Playoffs Rd 1 - Erie Express vs Upstate Predators (NY)

This Saturday the GDFL National Playoffs begin and it's win or go home for both teams as the Erie Express host the Upstate Predators in the first round of the GDFL National Playoffs.

The Predators come into the game 6-2 on the season and are one of the hottest teams in the GDFL. They finished #2 in the Eastern Xtreme East Division behind the #3 ranked team in the Nation, the Syracuse Strong, a team they beat handily 28-15 in week 7. After suffering back to back losses early in the season the Predators have rattled off 4 impressive wins in a row leading up to their playoff matchup in Erie. Upstate will be bringing with them the GDFL Player of the year in quarterback Billy Joiner and his high powered offense. Joiner leads the Xtreme Conference in passing yards (1658), passing yds per game (236.9), passing TD's (14). The Predators average nearly 25pts per game while only giving up 13. The defense is led by All-Pro DL Ricky Norris Jr who brings 11 sacks into the contest. The Predators missed the playoffs in 2021 but are here now and are looking to get to Las Vegas for the National Championship Game.

Erie come into the game with an identical 6-2 record. They are the defending GDFL National Champion and current Champions of the Xtreme North Division. After finishing the 2021 season undefeated the Express suffered back to back losses in weeks 2 and 3 to the Lightning and Fire. Erie has since rattled of 5 wins in a row. The offense is led by All-Pro QB Marquelo Suel who in 4 games has passed for 726 yds and 7 TD's. Although injured at the moment the Express also have 2020 ands 2021 GDFL Player of the Year Brandon Hanna available once healthy. Donte Harden has been running the ball very well and the offensive line is prepped and ready for the challenge the Predators will present this Saturday. Erie averages 23pts per game while giving up 15. The defense is led by GDFL Defensive Player of the Year Cameron Sanders and his veteran heavy squad of defenders.

The Express defeated the Predators in week 1 to open the GDFL Season. Both teams have improved, both teams have the ability to win the big game. Erie has not lost a home game since falling 27-32 in the 2019 Xtreme Conference Finals to the Middle Tennessee Bulldawgs. This has the makings of an instant classic and is one you do not want to miss.

Saturday August 13th, Erie will host the Upstate Predators in the 6th annual Covato Classic Loved One's Memorial Game powered by BUSH furniture by Esolutions Furniture in their GAME OF THE WEEK!

The game will be played this year at Erie's Veterans Memorial Stadium. Admission is $10 with children 12 and under FREE! Kickoff will be set for 6pm with intros starting at 5:15.

The game will be broadcast LIVE on our Facebook Page by Scott Lockwood and his team at DeeJ Experience LLC Tune is Saturday to watch all the action LIVE FREE OF CHARGE!!

We hope to see you there but in the event you cannot make it and cannot watch live on Facebook, there will be LIVE updates via ScoreStream and Erie Express Twitter. GO EXPRESS!