10-06-2023, 04:23 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-06-2023, 10:18 PM by xenosthelegend. Edited 1 time in total.)
Otters Game Balls: Season 43
Week 1
SJS 14 – OCO 21
Offense: Big McLarge Huge – WR - @Hydrium
6 receptions for 120 yards, 1 TD
In just his first game after moving from tight end to slot receiver, this player made an immediate impact. Early in the third quarter, Huge took a pass 86 yards to the house, giving the Otters a lead that they would keep till the end of the game. With his talent, rookie quarterback Lloyd Bannings may not have such a difficult time transitioning to the ISFL. Otters fans around the globe are looking forward to seeing this connection for seasons to come.
Defense: Sim Sunigh – LB - @SimmiZ
13 Tackles, 2 TFL, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 PD
Coming into this season, Otters fans expected Sunigh to be the star of the defense, and he showed why in the season opener. Sunigh showed a clear instinct for finding the ball, whether it be on the ground or in the air, defending the pass while punishing any ball carrier coming in his direction. We’ll see if offenses can offending playing near him in the future.
Week 2
OCO 21 – NYS 40
Offense:
Leandra Diarra - RB - @slate
14 rushes for 67 yards, 1 TD
4 catches for 52 yards
Diarra showed why he’s a weapon in multiple ways during this game. As long as the ball gets into his hands, he’s dangerous. The offense will have to run through him for the most part this season as a young squad gets their bearings, but they’ll be learning from the best.
Defense:
Sim Sunigh – LB - @SimmiZ
Yea, we’ll be seeing this guy’s name for game balls a lot, but it’s going to be hard to beat these performances. Although a couple of players got some good stats in this game, the interception puts Sunigh over the edge for the game ball. That’s the type of play that can really turn the momentum around. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough this time, but Sunigh still shined.
Week 3
COL 27 – OCO 20
Offense:
Walrus Jones – OL - @carvaggio
13 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
We can’t neglect the unsung heroes of the offense, the big brutes up front. Although they don’t make the flashy plays, they are necessary for keeping everything running smoothly. Jones put up a golden ticket game in this one, continuously punishing defenders who came across him and playing his position to perfection.
Defense:
Smokin Jay – S - @Beck
5 tackles, 1 PD, 1 int
Who thought it was a good idea to throw in Jay’s direction? McDummy Jr. certainly showed how accurate his last name is when he lobbed one over in the direction of the star safety. Jay read the throw from a mile away and surprised everyone with his speed and hands, chasing it down from quite a distance. He’s capable of these electric plays, and we know it won’t be his last.
Week 4
NOLA 7 – OCO 26
Offense:
Leandra Diarra - RB - @slate
21 rushed for 166 yards, 7.9 YPC
It was tough to pick the game ball this time, since NOLA often creates the opportunity for multiple great offensive performances. However, what made Diarra stick out above the rest, despite not scoring, was the YPC on a high number of attempts. To break out a single long run or catch is one thing, but to consistently produce at a high quality again and again when your name is called on the field depicts a very high level of class.
Defense:
Iosefa Fuamatu-Ma'afala – DE - @Beta
3 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 sacks
It may be a low number of total tackles, but when Iosefa broke loose, he did damage. Sometimes it’s not just about how high the numbers are, but what you do with the opportunities presented to you. The Otters defense was looking to punish St. Christmas for signing elsewhere during the offseason, and he was constantly running for his life during the game. When Iosefa laid his second hit on St. Christmas, he came up stumbling a bit. The message was successfully delivered in this blowout.
Week 5
OCO 14 – AZ 54
Offense:
Walrus Jones – OL - @carvaggio
8 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
Look, playing Arizona can be tough. I was reading recently about how offensive lineman can play perfect games, and their teams can still be totally demolished. That’s a bit like what happened here. The offense had difficulty producing much, and there wasn’t much of a statistical standout, but there goes Walrus Jones, consistently providing protection. He deserves his flowers. And his second game ball.
