09-20-2019, 11:40 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-20-2019, 01:59 PM by illegaloctopus.)
At the beginning S17, great expectations were placed on the Tijuana Luchadores, a team that had just recently won its 6th Ultimini. Tijuana finished S16 12 – 2 and looked to repeat their success. This article will look at Tijuana’s draft, season games, and look forward to the playoffs.
Tijuana selected 23 players in the draft, the first 12 of which are listed below.
1: Jake Watson, a WR from the University of Toledo. Jake would immediately be traded by the Luchadores.
2. Thudd Kassel, a LB from Red Valley State. Thudd had raised eyebrows prior to his drafting, as he had threatened a holdout. Thudd would not hold out. Thudd however, would demand a trade from the Luchadores prior to the playoffs, after one of the Luchadores’ GMs claimed the team did not need its rookies to compete for the Ultimini.
3. Bender B. Rodriguez, a WR. Bender would finish the season with 912 yards, and 5 TDs.
4. Zach Baily, CB. Zach would finish the season with 60 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 15 pass defenses.
5. Jesse Jackson, WR. Jesse was the third WR drafted by the Luchadores, and would finish the season with 577 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
6. Junior Lopez, LB. Junior was the second LB drafted by the Luchadores, and would finish the season with 86 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 sacks, and 1 interception.
7. Alexander Ryan, WR. Another WR pick from the Luchadores, Ryan would finish the season with less than 200 yards, pulling in 3 touchdowns.
8. Joseph Wozniak, S from the University of Michigan. Joseph Wozniak would the first of three safety picks from the Luchadores in the draft. Wozniak would finish the season with 64 tackles, a forced fumble, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Wozniak would also develop a rivalry with Jake Watson during the season.
9. Howard Ryan, S. Howard was the second Luchador safety pick in a row, and would become an integral part of the defense. He would accumulate 105 tackles and 4 sacks throughout the season. He would also contribute a defensive score for Tijuana.
10. Fuzzy Dotson, a RB. Fuzzy would rush 29 times, for 178 yards, never finding the end zone.
11. Caleb Beck, CB. Another piece for the secondary, Caleb would have 44 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.
12. Ivan Abramovich, TE. Ivan would not contribute to the team.
The Luchadores were looking to repeat their Ultimini victory, and improve on their 12 – 2 performance. While the Luchadores are still looking forward to the playoffs, they would not repeat their regular season success, going 9 – 4 – 1.
Game 1: @Kansas City Coyotes W(36 – 24)
The Luchadores would start the season well, going on the road and beating the Coyotes. The defense played well, forcing two turnovers, with interceptions from Joseph Wozniak and Caleb Beck. While the Luchadores would take a 29 – 10 lead into the fourth quarter, they would give up 14 points, allowing the Coyotes to get closer. Tijuana would hold off the Coyotes, thanks in part to D. Donut and C. Osborn each rushing for two touchdowns.
Game 2: @San Antonio Marshals L(20 – 44)
The Luchadores would travel on the road for their second game in a row, this time heading to Texas. The Luchadores would struggle in this game, giving up 23 points in the fourth quarter. After the first half the Luchadores led 20 – 14, but the Marshals scored 30 unanswered points in the second half, delivering a humbling blow to the Luchadores. Despite giving up 44 points, the Luchadores excelled in forcing interceptions, with three this game. Joseph Wozniak, Thudd Kassel, and Wayne Howyanow all managed an interception. The Luchadores struggled to contain RB R. Ruff, who went for 129 yards and 3 touchdowns. The 3 – 1 turnover advantage was not enough for the Luchadores to overcome the Marshals, as they fell to 1 – 1.
Game 3: @Norfolk Seawolves W(31 – 7)
On the third road game to start the season, the Luchadores wanted to avenge their disappointing week two loss. The Luchadores would be able to do exactly that, easily handling the Seawolves. The Luchadores were led by their strong rushing attack, with 3 touchdowns between Osborn and Donut. The Luchadores did manage another turnover, with Howard Ryan getting an interception. The Luchadores did struggle with penalties however, being penalized 11 times for 85 yards. The Luchadores would look to head to their home opener 2 – 1.
Game 4: Palm Beach Solar Bears W(30 – 7)
The Luchadores would secure their second strong win in a row, with the home opener being a convincing victory over the Solar Bears. The Luchadores turnover capabilities continued to shine, with Wayne Howyanow finishing with one interception. Luchador QB McCann III would gave a good game, with 3 touchdowns. The Luchadores did fumble twice, but that did not hold them back from an easy win. While the Solar Bears would strike first on a 4 yard TD run from Charles Allan, but the Luchadores would respond with 30 unanswered points.
