FiMside Scoop Week Two: Double Scoop
With one week of Infinite Recharge in the books, the two most important factors in week one appeared to be climbs and consistency. There were a whopping zero instances of the Shield Generator Energized RP, surprising no one. The Shield Generator Operational RP (or as most call it, the Climb RP) was achieved in 15.8% of opportunities, and this number probably will not shift much in Week 2. So the teams that are able to make the most of these opportunities will be the ones in the driver’s seats during alliance selections on Saturday.
Now, time to dive in.
Kingsford: Into the Freezer
With our first trip into Yooper Territory this season, Kingsford will feature the debut of thirty plus teams from northern Michigan, a few from downstate, and one visitor from Indiana. While not the flashiest event, it has one of the most level playing fields of any event in FiM. Teams will be looking to rack up enough district points to put them in a comfortable spot before moving into their second, potentially more competitive, events.
Featured Matchup of the Event: 2867 vs. FiM
As only the third team from outside Michigan to compete at a FiM District since the state went district in 09, ElkLogics is looking to get some practice in before their events back home in Indiana. Driving upwards of 7 hours for practice may seem a bit extreme, but this was the norm for teams from the UP for a very long time. With Michigan’s first two visitors ranking in the mid-20s and making Quarterfinals at MCC last weekend, ElkLogics will be looking to make it past that mark in their debut.
Top Teams: 3875, 4391, 4970
In the Mix: 2586, 3602, 6569, 6637, 7782
Udder-rated: 857, 6538, 6558, 7154, 7713
Rookie to Watch: 8425
Jackson: New Flavors
Jackson is very much a proving ground for some young teams, with nearly half of the field being made up of teams that are yet to graduate a full four year team member. Anchored by a small core of veterans, this event’s outcome is anyone’s guess. Being week 2 means these teams haven’t yet had much chance to work out the bugs in their system so consistency will be king.
Featured Matchup of the Event: Rookies vs. First Event Jitters
Jackson features a whopping nine rookies, nearly a quarter of the event will be teams that have never seen competition before. With some strong veterans at the event, there will hopefully be the manpower available to help these rookies navigate their first exposure to FRC. These veteran teams should also be on the lookout, as their have been strong rookie debuts in FiM before. Is there a 2337, 4967, 5460, or 7553 among these nine? Only time will tell.
Top Teams: 862, 1023, 5205
In the Mix: 2611, 3655, 4216, 5675
Udder-rated: 4568, 5502, 5530, 5674, 5676, 6591, 7222
Rookies to Watch: 8378, 8399
Kettering 2: Second Helping
One of two venues hosting back to back district events in Michigan, Kettering University has been hosting two events since Steamworks. After being dominated by 2337 last weekend, it is time for a second team to come in and claim the Kettering District Crown. With a strong slate of teams from Mid-Michigan coming to play, there is one team in particular who seems hungry to finally take their turn as Kettering District Champion.
Featured Matchup of the Event: 1684 vs. Kettering
The Chimeras have attended Kettering 2 ever since it began as an event in 2017. While they have one gold medal from the Chairman’s Award at this event last year, they have yet to claim gold for winning the event. However their trend indicates this may be the year to end that streak. Getting one round further every year, beginning with a Quarterfinal exit in Steamworks, the Chimeras finally medaled with a finalist finish last season. Now, all signs point to this pattern leading to a win for the Chimis this year.
Top Teams: 1684, 3667, 5046
In the Mix: 314, 503, 3534, 5234, 6618
Udder-rated: 70, 201, 5166, 5193, 5224, 6067
Rookie to Watch: 8400
Milford: Melting Point
Featured Matchup of the Event: 3707 vs. The Spotlight
While the TechnoDogs were on a lot of peoples’ radars after their breakout 2018 season, the eyes on them have expanded exponentially after their Detroit Championship win last season. Presumably returning with their Dirty Swerve and a new driver, the pressure is on for the TechnoDogs to continue their recent success. The key will be whether they are able to block out the noise and focus on performance.
Top Teams: 67, 3707, 4362
In the Mix: 51, 308, 3536, 5561, 5712, 7553
Udder-rated: 1189, 4776, 5053, 5155, 7225, 7769
Rookie to Watch: 8332
St. Joseph: The Cherry on Top
St. Joseph (the Michigan version) sees the debut of several powerhouse West Side teams, facing off against a few visitors from the Flint and Detroit metro areas. With multiple state and world champions in attendance, St. Joe is the high powered event of the week.
Featured Matchup of the Event: 2337 vs. The Hype Episode II
The Nerds lived up to the Week 1 Hype, going a perfect 18 and 0 at Kettering 1 and looking incredibly dominant along the way. With 7 undefeated teams standing after Week 1, and 2 of those in the state of Michigan, the Nerds will look to improve to 36 and 0 and chase the second undefeated season in FRC history. With some stiffer competition than Kettering 1, 2337 is going to have their work cut out for them to build their Legacy.
Top Teams: 2054, 2337, 2767
In the Mix: 85, 3452, 3620, 4003, 4325
Udder-rated: 226, 4237, 4409, 4855, 5152, 5462, 7054
Rookie to Watch: 8342
