10-13-2022, 12:47 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-16-2022, 10:29 AM by dude_man. Edited 2 times in total.)
Congratulations to the Season 37 Sim Football Writers Guild All-Pro Team!
Numerical ranks (1st, 2nd, 3rd…) are stated for that position group, unless otherwise noted as an overall rank.
QUARTERBACK
1st team:Wendell Sailor
Key Stats: 38 pass TD (1st), 100.4 pass rating (1st), 6.60 ANY/A (1st)
2nd team: Malcolm Savage
Key Stats: 4092 pass yards, 31 pass TD, 524 rush yards (2nd), 38 total TD (t-1st)
In Season 37, Arizona was finally able to break through the ASFC Championship Game wall and break their Ultimus curse, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that at midseason they were not even in the playoff picture at 3-5. The team rallied in the second half, not dropping a single game en route to claiming the top seed. Sailor was a big part of their magical run, tossing 20 touchdowns over the final 8 games, and posting a passer rating of 104.8. While his stats may look a little more pedestrian compared to what we’ve seen in recent seasons, he still led the league in three main metrics, making his case for the First Team a solid one.
After a Season 36 campaign which saw him post his lowest offensive production, many pundits began asking if the ISFL had, “figured out” the dual threat phenom, Savage. He responded by posting one of his best seasons of his young career, finishing tied in the league for touchdowns responsible for with 38, including a great total of 7 scored with his legs. New York may have disappointed with a 6-10 record, but no one can point the finger at their QB.
RUNNING BACK
1st team: Jay Cue Jr (Unanimous Selection)
Key Stats: 1793 rush yards (1st), 21 rush TD (1st), 2258 scrimm yards (1st), 27 total TDs (1st)
1st team: Michelangelo McTurtle
Key Stats: 1113 rush yards (4th), 4.78 YPC (5th), 1710 scrimm yards (4th), 14 explosive plays (1st)
2nd team: Lalu Muhammad Zohri
Key Stats: 1600 rush yards (2nd), 17total TDs (2nd), 1741 scrimm yards (3rd)
2nd team: The Stig
Key Stats: 1538 rush yards (3rd), 1800 scrimm yards (2nd), 4.81 YPC (4th)
It should be no surprise to see another Unanimous First Team selection for the Season 37 MVP, Jay Cue Jr. There’s not much we can really say here that will do him more justice than just looking at his stats will. Cue Jr finished with over 400 yards and 10 touchdowns more than any other RB this season, and by any measure was the best offensive player in the league.
Our other First Team selection might surprise some fans, as McTurtle’s volume numbers might not jump off the page; but, he was a true spark plug for the Silverbacks this season. He was a real dual threat out of the backfield, totalling almost 600 receiving yards, on top of his 1100 rushing yards on a very efficient 4.78 YPC. What really set him apart, however, what his amount of explosive plays, leading all RBs in this season.
Lalu Muhammad Zohri is back on the All-Pro Team this season after putting up a very strong campaign in which eh finished in the top three for yards and touchdowns among all RBs. The Zohri versus McTurtle discussion was a heated one, but ultimately what hurt Zohri’s case in the eyes of the voters was his meager contributions as a receiver, and his lower efficiency (4.52 YPC)..
Our final Running Back this season, The Stig, showed this year that he’s just as fast on his feet as he is behind the wheel. The Second Line offense did not really scare many teams this season, but looking back maybe teams should have been more scared of Stig, as he finished second in the league in scrimmage yards and also posted one of the best yards per carry.
WIDE RECEIVER
Editor’s note: Due to the lower number of Offensive Linemen in the league in Season 37, the decision was made to remove some spots for OL players (see below) and give an extra slot to Wide Receivers for Season 37
1st team: Johnny Patey
Key stats: 128 receptions (1st), 1871 yards (1st), 14.62 YPR (4th)
1st team: Nick Kaepercolin Jr
Key stats: 1346 yards (4th), 15 TDs (1st), 9.41 yards/tar (3rd)
1st team: Sal Ami
Key stats: 16.32 YPR (2nd), 10.1 yards/tar (2nd), 11 TDs
2nd team: Escanor Sama
Key stats: 1566 yards (2nd), 16.66 YPR (1st), 10.65 yard/tar (1st), 9 Rec40 (1st)
2nd team: Kotoni Staggs
Key stats: 1304 yards, 11 TDs, 14.7 YPR (6th)
2nd team: Zayne Dangle
Key stats: 1437 yards (3rd), 10 TDs
Season 37 for the Austin Copperheads may have been for a lack of better words, not great; but, that didn’t stop the boys from Texas from airing it out early and often. The main recipient of TE82’s 740 passing attempts was Patey, who ended up leading the league in both receptions and yards, with the latter being the 4th most in a single season in league history.
Nick Kaepercolin Jr and leading the league in receiving touchdowns - name a more iconic duo! A season removed from setting the single-season receiving touchdowns record, Kaepercolin showed he had more left in the tank as he scored a league-leading 15 in S37. He showed he did more than catch touchdowns, as he finished 4th in yards and 3rd in yards per target.
Our final First Team spot went to the speedster from the Island State, Sal Ami. Ami may have finished a little lower in yards than some others on this list, but he was one of the most efficient WRs in the league, finishing second in both yards per reception and per target. Also managed to rack up a respectable 11 touchdowns on the year, giving him the edge in the eyes of the voters.
If you look up Deep Threat in the dictionary, you will be greeted with nothing but a picture of the Liberty star, Escanor Sama. There are times this season when Philadelphia’s offensive philosophy appeared to be, “Just chuck it downfield. Esco is down there somewhere!” He finished the season second in the league in receiving yards, and paced the league in yards per reception and target, as well as in 40 yard receptions.
With Sailor being named the First Team Quarterback, it makes sense to have one of his favorite targets make hte All-Pro team. Kotoni Staggs in Season 37 was the definition of quietly dominant. She finished in the top 6 in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards per catch. Consistency was key for Staggs, and her steady play helped push Arizona to the Ultimus.
At the start of the season if you had said that Berlin would have an All-Pro Wide Receiver, I don’t think many fans would believe you; but, Zayne Dangle was one of the lone bright spots for Berlin’s last-ranked offense. He face double and triple coverage many plays and yet still finished third in the league in yards and receptions, while snagging a very respectable 10 touchdowns. Berlin’s offense might be growing, but with a weapon like Dangle in tow the future looks bright.
TIGHT END
1st team: Lenard Graf
Key stats: 79 receptions (5th), 959 yards (1st), 7 TDs (T-2nd), 7.55 YPT (2nd), 63 pancakes (1st)
2nd team: Deshawn Penne
Key stats: 83 receptions (4th), 747 yards (4th), 9 TDs (1st), 68% catch% (3rd), 53 pancakes (2nd)
Lenard Graf bounced back from a down year very strongly. Not only was he extremely efficient as a receiver, but he also led all tight ends in pancakes. Being the position leader in receiving yards, yards per catch, and pancakes is the perfect recipe to rack up a 1st team All-Pro selection. Just a great two-way tight end season from a great player whose career will sadly be cut short soon by an early retirement.
The 2nd team All-Pro selection is another tight end who is familiar with being on this list in Deshawn Penne. While not quite reaching Graf’s numbers, Penne was a great all-around two way tight end in his own right. While being a little less efficient than Graf, Penne got to do his touchdown dance more than any other tight end this season.