Game 5: Kansas City Coyotes W(27-14)
The Luchadores continued their run, winning their 3rd game in a row, improving to 4 – 1 on the season. They beat the Coyotes for the second time in the season, playing another close game. The Tijuana secondary continued to shine, with Zach Baily providing the interception this game. The rush attack also continued to carry the team, with 3 touchdowns and over 200 yards from Osborn and Donut. QB McCann would struggle, going 9 / 23 for 148 yards and no touchdowns. Coyote QB Longshaw also had a difficult game, going 9 / 24 for 108 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Tijuana won the time of possession, 31:54 – 28:06.
Game 6: San Antonio Marshals T(20 – 20)
The Luchadores winning run would screech to a halt, with a tie to the Marshals. The Marshals again looked to spoil the Luchadores season, scoring 3 in the fourth quarter to tie the game and force it to overtime. In overtime the Luchadores would fumble while in the end zone, throwing away a good change at scoring. The Tijuana secondary’s turnover streak would also end, with QB McMahon not throwing any picks. Tijuana saw a good game from draft pick B. Rodriguez, who went for 97 yards on 7 catches, and a touchdown. Thudd Kassel would also turn in a great game, recording 18 tackles. Safety Joseph Wozniak would also record double digit tackles, with 10. Despite these strong individual performances, Tijuana would only be able to tie the Marshals.
Game 7: Portland Pythons W(37-27)
The Luchadores faced a strong opponent this week, managing to overcome the Pythons. This game again saw no interceptions by the Luchadores, but then did manage to force two fumbles, with Wozniak and Lopez forcing fumbles. Wayne Howyanow was there to recover both of these fumbles, being able to return one of them for a touchdown. The Luchador rushing attack was slowed this game, with Osborn and Donut recording no touchdowns and only 84 yards between them. WRs Rodriguez and Ryan did catch touchdowns. Portland would dominate the TOP, 36:30 – 23:30, but this was not enough for them to overcome the Luchadores. Tijuana would improve to 5 – 1 – 1 on the season.
Game 8: @Palm Beach Solar Bears W(27 – 15)
Going on the road is never an easy task, but the Luchadores would secure a victory over the Solar Bears. The rushing attack from the Luchadores proved too much for the Solar Bears to handle, as they managed 3 rushing touchdowns and well over 200 yards. The secondary had a quiet day, with no interceptions or fumbles. While the Solar Bears jumped out to a 3 – 0 lead, by half time it was 14 – 9, and the Luchadores would never cede their lead again. Luchador kicker Bassett had a solid game, with 3 XPAs, and 2 field goals.
Game 9: @Kansas City Coyotes L(31 – 10)
It was the third time that the Luchadores had faced the Coyotes so far in the season, and it was the first time that the Coyotes would emerge victorious. Not only would the Coyotes win, but they would win convincingly, dealing a blow to the rolling Lucha. QB McCann was responsible for 2 interceptions, while the Coyotes would also force a fumble. The Luchadores’ secondary did manage to gain one interception, coming from Howard Ryan. The Luchador rushing attack also was slowed, putting up 100 yards between Donut and Osborn.
Game 10: @San Antonio Marshals W(20 – 14)
The Luchadores looked to return to the victory column after an embarrassing defeat to the Coyotes, heading to San Antonio to face the Marshals. The Luchadores would defeat the Marshals 20 – 14, thanks to the vaunted Tijuana rushing tandem. Donut and Osborn would rush for over 200 yards, and one TD. The Luchadores would see a good game from Howard Ryan, who recorded 13 tackles and a tackle for loss. Tijuana took a 10 – 7 lead into halftime, and managed to maintain their lead. QB McMahon had a solid game, going 15 / 21 for 171 yards and 1 touchdown. This was not enough to overcome the Luchadores however.
Game 11: Norfolk Seawolves W(26 – 0)
In perhaps their most solid victory of the season, the Luchadores shut out the Seawolves, and continued their push for home field advantage in the playoffs. The Luchadores’ QB McCann had a strong game, throwing 3 touchdowns. The Luchador rushing attack also showed up, rushing for nearly 300 yards and 1 touchdown. Kicker Bassett did miss a field goal. The Tijuana secondary supplied another interception, this time from Wayne Howyanow. Thudd Kassel had a respectable game, with 7 tackles. The Luchadores continued to ride their strong defense and powerful running game.