Defense:
Tyler One – S - @pauadrian
12 tackles, 1 FF
This man was flying around the field and laying hard hits onto the Outlaws. He had a lot of opportunities to show his prowess during the offensive onslaughts, and although Arizona may have won on the scoreboard, they definitely woke up the next day with some bruises and headaches from the punishment Tyler One gave to them.
Week 6
HON 6 – OCO 27
Offense:
Lloyd Bannings – QB - @bowl0
24/31 for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns
In easily his best game as a rookie, Bannings may also have had one of the best games of what will be a long and fruitful career. In this game, he announced his presence onto the league as a whole, completely carving up the Honolulu defense. He showed favoritism to no receiver, and none had over 100 yards, showing his ability to scan defenses and find their weaknesses. It was a glimpse of the future for Otters fans, and it was a sight to behold.
Defense:
Jamdrian LeBayers – CB - @kenvald
5 tackles, 3 passes defended
In a game where Honolulu barely had the ball, those defensive numbers don’t go so high. However, LeBayers was an important player in keeping that offense from creating anything. Recording the second most tackles and most passes defended in the game makes me think we should call him Lebayers Island. Maybe LeBisland? Either way, it’s not someplace I think opposing offenses want to take a vacation.
Week 7
OCO 10 – AUS 20
Offense:
Leandra Diarra – RB - @slate
18 rushes for 93 yards, 5.2 YPC
4 receptions for 41 yards
Although there was only one touchdown scored in the game, Diarra was effective catching and running. With close to 150 yards of total offense on good efficiency, he did his best to create something when not much was clicking. If he continues to show this kind of production though, the touchdowns will come for Diarra. Or they’ll at least be leeched by Shrubbery at the one yard line.
Defense:
John Stark VIII – LB - @UptownCord
15 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
With a performance this good, it makes you wonder where John Stark I through VII are at, because we could really use them to fly around the field like this guy. Stark VII did a great job of reading the offense and predicting which way the ball would be headed. His 15 tackles was a team high, with the second most tackles for an Orange County player being 6. Maybe he should learn to share some of those numbers.
Week 8
OCO 27 – CHI 17
Offense:
Lloyd Bannings - QB - @bowl0
19/28 for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns
3 rushes for 2 yards and 1 touchdown
Bannings accounted for all three of the touchdowns the Otters scored against the Butchers. Although he averaged less than a yard per carry, he called his own number in the red zone for a rare rushing touchdown. The play call showed the growing confidence of the rookie, and his excitement showed when he spiked the ball for his celebration, much to the chagrin of the Chicago supporters. They had to go home sad though, because there was no stopping Bannings this game.
Defense:
Ace McAlister – CB - @BenDover
9 tackles, 4 passes defended
Apparently, the Butchers thought they could target McAlister this game, but they were sadly mistaken. He tied for a team high in tackles and had a team high in passes defended. After the second batted down ball, he started wagging his finger at the quarterback, like Dikembe Motumbo. This of course got Painted Penguin heated, but once the next two were also batted down, he stopped throwing in that direction.
Week 9
NYS 37 – OCO 23
Offense:
Big McLarge Huge – WR - @Hydrium
5 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown
Huge showed his big play potential again in this one, hauling in a 47 yard pass for a touchdown with less than a minute left in the second quarter. The play got the faithful orange crowd screaming in excitement and hopeful that the comeback would be on its way in the second half. It wasn’t to be, but it was certainly a play that made the fans feel they got their money’s worth.
Defense:
Sim Sunigh – LB - @SimmiZ
7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 Safety
Just look at those stats. That’s what you call an impact player. The safety came at an incredibly important time, with Sunigh wrapping up the quarterback Blaine Falco in the endzone during the fourth quarter, those 2 points bringing OCO within 1 scoring possession of tying the game. To do that, force a turnover, and tie for the lead in team tackles is truly a once in a while type of performance. It’s a pleasure to see Sunigh play in orange.