FULLBACK
First Team: Michael Patrick Porkins
Key Stats: 34 pancakes (4th), 235 rush yards (1st), 4 rushing TDs (1st)
Second Team: William Groves
Key Stats: 43 pancakes (1st), 0 sacks allowed (T-1st), 2 total TDs (T-3rd)
As usual, there was a little bit of weeding out to do in the fullback ranks for players who played more tight end than fullback (the stat differences between the two positions is stark). However, even after narrowing that down the field was pretty tight for fullbacks this season. The committee went back and forth on the virtues of valuing blocking production versus yardage and scoring production, as well as trying to determine the significance of the differences between players.
Ultimately, Michael Patrick Porkins stood out as the top fullback of the season. The Second Liner didn’t rank too highly in terms of pancakes (finishing 4th), but the rank itself is a little misleading as his 34 pancakes fell only 9 short of the leader. Meanwhile, his rushing production was second to none. His 235 yards easily paced the field, as did his 4 rushing TDs. As an all around contributor, Porkins stood out enough to earn first team honors.
Our second team selection leaned toward the other side of the spectrum. William Groves had only modest production as a weapon for New York, totaling a mere 61 scrimmage yards. However, he did manage to score twice while pacing all full time fullbacks with 43 pancakes and no sacks allowed. The lesser balance of blocking and rushing/receiving made it difficult to place Groves over Porkins, but his second team honors are well deserved for his blocking acumen.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Editor’s note: due to a lack of human players at Offensive Line in Season 37, the Committee adjusted the OL spots to two OT and one Interior OL (Guard or Center).
1st team: Beniri T’Chawama (Unanimous Selection)
Key Stats: 136 pancakes (1st), 1 sack allowed (T-2nd), 2 penalties for 10 yards (2nd)
1st team: Stumpy Jones
Key Stats: 117 pancakes (6th), 1 sack allowed (T-2nd), 3 penalties for 20 yards (5th)
2nd team: Panda McKyle
Key Stats: 124 pancakes (2nd), 1 penalty for 10 yards (1st)
2nd team: Swantavius Payne
Key Stats: 123 pancakes (3rd), 2 sacks allowed (T-5th)
Beniri T’Chawama was an absolute monster this season and his career year earned him a unanimous selection to the 1st team. 136 pancakes not only bested his previous career high of 133, but also was the most in the league by a decent margin. Add in his very clean play of just 1 sack allowed and 2 penalties and there was clearly no better offensive lineman this season than Beniri.
While this was potentially a passing of the torch, Stumpy Jones isn’t done quite yet. Stumpy put up a solid pancake total with nearly 120, but the more impressive part of his play was how clean he was in racking up the massive pancake total. He had just 1 sack allowed and only 3 penalties.
The former quarterback turned offensive lineman, Panda McKyle, has found himself on the 2nd team after the amazing body transformation he made in order to play the position. Panda ended up with the 2nd most pancakes in the league and was the best offensive tackle at avoiding penalty calls with just 1 on the entire season.
The other 2nd team selection is the young up and comer Swantavius Payne. His 123 pancakes on the season were good enough for 3rd in the league and doing that while only allowing 2 sacks across the 16 game season was quite impressive.
INTERIOR OL
1st team: Manhattan Project
Key Stats: 81 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, 0 penalties committed
2nd team: Keane Lover
Key Stats: 85 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, 2 penalties committed
If you’ve been following the All-Pro selections since its inception, you’re probably used to seeing Manhattan Project occupying a spot on the First Team. While his pancake numbers may be a little lower this season, he was the ONLY offensive lineman to post a completely clean season (no sacks allowed nor any penalties committed), the ultimate test for an OL. He announced that Season 38 would be his last, so now the question becomes, “who will step up?”
Keane Lover has quietly had a very good career, being named to the All-Pro team a handful of times, but many will say that Season 37 was her opus as she led all IOL in pancakes and didn’t allow her QB to get sacked. What kept her from the First Team was two holding penalties. That does not take away from her stellar play, however, as she was easily one of the best OL this past season.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1st team: Cade Williams (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 63 tackles (2nd), 10 TFL (1st), 14 sacks (1st)
1st team: Lennay Kekua
Key stats: 52 tackles, 7 TFL (3rd), 11 sacks (t-2nd), 3 FF (2nd), 98.11% tak% (2nd)
2nd team: Christian Marciano
Key stats: 79 tackles (1st), 3 TFL, 11 sacks (t-2nd), 4 FF (1st), 3 FR (1st), 1 Blocked PA
2nd team: Raphael McTurtle
Key stats: 53 tackles, 5 TFL, 11 sacks (t-2nd), 2 FF
Cade Williams felt disrespected being a Second Team selection in Season 36, so he responded this past season by turning in a performance that not only netted him a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year, but also an Unanimous First Team spot. It’s easy to see why when you look at his numbers, as he was the only Defensive Tackle (and one of two DL) to post double digit TFLs and Sacks.
Our other Second Team Defensive Tackle a season ago, Kekua also had designs to be on the First Team in Season 37, and they proved with their play that they deserve to be recognized as a true playmaker. The Sailfish star post near the top for DTs in many major categories, and was an extremely efficient tackler when given the opportunity. We expect to see much more of Kekua as their career progresses.
Christian Marciano continued to be a playmaker for the Liberty in Season 37, where his 79 tackles and four forced fumbles led all defensive linemen (DT and DE), as well as racking up 11 sacks on the season. The voters appreciated his ability to make plays across the field, but they knocked him down for missing 9 tackles on the season.
One of the biggest storylines heading into Season 37 was the signing of the McTurtles in Arizona, and Raphael showed that he could fill the void left by the retiring Chuck Roth. McTurtle rewarded the Outlaws for their faith by turning in 11 sacks on the season, as well as notching 5 tackles for loss. Similarly to Marciano, he had some issues with missing tackles, but his overall resume was enough to cover those mistakes.
DEFENSIVE END
1st team: Daron Arnold (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 64 tackles (1st), 10 TFLs (T-1st), 11 sacks (T-1st), 3 FF (T-1st), 2 FR (T-1st)
1st team: Jason Garciaparra
Key stats: 53 tackles (4th), 9 sacks (4th), 2 FF (T-4th), 1 FR (T-3rd)
2nd team: Arnie Rufus
Key stats: 46 tackles (T-6th), 10 TFLs (T-1st), 1 safety (T-1st)
2nd team: Will Stern
Key stats: 48 tackles (5th), 10 TFLs (T-1st), 3 forced fumbles (T-1st)
You only need to look at Daron Arnold’s ranking in each of the major stat categories to see why he was a unanimous selection. Outside of safeties and defensive touchdowns, the Yellowknife star held at least a share of 1st in every major statistical category. He paced all defensive ends in total tackles, was a menace in the backfield both for quarterbacks and running backs, and was as adept as any DE at separating ballcarriers from the ball. Joining him on the first team is Jason Garciaparra. While the Second Line DE didn’t dominate any one category the way Arnold did, he did manage high marks across the board, placing top 5 in almost every major category. The lack of weaknesses in his resume earned him the nod for the first team spot.
