04-06-2024, 10:33 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-09-2024, 11:22 AM by lemonoppy. Edited 1 time in total.)
Muddy's Matchup Review: Week 7
Cape Town Crash (3-4) VS Sarasota Sailfish (4-3)
Overview
In a tightly contested matchup, the Sailfish emerged victorious over Crash with a final score of 20-13. The game began as Swantavius King © of the Sailfish nailed a 46-yard field goal, putting them ahead early. However, Crash quickly answered back with Nakiri Ayame's 3-yard run, granting Crash a 7-3 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Sailfish reclaimed the lead in the second quarter with Ace Anderson's 1-yard run, giving them a 10-7 advantage at halftime. The third quarter witnessed a back-and-forth exchange of field goals, with Swantavius King © contributing a 22-yard field goal for the Sailfish and Bob Kickerson responding with a 35-yard field goal for Crash. As the quarter concluded, the Sailfish maintained a narrow 13-10 lead. In the pivotal fourth quarter, tension mounted as Crash leveled the score with a remarkable 57-yard field goal by Bob Kickerson. However, the Sailfish seized the moment with a decisive touchdown. Johnny Blaze Jr.'s 20-yard reception from Willier Miller propelled the Sailfish ahead.
My Thoughts
Just as I thought the Crash was getting their footing for the year, they lost to bring their record back to negative. It seems Cape Town suffers from hot and cold weeks and cannot keep momentum for very long. It wasn't an easy opponent they were playing this week so I will give them some slack but they need to win and keep winning for a shot at the playoffs. Sarasota on the other hand looked pretty solid as they got another important win to keep them in the playoff race. These next four weeks against the Outlaws, Hawks, Secondline, and Otters are going to be very interesting and really show if this team is legit or not.
Muddy's Player of the Game
WR Johnny Blaze Jr. (@JBLAZE_THE_BOSS)
Stats: 6 receptions, 112 yards, Game Winning TD
Reason: Blaze Jr was as reliable as they with being the only receiver to post over 100 yards receiving. With only 6 catches, he was making big plays every time he touched the ball. He also was instrumental in getting the game-winning score at the end of the fourth quarter, making him my PotG.
Chicago Butchers (4-3) VS Colorado Yeti (1-6)
Overview
The Butchers emerged victorious over the Yeti blowing them out with a commanding 38-18 win. The game began with Pete Moss of the Yeti kicking a 31-yard field goal, giving them an early lead. However, the Butchers swiftly turned the tide with rookie Dewey Greenbeans intercepting a pass and returning it for a 30-yard touchdown bringing the Butchers to a 7-3 lead by the first quarter's end. In the second quarter, the Butchers extended their lead as other rookie Corey Trevor rushed for a 4-yard touchdown creating a 14-3 halftime advantage for the Butchers. The third quarter witnessed a resurgence from the Yeti, scoring two touchdowns to briefly take the lead. NCADV RAINN caught a 65-yard pass from Preston Beatz, and Swamp Maiden rushed for a 4-yard touchdown, putting the Yeti ahead 18-14. However, Sem'ga Nah'sim caught a 9-yard pass from Painted Penguin which brought the Butchers back into the lead at 21-18. The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Butchers, with Jay Money catching a 7-yard pass from Painted Penguin for a touchdown. David Doug then secured a 20-yard field goal, followed by Triceracop sprinting for a 22-yard touchdown run, sealing the victory at 38-18.
My Thoughts
This was a great confidence builder for the Butchers after what happened last week. After losing the last three games, getting a win, even against a weak opponent, can flip a team around. It is especially good news to see the rookies getting more involved and making some impact plays for the team. They definitely needed some kind of positive going into next week as they will be playing the Otters. However, the Otters just lost pretty badly so it could be the perfect time for the Butchers to capitalize and get a huge upset to bring them one game closer to first. Yeti are still struggling and it seems it is just getting worse. They have Sabercats this week so they might as well just be looking forward to that Honolulu matchup after.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Painted Penguin (@Painted)
Stats: 25/35 completions, 204 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns
Reason: Painted Penguin played a very solid game in a matchup with no standout performances across the board for both teams. Making no crucial mistakes and leading his team to an important victory, he earned the PotG for the matchup.
New York Silverbacks (1-6) VS Baltimore Hawks (6-1)
Overview
With no surprise to anyone, the Hawks emerged triumphant over the Silverbacks with a final score of 35-19. The game ignited in the first quarter when Wolfie McDummy Jr. found Anakin Skywalker for a 13-yard touchdown pass, propelling the Hawks to a 7-0 lead. The Silverbacks responded with Blaine Falco connecting with Sean Robinson for a 30-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7. Undeterred, the Hawks surged ahead again with another touchdown pass from McDummy Jr. to Shane Turnbull, making it 14-7. A safety by the Silverbacks narrowed the gap to 14-9 by the quarter's end. In the second quarter, the Hawks extended their lead with Jarvis Harbinger-Marjin rushing for a 7-yard touchdown, seizing a 21-9 advantage at halftime. Maintaining their momentum into the third quarter, the Hawks saw Harbinger-Marjin scoring another touchdown from 1 yard out, pushing the lead to 28-9. Despite the Silverbacks' response with Frank Dux's 8-yard touchdown run, trimming the deficit to 28-16, it would prove to not be enough for a comeback. As the game progressed to the fourth quarter, the Silverbacks added a field goal, closing in at 28-19. However, the Hawks sealed their victory with Anakin Skywalker's second touchdown run, securing the 35-19 win.
