Courtesy of the IFL

The 3 seed Pirates face a familiar foe in round one of the IFL playoffs when they travel to Frisco, Texas to take on the #2 seed Frisco Fighters.

Frisco won the lone meeting of this past season on June 1st, 52-48. Despite the loss, the Pirates are 4-3 all-time against Frisco including a 43-22 playoff in the semifinals of the 2021 playoffs.  

The Pirates are coming off of a disappointing loss to Tulsa to wrap up the regular season but it is the playoffs now. Massachusetts is a veteran team. They will come ready top play. 

Here are three keys to the game.

1. Withstand the early push: Frisco will start fast, especially on offense. The Pirates must weather the storm early, keep it close and take the game in the fourth quarter.

2. Playmakers need to step up: The Pirates have the veteran skill necessary to score and hang with Frisco. Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield, running back Jimmie Robinson and wide receiver Thomas Owens are big time playoff performers and they need to play like it tonight if Massachusetts is going to pull off the upset.

3. Defense will need key second half stops: Frisco is good so to expect the Pirates to shut them down for four quarters is unrealistic. However, if the Pirates defense can step up and get a couple of key stops in the fourth quarter, that might be enough to get the job done. 

Final Thoughts: The Pirates have their hands full. However this is a playoff game and a rivalry so expect Massachusetts to come out flying and play their best game of the season. They do not have a choice. Their season depends on it.