Two former Hughes champs advanced and knocked out the two owners looking for their first crown. That's how it goes sometimes. The Strawmenn and Holes won their semifinal games with almost identical totals. The S'menn continued to roll with a 123.24 to 89.60 win over division rival Portland. The Pirates' loss means that a #1 seed has fallen in the semis for a second straight year.
The Holes 123.32 to 79.74 win over the Legends means we may have a second straight bottom seed as champ. Last year the Blizzard, inserted as the #7 seed took the title.
Here are a few notes and odds and ends concerning Hughes Bowl 43:
This is the first time these two franchises are opposing each other in the championship game. In fact, they have squared off only once in EHFL postseason action. The Strawmenn eliminated the Holes in the semifinals in 2008 on their way to the trophy.
The Strawmenn won the first Hughes Bowl in 1981 with Mark Kuhlmann at the helm. Mike Padilla steered the ship to the 2008 win mentioned above. BOTH of those came against the Flyers. They have lost twice since that Hughes Bowl win bowing to the Rats in 2009 and the Giants in 2019. Overall the franchise is 2-5 in Hughes Bowls.
Jimmy has four titles to his credit. The Holes won in 2001, 2011, 2016 & 2018. This is his ninth appearance and he is looking to get over the .500 mark.
The Strawmenn were 10-4 this season while the Holes were 7-7 and the #6 seed but the two teams put up almost identical point totals. The Holes outscored the S'menn in 2023 by just 1.38 points over 14 games. So, while a 10-4 record and a #2 seed would make you think the S'menn were favorites, the points total tell a different tale. This one should be close.
Thursday Addition....
Whatever formula the system uses to project scores has the Strawmenn beating the Holes 120.35 to 114.40. We shall see.
Best Christmas gift ever......
