Honky Tonk Stomp 2011 Preview

Honky Tonk Stomp 2011 takes place on Saturday, June 4, 2011, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Go ahead and reread that sentence and try to tell me I don't love commas. This annual one day tournament is hosted by each team in Tennessee on a rotating basis. This year the Hard Knox Rollergirls will be the host team, while Nashville returns as the two time champion. The tournament is expanded slightly to allow for some Apprentice leagues and B-teams to get some play time. These games will strongly influence who among Memphis or Knoxville might make it to regionals and who won't, while Nashville is likely to emerge the victor again.

Photo: Ray Rodil

The day's activities begin with some B-Team action, with the Hard Knox Brawlers taking on the Nashville Music City Brawl Stars. Following that, Apprentice leagues Little City and Chattanooga will take each other on before the main WFTDA on WFTDA action takes place. Memphis won the Stomp in 2008, and will begin the real tournament activities by taking on higher ranked, as well as 2009 & 2010 state champion, Nashville. Memphis then gets a short rest before taking on long time rival Hard Knox, who then has to go straight into a game against Nashville themselves. Previous tournaments have been close, and difficult to predict, but this year the winner, at least, should be easy to see. Nashville is heavily expected to come out clean from this tournament, expect Memphis and Knoxville to play their hardest yet this season, as it is unlikely that both of them can make it into the South Central Regional Tournament. Both teams are looking for a recovery from a series of loses.

Hard Knox Brawlers vs. Nashville Music City Brawl Stars
What to expect: Both Nashville's and Knoxville's B-teams are peppered with experienced skaters, as well as brand new skaters. The Brawl Stars recently prevailed over Bowling Green's Vet City Rollergirls, and played against Kansas City's B-team, though they lost. The Brawlers have had fewer games this year, and are a bit shorter on the bench. Though it will be close, I have to give the edge to the Brawl Stars over the Brawlers.
Prediction: Brawl Stars 150 - Brawlers 125

Little City (Apprentice 7/2010) vs. Chattanooga (Apprentice 4/2010)

What to expect: Little City in a solid third season, with a nice collection of wins against fellow Apprentice leagues and member league B-teams. Though this season they have gone 1-4, they have put up solid performances against Nashville's Brawl Stars, and the Richland County Regulators. Chattanooga is coming hot of the heels of two huge 150 point gap wins over Augusta's Soul City Sirens and Savannah's Hostess City Hellions. I have go go with Little City in this game, but expect solid performances from both teams. 

Prediction: Little City 110 - Chattanooga 75 

Memphis (11SC/65FTS) vs. Nashville (3SC/20FTS)

What to expect: Nashville is coming into this tournament stronger than anyone expected a few weeks ago, and will likely be riding high after their amazing upset over Jet City (7W/36FTS). Memphis, on the other hand, has suffered back to back painful defeats from Green Country (9SC/38FTS). While Memphis is looking for redemption, this is not the game for them to find it. Memphis will likely go for a solid showing here, but save their energy and players for the game against Knoxville. 

Prediction: Nashville 230 - Memphis 45

Memphis (11SC/65FTS) vs. Hard Knox (12SC/62FTS)

What to expect: Just like Memphis, Hard Knox is coming off of two loses. While the one against Atlanta was expected, their loss against new comer Gold Coast (13SC/56) was surprising to many. Expect both Memphis and Hard Knox to put their best skate forward for this game to claim second place. The winner has a chance at South Central Regionals, while the loser is almost certainly out. It will be close, but I think Hard Knox has what it takes to play at top form the whole game. 

Prediction:  Hard Knox 140 - Memphis 115

Hard Knox (12SC/62FTS) vs. Nashville (3SC/20FTS)

What to expect: Knoxville should do a bit better than Memphis, but likely not enough to prevail over a very strong Nashville. The Hard Knox will be coming right from a very tough game against Memphis, while Nashville will be rested and ready. Hard Knox will be playing for pride, as a solid showing improves their chances in regionals all the more. 

Prediction:  Nashville 210 - Hard Knox 65

Overall Winner: Nashville 2-0
Second Place: Hard Knox 1-1
Third Place: Memphis 0-2

Contact me: King James