08-04-2018, 01:24 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-04-2018, 01:26 AM by JKortesi81.)
Living the Dream
This is nuts. I don’t even believe the type of season I’m having, you know? It’s truly the result of some VERY hard work paying off. I’ve ran my ass off, trained with parachutes and swam with bricks in my pockets. I wanted to be the best wide receiver in the NSFL, and now, I think its safe to say that I am. At least for this season. So far. Maybe. I have two games to go in this NSFL season, and then the playoffs. My S9 season may end up being “as good as it gets” in my career, and there’s no way I’m taking this season for granted. I set modest goals for myself for this season: 80 catches, 1300 yards, and 10 touchdowns. That’s a great season by any receiver.
With two games to go, I’ve already beaten them all. Currently, I stand at 87 catches for 1319 yards, and 14 touchdowns in 12 games. That’s insanity to me. But I’ve kept working hard all season, and it’s been paying off. That keto diet didn’t hurt either. I could probably skip these last two games, and still win WR of the year. But I’m not about that. There’s history in my reach now. There’s a chance to tie (or surpass) Josh Garden’s record 16 receiving TDs in one season. I could break 1500 yards, averaging well over 100 yards a game. 100 catches? That’d be amazing, and it’ll be close.
I can’t believe I got here. I’m having the time of my life now in the NSFL. I shudder when I think of how it felt in Colorado. Loss after loss was ruining my self conscious. It was dark, and cold. I never fathomed I’d go from a tight end on an awful team to one of the league’s brightest stars. Hard work pays off. Let’s go over how I got here:
Week 1 was the perfect way to start up a new season: at home, in front of our awesome fans, against the San Jose Sabercats, who are just god awful. Yeah, we won the game 41-14, and rather easily I may add. I got off to a hot start, just like I wanted. I have a lot of in season goals, and one of them is to get 100 yards in every game I play. The touchdowns are oh so nice, but if I get to 100 yards, I’ve done my part in helping us win. I ended up with 8 catches for 116 yards. That put me right at the top of the league leaderboard. It was so surreal seeing my name up on top of that list, but I didn’t think it’d last.
Week 2 came rolling in, and with it did the New Orleans Second Line. New Orleans is an absolute title contender, especially with how the Liberty sold off studs to them. I still cringe when I see that Smallwood went to NOLA instead of Orange County with me. Imagine how good we’d be with him here! Anyway, I love the NOLA guys. They’re so damn nice and they were amazing to talk to when they were recruiting me. As for the game, they blew us out 40-22. There’s just parts of our game that they could, and did, exploit. We couldn’t get a ton going on offense, sadly. But I did manage to get my first touchdown in the third quarter. It was a 12 yard pass from Mike Boss. He’s so good, I’m lucky to have him throwing to me. Fuck Pierno. I was able to reach my “in game” goal of 100 yards again though, as I ended up with 7 catches for 104 yards, and the TD. So far so good!
Week 3 saw us travel to Philadelphia to take on the Liberty. It’s amazing how quickly this once tough and proud franchise really fell apart here. We smacked the taste out of their mouths, winning 31-6 on their home turf. It wasn’t that hard at all honestly. Atwell and I both had first quarter touchdowns, and we were on our way. I’d end up going 6 catches for 118 yards in this game, with that TD. Another good game. I wanted to separate myself from defenders more though, so I really ramped up my Agility training at this point.
Week 4 brought a big test to Orange County, as the Baltimore Hawks came to town. I had heard whispers that they were going to game plan specifically for me. Smart move, considering I had the hot hand. The Hawks were 3-0 and I buckled in for a fight. I was disappointed. Much like their new logo, the Hawks failed to impress. We walked right through them for a 34-14 win. I didn’t score this game, which was slightly frustrating, but I still was able to shred the secondary for 8 catches and 108 yards! 4 for 4 on the 100 yard games? I’ll take it!
Week 5 we walked into Yellowknife feeling confident, and we got our asses kicked. Well, it was only a 28-13 loss, but we never felt like we had a chance to win this game. At least I didn’t. It was a rough day in for me. Dermot Lavelle was always covering me, and he’s just SO FUCKING GOOD out there. I had 6 catches, but my yards after the catch were garbage, and I only finished with a measly 78 yards. Still good enough to lead the league, but only 2 TDs after 5 games? I need to find the end zone to help my team soon!