The second team defensive ends recorded very similar stat lines through the season. Arnie Rufus and Will Stern finished high in the rankings for total tackles, tied for 1st in TFLs with 10 apiece, and tied for 1st in one other splashy stat (safety for Rufus, forced fumbles for Stern). Both missed out on first team bids for a relative lack of sacks and higher missed tackle rates, but their impressive strengths were enough to still earn second team honors.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
1st team: Dexter Hall
Key stats: 135 tackles (2nd), 16 sacks (3rd), 6 forced fumbles (T-1st), 3 fumbles recovered (T-1st)
1st team: Dont Draft
Key stats: 12 TFLs (T-3rd), 6 forced fumbles (T-1st), 2 fumbles recovered (T-4th), 3 INTs (1st), 1 DTD (T-1st)
2nd team: Bender Rodriguez
Key stats: 54.17% catch rate allowed (3rd), 19 sacks (1st), 1 DTD (T-1st)
2nd team: Jason Waterfalls
Key stats: 132 tackles (4th), 12 TFLs (T-3rd), 15 sacks (T-4th), 2 fumbles recovered (T-4th)
The name of the game for outside linebackers is versatility, and our first team all pros have that in spades. Dexter Hall was all over the field for the Butchers, racking up tackles and sacks with the best of them while also proving quite adept at forcing (and recovering) fumbles. Dont Draft lagged a little behind in the total tackles category, but was impressive everywhere else. The Sarasota linebacker was among the best in every turnover metric and TFLs, and while their 12 sacks wasn’t quite enough to match the leaders, it wasn’t anything to look down on either.
The second team honors belong to a pair of linebackers who didn’t quite exhibit the same level of versatility but were absolutely exceptional at what they did well. Bender Rodriguez blew away the field in total sacks for the Otters while also clamping down on opposing running backs and tight ends in the passing game. His 54.17% catch rate allowed ranked 3rd best of all starting OLBs. Jason Waterfalls didn’t show up much in the stat sheet for turnovers, but was a menace at and behind the line of scrimmage. The longtime Yeti placed top 5 in tackles, TFLs, and sacks - the only OLB to do so.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
1st team: Sakeem Webb
Key stats: 138 tackles (1st), 8 TFLs (T-1st), 6 sacks (T-2nd), 4 forced fumbles (1st), 2 fumbles recovered (T-1st), 2 INTs (T-2nd)
2nd team: Bill de La T. Dauterive
Key stats: 98 tackles (3rd), 8 TFLs (T-1st), 7 sacks (1st), 8 PDs (T-4th)
Sakeem Webb holds the distinction of being the only inside linebacker to perform well in both tackle-related stats and turnovers this season, placing 1st or 2nd in almost every major category. In fact, some of his totals rival those of the more prestigious outside linebackers. The Silverback’s 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, and 2 interceptions would have all placed top 5 among outside linebackers, while his 138 tackles would have reached a lofty 2nd.
Bill de la T. Dauterive may not have exhibited the same level of versatility as his first team counterpart, but he was still a menace behind the line of scrimmage. The Yeti linebacker’s 98 tackles ranked 3rd among all inside linebackers, and he paced the position in both sacks and TFLs.
CORNERBACK
1st team: Kalam Mekhar (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 94 tackles (T-2nd), 4 forced fumbles (T-1st), 8 INTs (2nd), 30 PDs (T-1st)
1st team: Mark Goodhead (Unanimous Selection)
Key Stats: 3 forced fumbles (T-3rd), 9 INTs (1st), 29 PDs (T-4th)
1st team flex DB: Anton Bruckner
Key stats: 94 tackles (T-2nd), 5 INTs (T-4th), 30 PDs (T-1st), 2 DTDs (T-1st)
2nd team: Modern Nazgul
Key stats: 0 penalties (T-1st), 2 fumbles recovered (T-2nd), 135 return yards (3rd), 26 PDs (6th)
2nd team: Makoa Mahai’ai
Key stats: 4 forced fumbles (T-1st), 3 fumbles recovered (1st)
How dominant were the first team CBs that both were unanimous selections? Look no further than turnovers and pass deflections. Both did their best Charles Tillman impressions with their uncanny abilities to punch the ball out of receivers’ hands. Both blanketed their receivers, racking up pass deflections like they were going out of style. But more impressive than any of that is just how dominant the pair was at nabbing interceptions. Mark Goodhead paced the league in interceptions with 9, with Kalem Mekhar right on his heels with 8. Only 4 other corners in the entire league managed to reach 5 picks. The pair posted amazing seasons, and were awarded with unanimous first team selections for their efforts.
While not strictly nominated as a corner, Anton Bruckner still made the first team as a flex DB. Bruckner was one of those 4 other corners who managed to reach 5 interceptions on the season, and otherwise produced a resume eerily similar to Mekhar. The lack of turnovers held the Otter back from receiving a first team CB vote, but his production was still enough to earn recognition with the first team.
The second team selections embodied the two opposite ends of the spectrum as far as CB play goes. Modern Nazgul lagged a little bit in terms of total turnovers, but the Hahalua corner made them count when he did get them. Nazgul also simply played sound football, racking up plenty of pass deflections while avoiding penalties. Makoa Mahi’ai perhaps wasn’t as refined in terms of penalties and pass deflections, nor was the Hawk as adept at capitzaling on turnovers. However, it’s hard to overlook the sheer volume of turnovers Mahi’ai produced. Tack on 4 interceptions to his position-leading 4 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries and it’s clear that Mahi’ai’s single best skill was ending opponents’ drives prematurely.
SAFETY
1st team: Spike Daniels (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 0 penalties (T-1st), 59.06% catch rate allowed (3rd), 98.15% tackle rate (3rd), 8 INTs (T-1st), 176 return yards (1st), 14 PDs (2nd), 2 DTDs (1st)
1st team: Sam Sung
Key stats: 59.41% catch rate allowed (5th), 4 sacks (T-6th), 8 INTs (T-1st), 130 return yards (3rd)
2nd team: Jasper Fontaine
Key stats: 4 sacks (T-6th), 3 forced fumbles (T-2nd), 5 INTs (T-3rd), 155 return yards (2nd)
2nd team: Amari Springer
Key stats: 80 tackles (5th), 6 sacks (T-1st), 100% tackle rate (1st), 5 forced fumbles (T-1st)
2nd team flex DB: Orpheus Czargyros
Key stats: 5 sacks (T-3rd), 2 forced fumbles (T-5th), 3 INTs (T-5th), 13 PDs (4th)
Safety (seyf-tee); football a player who lines up farthest behind the line of scrimmage, whose job is to ensure no one on the offense gets further down the field. See; Spike Daniels. OK, that might be slight hyperbole, but only slight. After all, almost nothing got past the Sarasota safety. Try to run past him? Daniels posted the 3rd best tackle rate among all starters. Try to throw it near him? 3rd lowest catch rate allowed, not to mention his 8 interceptions to further punish quarterbacks bold enough to throw the ball near him. There’s no question that Daniels was deserving of a unanimous selection. He is joined on the first team by Yellowknife safety Sam Sung. The young safety nearly matched Daniels in total production, posting a similarly excellent tackle rate while matching him with 8 interceptions. Sung traded some pass deflections for sacks and struggled a bit with missed tackles (which held him back from a unanimous selection), but he easily produced enough to earn a spot with the first team.
