I’m going to be going over all the games in the opening week of S25 of the DSFL. For every game I will be selecting a OPOTG and a DPOTG, and these selections will usually just be mine and the index’s opinion so if you don’t like, talk to the index, not me. At the end of this article I’m also going to select and OPOTW and a DPOTW. Hopefully I can keep this going for the whole season, depending on whether people want it and how in need I am of cash.
Game 1 : Norfolk Seawolves (0-0) @ Portland Pythons (0-0), Pythons win 21-0.
Pythons manage to get off to a strong start, getting to 1-0 in this not so closely fought contest. Similar to their matchup in the preseason, the Seawolves did not manage to register points against the Pythons, and were the only team in Week 1 who failed to do so. The Norfolk offense just could not get anything going, finishing the game with only 214 offensive yards, and punting for 360. They will be looking to improve on this next week.
Highlights of the game :
5th overall pick LeBron James III recording his first competitive TD, a 6 yard pass to fellow rookie Rocky Jackman, a first competitive TD for him also.
Darren Pama running for a 16 yard rushing TD.
Donald McBobby breaking the DSFL single game sack record with his 5th sack of the day.
LeBron James III running for a 4 yard TD, yet averaging -2.5 YPC on 4 rushes over the course of the game.
OPOTG :
Mr. Forty Two, Running back, Norfolk – Not an easy decision as there was a couple of players on both teams who could have received this award, but I decided to give it to this rookie. Despite him not scoring a TD, he got nearly two thirds of his teams yards from scrimmage (141/214). It is a tough thing to ask a rookie to put his teams offense on his back, and despite not getting any success this game, Forty Two did so.
DPOTG :
Donald McBobby, Linebacker, Portland – This was a much easier award to bestow than the one on the other side of the ball. Second season linebacker McBobby, had a career day against the Seawolves, recording 12 Tackles, 1 FR and breaking the league single game sack record, with 5. This is surely a day the linebacker will remember for a long time.
Honourable mentions : LeBron James III, Darren Pama, Tommy Tenners
Game 2 : Kansas City Coyotes (0-0) @ Myrtle Beach Buccaneers (0-0), Buccaneers win 33-7
In this game, the Coyotes managed to carry their preseason form into the regular season, which would be a good thing for a lot of teams. Unfortunately for the Coyotes this form was 1-3, and they did not even manage to come close to the crazy 239 yards on the ground they managed to get in their victory over the Pythons, only registering 90 between their 2 star backs. They’ll be looking to bounce back next week against the only team that managed to score less then them this week, the Norfolk Seawolves. Myrtle Beach were the only team in the SFC to record a win, and thus are topping the division at the time of typing.
Highlights of the Game :
Another pair of rookies recording their first TDs of the year, just 5 minutes into the first quarte, with quarterback Jackie Daytona throwing a 10 yard pass to find wide receiver Alex Reed in the corner of the endzone.
The Coyotes finally scoring their first points of the seasons, a 3 yard TD run by Sergio Kitchens with just 3 minutes and 19 seconds left on the clock.
Safeties Zack Mouse and Grummy Bear both forcing and recovering fumbles.
OPOTG :
Jackie Daytona, Quarterback Myrtle Beach — This wasn’t too difficult of a choice as I felt this rookie showed what he can do excellently in this game. The Buccaneers quarterback was incredibly efficient with the ball in his hands, he ran 4 times for 40 yards with a longest rushing of 26 and completed 20 of his 31 passes for a 65% completion percentage. This earned him 214 yards, 10.7 yards per completion, 2 touchdowns, a QBR of 106.1, and the OPOTG from me. I’m sure everyone will be watching this rookie develop in the coming weeks.
DPOTG :
Brennan Kennedy, Cornerback, Myrtle Beach — A much tougher choice than the offensive one, but, despite what the index said, I felt this 3rd year corner was the best defensive player on the field in this game. 8 Tackles with 1 for a loss and 3 PDs was enough to earn him this honour in my book, in a team whose defense performed very well.