Game 12: San Antonio Marshals W(23 – 13)
The Luchadores secured their 9th win of the season against the Marshals, with a 23 – 13 victory at home. The Luchadores sow great contributions from their secondary’s, with Howard Ryan having an exceptional game, with 12 tackles, an interception, and a defensive TD. Zach Baily would provide 10 tackles, and 2 PDs. Joseph Wozniak would provide a solid 8 tackles. Kicker Bassett would kick 3 field goals, and 2 extra points. McCann had a slow day, with only 7 successful passes, and less than 100 yards. He would throw a touchdown, and no interceptions. Donut had a great game, going for 95 yards on 15 attempts.
Game 13: @Portland Lythons L(17 – 24)
Perhaps the most anticipated game of the Luchadores season, they traveled to Portland to fight for home field advantage in the playoffs, should these top two seeds face each other. The game projected to be a difficult one, as Portland had been having a great season. The game was also preceded by trash talk between Luchador safety Joseph Wozniak and Python Jake Watson. Wozniak characterized Watson as underwhelming, while Watson criticized Wozniak’s lower draft status. When the two teams faced on the field, the Pythons would emerge victorious, in a close, hard fought game. Python QB J. Cue had an up and down day, throwing for 252 yards, a touchdown, and 3 interceptions. Howard Ryan, Zach Baily, and Wayne Howyanow all picked off Cue. The Luchador two-headed rushing attack did manage 195 yards, but did not score any touchdowns. McCann would rush for one touchdown. Despite their aggressive trash talk, both Joseph Wozniak and Jake Watson would contribute very little to the game. Wozniak still is attempting to nickname Jake Watson, “Jake Dropson.”
Game 14: Kansas City Coyotes L(20-16)
Having lost home field advantage to Portland, Tijuana looked to finish the season on a high note. This was not to be however, as Tijuana lost to the Coyotes. Lopez managed an interception, and Wozniak was able to sack QB Longshaw. Thudd Kassel would record 9 tackles, and WR Rodriguez would go for 98 yards.
With the regular season coming to a close, the Luchdores finished 9 – 4 – 1, a far cry from their 12 – 2 season. However, the real goal of the Luchadores remains within reach, as they work for success in the playoffs. The Luchadores also are dealing with drama as the season comes to a close, with Wozniak feuding with Jake Dropson, and Thudd Kassel demanding a trade.
Tijuana selected 23 players in the draft, the first 12 of which are listed below.
1: Jake Watson, a WR from the University of Toledo. Jake would immediately be traded by the Luchadores.
2. Thudd Kassel, a LB from Red Valley State. Thudd had raised eyebrows prior to his drafting, as he had threatened a holdout. Thudd would not hold out. Thudd however, would demand a trade from the Luchadores prior to the playoffs, after one of the Luchadores’ GMs claimed the team did not need its rookies to compete for the Ultimini.
3. Bender B. Rodriguez, a WR. Bender would finish the season with 912 yards, and 5 TDs.
4. Zach Baily, CB. Zach would finish the season with 60 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 15 pass defenses.
5. Jesse Jackson, WR. Jesse was the third WR drafted by the Luchadores, and would finish the season with 577 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
6. Junior Lopez, LB. Junior was the second LB drafted by the Luchadores, and would finish the season with 86 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 sacks, and 1 interception.
7. Alexander Ryan, WR. Another WR pick from the Luchadores, Ryan would finish the season with less than 200 yards, pulling in 3 touchdowns.
8. Joseph Wozniak, S from the University of Michigan. Joseph Wozniak would the first of three safety picks from the Luchadores in the draft. Wozniak would finish the season with 64 tackles, a forced fumble, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Wozniak would also develop a rivalry with Jake Watson during the season.
9. Howard Ryan, S. Howard was the second Luchador safety pick in a row, and would become an integral part of the defense. He would accumulate 105 tackles and 4 sacks throughout the season. He would also contribute a defensive score for Tijuana.
10. Fuzzy Dotson, a RB. Fuzzy would rush 29 times, for 178 yards, never finding the end zone.
11. Caleb Beck, CB. Another piece for the secondary, Caleb would have 44 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.
12. Ivan Abramovich, TE. Ivan would not contribute to the team.
The Luchadores were looking to repeat their Ultimini victory, and improve on their 12 – 2 performance. While the Luchadores are still looking forward to the playoffs, they would not repeat their regular season success, going 9 – 4 – 1.
