In the closest finish of any championship game in league history, the Dallas Armadillos eeked out a one-point win over the New Chester Thorobreds in Fantasy Bowl XXX. The final score: 61.5 to 60.5. We’ve had two previous Fantasy Bowls end with a two-point margin, but this is the only time in memory the outcome wasn’t determined until the final few minutes of the Monday night game.

This was the fourth appearance in the Fantasy Bowl for the Armadillos, and their second win. Dallas’ previous win was in 2014 (85-66 vs. Violence). They lost in 2016 (111-58 to the Mud) and 2013 (117-67 to the Blizzard). This is the fourth Fantasy Bowl title for Sam McClain as a owner/co-owner (he led the LA Riot! to titles in 1993 and 1996).

In a statement released by the team, they have attributed the win to a savvy off-season move: obtaining a new co-owner. The statement said “The Dallas Armadillos would like to thank the newest addition to our management/ownership team, Chris Lieberman, for providing the missing element to our team — luck.”

For the Thorobreds, it was their second appearance in the Fantasy Bowl and their first loss, after winning 93-73 in 2005 over the Big Bang. With such a close game, New Chester fans are left wondering “what if” when seeing 40 points sitting on the bench.

The Froglickers captured third place with a 102-70 win over the Mud, and in the fifth-place game the Griffins easily dispatched the Big Bang 100-74.5.

And here’s another news flash: the points championship is still competitive! The Mercer Mustangs gained another 51 points on the Armadillos and now trail by only 63.5 points going into the final week. A Mercer comeback here would be a huge upset, but the final week can be weird and anything is possible. And if Mercer slips up and scores low, they might not even finish in 2nd.

Top point leaders entering the final week:

1. Armadillos 1458
2. Mustangs 1394.5 (63.5 behind DAL)
3. Froglickers 1354.5 (-103.5; 40 behind MER)
4. Blowfish 1337 (-121; 57.5 behind MER)
5. Thorobreds 1310 (-148; 84.5 behind MER)