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+---- Thread: (S9) - Ultimus Week (/showthread.php?tid=9866)
(S9) - Ultimus Week - Oles - 08-13-2018
Welcome to Ultimus Week! This is a special point task that will close on Sunday August 19th at 11:59PM PST . It is broken down into eight written and eight graphic point tasks of which you will choose FOUR to complete. Each point task completed is worth 2.5 TPE and you can earn a maximum of 10 TPE from this event.
NOTE: Each written point task has a 200 word count.
NOTE x2: You can complete four point tasks in any combination of written and/or graphics.
NOTE x3: Please keep all submissions you make to ONE post.
NOTE x4: Graphical submissions must be more than text added to an image. Text thrown on a single image will no receive credit unless it shows significant statistical content or creativity.
Note x5: You can link this to PBE to count as your PT for them. You can also link their PT here and it will count for one completed Ultimus Week Task
There will be some limitations as to when certain tasks can be completed. Here are each of the tasks listed below, and with special notes if any limitations apply.
Written Points
Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else. Can be completed at any point
New Talent: Write about which S9 trade will or did have the biggest impact in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good
Playoff Predictions: Give a short write up on each of the playoff matches (including the championship game). Must be completed before the simulation of the Conference Finals
Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write about
Playoff Review: Write a short review of the playoffs and each of the matchups. Must be completed after the Championship Game
Championship Game Recap: Do a recap of the best play from the championship game. Must be completed after the Championship Game
Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have? (Can be completed at any point)
That Magic Moment: Pick one moment from a playoff game and describe what made it so amazing to watch. (Must be completed after the game you write about)
Root for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Going to Disneyland!:Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Matchup Nightmares: Pick an offensive and defensive player who will be going up against each other and why it will be a nightmare for one of them. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Sit-down with a star:Interview a player from a team that is not your own that is in the playoffs. You must ask them four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. YOU MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS FOR CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)
Sit-down with a fan:Answer questions for an interview from a player that is not your own. You must answer at least four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. Link to the interviewers PT to receive credit. NOTE: THEY MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR YOU TO GET CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)
Graphic Points
Robbed: Make a graphical stat comparison of a team who failed to qualify for playoffs but why they should have over another team. Can be completed at any point
Future Talent: Make a sig for a S9 player who you feel will or did make a large impact for their team in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good
Playoff Matchups: Make a graphic displaying the matchups in the first round of the playoffs. Can be completed at any point
Conference Final MVP Sig: Make a sig for a player of your choice who you felt was the MVP of a Conference Final matchup. Must be completed after the Conference Finals
Playoff Recap Infographic: Make a graphic displaying the results of the playoffs. Must be completed after the Championship Game
Championship Banner: Make a banner featuring the champions of the league (can be NSFL or DSFL) in the same style as the current banner featured at the top of the NSFL site. This can feature the team celebrating their trophy, or just a few key players that helped the team win the league. Must be completed after the Championship Game
That Magic Moment: Show one of the most exciting points in a game. (Must be completed after the game you write about )
Root for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Matchup Nightmares: Pick an offensive and defensive player who will be going up against each other and why it will be a nightmare for one of them. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
Going to Disneyland!:Pick an MVP of the Ultimus game and create a billboard showing their trip to Disneyland. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Unsung Hero:Create a billboard for the unsung hero of the playoffs. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)
Old Faces, New Places:Create a graphic for a player who changed teams during free agency this past off season and made the playoffs. Show how they've changed on their new team or what kind of impact they made for their new team. (Can be completed at any time)
(S9) - Ultimus Week - Oles - 08-13-2018
One Task Free, PBE PT
Robbed:
