Kirkland Koffing vs. Kenmore Air

With the week one jitters out of the way, the PDL has stepped into its second week of the 2.1 season. Just like in week one, this week brought some powerhouse gyms together for some greatly anticipated matchups. Smasher Schmidt was one of last season's rising stars as he was able to find his best postseason placement to date as well as the most improved trainer award. Looking to show off the new team and why he's in the conversation for favorite to win it all, the gym leader of the Kirkland Koffing prepared to face former champion and commissioner of the league, Daniel of the Kenmore Air. As one of the veterans of the league and a former champion, the Kenmore Air gym has gained a lot of respect over the lifespan of the PDL and has been a formidable contender for every trainer that faces him. Both gyms are coming off 1-3 losses last week so both came with a chip on their shoulder and are eager to find their first win of the season.

While spectators expected a banger of a match, they never expected to see both teams compete at such a high level. Dan came out of the gate hot, using Sabrina (Gothitelle) and the opposing teams own psychic terrain against them to come out to a 2-0 lead. Dan’s preparation and game knowledge was at its peak as he was able to read the game and secure a solid lead for his team. With the winds of a sweep bellowing in his ears, Smasher Schmidt turned his cap backwards, sat forward and locked in for match three. Despite the storm set before him by the former champion, the Koffing were able to battle their way to a game five. Thanks to Professor Narwhal’s (Hisuian Sammurott) sacred sword and a little help from Linkedin (Indeedee), the Koffing were able to make a statement victory in week two, winning 3-2.

Praising his team, Koffing’s Schmidt said, “The team was able to keep their cool when down 2 games to nil, focusing on what we needed to do in order to position ourselves better and hopefully turn the game around.  The Koffing team did a great job this week to shut down talks about who deserved the Most Improved Trainer award and that we aren't blowing smoke in more ways than one.” With a well deserved win under his belt, the Koffing look to keep their momentum going in week three as they face the Bellevue Traffic Instigators (0-2).

With an uncharacteristic start to the season, Daniel and the Kenmore Air find themselves 0-2. Even while being able to use the psychic terrain set by the Koffing to his own advantage, the Kenmore air were eventually suffocated by the smoke of the opposing team. Keeping his head high and looking forward, Pilot Daniel said, “Schmidt has come a long way in this league and has become a real tough trainer as of late. He played an amazing game so props to him for the win. Next week, I'm excited to see what Drew has learned in his first two weeks of the season. His team has a lot of threats so I’ll be charting a strong flight path and hopefully we can get the wind back under our wings.”

Longview Ludicolo vs. Longview Lickilicky

The Longview Lickilicky, led by gym leader Darian, were looking to bounce back this week against sophomore gym leader, Bebs of the Longview Ludicolo. Darian faced the reigning champ last week in a 0-3 sweep and was left with an appetite for victory. Hoping to feast on the lively Ludicolo who were able to sweep their opponents last week, the Longview showdown was set and the trainers stepped into battle.

If the Lickilicky were looking for a feast, they got one as they were able to sweep the Ludicolo. Garafarig and Primarina were eating well as hyper voices rang in Beb’s pokemon’s ears, knocking them out left and right. With a complete 180 form last week, Darian’s team looked even more threatening than before as he seems to have found his groove. While he wasn't able to comment after the match, we can be assured he’s preparing for his match next week against the 1-1 Longview Luxray led by gym leader Jason for another cross town match.

With a disappointing loss on hsi record, Bebs and the Ludicolo seemed off tune this week. The blizzard/snowstorm combination that brought so much success the week before seemed to work differently. First round pick Garchomp made a surprising one appearance in the three matches and must be utilized more if the Ludicolo are to get their season back on track. Left pondering how freeze only lasted one turn, Bebs looks to turn it around next week against Grant and the Corvallis Knights.

Ballard Bulbasaur vs. Bothell Beartic

The Ballard Bulbasaur and Bothell Beartic have been battling each other for an entire year now. Fans expect these matches to go the distance and these two trainers made that happen again this week.

Champion Kenneth was able to out maneuver Rival Avery in a 5 game match that saw both trainers exchange blows all the way up until the end. The Bothell Beartic are starting the season off right if they want to go back to back. With a 2-0 record they will need to carry their momentum into their week 3 match against Hiker Alex and the Grants Pass Grotle.

The Ballard Bulbasaur are now 1-1 and need to plant a few more wins if they hope to get into the playoffs. They have had a challenging schedule to start the season and have another tough matchup next week against the Mercer Island Mudkip. Rival Avery, who never shies away from trash talk, had this to say about his next opponent,

“Max is a trash trainer from a trash island. After I’m done with him next week, we’re gonna send him home to clean up his mess."

