The most exciting phase of the DCI season is set to get underway as we approach 31 days until finals night at the World Championships. On Sunday, beginning at 3:50 PM CT, the DCI Midwestern Championship in St. Louis will mark the first time this year that so many of the prospective finalists will compete directly against one another. 

It will be the first chance that judges will have the ability to stack up so many of the corps against each other. So let’s dive into what we’ll get to see and not waste any more time. 

"MURDERERS' ROW"

There are three blocks of performances on Sunday inside the Dome At America’s Center, but the last block of the night will be one that everyone has been waiting to see. Much like the 1927 New York Yankees lineup that was known as “Murderers' Row," these corps will perform one amazing, heavy-hitting show after the next. 

All times are local to the event and are subject to change

The Cadets lead this block off at 8:23 PM CT and are followed by Phantom Regiment at 8:40 PM CT. The two corps haven’t seen each other since June 23 in Akron, Ohio, when The Cadets beat Phantom by 1.300 points. Since then, The Cadets have been on an island between Phantom and the rest of the corps in this block. 

Will Phantom be able to make a move and overtake The Cadets? Or will The Cadets be able to make a jump into the next tier and make a potential run at a medal?

The next five corps have all been in recent conversations for a medal at the 2018 DCI World Championships.

The Cavaliers continue their resurgence towards the top. Boston is sending massive signals that it is ready to contend as well. Bluecoats are undefeated in 2018. Carolina is dangerous, as always. And the Blue Devils haven't placed lower than silver since 2006.

The Contenders

Cavies had a very strong showing in Minnesota by finishing second and were only 1.600 behind Blue Devils. This week will be a grind leading up to St. Louis. The Cavaliers haven’t had a show since July 7, which means you know that they have installed some changes and filled in more content. 

And they’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase those changes. They begin a string of four shows in five days. Look for them to have something new in store come Sunday. 

The Boston Crusaders have been on one hell of a tear this season. They just made a three-day swing from New Jersey all the way down to Orlando, FL, and did not come away empty-handed. 

Following a lengthy weather delay in Orlando, Boston went out and lit the place on fire. The Crusaders wound up tying Carolina Crown with an 82.100, thus, firmly lodging themselves within the medalist conversation. 

Just two years ago, Boston narrowly made finals by edging out the Madison Scouts by 0.262 points. Considering that fact, the Crusaders' rocket-like trajectory since then has been one of the most amazing rises in drum corps history. 

Don’t be surprised if the building is shaking around 9:14 PM CT. It’s only the roar of “BLOOOOOOO.” The Bluecoats are the last unbeaten corps in 2018 and will look to continue that in St. Louis.

Bluecoats have increased their score at every show so far this season which means they aren’t peaking anytime soon. They’ve beaten everyone this year with the exception of Blue Devils and Santa Clara (not performing).

Will Bluecoats have their streak stopped or will it be intact come Monday morning?

Carolina Crown has been another corps that has had a steady climb up the score sheets. Since its 70.000 debut in Detroit, Crown has improved its score every single show. Now sitting at an 82.250 (7/10), Crown will have several days off to install changes. Then, the corps gets a chance to perform those changes on Saturday in Kentucky. 

Look for Crown to unleash a new looking "Beast" come Sunday evening in St. Louis.

At 10:05 PM CT, the reigning world champions will take the field. The Blue Devils' 2018 season can be characterized by leaps. 

They have had two instances this season already in which they’ve had five-plus days in between shows. After the first one (June 24-30), BD’s score shot up 4.300 points. Then, again between July 2-7, they were able to increase their score by 3.000 points.

After their performance in Indiana on July 11, the Blue Devils will have three days of rehearsing before they perform again in Dekalb on July 14. Then, it’s on to St. Louis.

Will the Blue Devils make another leap up the score sheets and claim the crown? We shall see.

Be on the lookout Thursday for further breakdown of the DCI Midwestern Championship.