Ultimus Week - S10

[iseedoug]

Unsung Hero

The Luchadores made history this season by winning their 3rd straight Ultimini Championship. The game was effectively a blowout, with a final score of 37 to 7. While many point to the powerful offense for putting up 37 points on a solid Python defense, but the unsung hero of the game was the Tijuana defensive unit. The game started out with a quick touchdown from the Pythons, not the way the Luchadores defense wanted to start the first drive of the game. The Luchadores answered by scoring points themselves. At this point the game looked like it would be a nail biter. This is where our unsung hero comes in. From this point on, the Luchadores defensive unit, lead by rookie LB Tana Keita, shut down QB Joliet Christ and the high powered Pythons offense. Not only did this defensive unit not allow anymore points in the game, but they held the Pythons to under 100 yards rushing and under 150 yards passing. This defense allowed the luchadore offense, to relax and run the clock (giving veteran RB Ricky Flores 114 yards and 2 TDs on the game). While this defensive unit hasn’t got the attention it deserves, players like Keita, Robertson, Oats, Dugnutt, and Troyski will go down in DSFL history as the defensive unit that brought a 3peat to Mexico.

Hate the player or the game

Hate the game. S10 felt like a comeback season the San Jose Sabercats. The team would not only be bringing in a former Ultimus winning QB, but also bringing up a stacked draft class from the previous season, including DSFL stars Flash, Poopsie, and Deringer, and starting newly drafted players like DSFL star WR Oles. Further, S8 defensive centerpiece Horne was coming off of a solid offseason and long-time veterans Canton and Brill were still playing at a high level. This influx of young talent and proven veterans seemed like the formula for success, but the team would find themselves behind in the playoff race early, winning only 1 game out of their first 6. And sadly, many of these games were not close, being out scored 186 to 98 in those first 6 games. This early losing streak would mean the later half of the season would need to be excellent or the Otters would need to bomb. The cats would win 4 games total in the season while the Otters would end up winning 7 and the Outlaws winning 4, one of which would be a 50 to 6 win over the Cats in a late season game. The hope is next season will make up for this down year, with DSFL QB Christ and CB Troyski being brought up, as well as a much improved defensive unit, with Deringer coming off of a possible Rookie of the Year season and Horne setting a statistical career high season. S11 should prove to be critical for the Sabercats franchise.


Sit down with a star

Was your midseason move back to the DSFL worth it?

I think it definitely was. While I was called up after my only season in the DSFL and got a chance to workout and train in the big leagues, I just wasn’t getting the same level of playing time as I did in the DSFL, and I think that prevented me from really putting to use what I was learning in training. So, by being able to go back to the Luchadores, it gave me a chance to keep working on my skills, have some fun, and grow as a player.

With long time Sabercats CB Canton retiring, you will be given a starting role in the NSFL. How are you going to fill a veteran’s shoes right away?

I’m not going to lie - it will definitely be tough to take Canton’s place. I watched him start this season, and he still had most of what made him such a great CB. So, hopefully watching Canton, working with Poopsie in the offseason, all that DSFL training, and stepping up my runs and agility training will help give be a better NSFL debut next season.

What are your hopes for both yourself and the Sabercats in S11?

After winning two Ultimini’s with Tijuana, I would love to bring that streak just up the coast to San Jose and bring the fans what they’ve been craving. Personally, I’d like to make some good plays, keep up with the best of the best, and put enough defensive pressure that Christ and the offense can go out there and get us some W’s.

So, hear Nax is getting quite famous in the Twitterverse, how is he handling the fame?

Ha yes, he totally is getting famous. I don’t think he’s letting it get to his head, although he has been spoiled by some endorsements by dog treat companies. Mostly, it’s made it easier for us to arrange doggie playdates and sleepovers when I’m out of town - there are so many people who want to hang out with him!


Sit down with a fan

with mabb