Game 1: @Kansas City Coyotes W(36 – 24)
The Luchadores would start the season well, going on the road and beating the Coyotes. The defense played well, forcing two turnovers, with interceptions from Joseph Wozniak and Caleb Beck. While the Luchadores would take a 29 – 10 lead into the fourth quarter, they would give up 14 points, allowing the Coyotes to get closer. Tijuana would hold off the Coyotes, thanks in part to D. Donut and C. Osborn each rushing for two touchdowns.
Game 2: @San Antonio Marshals L(20 – 44)
The Luchadores would travel on the road for their second game in a row, this time heading to Texas. The Luchadores would struggle in this game, giving up 23 points in the fourth quarter. After the first half the Luchadores led 20 – 14, but the Marshals scored 30 unanswered points in the second half, delivering a humbling blow to the Luchadores. Despite giving up 44 points, the Luchadores excelled in forcing interceptions, with three this game. Joseph Wozniak, Thudd Kassel, and Wayne Howyanow all managed an interception. The Luchadores struggled to contain RB R. Ruff, who went for 129 yards and 3 touchdowns. The 3 – 1 turnover advantage was not enough for the Luchadores to overcome the Marshals, as they fell to 1 – 1.
Game 3: @Norfolk Seawolves W(31 – 7)
On the third road game to start the season, the Luchadores wanted to avenge their disappointing week two loss. The Luchadores would be able to do exactly that, easily handling the Seawolves. The Luchadores were led by their strong rushing attack, with 3 touchdowns between Osborn and Donut. The Luchadores did manage another turnover, with Howard Ryan getting an interception. The Luchadores did struggle with penalties however, being penalized 11 times for 85 yards. The Luchadores would look to head to their home opener 2 – 1.
Game 4: Palm Beach Solar Bears W(30 – 7)
The Luchadores would secure their second strong win in a row, with the home opener being a convincing victory over the Solar Bears. The Luchadores turnover capabilities continued to shine, with Wayne Howyanow finishing with one interception. Luchador QB McCann III would gave a good game, with 3 touchdowns. The Luchadores did fumble twice, but that did not hold them back from an easy win. While the Solar Bears would strike first on a 4 yard TD run from Charles Allan, but the Luchadores would respond with 30 unanswered points.
Game 5: Kansas City Coyotes W(27-14)
The Luchadores continued their run, winning their 3rd game in a row, improving to 4 – 1 on the season. They beat the Coyotes for the second time in the season, playing another close game. The Tijuana secondary continued to shine, with Zach Baily providing the interception this game. The rush attack also continued to carry the team, with 3 touchdowns and over 200 yards from Osborn and Donut. QB McCann would struggle, going 9 / 23 for 148 yards and no touchdowns. Coyote QB Longshaw also had a difficult game, going 9 / 24 for 108 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Tijuana won the time of possession, 31:54 – 28:06.
Game 6: San Antonio Marshals T(20 – 20)
The Luchadores winning run would screech to a halt, with a tie to the Marshals. The Marshals again looked to spoil the Luchadores season, scoring 3 in the fourth quarter to tie the game and force it to overtime. In overtime the Luchadores would fumble while in the end zone, throwing away a good change at scoring. The Tijuana secondary’s turnover streak would also end, with QB McMahon not throwing any picks. Tijuana saw a good game from draft pick B. Rodriguez, who went for 97 yards on 7 catches, and a touchdown. Thudd Kassel would also turn in a great game, recording 18 tackles. Safety Joseph Wozniak would also record double digit tackles, with 10. Despite these strong individual performances, Tijuana would only be able to tie the Marshals.
Game 7: Portland Pythons W(37-27)
The Luchadores faced a strong opponent this week, managing to overcome the Pythons. This game again saw no interceptions by the Luchadores, but then did manage to force two fumbles, with Wozniak and Lopez forcing fumbles. Wayne Howyanow was there to recover both of these fumbles, being able to return one of them for a touchdown. The Luchador rushing attack was slowed this game, with Osborn and Donut recording no touchdowns and only 84 yards between them. WRs Rodriguez and Ryan did catch touchdowns. Portland would dominate the TOP, 36:30 – 23:30, but this was not enough for them to overcome the Luchadores. Tijuana would improve to 5 – 1 – 1 on the season.