The second team selections are safeties who really honed their craft to do one thing exceptionally well. Jasper Fontaine was a turnover machine, forcing 3 fumbles while also notching 5 interceptions. The Philadelphia safety capitalized on those turnovers as well, to the tune of an impressive 155 return yards and a DTD. Amari Springer acted more as a box safety, terrorizing offenses at and behind the line of scrimmage. His 80 tackles were among the best of all safeties, and his 6 sacks and 5 forced fumbles led the position group. The Second Liner didn’t let a single ball carrier get away from him either, making him the only starting safety to record a 100% tackle rate on the season.
While not quite placing as a safety, Orpheus Czargyros joins the second team unit as a flex DB. Czargyros didn’t quite excel at any one thing in particular; his strength was in versatility. The Sabercats safety was involved at all levels, being the only safety to finish top 5 in sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions, and pass deflections.
KICKER
1st team: Double Doink
Key stats: 88.89% FG% (1st), 10.01 PAR (1st)
2nd team: Ikick Ballz
Key stats: 84.38% FG% (T-4th), 2.00 PAR (5th)
Double Doink posted a prodigious stat line last season, leading the league in field goal percentage and pacing the field in points above replacement. The Wraith only missed 3 kicks all season, and none of them were from under 40 yards. The one thing holding back Doink from a unanimous first team selection was the low volume, finishing only 9th in total attempts.
Our second team selection might look a little questionable at first, but it’s important to note that Ikick Ballz’s efficiency metrics were heavily influenced by a blocked kick. Once the blocked kick is accounted for, Ballz’s rankings rise to T-2nd in FG% and 3rd in PAR. The committee was uncertain of how to approach this discrepancy - and the voting for second team honors was very close as a result - but ultimately the committee decided to overlook the block as being a product of the offensive line rather than the kicker in recognizing the Liberty kicker as the second team selection.
PUNTER:
1st team: Alfonso dos Santos
Key Stats: 48.14 punt average (3rd), 51.14% I20% (2nd), 10.2% TB% (2nd)
2nd team: Swantavius King
Key Stats: 46.91 punt average (5th), 50.00% I20% (3rd), 14.7% TB% (5th)
The committee dove deep into efficiency metrics when analyzing punters this year (seriously, we had about 5 different spreadsheets with details that went as deep as breaking down each individual punt over the entire ISFL season), and all those advanced metrics pointed to one thing; just how dominant Alfonso dos Santos was as a punter this season. The second year Second Line punter routinely banged out massive punts that also pinned opposing offenses deep in their own territory. What more do you want in a punter?
The second team vote was perilously close, but ultimately Swantavius King emerged as the selection. King had some help in terms of Sarasota’s average field position when punting, but that doesn’t change the fact that he boasted a strong balance of above average distance and elite coffin corner rate. Even more impressive, the shorter fields didn’t lead to that high of a touchback rate as King’s 14.7% ranked 5th among all punters.
RETURNER:
1st team: Vincent Sharpei Jr
Key Stats: 31.38 kick return average (2nd), 10 punt return average (5th), 151 return yards above expected (1st)
2nd team: Jay Cue Jr
Key Stats: 26.86 kick return average (9th), 11 punt return average (1st), 102 return yards above expected (4th)
Vincent Sharpei Jr. was by far and away the best two way return man in the game this season. His 31+ yard KR average was 2nd in the league and the highest average amongst players with 20 or more returns. His 10 yard PR average was good enough for 5th in the league. Add those two together and he blew away the competition in return yards above expected, beating the 2nd place Cue by nearly 50 yards in that metric amongst players that return both kicks and punts.
Speaking of Cue, he put together a really good season on special teams himself. His above average kick returning was bolstered by his league best punt returning and gave him the 4th more return yards above expected, but the 2nd most amongst players that return both kicks and punts. 2nd and 3rd on that list did not return any punts. The committee awarded Cue’s versatility in that regard with a 2nd team All-Pro selection.
SFWG All-Pro First Team
FIRST TEAM
QB - Wendell Sailor
RB - Jay Cue Jr (U)
RB - Michelangelo McTurtle
FB - Michael Patrick Porkins
TE - Lenard Graf
WR - Nick Kaepercolin Jr
WR - Johnny Patey
WR - Sal Ami
OT - Beniri T'Chawama (U)
OT - Stumpy Jones
IOL - Manhattan Project
DT - Cade Williams (U)
DT - Lennay Kekua
DE - Daron Arnold (U)
DE - Jason Garciaparra
OLB - Dexter Hall
OLB - Dont Draft
ILB - Sakeem Webb
CB - Kalam Mekhar (U)
CB - Mark Goodhead (U)
S - Spike Daniels (U)
S - Sam Sung
FLEX - Anton Bruckner
K - Double Doink
P - Alfonso dos Santos
RET - Vincent Sharpei Jr
SECOND TEAM
QB - Malcolm Savage
RB - Lalu Muhammad Zohri
RB - The Stig
FB - William Groves
TE - Deshawn Penne
WR - Escanor Sama
WR - Kotoni Staggs
WR - Zayne Dangle
OT - Panda McKyle
OT - Swantavius Payne
IOL - Keane Lover
DT - Christian Marciano
DT - Raphael McTurtle
DE - Will Stern
DE - Arnie Rufus
OLB - Bender Rodriguez
OLB - Jason Waterfalls
ILB - Bill de La T. Dauterive
CB - Modern Nazgul
CB - Makoa Mahai'ai
S - Amari Springer
S - Jasper Fontaine
FLEX - Orpheus Czargyros
K - Ikick Ballz
P - Swantavius King
RET - Jay Cue Jr
(U) = Unanimous selection
Other Players Receiving Votes:
QB Elessar Jones; QB Gimmy Jaropollo Jr; RB Buffalo Hunter; RB Dante King; FB Ivan Toastovich; FB Triple Option; WR Erwin Kemp; WR Bernd D Brot; WR Rejoignez LordreSombre; TE Lucius Salem; TE American Boot; OT Theo Awardsystemisbad; DE David Moyes; DE Lucid Dreams; OLB Kahn Cussion; OLB Kevin McThumper; OLB Nick Flint; OLB Sheriff Woody; ILB Akaki Akayre; ILB Duke Cheeks; ILB Xavier Walls; CB Ace McAlister; CB Johnny Delusional; CB Spottie O’Dopaliscious; CB Tony Demonson; S Chim Rickles; S Rocky Rhoads; K Freddy Bly; P Double Doink; P Ian Cole II; P Levy Tate; RET Sal Ami; RET Zane Cold
Summary by team:
(7): 5 First Team; 2 Second Team
(6): 3 First Team; 3 Second Team
(5): 4 First Team; 2 Second Team
(5): 0 First Team; 5 Second Team
(4): 4 First Team; 0 Second Team
(4): 3 First Team; 1 Second Team
(4): 2 First Team; 2 Second Team
(3): 0 First Team; 3 Second Team
(3): 2 First Team; 1 Second Team
(3): 1 First Team, 2 Second Team
(3): 1 First Team; 2 Second Team
(3): 1 First Team; 2 Second Team
(1): 1 First Team; 0 Second Team
(1): 0 First Team; 1 Second Team
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Thank you again for reading this season’s SFWG All-Pro Team!
In the name of transparency, here is a link to the All-Pro final ballot: Season 37 ISFL All-Pro Ballot results .
Thank you again to all of the members of the ISFL All-Pro Committee, and to the members of the ISFL Community for reading these every season!
