1. Playoff Review:
Well for this installment I decided to pick a game that cuts deep. I'm gonna review the stunning San Antonio upset of the 13-1 Tijuana Luchadores in the S18 SFC Championship Game. I think enough time has passed now where the wound has healed (it helps that the Marshals lost the following game, I think.) The match began with San Antonio leading a promising 10-play 31-yard drive that included a bold 4th & 2 conversion on their own 33! A pair of penalties on SA held them back from doing much damage and they settled for a punt on 4th & 16 from TIJ 44. The Lucha started on their own 20 and marched 80 yards in 12 plays in typical dominate fashion. 4 first downs, including 2 third down conversions capped off by a 3 yard touchdown run from Fuzzy Dotson. 7-0 Tijuana.
Then it became a defensive battle. 7 consecutive combined punts from both teams, 3 of which were quick 3 & outs. Also notable was a San Antonio drive cut short by a clutch 3rd-down sack by Howard Ryan on 3rd & 4. Instead of trying what would've been a 49 yard FG, the Marshals elected to punt it. Tijuana started on their own 20 again and went 56 yards, 32 of which came on a big 3rd & 10 completion to Jordan McCann. Jordan Jackson was money from 41 yards out, and the Luchadores add to their lead. 10-0 Tijuana.
San Antonio came right back with a strong drive that was stalled out thanks to a Gary Lazer-Eyes sack and a Gary Lazer-Eyes pass deflection 2 plays later. This time they tried for a FG and got it from 40 yards out. Tijuana would only have time for 1 handoff before the end of the half. 10-3 Tijuana at halftime.
Each team would trade punts to start the second half before Avon Blocksdale Jr would toss an ill-advised pass right into Juan Marstons hands. However, 2 plays later, Zach Vega would give the ball right back with an interception to defensive superstar Howard Ryan, his second big play of the day. The Luchadores did little offensively to capitalize and punted it back to the Marshals, only for Vega to throw his second pick of the day, this time to lockdown corner Zach Bailey. Tijuana would go 36 yards in 8 plays before attempting a short field goal. In a stunning turn of events, the usually automatic Jordan Jackson missed the 39 yarder, and the Marshals' Mathias Hanyadi would take a carry 78 yards to pay dirt on the very next play. We've got a tie game to end the third quarter. 10-10.
The fourth quarter started with 3 consecutive 3 & outs by both teams, including another sack by Howard Ryan for Tijuana. Then San Antonio would move the ball 62 yards to paydirt, boosted heavily by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Luchadores and a huge 32 yard Jim McMahon completion. Ruff Ruff would pound it in from 1 yard out and the Marshals get their one and only lead of the game. 17-10 San Antonio.
The final drive of the Tijuana Luchadores historic season started on their own 24 with 7:42 remaining in the 4th. Earl Sauce was clutch, nabbing 2 3rd down catches to get the drive into the Marshals redzone. Unfortunately, on a 4th & 5, on San Antonios 11 yard line, with 2:37 left on the clock, Avon Blocksdale decided to eschew chucking it to his outside recievers and opted to throw it to Jed Podolak. This despite Jed being on the 7 yard line, whilst McCann was past the 1st down marker, and F.Dotson being open and heading close to the end zone. Sigh. The turnover on downs was followed by San Antonio running out the clock enough before a punt to end any chance of Tijuana touching the ball again. 17-10 San Antonio Final.
