Thoughts heading into 2022-2023 ACL season
The 2021-2022 ACL regular season has concluded. The world Championships, held in Rock Hill, SC was a content creator’s dream. It had big comebacks, dominant performances, Snookie sightings with a sprinkling of drama. *Chefs kiss* The Pro Shootout series and the Pro Invitational event are still to be concluded which offers qualified players a nice pay day opportunity. Here are some thoughts and things to think about as we head into the “off season”….
Can Mark Richards repeat?
If you’re a fan of professional cornhole (if you’re reading this and you’re not then run while you can), chances are you have heard the name Mark Richards. Coming into the 2021-2022 season, this ACL rookie had some hype going in, but nowhere near that of players like Alex Rawls, Josh Holland, Tanner Halbert etc… Well, it turns out Richards is really good. Just how good has he been? Well the MVP has won 8 ACL titles this year, including a World Championship in Singles just over a week ago. The South paw touts a High PPR with a ridiculous DPR. He’s focused on the boards but can show emotion with a timely fist pump after a good shot. The dude is just likable…..
But the question at hand is….can he repeat this fairy-tale season? Can he even come close again? Listen, I have watched the same matches as you all. I know how good this dude is…he is undoubtedly the best player in the World….right now. Is it sustainable? It certainly could be. 5-10 years from now we could very well be talking about when Mark Richards made his splash in the ACL and never looked back. The fun part? There are zero guarantees. He was a rookie, so could there be a sophomore slump? Of course. He could still have a very solid season next year without winning any titles. Every year the talent pool in the ACL will become deeper, making it statistically less likely for someone to repeat. He has a target on his back now…will he get nervous… again?
The Fire Dynasty?
Last year Fire Cornhole burst onto the scene when they decided to sign 3 well known Rookie players and the, then current, #1 player in the world. It was announced that Matt Guy would play with Jamie Graham, not his son Bret, for the next two seasons and an instant powerhouse team was born. Heading into the 2021-2022 season they were undoubtedly the favorite going into each and every National event. Finishing off this season with 2 National Wins, the duo ultimately fell short at the World Championships. Jamie has been on record saying he would play with Matt again stating, “How do you turn down a chance to play with the GOAT?” It has been reported that Matt would have remained with Jamie without doubt if the two won the World Championship. So the door is open….
Does Matt decide to play with Bret again? Rekindle that “Fire” (pun intended) between the two that seems to bring out the best in each of them. Or….does he play with Jamie and the two decide to make a run at creating a long term doubles dynasty? They’re off to a good start so far…it’s something to keep our eyes on going forward.
What happens with Team Halbert/EZ??
Now I know most of you probably think I am crazy. Tanner Halbert and Eric Zocklein are coming off a World Championship where they finished T-3rd and made the ESPN Broadcast. They got two full scoops of Guy/Graham to make the broadcast and the duo just seems to click. So what’s the issue? Well…yes they made the broadcast…but they didn’t perform even close to their potential. Does that leave a bad taste in their mouths? Tanner’s future brother-in-law, Jordan Camba should be returning to the ACL after a year’s suspension and the two play local events together throughout the year (and basically win everything). Camba signed with Ultra Cornhole last year..and I would have to assume that at the very least, Tanner would remain with Ultra as well. Do I think it’s likely that Halbert/EZ run it back? Yes. Would I be completely shocked if Halbert decided to play with Camba? Nope. It might come down to who he feels gives him the best chance at winning a National Championship…and it’s not a bad way to look at things.
Teams event…will pros take it more seriously now?
If you were at the World Championship event on Saturday, chances are you might have caught some of the Teams event action. Now the first round or two was…ok. However the intensity was building each round as the players were completing for a decent pay day. The Finals were electric. A better script couldn’t have been written…it came down to game 7, which was down to the wire and had a highlight reel shot. It had it all. I was on the fence about the Teams event before, but now that I have watched it live…I really enjoy it.
Most Pro players I spoke with enjoyed the team aspect. Many played with partners they otherwise would never play with. Unanimously among those I spoke with, was the concept of team camaraderie they enjoyed most. However, several expressed they wished they would have known what they were competing for heading into the season. This financial reward could certainly play as a motivating factor for every individual to perform up to their max potential. Excited to see how this format will continue to evolve.
Did the Great Lakes conference just leap to number 1?
Ohh the great conference debate. Who is best? Who is the top 5? Obviously depending on whom you talk to and what region they play out of…you will get various answers. The Carolina, Atlantic, Southwest and Southeast all had arguments for the number 1 spot heading into this year felt, but I think it’s time we recognize the Great Lakes Conference as a true contender for the crown. The World Championships speak for themselves….I’d be interested to hear what Conference you feel is best….
Bag Testing and Match Officials
The World Championships wouldn’t be complete without a little drama. I am interested to see what changes will be made following the “small bags” fiasco that started prior to the Bracket final match between Harbaugh/King and Richards/Lopez Jr. Will the ACL begin to check bags prior to pro events? Seems like a simple enough solution. But how many bags could players have inspected? Will the process be simple and efficient enough to be able to handle prior to a tournament? Will the rules remain the same, where Bags would only be checked if a player challenges?
I have heard the cry for match officials at every court following the Finley/Hamm match in which a score was entered incorrectly…and just happened to occur on a live stream. Eventually, I would imagine that American Cornhole League wants to evolve the gambling side of the game. It’s a game that is perfectly designed for sports betting because matches are relatively quick. Should they ever evolve into real time betting, Match officials seem like a necessity. Until that time…I just don’t see it happening.
The off season technically begins September 5th, which is the first day players can begin to negotiate with bag sponsors. Stay tuned for updates and keep your fingers crossed for juicy content!!
As always, I hope you throw it straight and it’s nothing but 4 baggers from here on out! Cheers!
-Sean
