04-04-2024, 12:41 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-09-2024, 11:25 AM by lemonoppy. Edited 1 time in total.)
Muddy's Matchup Review: Week 6
Colorado Yeti (1-5) VS Berlin Fire Salamanders (2-4)
Overview
The Fire Salamanders emerged victorious over the Yeti with a hard-fought 27-13 win. The game began with a defensive struggle in the first quarter, as both teams battled to gain an early advantage. In the second quarter, Pete Moss of the Yetis broke the deadlock with a 40-yard field goal, giving his team a 3-0 lead. The Fire Salamanders quickly responded with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Tuna TurnDaBallOva to Emile Charles, taking a 7-3 lead. Despite Moss adding another field goal, the Fire Salamanders held a slim 7-6 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Golden Foote extended the Fire Salamanders' lead with a 46-yard field goal, making it 10-6. The fourth quarter opened the game up more with scoring from the Fire Salamanders. Foote kicked a 25-yard field goal early in the quarter, followed by touchdowns from Willie Swaggert, who caught a 52-yard pass from TurnDaBallOva, and then ran for a 2-yard touchdown, pushing the Fire Salamanders over the edge to win 27-13.
My Thoughts
A much better game for the Fire Salamanders after getting destroyed last week. The biggest improvement was the defence who locked in and looked like a completely different unit. Next week is going to be a harder matchup against the Wraiths, but if this Fire Salamander team shows up they can win it. As for Colorado, another tough loss to make it 1-5 on the season. With the worst-ranked offense and second-worst defense in the league, there is not much hope for them. The best they can do is try to ruin other teams' seasons and get some upset wins.
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Willie Swaggert ® (@GlimsTC)
Stats: 13 rushing attempts, 75 yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 1 rushing touchdown | 6 receptions, 104 receiving yards, 17.3 yards per reception, 1 receiving touchdown
Reason: The rookie was playing like a seasoned vet out there this week. His number was called throughout the whole game and he stepped up without fault. Leading the team in rushing and receiving yards, he was a no-brainer for player of the game
New York Silverbacks (1-5) VS Arizona Outlaws (5-1)
Overview
In a closer game than most expected, the Outlaws clinched a narrow 27-26 victory over the Silverbacks. The game opened with an early field goal by the Outlaws' Jayme Jayne Jay-Jaymison, giving them a 3-0 lead. However, the Silverbacks swiftly responded with a touchdown by Frank Dux, flipping the score to 7-3 in their favor. In the second quarter, the Outlaws regained momentum with a touchdown pass from Donovan Winters III to Jordan Bamford, edging ahead 10-7. Another field goal by Jay-Jaymison stretched their lead to 13-7. Though the Silverbacks' Wing Wang managed a field goal of his own, the Outlaws maintained a 13-10 lead at halftime. The third quarter saw more scoring as Sean Robinson's touchdown reception from Blaine Falco put the Silverbacks ahead 17-13. Yet, the Outlaws swiftly retaliated with a Danny Nedelko touchdown run, although another Falco-to-Robinson connection kept the Silverbacks ahead 24-20. In a tense final quarter, the Outlaws fought back, as Winters III found Nedelko for a touchdown, taking the 27-24 lead. With just 42 seconds remaining, the Silverbacks secured a safety bringing the score to 27-26. Despite their valiant effort, the Silverbacks still fell short, and the Outlaws clinched the narrow victory.
My Thoughts
I was shocked to see this game this close. I feel for the Silverbacks as being that close to pulling off a major upset, especially with having the lead going into the last half of the final quarter is heartbreaking. It should be however a good sign that the Silverbacks are still competing against the top talent, however starting their season 1-5 it's going to be a long road ahead. Outlaws you guys got lucky this week. If you play like that against a top team it is not going to be a fun time. However, all that matters is you got the W and continue the great start to the season. Hopefully, you can get back to dominating like a top seed should next week against the Hahaluas.
Muddy's Player of the Game
CB Paul Dosza (@.simo)
Stats: 7 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended
Reason: In the fourth quarter, Dosza caused and recovered a fumble which led to the game-winning touchdown. Adding on 6 other tackles and a pass defended, I felt like his impact was a large part of the win and is deserving of the player of the game.
Honolulu Hahalua (0-6) VS Austin Copperheads (3-3)
Overview
The Copperheads showcased their offensive power in a 37-20 victory over Hahalua. The game ignited with two touchdowns in the first quarter. Howard Coward snagged a 23-yard pass from Jay Cue III for the Copperheads, swiftly countered by Speedy Gizmo's 4-yard reception from Lenard McRobinson for Hahalua, leaving the score tied 7-7. The Copperheads seized control in the second quarter and never looked back, as Cue III found Delores Bickerman twice for touchdowns, including a 53-yard bomb. Charlie Brown's field goal further bolstered their lead to 24-10 by halftime. Maintaining their offensive onslaught, the Copperheads extended their lead in the third quarter with another field goal by Charlie Brown and a Cue III touchdown pass to Zaphod Beeblebrox, stretching the margin to 34-10. Despite Hahalua's late surge in the fourth quarter, including a touchdown pass from McRobinson to Brad Woof and a field goal, the Copperheads held firm for the 37-20 win.
