04-08-2024, 10:47 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-09-2024, 11:20 AM by lemonoppy. Edited 1 time in total.)
Muddy's Matchup Review: Week 8
Baltimore Hawks (7-1) VS Austin Copperheads (3-5)
Overview
To start the week off, the Hawks emerged victorious over the Copperheads with a blowout 33-15. The game began with Delores Bickerman's 6-yard touchdown reception from Jay Cue III, granting the Copperheads an early lead. However, the Hawks swiftly responded with Anakin Skywalker's 3-yard rushing touchdown, leveling the score. Charlie Brown then added to the Copperheads' tally with a precise 40-yard field goal, nudging them ahead 10-7 as the first quarter concluded. Entering the second quarter, the Hawks took charge of the game. Master Chief's successful field goal drew them level once more, followed by two touchdowns that extended their lead to 24-12. Despite the Copperheads' efforts, including a field goal and an impressive safety, the Hawks maintained a 27-15 advantage. As the game progressed into the third quarter, the Hawks continued to assert their dominance, with Master Chief adding another field goal, further widening the gap to 30-15. In the fourth and final quarter, the Hawks remained relentless, as Master Chief's accuracy once again secured a field goal, sealing their victory with a final score of 33-15.
My Thoughts
The Hawks are looking great and seem to be cementing themselves as the team to beat in the NSFC. Only one bad loss on the year, I could see them potentially making a deep playoff run and wouldn't be surprised to see a championship appearance. Another tough loss for the Copperheads as they fall back to under .500 and 5th place in their conference. Hopefully, they can turn it around soon to make a second half-season push but it'll probably have to wait until after the Sabercats next week.
Muddy's Player of the Game
CB Dino Nuggets (@swoosh)
Stats: 4 tackles, 5 pass deflections, 2 interceptions
Reason: Nuggets locked down the Copperhead's passing game forcing 5 pass deflections with 2 interceptions! Tag on 4 tackles and the cornerback becomes this week's PotG for the Hawks.
Sarasota Sailfish (4-4) VS Arizona Outlaws (7-1)
Overview
The Outlaws secured a resounding 34-10 victory over the Sailfish, leading to the second blowout of the week. The game commenced with the Outlaws setting the tone in the first quarter. Bertie Mannering-Phipps powered through for an 8-yard rushing touchdown, propelling the Outlaws to an early 7-0 lead. As the second quarter unfolded, the Outlaws intensified their offensive onslaught. Jayme Jayne Jay-Jaymison bolstered their advantage with two field goals, while Mannering-Phipps dazzled the crowd with a spectacular 37-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Outlaws' lead to 20-0. Despite Swantavius King's successful field goal for the Sailfish just before halftime, the Outlaws maintained a commanding 20-3 lead. Entering the third quarter, the Outlaws showed no signs of relenting. Donovan Winters III showcased his precision by connecting with Mannering-Phipps for a 7-yard passing touchdown, further widening the gap to 27-3. In the decisive final quarter, the Outlaws continued to assert their dominance. Danny Nedelko bulldozed through for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, solidifying the Outlaws' lead at 34-3. Although the Sailfish managed to salvage a measure of pride with a 4-yard pass from Willier Miller to Kumquat Archipelago for a late touchdown, it proved insufficient against the Outlaws' overwhelming performance.
My Thoughts
Although Sarasota played one of the best teams in the league, you still don't want to see a loss that bad. I always thought the Sailfish could be a sneaky team this year and they still could be, but going 0-3 against the top teams shows me not to expect them to make any postseason noise this year. The Outlaws on the other hand looked great against a good team this week. Blowing out a team like Sarasota is a good sign for Arizona and with the struggling Otters and Hahalua up next, expect this team to be 9-1 soon.
Muddy's Player of the Game
RB Bertie Mannering-Phipps (@bernardhibou)
Stats: 16 rushing attempts for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns | 1 reception for 7 yards and 1 touchdown
Reason: Mannering-Phipps got the scoring started for the Outlaws this week and helped continue this onslaught with 2 more. With over 100 all-purpose yards to add on top of the three scores, it was easy to give the award to Bertie this week.
