CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW: JULY 21 WILL MARK THE 10TH CHAMPION, AN ALL-DECADE TEAM, AND LOOK TO THE NEXT 10 YEARS OF THE A7FL

After July 21st, we’ll have questions answered, a champion crowned, and the opportunity to reimagine the A7FL for the next ten years.

ARTICLE BY MATT RYAN, A7FL ANNOUNCER

But, on July 21st, for the first time in an A7FL Championship, The top team from Las Vegas and the top team from New Jersey will face off to see who is the champion, which for many fans, was what they hoped for last year when it would be the NightCrawlers and the Insomniacs who battled in Bullhead. 

Now, it’s Scooter Hamilton, Anthony Wilkerson, and company making the trek to the ancestral home of the A7FL and the home of now three of the last four A7FL title games, Asbury Park Stadium.

While it will be a homecoming for the members of the All-Decade Team, veterans, and fans on July 21st, the atmosphere will certainly carry a thick layer of tension for the Western champions.

After 360+ days of conversation and consternation from both coasts and especially both clubs, the energy for this feels akin to the heavyweight boxing battles of the 1970s and more recently the rivalry between then WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and then Lineal Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Wilder knocked out nearly all who stood in his direction leading to Fury, and for Fury this was his chance at redemption following his vacating his title due to personal and professional issues that forced him away from the sport.

Next Sunday in Asbury has that same feeling, as for one exception, this iteration of the Las Vegas Insomniacs have defeated everyone who’s stood before them when it counts. 

It may have taken a Bunac Blessing in 2023, but do not fool yourself into thinking these guys will fly across the country and not walk in confident and more importantly talented.

On an offense that features three All-Decade Caliber players, a Quarterback who has been nearly lights out all season, and depth at nearly every position, it is hard to say anyone can stop them.

The rarely public, but strong-willed leader at quarterback, an offensive line made up of big talking dudes looking for contact, running backs built like tractor trailers, and some of the greatest and fastest human beings to ever catch a football. 

We are in Bizzaro World.

Because when you speak of Sterry Codrington of the BIC and Scott “Scooter” Hamilton of the Insomniacs, you’d use those same words.

Despite the differences in frame, the two men behind center in the Championship game have the same steely resolve, the ability to make a play in the air or with their legs, and the connection with their teammates to trust them in spots other Quarterbacks wouldn’t dare to throw in.

Then you have Kenny Mack and Dave Valley, men who’ve played on Saturdays and coach the same position they play at a high level, but once the ball is snapped both men revert to the down-and-dirty warriors of the trenches who’ve through holds, hands, and pancakes are a key reason both teams step on to the field on 7/21.

And when it comes to speed and ability at Wide Reciever and Returner, it is near impossible to say both squads are at the top of the league.

With MVP Candidate Ashante Worthy alongside Trey Cohen, Kason Campbell, Marcellus Pack, former Insomniac Trey Robinson, tight end Quincy Davis, and some of the other names that litter the BIC list like a US Track Team tryout with 40 speeds that most people think would be run by robots.

Problem is… Donjae Lyons, Eric Shufford Jr. Davick Clark, Stone Stevenson, and others who litter the pass and return game for the Insomniacs have made a similar reputation for highlight making savagery while looking to get from where they were to the end zone as often as humanly possible.

The two teams that have put the most receipts on the table, the two teams that have been looked at as THE top teams in their respective divisions finally get to play.

Thank God.