04-23-2024, 09:25 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-25-2024, 08:17 AM by DL14. Edited 2 times in total.)
Muddy's Matchup Review: Week 14
Arizona Outlaws (10-4) VS New York Silverbacks (5-9)
Overview
What a game to start off Week 14 as the Silverbacks managed to upset the Outlaws, with a final score of 23-20. The first quarter started with the Silverbacks' Wing Wang kicking an impressive 57-yard field goal, putting them in the lead 3-0. The second quarter saw the Outlaws turn the tide in their favor. Benji Aguilera caught a 16-yard pass from Donovan Winters III. Later, Jayme Jayne Jay-Jaymison scored a 22-yard field goal, bringing the Outlaws' lead to 10-3. The third quarter witnessed a strong response from the Silverbacks. Matthew Mara caught a 55-yard pass from Blaine Falco, equalizing the score at 10-10. However, Bertie Mannering-Phipps ran for a 7-yard touchdown, with Jayme Jayne Jay-Jaymison's successful kick giving the Outlaws the lead at 17-10. The Silverbacks responded swiftly, with Frank Dux scoring a 13-yard run in the final minute to level the score again at 17-17. In the final quarter, Wing Wang's remarkable 56-yard field goal put the Silverbacks ahead at 20-17. The Outlaws answered back with Jayme Jayne Jay-Jaymison's 57-yard field goal, tying the game again at 20-20. In the dying moments of the game, Wing Wang secured the win for the Silverbacks with a 43-yard field goal with just 4 seconds left, bringing the final score to 23-20.
My Thoughts
This game was absolutely crazy and was definitely the most entertaining matchup of the week. The Outlaws seem to be struggling at the absolute worst possible time now going 1-3 in their last 4 games. With the playoffs only 2 weeks away, they need to find some answers and find them fast. Luckily for them, NOLA lost this week so they get to keep that 2nd seed spot, however, both the Secondline and now the Otters are just one game behind. Arizona also doesn't have an easy schedule left, with the 1st seed Sabercats and top-team-destroyer Wraiths. They need to find a way to at least win one of these games and figure out what has been going wrong in prep for the wildcard matchup. As for the Silverbacks what a statement win! I knew their team was better than their record and said a few weeks ago how I could see them pulling off some upsets before the season was through. Hopefully, they have a good draft and can keep building as this team could potentially be a threat sooner than later.
Muddy's Player of the Game
K Wing Wang (@platanocat)
Stats: 4/4 FG (57 yds, 56 yds, 43 yds, 22 yds), 2 XP
Reason: Wang was locked in this game as he hit every kick asked of him, including two exceeding 55 yards! On top of that, Wang kicked the most important points of the game as he got the game-winner in the dying seconds. Accounting for 43% of the Silverbacks points, he was easily my choice for this week's PotG.
San Jose Sabercats (12-2) VS New Orleans Secondline (9-5)
Overview
In a closely contested match between two playoff-caliber teams, the SaberCats managed to secure a narrow victory over Secondline with a final score of 24-21. The first quarter began with Keanu Calhoun catching a 5-yard pass from Josh Patterson after an early NOLA turnover to put the SaberCats in the lead, 7-0. Secondline responded swiftly with Aaron Ford catching a 3-yard pass from Octavion Speedings and evened the score at 7-7. The second quarter saw Secondline taking the lead with Thomas Passarelli catching a 7-yard pass from Octavion Speedingsto get the lead 14-7. However, the SaberCats continued to keep the game close with Maple Dogwood catching a 29-yard pass from Josh Patterson, tying the game again 14-14. In the third quarter, Kyle Crane's 1-yard run gave Secondline their second lead at 21-14. Booter McGavin's 42-yard field goal brought the SaberCats closer at 17-21. The fourth quarter had Keanu Calhoun securing the victory with his second touchdown reception as the Sabercat's defense held strong for a final score of 24-21.
My Thoughts
With that win the Sabercats pretty much secured the 1st seed in the ASFC. As long as they win one of their final weeks they will have it set in stone. This was also a huge game for them to win as the Secondline are a very good team and could possibly be a playoff matchup. Having swept the season series against them 2-0, the Sabercats will be very confident if they have to play once more. If the Sabercats win next week against the Outlaws, they'll easily be the favorites to win it all in my eyes. The Secondline couldn't pull off the upset this week against the 1st seed, but they should still be feeling confident that they kept it close throughout the whole game. Although with the Outlaws losing, this does still sting a little extra as they would've been tied for 2nd. With the red-hot Otters right on their tails now sharing the final playoff spot, these last two weeks become the most important games of the season. Thankfully they are winnable, but the Secondline cannot afford to mess up and need to secure these final two Ws.