Yellowknife Wraiths (4-4) VS Honolulu Hahalua (1-7)
Overview
In a stunning comeback victory, the Hahalua rallied to get their first win of the year and defeat the Wraiths with a final score of 33-25. The Wraiths asserted their dominance early in the first quarter, surging to a commanding 19-0 lead. Maximus Boudreaux orchestrated the offensive onslaught, connecting with both Silence Suzuka and Detective Crashmore for impressive touchdown passes. Additionally, Zenzeroni Xystarch II bolstered their lead with a well-executed field goal, further compounded by a safety resulting from a sack on Lenard McRobinson in the end zone. Unfazed by the Wraiths' start, the Hahalua mounted their response in the second quarter. McRobinson displayed his resilience, orchestrating a dynamic offensive drive culminating in a spectacular 75-yard touchdown pass to Stetson David, narrowing the deficit to 22-7 by halftime. As the game progressed into the pivotal third quarter, the Hahalua intensified their comeback efforts. McRobinson continued to heat up, this time connecting with Brad Woof for an 8-yard touchdown pass, further chipping away at the Wraiths' lead to 22-14. Entering the decisive fourth quarter, the Hahalua maintained their momentum. Ray Baker's clutch field goal reduced the margin to 22-17, prompting a swift response from Xystarch II, who added another field goal for the Wraiths, extending their lead to 25-17. However, the Hahalua refused to quit. McRobinson's electrifying 56-yard run for a touchdown brought them within striking distance at 25-23, despite falling short on the ensuing 2-point conversion. With the game on the line and just over a minute remaining, McRobinson orchestrated a final, game-winning drive. His precision passing led to a decisive 6-yard touchdown connection with Stetson David, propelling the Hahalua into the lead for the first time at 30-25. Baker then sealed the victory with a clutch 45-yard field goal, securing the Hahalua's remarkable 33-25 comeback triumph over the Wraiths.
My Thoughts
This has to be the game of the year so far. Not only did Hahalua get their first win of the season but to do it on a 19-0 comeback is RIDCULOUS!!! Hahalua players have to be feeling great after that game since they've had to endure so much during the season so far. Rocking the best color rush field of the week, the tanks were not tanking tonight. Love to see it. If there was going to be a team to lose to Hahalua this year, I think the Wraiths are the least surprising. The team who killed the Hawks early in the year just blew a lead to the worst team in the league. The Wraiths ALSO lost to the other 1-7 team, the Yeti. What a random year man, on this pace, the Wraiths will somehow win it all lol.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Lenard McRobinson (@shadyshoelace)
Stats: 20/32, 254 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs | 9 attempts, 82 yards, 1 TD
Reason: For the first time this season, I get to name a Hahalua as my player of the game and McRobinson definitely earned it. You can see the stats for yourself. To have that good of a game and lead your team back from a comeback and first win shows a true leader and impact player.
Chicago Butchers (5-3) VS Orange County Otters (5-3)
Overview
In back-to-back upsets, the Butchers win over the Otters with a final score of 27-12. The Butchers took control early in the game, with Painted Penguin connecting with Triceracop for a 15-yard touchdown pass, giving them a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The second quarter was quiet but in the third, the Butchers extended their lead when Painted Penguin found Triceracop again, this time for a 14-yard touchdown pass, increasing their lead to 14-0. However, the Otters managed to get on the board with a safety after tackling Painted Penguin in the end zone, followed by a field goal by King Leonidas I, making the score 14-5. The Butchers continued to dominate in the fourth quarter, with David Doug kicking a 41-yard field goal to extend their lead to 17-5. Corey Trevor added with a 30-yard touchdown run. David Doug sealed the victory with a 47-yard field goal, bringing the final score to 27-12 in favor of the Butchers.