Isn’t it clear who was robbed this year. The Philadelphia Liberty were robbed of all playoff hopes. Seriously though the Wraiths got bamboozled by the Yeti this season and there is no reason the defending champions should have been knocked out before the playoffs even happened. They retained most of their team, and while they were in regression the Yeti were still on the cusp of contention but not quite with both the Hawks and Wraiths boasting powerful rosters that should have seen both fighting for home field advantage. Instead we saw the Wraiths constantly struggling, failing to win games when it counted most and seeing the most important game of the year dropped to the Yeti in week 13. It was a home game for the Wraiths, they had all of the advantages, and yet, like we’ve seen in the past *cough* S7 NSFC Championship Game *cough* they choked at home. They lost their ability to make the playoffs on that game with they Yeti beating them, all they had to do was win but they choked to a team that hadn’t made the playoffs since season 2, and a team that saw their first winning season since season 2 as well. The Wraiths were a massive disappointment this past season, and they should have really done better. (219 words)
Hate the player or the game:
The Yeti shouldn’t have made the playoffs. They overperformed this year with what should have been the fifth or sixth best QB in the league. Applehort exceeded expectations, the whole team overperformed this past season and they were able to take advantage of an underperforming Wraiths in order to snatch the final playoff spot that was up for grabs. The Yeti were still building up from their years of horrible play, and they were going to need one more year to really start to reach their peak, but they got in a season early despite the projections that Wraiths would be one of the top teams in the league again. The Wraiths struggled and the Yeti, while not extremely outperforming them, made their wins count and went into Yellowknife and beat the Wraiths in week 13, which is how they clinched their spot in the playoffs and their chance at the Ultimus, even if they lost to the Hawks in the NSFC Championship. The Yeti are looking to improve upon this success that they haven’t seen since the league’s second season, and with the way the team has been built up they should see success for a few seasons to come, maybe reaching the peak that they’ve yet to see. (210 words)
Playoff Review:
The first game we talk about is the NSFC Championship, the Yeti traveling to Baltimore to face the Hawks. The Yeti fought hard, and quickly got off to a 14-0 lead, a quick set of blows to the Hawks who were looking to not be upset on their own turf. After this 14-0 lead the Hawks found their grove, countering with 2 scoring blows of their own, quickly moving back to a tie game. After back and forth blows, one team takes the lead, the other team ties it, they eventually got to 35-28, with the lead the Hawks made a key play and sacked Applehort for a safety, making their next score impossible to tie, giving them breathing room for the first time in the game. The Yeti would kick 2 field goals but would not be able to come back and eventually lost 40-34. The next game is between the Orange County Otters and the New Orleans Second Line. The Second Line were able to control the whole game, and with 2 touchdowns and a safety the team quickly had a 16-0 lead in the game. After 2 touchdowns from each team, the score was no closer as the Second Line still controlled the game, this time leading 29-14. A few more scores later and the Second Line were able to win 39-21. The Ultimus saw the Hawks and Second Line play, after having won their first matchups the teams were looking to cement their place in history with their first Ultimus victory. As with the other 2 games, this game also saw a safety, as this was the Second Line’s only score in the first quarter, while the Hawks had the lead 7-2. After a score from the Hawks the Second Line found their grove, scoring 17 unanswered to take the lead 19-14 at the half. The Hawks would be the only team to score in the third, scoring 10 total points to take the lead 24-19. Unfortunately for them, this was their last score while the Second Line would score 18 unanswered, winning the Ultimus 37-24. (350 words)
(S9) - Ultimus Week - Toasty - 08-13-2018
Playoff Predictions:
So here we go with a DSFL part of this. To be honest it has been a while since i have used the minors in this. The first game is the Tijuana Luchadores vs. The San Antonio Marshals. Their records don't lie about the talent that they got on there teams. With the Marshals being 8-5-1 they must travel to the Luchadores who are 10-4. I think this will be a close game with the Luchadores on top. If the Marshals win there is one reason... they used Marquise Brown correctly, as a wide reciever. With 92 speed none of the corners in the league will be able to keep up with him and that would give them a great edge here. But I think Luchadores come out on top 41-28. Okay here we come to the Portland Pythons vs. The Kansas City Coyotes. I suspect an upset because the Pythons have been to this stage quite a few times a almost always come out victorious against the Coyotes. The Coyotes have a decent wide receiver Corp but the Pythons running game will show up and be superior over the Coyotes defense I suspect Poopsie to come out of this game with at least 200 yards and Elijah will have he majority of the touchdowns and 95 yards. Pythons 35 Coyotes 18. Now here comes the DSFL championship fornrhe Ultimini. The last time these teams meant in the Ultimini the Pythons came out on top. If the The Luchadores go to it again this will have been their third time to and they are coming off of a victory last season. But I can't see the Pythons losing to the Luchadores being the Pythons got a crazy co gm who can find a hole in any team and sources have told me this co gm is not getting any sleep and is test simming to beat hell to get his team the win. Pythons 32 Luchadores 14. And I am even going to predict the mvp and crown Poopsie with it.
