Regular Season Finale: South

The Tampa Mayhem (2-3-0) finishes its six-game metric season against the Southwest Florida Copperheads (0-5-0).

Copperheads founder Curtis Goddard had the following to say about his team’s road trip north to Tampa. 

“We are still learning the game and our education goes on the road to Tampa this weekend.”

The game will kick off at 5:30pm at Tampa Catholic High School.

Meanwhile, the undefeated Jacksonville Axemen (5-0-0) will wrap up their regular season against the Atlanta Rhinos (3-2-0).

Axemen head coach Sean Rutgerson offered his club’s perspective of this week’s matchup against the Rhinos.

“We are looking forward to playing a full-strength Atlanta at home in Jacksonville. It is always good to play in front of our great fans. But, even better, we will play the USARL 2017 champs. We are looking to finish the regular season with a win, but it is going to be a massive challenge to get on top of the champions.”

Rhinos captain Nick Newlin says they will probably be a bit light on numbers and not have their full squad due to some injuries and travel issues, but it’s a good opportunity for guys to prove themselves for the playoffs.

“The team is excited to keep the momentum rolling this weekend heading into the playoffs. We know JAX is undefeated and probably the team to beat this year in the USARL along with the Kings up north, but we love to play in JAX with the crowd and atmosphere they get, and we are confident of a good showing.”

This contest kicks off on the fields of the University of North Florida (UNF) at 6pm.

Should the Tampa Mayhem win and the Rhinos lose to each finish at 3-3-0, Atlanta seems almost certain to get the second seed.

After last week’s 56-0 mauling of the Mayhem, Atlanta’s points differential for 2018 is 248-104 (+144 points).

In contrast, Tampa’s points scored and points allowed are 150-194 (-44 points).

So, going into the final Saturday of the SOUTH Conference regular season, the points scored/allowed advantage belongs to Atlanta, and by 188 points.