My Thoughts
This was a huge win for the Butchers who are starting to come back alive with now back-to-back Ws after dropping three straight. Now a game ahead of the Wraiths and Sailfish for second place, they need to keep this winning streak alive and get in the playoffs. The Otters looked terrible once again and dropped yet another game. With the Sabercats and Outlaws winning, first place in the ASFC is falling farther and farther away from them. I can say now that this team is not the team we thought a few weeks ago. What do all three 3 losses have in common? It's from playoff teams. Having the Outlaws again (L 35-27 Week 1) next week will be the match to determine if they can turn this season around and claw closer to second place, or put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Muddy's Player of the Game
LB Norman Smiley (@SmittyHextall)
Stats: 5 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass deflection
Reason: Smiley was causing issues for the Otter's offense and is one of the main reasons why they held them to under 14 points. Getting to the quarterback 3 times, deflecting a pass, and forcing the ball out. That's a great all-round performance.
Colorado Yeti (1-7) VS San Jose Sabercats (7-1)
Overview
In a much closer game than anticipated, the SaberCats got the win over the Yeti with a final score of 24-16. The game began with the Yeti seizing an early lead in the first quarter. Pete Moss showcased his kicking prowess with a 31-yard field goal, putting the Yeti ahead 3-0. Building on their momentum, Preston Beatz orchestrated a scoring drive ending in a 10-yard touchdown pass to La'Fluke Paris-Johnson, extending the Yeti's lead to 10-0. The SaberCats mounted a comeback in the second quarter when Booter McGavin kicked a crucial 31-yard field goal to put the SaberCats on the scoreboard. Quarterback Josh Patterson then threw two impressive touchdown drives. First, he found Florida Man for a 24-yard touchdown pass followed up with another connecting with Kit Fisto for a remarkable 52-yard touchdown pass. The SaberCats' surge brought them to a 17-13 lead at the break. Maintaining their offensive momentum, the SaberCats continued to press forward in the third quarter. Patterson once again linked up with Florida Man for a 14-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 24-13. However, the Yeti managed to chip away at the deficit with another field goal from Moss, narrowing the margin to 24-16. Entering the crucial final quarter, the SaberCats' defense held firm, denying the Yeti any further scoring opportunities and securing the hard-earned victory.
My Thoughts
Not much to say with this game as I expected the Sabercats to win no problem. I was a bit shocked at how close the game actually was with the Sabercats not looking the best this week. They should bounce back next week against the Copperheads but for one of the rare times this season they looked like a beatable team. Also, it's important to note that the Sabercat's only L this season came in Week 1 against...you guessed it the Copperheads. We will see if they can avoid the upset.
Muddy's Player(s) of the Game
WR NCADV RAINN (@IsaStarcrossed) and CB Brooks Piggott (@ckroyal92)
RAINN's Stats: 15 receptions, 167 receiving yards
Piggott's Stats: 12 tackles, 4 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble
Reason: I could not decide between these two as they both put on some monster performances so I decided to award it to them both. RAINN was unguardable nearly the whole game as he put up over 150 yards on 15 catches. Piggott on the other hand was crushing people for the Sabercats with 12 total tackles and a forced fumble. Add on 4 pass deflections and that is a very, very solid game.
Cape Town Crash (3-5) VS New York Silverbacks (2-6)
Overview
Another upset comeback happened this week as the Silverbacks overturned an early deficit to defeat Crash with a final score of 25-21. The game kicked off with Crash seizing an early lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Thor Bǫllrsveifla orchestrated a scoring drive, connecting with Kairo Knight for a 6-yard touchdown pass. In the second quarter, Crash extended their lead when Bǫllrsveifla found Malik Brooks for another touchdown pass, from 6 yards out once again. With Kickerson's reliable kicking, Crash surged ahead 14-0. However, the Silverbacks swiftly responded with a 24-yard field goal by Wing Wang, narrowing the deficit to 14-3 heading into halftime. As the third quarter commenced, the Silverbacks turned on the heat. Frank Dux spearheaded their resurgence with a 6-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. The Silverbacks' strong defensive efforts limited Crash's offensive opportunities, allowing them to claw their way back into contention, trailing 14-11 as the quarter drew to a close. With the game hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, Crash managed to extend their lead once again. Bǫllrsveifla showcased his arm, connecting with Brooks for a 40-yard touchdown pass, seemingly securing Crash's victory with a 21-11 lead. However, the Silverbacks refused to concede defeat and mounted a stunning late-game rally. Quarterback Blaine Falco engineered two quick touchdown drives, first finding Matthew Mara for a 7-yard touchdown pass, then connecting with Mandrews McHollywood for an explosive 78-yard touchdown pass, all within the final 2 minutes of the game. Wang's successful extra point kicks on both occasions propelled the Silverbacks into the lead, 25-21, which they held on to the end.