My Thoughts
That's four straight losses for the Silverbacks and that was the worst performance by far on this losing run. The rest of their season is not easy with some hard opponents coming up so I can confidently say their season is pretty much over. However, they have the skill on the team to possibly pull a major upset before the season is done so keep an eye out for that. The Hawks once again came out and got the W. A lot better game for them than last week and if they can keep the winning streak alive for the next few games they'll have that #1 spot locked in for the NSFC.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Wolfie McDummy Jr. (@infinitempg)
Stats: 24/38 passing, 288 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns
Reason: Much like the Chicago - Colorado matchup, Wolfie McDummy Jr. gave a very solid performance in a game that did not see one player completely stand out. Can't really ask much more from your quarterback as he almost passes for 300 yards, and gets 2 TDs with no interceptions and no crucial mistakes.
New Orleans Secondline (4-3) VS Austin Copperheads (3-4)
Overview
In a hard-fought battle, Secondline emerged victorious over the Copperheads with a final score of 31-21. The game started with Secondline's explosive offense in the first half, as Octavion Speedings connected with Hank Mardukas for two long touchdown passes, giving them a 14-0 lead. Jack Sloth added a field goal to extend their lead to 17-0. However, the Copperheads rallied before halftime, with Jay Cue III throwing a touchdown pass to Zaphod Beeblebrox, making it 17-7. The Copperheads continued their comeback in the third quarter, taking the lead at 21-17 with Cue III's touchdown pass to Delores Bickerman and Howard Coward's rushing touchdown. But Secondline responded swiftly, reclaiming the lead at 24-21 with another touchdown pass from Speedings to Thomas Passarelli. In the decisive fourth quarter, Secondline sealed the win with Speedings' fourth touchdown pass, this time to Eli Prince, securing the 31-21 victory.
My Thoughts
Finally, the Secondline showed some life and got a good win against a solid opponent. With getting almost 500 total yards as a team and scoring over 30+ points, not against Honolulu or New York, this was one of their best games of the season by far. As playoffs are getting closer it is coming at the perfect time and hopefully, they bring this energy next week against the Fire Salamanders. This was a tough loss for the Copperheads who have been stuck at .500 these past four weeks. Win-one-lose-one is not gonna get you a championship and they need to figure out how to get something going. With the Hawks and Sabercats as their next two opponents, it's going to be a challenge.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Octavion Speedings (@CeeKay)
Stats: 20/28 passing, 353 yards, 4 touchdowns
Reason: What a game from the NOLA quarterback! Posting almost a perfect QBR (153.3) and throwing for 4 TDs, with 3 of them being over 50 yards is a superstar performance. If the Secondline want to keep making noise this year, we need to keep seeing these types of performances from Speedings.
Berlin Fire Salamanders (2-5) VS Yellowknife Wraiths (4-3)
Overview
In the best game of the week, the Wraiths narrowly edged out the Fire Salamanders claiming victory with a final score of 42-39. The Fire Salamanders took an early lead in the game, with Pitter Patter scoring a touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Tuna TurnDaBallOva, followed by a remarkable 52-yard field goal by Golden Foote, putting them ahead 10-0. However, the Wraiths quickly responded, with Maximus Boudreaux connecting with Money Tolliver for a 31-yard touchdown pass, reducing the deficit to 10-7 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Wraiths surged ahead with multiple scoring plays. Willie Swaggert scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run to start it for the Fire Salamanders, however, the Wraiths scored three unanswered Touchdowns including Money Tolliver's 4-yard touchdown run, a touchdown pass from Boudreaux and Kadarius Claypool II intercepted a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown, giving the Wraiths a 28-17 lead at halftime. The Fire Salamanders mounted a comeback in the third quarter, with a 56-yard connection from TurnDaBallOva to Really Creative-Name and also finding Pitter Patter for a 28-yard touchdown pass, the Wraiths maintained their lead at 35-32 thanks to a Nick Williams TD. In the fourth quarter, the Wraiths extended their lead with another touchdown pass from Boudreaux to Williams, making it 42-32. The Fire Salamanders fought valiantly, with TurnDaBallOva connecting with Bessey for another touchdown, but ultimately fell short as the Wraiths held on for the 42-39 victory.
My Thoughts
The Fire Salamanders must be so sick of losing these close-scoring games. Overall I feel like they played a pretty decent game as they had more total yards and over 100 more passing yards. What it came down to was the defense not being able to get a few stops and it cost them. For the second time in the last three weeks, the defense gave up 40+ points, so that will need to be addressed before the winning can start again. The Wraiths continue their random year as after being the lowest-scoring team last week, they are now the highest this week. I'm not even going to try to predict anything for them as they showed anything is possible (good or bad) with this team. Let's just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Tuna TurnDaBallOva (@SomeSay...)