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Numerical ranks (1st, 2nd, 3rd…) are stated for that position group, unless otherwise noted as an overall rank.
QUARTERBACK
1st team:Wendell Sailor
Key Stats: 38 pass TD (1st), 100.4 pass rating (1st), 6.60 ANY/A (1st)
2nd team: Malcolm Savage
Key Stats: 4092 pass yards, 31 pass TD, 524 rush yards (2nd), 38 total TD (t-1st)
In Season 37, Arizona was finally able to break through the ASFC Championship Game wall and break their Ultimus curse, a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that at midseason they were not even in the playoff picture at 3-5. The team rallied in the second half, not dropping a single game en route to claiming the top seed. Sailor was a big part of their magical run, tossing 20 touchdowns over the final 8 games, and posting a passer rating of 104.8. While his stats may look a little more pedestrian compared to what we’ve seen in recent seasons, he still led the league in three main metrics, making his case for the First Team a solid one.
After a Season 36 campaign which saw him post his lowest offensive production, many pundits began asking if the ISFL had, “figured out” the dual threat phenom, Savage. He responded by posting one of his best seasons of his young career, finishing tied in the league for touchdowns responsible for with 38, including a great total of 7 scored with his legs. New York may have disappointed with a 6-10 record, but no one can point the finger at their QB.
RUNNING BACK
1st team: Jay Cue Jr (Unanimous Selection)
Key Stats: 1793 rush yards (1st), 21 rush TD (1st), 2258 scrimm yards (1st), 27 total TDs (1st)
1st team: Michelangelo McTurtle
Key Stats: 1113 rush yards (4th), 4.78 YPC (5th), 1710 scrimm yards (4th), 14 explosive plays (1st)
2nd team: Lalu Muhammad Zohri
Key Stats: 1600 rush yards (2nd), 17total TDs (2nd), 1741 scrimm yards (3rd)
2nd team: The Stig
Key Stats: 1538 rush yards (3rd), 1800 scrimm yards (2nd), 4.81 YPC (4th)
It should be no surprise to see another Unanimous First Team selection for the Season 37 MVP, Jay Cue Jr. There’s not much we can really say here that will do him more justice than just looking at his stats will. Cue Jr finished with over 400 yards and 10 touchdowns more than any other RB this season, and by any measure was the best offensive player in the league.
Our other First Team selection might surprise some fans, as McTurtle’s volume numbers might not jump off the page; but, he was a true spark plug for the Silverbacks this season. He was a real dual threat out of the backfield, totalling almost 600 receiving yards, on top of his 1100 rushing yards on a very efficient 4.78 YPC. What really set him apart, however, what his amount of explosive plays, leading all RBs in this season.
Lalu Muhammad Zohri is back on the All-Pro Team this season after putting up a very strong campaign in which eh finished in the top three for yards and touchdowns among all RBs. The Zohri versus McTurtle discussion was a heated one, but ultimately what hurt Zohri’s case in the eyes of the voters was his meager contributions as a receiver, and his lower efficiency (4.52 YPC)..
Our final Running Back this season, The Stig, showed this year that he’s just as fast on his feet as he is behind the wheel. The Second Line offense did not really scare many teams this season, but looking back maybe teams should have been more scared of Stig, as he finished second in the league in scrimmage yards and also posted one of the best yards per carry.
WIDE RECEIVER
Editor’s note: Due to the lower number of Offensive Linemen in the league in Season 37, the decision was made to remove some spots for OL players (see below) and give an extra slot to Wide Receivers for Season 37
1st team: Johnny Patey
Key stats: 128 receptions (1st), 1871 yards (1st), 14.62 YPR (4th)
1st team: Nick Kaepercolin Jr
Key stats: 1346 yards (4th), 15 TDs (1st), 9.41 yards/tar (3rd)
1st team: Sal Ami
Key stats: 16.32 YPR (2nd), 10.1 yards/tar (2nd), 11 TDs
2nd team: Escanor Sama
Key stats: 1566 yards (2nd), 16.66 YPR (1st), 10.65 yard/tar (1st), 9 Rec40 (1st)
2nd team: Kotoni Staggs
Key stats: 1304 yards, 11 TDs, 14.7 YPR (6th)
2nd team: Zayne Dangle
Key stats: 1437 yards (3rd), 10 TDs
Season 37 for the Austin Copperheads may have been for a lack of better words, not great; but, that didn’t stop the boys from Texas from airing it out early and often. The main recipient of TE82’s 740 passing attempts was Patey, who ended up leading the league in both receptions and yards, with the latter being the 4th most in a single season in league history.
Nick Kaepercolin Jr and leading the league in receiving touchdowns - name a more iconic duo! A season removed from setting the single-season receiving touchdowns record, Kaepercolin showed he had more left in the tank as he scored a league-leading 15 in S37. He showed he did more than catch touchdowns, as he finished 4th in yards and 3rd in yards per target.
Our final First Team spot went to the speedster from the Island State, Sal Ami. Ami may have finished a little lower in yards than some others on this list, but he was one of the most efficient WRs in the league, finishing second in both yards per reception and per target. Also managed to rack up a respectable 11 touchdowns on the year, giving him the edge in the eyes of the voters.
If you look up Deep Threat in the dictionary, you will be greeted with nothing but a picture of the Liberty star, Escanor Sama. There are times this season when Philadelphia’s offensive philosophy appeared to be, “Just chuck it downfield. Esco is down there somewhere!” He finished the season second in the league in receiving yards, and paced the league in yards per reception and target, as well as in 40 yard receptions.
With Sailor being named the First Team Quarterback, it makes sense to have one of his favorite targets make hte All-Pro team. Kotoni Staggs in Season 37 was the definition of quietly dominant. She finished in the top 6 in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards per catch. Consistency was key for Staggs, and her steady play helped push Arizona to the Ultimus.
At the start of the season if you had said that Berlin would have an All-Pro Wide Receiver, I don’t think many fans would believe you; but, Zayne Dangle was one of the lone bright spots for Berlin’s last-ranked offense. He face double and triple coverage many plays and yet still finished third in the league in yards and receptions, while snagging a very respectable 10 touchdowns. Berlin’s offense might be growing, but with a weapon like Dangle in tow the future looks bright.
TIGHT END
1st team: Lenard Graf
Key stats: 79 receptions (5th), 959 yards (1st), 7 TDs (T-2nd), 7.55 YPT (2nd), 63 pancakes (1st)
2nd team: Deshawn Penne
Key stats: 83 receptions (4th), 747 yards (4th), 9 TDs (1st), 68% catch% (3rd), 53 pancakes (2nd)
Lenard Graf bounced back from a down year very strongly. Not only was he extremely efficient as a receiver, but he also led all tight ends in pancakes. Being the position leader in receiving yards, yards per catch, and pancakes is the perfect recipe to rack up a 1st team All-Pro selection. Just a great two-way tight end season from a great player whose career will sadly be cut short soon by an early retirement.
The 2nd team All-Pro selection is another tight end who is familiar with being on this list in Deshawn Penne. While not quite reaching Graf’s numbers, Penne was a great all-around two way tight end in his own right. While being a little less efficient than Graf, Penne got to do his touchdown dance more than any other tight end this season.