Muddy's Player of the Game
WR Keanu Calhoun (@Frostbite)
Stats: 7 receptions, 76 yards, 2 touchdowns
Reason: Keanu Calhoun was the go-to guy this game leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Being a part of the opening score to give the Sabercats the lead and the game-winning score showed in the important moments he did not disappoint.
Honolulu Hahalua (2-12) VS Orange County Otters (9-5)
Overview
The Otters dominated the first quarter, securing an early lead and maintaining control throughout the game, ultimately defeating Hahalua 28-13. In the opening quarter, the Otters came out of the gate swinging. Reginald Shrubbery had a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Diego López de Castilla catching a 43-yard pass from Lloyd Bannings, and finally, Jamdrian LeBayers intercepting a pass and returning it 24 yards for a touchdown, which gave the Otters a quick lead of 21-0. The second quarter saw Hahalua getting on the board with a 36-yard field goal by Ray Baker, making the score 21-3 in favor of the Otters. In the third quarter, Ray Baker kicked another, 32-yard field goal for Hahalua bringing the score to 21-6. The fourth quarter started with Reginald Shrubbery catching a 9-yard pass from Lloyd Bannings, extending the Otters' lead to 28-6. Hahalua responded with a touchdown as Stetson David ran 1 yard, but it was too little too late as the final score was 28-13 for the Otters.
My Thoughts
This Otters team is on fire and not looking to slow down anytime soon. With now 4-wins in a row, they are finally back in the playoff picture as they are tied for the 3rd seed. What a comeback story for this team, at one point looking like they were going to have one of the biggest collapses I've ever seen, but they turned it right around and went on a run. With the Hawks and Copperheads as their final two matchups, it won't be a walk in the park to get into the playoffs, but with the way they are playing anything is possible. Honolulu on the other hand is just praying that the Yeti can start winning so they have a chance at the #1 pick.
Muddy's Player of the Game
CB Jamdrian LeBayers (@kenvald)
Stats: 6 tackles, 4 pass deflections, 1 interception returned for TD
Reason: LeBayers had an exceptional defensive performance and was crucial in securing the victory for the Otters. His interception return for a touchdown, along with locking down the passing game with four pass deflections and six tackles, made a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
Cape Town Crash (7-7) VS Yellowknife Wraiths (8-6)
Overview
The Wraiths secured a close victory against Crash, winning 38-31. In the second quarter, Zenzeroni Xystarch II kicked a 44-yard field goal to get the scoring started, putting the Wraiths ahead 3-0. The Wraiths stayed hot with back-to-back touchdowns by Maximus Boudreaux connecting with Money Tolliver and Silence Suzuka, increasing the lead to 17-0. The Crash got on the board with a 32-yard field goal by Bob Kickerson, making the score 17-3 before halftime. In the third quarter, Tyler Hunt caught a 6-yard pass from Boudreaux, widening the Wraiths' lead to 24-3. Money Tolliver then ran for a 1-yard touchdown, bringing the Wraiths way ahead to 31-3. Crash all of a sudden woke up and responded with four straight touchdowns! Nakiri Ayame started it by running for a 1-yard touchdown, Hercules Henry, Malik Brooks, and Nakiri Ayame all caught touchdown passes from Thor Bǫllrsveifla, tying the game at 31-31 with 2:41 left on the clock in the fourth. However, the Wraiths didn't choke their 28-point lead as Money Tolliver ran for a 1-yard touchdown, putting the Wraiths ahead 38-31 to seal the game.
My Thoughts
I feel like the Wraiths can never just have a normal game, there is always something crazy going down. Even though they almost blew a 28-point lead in basically one quarter, they still came away with a big win as they are now a game ahead of the Crash for the 3rd seed. I am almost fully confident no matter how these last two weeks play out, the Wraiths will find a way into the playoffs cause of just how their season has been. This is a huge blow for the Crash, to come that close to completing one of the best comebacks in ISFL history to now being out of a playoff spot is a huge fall. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster. The Crash basically need to win their season out now for a good chance, and with the Sailfish and Hawks as their next two opponents, things aren't looking the best in Cape Town.
