X: Final Matchups

It all comes to this: Hill Valley and Pawnee. Larkspur Bowl X.

When the dust settles a champion will be crowned with the trophy ceremony set for December 28th. We've got plenty to preview before the action kicks off this Saturday, but lets start with the basics on the way to declaring a decade worth of champions.

 #5 HILL VALLEY vs #3 PAWNEE

Head to Head: The Pride defeated the McFlys in week 13, pushing their all-time record to 5-4 against their rival. The wins have come in streaks, with Hill Valley sweeping the first three (2010-2012) then Pawnee taking four in a row from 2013-2016. Since then they've alternated wins, with the McFlys taking 2017 before falling in 2018. They've never met in the playoffs before, but Pawnee did take a consolation semi-final last year in an un-tallied game.
Injury Report: For the McFlys, Aaron Rodgers and John Conner are both questionable; Rodgers has vowed to play, while Conner has missed two straight games but may be nearing a return. Damien Williams excelled last week due to injury, but may have his role diminished with the depth chart recovering in front of him. Julio Jones remains questionable for Pawnee, but it hasn't hurt his output in either playoff game; He's scored six touchdowns in seven games since coming over from New York, where he had scored 0 touchdowns in seven games.
Recency Bias: Both teams are on a roll; Have to be to make it this far. That said, neither looked good in the semi-final grinder, although Hill Valley would have inched out Pawnee last week, 171-170 pending stat corrections. The Pride should be favored slightly given their health and run of dominance, although the principle of Any Given Sunday applies doubly in the championship game.
X-Factors: The McFly running back carousel will be pivotal to their success- they need big points from their collection of miscreants. If they can get the numbers, they've got a fighting chance. Pawnee's Travis Kelce is the only proven TE/Flex option on either team, if he can have a big day it swings the balance in the Pride's favor. Any sort of defensive touchdown could decide the game.

#1 SOUTH PARK vs #2 PHOENIX

Head to Head: Phoenix took the Cows down in week 12, going to 4-1 all time against South Park. 2016 was the only time the green team toppled the Uprising in the regular season. They have never met in the playoffs, always ending up a step away from confrontation; New York took out South Park before dismissing Phoenix in LBVI, while Pawnee dropped Phoenix before losing to South Park in LBVII.
Injury Report: For South Park Todd Gurley is hobbled and Keenan Allen is a game time decision; Lamar Miller's ankle injury isn't serious, but is expected to be replaced by Derrick Henry in the bronze medal game. Safety Bradley McDougald left last week early and his status is in question. For Phoenix, Spencer Ware and Jordan Reed are questionable, while Aaron Jones joins AJ Green on IR as the wheels fell off the Uprising endgame
Recency Bias: Both teams were hot garbage last week, as South Park scored 138 and Phoenix 133, each ending their 9 win seasons on sour notes. Each team scored about 100 points more during their bye, when Phoenix scored 238 and South Park 233. Each team will try to finish with bragging rights.
X-Factors: Derrick Henry was traded from Pawnee to Phoenix, juggled by Phoenix and eventually inched off the roster, where he was claimed by the Cows and finally became the juggernaut he was born to be. Coming off back to back dominating performances, his late season performance will vault him up 2019 draft boards. Phoenix's Robby Anderson approached WR1 numbers last year but really struggled most of the season before coming on late with his playmaking ability.

#7 SAVANNAH vs #11 NEW YORK

Head to Head: This father son matchup has been running since 2009, with Savannah taking the 2018 game but still trailing New York 6-4 in regular season play. New York also won their only playoff matchup, ten years ago in the first round of Larkspur Bowl I. The winner of this matchup will have first choice in draft order, with the ability to take the top overall pick if they so desire.
Injury Report: New York lost Randall Cobb to a concussion last week and his status remains indistinct. The team's lone survivor from the draft, Desean Jackson, has missed nearly a month with a thumb injury, but may be able to plug back in for the finale. The Petes will be without Frank Gore, who replaced Kareem Hunt; They're down to non-factor Carlos Hyde as a partner for Dalvin Cook after failing to place a claim. Sammy Watkins is unlikely to play this week, while Cole Beasley is questionable.
Recency Bias: The Finest have steamrolled the competition lately in pursuit of the top pick, and appear poised to claim it; They're heavy favorites against a depleted and demoralized Pete team.
X-Factors: New York's linebackers have keyed their resurgence, and the team has a 'good problem' in trying to find playing time for them all. If Savannah can find a diamond in the rough at running back it will go a long way to making this a competitive matchup.