The toughest competition The Northern Colorado Nightmare have seen all year was from outside of the league, until tonight. Previously, the Nightmare defeated the Flames 39-7 and 34-6 earlier this season. Colorado Springs made NoCo work for it in the first round of the playoffs as the Nightmare had their toughest win of the season 22-7 through a sloppy game.

The weather topped last week’s lightning delay in length, strikes, closeness, and amount of sheer rain. Much like the weather, both teams were sloppy and undisciplined in multiple facets of the game. Per usual, the Nightmare eventually buckled down and played team ball, but it was not without moments of frustration.

The Flames running backs were dangerous as #25 and #00 would break tackles, run over defenders and eventually #25 found himself all alone in the end zone for an easy 10-yard touchdown catch. This would create one of the longest leads for a Nightmare opponent all season long as NoCo would not find the end zone until 15:37 minutes later. Just before halftime, Quarterback JuJu Banks would connect with D’Heaven Domena for a 10-yard inside pass where he muscled his way through three defenders for the score.

Penalties, tempers and mistakes plagued the third quarter as both sides struggled to gain control of the score and their composure. This would all change when the Nightmare would lead a long drive down the field ultimately paying off with an Eli Gilbert touchdown catch. The Flames tried desperately to teeter the saw horse scales of the one-score game, but mistakes and an injured quarterback derailed their chances. The Nightmare would stay determined and scored again late in the fourth quarter to seal the win and the championship game berth.

The NoCo Nightmare will host the CFL Championship against the Colorado Sting this Saturday in The Boneyard at District 6 Stadium at 6:45 pm.