My Thoughts
Don't have much for Hahalua, better start getting prepared for the draft. The Copperheads bounced back this week and indeed got the machine rolling with a convincing win and great showing for the offense. This next three-game stretch (Secondline, Hawks, Sabercats) is gonna be the make or break for the season I feel. If they want to make the playoffs, I'd like to see them get 1 or 2 wins at least since their conference is so tough. Good luck Copperheads
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Jay Cue III (@Opera_Phantom)
Stats: 20/31, 318 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
Reason: Jay Cue III did everything right this game to get the team back on track. Passing for over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns is a fantastic stat line and cannot get much better than that. Also, he only took 1 sack the entire game so props to the O-line.
New Orleans Secondline (3-3) VS Orange County Otters (5-1)
Overview
In a gritty showdown, the Otters emerged victorious over Secondline with a hard-earned 32-21 win. Scott Junior of Secondline started the game off with a bang as he intercepted a pass, returning it 18 yards for a touchdown, granting his team an early edge. The Otters swiftly retaliated with two field goals by King Leonidas I, trimming the deficit to 7-6 by quarter's end. In the second quarter, the Otters surged ahead with a Lloyd Bannings touchdown pass to Oliver Tolliver. Secondline countered with an Octavion Speedings to Eli Prince touchdown pass, yet a lengthy 55-yard field goal by Leonidas I just before halftime secured a 16-14 lead for the Otters. The Otters extended their advantage in the third quarter courtesy of another Leonidas I field goal, carrying a 19-14 lead into the final frame. In the fourth quarter, the Otters continued their offensive assault with yet another Leonidas I 50+ yard field goal and a Bannings touchdown pass to Diego López de Castilla. Despite a late Secondline touchdown, the Otters clinched the victory with a final field goal by Leonidas I, sealing the hard-fought 32-21 triumph.
My Thoughts
So the Secondline are making me lose confidence in them as each week passes. Yes, they've been playing the best teams these last few weeks, but to be the best you have to beat the best. Going 0-3 to teams in my top 5 rankings is not a good look if they want to make a run in the playoffs. Until they can prove to me they can beat these elite teams, I am bearish on any type of Secondline championship this year. The Otters on the other hand have been nothing but impressive. After dropping the first game of the season they haven't lost since. I mentioned last week I was still unsure if the Otters are legit because of their competition, but with this win, I am 80% sure they are. Next week's matchup against the Sabercats is going to be the must-watch game of the week.
Muddy's Player of the Game
K King Leonidas I (@LordEscanor)
Stats: 2/2 Extra Points, 1/1 (>20 yards), 1/1 (20-29 yards), 1/1 (40-49 yards), 3/3 (50+ yards)
Reason: As you can all tell I am a sucker for a good kicking performance. For the now third week in a row I have a kicker getting my PotG, and this time it's Leonidas I. 20 points he scored during the game including clutch kicks when the game was neck-to-neck. Plus going 100% from the field with 3 50+ yarders, he is more than deserving
Yellowknife Wraiths (3-3) VS Cape Town Crash (3-3)
Overview
In a commanding display, the Crash overwhelmed the Wraiths to a 26-8 victory. The game's scoring ignited in the second quarter when Bob Kickerson of the Crash nailed a 29-yard field goal, propelling his team to an early lead. By halftime, the Crash held a 3-0 advantage. The momentum surged for the Crash in the third quarter as they extended their lead significantly. Thor Bǫllrsveifla punched in a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by Nakiri Ayame's 2-yard rushing touchdown. Despite a touchdown pass from Maximus Boudreaux to Nick Williams for the Wraiths, the Crash maintained control, leading 16-8 at the close of the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw the Crash seal the game, with Nakiri Ayame hauling in a 23-yard pass from Thor Bǫllrsveifla for another touchdown. Bob Kickerson then added a 24-yard field goal to extend their lead. The game concluded with the Crash comfortably securing the 26-8 victory.
My Thoughts
The Wraiths are hard for me to read. They beat the Hawks, but lose to the Yeti. They beat the Copperheads but can't even reach double-digit points the next week. Hopefully, this up-and-down season can start to even out as they are playing two of the worst teams these coming weeks. If they drop those games as they did to the Yeti, it's not going to be a good time for Wraith fans. It seems the Crash are finally finding their footing this season with another very solid win for the second week in a row. They have 6 weeks coming up not playing one of my top-ranked teams, meaning there is a good shot they can turn their season around if they keep on this hot streak.
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Nakiri Ayame (@ValorX77)
Stats: 20 rushing attempts, 105 yards, 1 rushing TD; 5 receptions, 68 yards, 1 receiving TD
Reason: It seems like Ayame is heating up and starting to go on a bit of a tear with them earning a PotG for the second week in a row. With over 170 all-purpose yards and 2 touchdowns, Ayame was again a crucial part of the Crash offense.
