04-08-2023, 02:48 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-09-2023, 10:12 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 4 times in total.)
2x First generation player, first media post
Today I'd like to take a look back through ISFL history and try to rank all 14 franchises based on their success. I'll try to take in account expansion, how long a franchise has been in the league, and what they've accomplished in that time period. As not to give an inherent advantage to teams that joined early or were founding members of the league. I'll also make a point of the recent trajectory of the franchise. These are just my opinions and I would love to hear any feedback on reasons you agree or disagree.
1. The Orange County Otters
Ultimus Bowl record: 8 Wins/3 Losses/.727 Winning Percentage/ 11 Appearances
Starting off with an ASFC team, the only reason it could be argued that the Otters shouldn't easily be the franchise deserving of this spot is the recent trajectory. Without having made a Ultimus Bowl since 2048 (S33) and having to go all the way back to 2034 (S19) for the last time they've won one paints a bleak picture for future of the Orange County Otters. However, their dominance in the early years of the ISFL are undeniable. One of the only two teams to win three consecutive Ultimus Bowls. A feat they did not only once, but twice. They've seen the likes of two legendary QBs in the likes of Mike Boss and Franklin Armstrong. If the Otters can ever find the magic they once had, they could comeback to silence any doubt that they are the greatest to ever do it.
2. Arizona Outlaws
Ultimus Bowl record: 7 Wins/2 Losses/.777 Winning Percentage/ 9 Appearances
In second we have another ASFC team and a fierce rival to the Orange County Otters. Although the Outlaws are only 5th in Ultimus Bowls appearances, when they get the chance they take it and win. Holding the highest winning percentage among teams with 3 or more Ultimus Bowl appearances. The Outlaws like their rivals the Otters had an incredibly strong start in the early years of the ISFL. They're the only other team to win three consecutive Ultimus Bowls. Which they accomplished in the first three years of the ISFL. They have the early year success, but in the past 4 years they've shown themselves to still be a powerhouse that should be respected. They have four Championship appearances in as many years and three of them wins. Their most recent being that of last years S40. If they continue the play the way they have been, it won't be long before this list has to be re-written to replace them at the number 1 spot.
3. Yellowknife Wraiths
Ultimus Bowl record: 5 Wins/7 Losses/.416 Winning Percentage/ 12 Appearances
Our first entry from the NSFC, the Yellowknife Wraiths hold the record for most Ultimus Bowl appearances at a staggering 12 appearances. Along with the Arizona Outlaws the Wraiths have been at the top of their game recently. The two teams have played for the championship the past two years with each taking home a win an a loss between the two years. Although they hold the most appearances, their winning percentage holds them back tremendously. They've lost several devastating close Ultimus Bowls. 4 of their losses come from the Orange County Otters. Three of which were one possession games. A few bounces of the ball going a different way could write the entire history of the ISFL between those two teams.
4. Honolulu Hahalua
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/1 Losses/.750 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Going back to the ASFC, we feature out first team introduced through expansion. Since joining the league in 2037 (S22) they've shown themselves to be a more than capable team. It took some time for them to find their footing in the league, but in the past ten years they've competed in four of the Ultimus Bowl Championships. Only losing one to the Chicago Butchers in overtime. Much like the Outlaws, when they make it to the championship they play hard and leave nothing on the field. This is a team to watch out for in the postseason.
5. Sarasota Sailfish
Ultimus Bowl record: 2 Wins/2 Losses/.500 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Joining in the same expansion as the Hahalua, the Sailfish have shown themselves to be impressive as well. Not quite achieving the success as their counterpart, but still putting up solid regular season records and finding some success in the post season. They're comparable to the Hahalua in many ways, but have made a distinct culture for themselves. I find the competition between the two teams fascinating. They thrive on the competetion of being better than each other and it's made them both into fantastic teams. I look forward to seeing what the Sailfish have in store for us next season.
6. Baltimore Hawks
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/7 Losses/.300 Winning Percentage/ 10 Appearances
Coming from the NSFC, the Baltimore Hawks are an all around solid team. They have good consistency from year to year, with few truly down years. They could easily be moved farther up this list if only they were as good in the post season as they are in the regular season. Although generally lacking in the big game, they're the only team to ever shutout an Ultimus Bowl. In 2030 (S15) the Hawks beat the San Jose Sabercats 49-0. They are ranked third for Ultimus Bowl appearances while only having three wins. They have the advantage of being a founding member to help pad the appearances stat, but I think they've earned their respect year in and year out.