Honourable mentions : Djibutee McJimmerson, Tony Yeboah, Leo Bloomfield
Game 3 : Minnesota Grey Ducks (0-0) @ Tijuana Luchadores (0-0), Grey Ducks win 13-10
In what was easily the easily the hardest fought match in week 1, the Grey Ducks managed to carry their 3-1 preseason form into the regular season, and do what they did once already in preseason, which is beat the Tijuana Luchadores. A result which seems invaluable when you consider the game was in Tijuana. Despite not being the highest scoring affair, it was a very respectable outing for both offenses, with the two teams combining for 550 total offensive yards, and neither team turning it over. Tijuana will be losing sleep over this dropped game, however, as they have another very tough matchup against reigning champs London Royals, in London, next game.
Highlights of the game :
1st overall pick in this years draft, Ryan Negs, recording his first touchdown in the DSFL, a 23 yard pass, nicely caught by receiver Lenny Newton.
Rookie kicker Gluteus Maximus kicking the game winning field goal from 20 yards out in fourth quarter.
OPOTG :
This was probably my toughest choice so far in terms of so many good options. On one hand there was the number 1 pick Ryan Negs, who played some stellar offense and finished up with 108.4 QBR. On another hand there was Luchadores running back Bronko Mills, who averaged a very sold 6.2 YPC on 17 carries, finishing with 105 yards and a td. In the end I decided to go with someone who is not necessarily an offensive player : Gluteus Maximus, Kicker, Minnesota – the Grey Ducks kicker came up clutch in 2 high pressure situations, hitting a game tying field in the third and then hitting the go ahead and subsequent game winner in the fourth quarter. This man scored 8 of his teams 13 points and I felt he was deserving of this award in this game.
DPOTG :
Petra Sabor, Linebacker, Tijuana – This was a tough call, mainly because of how well both offenses kept the ball, but in the end I felt that this Lucha Linebackers 6 tackles, sack and PD were enough to edge out the rest of the defensive competition.
Honourable Mentions : Ryan Negs, Bronko Mills, Mason Gillion
Game 4 : London Royals @ Dallas Birddogs, Royals win 30-13
The reigning champion Royals came up with a convincing victory over a decent Dallas side. Despite gaining more total offensive yards than their opponents, the Birddogs managed to lose by 17 points. This will happen when you turn the ball over 3 times, especially when the opponent kicker is on fire, aswell as allowing the opposition team to run for 200 yards on you. However, this is the reigning champion London Royals we’re talking about, and they may have some rustiness from not playing with their proper strats after preseason. At least, that’s probably what they’ll be telling themselves, while preparing for their next game. Oh well, onto the highlights.
Highlights of the game :
The Royals coming out for the game in their brand new champions jerseys.
Rookie kicker Something McDerpants opening the seasons scoring for the Royals with a nice 45 yard field goal that hit both uprights before going over.
OPOTG :
Benny Hana, Running back, London – While this award could have been given just as easily to Hanas counterpart in the 2 man rushing offense, Yaki, or also Dallas receiver Callous, as it appears I hate giving the award to receivers, I simply felt Hanas stats were too good not to award it to them, although is partly due to the fact he got more carries than Yaki as they both averaged 4.8 YPC, Hana ran for 110 yards and 2 TDs.
DPOTG :
Gavin LeClerc, Cornerback, London – While a lot of the Royals defenders had very similar stats, I felt this second year corner had the most versatile out of them to warrant the DPOTG award. LeClerc got himself 7 Tackles, 1 for a loss, a PD and an interception on his way to earning this award.
Now for the Player of the week awards
Offensive Player of the Week :
Myrtle Beach Quarterback, Jackie Daytona
Daytona’s great performance as a rookie, helping lead his team to a solid victory over the Coyotes, was enough to convince me that he deserves to take home this weeks Offensive Player of the Week, and in my opinion, Daytona leads the race for OROTY after this first week.
Defensive Player of the Week :
Portland Linebacker, Donald McBobby
No great shock here as this week McBobby managed to break a league record while also recording 12 tackles along the way. It also helps that he is on my team, but I would have picked any defensive play with those stats for the award. In my opinion, if McBobby can keep anywhere close to these stats up throughout the season, he will not only be in the conversation for DPOTY, but also MVP.
