The Dentsu Caterpillars, who are ranked first in the X1 Area EAST division (5-1) will square off against the All-Mitsubishi Lions (0-6), who are ranked fourth in the X1 Super EAST division, at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki with the winning team to be promoted to X1 Super next season.

Dentsu Caterpillars WR Ravon Johnson catching one of his 19 passes Photo: @xleague

Dentsu finished the regular season on a roll having won their final three games of the year including a 23-15 victory over the Metropolitan Police Eagles in the final round which atoned for an earlier loss to the Eagles. Quarterback Aaron Ellis is far and away the passing leader in the X1 Area having thrown for 1,046 yards and 14 touchdowns in six games. Ravon Johnson is his favorite target and the top receiver in the league with 19 receptions for 340 yards and five scores. The Caterpillars ground game is led by running back Jun Haraya who has rushed for 216 yards and teammate Sho Kitamura (174 yards).

All Mitsubishi Lions DB Kyoma Ogura (left) tackling the ball carrier @xleague

For the Lions, it was an abysmal season. Not only were they winless (0-6) they gave up 273 points while scoring just 26 in six games. Still there were a couple of bright spots including the opening game of the season in which they lost to 24-12 IBM Big Blue but not before taking the lead in the game after scoring the first touchdown.

All Mitsubishi quarterbacks Yuki Yamanaka and Keisuke Nishizawa combined for a total of 633 yards passing while throwing just two touchdown passes (Yamanaka). The Lions did not have a single running back in the top 20 in rushing.

Whether there is such a huge difference between the top and bottom teams in the X1 Super or between the X1 Super and X1 Area remains to be seen. The matchup between Dentsu and All Mitsubishi will tell the tale.

Source: X-League