Week 1
SJS 14 – OCO 21
Offense: Big McLarge Huge – WR - @Hydrium
6 receptions for 120 yards, 1 TD
In just his first game after moving from tight end to slot receiver, this player made an immediate impact. Early in the third quarter, Huge took a pass 86 yards to the house, giving the Otters a lead that they would keep till the end of the game. With his talent, rookie quarterback Lloyd Bannings may not have such a difficult time transitioning to the ISFL. Otters fans around the globe are looking forward to seeing this connection for seasons to come.
Defense: Sim Sunigh – LB - @SimmiZ
13 Tackles, 2 TFL, 2 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 PD
Coming into this season, Otters fans expected Sunigh to be the star of the defense, and he showed why in the season opener. Sunigh showed a clear instinct for finding the ball, whether it be on the ground or in the air, defending the pass while punishing any ball carrier coming in his direction. We’ll see if offenses can offending playing near him in the future.
Week 2
OCO 21 – NYS 40
Offense:
Leandra Diarra - RB - @slate
14 rushes for 67 yards, 1 TD
4 catches for 52 yards
Diarra showed why he’s a weapon in multiple ways during this game. As long as the ball gets into his hands, he’s dangerous. The offense will have to run through him for the most part this season as a young squad gets their bearings, but they’ll be learning from the best.
Defense:
Sim Sunigh – LB - @SimmiZ
Yea, we’ll be seeing this guy’s name for game balls a lot, but it’s going to be hard to beat these performances. Although a couple of players got some good stats in this game, the interception puts Sunigh over the edge for the game ball. That’s the type of play that can really turn the momentum around. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough this time, but Sunigh still shined.
Week 3
COL 27 – OCO 20
Offense:
Walrus Jones – OL - @carvaggio
13 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
We can’t neglect the unsung heroes of the offense, the big brutes up front. Although they don’t make the flashy plays, they are necessary for keeping everything running smoothly. Jones put up a golden ticket game in this one, continuously punishing defenders who came across him and playing his position to perfection.
Defense:
Smokin Jay – S - @Beck
5 tackles, 1 PD, 1 int
Who thought it was a good idea to throw in Jay’s direction? McDummy Jr. certainly showed how accurate his last name is when he lobbed one over in the direction of the star safety. Jay read the throw from a mile away and surprised everyone with his speed and hands, chasing it down from quite a distance. He’s capable of these electric plays, and we know it won’t be his last.
Week 4
NOLA 7 – OCO 26
Offense:
Leandra Diarra - RB - @slate
21 rushed for 166 yards, 7.9 YPC
It was tough to pick the game ball this time, since NOLA often creates the opportunity for multiple great offensive performances. However, what made Diarra stick out above the rest, despite not scoring, was the YPC on a high number of attempts. To break out a single long run or catch is one thing, but to consistently produce at a high quality again and again when your name is called on the field depicts a very high level of class.
Defense:
Iosefa Fuamatu-Ma'afala – DE - @Beta
3 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 sacks
It may be a low number of total tackles, but when Iosefa broke loose, he did damage. Sometimes it’s not just about how high the numbers are, but what you do with the opportunities presented to you. The Otters defense was looking to punish St. Christmas for signing elsewhere during the offseason, and he was constantly running for his life during the game. When Iosefa laid his second hit on St. Christmas, he came up stumbling a bit. The message was successfully delivered in this blowout.
Week 5
OCO 14 – AZ 54
Offense:
Walrus Jones – OL - @carvaggio
8 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
Look, playing Arizona can be tough. I was reading recently about how offensive lineman can play perfect games, and their teams can still be totally demolished. That’s a bit like what happened here. The offense had difficulty producing much, and there wasn’t much of a statistical standout, but there goes Walrus Jones, consistently providing protection. He deserves his flowers. And his second game ball.