8. Draft Focus:
The Philadelphia Liberty are still a young blossoming team. They could use some more help. Let's go position by position. At QB, we've got Falconi who is regressing more and more. However, we already know with the 11th pick, Philly will nab Avon Blocksdale Jr. Avon is only at 209 tpe and will need another season before being ready to play. Running Back we're good. We still have Farley Hank and yours truly ready to go. Wide Receiver? We might need to snag one. We've got Varga and Dropson, but maybe we go for a thrid option here? Maybe a late round pickup like Jacob Andrews? Defesnive line is a big need. Even with up and coming Zach Hall, we need more help. I'm hoping maybe we trade up in this draft and get someone like Jayson Kearse if he's still available or Tormund Bjornnson would be good later in the draft. Stevie Vassallo too, but I could see him being drafted in the 1st round. Linebacker is definitely a position of need outside of Thudd Kassel, but there are only 3 options on the board. Hardagain is going to Chicago guaranteed, Mack is rightfully getting mocked 1oa my numerous sources, and Jeremiah Legend is IA. So that sucks. Unless Philly makes a big trade to try and steal Arianlacher, this will probably be kind of a weak spot in S19. The secondary might be Philly's brightest spot actually. Maybe they go for somebody like Lazer-Eyes, or Beat, but it wouldn't surprise me if they just pass on any secondary picks. So in conclusion, it'll be interesting to see if the Liberty try to trade up for anyone. Otherwise it's Avon and whoever we can get at #21, which just spitballing, might be Jayson Kearse or something, unless we've convinced someone to switch positions.
12. Sit Down With A Star:
For this year's installment, I interviewed Nate Swift, WR of the Yellowknife Wraiths. Following their loss in the Ultimus.
1. How hard was it to make it all the way to the Ultimus and come up short?
1) it was very hard, I’m not going to lie. I was so proud of all my guys for all the work they did in making us such a good team. After the past few seasons of playoff upsets, I thought we had made all the moves to put us over the top. But alas, we have a resilient bunch who is ready to get right after it again. We are working on making moves and adding the picks that should be the difference next season.
2. If you could've changed anything strategy wise before the game, what would it have been?
2) It’s easy to look back and blame myself for the strats we put in for the championship game. We unveiled a few new wrinkles that we thought would put us over the edge. I blame myself for maybe getting too cute with it, but in the end, we had a 75% win rate and they even only got to 33%. The odds were definitely in our favor, but you know what they say... Any Given Sunday.
3. Are you proud to have finished 12-3 overall? Who do you commend the most for the YKW season?
3) We are proud to finish 12-3. I know we always want to win them all, but with this sim, that is about as good a record you can ask for. It’s really hard to single anyone out for why we were so good, because the whole team dominated. Shady was awesome as my Co and leaf helped sim test. Fly joined as a free agent and immediately because a valued member of our team. Gritty has stuck with us through a lot. Crou had his best season ever. Cooter gonna cooter. PDX was a huge addition to our LR. Manicmav is the best member in the entire league and deserves most dedicated every season. Stamkos killed it this season. Murtsi and Leonard were very unselfish and played out of position to help us win.
4. What plans does YK have for this upcoming offseason?
4) This upcoming season we plan to get better and better and be back to win it all. End of story.
13. Sit down with a fan
This time I sat down with up-and-coming Baxter Frost, kicker for the Philadelphia Liberty.
1. Who do you think should win NSFL S18 RotY?
1) Well I would say myself obviously but, apparently my name isn't even on the voting ballot because I'm a kicker, so I'll have to say someone else. I understand that people think that Saba Donut should win, but I don't agree with that. Marcela Toriki quite literally carried her team even stopping them from getting 1oa. So final answer: Toriki
2. What player in the upcoming S19 draft do you think will make an immediate impact on their new team
2)I think Kanakothesquirrel aka Jordan Jackson will have the biggest Impact on her new team. Quite literally the best kicker in the DSFL, if she can continue on that pace to the NSFL her legacy will be complete.
3. What does Zach Hall smell like?
3) Well this may surprise many people, but the southern man named Zack Hall smells like... a mixture of roses and honey. It is quite a weird mixture but he makes it work out for himself.
4. The offseason is closing in and it can be a long slog. If you could any sort of new event to the offseason to keep things interesting, what would it be?
4) I would add a schoolhouse yard picking type of game, where two captains would be chosen to pick players for their team. Similar to a draft but with team captains. It would add a lot of intrigue for newer players and older players alike!