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Money Tolliver (@jeffie43)
Stats: 20 attempts, 73 yards, 2 TDs | 4 receptions, 44 yards, 1 TD
Reason: Tolliver played a very important role in the Wraiths' offense, as he was basically everywhere on the offensive side of the ball. With scoring two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown, including the game-winning touch he definitely deserves this PotG. Also quick shoutout to WR Suzuka (@xenosthelegend) who had a monster game as well with 160 rec yards and a TD!
Berlin Fire Salamanders (5-9) VS Austin Copperheads (5-9)
Overview
One of the few games I've seen needing extra time this year, the Fire Salamanders managed to beat the Copperheads, winning 30-24. In the first quarter, the Fire Salamanders got off to a strong start as Jay Cue III was tackled for a safety, putting the Salamanders ahead 2-0. Following this, Golden Foote kicked an 18-yard field goal, increasing their lead to 5-0. The second quarter saw the Copperheads making a comeback, with Howard Coward scoring two touchdowns, one with a 2-yard run and the other with a 7-yard run. This brought the Copperheads a lead of 14-5. Golden Foote managed to close the gap slightly for the Salamanders with an 18-yard field goal, making the score 14-8 at halftime. In the third quarter, Charlie Brown extended the Copperheads’ lead with a 45-yard field goal, making it 17-8. The Copperhead's defense got into the scoring action next as Geralt scored a 31-yard interception return, growing the lead to 24-8. Rocky Moreaux caught a 33-yard pass from Tuna TurnDaBallOva, and a successful two-point conversion brought the Salamanders back into the game, now trailing 24-16. The fourth quarter saw Willie Swaggert catching a 21-yard pass from Tuna TurnDaBallOva, followed by a successful two-point conversion, tying the game at 24-24 with 1:15 left on the clock. In overtime, Kyle Bessey scored a 1-yard run, securing the victory for the Fire Salamanders with a final score of 30-24.
My Thoughts
The only game this week that has no playoff implications turned out to be one of the most entertaining to watch. Both teams looked pretty good in this as it was more just playing for fun than anything else. Honestly, don't have much else to say about this one (sorry Fire Salamanders and Copperheads fans), both teams have some solid pieces that I hope can be built around so we can see them make some more noise in the next couple of seasons.
Muddy's Player(s) of the Game
FS Geralt (@.Laser) and QB Tuna TurnDaBallOva (@SomeSay...)
Geralt Stats: 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and recovery, 1 pass deflection, 1 interception for touchdown
TurnDaBallOva Stats: 41/56 passing, 73.2%, 430 Yds, 2 TD, 2 Int, 92.1 Rating
Reason: There were many worthy PotG performances in this matchup, however I decided to go with these two players as my choices. Even though the Copperheads lost, Geralt did everything in his power on the defensive end to get the win. Forcing 2 turnovers and scoring a touchdown himself is worthy alone of a PotG, but also adding a sack and 7 tackles makes this one of the best defensive performances of the year. On the other side, TurnDaBallOva had a great game posting over 400 passing yards on 73.2% completion. Although he did throw two interceptions, he made up for it with 2 of his own including the game-tying touchdown pass.
Colorado Yeti (1-13) VS Baltimore Hawks (10-4)
Overview
In a closer-than-expected matchup, the Hawks claimed victory against the Yeti with a final score of 34-27. In the first quarter, both teams demonstrated their offensive abilities. NCADV RAINN opened the scoring with a 20-yard pass from Preston Beatz, securing the Yeti's first touchdown of the game. Wolfie McDummy Jr. answered back, connecting with National Treasure for a 14-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 7-7. The Yeti surged ahead again with Swamp Maiden’s 1-yard run, earning them a 14-7 lead. The second quarter saw Master Chief narrowing the gap with a 24-yard field goal for the Hawks, making it 14-10. Pete Moss followed suit with a 36-yard field goal, extending the Yeti's lead to 17-10. In the third quarter, Shane Turnbull caught a 23-yard pass from Wolfie McDummy Jr., with a successful kick by Master Chief, leveling the score at 17-17. The fourth quarter was filled with action as Pete Moss scored a 20-yard field goal, giving the Yeti a narrow lead at 20-17. Anakin Skywalker pushed the Hawks ahead for the first time in the game with a 3-yard run, making the score 24-20. Master Chief then landed a 33-yard field goal, extending the Hawks' lead to 27-20. Jarvis Harbinger-Marjin's 23-yard run further solidified the Hawks' lead, bringing the score to 34-20. With only 17 seconds remaining, Mister Hogmally caught a 4-yard pass from Preston Beatz, with a successful kick by Pete Moss, closing the gap to 34-27, but it wasn't enough as that was the final.