Game 8: @Palm Beach Solar Bears W(27 – 15)
Going on the road is never an easy task, but the Luchadores would secure a victory over the Solar Bears. The rushing attack from the Luchadores proved too much for the Solar Bears to handle, as they managed 3 rushing touchdowns and well over 200 yards. The secondary had a quiet day, with no interceptions or fumbles. While the Solar Bears jumped out to a 3 – 0 lead, by half time it was 14 – 9, and the Luchadores would never cede their lead again. Luchador kicker Bassett had a solid game, with 3 XPAs, and 2 field goals.
Game 9: @Kansas City Coyotes L(31 – 10)
It was the third time that the Luchadores had faced the Coyotes so far in the season, and it was the first time that the Coyotes would emerge victorious. Not only would the Coyotes win, but they would win convincingly, dealing a blow to the rolling Lucha. QB McCann was responsible for 2 interceptions, while the Coyotes would also force a fumble. The Luchadores’ secondary did manage to gain one interception, coming from Howard Ryan. The Luchador rushing attack also was slowed, putting up 100 yards between Donut and Osborn.
Game 10: @San Antonio Marshals W(20 – 14)
The Luchadores looked to return to the victory column after an embarrassing defeat to the Coyotes, heading to San Antonio to face the Marshals. The Luchadores would defeat the Marshals 20 – 14, thanks to the vaunted Tijuana rushing tandem. Donut and Osborn would rush for over 200 yards, and one TD. The Luchadores would see a good game from Howard Ryan, who recorded 13 tackles and a tackle for loss. Tijuana took a 10 – 7 lead into halftime, and managed to maintain their lead. QB McMahon had a solid game, going 15 / 21 for 171 yards and 1 touchdown. This was not enough to overcome the Luchadores however.
Game 11: Norfolk Seawolves W(26 – 0)
In perhaps their most solid victory of the season, the Luchadores shut out the Seawolves, and continued their push for home field advantage in the playoffs. The Luchadores’ QB McCann had a strong game, throwing 3 touchdowns. The Luchador rushing attack also showed up, rushing for nearly 300 yards and 1 touchdown. Kicker Bassett did miss a field goal. The Tijuana secondary supplied another interception, this time from Wayne Howyanow. Thudd Kassel had a respectable game, with 7 tackles. The Luchadores continued to ride their strong defense and powerful running game.
Game 12: San Antonio Marshals W(23 – 13)
The Luchadores secured their 9th win of the season against the Marshals, with a 23 – 13 victory at home. The Luchadores sow great contributions from their secondary’s, with Howard Ryan having an exceptional game, with 12 tackles, an interception, and a defensive TD. Zach Baily would provide 10 tackles, and 2 PDs. Joseph Wozniak would provide a solid 8 tackles. Kicker Bassett would kick 3 field goals, and 2 extra points. McCann had a slow day, with only 7 successful passes, and less than 100 yards. He would throw a touchdown, and no interceptions. Donut had a great game, going for 95 yards on 15 attempts.
Game 13: @Portland Lythons L(17 – 24)
Perhaps the most anticipated game of the Luchadores season, they traveled to Portland to fight for home field advantage in the playoffs, should these top two seeds face each other. The game projected to be a difficult one, as Portland had been having a great season. The game was also preceded by trash talk between Luchador safety Joseph Wozniak and Python Jake Watson. Wozniak characterized Watson as underwhelming, while Watson criticized Wozniak’s lower draft status. When the two teams faced on the field, the Pythons would emerge victorious, in a close, hard fought game. Python QB J. Cue had an up and down day, throwing for 252 yards, a touchdown, and 3 interceptions. Howard Ryan, Zach Baily, and Wayne Howyanow all picked off Cue. The Luchador two-headed rushing attack did manage 195 yards, but did not score any touchdowns. McCann would rush for one touchdown. Despite their aggressive trash talk, both Joseph Wozniak and Jake Watson would contribute very little to the game. Wozniak still is attempting to nickname Jake Watson, “Jake Dropson.”
Game 14: Kansas City Coyotes L(20-16)
Having lost home field advantage to Portland, Tijuana looked to finish the season on a high note. This was not to be however, as Tijuana lost to the Coyotes. Lopez managed an interception, and Wozniak was able to sack QB Longshaw. Thudd Kassel would record 9 tackles, and WR Rodriguez would go for 98 yards.
With the regular season coming to a close, the Luchdores finished 9 – 4 – 1, a far cry from their 12 – 2 season. However, the real goal of the Luchadores remains within reach, as they work for success in the playoffs. The Luchadores also are dealing with drama as the season comes to a close, with Wozniak feuding with Jake Dropson, and Thudd Kassel demanding a trade.