5. So like a pro bowl of sorts?
5) yeah I guess
but more friendlier with team captains instead of voting from fellow players
Well for this installment I decided to pick a game that cuts deep. I'm gonna review the stunning San Antonio upset of the 13-1 Tijuana Luchadores in the S18 SFC Championship Game. I think enough time has passed now where the wound has healed (it helps that the Marshals lost the following game, I think.) The match began with San Antonio leading a promising 10-play 31-yard drive that included a bold 4th & 2 conversion on their own 33! A pair of penalties on SA held them back from doing much damage and they settled for a punt on 4th & 16 from TIJ 44. The Lucha started on their own 20 and marched 80 yards in 12 plays in typical dominate fashion. 4 first downs, including 2 third down conversions capped off by a 3 yard touchdown run from Fuzzy Dotson. 7-0 Tijuana.
Then it became a defensive battle. 7 consecutive combined punts from both teams, 3 of which were quick 3 & outs. Also notable was a San Antonio drive cut short by a clutch 3rd-down sack by Howard Ryan on 3rd & 4. Instead of trying what would've been a 49 yard FG, the Marshals elected to punt it. Tijuana started on their own 20 again and went 56 yards, 32 of which came on a big 3rd & 10 completion to Jordan McCann. Jordan Jackson was money from 41 yards out, and the Luchadores add to their lead. 10-0 Tijuana.
San Antonio came right back with a strong drive that was stalled out thanks to a Gary Lazer-Eyes sack and a Gary Lazer-Eyes pass deflection 2 plays later. This time they tried for a FG and got it from 40 yards out. Tijuana would only have time for 1 handoff before the end of the half. 10-3 Tijuana at halftime.
Each team would trade punts to start the second half before Avon Blocksdale Jr would toss an ill-advised pass right into Juan Marstons hands. However, 2 plays later, Zach Vega would give the ball right back with an interception to defensive superstar Howard Ryan, his second big play of the day. The Luchadores did little offensively to capitalize and punted it back to the Marshals, only for Vega to throw his second pick of the day, this time to lockdown corner Zach Bailey. Tijuana would go 36 yards in 8 plays before attempting a short field goal. In a stunning turn of events, the usually automatic Jordan Jackson missed the 39 yarder, and the Marshals' Mathias Hanyadi would take a carry 78 yards to pay dirt on the very next play. We've got a tie game to end the third quarter. 10-10.
The fourth quarter started with 3 consecutive 3 & outs by both teams, including another sack by Howard Ryan for Tijuana. Then San Antonio would move the ball 62 yards to paydirt, boosted heavily by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Luchadores and a huge 32 yard Jim McMahon completion. Ruff Ruff would pound it in from 1 yard out and the Marshals get their one and only lead of the game. 17-10 San Antonio.
The final drive of the Tijuana Luchadores historic season started on their own 24 with 7:42 remaining in the 4th. Earl Sauce was clutch, nabbing 2 3rd down catches to get the drive into the Marshals redzone. Unfortunately, on a 4th & 5, on San Antonios 11 yard line, with 2:37 left on the clock, Avon Blocksdale decided to eschew chucking it to his outside recievers and opted to throw it to Jed Podolak. This despite Jed being on the 7 yard line, whilst McCann was past the 1st down marker, and F.Dotson being open and heading close to the end zone. Sigh. The turnover on downs was followed by San Antonio running out the clock enough before a punt to end any chance of Tijuana touching the ball again. 17-10 San Antonio Final.