Stats: 35/57 passing, 426 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 5 carries, 17 yards, 1 TD
Reason: TurnDaBallOva was electric this game even though they were not able to pull away with the win. Usually, any QB that can put up over 400+ passing yards and 5 total TDs finishes the week as the hero, so this must really sting putting your all out there and still not getting it done. However, I still think this performance deserves PotG.
Orange Country Otters (5-2) VS San Jose Sabercats (6-1)
Overview
In an absolutely shocking blowout, the SaberCats dominated the game against the Otters 33-7. The momentum for the SaberCats started early in the first quarter when Booter McGavin kicked a 21-yard field goal, putting them on the board with a 3-0 lead. Soon after, Josh Patterson connected with Florida Man for a 3-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 10-0. The second quarter witnessed the SaberCats' continued dominance as they tightened their grip on the game. Lloyd Bannings was tackled in the end zone for a safety, further bolstering the SaberCats' advantage. Later in the quarter, Patterson found Keanu Calhoun for another 3-yard touchdown pass, amplifying the lead to 19-0 by halftime. Coming back from the break, the SaberCats showed no signs of slowing down. Patterson orchestrated two more scoring drives in the third quarter, tossing touchdown passes to Maple Dogwood for a 9-yard score and to Kit Fisto for a 3-yard touchdown, further widening the gap to 33-0. In the final quarter, the Otters managed to break through the SaberCats' defense with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Lloyd Bannings to Big McLarge Huge, salvaging some points. However, it was insufficient as the SaberCats had already established an insurmountable lead, ultimately securing a dominant 33-7 victory.
My Thoughts
Otters what happened this week??? They are making me eat my words about them when I mentioned I was 80% sure they were legit. I get that this is a tough matchup, but to lose 33-7 is very worrying. Having a pretty easy schedule to this point in the season and their only two L's come from playoff teams is not a good look at all. Luckily they have a chance for redemption as they play both of their losses later in the year so hopefully we can see that they aren't just the product of an easy schedule. Sabercats still stand tall as the best team in the ISFL. To beat a fellow 5-1 team like that shows they aren't playing around and have a really good possibility of winning it all this year.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Josh Patterson (@Tylertokesome04)
Stats: 32/34 passing, 267 yards, 4 touchdowns
Reason: Patterson once again continues on his MVP-caliber season with another PotG. This time for posting a 138.6 QBR, throwing for 4 touchdowns, and dismantling the 3rd ranked defense. I'm sure we will see his name a few more times before the season is over.
Arizona Outlaws (6-1) VS Honolulu Hahalua (0-7)
Overview
Much to no surprise, the Outlaws secured a 38-26 victory over Hahalua. The game kicked off with the Outlaw's Donovan Winters III orchestrating two scoring drives, connecting with Benji Aguilera and Purdy Mediocre touchdown passes, while Stetson David found the end zone for Hahalua. Additionally, the Hahaluas managed to tack on a field goal, although it didn't matter as Winter III threw his third TD pass, this time to Aguilera again finishing the first quarter with a 21-10 lead. Hahalua showed resilience in the second quarter, narrowing the gap with a field goal, heading into halftime trailing 21-13. Returning from the break, the Outlaws continued to assert their dominance. Danny Nedelko punched in a touchdown in the third quarter, extending their lead to 28-13. In the final quarter, both teams battled fiercely, exchanging blows. Aguilera got his third TD catch and Jay-Jaymison got a field goal for the Ouytlaws while Hahalua managed to find the end zone with Brad Wolf and add two field goals to their own tally. In the end, the Outlaws were too much for Hahalua to handle.
My Thoughts
Overall, this game was what everyone expected, and not much else to talk about. One thing is I am impressed that Hahalua managed to score 26 points on the Outlaws, however, the Outlaw's offensive has been their strong suit this year so until someone can stop that, they have to keep up which Hahalua couldn't end up doing.
Muddy's Player of the Game
WR Benji Aguilera (@CROney3)
Stats: 8 receptions, 62 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Reason: Aguilera was living in the endzone this week with 3 receiving TDs. His performance alone would've been almost enough to beat the Hahaluas and for that he deserves the PotG.
Muddy's Power Rankings
- San Jose SaberCats (Last Week: 1 Change: N/A)
- Arizona Outlaws (Last Week: 2 Change: N/A)
- Baltimore Hawks (Last Week: 4 Change: +1)
- Orange County Otters (Last Week: 3 Change: -1)
- New Orleans Secondline (Last Week: 7 Change: +2)
- Chicago Butchers (Last Week: 6 Change: N/A)
- Sarasota Sailfish (Last Week: 8 Change: +1)
- Cape Town Crash (Last Week: 5 Change: -3)
- Yellowknife Wraith (Last Week: 9 Change: N/A)
- Austin Copperheads (Last Week: 10 Change: N/A)
- Berlin Fire Salamanders (Last Week: 11 Change: N/A)
- Colorado Yeti (Last Week: 12 Change: N/A)
- New York Silverbacks (Last Week: 13 Change: N/A)
- Honolulu Hahalua (Last Week: 14 Change: N/A)