FULLBACK
First Team: Michael Patrick Porkins
Key Stats: 34 pancakes (4th), 235 rush yards (1st), 4 rushing TDs (1st)
Second Team: William Groves
Key Stats: 43 pancakes (1st), 0 sacks allowed (T-1st), 2 total TDs (T-3rd)
As usual, there was a little bit of weeding out to do in the fullback ranks for players who played more tight end than fullback (the stat differences between the two positions is stark). However, even after narrowing that down the field was pretty tight for fullbacks this season. The committee went back and forth on the virtues of valuing blocking production versus yardage and scoring production, as well as trying to determine the significance of the differences between players.
Ultimately, Michael Patrick Porkins stood out as the top fullback of the season. The Second Liner didn’t rank too highly in terms of pancakes (finishing 4th), but the rank itself is a little misleading as his 34 pancakes fell only 9 short of the leader. Meanwhile, his rushing production was second to none. His 235 yards easily paced the field, as did his 4 rushing TDs. As an all around contributor, Porkins stood out enough to earn first team honors.
Our second team selection leaned toward the other side of the spectrum. William Groves had only modest production as a weapon for New York, totaling a mere 61 scrimmage yards. However, he did manage to score twice while pacing all full time fullbacks with 43 pancakes and no sacks allowed. The lesser balance of blocking and rushing/receiving made it difficult to place Groves over Porkins, but his second team honors are well deserved for his blocking acumen.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Editor’s note: due to a lack of human players at Offensive Line in Season 37, the Committee adjusted the OL spots to two OT and one Interior OL (Guard or Center).
1st team: Beniri T’Chawama (Unanimous Selection)
Key Stats: 136 pancakes (1st), 1 sack allowed (T-2nd), 2 penalties for 10 yards (2nd)
1st team: Stumpy Jones
Key Stats: 117 pancakes (6th), 1 sack allowed (T-2nd), 3 penalties for 20 yards (5th)
2nd team: Panda McKyle
Key Stats: 124 pancakes (2nd), 1 penalty for 10 yards (1st)
2nd team: Swantavius Payne
Key Stats: 123 pancakes (3rd), 2 sacks allowed (T-5th)
Beniri T’Chawama was an absolute monster this season and his career year earned him a unanimous selection to the 1st team. 136 pancakes not only bested his previous career high of 133, but also was the most in the league by a decent margin. Add in his very clean play of just 1 sack allowed and 2 penalties and there was clearly no better offensive lineman this season than Beniri.
While this was potentially a passing of the torch, Stumpy Jones isn’t done quite yet. Stumpy put up a solid pancake total with nearly 120, but the more impressive part of his play was how clean he was in racking up the massive pancake total. He had just 1 sack allowed and only 3 penalties.
The former quarterback turned offensive lineman, Panda McKyle, has found himself on the 2nd team after the amazing body transformation he made in order to play the position. Panda ended up with the 2nd most pancakes in the league and was the best offensive tackle at avoiding penalty calls with just 1 on the entire season.
The other 2nd team selection is the young up and comer Swantavius Payne. His 123 pancakes on the season were good enough for 3rd in the league and doing that while only allowing 2 sacks across the 16 game season was quite impressive.
INTERIOR OL
1st team: Manhattan Project
Key Stats: 81 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, 0 penalties committed
2nd team: Keane Lover
Key Stats: 85 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed, 2 penalties committed
If you’ve been following the All-Pro selections since its inception, you’re probably used to seeing Manhattan Project occupying a spot on the First Team. While his pancake numbers may be a little lower this season, he was the ONLY offensive lineman to post a completely clean season (no sacks allowed nor any penalties committed), the ultimate test for an OL. He announced that Season 38 would be his last, so now the question becomes, “who will step up?”
Keane Lover has quietly had a very good career, being named to the All-Pro team a handful of times, but many will say that Season 37 was her opus as she led all IOL in pancakes and didn’t allow her QB to get sacked. What kept her from the First Team was two holding penalties. That does not take away from her stellar play, however, as she was easily one of the best OL this past season.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1st team: Cade Williams (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 63 tackles (2nd), 10 TFL (1st), 14 sacks (1st)
1st team: Lennay Kekua
Key stats: 52 tackles, 7 TFL (3rd), 11 sacks (t-2nd), 3 FF (2nd), 98.11% tak% (2nd)
2nd team: Christian Marciano
Key stats: 79 tackles (1st), 3 TFL, 11 sacks (t-2nd), 4 FF (1st), 3 FR (1st), 1 Blocked PA
2nd team: Raphael McTurtle
Key stats: 53 tackles, 5 TFL, 11 sacks (t-2nd), 2 FF
Cade Williams felt disrespected being a Second Team selection in Season 36, so he responded this past season by turning in a performance that not only netted him a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year, but also an Unanimous First Team spot. It’s easy to see why when you look at his numbers, as he was the only Defensive Tackle (and one of two DL) to post double digit TFLs and Sacks.
Our other Second Team Defensive Tackle a season ago, Kekua also had designs to be on the First Team in Season 37, and they proved with their play that they deserve to be recognized as a true playmaker. The Sailfish star post near the top for DTs in many major categories, and was an extremely efficient tackler when given the opportunity. We expect to see much more of Kekua as their career progresses.
Christian Marciano continued to be a playmaker for the Liberty in Season 37, where his 79 tackles and four forced fumbles led all defensive linemen (DT and DE), as well as racking up 11 sacks on the season. The voters appreciated his ability to make plays across the field, but they knocked him down for missing 9 tackles on the season.
One of the biggest storylines heading into Season 37 was the signing of the McTurtles in Arizona, and Raphael showed that he could fill the void left by the retiring Chuck Roth. McTurtle rewarded the Outlaws for their faith by turning in 11 sacks on the season, as well as notching 5 tackles for loss. Similarly to Marciano, he had some issues with missing tackles, but his overall resume was enough to cover those mistakes.
DEFENSIVE END
1st team: Daron Arnold (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 64 tackles (1st), 10 TFLs (T-1st), 11 sacks (T-1st), 3 FF (T-1st), 2 FR (T-1st)
1st team: Jason Garciaparra
Key stats: 53 tackles (4th), 9 sacks (4th), 2 FF (T-4th), 1 FR (T-3rd)
2nd team: Arnie Rufus
Key stats: 46 tackles (T-6th), 10 TFLs (T-1st), 1 safety (T-1st)
2nd team: Will Stern
Key stats: 48 tackles (5th), 10 TFLs (T-1st), 3 forced fumbles (T-1st)
You only need to look at Daron Arnold’s ranking in each of the major stat categories to see why he was a unanimous selection. Outside of safeties and defensive touchdowns, the Yellowknife star held at least a share of 1st in every major statistical category. He paced all defensive ends in total tackles, was a menace in the backfield both for quarterbacks and running backs, and was as adept as any DE at separating ballcarriers from the ball. Joining him on the first team is Jason Garciaparra. While the Second Line DE didn’t dominate any one category the way Arnold did, he did manage high marks across the board, placing top 5 in almost every major category. The lack of weaknesses in his resume earned him the nod for the first team spot.
