Jacksonville tried to take the lead with a sneaky jam start strategy in the second-to-last jam. They sent out Jamsterella as the jammer, but in the last second, pulled her off and Erin Jackson surprised Texas by sailing up the inside line with the star on her head. After busting open the Texas defense and hopping the apex while Jacksonville held Hauss the Boss, she added 14 points to Jacksonville’s tally and narrowed the score to 168-155, with Texas holding the narrow advantage.
Did I miss a new WFTDA rule that every game now needs to come down to the last jam? #talk2WFTDA
— Tawny (@The_Terroirist) September 23, 2018
Jacksonville seemed to have a shot at taking back the lead, and Erin, looking for repeat success to ensure a victory, set up next to Freight Train in the final jam. This time, the Texas defense kept hold of Erin until Freight Train made it out for the crucial lead status, calling the game as the clock ran down and securing the 172-155 win for the Texecutioners.
Super calm, excellent execution by Freight Train to bring home the win #talk2wftda
— #CoachDadSays2WFTDA (@CoachDadSays) September 23, 2018
Texas’s Freight Train was awarded Tournament MVP. Both Texas and Jacksonsville will advance to the 2018 International WFTDA Championships New Orleans in November.
Freight Train is forever the cutest human and an amazing role model for the sport. #TALK2wftda
— Shanananaaa (@shaanananaaa) September 23, 2018
we are all peacwar after this tournament#talk2WFTDA pic.twitter.com/Q5C78x4h0d
— Dr. Juniper Simonis (@JuniperLSimonis) September 23, 2018
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