Welcome to the first issue of Red Zone, an online magazine covering all the latest National Simulation Football league news, headlines, highlights and insights. This will be a bi-weekly article series that will also include interviews from GMs, players, and prospects. In our first issue of Red Zone, we go over the current league standings, an interview with Yeti quarterback Nicholas Pierno, upcoming free agency, DSFL prospects, and an interview with NSFL hopeful Haruki Ishigawa.
League Standings and Playoff Picture
With the conclusion of week 14, the playoff brackets are now set for the NSFC and ASFC playoff games. Here are the regular season standings:
NSFC
Baltimore Hawks 9-5
Philadelphia Liberty 8-5-1
Yellowknife Wraiths 7-7
Colorado Yeti 3-11
AFC
Arizona Outlaws 13-1
Orange County Otters 8-6
San Jose SaberCats 5-8-1
Las Vegas Legion 2-12
NSFC Championship
at
The Baltimore Hawks return to the NSFC playoffs as the season 2 Glacies trophy winners. The Hawks are hoping to knock off the upstart Philadelphia Liberty to make their way to the Ultimus Bowl for the second time. This is the Liberty’s first time to make the playoffs since their expansion team was created in season 2. They are the underdogs this game, but are looking to upset the Hawks in their first playoff appearance. The two teams are tied 1-1 against each other, with both teams claiming victories on their own turf. We know home field advantage can be a deciding factor in games, but the Liberty only lost by 3 points in their week 4 battle against the Hawks so this may be a close game.
ASFC Championship
at Arizona Outlaws
A repeat of season 2’s AFSC Championship game, the Otters and Outlaws meet once again to determine who the best of the ASFC is. The Outlaws are the heavy favorites to win the ASFC and Ultimus trophy again this year and are hoping to cement their dynasty with their 3rd championship in a row. Don’t count out the Otters in this game, as MVP candidate Mike Boss is leading Orange County with record setting elite offense. He leads the league in virtually all quarterback stat categories and the Outlaws might have their hands full if Boss can continue his MVP level performance. The Outlaws won both of their matchups this season with a close 28-21 victory in Orange County and a 24-7 victory at home.
Season 4 Free Agency
The upcoming S4 free agency will certainly be remembered as the ‘Quarterback Sweepstakes’ as we observe Mike Boss, Chris Orosz, and Ethan Hunt all jump into in the free agency pool. All three quarterbacks have the potential to shake up the league if they were to sign with a different team and the league standings may look drastically different this time next year.
There’s been some controversy within the Orange County camp as impending free agency has led to contention between Mike Boss and linebacker Ian Bavitz as reported by Pistol News Network (PNN). It appears tensions are riding high in Orange County this season with the team’s future uncertainty.
In related quarterback news, the SaberCats offered an S4 extension to backup quarterback Christian Adams which may indicate the team is looking to give up the hunt for Ethan Hunt to give their project player a chance at leading the offense. Another interesting development in San Jose is Vincent Sharpei’s recent announcement. In a press conference, the offensive lineman broadcasted that he has opted out of his player contract to enter free agency. When asked about why he opted out of his contract, Sharepi responded with the following statement:
“I decided to opt out of my contract because I feel like it’s time to gauge the market. I want to see the level of competitive ness that other teams will offer me and I want to see if there is another team that can swoon me and prove to me why I should go there.”
This should be an exciting offseason that will have league wide ramifications for all teams.
Interview with Nicholas Pierno (@ralz9)
The Colorado Yeti were rocked by the biggest scandal in NSFL history. After the suspension of Logan Noble, the Yeti were scrambling to replace their starting quarterback and traded for rookie quarterback Nicholas Pierno from the Yellowknife Wraiths. The Yeti were confident that they found their man with Pierno’s ceaseless work ethic and athleticism. He struggled this season as the Yeti skidded to a 3-11 record; as to be expected for anyone starting in their rookie year. Yeti fans aren’t discouraged by their current predicament left in the wake of the Noble steroid indignity. We had a chance to speak with the prodigious quarterback after the Yeti surprised the San Jose SaberCats in their last game of the season.
Following the Logan Noble scandal, how much pressure did you feel as you stepped into the starting quarterback role for the Yeti?
NP: Man, it was rough to start man. I know we didn't win a lot of games and my numbers weren't pretty, but we improved so much over the course of the year. As a team, we pulled off some great wins like the upset against Yellowknife and a trouncing victory over San Jose in the season finale. I set back to back season highs in passer rating our last two weeks. This year was rough, but we were a fun team to watch the second half of the year.
