Like the change to the pegs, our latest update ran late.
Week 3 Recap: Both events last week saw a 14% increase in Rotor #2 starts compared to the week 2 event. As teams get more comfortable with their robots expect to see them stretch their wings and push the scores higher. Northern Maryland has been the only CHS event to date to start that fourth rotor more than once thanks to alliances containing 836 and 4628.
CHS saw two double banner teams, 1111 the Electric Eagles were selected by 3941 Absolute Zero Condors and 2363 Triple Hawks was selected by life partners 1610 Blackbird Robotics.
Interesting CHSy Fact: Congratulations to 1111, 1793, and 612 on their first event wins.
CHS Platter - Week Four - Opposites
Week 4 will be a high-flying week with both Central events being on the opposite spectrums of competitiveness.
Central Virginia looks to give us a preview of the DCMP with half of the teams in attendance having been either an alliance Captain or a first pick in their first event. Central Virginia is boasting 6 of the top 15 CHSyness teams in the district including the #1, #3, and #4 teams. Look for these birds of prey to feast on a shallow bottom of the roster.
On the opposite end we have Central Maryland sporting the lowest average CHSyness of the season. Half of the teams were not picked to play in the playoffs at their first event and boasts only 1 team over a CHSyness of 80 (compared to 6 for Central Virginia). A lot of these sparrows will fly for the first time this weekend.
Expect fuel shooters to be the difference this week as the number of 3 rotor matches makes a drastic jump compared to previous weeks. Not only are teams getting faster and more comfortable on the field but with the new peg design pilots should be able to pull the gears up much faster than in previous weeks and fewer gears should end up on the ground.
Extra Sharp Prediction: The 4th rotor will decide the final match in Central Virginia and fuel will decide the final match in Central Maryland.
Central Maryland
Number of Registered Teams: 40
TBA page: https://www.thebluealliance.com/event/2017mdedg
Livestream: https://livestream.com/LeeHartman/CMDEvent
CHSyness: 37(-8)
The Favorites:
5587(87) - Trojan Robotics brings a simple but consistent bot that was the 1st seed at Haymarket, though they made an early exit vs the #8 alliance. Consistency is key when playing 12 qualification matches and 5587 will seed high again.
2377(79) - This A team looks to B the difference with a side gear and low goal autonomous routine. C Crew will be highly coveted come time to pick alliances, not only to break that dreaded tie, but also for their experience as one of the only teams to participate in a 4-rotor match in all of CHS.
2537(78) - The Space Raptors look to fly in and conquer this Maryland event for the second year in a row. The word around the galaxy is that work is being done on version 8 of their gear mechanism and a new consistent side peg auto has been completed (thank you for providing us with information). (video or it’s fake news!)
4505(78) - McDonalds Robotics has a nimble bot with a center gear autonomous, but their climbing leaves some to be desired. A failed climb kept them from moving to the semifinals in Blacksburg but are looking to break into the semis this week for the first time since their 2013 rookie season.
Others to watch for:
2534(75) - The Plaids have one of the only CHS autonomous routines that shoots fuel at the high goal. With some tuning and smart alliance pairings they may be a force to reckon with as they nullify ties and single-point advantages alike.
5115(74) - They struggled in Week 2 semifinals to consistently feed a gear, yet after unbag time, the Night Riders may come back as strong as they were in the qualifiers at DC. If they aren’t a captain themselves, look for this team’s consistent gear running and climbing to be on the short lists of many in the top 8.
449(69) - Blair Witch Project had a disappointing week 2 showing this year after ranking 25th and an exit in the QFs. The new peg design should be a huge advantage to 449 with their passive gear delivery and help them gain some consistency with their gear auto.
Central Virginia
Number of Registered Teams: 38
TBA page: https://www.thebluealliance.com/event/2017vagle
Livestream: https://livestream.com/LeeHartman/CVAEvent
CHSyness: 53(+8)
100% Virginia Teams
The Favorites:
6334(90) - These rookies are outperforming most veteran teams this year with confoundingly-fast gear cycles paired with a speedy climb. The Midlocanics took a chance in Asheville last week and narrowly lost in the finals by 1 crank of the rotor. This is their 3rd event of the season, meaning this drive team has a lot of practice.
1885(86) - LITE BRITE comes into this event with the second-highest OPR in CHS (behind 1111 The Force Falcons), yet they still have no faith in fuel. Their fast, simple gear intake and forgiving climber have impressed many teams across the country. Rumor has it that 1885 used most of their unbag time for minor upgrades and to practice stealing gears from opponents.
**384(77) **- SPORKY’s gear feeder is so good that other teams are trying to replicate it. Throughout playoffs, this team proved they could put up 3 rotors on their own when left unchecked. With 3 weeks to prepare don’t be surprised to see some additional improvements to this efficient robot.
Others to watch for:
**1262(83) **- The DEERs didn’t perform up to their normal standards after having drivetrain problems at their first event, but are still one of only 3 teams in the district to post a perfect playoff score over the past 5 seasons. This means in the past 5 years they have only been either an alliance captain or a 1st pick at district and regional events. Watch out for this center gear auto, floor gear pickup, high shooting, and climbing team.
1731(92) - Frosty Valley had an impressive showing in week 1 and chose 384 to join their #3 alliance. But 1731’s decision to play defense instead of run gears in the finals was a bit puzzling to us. Obviously it didn’t matter as they brought home another event win.
540(90) - Bird Feet 540 seems to have alternating years of success having last made it to the finals in 2015. This year is proving to be another success having already won their first event
346(77) - One of the few teams in the district that have shown consistent shooting ability, hopefully the MetalPredatorBirds have spent the last 3 weeks getting to 40 kPa faster than they did in week 1. Expect 346 to seed very high with a few extra RPs from fuel.
5950(81) - The Titans climbed their way into the #2 spot in Blacksburg and will look to do the same this week. If they can produce faster gear cycles, 5950 will be a welcome robot to any alliance this weekend.
DCMP Qualification Analysis
The number of district points needed to advance to the FIRST Chesapeake District Championship will be: 53
Central Maryland
Locked into DCMP: 2537, 4472, 4514, 5945
Probables: 1389, 2534, 4464, 4505, 4541, 5115
Fighting for a spot: 449, 2421
Central Virginia
Locked into DCMP: 346, 384, 540, 1086, 1731, 1885, 6334
Probables: 1262, 1598, 5587, 5950
Fighting for a spot: 422, 1080, 1522, 1793, 2106, 3274, 5279, 5546, 5804, 6326
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