The stage is set. For the third time in the franchise's brief 20 year history, the Portland Lumberjacks are heading to the Brewster Series. They're still searching for their first Brewster Title. Their opponent was the likely favorite to drudge their way through the Johnson League in the Charm City Jimmies. The Jimmies are the defending champions and seeking their 4th title in a 6 year span. A monumental task for the Lumberjacks. Can this team that finished dead last just one year ago complete an improbable run and knock off the heavily favored Bluebirds and now the favorite Jimmies?
"It's a tough task ahead of us" stated Lumberjacks manager Mons Raider. "They're a good squad. Hell, that's probably a big understatement. They're the defending champions, of course they're good. As an old wise man once said though, 'To be the best you have to beat the best'. I guess we'll go out and give it our all."
This does mark the 3rd time Portland has made it to the Brewster series and quite impressive when you put into context it'll be their 3rd trip in the span of 11 seasons. The last time the team made it was that 2051 squad that lost a heartbreaking 7th game to New Orleans. For the first time in the franchise's 3 trips, Portland will have home field advantage, something they didn't have in 2049 versus Vegas and 2051 versus New Orleans. It'll be the first time Portland and Charm City have ever met. But don't bother asking the clubhouse if those 2049 and 2051 losses still have meaning.
"No one in here was on that team" added Raider. "Despite being just 8 seasons ago, no one remains from that squad. This is an entirely new roster. In fact, I'm not even sure how many guys in the entire organization was even a part of this franchise back in 2051. That loss, and the one two years prior, has no bearing on this year's squad."
That is true. Heck, you can't ask many of the team how last year's 99 losses felt as many weren't even here for that.
As for who the favorite is, GM Chris Wilson added "easily the Jimmies. They're the defending champs. We probably don't have much of a chance. Hopefully we can win one game" he concluded sipping his coffee.
Assistant GM Sandy Mounds, to Wilson's right gave him a glance and a smile. She lifted her coffee mug to her lips and stopped. She lowered it and said "You know what, to hell with this. There's only one thing left to do... Win the whole.....fucking.....thing....."
She then poured her coffee out and walked out of the room.
Wilson lowered his head and left the room...........
Waiting for Wilson outside the room was Mounds, holding another mug of coffee. "I'm sorry. Cheers!" she raised her coffee up and took a sip.