7. New Orleans Second Line
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/4 Losses/.429 Winning Percentage/ 7 Appearances
The New Orleans Second Line has seen it's share of underwhelming seasons. However they've also seen flashes of brilliance. This is a team that lives in the ebb and flows of the ISFL. Stringing together great seasons followed by a string of poor seasons. If they can ever iron out the wrinkles they can be one of the true powerhouses in the ISFL. Their play in the Ultimus Bowl is also lacking with a .429 winning percentage.
8. San Jose Sabercats
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/1 Losses/.750 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Very similar to the New Orleans Second Line, the San Jose Sabercats desperately lack in consistency. They've had some very rough stretches, but always find a way to come back and to put together a solid season. When the Sabercats do find themselves in the big game they have a good record of showing up and winning, boasting a .750 winning percentage in Ultimus Bowls appearances.
9. New York Silverbacks
Ultimus Bowl record: 2 Wins/0 Losses/.1000 Winning Percentage/ 2 Appearances
While their Ultimus Bowl Record may not seem impressive, making only two appearances ever. Making them second to last among ISFL teams. This is one of the two newest teams in the league joining in 2040 (S25). They didn't take much time to get acclimated. In only their fifth year they put together a 11 win season and went on to beat the Berlin Fire Salamanders in 2044 (S29). The Silverbacks have trended downwards in the last few years, but like many of the aforementioned teams, you should never count a team out because of a few down years.
10. Berlin Fire Salamanders
Ultimus Bowl record: 0 Wins/3 Losses/.000 Winning Percentage/ 3 Appearances
This may seem like an odd placement for the Berlin Fire Salamanders, but I believe it to be justified. being the second of the newest teams to the ISFL, the Salamanders are a very solid team in the regular season boasting a .506 winning percentage. And even though they have a .000 Ultimus Bowl winning percentage, making them the only team to have yet to win one, two of their loses we're within 3 points. I think the Salamanders may have the most potential out of anyone on this list. They feel so close to breaking through to being a great team to the ISFL, if only they can find that next step.
11. Austin Copperheads
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/2 Losses/.333 Winning Percentage/ 3 Appearances
The Austin Copperheads seem to be just an average to below average team. They joined the league in the second expansion of the ISFL in 2030 (S15). They haven't shown us much that's amazed us, but the generally perform well in the regular season. They do have have 1 championship, but that's not saying much when you've already been passed by the Honolulu Hahalua and Sarasota Sailfish who joined the league 7 years after you. Not only them, but also the New York Silverbacks who joined a full 10 season after. It may be time for the Copperheads to step out and take some risks.
12. Colorado Yeti
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/5 Losses/.166 Winning Percentage/ 6 Appearances
It's a real shame to see a founding member of the ISFL this far down on the list. I can't justify putting them any farther up though. They've had such a long time to try and figure out what they need to improve, and we just haven't seen it. An average at best regular season most times, and when they do make it to the championship the completely fall apart. I gave the Salamander the benefit of the doubt in that department, but a team that's been around as long as the Yetis have need to find ways to bring home the title. They have only one Ultimus Bowl Championship, and even that game was one by one, singular, point. All it would take is a safety in that game and the Yetis would be looking at an 0-6 record.
13. Philadelphia Liberty
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/3 Losses/.250 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Although they were an expansion team, the Philadelphia Liberty have been in the league since 2017(S2). So like the Yeti's they don't have much of an excuse in that regard. Although they generally have a better regular season than the Yeti's, they just cant seem to make it through the post season play and into the Ultimus Bowl. You can't win the game if you don't make it to the game. Their last appearnce was 2031(S16)Even when they do make it, their play is lackluster. Liberty needs to improve.
14. Chicago Butchers
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/0 Losses/.1000 Winning Percentage/ 1 Appearances
That brings us to our final entry hailing from the NSFC, the Chicago Butchers. No one likes to be last, but I can't picture any other team taking this spot. The Chicago Butchers can at least brag they have a perfect winning percentage in the Ultimus Bowl. Making them one of two teams that can say so. It's unfortunate that it's only based of the 1 appearance they've made. Yes they wer're an expansion team, but they've been in the league going on 25 years now. Teams with 10 less years in the league have more appearances. The Chicago Butchers are dead last in that regard. I wish there regular season was some consolidation, but it's not much to brag about either.