Bellevue Traffic Instigators vs. Corvallis Knights

Luke Simon of the Bellevue Traffic Instigators had a tough assignment going up against former champion Grant of the Corvallis Knights. WInning in the PDL’s inaugural season, Grant has been a consistent top level competitor that aims to find another trophy to add to his cabinet. With a solid victory over another former champion, Dan, Grants is looking like he's off to his usual hot start. Luke simon on the other hand is just beginning his journey and is getting his first taste of competitive pokemon. Knowing the tall task set before him, Luke Simon prepared to continue to experience his journey in the PDL knowing that he would walk out another step further in his goal of becoming a champion himself. With the stage set, the two gyms faced off.

Despite efforts to create traffic jams in the Knight’s plans, Luke Simon wasn't able to find his first victory this week as Grant was able to sweep the game 3-0. Ooey Gooey (Hisuian Goodra) and Suh Dude (Alolan Riachu) were able to give the rest of the team a little break as Grant was able to showcase the offensive and defensive threat his team was made to be. Slaking’s truant seems to be giving Luke Simon some trouble as the rest of his team is able to do what they are supposed to do. Neither player was available for comment as both set their eyes on their week three match up. The Traffic are set to face the Kirkland Koffing (1-1), a past user of slaking where Luke Simon may be able to get some tips. Grant looks to best the 1-1 Ludicolo and keep his win streak alive. 

Grants Pass Grotle vs. Tacoma Tinks

The Tacoma Tinks hosted their first home match at Da Clerb. Hiker Alex looked a little out of place among all Tinks’ Hype Squad. Both of these teams took an unfortunate loss in their first week and were looking for a big win. Fans were excited not only to see how these new trainers fared against one another, but also for the matchup between the Ursaluna brothers.

Game one showed both trainers had a gameplan and were willing to do whatever it took to execute it. With a little luck, Top or Bottom Drew was able to utilize Hiker Alex’s trick room to his advantage and win game one. The Tinks were able to capitalize on their momentum and left Da Clerb dancing with a 3-0 victory.  

Now 1-1, newcomer Drew seems to have acclimated well to the league. The Tinks will be tested next week against the Kenmore Air who have had a slow start to their season. A win against one of the previous champions would bring the party in Da Clerb.

Hiker Alex drops to 0-2 after back to back losses. Their re-entry into the league is not going as well as the franchise would have hoped, and it only gets more difficult from here. Next week they will need to pack extra layers when they face the defending champion, The Bothell Beartic.

Federal Way Pharos vs. Mercer Island Mudkip

After losing the first annual Ceremonial PDL Draft Blitz Opening Weekend Kickoff Battle, the Federal way Pharos travelled to take on their longtime rivals, the Mercer Island Mudkip. These two teams have a long history of spectacular battles starting in the season 2 championship.

This match was one for the already full history books. Michael cooked up an aggressive and unique team including a justified Lucario, powered up by mimikyu. On the other end of the battlefield, Max brought much of what was expected, Jeff the Landshark (Dondozo) and Sharkbait (Tatsugiri). The Mudkip proved to be too much this time around as they took home the W in this 5 game thriller.

The Mercer Mudkip are now 2-0 after a very disappointing record last season. This time around, they are excited about the draft and getting ahead early in the season, 

“Michael did well prepping for Jeff and Sharkbait but we were able to adapt to his strategy and take out his biggest threats. It seemed like they wanted to slow the pace of the match down so we kept our foot on the gas, blowing through every stop sign they threw our way. Next week we have an easy match. Avery says he is ready to face the Golden State Warriors. Everyone said that before they stepped on the court against KD and the squad, how did that work out?”

The Federal Way Pharos fall to 0-2 after back to back heartbreak losses. It's been a tough start to the season for several of our veteran trainers, so we expect Michael to power up his team next week when they face off against the Venersborg Venusaur who seem to have turned over a new leaf this season.

Longview Luxray vs. Venersborg Venusaur

Another week of new faces meeting for the first time in the PDL brought us, William of the Venersborg Venusaur versus the Longview Luxray led by returning gym leader Jason. William’s second season in the league has started with a bang after adjusting to the PDL last season as he started his journey. With a 3-0 sweep under his belt, William seems to have found something that works for him with his newly drafted team. Jason’s break from the PDL seems to have done him some good as the Luxray have also found themselves with his first win the PDL just a point behind William’s Venusaur. Looking to continue to add to their win columns, Both teams faced off.

Unfortunately reporters were unable to make it to the match for a first hand account due to not having a bike for the bike path to the gym and thus we have no footage for the match. Reporters were able to gather second hand accounts of the match and were told that the game ended in a 3-1 win for the Venusaur. Grimsnar was able to shut the lights on the Luxray with his light screen while the rest of his team was able to stay safe and clean up from behind the screens. With a majority of Jason’s threats being special attacks, his team wastant able to get more than a match. William’s prep shone as he was able to identify the threats and make a game plan for them. Next week he faces Michael of the Federal Way Pharos who are looking for their first win.

Jason’s Luxray weren't able to close the deal this week and head back to the lab as he continues to figure out his team. From the comments of onlookers, we gathered that his team was based around the droughts set by his Torkal to allow the rest of his team to clean up but it just wasn't enough. Jason was unavailable for comment after the match but looks to get back on track next week against the 1-1 Longview Lickilicky