Chicago Butchers (3-3) VS Baltimore Hawks (5-1)
Overview
In a stunning turnaround, the Hawks orchestrated a thrilling comeback in the fourth quarter to clinch a 16-13 victory over the Butchers. The game commenced with the Butchers seizing an early lead, courtesy of a 39-yard field goal by David Doug, putting them ahead 3-0 in the first quarter. Responding in the second quarter, the Hawks leveled the score with a 49-yard field goal from Master Chief, knotting the game at 3-3. However, the Butchers swiftly regained the lead just before halftime with another field goal by David Doug from 18 yards, establishing a 6-3 advantage for the Butchers at the break. The third quarter favored the Butchers as they extended their lead with the first touchdown, a pass from Painted Penguin to Jay Money advancing to a 13-3 lead. Yet, the narrative dramatically shifted in the fourth quarter as the Hawks initiated their comeback. It began with a safety, as they tackled Painted Penguin in the end zone, closing the gap to 13-5. Master Chief then contributed another field goal from 28 yards, trimming the deficit to 13-8. With just two minutes remaining, Wolfie McDummy Jr. found National Treasure for a 1-yard touchdown pass, and successfully converted the 2-point conversion, propelling the Hawks to a 16-13 lead. Despite the Butchers' valiant efforts to equalize or reclaim the lead, the Hawks' defense held firm, ensuring their triumph in a captivating matchup.
My Thoughts
Ooo this one is tough for the Butchers. If they had won this game, they'd be back tied for first with the Hawks in the conference, however they pulled an Atlanta and choked the game away. After starting the season 3-0 and looking like a dark horse candidate for a run, here we sit 3-3. Luckily the Butchers are not done yet but they need to turn their season around soon. Hawks are getting the same message I gave for the Outlaws, you got lucky this week. Although this win is huge as it now gives some breathing room up there in first. With some winnable games coming these weeks, just get the job done and you'll pretty much be secured for a playoff berth.
Muddy's Player of the Game
LB Federico Americano (@MN_Moosey)
Stats: 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 safety
Reason: Americano was the turning force in this game for the Hawks, his safety in the fourth quarter jump-started the comeback and he was a force to be reckoned with the entire game.
San Jose Sabercats (5-1) VS Sarasota Sailfish (3-3)
Overview
The SaberCats once again dominated, beating Sailfish with a 44-20 victory. The game kicked off with a flurry of scoring as both teams traded touchdowns and field goals in the opening quarter. Keanu Calhoun's 27-yard reception from Josh Patterson gave the SaberCats an early lead, countered swiftly by the Sailfish with a field goal and touchdown, nudging them ahead 10-7 by the quarter's end. In the second quarter, the Sailfish extended their lead with another touchdown between Miller and Blaze Jr, but the SaberCats responded. Patterson's touchdown pass to Orange Julius leveled the score, and two field goals by Booter McGavin just before halftime propelled the SaberCats to a 20-17 lead. The third quarter belonged entirely to the SaberCats, who outscored the Sailfish 14-3. Patterson connected with Kit Fisto and Orange Julius for two more touchdowns, while the Sailfish managed only a field goal in response. Heading into the final quarter, the SaberCats held a commanding 34-20 lead. The SaberCats maintain their dominance, adding another touchdown and field goal to seal the victory decisively with a final score of 44-20.
My Thoughts
Right now the Sabercats are the best team in the ISFL and I don't think there should be any question about it. We saw two of the other top teams (Outlaws and Hawks) look vulnerable this week, but the Sabercats continue to crush their opponents. Next week against the Otters is going to be VERY interesting if the Sabercats win like they did today, as I doubt there is gonna be a team to beat them come playoff time. Sarasota you just got unlucky having to play one of the hottest teams in the ISFL this week. Having the Crash next week isn't very welcoming either since they are heating up themselves, but hopefully, you guys can get back on the right track.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Josh Patterson (@Tylertokesome04)
Stats: 30/39, 76.9% completion rate, 359 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception, 133.4 passer rating
Reason: I feel like every Sabercats game Josh Patterson is getting the PotG, but he is on fire consistently showing up week after week. Over 350 passing yards and 5 TDs with a 133.4 passer rating, those are some MVP numbers if I've ever seen them. Patterson leads the league in TD passes (18) and is the only QB in triple digits for passer rating.
Muddy's Power Rankings
- San Jose SaberCats (Last Week: 1 Change: N/A)
- Arizona Outlaws (Last Week: 2 Change: N/A)
- Orange County Otters (Last Week: 3 Change: N/A)
- Baltimore Hawks (Last Week: 4 Change: N/A)
- Cape Town Crash (Last Week: 9 Change: +4)
- Chicago Butchers (Last Week: 7 Change: +1)
- New Orleans Secondline (Last Week: 5 Change: -2)
- Sarasota Sailfish (Last Week: 8 Change: N/A)
- Yellowknife Wraiths (Last Week: 6 Change: -3)
- Austin Copperheads (Last Week: 10 Change: N/A)
- Berlin Fire Salamanders (Last Week: 13 Change: +2)
- Colorado Yeti (Last Week: 11 Change: -1)
- New York Silverbacks (Last Week: 12 Change: -1)
- Honolulu Hahalua (Last Week: 14 Change: N/A)