8) Draft Focus
Written: What areas of your team has the biggest holes that you are hoping get filled in the upcoming S19 draft? What round are you hoping it’s filled?
I think for the Coyotes to take the next step, the team right off the bat needs more time to develop. Obviously, this isn’t really an option for teams in the DSFL as the whole idea is to move up to the NSFL. Still though, I think that this team would look a lot different with some more experience in certain areas. Brock has all the tools to be an amazing quarterback, but there were times where his youth showed this year. If you could take a year to Brock Phoenix with the S18 Coyotes, they easily win at least 1 or 2 more regular season games. As far as drafting goes, the secondary needs more help. They surrendered the most yards per game through the air. There were a couple factors that lead to this but addressing this issue should be at the top of list. Their top prospect Mason Blaylock is looking at going in the first round of the NSFL draft this week, but it is unknown whether he gets the call up right away or continues to build his craft at the DSFL level. The team could also use a good coverage linebacker for similar reasons. The pass and rush defense were both strengths this season, but they could use one young front defensive lineman, but that could be filled later on. Offensively, the team has it fair share of weapons but most might be moving on very soon. Orien Drake seems poised to move up to the NSFL next season. Rayne Gordon is looking at being a first round selection and might find himself playing a WR role with his new squad as well. It will be important for Kansas City to find their replacements as well.
13) Sit-down with a fan:
Written: Answer questions for an interview from a player that is not your own. You must answer at least four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. Link to the interviewers PT to receive credit.
Jay: What expectations did you have for yourself this season? Do you think you lived up to them?
Isa: Honestly I just wanted to take my time and adjust the league. I figured if I could have some impact to help my team, I would be happy. We ended up having a better record than the season before, so I feel like I completed that goal pretty well.
Jay: What was the defining moment of the season for you as a player and as a team?
Isa: Man, the defining moment for me as a player was just getting drafted to New Orleans. Honestly I came from a background in the DSFL without a team that had a real locker room or a ton of communication. Getting into New Orleans and finding out what it was like to be in a real locker room full of players who were excited to have me there was incredible. I haven't looked back and now New Orleans has my heart forever.
Jay: How has had the biggest influence on your career thus far?
Isa: I don't know that I could just name one player to be honest. For my first season, it was absolutely Woelker. Woelker was probably the single most helpful guy for me when it came to learning how the league works and adjusting to the system my first season. He was always there when I had questions and was always willing to dig for answers. For my first season in the NSFL, it would have to be TomHanks. The moment I got to New Orleans, Hanks took me under his shoulder and he's really helped my development in this league since to. He's the person I talk to the most these days because of it. Absolutely fantastic guys, both of them.
Jay: What can we expect from Bjorn moving forward?
Isa: Going forward I think you can expect Bjorn to give his 100%. I'm always looking to get better, I'm always looking to take that next step. I expect myself to always be making an impact both on and off the field and ultimately my goal is 10 sacks a season. If I can hit that this run, I'll be overwhelmingly happy. But I'll never slack on my off the field duties and continue working to make this league and New Orleans a better place in the process. That's what you can expect from Bjorn.
14) That Magic Moment
Writen: Pick one moment from a playoff game and describe what made it so amazing to watch.
I think my favorite moment of the S18 playoffs was Mathias Hanyadi’s 78 yard touchdown run at the end of the 3rd quarter in the conference championship game against Tijuana. What I liked most about that moment was really the way the game had been leading up to it. The flow of the game had been a defensive grind. Tijuana scored early and then both teams had little success other than a couple field goals. Most drives found themselves shut down and it turned into a punt fest. On the whole, The Marshals and Luchadores went a combined 8 for 30 on 3rd down. That’s why Hanyadi’s run was so amazing to me. Tijuana had just missed a field goal from only 39 yards out. Not expecting any big plays to happen at this point in the game makes total sense. The 78 yard run helped tie up the game that had never felt out of hand for San Antonio, but it felt like they were playing from behind the whole game. In a matter of two plays, there was a 10 point swing. All moment shifted to the Marshals and you could tell that they really felt they could win it. I have only watched one season worth of playoffs, but I have to say that this moment is my favorite playoff memory so far.
15) Going to Disneyland!
Written: Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland, or describe how they celebrated.
Lanzer Grevious, the Defensive Player of the Game, would be ready for the celebrations (again). First off, with the team residing in Orange County, I can imagine that Lanzer would not choose to do Disneyland over Disney World. It’s close by and not to mention inferior. Instead, he would prefer to spend his time where the magic originated in the OG Disney World. He would spend a day in every park because why wouldn’t he? His favorite ride while there is probably Splash Mountain. He would proceed to ride it 17 times in a row. Each time after the big drop he lets everyone around him know that he makes big Splashes on the football field. Naturally, everyone then recognizes him and asks for his autograph. Later that night, he attends the Magic Kingdom fireworks show. He feels like he is truly king of the world. During the middle of the show, the music suddenly switches to a more upbeat Rock sound. It catches everyone off guard, including Grevious. They project his 2 sacks from the Ultimus on the castle and the crowd goes wild. There are some grumblings in the crowd from a few Wraiths fans, but they aren’t overly noticeable. A small spotlight shines on Grevious and he gives a big smile and waves to everyone. This was truly a magical moment.
