Take a good look at the Week 4 Rankings, because they're about to get shaken up. The Mumfords, Campbells, Dixons, and Wackers are all headed to McCall for a neutral site foosball extravaganza at a site just a few miles away from the 2012 CCFA Championships venue.
Added to a largely familiar cast of competitors, however, will be a highly potent Mumford quartet that not only has an unmatched passion for the game of foosball, but also has established a number of rich rivalries with their inland cousins.
This first glimpse of the Mumfords in 2012 will have a huge impact on the rankings and on the hearts of CCFA fans everywhere. With emotions running high in a sold-out Conifer Lodge, here are just a few of the matchups that the die-hard Mumford faithful have to look forward to (outside of immediate family matchups, which are always a must-see).
Zach vs. #3 Seth
What's at stake: The two oldest players in the CCFA have yet to win a single tournament, and time is swiftly running out to do so. Zach's mission is just around the corner, leaving him just one last shot at the CCFA Championships, and perhaps one Mumford Classic. Seth's prospects of boosting his CCFA resume don't look much better, as he has time left for only one more go at the Championships, and two family tournaments. If these two don't meet in the tournament, this could be their last game against each other, so this one is for all the marbles.
Who will win: Zach, who will likely play this game after a series of warm-up matches against lesser opponents, will have shaken off all the rust and will be at the top of his game for this one. Seth, however, has an insanely up-tempo style of play, the likes of which Zach has never played against. Seth will finally get the quality win that he's been searching for. Seth 10, Zach 7.
Zach vs. #1 Jared
What's at stake: Whether before or after he takes on Seth, Zach will challenge Jared for his top spot in the rankings. Jared, who has left the #1 position only once in his career, is in danger of becoming #2 again, and because most of Zach's other games will only pad his ratings, Zach, with wins over Seth and Jared, could leapfrog Jared to #1 and enter the 2012 Championships as the top seed.
Who will win: Jared has been known to get a little cocky every once in a while, and riding a six-game winning streak, this could be the perfect time for Zach to knock him back down to Earth. Come tournament time, Jared will be kicking himself for letting this one get away. Zach 10, Jared 9.
Alex vs. #2 Ryan
What's at stake: Since the CCFA's inagural year, where Ryan fizzled out in the first round of the Outcast Invitational after a second place finish in the Championships, Alex has maintained his claim that Ryan is not a top 2 player. Last season, Alex added fuel to the fire with a pair of victories over the younger cousin in July. Ryan could lose all that he has worked for this year, and fall back into the middle of a tight race for tournament seeding with a loss, and Alex must prove himself right to be in the running for the top spots in the Championships.
Who will win: It's awfully hard to go against Alex on this one. Alex was 5-1 last year against opponents not ranked #1, and has showed vast improvement since his disappointing finish in 2010. Ryan, however, has been on a roll (5-0) ever since he knocked off Jared in his first game. Ryan's streak will eventually end, but not today. Ryan 10, Alex 6.
Alex vs. #1 Jared
What's at stake: It seems that not a thing in the world will give Alex more pleasure than beating Jared at a sport. The fact that Jared is the winningest player in the CCFA does not daunt Alex; a win would be that much sweeter. Alex is going to be hungry, and if Jared isn't careful, he could end up on the wrong end of a shocker. Jared is trying to maintain his status as king of the hill, and Alex will attempt to loosen Jared's grip on the top spot in the rankings.
Who will win: Alex is the better trash-talker, but his ability to get into the mind of his opponent will not faze Jared, who has heard it all from Alex in years of competing with him in a myriad of different competitions. Jared will control the tempo, interspersing slow stretches with psychedelic bursts of speed, ultimately closing out with his foot on the gas. Jared 10, Alex 4.
Tim vs. #4 Erich
What's at stake: Erich has only played one game this season, so although he is ranked fourth, there are many speculations as to whether he really deserves the spot. A win against Erich would be enormous for Tim in a year where the Killer Whales are right in the thick of the scramble for seeding. On the other hand, Tim hasn't done much to alleviate the sting from his 10-0 loss to Alex last year; an 11th place finish in 2012 wasn't much help. Tim and Erich both have yet to prove themselves.
Who will win: Tim's personality simply will not allow him to lie down and lose. Erich will build a small lead early in the match, but Tim will refuse to come out on the wrong end of this one. Tim 10, Erich 8.
Tim vs. #6 Rachel
What's at stake: 2012 has been a breakout year for Rachel, who ended last season ranked 12th, the lowest of any Killer Whale. She nearly upended Ryan, and put Caroline and Sarah to shame with blowout wins. Tim has had no such luck, and is hoping to improve on a couple of two win campaigns in 2010 and 2011. Tim must elevate his level of play if he expects to make it to the single elimination round of the Championships this year.
Who will win: Tim's persistence will again be a factor. His aggressive style of play will cost him a few goals, but Rachel is not used to a quick tempo, and this one will be over quick. Tim 10, Rachel 6.
Nigel vs. #13 Jacob
What's at stake: This rivalry will likely shape up to be one of the best in the CCFA in a few years, but now, the two are competing in an attempt to stay out of the bottom of the seeding. This matchup is, for both sides, one of the few that they will play this year that will be winnable, mostly because they have trouble seeing over the edge of table. Jacob won both games against Nigel last year, and Nigel, who is still looking for his first CCFA win, would love to pick it up here.
Who will win: It's a tough call, but Jacob has been in a slump since narrowly escaping with a win against Sarah, and Nigel's quick reflexes will make all the difference. Nigel 10, Jacob 9.