That Magic Moment:
My magic moment would have to be when Ricky Adams of the Tijuana Luchadores got his only rushing touchdown of the game in overtime from 6 yards out to give the Luchadores a walk off win against the Pythons. The Pythons running game did not perform to how they hoped and the Luchadores Running game really should up. This was special to watch being the Luchadores finally beat the pythons in the Ultimini but it so fucking was also painful to see the game slip away ever so slightly and it sucked the air out of the pythons to see adams fall over the goalie dragging Earl and Slick into the touchdown with him. If i could go back I wouldn't change a single thing because I know there is not much more I could have done it was just dumb sim luck that we lost to them and hope to see them in the Ultimini next year for Pythons vs. Luchadores part 3, because they will be losing Adams so they can't get their great overtime running game going. I feel like next season the Pythons will have the magic moment to help lead them to another championship, but in all it was a great run by Rickey Adams.
Sit-down with a fan(@PDXBaller, @Bzerkap, @Official DT):
Bzerkap's
Sit-down with a star (@PDXBaller, Official DT):
PDX
1) After taking a brutal lose to the Hawks in the playoffs how does Kamaka feel?
It wasn't a brutal loss in our eyes. It was a great chance to show the league that we could compete with the best and we were close to beating them. It illustrates how close we are to becoming a championship caliber team. Kamaka is feeling optimistic about the next season.
2) With the Hawks gaining speed what are the Yeti doing to keep up and try to get past them to get an Ultimus win
The Hawks will be hitting regression soon and with a few of their key players retiring I think we have a chance in the next 1-3 seasons to take the NSFC by storm.
3) When do you think Yeti will find themself winning the Ultimus.
The next 1-3 seasons. We're only a few key pieces away from making it happen.
4) How many holes does a straw have 1 or 2
1 long hole....
Offical DT
1) After the overtime loss to the Luchadores in the Ultimini what were you thoughts?
It kind of hurt pretty bad. I know how hard this squad had worked to get to that point and for us to just fail sucked more than it should have. I know that I could have been better myself and I do blame myself for playing a pivotal role in our loss.
2) If you could go back and change one thing from the Ultimini what would you change?
I'd say pass it a little more maybe. It seems as if our run game was locked up and we just didn't air it out like we should have. We never put faith in Joliet and it kind of bit us in the butt.
3) If you had to predict where you would go in the draft where do you think you are going?
I'd honestly like to go first overall. I know that the corner back position is always in high demand and I have the talent to be that first pick. I know it won't really happen but a fella can dream big right?
4) Since we can see water can Fish see air?
I think I have just been mind blown. It would be interesting to know but seems we may end up never knowing.
(S9) - Ultimus Week - majesiu - 08-13-2018
1st Task PBE Affiliation
Robbed: Make a graphical stat comparison of a team who failed to qualify for playoffs but why they should have over another team. Can be completed at any point
![[Image: TI9LJCP.png]](https://i.imgur.com/TI9LJCP.png)
Future Talent: Make a sig for a S9 player who you feel will or did make a large impact for their team in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good
![[Image: WFzq5DA.png]](https://i.imgur.com/WFzq5DA.png)
Root for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win. (Must be completed before the playoff series you write about)
![[Image: sdJq0yc.png]](https://i.imgur.com/sdJq0yc.png)
(S9) - Ultimus Week - Trautner - 08-13-2018
Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else.