The second team defensive ends recorded very similar stat lines through the season. Arnie Rufus and Will Stern finished high in the rankings for total tackles, tied for 1st in TFLs with 10 apiece, and tied for 1st in one other splashy stat (safety for Rufus, forced fumbles for Stern). Both missed out on first team bids for a relative lack of sacks and higher missed tackle rates, but their impressive strengths were enough to still earn second team honors.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
1st team: Dexter Hall
Key stats: 135 tackles (2nd), 16 sacks (3rd), 6 forced fumbles (T-1st), 3 fumbles recovered (T-1st)
1st team: Dont Draft
Key stats: 12 TFLs (T-3rd), 6 forced fumbles (T-1st), 2 fumbles recovered (T-4th), 3 INTs (1st), 1 DTD (T-1st)
2nd team: Bender Rodriguez
Key stats: 54.17% catch rate allowed (3rd), 19 sacks (1st), 1 DTD (T-1st)
2nd team: Jason Waterfalls
Key stats: 132 tackles (4th), 12 TFLs (T-3rd), 15 sacks (T-4th), 2 fumbles recovered (T-4th)
The name of the game for outside linebackers is versatility, and our first team all pros have that in spades. Dexter Hall was all over the field for the Butchers, racking up tackles and sacks with the best of them while also proving quite adept at forcing (and recovering) fumbles. Dont Draft lagged a little behind in the total tackles category, but was impressive everywhere else. The Sarasota linebacker was among the best in every turnover metric and TFLs, and while their 12 sacks wasn’t quite enough to match the leaders, it wasn’t anything to look down on either.
The second team honors belong to a pair of linebackers who didn’t quite exhibit the same level of versatility but were absolutely exceptional at what they did well. Bender Rodriguez blew away the field in total sacks for the Otters while also clamping down on opposing running backs and tight ends in the passing game. His 54.17% catch rate allowed ranked 3rd best of all starting OLBs. Jason Waterfalls didn’t show up much in the stat sheet for turnovers, but was a menace at and behind the line of scrimmage. The longtime Yeti placed top 5 in tackles, TFLs, and sacks - the only OLB to do so.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
1st team: Sakeem Webb
Key stats: 138 tackles (1st), 8 TFLs (T-1st), 6 sacks (T-2nd), 4 forced fumbles (1st), 2 fumbles recovered (T-1st), 2 INTs (T-2nd)
2nd team: Bill de La T. Dauterive
Key stats: 98 tackles (3rd), 8 TFLs (T-1st), 7 sacks (1st), 8 PDs (T-4th)
Sakeem Webb holds the distinction of being the only inside linebacker to perform well in both tackle-related stats and turnovers this season, placing 1st or 2nd in almost every major category. In fact, some of his totals rival those of the more prestigious outside linebackers. The Silverback’s 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, and 2 interceptions would have all placed top 5 among outside linebackers, while his 138 tackles would have reached a lofty 2nd.
Bill de la T. Dauterive may not have exhibited the same level of versatility as his first team counterpart, but he was still a menace behind the line of scrimmage. The Yeti linebacker’s 98 tackles ranked 3rd among all inside linebackers, and he paced the position in both sacks and TFLs.
CORNERBACK
1st team: Kalam Mekhar (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 94 tackles (T-2nd), 4 forced fumbles (T-1st), 8 INTs (2nd), 30 PDs (T-1st)
1st team: Mark Goodhead (Unanimous Selection)
Key Stats: 3 forced fumbles (T-3rd), 9 INTs (1st), 29 PDs (T-4th)
1st team flex DB: Anton Bruckner
Key stats: 94 tackles (T-2nd), 5 INTs (T-4th), 30 PDs (T-1st), 2 DTDs (T-1st)
2nd team: Modern Nazgul
Key stats: 0 penalties (T-1st), 2 fumbles recovered (T-2nd), 135 return yards (3rd), 26 PDs (6th)
2nd team: Makoa Mahai’ai
Key stats: 4 forced fumbles (T-1st), 3 fumbles recovered (1st)
How dominant were the first team CBs that both were unanimous selections? Look no further than turnovers and pass deflections. Both did their best Charles Tillman impressions with their uncanny abilities to punch the ball out of receivers’ hands. Both blanketed their receivers, racking up pass deflections like they were going out of style. But more impressive than any of that is just how dominant the pair was at nabbing interceptions. Mark Goodhead paced the league in interceptions with 9, with Kalem Mekhar right on his heels with 8. Only 4 other corners in the entire league managed to reach 5 picks. The pair posted amazing seasons, and were awarded with unanimous first team selections for their efforts.
While not strictly nominated as a corner, Anton Bruckner still made the first team as a flex DB. Bruckner was one of those 4 other corners who managed to reach 5 interceptions on the season, and otherwise produced a resume eerily similar to Mekhar. The lack of turnovers held the Otter back from receiving a first team CB vote, but his production was still enough to earn recognition with the first team.
The second team selections embodied the two opposite ends of the spectrum as far as CB play goes. Modern Nazgul lagged a little bit in terms of total turnovers, but the Hahalua corner made them count when he did get them. Nazgul also simply played sound football, racking up plenty of pass deflections while avoiding penalties. Makoa Mahi’ai perhaps wasn’t as refined in terms of penalties and pass deflections, nor was the Hawk as adept at capitzaling on turnovers. However, it’s hard to overlook the sheer volume of turnovers Mahi’ai produced. Tack on 4 interceptions to his position-leading 4 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries and it’s clear that Mahi’ai’s single best skill was ending opponents’ drives prematurely.
SAFETY
1st team: Spike Daniels (Unanimous Selection)
Key stats: 0 penalties (T-1st), 59.06% catch rate allowed (3rd), 98.15% tackle rate (3rd), 8 INTs (T-1st), 176 return yards (1st), 14 PDs (2nd), 2 DTDs (1st)
1st team: Sam Sung
Key stats: 59.41% catch rate allowed (5th), 4 sacks (T-6th), 8 INTs (T-1st), 130 return yards (3rd)
2nd team: Jasper Fontaine
Key stats: 4 sacks (T-6th), 3 forced fumbles (T-2nd), 5 INTs (T-3rd), 155 return yards (2nd)
2nd team: Amari Springer
Key stats: 80 tackles (5th), 6 sacks (T-1st), 100% tackle rate (1st), 5 forced fumbles (T-1st)
2nd team flex DB: Orpheus Czargyros
Key stats: 5 sacks (T-3rd), 2 forced fumbles (T-5th), 3 INTs (T-5th), 13 PDs (4th)
Safety (seyf-tee); football a player who lines up farthest behind the line of scrimmage, whose job is to ensure no one on the offense gets further down the field. See; Spike Daniels. OK, that might be slight hyperbole, but only slight. After all, almost nothing got past the Sarasota safety. Try to run past him? Daniels posted the 3rd best tackle rate among all starters. Try to throw it near him? 3rd lowest catch rate allowed, not to mention his 8 interceptions to further punish quarterbacks bold enough to throw the ball near him. There’s no question that Daniels was deserving of a unanimous selection. He is joined on the first team by Yellowknife safety Sam Sung. The young safety nearly matched Daniels in total production, posting a similarly excellent tackle rate while matching him with 8 interceptions. Sung traded some pass deflections for sacks and struggled a bit with missed tackles (which held him back from a unanimous selection), but he easily produced enough to earn a spot with the first team.
