August 9, 2018
By Matt Rezin

On August 11 and 12, four divisional champions from around North America will compete for the seventh AUDL Championship in Madison, WI: the Dallas Roughnecks, Los Angeles Aviators, Madison Radicals, and New York Empire.

Semifinal 1: New York Empire vs Dallas Roughnecks - Saturday, August 11 - 5:00 PM/ET on Stadium

Semifinal 2: Los Angeles Aviators vs Madison Radicals - Saturday, August 11 - 8:00 PM/ET on Stadium

At the end of the AUDL season our statistics database is loaded with so many passes, Ds, and goals from each team’s 14 regular season games that averaged statistics can look very similar when comparing teams. Sorting within categories can be revealing and quite interesting. When it comes to what happens during Championship Weekend VII these rankings won’t really mean anything, but they give some basic insight into the strengths and weaknesses of our remaining competitors. Also check out the Offensive Rankings Preview.

2018 League Defense Averages for Championship Weekend VII Teams

*Turnover is combined drops, throwaways and stalls

New York Empire

Firmly in the top 10 in limiting opponent offense, the Empire proved that they belong at championship weekend with strong playoff performances. First the Empire limited the DC Breeze to 15 goals and 16.53 passes per goal, both significant improvements on their own already good numbers. Then, in Toronto, they limited an even higher-powered Rush offense to 17 goals on an average of 15.76 passes. The New York Empire are peaking at the right time and are ready to take on the best in the AUDL. Three players to watch: Matt LeMar, Mike Drost, Ryan Drost

Los Angeles Aviators

The Aviators made a strong argument that they’re a top five defense in the AUDL in 2018.  Losing only one divisional game this season the Aviators force extra passes and turnovers more than most teams. Among the teams at championship weekend their numbers don’t stand out but the Aviators ruled the West Division this season and high defensive rankings across the board reflect that dominance. In a championship weekend with three defense-focused opponents, the Aviators know that they can compete.Three players to watch: Zach Theodore, Jeff Silverman, Aaron Weaver

Madison Radicals

With a reputation for strong defense, the 2018 edition of the Madison Radicals did not disappoint. Ranking 1st in the major defensive categories for opponent scoring volume (17.86 goals per game) and efficiency (19.92 passes per goal) the Radicals have been able to restrict opponent movement and create stultifying defensive pressure. In Madison’s only interdivisional matchup this season the Raleigh Flyers soundly defeated the Radicals. Madison appeared vulnerable to losing their rhythm, facing stiffer competition than they regularly see in the Midwest Division. Even in defeat the Radicals held the Flyers to 24 goals and 14 passes per goal which are both close to league averages. Raleigh made Madison’s defense look normal, we’ll find out this weekend whether Madison’s lineup shifts have shored things up enough to open their champagne. Three players to watch: Sterling Knoche, Andrew Meshnick, Kevin Pettit-Scantling

Dallas Roughnecks

In their third year as a franchise, the Dallas Roughnecks regularly boast one of the strongest defenses in the league. This season their tight handler defense created more opponent throwaways (24.29 per game) for the Roughnecks than any other team. While smothering the mark to cause throwaways could read as a risky boom or bust strategy, the Roughnecks defense is a threat everywhere on the field, leading the league in Ds per game with 15.73 per game. Dallas’s defensive line suppressed opponent scoring so greatly this season that they rank 3rd with 19.93 opponent goals per game. Three players to watch: Dillon Larberg, Joel Clutton, Dalton Smith

**In the Offensive Rankings Preview I noted that Dallas had given up 5 callahans this season. It turns out they were 2nd in the league in getting them as well! Austin  led the league with 3 Callahans so I think we can conclude that it’s a Texas thing.