1644 words.
Game 1 : Norfolk Seawolves (0-0) @ Portland Pythons (0-0), Pythons win 21-0.
Pythons manage to get off to a strong start, getting to 1-0 in this not so closely fought contest. Similar to their matchup in the preseason, the Seawolves did not manage to register points against the Pythons, and were the only team in Week 1 who failed to do so. The Norfolk offense just could not get anything going, finishing the game with only 214 offensive yards, and punting for 360. They will be looking to improve on this next week.
Highlights of the game :
5th overall pick LeBron James III recording his first competitive TD, a 6 yard pass to fellow rookie Rocky Jackman, a first competitive TD for him also.
Darren Pama running for a 16 yard rushing TD.
Donald McBobby breaking the DSFL single game sack record with his 5th sack of the day.
LeBron James III running for a 4 yard TD, yet averaging -2.5 YPC on 4 rushes over the course of the game.
OPOTG :
Mr. Forty Two, Running back, Norfolk – Not an easy decision as there was a couple of players on both teams who could have received this award, but I decided to give it to this rookie. Despite him not scoring a TD, he got nearly two thirds of his teams yards from scrimmage (141/214). It is a tough thing to ask a rookie to put his teams offense on his back, and despite not getting any success this game, Forty Two did so.
DPOTG :
Donald McBobby, Linebacker, Portland – This was a much easier award to bestow than the one on the other side of the ball. Second season linebacker McBobby, had a career day against the Seawolves, recording 12 Tackles, 1 FR and breaking the league single game sack record, with 5. This is surely a day the linebacker will remember for a long time.
Honourable mentions : LeBron James III, Darren Pama, Tommy Tenners
Game 2 : Kansas City Coyotes (0-0) @ Myrtle Beach Buccaneers (0-0), Buccaneers win 33-7
In this game, the Coyotes managed to carry their preseason form into the regular season, which would be a good thing for a lot of teams. Unfortunately for the Coyotes this form was 1-3, and they did not even manage to come close to the crazy 239 yards on the ground they managed to get in their victory over the Pythons, only registering 90 between their 2 star backs. They’ll be looking to bounce back next week against the only team that managed to score less then them this week, the Norfolk Seawolves. Myrtle Beach were the only team in the SFC to record a win, and thus are topping the division at the time of typing.
Highlights of the Game :
Another pair of rookies recording their first TDs of the year, just 5 minutes into the first quarte, with quarterback Jackie Daytona throwing a 10 yard pass to find wide receiver Alex Reed in the corner of the endzone.
The Coyotes finally scoring their first points of the seasons, a 3 yard TD run by Sergio Kitchens with just 3 minutes and 19 seconds left on the clock.
Safeties Zack Mouse and Grummy Bear both forcing and recovering fumbles.
OPOTG :
Jackie Daytona, Quarterback Myrtle Beach — This wasn’t too difficult of a choice as I felt this rookie showed what he can do excellently in this game. The Buccaneers quarterback was incredibly efficient with the ball in his hands, he ran 4 times for 40 yards with a longest rushing of 26 and completed 20 of his 31 passes for a 65% completion percentage. This earned him 214 yards, 10.7 yards per completion, 2 touchdowns, a QBR of 106.1, and the OPOTG from me. I’m sure everyone will be watching this rookie develop in the coming weeks.
DPOTG :
Brennan Kennedy, Cornerback, Myrtle Beach — A much tougher choice than the offensive one, but, despite what the index said, I felt this 3rd year corner was the best defensive player on the field in this game. 8 Tackles with 1 for a loss and 3 PDs was enough to earn him this honour in my book, in a team whose defense performed very well.
