I can only agree with Coach Roger’s perspective and the accuracy of his analysis. The Flannel Shirts’ management team reached the same conclusions... Winning a title this season will be difficult.

So after the fun and games of the Conference Tourneys and the distraction of the Non Conference matches, it's back to the serious business.  

Big 8 resumes with four teams - Pekin, Quincy, Columbia and Portland - locked in at the top with barely a cigarette paper between them. 

None of the four sides have an easy run-in. The Peas have to host both Quincy and Portland, the Mules will welcome Columbia but have to travel to Portland. The Tomatoes probably have the easiest run in as they travel to Quincy, where they won in the Tourney SF, but don't face any of their other main rivals again (not that any game in Big 8 is easy). By comparison, the Jacks will have to do it the hard way - already one game adrift they host Quincy in the final game of the season and must visit Pekin before that.  At least a home game against the Crows and a trip to Arlington gives them the opportunity to stay in the hunt should any of their rivals slip up.  

All four teams will be expected to go all in for the National Championships (or the second Big 8 Conference Trophy as it's sometime known), but they are also through to the second round of the (James Turner) Cup and could decide to sacrifice the Conference for a shot at knocking JT off his pedestal. It's hard to imagine Steve taking that option as he drew the short straw and faces the perennial Cup holders, and newly minted WGM Champs first up - especially as he played the kids when he had home field advantage against the same opposition in the WGM - but it might be an attractive option for Antoine if that one game deficit looks insurmountable.

It's going to be epic - best of luck gentlemen!