The Yellowknife Wraiths really ruined their season by starting off with 3 consecutive losses, one of them against the Arizona Outlaws at home. While the defending champs may have been underdogs in 2 of those, that game against the Outlaws was really poor with the offense only putting up 6 points, and, with YKW finishing 1 game back from a playoff spot, the game turned out to be extremely costly. Nevertheless, YKW still played well enough in their next 11 games with a record of 7-4, including wins @COL, @NOLA, and OCO at home. I'd take YKW over COL in the playoffs, as I think YKW would have a greater chance at knocking off BAL. YKW's defense is 1st in the league against the running game, impressively holding their opponents to below 100 yards per game. YKW's defense can always keep them in a game, and Akselsen is still capable of putting on a show with his running potential. While YKW did have a chance to cement their spot in the playoffs with a Week 13 matchup that they lost at home, 34-23, I believe they deserved a spot in the playoffs given their dangerous defense and potential to wreak havoc.
Code:
201 wordsMatchup Nightmares: Pick an offensive and defensive player who will be going up against each other and why it will be a nightmare for one of them.
Carlito Crush had an astounding year for OCO, as did Westfield, Atwell, and even running back Jordan Yates. This quartet of offensive weapons seriously carried OCO's league-best passing offense to the playoffs. However, with a matchup against NOLA's unbelievable secondary, featuring shutdown corners Benson Bayley and Vladimir Fyodorovich, as well as safeties William Harrison and Blackford Oakes, OCO's potent offense has its hands full. I will focus on the matchup between Crush and Bayley. Crush led the league with an astounding 100 catches on the dot, and also led the league with 1532 receiving yards. And, with no surprise, Crush also led the NSFL with 17 TDs on the season. Lockdown corner Benson Bayley, who has established his own "Bayley Island" for isolating and systematically stopping opposing WRs, has 24 passes defensed, 4th in the league, and 4 interceptions, tied for 5th in the league. Bayley typically prevents opposing QBs from even throwing at his man, so Crush will have his work cut out for him to get free for Mike Boss. Crush may have a real challenging day against the blanketing, suffocating Bayley, so expect Boss to target his other weapons come game time. After a dominating regular season, Crush may have to fight through this game against Bayley and aim to simply create space for his teammates.
Code:
219 wordsPlayoff Predictions: Give a short write up on each of the playoff matches (including the championship game). Must be completed before the simulation of the Conference Finals
In the NSFC, the Colorado Yeti make a long anticipated appearance in the playoffs, but have the unfortunate, monumental task of taking on the Baltimore Hawks in Baltimore. With Avon Blocksdale commanding the Hawks to a dominant 11-3 regular season, and receiver Trey Willie and running back Owen Taylor both putting up monstrous numbers, the Hawks certainly have the firepower to shred the underwhelming Yeti defense. Taylor's 23 TDs would have set a new NSFL record if not for NO's Smallwood, and the Yeti's 7th ranked rush defense will struggle to cope with Taylor's blazing speed. My prediction: BAL 31, COL 17
And in the other matchup in the ASFC, the Orange County Otters have a similarly tough task in taking on the New Orleans Second Line in New Orleans. Featuring the league's best defense and best offense in points against and points for respectively, New Orleans cruised to a dominating 12-2 record during the regular season. Orange County's quartet of Jordan Yates, Carlito Crush, Bradley Westfield, and Tegan Atwell, however, will be key to any upset. Against NOLA's own legion of boom secondary, however, Mike Boss will have one of his greatest challenges yet as he heads into retirement. My prediction: NO 28, OCO 24
And with NO and BAL making it to the championship game, we have a clash of the titans between the league's top regular season teams. Two well oiled machines on offense meet, with Blocksdale meeting Borkus Maximus III in the Ultimus. Baltimore's 5th best rush defense will have to do well to manage Darren Smallwood, who led the league in rushing for NO and set the record with a ridiculous 27 TDs. In the end, I think this turns into a shootout and NO's defense makes a stand in the closing moments of the game. My prediction: NO 38, BAL 34
Code:
307 wordsRoot for the Underdog: Pick an away team in an upcoming game and try to convince yourself (and us) why they can win.