My Thoughts
We were truly spoiled this week with games, as any other week this would've easily been the game of the week for me. As I mentioned last week, I knew the Silverbacks had the skill on their team to possibly have some upsets before the season was done, did not expect it to happen this fast however. To score two quick touchdowns in the final 2 minutes was something to watch and a good little boost for the struggling team moving forward. Cape Town blew this game as they pretty much had it locked up as a win. Losing back-to-back one-possession games is tough to bounce back from but they play the 2-6 Fire Salamanders so if there is ever a time for a big game, next week is it.
Muddy's Player of the Game
QB Blaine Falco (@Tayjay)
Stats: 34/46, 373 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Reason: Falco orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the second half, throwing two crucial touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to lead the Silverbacks to victory. Being able to pull off that comeback and make no mistakes earned him the PotG no questions asked.
Berlin Fire Salamanders (2-6) VS New Orleans Secondline (5-3)
Overview
For the final game of the week, we had another nail-biter as the Secondline barely came out on top over the Fire Salamanders with a final score of 19-16. The game began with Jack Sloth of the Secondline kicking a 49-yard field goal in the first quarter, giving his team an early 3-0 lead. In the second quarter, the Secondline extended their lead when Octavion Speedings connected with Thomas Passarelli for a 28-yard touchdown pass, followed by another field goal by Sloth from 34 yards out. The Fire Salamanders managed to get on the scoreboard with a field goal of their own by Golden Foote, making it 13-3 at halftime. The Fire Salamanders came out strong in the third quarter, with Foote kicking two more field goals from 44 and 22 yards respectively, narrowing the gap to 13-9. In the final quarter, the Secondline added to their lead with Sloth kicking a 30-yard field goal. However, the Fire Salamanders fought back with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Tuna TurnDaBallOva to Emile Charles, tying the game at 16-16 with just over a minute remaining. But the Secondline responded swiftly with Sloth kicking a 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds left on the clock, securing the victory for his team with a final score of 19-16.
My Thoughts
This matchup saw two of the best kickers in the game going head to head and I loved every minute of it. Both offenses looked slow and unmotivated while both defenses played very well with only 2 total touchdowns given. Berlin lost another 3-point game for the second week in a row which is brutal. If they would've got lucky and won their one-possession games this year, they'd be 6-2. The Secondline squeaked past this week to keep their playoff hopes very much alive and have the Silverbacks next week which will be a very good game. Also, they better pay Sloth whatever he wants for his next contact.
Muddy's Player of the Game
K Jack Sloth (@slothfacekilla)
Stats: 4/4 field goals (49, 34, 30, 52), 1/1 XP
Reason: Sloth once again is the player of the game as he is adding to his impressive season with another clutch performance. Sloth single-handedly kept NOLA in this game scoring 68% of their points including the last-second go-ahead field goal to seal the deal. If games are close, the Secondline have to feel good knowing they have Sloth.
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: 3 Change: N/A)
- New Orleans Secondline (Last Week: 5 Change: +1)
- Chicago Butchers (Last Week: 6 Change: +1)
- Orange County Otters (Last Week: 4 Change: -2)
- Sarasota Sailfish (Last Week: 7 Change: N/A)
- Cape Town Crash (Last Week: 8 Change: N/A)
- Yellowknife Wraiths (Last Week: 9 Change: N/A)
- Austin Copperheads (Last Week: 10 Change: N/A)
- New York Silverbacks (Last Week: 13 Change: +2)
- Berlin Fire Salamanders (Last Week: 11 Change: -1)
- Colorado Yeti (Last Week: 12 Change: -1)
- Honolulu Hahalua (Last Week: 14 Change: N/A)