Quote:Task #3: For any team, certain players and users have gone above and beyond, shaping the legacy of the franchise. Choose any ISFL or DSFL team - with the exception of the Sarasota Sailfish and Honolulu Hahalua - and create a Mount Rushmore for that team. Who in your mind are the four most noteworthy figures of the team’s history? Why does each one of your included figures deserve that recognition, and how did each of them make their mark?
The ISFL would not be the league it is today without the Orange County Otters, the ASFC team has been a stable in the league and will continue to be one for years to come. With a historic 8 Ultimus wins under their belt, all coming off back to back or threepeats, they are THE team you think of when it comes to the ISFL. How though, did they reach such historic heights? Some of it is great drafting, some of it is great coaching, but most importantly they had guys who wanted it more than everyone else. Some of these guys are regarded as the best at their position in the history of the league. Picking 4 is tough to do but I think you have to start at the most important position in football.
Mike Boss, most times referred to simply as the GOAT, only played for 8 years for the Otters. In those 8 years he would shape the league for years to come. Drafted early when the league had only started Boss came out and put on a rather disappointing rookie season. Analysts were saying that he was not the guy, starting in 11 games boss threw for a 11 TDs to 19 INTs. Most people would move on but little did they know they had the goat on their hands. In just 3 years Boss would go on to claim his first MVP of three and begin to show why the team had stuck with him. Boss went on to have one of the greatest seasons the league had ever seen in 2021, winning league MVP, his second Ultimus championship, a back to back that would soon become a threepeat, Threw for over 5,500 yards with 65% completion and a TD:INT of 41-15. Mike Boss is on not only the Otter’s mount Rushmore, but the entire leagues.
Mike did not do what he did alone though, he had to have some help, and that came from one of the greatest receivers we have ever seen play the game along side him. Bradley Westfield played along side Mike for his entire career and did not disappoint. During the 2021 season Bradley was a great option for Mike to throw to, but it was the following year trying to bring a fourth title to the Otters that he had the best season of his career. With an insane 1,620 yards on 89 receptions and 15 touchdowns Bradley was unstoppable. Not to mention his production on special teams with 1,050 kick return yards Bradley was a staple in the Otters offense. While not bringing a fourth championship home Bradley was a key player for the Otter’s offense during their three-championship run. Only playing one season without Mike Boss and retiring shortly after him, Mr. Westfield has earned his spot on the mount Rushmore of the Otters.
A Mount Rushmore is not complete without someone who is willing to do the dirty work, and this player did it on both sides of the ball. Angus Winchester has had an interesting career to say the least, starting as an all-pro caliber lineman the first year he entered to switching to an all pro linebacker only 3 years later, Winchester has seen what it’s like on both sides of the ball. A stud as a rookie when the league started to have more androids as offensive lineman Winchester took it upon himself to become one of the best linebackers in all of football. With an okay first season most looked at him questionably at the position, but he went on to prove that the choice to switch was a great one. In the first championship of three Winchester became the linebacker of the year, just a year removed from his offensive line spot. He then continued to lead the league in sacks the following two seasons and leading to two more championships. While he still plays for the Otters to this day, he was an incredible piece for them in their historic run that made them the leagues go to team for any player.
Another defensive anchor for the team was Marc Spector, not the flashiest of DBs but if someone is throwing to win the game you want him on their receiver. Marc was another player that was apart of the historic three peat and his lockdown way paved the secondary into them. Marc was never a big interception guy but was loved swatting the ball away from players. Becoming a probowler and a champion just two years into his career everyone watching knew he would be special. Marc went on to become a staple in the Otter’s defense played great in the three Ultimus championships the team won. While not as spry as he once was, Marc continues to play for the Otters alongside Angus they are ushering in the new era of defenders. Marc went on to make 5 pro bowls and is a sure fire hall of famer after he hangs it up.
Code:
(836 words)