Do you feel that you’ve lived up to expectations this season?
NP:That's the thing, I had no expectations, so that's a tough Q to answer. Nobody really knew what to expect on the field. There was struggles, but I believe my work ethic at practice and the film room is what probably blew people away based on where I was drafted.
What are some unforgettable moments you’ve had in your rookie year?
NP: I'll never forget my very first game where I marched us down the field for the game-winning drive against Las Vegas. The win against Yellowknife was great, but nothing beats your first game-winning drive.
Which teammates do you feel like you’ve gotten close to since joining the Yeti?
NP: Boss Tweed is a great dude. He's not as outgoing as I am, but we both see ourselves as long-term cornerstones for this team, I think. I'm very close with our management, too. They've been so good to me and are extremely transparent.
You are one of the few ‘mobile’ quarterbacks in the league along with Ethan Hunt. How do you think you measure up to him strengths wise?
NP: I'm much faster than him and I had meniscus issues in my left knee that slowed me down a bit. I think you guys are going to see a much more exciting quarterback in the ground game in the future as I recover over this upcoming offseason.
Any words for the Yeti nation?
NP: Thank you for your patience. We're going to shock the damn world.
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Red Zone Scouting Report
(DSFL Cornerback Trey Lonzac celebrating after catching an interception)
The upcoming S4 draft has some exciting prospects and exemplary players despite a shallow draft class. We quickly break down the top prospects based on DSFL performance and player work ethic (activity).
*All stats are based on the index when reviewed on 10/13/2017.
Blackford Oakes - FS (@Beaver) – 69 OVR
Oakes is probably the most NSFL ready prospect on paper. His speed, agility, and hands rival many of the current starting safeties in the NSFL despite not playing any games for the Tijuana Luchadores. This may worry some GMs since he doesn’t have any stats to show his potential, but his worth ethic is astounding and he’s shown a propensity for high activity. Based on this alone, he’s worth a review and look for Oakes to be drafted as a potential number 1 pick.
Noah Goodson - LB (@toivo) – 69 OVR
Goodson has been putting in work this season and his activity level has helped him become one of the top linebackers in the DSFL. He finished the season 3rd in overall tackles at 111 along with 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pick six, and 1 pass deflection. Goodson is a potential number 1 pick this draft and many teams would be fortunate to draft him. Expect Goodson to be picked up early and quickly in the S4 draft as the league is starved for decent linemen.
Haruki Ishigawa - LB (@ExemplaryChad) - 64 OVR
Ishigawa has become one of the standouts on the Chicago Blues roster and plays one of the highly coveted positions in the league. Ishigawa has shown high levels of activity and will be a great pick-up for any team looking to bolster their secondary (pretty much every team) with a linebacker who has great stats across the board. Ishigawa will need to become stronger to make an impact at the next level, but has already shown great speed and agility.
Steven O'Sullivan - OL (@`StevenO'Sullivan`) – 64 OVR
In 14 games for the Portland Pythons, O’Sullivan had 25 pancakes and 1 sack allowed. He made a switch from tight end to offensive line and will probably be a top 5 pick since linemen are in high demand in the NSFL. His activity level is exceptionally promising and any team should pick him up if they have the opportunity to do so.
Trey Lonzac - CB (@Nonsense) – 68 OVR
Lonzac only played 4 games for the Norfolk Seawolves, but has shown a natural instinct for the cornerback position with 18 tackles, 1 interception and 4 pass deflections in his DSFL career. His training and activity level has fallen off a bit in recent weeks, but his stats are still superb with excellent speed and agility. He’ll provide decent coverage and hopefully we see his activity pick up after being drafted.
Shawn Ariel - RB (@Luminous) – 61 OVR
Ariel played most of the DSFL season for the Norfolk Seawolves and rushed his way to 982 yards with an average of 4.4 yards per carry. The runningback’s activity level is decent with good stats in speed and endurance, but he’ll need to do more if he hopes to get a starting spot on any team. A few teams may be looking for a new runningback and Ariel just might be their guy if he consistently picks up his weekly activity and training.
William Sean – WR (@EastBeast) – 65 OVR
Sean has all the makings of a great wide receiver with great hands, agility, speed, and endurance. His activity level has fallen off in recent weeks, but he’s shown the potential to be active. He played 10 games for the San Antonio Marshals and had 41 receptions for 529 yards on a 12.9 average. If he can step up his activity and training every week, there is no doubt that Sean can be one of the best wide receivers in the league.
