Predictions Championship 2009: Newton

[Looking Forward]

Top-to-bottom, Newton is perhaps the deepest division. Of the thirty-three teams that won regionals in the division, only 1625 won more than one. Smart driving, ball management, and accuracy will all be critical factors in winning qualification and elimination matches, and separating the good teams from the great teams. Even if the juggernaut teams seed high, this division should still have three or four alliances with the potential to take it all. Victory will hinge upon execution and strategy, even more than usual.
PREDICTIONS:

TIPS:
Gael Force was the very first FIRST champion, and 126 wants to capture another one. They knocked off the heavily favored alliance of 121, 694, and 173 in Hartford en route to the regional victory. Gael Force can score deceptively well, but their abilities are really maximized when they have a strong supporting cast around them.

The NC Gears really made their name in Ypsilanti during the Michigan State Championship. 1918 grabbed the #2 seed and captained their alliance to the finals. They're capable of scoring large quantities of points at once, which makes them a factor in every match. 1918 should be a first-round selection, but they'll need aid to seriously challenge in the eliminations.

1726 has their best bot to date, and it was clearly the top team in Arizona. They're a quick shooting, turreted shooter with the capability to hang in there with almost anyone if they maintain their high level of play. They take a little longer to reload than some elite teams, and that will be a disadvantage when facing them head-to-head. With good driving and strategy, they could pull off an upset, but the finals seem a difficult goal.

The Warlocks captained an alliance to victory in Rochester, and had a strong event in Philadelphia. 1507 doesn't have the fastest scoring mechanism, but they play smart and utilize the super cell very effectively. They have a very good chance at ranking in the top eight once again this season, but it will be difficult for them to hang in against the elite scoring machines.

1155 was another element of the winning alliance in Connecticut. The SciBorgs are a quick shooting power dumper who can empty their payload in a heartbeat. They are sometimes a little trigger happy, and that results in balls ending up on the ground, which could be a big disadvantage compared to other top level teams. Expect 1155 to be an early second-round selection.

DARK HORSE:
With a higher winning% than 67, the Thunderhawks have had very little recognition. 1038 is 13-1 and won their only regional (Buckeye). An effective dumper that hasn't taken the field since week 1, they'll have to shake off the rust and get used to a very evolved game if they want to contend. They've been to Einstein before (2004) and they are the successors to a former FIRST Champion (144), so they know what it takes to do well in Atlanta.

SLEEPER:
You can't count out a team that's reached Einstein three straight years. 177 has a very similar bot to the Robowranglers, but weren't at the same level during UTC. The Bobcats have made improbable runs to Einstein before (in 2007 and 2008 they were 2nd round selections). They have a lot of potential, experience, and can play multiple aspects of the game well. Considering they were once known for their defense, 177 should be a very dangerous and flexible team if they can find the right alliance.

LOCKS:
Cyber Blue has played second fiddle to 45 in both DC and Purdue, but 234 is a very accomplished scoring machine, and they are very dangerous to the health of their opponent's trailers. Their ability to score moon rocks is complimented by a usually lethal human player who specializes in super cells. 234 will be playing well past noon on Saturday.

1625 is one of the top scoring teams in Lunacy, and Winnovation is poised for another strong event in Atlanta after winning in Chicago and Milwaukee. Autonomous loading and rapid ground loading helps them refuel quicker than the average competitor, which will help give them a leg up. 1625 will be a very early selection, and while they will need some help, they have one of the best chances to reach Einstein.

The Robowranglers managed to carry their scoring load for their alliance in Dallas, but defense doomed them in Houston. 148 is incredibly dangerous, and a single opportunity for them can often sway the tides of a match. But they won't be able to sneak out matches like they did in Dallas at Championship (and they couldn't do it in Houston either). There will be far more teams able to give them support here, which will help them succeed.

The Rhode Warriors dominated BAE and were doing the same in Hartford until a series of unfortunate events plagued their alliance in the eliminations (ultimately resulting in their defeat in the semi-finals). 121 is very consistent and has the ability to score with anyone in FIRST without breaking a sweat. The Rhode Warriors will have the best shot at "controlling their destiny" (though if it really was destiny it couldn't be controlled) and seeding high in the qualification rounds of all the top teams in the division. If they can get a second high-level scoring partner, they should at least earn a medal.

[armyOFdarkness]

Go Winnovation! Channel 7 (local news) want's a story on our teams, so one of our teams better give them some breaking news! Good luck to all of Newton. I'm looking forward to seing some crazy matches.

[Aren_Hill]

Before anyone from 2970 pops in here, I myself feel you deserved a mention as a tip team to look out for, you guys have proven you can play with the big dogs.

[Chris is me]

Wait, isn't posting what team will be a "dark horse" in the competition a self defeating prophecy? (that or the secret hope that 1714 is the REAL dark horse ^_^)

All eyes should and will be on Winnovation. If anyone's going to carry Newton Field, it's going to be a high powered alliance with Winnovation involved. Winnovation / Robowranglers / Third Robot doesn't seem all that implausible as an alliance to carry Newton Field to an Einstien victory!

Anyway I'm pumped and terrified at the same time. Let's go!

[GODUX123]

team 1918, 85 and either 234 or 2771 would be a good alliance!

[Dan 1038]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

Wait, isn't posting what team will be a "dark horse" in the competition a self defeating prophecy?

I can't speak for all of 1038, but I kind of like coming in as the flying-under-the-radar Dark Horse type of candidate...

[MrForbes]

practice schedule

[Wayne TenBrink]

Newton's depth should make it the toughest field here. Whichever alliance moves on to Einstein will have 3 solid performers and that should put them in a strong position. We hope to be one of the teams competing for that honor. We will certainly need to keep our wits about us and click with our alliance partners to make that happen.

GO NEWTON!!

[MrForbes]

Nice to meet you, Wayne!

Qualification Schedule....

http://www2.usfirst.org/2009comp/eve...edulequal.html

or if you like photos...