The second team selections are safeties who really honed their craft to do one thing exceptionally well. Jasper Fontaine was a turnover machine, forcing 3 fumbles while also notching 5 interceptions. The Philadelphia safety capitalized on those turnovers as well, to the tune of an impressive 155 return yards and a DTD. Amari Springer acted more as a box safety, terrorizing offenses at and behind the line of scrimmage. His 80 tackles were among the best of all safeties, and his 6 sacks and 5 forced fumbles led the position group. The Second Liner didn’t let a single ball carrier get away from him either, making him the only starting safety to record a 100% tackle rate on the season.
While not quite placing as a safety, Orpheus Czargyros joins the second team unit as a flex DB. Czargyros didn’t quite excel at any one thing in particular; his strength was in versatility. The Sabercats safety was involved at all levels, being the only safety to finish top 5 in sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions, and pass deflections.
KICKER
1st team: Double Doink
Key stats: 88.89% FG% (1st), 10.01 PAR (1st)
2nd team: Ikick Ballz
Key stats: 84.38% FG% (T-4th), 2.00 PAR (5th)
Double Doink posted a prodigious stat line last season, leading the league in field goal percentage and pacing the field in points above replacement. The Wraith only missed 3 kicks all season, and none of them were from under 40 yards. The one thing holding back Doink from a unanimous first team selection was the low volume, finishing only 9th in total attempts.
Our second team selection might look a little questionable at first, but it’s important to note that Ikick Ballz’s efficiency metrics were heavily influenced by a blocked kick. Once the blocked kick is accounted for, Ballz’s rankings rise to T-2nd in FG% and 3rd in PAR. The committee was uncertain of how to approach this discrepancy - and the voting for second team honors was very close as a result - but ultimately the committee decided to overlook the block as being a product of the offensive line rather than the kicker in recognizing the Liberty kicker as the second team selection.
PUNTER:
1st team: Alfonso dos Santos
Key Stats: 48.14 punt average (3rd), 51.14% I20% (2nd), 10.2% TB% (2nd)
2nd team: Swantavius King
Key Stats: 46.91 punt average (5th), 50.00% I20% (3rd), 14.7% TB% (5th)
The committee dove deep into efficiency metrics when analyzing punters this year (seriously, we had about 5 different spreadsheets with details that went as deep as breaking down each individual punt over the entire ISFL season), and all those advanced metrics pointed to one thing; just how dominant Alfonso dos Santos was as a punter this season. The second year Second Line punter routinely banged out massive punts that also pinned opposing offenses deep in their own territory. What more do you want in a punter?
The second team vote was perilously close, but ultimately Swantavius King emerged as the selection. King had some help in terms of Sarasota’s average field position when punting, but that doesn’t change the fact that he boasted a strong balance of above average distance and elite coffin corner rate. Even more impressive, the shorter fields didn’t lead to that high of a touchback rate as King’s 14.7% ranked 5th among all punters.
RETURNER:
1st team: Vincent Sharpei Jr
Key Stats: 31.38 kick return average (2nd), 10 punt return average (5th), 151 return yards above expected (1st)
2nd team: Jay Cue Jr
Key Stats: 26.86 kick return average (9th), 11 punt return average (1st), 102 return yards above expected (4th)
Vincent Sharpei Jr. was by far and away the best two way return man in the game this season. His 31+ yard KR average was 2nd in the league and the highest average amongst players with 20 or more returns. His 10 yard PR average was good enough for 5th in the league. Add those two together and he blew away the competition in return yards above expected, beating the 2nd place Cue by nearly 50 yards in that metric amongst players that return both kicks and punts.
Speaking of Cue, he put together a really good season on special teams himself. His above average kick returning was bolstered by his league best punt returning and gave him the 4th more return yards above expected, but the 2nd most amongst players that return both kicks and punts. 2nd and 3rd on that list did not return any punts. The committee awarded Cue’s versatility in that regard with a 2nd team All-Pro selection.
SFWG All-Pro First Team
FIRST TEAM
QB - Wendell Sailor
RB - Jay Cue Jr (U)
RB - Michelangelo McTurtle
FB - Michael Patrick Porkins
TE - Lenard Graf
WR - Nick Kaepercolin Jr
WR - Johnny Patey
WR - Sal Ami
OT - Beniri T'Chawama (U)
OT - Stumpy Jones
IOL - Manhattan Project
DT - Cade Williams (U)
DT - Lennay Kekua
DE - Daron Arnold (U)
DE - Jason Garciaparra
OLB - Dexter Hall
OLB - Dont Draft
ILB - Sakeem Webb
CB - Kalam Mekhar (U)
CB - Mark Goodhead (U)
S - Spike Daniels (U)
S - Sam Sung
FLEX - Anton Bruckner
K - Double Doink
P - Alfonso dos Santos
RET - Vincent Sharpei Jr
SECOND TEAM
QB - Malcolm Savage
RB - Lalu Muhammad Zohri
RB - The Stig
FB - William Groves
TE - Deshawn Penne
WR - Escanor Sama
WR - Kotoni Staggs
WR - Zayne Dangle
OT - Panda McKyle
OT - Swantavius Payne
IOL - Keane Lover
DT - Christian Marciano
DT - Raphael McTurtle
DE - Will Stern
DE - Arnie Rufus
OLB - Bender Rodriguez
OLB - Jason Waterfalls
ILB - Bill de La T. Dauterive
CB - Modern Nazgul
CB - Makoa Mahai'ai
S - Amari Springer
S - Jasper Fontaine
FLEX - Orpheus Czargyros
K - Ikick Ballz
P - Swantavius King
RET - Jay Cue Jr
(U) = Unanimous selection
Other Players Receiving Votes:
QB Elessar Jones; QB Gimmy Jaropollo Jr; RB Buffalo Hunter; RB Dante King; FB Ivan Toastovich; FB Triple Option; WR Erwin Kemp; WR Bernd D Brot; WR Rejoignez LordreSombre; TE Lucius Salem; TE American Boot; OT Theo Awardsystemisbad; DE David Moyes; DE Lucid Dreams; OLB Kahn Cussion; OLB Kevin McThumper; OLB Nick Flint; OLB Sheriff Woody; ILB Akaki Akayre; ILB Duke Cheeks; ILB Xavier Walls; CB Ace McAlister; CB Johnny Delusional; CB Spottie O’Dopaliscious; CB Tony Demonson; S Chim Rickles; S Rocky Rhoads; K Freddy Bly; P Double Doink; P Ian Cole II; P Levy Tate; RET Sal Ami; RET Zane Cold
Summary by team:
(7): 5 First Team; 2 Second Team
(6): 3 First Team; 3 Second Team
(5): 4 First Team; 2 Second Team
(5): 0 First Team; 5 Second Team
(4): 4 First Team; 0 Second Team
(4): 3 First Team; 1 Second Team
(4): 2 First Team; 2 Second Team
(3): 0 First Team; 3 Second Team
(3): 2 First Team; 1 Second Team
(3): 1 First Team, 2 Second Team
(3): 1 First Team; 2 Second Team
(3): 1 First Team; 2 Second Team
(1): 1 First Team; 0 Second Team
(1): 0 First Team; 1 Second Team
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Thank you again for reading this season’s SFWG All-Pro Team!
In the name of transparency, here is a link to the All-Pro final ballot: Season 37 ISFL All-Pro Ballot results .
Thank you again to all of the members of the ISFL All-Pro Committee, and to the members of the ISFL Community for reading these every season!
© 2022 Simulation Football Writers’ Guild
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