While I predict New Orleans will overcome Orange County in the conference championship game, the Otters certainly have the firepower to compete and complete the upset. Wide receiver Carlito Crush had one of the most prolific seasons ever in NSFL, with 100 catches and over 1500 yards. Jordan Yates remains as prolific as ever as a dual threat both out of the backfield and lined up out wide. Lastly, Tegan Atwell and Bradley Westfield round out the WR corps for OCO. While New Orleans has some serious ballhawks in their secondary, OCO's variety of options should give QB Mike Boss plenty of options to target throughout the game. I expect Benson Bayley to mostly lock down Crush on the day, perhaps giving up 4 possession catches for short yardage. But, Fyodorovich could be a weak link against Atwell and Westfield. The best way for OCO to win this game will be to create a scoring shootout. Orange County has the firepower to keep up in a shootout, and a shootout would largely neutralize New Orleans RB Darren Smallwood, who set the NSFL record for TDs and led the league in rushing. If OCO can jump out to an early lead, they definitely have a sizable opportunity to lessen the impact of NO's running game and force Borkus Maximus to make some challenging throws.
Code:
223 words(S9) - Ultimus Week - Ben - 08-13-2018
![[Image: sNFEGck.png]](https://i.imgur.com/sNFEGck.png)
![[Image: IJn7qVz.png]](https://i.imgur.com/IJn7qVz.png)
![[Image: tWf8Kb3.png]](https://i.imgur.com/tWf8Kb3.png)
![[Image: kN6N0h5.gif]](https://imgur.com/kN6N0h5.gif)
I also interviewed Second Line Offensive Tackle Jelly Roll;
Dear Mr Roll,
How does it feel that Borkus Maximus can stare at your ass all game?
It's honestly a huge honor. I consider my plump, and dare I say, thicc ass one of my most attractive and defining features so I am always happy to have it on display, especially to a man as great as Borkus Maximus. And hoo boy don't even get me started on Darren "Not So" Smallwood if you know what I mean.
What is the NOLA LR like for an offensive lineman?
The New Orleans locker room is fantastic for all of course but I'd say it's slightly less so for offensive linemen because of all the office memeing. I swear half the team is starting to actually think my name is Kevin. But that's a small price to pay for such a great environment and I'd encourage everyone to give it a try at some point in their career.
How will you be celebrating your Ultimus win?
I'll be celebrating first with an Office marathon followed immediately by a Money Heist marathon. All Second Line members are invited of course and it should be a great celebration as we watch our team's two official shows.
Do you think your spot will be guaranteed on the team next season?
On a team as great as New Orleans no spots are guaranteed really so I'd say no. In fact I look pretty jealously at inferior teams like Orange County and Baltimore whose players have little competition because they're the 3rd or 4th choice for so many players.
Will you join in on the NOLA memeing?
Memeing isn't a choice when you're on this team, it's truly a way of life so yes I will always and forever join in on any and all memeing.
What is your favourite meme from the past couple days since the win?
I had a great many chuckles reading all the meme history posts today. I'd definitely say Meme Curtain was my favorite, just phenomenal.
Who is your favourite character from the office?
....Kevin
(S9) - Ultimus Week - ItsJustBarry - 08-13-2018
Playoff Predictions:
In the first matchup, we see the New Orleans Second Line facing off against the Orange County Otters for the chance to represent the ASFC in the Ultimus game. In maybe the quickest rebuild in football history, New Orleans was able to hit the reset button, quite literally, and capture the best record in the league just 3 short seasons later. The Otters are headed to the bayou but there’s nobody that is considering them an underdog in the game. Although they lost both regular season matchups against the Second Line, first by 18 then 9, something tells me they still have a little magic in their playbooks. This is a close one but Otters win in the final minutes.
Next, we get to see the Baltimore Hawks play host to the Colorado Yeti. I expect this game to play out in a similar fashion as the 2 regular season matchups these teams had. Baltimore won both games by a combined margin of 53. While the Yeti have definitely made great strides to become competitive in the past season, I think they are still 1 or 2 seasons away from being threats in the playoffs.
For the Ultimus, I see Baltimore host Orange County and Baltimore wins, barely.