8. Draft Focus:
The Philadelphia Liberty are still a young blossoming team. They could use some more help. Let's go position by position. At QB, we've got Falconi who is regressing more and more. However, we already know with the 11th pick, Philly will nab Avon Blocksdale Jr. Avon is only at 209 tpe and will need another season before being ready to play. Running Back we're good. We still have Farley Hank and yours truly ready to go. Wide Receiver? We might need to snag one. We've got Varga and Dropson, but maybe we go for a thrid option here? Maybe a late round pickup like Jacob Andrews? Defesnive line is a big need. Even with up and coming Zach Hall, we need more help. I'm hoping maybe we trade up in this draft and get someone like Jayson Kearse if he's still available or Tormund Bjornnson would be good later in the draft. Stevie Vassallo too, but I could see him being drafted in the 1st round. Linebacker is definitely a position of need outside of Thudd Kassel, but there are only 3 options on the board. Hardagain is going to Chicago guaranteed, Mack is rightfully getting mocked 1oa my numerous sources, and Jeremiah Legend is IA. So that sucks. Unless Philly makes a big trade to try and steal Arianlacher, this will probably be kind of a weak spot in S19. The secondary might be Philly's brightest spot actually. Maybe they go for somebody like Lazer-Eyes, or Beat, but it wouldn't surprise me if they just pass on any secondary picks. So in conclusion, it'll be interesting to see if the Liberty try to trade up for anyone. Otherwise it's Avon and whoever we can get at #21, which just spitballing, might be Jayson Kearse or something, unless we've convinced someone to switch positions.
12. Sit Down With A Star:
For this year's installment, I interviewed Nate Swift, WR of the Yellowknife Wraiths. Following their loss in the Ultimus.
1. How hard was it to make it all the way to the Ultimus and come up short?
1) it was very hard, I’m not going to lie. I was so proud of all my guys for all the work they did in making us such a good team. After the past few seasons of playoff upsets, I thought we had made all the moves to put us over the top. But alas, we have a resilient bunch who is ready to get right after it again. We are working on making moves and adding the picks that should be the difference next season.
2. If you could've changed anything strategy wise before the game, what would it have been?
2) It’s easy to look back and blame myself for the strats we put in for the championship game. We unveiled a few new wrinkles that we thought would put us over the edge. I blame myself for maybe getting too cute with it, but in the end, we had a 75% win rate and they even only got to 33%. The odds were definitely in our favor, but you know what they say... Any Given Sunday.
3. Are you proud to have finished 12-3 overall? Who do you commend the most for the YKW season?
3) We are proud to finish 12-3. I know we always want to win them all, but with this sim, that is about as good a record you can ask for. It’s really hard to single anyone out for why we were so good, because the whole team dominated. Shady was awesome as my Co and leaf helped sim test. Fly joined as a free agent and immediately because a valued member of our team. Gritty has stuck with us through a lot. Crou had his best season ever. Cooter gonna cooter. PDX was a huge addition to our LR. Manicmav is the best member in the entire league and deserves most dedicated every season. Stamkos killed it this season. Murtsi and Leonard were very unselfish and played out of position to help us win.
4. What plans does YK have for this upcoming offseason?
4) This upcoming season we plan to get better and better and be back to win it all. End of story.
13. Sit down with a fan
This time I sat down with up-and-coming Baxter Frost, kicker for the Philadelphia Liberty.
1. Who do you think should win NSFL S18 RotY?
1) Well I would say myself obviously but, apparently my name isn't even on the voting ballot because I'm a kicker, so I'll have to say someone else. I understand that people think that Saba Donut should win, but I don't agree with that. Marcela Toriki quite literally carried her team even stopping them from getting 1oa. So final answer: Toriki
2. What player in the upcoming S19 draft do you think will make an immediate impact on their new team
2)I think Kanakothesquirrel aka Jordan Jackson will have the biggest Impact on her new team. Quite literally the best kicker in the DSFL, if she can continue on that pace to the NSFL her legacy will be complete.
3. What does Zach Hall smell like?
3) Well this may surprise many people, but the southern man named Zack Hall smells like... a mixture of roses and honey. It is quite a weird mixture but he makes it work out for himself.
4. The offseason is closing in and it can be a long slog. If you could any sort of new event to the offseason to keep things interesting, what would it be?
4) I would add a schoolhouse yard picking type of game, where two captains would be chosen to pick players for their team. Similar to a draft but with team captains. It would add a lot of intrigue for newer players and older players alike!
5. So like a pro bowl of sorts?
5) yeah I guess
but more friendlier with team captains instead of voting from fellow players