01-18-2024, 09:59 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-21-2024, 11:37 AM by xenosthelegend. Edited 1 time in total.)
S46 Prospect Bowl Kicks Off!
In what was a highly anticipated event by numerous rookies, the Prospect Bowl kicked off last night in stunning fashion with 4 matchups that would give an early insight into the talent entering the draft pool. Numerous scouts and GM's were on hand to see first hand who could bring their team some much needed help and who to avoid in the upcoming DSFL draft. The bevy of match up's brought a titillating 42 minutes of action that had plenty of highlights and lowlights. We'll dig into some of the specific performances by rookies below and what its doing to their draft stock, but first, lets get a brief overview of each game and its action.
Game 1 - Thundering Herd run over the Dire Wolves - 16 to 10
In a close game, the Thundering Herd prevailed over the Dire Wolves despite their stellar run game and offensive dominance. A late score by the Wolves looked like it may turn the tide but ultimately 2 turnovers on interceptions proved too costly to over come and they would lose the game by a single score. Across the board, the defensive effort was similar, and on paper the Wolves seemed to have the offensive edge, both in terms of time of possession, passing yards, rushing yards, and first downs. But when you hand your opponent the ball twice, it's a hard hill to overcome.
Game 2 - Grizzlies maul the Smilodons - 14 to 3
While the first game was close, this one was never even a contest. The grizzlies pregame ritual which was caught on film below, no doubt boosted their performance as they took the field. Solid QB play from the Grizzlies would elevate them to a win over the Smilodons. Much like the Wolves, the Smilodons had 2 costly turnovers and terrible QB play was just not going to get the job done against the powder driven Grizzlies.
Game 3 - Dire Wolves claw the Herd - 20 to 17
In what seemed like a W for the Wolves from the beginning looked closer than it really was. Wolves lead the whole stretch and a late TD while exciting the Herd, would offer no reprieve to the Herd who had 3 turnovers to help insure the Wolves success. Ultimately the Wolves proved their commitment to film after their first game would pay dividends as they were able to avoid costly turnovers and capitalize on the Herds.
Game 4 - Grizzlies dismember the Smilodons - 31 to 17
To say this was never a contest would seem fitting, but early on it seemed like the Smilodons were rebounding from their previous showing. Sadly, that optimism was short lived as it was curtains before the first quarter ended when the Grizzlies took a commanding 2 score lead they would never relent. Poor offensive effort through the air and costly turnovers would again plague the Smilodon's, proving they live up to their extinct status. Some fans could be heard asking for refunds for season tickets for the Smilodons at the end of the showing, worried about what lied ahead for the team.
Standings:
Juneau Grizzlies - 2-0
Denver Dire Wolves - 1-1
Bismarck Thundering Herd 1-1
La Brea Smilodons - 0-2
NOTABLE DRAFT PROSPECTS:
To say this was never a contest would seem fitting, but early on it seemed like the Smilodons were rebounding from their previous showing. Sadly, that optimism was short lived as it was curtains before the first quarter ended when the Grizzlies took a commanding 2 score lead they would never relent. Poor offensive effort through the air and costly turnovers would again plague the Smilodon's, proving they live up to their extinct status. Some fans could be heard asking for refunds for season tickets for the Smilodons at the end of the showing, worried about what lied ahead for the team.
Standings:
Juneau Grizzlies - 2-0
Denver Dire Wolves - 1-1
Bismarck Thundering Herd 1-1
La Brea Smilodons - 0-2
NOTABLE DRAFT PROSPECTS:
Hamm Hargreaves K/P - Showing off his leg, Hargreaves nailed 4/5 FG's, 2/2 XP's & 16 punts for 40.8 yards on average. This is one leg you can stand on, look for him to move up the boards.
Julian Rose RB - 117 yards in his first outing and 97 in the second are respectable numbers, finding the endzone more than once would be more respectable. Hopefully those come with continued play.
Huge Yakman LB - 7 Tackles, 2 for a loss is a big way to come out of the gate, but following it up with 2 tackles doesn't do much to reinforce it. What version will show up the next game is anyone's guess.
Honorius Salvator S - 6 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD and an Interception are nothing to balk at. But unfortunately he followed in Yakman's footsteps and forgot to show up the following game. What he brings remains to be seen.
Brad Woof WR - Solid outing with 4 receptions for 42 yards and averaging 10.5 yards per wont go unnoticed, but following it up with 2 for 33 yards on 9 targets will. Perhaps more time bringing the ball in instead of dreaming about the endzone would help improve his game rather than sinking his stock.
Elijah Dyson QB - Living up to his name sake, his play sucked. 3 interceptions, and a 56.7% completion rate isn't going to inspire a lot of teams to get him early. The only bright spot, a 76 yard run which is more a reflection on the defenses missed tackles than Dyson's talent.
Roquefort Cotswold CB - A mediocre outing by the CB in both games where he got handedly beat by BOTS on his team would probably attract less attention were it not for his braggadocious nature. Heard all evening pining about his superior performance, scouts were admittedly confused who he was speaking of. In fact a pair of scouts agreed that such behavior showed early signs of CTE and a penchant for concussions which would only hinder his performance and draft stock.
Puddles O'Duck QB - In what is arguable the best performance of the prospect bowl season so far, Duck showed he's long since put down the quack pipe. A 104.6 rating followed up by a 136 rating will excite any GM and 3 TD's with no interceptions will help reinforce that. He's already projected to go high but this may reinforce its not misplaced.
Reginald Hammerfall RB - 165 yards and 3 TD's are what you want your RB to showcase in their rookie outing. But having these numbers when you also field O'Duck and de la Rosa? Its just insurance at that point.
Maurice "Mo Money" Gunner DE - A DE starting at TE? Whoever heard of such a thing? Unfortunately due to his coaches dyslexia, that's exactly what happened and Mo Money didn't disappoint. Catching passes and offering solid blocks, he showcased his versatility and more importantly willingness and ability to play various positions. A trait that is no doubt highly valued amongst teams.
"Walter" Maria de la Rosa WR - 174 yard and 2 TD's reads more like a RB statline than a WR one in the Prospect Bowl games, and yet here we are. The only questionable that remains to be seen about Rosa's play is if its O'Duck that's guiding him to greatness or his own talents.
The Prospect Bowl season is just getting started, so the future will tell what performances are the true reflection of a player and what were flukes. Can lightning strike twice in some cases? We will found out soon.