Hate the player or the game:
I would say that the Colorado Yeti maybe aren’t quite ready to play on a bigger stage. I would say that the team that is most responsible for getting the Yeti into the playoffs isn’t the Yeti, it was the Arizona Outlaws. Arizona handed Colorado a close win in week 8 which may have sealed the deal. In addition to that, Arizona stunned Yellowknife Wraiths in week 2 with a 12 to 6 win in Yellowknife. Despite being early in the season, this was the nail in the coffin for the Wraiths.
Looking back to this season, the biggest move the Colorado Yeti made, which I directly attribute to their immediate success, they can’t even take credit for. With the league stepping in to clean up the Colorado front office, that saw GM mememaestro forced out and new, active leadership step up. This was a needed move and we saw an immediate improvement across the entire team as soon as this occurred. Even though they have the 4th best record in the league, their negative point differential tells me they aren’t ready for the playoffs. What this will do is provide them big game experience for the future as I expect them to become recurring participants in the seasons to come.
Root for the Underdog:
This is a little bit of a stretch but the underdog I would be rooting for is the Orange County Otters. They know what defeat in the post season feels like and they are not looking for a repeat of last season. IT is not as if they are a bad team either. Most of their key pieces from their championship team has remained intact. This is just a case of an older team being out hustled by a youthful team. The key factor that will determine who will come out of this game victorious will be the Otters offense. Can they put numbers up on the score board. New Orleans has been stingy this season allowing just barely 14 points a game while averaging almost 38 points themselves. If the Orange County Otters expect to win, they need to score fast and often. While I feel they can slow down the Second Line offense, they will still likely need 30 points to even be in contention. This may be the Otters last chance for a while as they has recently seen a handful of offensive players decide to hang up their cleats. I am rooting for the Otters because the Second Line will be the harder team to face in the Ultimus.
Robbed:
Do you know who got robbed? The Yellowknife Wraiths. How in the hell can you miss the playoffs while the Colorado Yeti claim the two seed? Their problems began in week 2 when they hosted the Arizona Outlaws with their rookie QB. The Wraiths had a little too much confidence heading into this game and it showed on the field. Their offense was stagnant and was only able to put up 2 field goals total. Despite forcing 2 turnovers, they didn’t score on either of those opportunities. The worst part about this team lack of success this season is the fact that they may have player(s) who potentially utilized performance enhancing methods to unlawfully increase their max TPE output. Even while fielding the player(s) with these ill gotten gains, they were barely able to limp through the season with a .500 record. Their only hope now may be for the head office to intervene and terminate the entire Yellowknife Wraiths front office. While this may seem extreme, a similar set of actions occurred in Colorado and now look at them, playoff bound. Still, this team was robbed and its hard to argue that. The league and their fans both expect better from this franchise.
(S9) - Ultimus Week - infinitempg - 08-13-2018
robbed
![[Image: xa5SmKW.png]](https://i.imgur.com/xa5SmKW.png)
playoff matchups
![[Image: KjJYazi.png]](https://i.imgur.com/KjJYazi.png)
![[Image: FTOpGCi.png]](https://i.imgur.com/FTOpGCi.png)
playoff recap
ASFC CHAMPIONSHIP
The ASFC Championship was never close - the Otters look like a team past their prime, while the Second Line are hitting their peak. Borkus Maximus had a stellar game, throwing for over 350 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Darren Smallwood put up another 133 yards on the ground. With over 500 yards of total offense, the Second Line easily blew by the aging Otters.
NSFC CHAMPIONSHIP
This game started off with a shock - within seven and a half minutes the heavy underdog Yeti were up 14-0. Unfortunately, the quick lead wasn't enough, as the Hawks quickly caught up. It became a back and forth game for most of the afternoon, as Ryan Applehort outperformed MVP candidate Avon Blocksdale. The Hawks finally managed to pull away in the fourth quarter, thanks to a safety caused by Arbin Asipi Jr. Down by nine, the Yeti coaching staff played extremely conservatively, opting for 31 yard punts and going for field goals at the opposing one yard line. This caution cost them the game, as with less than a minute to go Applehort threw a game sealing interception.