My Thoughts
I don't know what is going on with the Hawks but they have been struggling this second half of the season going 3-3 compared to 7-1 in the first half. With almost losing to the Yeti, it's hard to have almost any confidence in them for the playoffs. Having both the Otters and Crash as their final two games, I wouldn't be surprised if they drop both of them and potentially lose the 1st seed as they aren't playing like a 1st seed team. Solid game for the Yeti but I can't see them winning any more games this year so enjoy that #1 pick!
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Anakin Skywalker (@ForSucksFake)
Stats: 14 attempts, 73 yards, 5.2 avg, 1 TD | 8 receptions, 46 yards, 5.8 avg
Reason: Skywalker showed up for the Hawks this week, both rushing and receiving, making a significant impact with a total of 119 yards gained and an important touchdown to give the Hawks their first lead of the game. His versatility and effectiveness in both aspects of the game (1st in rushing, 2nd in receptions) made him an easy PotG.
Chicago Butchers (9-5) VS Sarasota Sailfish (6-8)
Overview
The Butchers secured a very important victory over the Sailfish with a final score of 27-7. In the first quarter, the Sailfish took an early lead as Léopold Roy caught an 18-yard pass from Willier Miller giving the Sailfish a 7-0 lead. From then on out, it was all Chicago. The Butchers managed to narrow the gap with a 28-yard field goal by David Doug, making the score 7-3 in favor of the Sailfish. The third quarter saw Triceracop scoring a touchdown with a 1-yard run, giving the Butchers a 10-7 lead. Jay Money extended the lead with a 35-yard pass from Painted Penguin, and with that the Butchers took a 17-7 lead into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, David Doug further solidified the Butchers' lead with a 25-yard field goal, bringing the score to 20-7. Corey Trevor sealed the game for the Butchers with a 1-yard run, and Doug's successful kick resulted in the final score of 27-7.
My Thoughts
With the win this week, the Butchers get to keep their 2nd seed spot in the playoffs for now. With the Wraiths right on their tail, they don't have much wiggle room for mistakes. However, what makes this win so big is that Chicago's next two opponents are the Yeti and Fire Salamanders which is pretty much smooth sailing. If they can win out the season they might even have a chance now to take the 1st seed too! Sarasota did not look good at all in this game and because they lost pretty much sealed their season's fate. They had a good start to the season but just couldn't keep that momentum.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Painted Penguin (@Painted)
Stats: 21/30 passing, 363 yards, 1 TD, 121.9 passer rating
Reason: Penguin's was lights out this week completing 70% of his passes and throwing for 363 yards with a passer rating of 121.9. He led the Butcher's offense pretty flawlessly and for that, he gets the PotG.
Muddy's Power Rankings
- San Jose SaberCats (Last Week: 1 Change: N/A)
- New Orleans Secondline (Last Week: 3 Change: +1)
- Arizona Outlaws (Last Week: 2 Change: -1)
- Baltimore Hawks (Last Week: 4 Change: N/A)
- Chicago Butchers (Last Week: 5 Change: N/A)
- Orange County Otters (Last Week: 6 Change: N/A)
- Yellowknife Wraiths (Last Week: 8 Change: +1)
- Cape Town Crash (Last Week: 7 Change: -1)
- Sarasota Sailfish (Last Week: 9 Change: N/A)
- New York Silverbacks (Last Week: 11 Change: +1)
- Austin Copperheads (Last Week: 10 Change: -1)
- Berlin Fire Salamanders (Last Week: 12 Change: N/A)
- Honolulu Hahalua (Last Week: 13 Change: N/A)
- Colorado Yeti (Last Week: 14 Change: N/A)
Playoff Probability
ASFC:
San Jose SaberCats: PLAYOFF BOUND
Arizona Outlaws: 95%
New Orleans Secondline: 80%
Orange County Otters: 70%
Austin Copperheads: ELIMINATED
New York Silverbacks: ELIMINATED
Honolulu Hahalua: ELIMINATED
NSFC:
Baltimore Hawks: PLAYOFF BOUND
Chicago Butchers: 95%
Yellowknife Wraiths: 75%
Cape Town Crash: 35%
Sarasota Sailfish: > 5%
Berlin Fire Salamanders: ELIMINATED
Colorado Yeti: ELIMINATED