Interview with Haruki Ishigawa (@ExemplaryChad)
(Linebacker Ishigawa signing autographs for fans after Chicago Blues' practice)
You’ve had an explosive start in the DSFL, even getting a pass deflection and interception in your first game against the Norfolk Seawolves in week 7. Describe how you felt during your first game in the DSFL?
HI: Wow, yeah, it’s hard to even put into words all the emotions that you feel stepping out there. It’s like electricity, like vertigo. You feel all of those eyes on you, and for just a second, before it comes time to get down to business, you take it all in and feel what they’re feeling, see what they’re seeing. The stadiums are great; the crowds are incredible.
And then the game starts. Guys are flying around out there. Everyone tells you that the game is played at a different speed once you leave college, and they are definitely telling the truth. I’m just trying to go on instinct, and that’s where practice comes in. Fortunately for me, I had been practicing hard, and so making those plays was a combination of instinct, good coaching, and guys that I can trust around me on the field.
What are you looking forward to as you advance to the next stage of your playing career?
HI: Right now, I’m not looking too far beyond this season. I’m trying to win a championship here in Chicago. We’re looking pretty good at the moment, and we’re having some strong showings out there thanks to a lot of guys working hard. The next stage is the draft, I expect, but like I said, I’m not thinking about that too terribly much just yet.
What team are you hoping to play for and what kind of impact do you hope to bring to the NSFL?
HI: It would be great to play in San Jose with Dan Miller and the guys. Dan and Nibbler are the ones who recruited me into the DSFL, so it would be nice to repay them on the field a little bit. Apart from that little bit of favoritism, I’ll be perfectly happy to go anywhere.
When I do get to join a NSFL team, I’m going to be a roleplayer, I expect. I want to fill whatever holes they have and learn as much as I can. I know a lot about the game thanks to some great teachers and mentors, but I can always learn so much more. I’m going to bring a work ethic, a team-first attitude, and hopefully some great play as a result. Off the field, I hope I can make a difference to whichever community I’m lucky enough to serve, whether it’s through education, mentorship, manual labor, or whatever they need done. That’s what I’ve tried to do here in Chicago, and I don’t plan to let up on my service responsibilities, no matter where I go.
But my focus right now is still here in Chicago where I can do my best work.
What separates you from the other rookies in this draft class?
HI: To be frank, that’s what the scouts are for. I mean, I know what style of play I try and put out there on the field. Whether that compares favorably or unfavorably to the other guys isn’t really up to me. I can only control what I do. A favorite mantra of mine, when I start to let all the media hype and press stuff get to my head is this: “Nobody can define me, but me.”
Even if I lost my playing career tomorrow, never got drafted, and couldn’t play another snap for the rest of my life, that wouldn’t be what defines me. Don’t get me wrong; I want to play until I’m 60 if I can. My point is that I try not to be too speculative in deciphering just where I stand in my career. If I can be my best version of myself, I just try and let the rest shake out where it may.
You’ve been one of the most active and hardworking rookies so far. Do you plan on continuing that level of activity for the NSFL
HI: As far as work ethic and activity level go, there’s really no one who can stop me. I haven’t gotten to this level by being the most naturally gifted guy on the field. I just put in the work. I spend hours on the field and probably more hours in the film room. Some guys can get by, and even excel, without having to do all that. But I’m not one of those guys.
None of that is going to change, no matter what level I’m at in my career. The press work, the community work, that’s all a part of this job as well. And even when my playing days are over, I’m still going to be here trying to make the world a better place, for players and otherwise.
In other words, yes, I plan on doing as much as I possibly can for as long as I possibly can.
Any final words for the GMs as they consider their draft picks for season 4?
HI: This is not just a job for me. This is a lifestyle. And I don’t mean the partying and the big house and all that (though, let’s be honest, there’s going to be a little of that every now and then). I want to be a force on the field, in the locker room, and in the community in equal parts. Whichever team chooses to draft me, and I hope someone does, haha, you’re going to get a guy who works as hard as anyone. You’re going to get a guy who will learn absolutely as much as you’re willing to teach. And you’re going to get a guy who wants to become a real part of the community, no matter which community it is. Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Baltimore, hell, even Yellowknife, they all have work that needs to be done. Whether you’re talking about the middle of the field on defense or the middle of the field where you’re building a park, I’m your guy.
Thanks for all of your questions. I hope I answered everything you wanted to know. And if you think of more, you know where to find me. Thanks again.
***Be sure to check out the Red Zone's next issue for more NSFL content!***
Quote:3026 words
Quote:Payouts
$500k to @ralz9 for his NP interview
$1M to @ExemplaryChad for his HI interview
Remainder to myself
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