Week 6 brought the perfect spark we needed as a team, and I really needed myself. We made the rookie QB, Kevin Fitzpatrick, contemplate a career as a race car driver or a baseball outfielder instead as he threw 4 picks. This game was all OCO, as the Otters and I were unstoppable. We won this game 65-16. I finally had a huge breakout game that I was working for. Sure, the 8 catches for 119 yards were about the norm for me, but in this game I was able to score 3 touchdowns! Bossy boy found me dusting my coverage for scores of 11, 23, and 18 yards. I scored more than the entire Outlaws team myself. That was exactly what I needed!
Week 7, the halfway point. And who comes to town? The Colorado Yeti. I was looking forward to playing my old teammates. A lot. And it showed. Colorado actually scored first, but that just pissed me off. I would score on a 17 yard pass from Boss to tie the game. Then I’d score a 5 yard touchdown. Then again, I’d reel in a beautiful 32 yarder as well. 3 touchdowns for the second game in a row, and I’d finish with 6 catches for 107 yards. Not a bad season so far!
In Week 8, we traveled to San Jose and took them way too lightly. We just assumed we’d walk all over the cats, and that was not the case. Our stupidity led to a mistake filled, 28-13 loss that was very out of character for the Otters. I did get a touchdown in this game, along with 8 catches for 118 yards, but I didn’t help the team win a game we really should have. We were much too busy looking ahead to the next game, and we got caught.
Week 9 was important to us. Very important. The Second Line traveled to the OC to come get their whoopin’. But it wasn’t meant to be as the NOLA defense held us out of the end zone, as we could only muster five field goals in a 24-15 loss. We couldn’t punch it in from the 1, the 2, the 8, the 12. We were deep in NOLA territory and never came out of there with 7 points. Settling for field goals is how teams lose, and that’s what we did. I ended up having a great game too, with 11 catches for 129 yards. Just never got in the endzone. Shame.
Week 10 gave us the lowly Philadelphia Liberty yet again, this time at home. And it was a lot like the first meeting, as we stomped the life out of them one more time, 44-9. Personally, I was NOT happy about losing to New Orleans how we did, and I vowed that we’d score a touchdown as soon as possible next game. Sure enough, I backed it up as I scored on a 58 yard touchdown on our first drive of the game. Our next drive? A 12 yard Crush touchdown. I never felt like they were going to stop me, and they didn’t, as I caught 7 balls for a season high (personal) 142 yards. That game felt nice.
Week 11 was a grudge match as we found ourselves traveling across the country to play the Hawks, who were still upset that we were their only loss of the season. They were looking to make things even on their home turf. It did not go well for them. I scored on a 12 yard pass to open the game and Westy soon followed. Baltimore cut the lead in half, but I scored again from 10 yards out, and a quick turnover lead to a Jordan Yates TD just before half to give us a 28-7 lead. Baltimore did well against our prevent defense and got some points, but we walked away happy. I’d get to 6 catches for 103 yards in this contest. It’s pretty cool that the Hawks are 10-2 this season, and both losses have been at the hands of the Otters.
Week 12 saw us welcoming the Wraiths into the Otters’ Den, and we wanted to avenge our loss from earlier in the year. Personally, I’d hoped to avenge my only game where I didn’t get 100 yards this season. I was focused, and I was once again shadowed by Dermot Lavelle. The good news is that we came, we saw, and we conquered en route to a 30-19 victory. The bad news was that I had a very similar result to the last time. While I did tack on another touchdown, I was only 6 catches for 77 yards. Yellowknife just seems to know how to play me, sadly. Good for them I guess.
So, that’s where I’m at right now. There are two games left, and im within striking distance of a touchdown record. It’d be really cool to get it in Colorado, but I know they’re going to do everything they can to stop that from happening. Last time we played Arizona we destroyed them, so hopefully that can be replicated as well. I’d like to get to 10-4 on the season, and hopefully that means we can beat New Orleans and play the Ultimus at home, if the road team wins in Baltimore on the other side of the bracket.
I’ve done a lot of talking about my season, but I have to tell you that its extremely humbling to be at this point. It really is. I simply can not stress how much I wasn’t enjoying my time in this league and that I was truly wondering if I’d retire way too early and be a huge “what if” in NSFL lore. While others tell me that I’m in line for a few more awesome seasons like that, I really don’t want to take this for granted. I don’t know if I’ll be in the conversation for league MVP at all, mainly because I’m not sure how the voters think. But that doesn’t matter. I’m having a LOT of fun in the NSFL nowadays. Switching to receiver was the best thing ive done. If you’re a player in this league and you’re not having a great time because of the team you’re on or the position you’re playing: Change it. I know it can be hard and you feel loyalty to your team and teammates, but I think everyone on this site would much rather have a happy, very active member of the site, than someone who just checks in half-heartedly because they’re stuck in a place they don’t want to be. Do what’s best for you. I did. (2056)
This is nuts. I don’t even believe the type of season I’m having, you know? It’s truly the result of some VERY hard work paying off. I’ve ran my ass off, trained with parachutes and swam with bricks in my pockets. I wanted to be the best wide receiver in the NSFL, and now, I think its safe to say that I am. At least for this season. So far. Maybe. I have two games to go in this NSFL season, and then the playoffs. My S9 season may end up being “as good as it gets” in my career, and there’s no way I’m taking this season for granted. I set modest goals for myself for this season: 80 catches, 1300 yards, and 10 touchdowns. That’s a great season by any receiver.
