After two rounds of fan voting, we now have our awesomely inflatable Sweet 16 ready to go. (DMN file photos)
After two early exciting rounds of Inflatable Mania 2014 we are now into the meat and potatoes of this airy showdown.
Our apologies go out to the fans who were waiting on pins and needs to see the Sweet 16 reveal. We had thousands of folks come out to vote in the Round of 32 and here are the official picks as well as the next round of contests.
NORTHERN REGION:
What we learned: A reigning champion is very tough to beat and Wylie cruised past McKinney Boyd through the power of the AHMO Skull. Prosper’s fan base continues to be a strong force setting up an incredible Sweet 16 match-up with Wylie. Flower Mound and Birdville offer a western swing to this northern bracket.
Staff picks: Wylie, Poteet, Allen, Flower Mound
Winners: Wylie, Prosper, Birdville, Flower Mound
WESTERN REGION:
What we learned: Arlington is a frontrunner for Newcomer of the Year. We had heard about the smoke blowing, giant green colt before, but after seeing this monstrosity, it is daunting. Ennis and Euless Trinity is a match-up that is just as much fun in the inflatable realm as it is for real football fans. If only 6A and 5A overlapped more.
Staff picks: Arlington, Corsicana, Arlington Lamar, Euless Trinity
Winners: Arlington, Corsicana, Ennis, Euless Trinity
EASTERN REGION:
What we learned: North Garland and Greenville put up one of the best fights ever, but in the end No. 8 seed Greenville managed to squeak past the Raider helmet. Another perennial contender, Rowlett was bounced taking both Garland ISD teams out of the region.
Staff picks: North Garland, Rowlett, Mesquite, Red Oak
Winners: Greenville, Frisco, Mesquite, Mesquite Horn
SOUTHERN REGION:
What we learned: It took three regions to finally have a clean corner of the bracket but we went four-for-four with our Southern picks. The key match-up this round is South Grand Prairie vs. Denton Guyer (two massive fanbases). Garland’s mega owl is flying high and poised for a deep run.
Staff picks and winners: Garland, McKinney North, South Grand Prairie, Denton Guyer
INFLATABLE MANIA ROUND-UP
Meet the Gallery of 2014 Contestants
Click here for the results of the Round of 32
Click here to read about the origins of these inflatable monstrosities.