ULTIMUS IX
The highly ballyhooed matchup of the best two teams in the league played out as it should have for the first three quarters, going back and forth on the scoreboard. It was a banner day for both passers, but in the end Maximus reigned supreme as Blocksdale was effectively shut down the entire fourth quarter. What was a 24-19 Baltimore lead at the end of the third spiraled out of control as the Second Line scored 18 unanswered to claim the first Ultimus Trophy for New Orleans.
unsung hero
The unsung hero of not just the playoffs, but the season for the Second Line was aging kicker Iyah Blewitt, who in his swan song season had statistically the greatest kicking season of all time. Through both the regular season and playoffs, Blewitt went perfect on over 90 kicks, finally missing a single extra point in the ASFC Championship game. Kicking reliability is at a premium in this league, and while Blewitt was seen as a sub-par kicker prior to this season, he has immortalized himself with the most consistent kicking season in history. While kicking gimmies is not impressive, Blewitt kicked 15 times in the regular season from 40 or more yards away, making every single one (including a 57 yard kick). Blewitt continued his reliability from distance in the playoffs, where he notably extended the Second Line lead to 5 right before halftime. This kick kept them within one possession throughout the Baltimore-dominated third quarter instead of two, keeping morale high and helping lead to the dominant fourth quarter from New Orleans. Blewitt also helped shift the field position battle, averaging a ridiculous 52.8 yards per punt and even popping out a 64 yard punt, with two punts landing inside the 20. While kickers don't typically get positive attention in this league, Blewitt went all out and helped win an Ultimus in his final season.
(S9) - Ultimus Week - Leafs4ever - 08-13-2018
Robbed:
I'm still scratching my head over the Colorado Yeti making the playoffs over the Yellowknife Wraiths. The defending champion Wraiths returned many of the their star players, but something just didn't come together this season. Maybe it was the championship hangover, but talent for talent, the Wraiths should of had enough to finish ahead of the Yeti.
I hate to take away anything from the Yeti, but I'm just confused as to how they did it. They didn't have a great rushing attack, placing last in their conference in rush offense. The only thing they finished top 2 in their conference in was yards and passing offense. On defense, the Yeti were third in the conference in every category. In comparison, the Wraiths finished top 2 in very defense category, had the best rushing attack in the league, and averaged the second most points in the conference. Looking at these stats, I'm not sure what the Yeti did to win enough games, or better yet, how the Wraiths didn't win enough games.
The most damning thing for Yellowknife were a Week 2 loss to the 3-11 Outlaws and a Week 7 loss to the 4-10 Liberty. If the Wraiths had won these 2 very winnable games, they would of passed the Yeti in the standings, but instead find themselves on the outside looking in.
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Playoff Predictions:
Baltimore Hawks vs. Colorado Yeti
I got the Hawks winning this fairly easily. The Yeti didn't impress me at all this season, and I felt that the Wraiths lost this playoff spot more than the Yeti took it. They didn't stand out in any facet of the game, offense or defense. They've got studs on their team, no doubt, but as a team Baltimore is just better. The Hawks led every category in the conference except for rushing. They are a well oiled machine and ready to advance to the Ultimus Championship. Baltimore wins 36-20
New Orleans Second Line vs. Orange County Otters
The new juggernaut against the old juggernaut. The Second Line were the best team in the NSFL this season and are poised to become the next dynasty. However, there's no team that has been in this position more than the Otters. They won't feel the pressure of the big game because they've been here before. However, their time is up and it's New Orleans' show now. They have too much firepower everywhere on the field to stumble now. New Orleans wins 41-26
New Orleans Second Line vs. Baltimore Hawks
The two best teams in the NSFL this season meet up in the Ultimus Championship Game. Both teams sport a fantastic running game, behind Owen Taylor and Darren Smallwood. Their quarterback play is also elite, with Blocksdale and Maximus III. With stars at every position for both teams, I give the edge to the New Orleans Second Line. They have just been utterly dominate this season. They led the league in every offensive and defensive category, besides rushing. They have been the jewel of the NSFL and they are in prime position to become the new dynasty. New Orleans wins 32-22
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Root for the Underdog:
In the Ultimus Championship Game, the New Orleans Second Line are hosting the Baltimore Hawks. While I believe the Second Line are going to win the Ultimus Trophy, I want to make a case of why the Hawks could pull the upset on the road.