With two games to go, I’ve already beaten them all. Currently, I stand at 87 catches for 1319 yards, and 14 touchdowns in 12 games. That’s insanity to me. But I’ve kept working hard all season, and it’s been paying off. That keto diet didn’t hurt either. I could probably skip these last two games, and still win WR of the year. But I’m not about that. There’s history in my reach now. There’s a chance to tie (or surpass) Josh Garden’s record 16 receiving TDs in one season. I could break 1500 yards, averaging well over 100 yards a game. 100 catches? That’d be amazing, and it’ll be close.
I can’t believe I got here. I’m having the time of my life now in the NSFL. I shudder when I think of how it felt in Colorado. Loss after loss was ruining my self conscious. It was dark, and cold. I never fathomed I’d go from a tight end on an awful team to one of the league’s brightest stars. Hard work pays off. Let’s go over how I got here:
Week 1 was the perfect way to start up a new season: at home, in front of our awesome fans, against the San Jose Sabercats, who are just god awful. Yeah, we won the game 41-14, and rather easily I may add. I got off to a hot start, just like I wanted. I have a lot of in season goals, and one of them is to get 100 yards in every game I play. The touchdowns are oh so nice, but if I get to 100 yards, I’ve done my part in helping us win. I ended up with 8 catches for 116 yards. That put me right at the top of the league leaderboard. It was so surreal seeing my name up on top of that list, but I didn’t think it’d last.
Week 2 came rolling in, and with it did the New Orleans Second Line. New Orleans is an absolute title contender, especially with how the Liberty sold off studs to them. I still cringe when I see that Smallwood went to NOLA instead of Orange County with me. Imagine how good we’d be with him here! Anyway, I love the NOLA guys. They’re so damn nice and they were amazing to talk to when they were recruiting me. As for the game, they blew us out 40-22. There’s just parts of our game that they could, and did, exploit. We couldn’t get a ton going on offense, sadly. But I did manage to get my first touchdown in the third quarter. It was a 12 yard pass from Mike Boss. He’s so good, I’m lucky to have him throwing to me. Fuck Pierno. I was able to reach my “in game” goal of 100 yards again though, as I ended up with 7 catches for 104 yards, and the TD. So far so good!
Week 3 saw us travel to Philadelphia to take on the Liberty. It’s amazing how quickly this once tough and proud franchise really fell apart here. We smacked the taste out of their mouths, winning 31-6 on their home turf. It wasn’t that hard at all honestly. Atwell and I both had first quarter touchdowns, and we were on our way. I’d end up going 6 catches for 118 yards in this game, with that TD. Another good game. I wanted to separate myself from defenders more though, so I really ramped up my Agility training at this point.
Week 4 brought a big test to Orange County, as the Baltimore Hawks came to town. I had heard whispers that they were going to game plan specifically for me. Smart move, considering I had the hot hand. The Hawks were 3-0 and I buckled in for a fight. I was disappointed. Much like their new logo, the Hawks failed to impress. We walked right through them for a 34-14 win. I didn’t score this game, which was slightly frustrating, but I still was able to shred the secondary for 8 catches and 108 yards! 4 for 4 on the 100 yard games? I’ll take it!
Week 5 we walked into Yellowknife feeling confident, and we got our asses kicked. Well, it was only a 28-13 loss, but we never felt like we had a chance to win this game. At least I didn’t. It was a rough day in for me. Dermot Lavelle was always covering me, and he’s just SO FUCKING GOOD out there. I had 6 catches, but my yards after the catch were garbage, and I only finished with a measly 78 yards. Still good enough to lead the league, but only 2 TDs after 5 games? I need to find the end zone to help my team soon!
Week 6 brought the perfect spark we needed as a team, and I really needed myself. We made the rookie QB, Kevin Fitzpatrick, contemplate a career as a race car driver or a baseball outfielder instead as he threw 4 picks. This game was all OCO, as the Otters and I were unstoppable. We won this game 65-16. I finally had a huge breakout game that I was working for. Sure, the 8 catches for 119 yards were about the norm for me, but in this game I was able to score 3 touchdowns! Bossy boy found me dusting my coverage for scores of 11, 23, and 18 yards. I scored more than the entire Outlaws team myself. That was exactly what I needed!
