posted Oct 20th, 2006 - NSL-TV follows up with round five of the NSL Playoffs 2006 very quickly this time. This offers the valued audience one more opportunity to look at some of the teams, which will compete at the USPA Nationals 2006 beginning this weekend on Sunday.

The third consecutive 18-point round for Elsinore Gravity and Perris Fury did not bring any surprises. Both teams went almost exactly the same pace throughout the whole jump (10.88 - 10.89 first page, 20.53 - 20.60 second page, 29.97 - 30.06 third page).

Perris Fury was a little bit faster from the beginning of the fourth page to the finishing line and completed the 18th point clearly in time, while Elsinore Gravity had the completion of Block 16 (Compressed Accordeon - Box) right on the edge of the working time.

The Elsinore team was also fortunate with the team's exit and the subterminal move. The flat video angle in combination with the sun made it very challenging for the judge to identify the first two formations and the first inter. However, both teams had their 18-pointers on the scoreboard, and the tied race continued unchanged.

Round five also offers another viewing of one of the top contenders in the AA Class. Team Pulse from the Ranch Skydiving League was already introduced when round two of the NSL Playoffs 2006 was posted with the NSL News story on October 6. Round five brings more evidence how strongly and solidly Pulse is performing.

Who are the other top contenders in the AA/Intermediate Class competition of the USPA Nationals? The complete field of teams will only be known when the whole registration process is completed on Saturday evening. There are no restrictions for teams to sign up in this class. Only previous USPA medal winners are not allowed to compete again in this class.

It is possible that some teams sign up for the AA Class, which competed in the AAA Class competition at NSL events of the regular season. It has happened at previous USPA Nationals, and it might happen again. However, the AA Class Rankings of the 2006 season show all known top contenders, and they are already listed on the event page for the AA Class.

The Air Force line-ups were already mentioned as medal contenders when the earlier rounds were posted on NSL-TV. The Sirens from the Chicagoland Skydiving Center had a strong season, and coach Robert Chromy will guide and support the team in Eloy. The all-female team is eager to bring out the best of the season this weekend.

The Furies from Skydive Chicago will be the usual rival of the Midwest Skydiving League once again, also with an all-female line-up. Both teams have the potential to charge for medal positions. Another team from the Chicagoland Skydiving Center challenges both female line-ups. CSC Rubicon already stepped down from the AAA Class to the AA Class at the last MWSL meet, and the Sirens enjoyed the competition with the local rival.

Elsinore Vengeance belongs in the same category of underdogs for medals, even though the Northwest Skydiving League team had bad luck with Lisa Albrecht's injury this year. The teams and the NSL audience will know more about the field tomorrow night, and the competition draw will be posted at that time, as well.