Today I'd like to take a look back through ISFL history and try to rank all 14 franchises based on their success. I'll try to take in account expansion, how long a franchise has been in the league, and what they've accomplished in that time period. As not to give an inherent advantage to teams that joined early or were founding members of the league. I'll also make a point of the recent trajectory of the franchise. These are just my opinions and I would love to hear any feedback on reasons you agree or disagree.
1. The Orange County Otters
Ultimus Bowl record: 8 Wins/3 Losses/.727 Winning Percentage/ 11 Appearances
Starting off with an ASFC team, the only reason it could be argued that the Otters shouldn't easily be the franchise deserving of this spot is the recent trajectory. Without having made a Ultimus Bowl since 2048 (S33) and having to go all the way back to 2034 (S19) for the last time they've won one paints a bleak picture for future of the Orange County Otters. However, their dominance in the early years of the ISFL are undeniable. One of the only two teams to win three consecutive Ultimus Bowls. A feat they did not only once, but twice. They've seen the likes of two legendary QBs in the likes of Mike Boss and Franklin Armstrong. If the Otters can ever find the magic they once had, they could comeback to silence any doubt that they are the greatest to ever do it.
2. Arizona Outlaws
Ultimus Bowl record: 7 Wins/2 Losses/.777 Winning Percentage/ 9 Appearances
In second we have another ASFC team and a fierce rival to the Orange County Otters. Although the Outlaws are only 5th in Ultimus Bowls appearances, when they get the chance they take it and win. Holding the highest winning percentage among teams with 3 or more Ultimus Bowl appearances. The Outlaws like their rivals the Otters had an incredibly strong start in the early years of the ISFL. They're the only other team to win three consecutive Ultimus Bowls. Which they accomplished in the first three years of the ISFL. They have the early year success, but in the past 4 years they've shown themselves to still be a powerhouse that should be respected. They have four Championship appearances in as many years and three of them wins. Their most recent being that of last years S40. If they continue the play the way they have been, it won't be long before this list has to be re-written to replace them at the number 1 spot.
3. Yellowknife Wraiths
Ultimus Bowl record: 5 Wins/7 Losses/.416 Winning Percentage/ 12 Appearances
Our first entry from the NSFC, the Yellowknife Wraiths hold the record for most Ultimus Bowl appearances at a staggering 12 appearances. Along with the Arizona Outlaws the Wraiths have been at the top of their game recently. The two teams have played for the championship the past two years with each taking home a win an a loss between the two years. Although they hold the most appearances, their winning percentage holds them back tremendously. They've lost several devastating close Ultimus Bowls. 4 of their losses come from the Orange County Otters. Three of which were one possession games. A few bounces of the ball going a different way could write the entire history of the ISFL between those two teams.
4. Honolulu Hahalua
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/1 Losses/.750 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Going back to the ASFC, we feature out first team introduced through expansion. Since joining the league in 2037 (S22) they've shown themselves to be a more than capable team. It took some time for them to find their footing in the league, but in the past ten years they've competed in four of the Ultimus Bowl Championships. Only losing one to the Chicago Butchers in overtime. Much like the Outlaws, when they make it to the championship they play hard and leave nothing on the field. This is a team to watch out for in the postseason.
5. Sarasota Sailfish
Ultimus Bowl record: 2 Wins/2 Losses/.500 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Joining in the same expansion as the Hahalua, the Sailfish have shown themselves to be impressive as well. Not quite achieving the success as their counterpart, but still putting up solid regular season records and finding some success in the post season. They're comparable to the Hahalua in many ways, but have made a distinct culture for themselves. I find the competition between the two teams fascinating. They thrive on the competetion of being better than each other and it's made them both into fantastic teams. I look forward to seeing what the Sailfish have in store for us next season.
6. Baltimore Hawks
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/7 Losses/.300 Winning Percentage/ 10 Appearances
Coming from the NSFC, the Baltimore Hawks are an all around solid team. They have good consistency from year to year, with few truly down years. They could easily be moved farther up this list if only they were as good in the post season as they are in the regular season. Although generally lacking in the big game, they're the only team to ever shutout an Ultimus Bowl. In 2030 (S15) the Hawks beat the San Jose Sabercats 49-0. They are ranked third for Ultimus Bowl appearances while only having three wins. They have the advantage of being a founding member to help pad the appearances stat, but I think they've earned their respect year in and year out.