Honourable mentions : Djibutee McJimmerson, Tony Yeboah, Leo Bloomfield
Game 3 : Minnesota Grey Ducks (0-0) @ Tijuana Luchadores (0-0), Grey Ducks win 13-10
In what was easily the easily the hardest fought match in week 1, the Grey Ducks managed to carry their 3-1 preseason form into the regular season, and do what they did once already in preseason, which is beat the Tijuana Luchadores. A result which seems invaluable when you consider the game was in Tijuana. Despite not being the highest scoring affair, it was a very respectable outing for both offenses, with the two teams combining for 550 total offensive yards, and neither team turning it over. Tijuana will be losing sleep over this dropped game, however, as they have another very tough matchup against reigning champs London Royals, in London, next game.
Highlights of the game :
1st overall pick in this years draft, Ryan Negs, recording his first touchdown in the DSFL, a 23 yard pass, nicely caught by receiver Lenny Newton.
Rookie kicker Gluteus Maximus kicking the game winning field goal from 20 yards out in fourth quarter.
OPOTG :
This was probably my toughest choice so far in terms of so many good options. On one hand there was the number 1 pick Ryan Negs, who played some stellar offense and finished up with 108.4 QBR. On another hand there was Luchadores running back Bronko Mills, who averaged a very sold 6.2 YPC on 17 carries, finishing with 105 yards and a td. In the end I decided to go with someone who is not necessarily an offensive player : Gluteus Maximus, Kicker, Minnesota – the Grey Ducks kicker came up clutch in 2 high pressure situations, hitting a game tying field in the third and then hitting the go ahead and subsequent game winner in the fourth quarter. This man scored 8 of his teams 13 points and I felt he was deserving of this award in this game.
DPOTG :
Petra Sabor, Linebacker, Tijuana – This was a tough call, mainly because of how well both offenses kept the ball, but in the end I felt that this Lucha Linebackers 6 tackles, sack and PD were enough to edge out the rest of the defensive competition.
Honourable Mentions : Ryan Negs, Bronko Mills, Mason Gillion
Game 4 : London Royals @ Dallas Birddogs, Royals win 30-13
The reigning champion Royals came up with a convincing victory over a decent Dallas side. Despite gaining more total offensive yards than their opponents, the Birddogs managed to lose by 17 points. This will happen when you turn the ball over 3 times, especially when the opponent kicker is on fire, aswell as allowing the opposition team to run for 200 yards on you. However, this is the reigning champion London Royals we’re talking about, and they may have some rustiness from not playing with their proper strats after preseason. At least, that’s probably what they’ll be telling themselves, while preparing for their next game. Oh well, onto the highlights.
Highlights of the game :
The Royals coming out for the game in their brand new champions jerseys.
Rookie kicker Something McDerpants opening the seasons scoring for the Royals with a nice 45 yard field goal that hit both uprights before going over.
OPOTG :
Benny Hana, Running back, London – While this award could have been given just as easily to Hanas counterpart in the 2 man rushing offense, Yaki, or also Dallas receiver Callous, as it appears I hate giving the award to receivers, I simply felt Hanas stats were too good not to award it to them, although is partly due to the fact he got more carries than Yaki as they both averaged 4.8 YPC, Hana ran for 110 yards and 2 TDs.
DPOTG :
Gavin LeClerc, Cornerback, London – While a lot of the Royals defenders had very similar stats, I felt this second year corner had the most versatile out of them to warrant the DPOTG award. LeClerc got himself 7 Tackles, 1 for a loss, a PD and an interception on his way to earning this award.
Now for the Player of the week awards
Offensive Player of the Week :
Myrtle Beach Quarterback, Jackie Daytona
Daytona’s great performance as a rookie, helping lead his team to a solid victory over the Coyotes, was enough to convince me that he deserves to take home this weeks Offensive Player of the Week, and in my opinion, Daytona leads the race for OROTY after this first week.
Defensive Player of the Week :
Portland Linebacker, Donald McBobby
No great shock here as this week McBobby managed to break a league record while also recording 12 tackles along the way. It also helps that he is on my team, but I would have picked any defensive play with those stats for the award. In my opinion, if McBobby can keep anywhere close to these stats up throughout the season, he will not only be in the conversation for DPOTY, but also MVP.
1644 words.