Written: What areas of your team has the biggest holes that you are hoping get filled in the upcoming S19 draft? What round are you hoping it’s filled?
I think for the Coyotes to take the next step, the team right off the bat needs more time to develop. Obviously, this isn’t really an option for teams in the DSFL as the whole idea is to move up to the NSFL. Still though, I think that this team would look a lot different with some more experience in certain areas. Brock has all the tools to be an amazing quarterback, but there were times where his youth showed this year. If you could take a year to Brock Phoenix with the S18 Coyotes, they easily win at least 1 or 2 more regular season games. As far as drafting goes, the secondary needs more help. They surrendered the most yards per game through the air. There were a couple factors that lead to this but addressing this issue should be at the top of list. Their top prospect Mason Blaylock is looking at going in the first round of the NSFL draft this week, but it is unknown whether he gets the call up right away or continues to build his craft at the DSFL level. The team could also use a good coverage linebacker for similar reasons. The pass and rush defense were both strengths this season, but they could use one young front defensive lineman, but that could be filled later on. Offensively, the team has it fair share of weapons but most might be moving on very soon. Orien Drake seems poised to move up to the NSFL next season. Rayne Gordon is looking at being a first round selection and might find himself playing a WR role with his new squad as well. It will be important for Kansas City to find their replacements as well.
13) Sit-down with a fan:
Written: Answer questions for an interview from a player that is not your own. You must answer at least four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. Link to the interviewers PT to receive credit.
Jay: What expectations did you have for yourself this season? Do you think you lived up to them?
Isa: Honestly I just wanted to take my time and adjust the league. I figured if I could have some impact to help my team, I would be happy. We ended up having a better record than the season before, so I feel like I completed that goal pretty well.
Jay: What was the defining moment of the season for you as a player and as a team?
Isa: Man, the defining moment for me as a player was just getting drafted to New Orleans. Honestly I came from a background in the DSFL without a team that had a real locker room or a ton of communication. Getting into New Orleans and finding out what it was like to be in a real locker room full of players who were excited to have me there was incredible. I haven't looked back and now New Orleans has my heart forever.
Jay: How has had the biggest influence on your career thus far?
Isa: I don't know that I could just name one player to be honest. For my first season, it was absolutely Woelker. Woelker was probably the single most helpful guy for me when it came to learning how the league works and adjusting to the system my first season. He was always there when I had questions and was always willing to dig for answers. For my first season in the NSFL, it would have to be TomHanks. The moment I got to New Orleans, Hanks took me under his shoulder and he's really helped my development in this league since to. He's the person I talk to the most these days because of it. Absolutely fantastic guys, both of them.
Jay: What can we expect from Bjorn moving forward?
Isa: Going forward I think you can expect Bjorn to give his 100%. I'm always looking to get better, I'm always looking to take that next step. I expect myself to always be making an impact both on and off the field and ultimately my goal is 10 sacks a season. If I can hit that this run, I'll be overwhelmingly happy. But I'll never slack on my off the field duties and continue working to make this league and New Orleans a better place in the process. That's what you can expect from Bjorn.
14) That Magic Moment
Writen: Pick one moment from a playoff game and describe what made it so amazing to watch.
I think my favorite moment of the S18 playoffs was Mathias Hanyadi’s 78 yard touchdown run at the end of the 3rd quarter in the conference championship game against Tijuana. What I liked most about that moment was really the way the game had been leading up to it. The flow of the game had been a defensive grind. Tijuana scored early and then both teams had little success other than a couple field goals. Most drives found themselves shut down and it turned into a punt fest. On the whole, The Marshals and Luchadores went a combined 8 for 30 on 3rd down. That’s why Hanyadi’s run was so amazing to me. Tijuana had just missed a field goal from only 39 yards out. Not expecting any big plays to happen at this point in the game makes total sense. The 78 yard run helped tie up the game that had never felt out of hand for San Antonio, but it felt like they were playing from behind the whole game. In a matter of two plays, there was a 10 point swing. All moment shifted to the Marshals and you could tell that they really felt they could win it. I have only watched one season worth of playoffs, but I have to say that this moment is my favorite playoff memory so far.
15) Going to Disneyland!
Written: Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland, or describe how they celebrated.
Lanzer Grevious, the Defensive Player of the Game, would be ready for the celebrations (again). First off, with the team residing in Orange County, I can imagine that Lanzer would not choose to do Disneyland over Disney World. It’s close by and not to mention inferior. Instead, he would prefer to spend his time where the magic originated in the OG Disney World. He would spend a day in every park because why wouldn’t he? His favorite ride while there is probably Splash Mountain. He would proceed to ride it 17 times in a row. Each time after the big drop he lets everyone around him know that he makes big Splashes on the football field. Naturally, everyone then recognizes him and asks for his autograph. Later that night, he attends the Magic Kingdom fireworks show. He feels like he is truly king of the world. During the middle of the show, the music suddenly switches to a more upbeat Rock sound. It catches everyone off guard, including Grevious. They project his 2 sacks from the Ultimus on the castle and the crowd goes wild. There are some grumblings in the crowd from a few Wraiths fans, but they aren’t overly noticeable. A small spotlight shines on Grevious and he gives a big smile and waves to everyone. This was truly a magical moment.