Defense:
Tyler One – S - @pauadrian
12 tackles, 1 FF
This man was flying around the field and laying hard hits onto the Outlaws. He had a lot of opportunities to show his prowess during the offensive onslaughts, and although Arizona may have won on the scoreboard, they definitely woke up the next day with some bruises and headaches from the punishment Tyler One gave to them.
Week 6
HON 6 – OCO 27
Offense:
Lloyd Bannings – QB - @bowl0
24/31 for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns
In easily his best game as a rookie, Bannings may also have had one of the best games of what will be a long and fruitful career. In this game, he announced his presence onto the league as a whole, completely carving up the Honolulu defense. He showed favoritism to no receiver, and none had over 100 yards, showing his ability to scan defenses and find their weaknesses. It was a glimpse of the future for Otters fans, and it was a sight to behold.
Defense:
Jamdrian LeBayers – CB - @kenvald
5 tackles, 3 passes defended
In a game where Honolulu barely had the ball, those defensive numbers don’t go so high. However, LeBayers was an important player in keeping that offense from creating anything. Recording the second most tackles and most passes defended in the game makes me think we should call him Lebayers Island. Maybe LeBisland? Either way, it’s not someplace I think opposing offenses want to take a vacation.
Week 7
OCO 10 – AUS 20
Offense:
Leandra Diarra – RB - @slate
18 rushes for 93 yards, 5.2 YPC
4 receptions for 41 yards
Although there was only one touchdown scored in the game, Diarra was effective catching and running. With close to 150 yards of total offense on good efficiency, he did his best to create something when not much was clicking. If he continues to show this kind of production though, the touchdowns will come for Diarra. Or they’ll at least be leeched by Shrubbery at the one yard line.
Defense:
John Stark VIII – LB - @UptownCord
15 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
With a performance this good, it makes you wonder where John Stark I through VII are at, because we could really use them to fly around the field like this guy. Stark VII did a great job of reading the offense and predicting which way the ball would be headed. His 15 tackles was a team high, with the second most tackles for an Orange County player being 6. Maybe he should learn to share some of those numbers.
Week 8
OCO 27 – CHI 17
Offense:
Lloyd Bannings - QB - @bowl0
19/28 for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns
3 rushes for 2 yards and 1 touchdown
Bannings accounted for all three of the touchdowns the Otters scored against the Butchers. Although he averaged less than a yard per carry, he called his own number in the red zone for a rare rushing touchdown. The play call showed the growing confidence of the rookie, and his excitement showed when he spiked the ball for his celebration, much to the chagrin of the Chicago supporters. They had to go home sad though, because there was no stopping Bannings this game.
Defense:
Ace McAlister – CB - @BenDover
9 tackles, 4 passes defended
Apparently, the Butchers thought they could target McAlister this game, but they were sadly mistaken. He tied for a team high in tackles and had a team high in passes defended. After the second batted down ball, he started wagging his finger at the quarterback, like Dikembe Motumbo. This of course got Painted Penguin heated, but once the next two were also batted down, he stopped throwing in that direction.
Week 9
NYS 37 – OCO 23
Offense:
Big McLarge Huge – WR - @Hydrium
5 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown
Huge showed his big play potential again in this one, hauling in a 47 yard pass for a touchdown with less than a minute left in the second quarter. The play got the faithful orange crowd screaming in excitement and hopeful that the comeback would be on its way in the second half. It wasn’t to be, but it was certainly a play that made the fans feel they got their money’s worth.
Defense:
Sim Sunigh – LB - @SimmiZ
7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 Safety
Just look at those stats. That’s what you call an impact player. The safety came at an incredibly important time, with Sunigh wrapping up the quarterback Blaine Falco in the endzone during the fourth quarter, those 2 points bringing OCO within 1 scoring possession of tying the game. To do that, force a turnover, and tie for the lead in team tackles is truly a once in a while type of performance. It’s a pleasure to see Sunigh play in orange.