Week 7, the halfway point. And who comes to town? The Colorado Yeti. I was looking forward to playing my old teammates. A lot. And it showed. Colorado actually scored first, but that just pissed me off. I would score on a 17 yard pass from Boss to tie the game. Then I’d score a 5 yard touchdown. Then again, I’d reel in a beautiful 32 yarder as well. 3 touchdowns for the second game in a row, and I’d finish with 6 catches for 107 yards. Not a bad season so far!
In Week 8, we traveled to San Jose and took them way too lightly. We just assumed we’d walk all over the cats, and that was not the case. Our stupidity led to a mistake filled, 28-13 loss that was very out of character for the Otters. I did get a touchdown in this game, along with 8 catches for 118 yards, but I didn’t help the team win a game we really should have. We were much too busy looking ahead to the next game, and we got caught.
Week 9 was important to us. Very important. The Second Line traveled to the OC to come get their whoopin’. But it wasn’t meant to be as the NOLA defense held us out of the end zone, as we could only muster five field goals in a 24-15 loss. We couldn’t punch it in from the 1, the 2, the 8, the 12. We were deep in NOLA territory and never came out of there with 7 points. Settling for field goals is how teams lose, and that’s what we did. I ended up having a great game too, with 11 catches for 129 yards. Just never got in the endzone. Shame.
Week 10 gave us the lowly Philadelphia Liberty yet again, this time at home. And it was a lot like the first meeting, as we stomped the life out of them one more time, 44-9. Personally, I was NOT happy about losing to New Orleans how we did, and I vowed that we’d score a touchdown as soon as possible next game. Sure enough, I backed it up as I scored on a 58 yard touchdown on our first drive of the game. Our next drive? A 12 yard Crush touchdown. I never felt like they were going to stop me, and they didn’t, as I caught 7 balls for a season high (personal) 142 yards. That game felt nice.
Week 11 was a grudge match as we found ourselves traveling across the country to play the Hawks, who were still upset that we were their only loss of the season. They were looking to make things even on their home turf. It did not go well for them. I scored on a 12 yard pass to open the game and Westy soon followed. Baltimore cut the lead in half, but I scored again from 10 yards out, and a quick turnover lead to a Jordan Yates TD just before half to give us a 28-7 lead. Baltimore did well against our prevent defense and got some points, but we walked away happy. I’d get to 6 catches for 103 yards in this contest. It’s pretty cool that the Hawks are 10-2 this season, and both losses have been at the hands of the Otters.
Week 12 saw us welcoming the Wraiths into the Otters’ Den, and we wanted to avenge our loss from earlier in the year. Personally, I’d hoped to avenge my only game where I didn’t get 100 yards this season. I was focused, and I was once again shadowed by Dermot Lavelle. The good news is that we came, we saw, and we conquered en route to a 30-19 victory. The bad news was that I had a very similar result to the last time. While I did tack on another touchdown, I was only 6 catches for 77 yards. Yellowknife just seems to know how to play me, sadly. Good for them I guess.
So, that’s where I’m at right now. There are two games left, and im within striking distance of a touchdown record. It’d be really cool to get it in Colorado, but I know they’re going to do everything they can to stop that from happening. Last time we played Arizona we destroyed them, so hopefully that can be replicated as well. I’d like to get to 10-4 on the season, and hopefully that means we can beat New Orleans and play the Ultimus at home, if the road team wins in Baltimore on the other side of the bracket.
I’ve done a lot of talking about my season, but I have to tell you that its extremely humbling to be at this point. It really is. I simply can not stress how much I wasn’t enjoying my time in this league and that I was truly wondering if I’d retire way too early and be a huge “what if” in NSFL lore. While others tell me that I’m in line for a few more awesome seasons like that, I really don’t want to take this for granted. I don’t know if I’ll be in the conversation for league MVP at all, mainly because I’m not sure how the voters think. But that doesn’t matter. I’m having a LOT of fun in the NSFL nowadays. Switching to receiver was the best thing ive done. If you’re a player in this league and you’re not having a great time because of the team you’re on or the position you’re playing: Change it. I know it can be hard and you feel loyalty to your team and teammates, but I think everyone on this site would much rather have a happy, very active member of the site, than someone who just checks in half-heartedly because they’re stuck in a place they don’t want to be. Do what’s best for you. I did. (2056)