7. New Orleans Second Line
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/4 Losses/.429 Winning Percentage/ 7 Appearances
The New Orleans Second Line has seen it's share of underwhelming seasons. However they've also seen flashes of brilliance. This is a team that lives in the ebb and flows of the ISFL. Stringing together great seasons followed by a string of poor seasons. If they can ever iron out the wrinkles they can be one of the true powerhouses in the ISFL. Their play in the Ultimus Bowl is also lacking with a .429 winning percentage.
8. San Jose Sabercats
Ultimus Bowl record: 3 Wins/1 Losses/.750 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Very similar to the New Orleans Second Line, the San Jose Sabercats desperately lack in consistency. They've had some very rough stretches, but always find a way to come back and to put together a solid season. When the Sabercats do find themselves in the big game they have a good record of showing up and winning, boasting a .750 winning percentage in Ultimus Bowls appearances.
9. New York Silverbacks
Ultimus Bowl record: 2 Wins/0 Losses/.1000 Winning Percentage/ 2 Appearances
While their Ultimus Bowl Record may not seem impressive, making only two appearances ever. Making them second to last among ISFL teams. This is one of the two newest teams in the league joining in 2040 (S25). They didn't take much time to get acclimated. In only their fifth year they put together a 11 win season and went on to beat the Berlin Fire Salamanders in 2044 (S29). The Silverbacks have trended downwards in the last few years, but like many of the aforementioned teams, you should never count a team out because of a few down years.
10. Berlin Fire Salamanders
Ultimus Bowl record: 0 Wins/3 Losses/.000 Winning Percentage/ 3 Appearances
This may seem like an odd placement for the Berlin Fire Salamanders, but I believe it to be justified. being the second of the newest teams to the ISFL, the Salamanders are a very solid team in the regular season boasting a .506 winning percentage. And even though they have a .000 Ultimus Bowl winning percentage, making them the only team to have yet to win one, two of their loses we're within 3 points. I think the Salamanders may have the most potential out of anyone on this list. They feel so close to breaking through to being a great team to the ISFL, if only they can find that next step.
11. Austin Copperheads
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/2 Losses/.333 Winning Percentage/ 3 Appearances
The Austin Copperheads seem to be just an average to below average team. They joined the league in the second expansion of the ISFL in 2030 (S15). They haven't shown us much that's amazed us, but the generally perform well in the regular season. They do have have 1 championship, but that's not saying much when you've already been passed by the Honolulu Hahalua and Sarasota Sailfish who joined the league 7 years after you. Not only them, but also the New York Silverbacks who joined a full 10 season after. It may be time for the Copperheads to step out and take some risks.
12. Colorado Yeti
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/5 Losses/.166 Winning Percentage/ 6 Appearances
It's a real shame to see a founding member of the ISFL this far down on the list. I can't justify putting them any farther up though. They've had such a long time to try and figure out what they need to improve, and we just haven't seen it. An average at best regular season most times, and when they do make it to the championship the completely fall apart. I gave the Salamander the benefit of the doubt in that department, but a team that's been around as long as the Yetis have need to find ways to bring home the title. They have only one Ultimus Bowl Championship, and even that game was one by one, singular, point. All it would take is a safety in that game and the Yetis would be looking at an 0-6 record.
13. Philadelphia Liberty
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/3 Losses/.250 Winning Percentage/ 4 Appearances
Although they were an expansion team, the Philadelphia Liberty have been in the league since 2017(S2). So like the Yeti's they don't have much of an excuse in that regard. Although they generally have a better regular season than the Yeti's, they just cant seem to make it through the post season play and into the Ultimus Bowl. You can't win the game if you don't make it to the game. Their last appearnce was 2031(S16)Even when they do make it, their play is lackluster. Liberty needs to improve.
14. Chicago Butchers
Ultimus Bowl record: 1 Wins/0 Losses/.1000 Winning Percentage/ 1 Appearances
That brings us to our final entry hailing from the NSFC, the Chicago Butchers. No one likes to be last, but I can't picture any other team taking this spot. The Chicago Butchers can at least brag they have a perfect winning percentage in the Ultimus Bowl. Making them one of two teams that can say so. It's unfortunate that it's only based of the 1 appearance they've made. Yes they wer're an expansion team, but they've been in the league going on 25 years now. Teams with 10 less years in the league have more appearances. The Chicago Butchers are dead last in that regard. I wish there regular season was some consolidation, but it's not much to brag about either.