[LeelandS]

In my opinion, Newton is the division to beat.

111 and 118 bring a lot of competition and Einstein experience. These teams have been through the trials before. They'll be very anxious to make it back, especially with Wildstang looking to defend their championship. 111 is a three time world champion (03,09,11), tying them with HOT for the second most wins. 111 has built another dangerous machine this year, with astounding accuracy. As impressive as ever, 111 looks to add their names to the short list of back-to-back world champions. 118 has had some of the most progression out of all teams this year. Their pre-season video has people clamoring, but their performance at Alamo and Connecticut, although very impressive, left much to be desired. At Lone Star, 118 was noticeably more dominant, with better hybrid and shooting than we'd seen from them before. With a win to cap off their regional reason, will 118, one of Texas' proud and most legendary teams, be able to continue to heat up the field even more? Endeavor will definitely live up to it's legendary name.

45 and 191 are two of the original teams. Both teams experienced some great success this season, and though 191 hasn't been able to grab the gold on Einstein in the past, they've seen it all in 21 years. After being the first pick at Finger Lakes and winning it all, they have an idea of what they'll have to do to be a competitive force on Newton. 45, a former world champion, will also bring the heat on Newton. They won at Queen City, they'll look to carry that success over at champs. If the X-Cats and TechnoKats can pick their shots carefully, they will both be forces to reckon with.

365 and 1640 were huge in the MAR District. MOE has built a great machine, and if they can improve on where they were at MAR Champs, they'll turn some heads. 1640 has had a lot of opportunities to learn this season: Twice have they teams with 341. Once to win a district event, once to win the whole MAR Championship. 1640 isn't the strongest robot around on their own, but they have had a lot of experience winning this season, and even without Daisy at their backs, they'll be able to carry that in to Newton.

548 and 469 competed against each other in the finals at MSC. That alone gives these teams huge credentials. 548 is being regarded as one of the best fender bots in the world right now, but their accuracy from the key can't be questioned either. Whether it's up close or from afar, 548 can put balls in baskets very well. 469 has had an amazing season so far, racking up wins at Detroit, Troy and Waterford, and capping it all off with state championship. At MSC, 469 became the only team whose Teleop Points exceeded 400, and their shooting reflects it. 469 just missed Einstein last year, after were Championship finalists in 2010. 469 knows how to win. They can do it. And with the right partners, they may just succeed.

On the topic of Michigan, 1023 had a great few days at MSC. Winners at Detroit and Livonia, 1023 has been a force to be reckoned with all season. A very strong teleop and hybrid scorer, The Bedford Express adds another strong name to the list of great Michigan teams to Newton. 1023 will make a great addition to any alliance that's lucky enough to snag them (that is, unless they're making the alliance themselves).

330 and 1717 bring a strong west-coast presence to Newton this year. After winning Central Valley, where they both looked exceptionally strong, both of these teams are strong contenders. 330 is one of the most legendary California teams of all time (perhaps only behind 254). They've earned it. World Champs in 2005 and an Einstein appearance in 2007 means 330 can succeed on the big field. 1717 has yet to make it to Einstein. Several division final finishes, but never to the big stage. After dominating at CVR, my money is on 1717 to make it to Einstein. Their swerve is of legend, and their shooting this year makes me go out on a limb and say 1717 has the best programming in FIRST right now. If 1717 can get their hands on the balls, they are going in. If they can find a partner to feed them well, 1717 may break records.

610 should be no stranger to a lot of people this season. They were surrounded by controversy earlier this year, but you can't deny that 610 has a great robot. They found some success in Canada this year, but took Arizona by storm, winning the event. 610 consistently build great robots, and almost made it to Einstein last year with 469. They may not be the most famous or dominant on Newton, but 610 can play smart, and will do just that.

1241 and 340 both competed at Buckeye. 1241 has competed prior at GTR East and West, winning a few awards and both, and qualifying for champs with a chairman's win at West. They haven't found as much success in competition as I thought they would, but 1241 has a solid robot, and if they can improve for championships, they'll be a solid force in qualifications and eliminations. 340 is a special team this year. They are triple qualified for championships, with a Chairman's Win at Finger Lakes (making it their 5th in a row, I believe), and with a win and Engineering Inspiration award at Buckeye. They're a dumper bot, but don't count them out. They're an almost guaranteed 10 points in autonomous, and a great teleop player. "Add Team 340 to #TeamStinger" and you've got a very dangerous player. Don't underestimate this fender bot.

Sorry for the long post. I was feeling rather Looking Forward-ish. And sorry if I missed anyone. These were just the teams that stuck out to me. I'm also sorry if I happened to have gotten any facts wrong. I'm definitely NOT Looking Forward, so my info may be faulty. Apologies in advance.

Newton looks REALLY tough.