First of all, the Hawks are no slouch. They finished just behind New Orleans in the standings with a 11-3 record. Besides rushing, they finished top 3 in every offensive and defensive category in the league. They have a potent offense and a stingy defense. They are led by an elite 3 headed attack on offense. Quarterback Avon Blocksdale, running back Owen Taylor, and wide receiver Trey Willie led the onslaught on their opponents. They are going to be a handful for New Orleans to deal with. If these 3 players are on their game, Baltimore gets a huge boost. Another game changer for the Hawks could be on defense. It's something they did 3 times during the season that New Orleans never did. That was getting touchdowns from the defense. The Hawks defensive players have a nose for the ball and a drive to get that ball in the end zone. If New Orleans slips up, that defense could deliver a back breaking defensive touchdown.
Listen, the cards are stacked against Baltimore in the Championship Game, but they have star power and a hunger to win. Don't be too surprised if they go into New Orleans and shock the world.
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Sit-down with a star:
An intimate 1-on-1 interview with New Orleans Second Line S Blackford Oakes:
1. New Orleans had a fantastic regular season, finishing 12-2. What was the key to this breakout season?
BO: The key was our GM Bovo putting together a great core of players in the wake of the Legion mass retirement. We struggled for a few seasons but he built the team up without falling for the temptation of taking shortcuts and we slowly grew together. Then the past two seasons, after we narrowly missed the playoffs in Season 7, he's been extremely active on the trade market and in free agency to acquire the assets necessary to put us over the top. Some of this is good fortune because the San Jose Sabercats and Philadelphia Liberty were tearing down their teams just when we were building but it was mostly Bovo recognizing the window where we'd have the best chances of winning a championship and aggressively putting us in the best position to bring one home.
2. One of your two losses this season was against your Ultimus Game opponent, the Baltimore Hawks. What can you learn from that game to help you in the Championship?
BO: Yeah that was a harsh loss, we led for half the fourth quarter before some penalties and a few big plays put the game away for the Hawks. The biggest thing we learned was how important home field would be if we faced off against them again so we did what we could to return the favor in Week 14, the win which secured home field for us. The other lesson in the game was the importance of ball security. A lot of luck goes into turnovers so the value of that lesson is minimal but if we have 3 turnovers to their 0 in the Ultimus like we did in Week 7 it'll be tough to pull out the game. The fact that we played them so tight despite being on the road and getting destroyed in the turnover battle does bode well for us, I think.
3. Did the win against the Otters in the ASFC Championship Game feel like a passing of the torch?
BO: In terms of a power shift in the ASFC last year's Championship Game felt more like the torch passing. That was the season where we lost to them in Week 13 to lose home field advantage in the playoffs but pulled off the playoff win on the road. That was the game where it really felt like we became the ASFC favorite and not just part of the revolving door of ASFC's 2nd best. However, this game did feel like a passing of the torch in terms of quarterback play. For really the entire history of the league Mike Boss has been one of the premiere quarterbacks and for us to hold him, in his probably final career game, to 19 completions, 278 yards, and 2 touchdowns on 44 attempts - and perhaps more importantly 8 sacks for 54 yards - while Borkus went 24/43 for 344 yards and 4 touchdowns with zero sacks felt like a changing of the guard at the position.
4. Did you achieve any personal goals you set for yourself this season?
BO: No, not really. I was pretty garbage all season with just 58 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions and 6 passes defensed. For comparison, last year I was 84, 8, 6, and 8 respectively with a fumble forced and recovered. However as a unit we finished with the best passing defense in the league (important since we were leading most of the season) compared to fourth last season and allowed 14 points per game compared to last season's 22. Becoming the best defense in the league was a goal but a defense is only as good as its weakest link so that was much more of a team goal than a personal one. We also become the first defense to allow fewer than 200 points in a season since Arizona in Season 3 and just the fourth overall so that helps take the sting out of myself being pretty bad.
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(S9) - Ultimus Week - OBESE - 08-13-2018
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