5/17/25 COACH C SHOW, SEASON MIDWAY

Coach C's Central Section Power Poll

Memorial Day Bye Week Edition

Written by Coach C – SemiPro GameDay

The Playoff Picture Heats Up as Dreams Begin to Die…

As we hit the Memorial Day league-wide bye week, the Central Section standings have started to take shape—and for some teams, the shape is starting to look a lot like "see you next year." The top dogs continue to feast, while others watched their playoff hopes crumble in heartbreaking fashion. With just a month left before the postseason grind begins, tensions are sky-high, and every snap is now survival mode.

Let’s dive into the Top 10 Rankings headed into the break—where rivalries, redemption, and full-on chaos await after the bye!

“God’s Team” Still Reigning Supreme

The defending champs laid the hammer down in Wichita with a 38-0 BTA shutdown of the Diamondbacks. Taylay “The One-Handed Bandit” Curry turned up with over 200 all-purpose yards, leaving defenders spinning like a record. The Cru is rolling with championship swagger, and no one’s figured out the cheat code yet.

Next Up: The Bye Week Break

Too Fast, Too Strong, Too Focused

Don’t let the final score fool you—this one wasn’t close. The Bears torched the Bucks with multiple 50+ yard plays and showcased explosive speed at every level. They’re circling May 31st for the in-state war with Tulsa that could shake the entire CMFL landscape.

Next Up: Tulsa Gators – May 31st – THE Showdown for The Sooner State

Still Snapping from the Shadows

Idle this week, but don’t sleep—the Gators are sharpening their teeth for their collision course with the Bears. QB Samm Johnson and WR Dylan Chinn are just waiting for their moment to break the league in half. The Winner of the rivalry game VS The Bears could find themselves at the top spot in the poll and in the driver’s seat in Great Plains Conference.

Next Up: Oklahoma Bears – May 31st – Must-See TV

Forfeit Win and Now... The Battle for the Lou!

The Falcons picked up a forfeit win vs. the defunct Cougars, but the real test comes next in their fierce rivalry showdown with the Missouri Cyclones who swept The Falcons last year. That game may decide control of The Gateway Conference.

Next Up: Missouri Cyclones in The Battle for the Lou – Buckle Up

Still Perfect, Still Dangerous

It wasn’t pretty and more of a struggle than expected, but KC gritted out a 29-14 win over a hungry Warcats squad. Led by the Starting Offensive and Defensive Lines along with a patchwork crew of backups everywhere else, the Black Kats weathered the storm and remain undefeated. Circle June 7th—they’ll need everything they got when they face the Falcons in a potential brawl for the number one seed in the Gateway Conference.

Next Up: Falcons – June 7th – For All the Marbles?

Quiet Storm Brewing

The Clones put BTA while shutting out Columbia 26-0 and are peaking at the perfect time. A win over the Falcons not only shakes up the standings—it blows the Gateway wide open.

Next Up: St. Louis Falcons – Rivalry and Revenge?

Don’t Look Now... But the Real Hawks Are Back

Wichita outlasted the Oklahoma Hawks in a thriller and now ride a 2-game win streak. Their May 31st matchup with the Bucks is everything—winner stays alive, loser all but packs it up in regards to the playoffs.

Next Up: St. Joe Bucks – Elimination Game Incoming

Karate Belts and Comebacks

HI-YAH!!!! The Eagles responded to the doubters with a 29-0 BTA shutout of the Punishers. That’s two karate belts this season and maybe their playoff ticket punched. They’re tough, gritty, and coming together at the right time.

Next Up: Vipers and They’re Flying High

9. Kansas City Bulldogs (1-1)

Dawgs on the Road Again

The Bulldogs were idle, but no rest for the weary—they now travel to face the undefeated Arkansas Kings. If they want to be considered contenders, this is where they prove it.

Next Up: Arkansas Kings – Statement Opportunity

Last Chance, Do or Die

The Bucks played hard against the Bears but just couldn’t keep up with that track meet of an offense. Now sitting at 1-4, it’s win or go home. May 31st vs the Skyhawks is their season wrapped in one game.

Next Up: Wichita Skyhawks – MUST WIN or BUST

Final Thoughts

The playoff push is officially on, and the league-wide bye is the calm before the storm. Every storyline is reaching its boiling point: Panthers vs Falcons, Bears vs Gators, Cyclones vs Falcons, and Bucks vs Skyhawks. The pressure is building, and when these squads return to action… somebody’s dream is going to die, and somebody’s legacy is going to be born.

Stay tuned. The real season is just about to begin......Rivalry Week....Here We Come!