*Hard Knocks : Rich Triplet

[Kotasa]

Hard Knocks: Rich Triplet edition

DISCLAIMER: This is a fluff piece for money, I am starting to run a little low so need to get that bread know what I mean. Nothing in here is serious and just for fun.

Following the Ultimini win with the Tijuana Luchadores, Rich Triplet was finally headed to the big leagues. As he went through the scouting process, he told teams that he wanted to stay down a year to bring home the eighth title for the Tijuana Luchadores, and that he did. Celebrating with his fellow Luchas was bittersweet for Rich because he knew he may never play with them again, but they would always have the championship to remember with them. “This is something we worked really hard for, no one really had us as contenders, and coming in with a below .500 record going against the top two teams in the league on the road made it that much harder. They didn’t call us the road warriors this year for no reason though!” Rich was quoted saying after the win. Rich would not be far from Tijuana however, just north he would be suiting up for the back-to-back defending champions in the San Jose Sabercats. Another team that was doubted in both of their wins over the past two seasons was excited to get another addition to their secondary. Along with rookie defensive back Xmus-Flaxon Jaxon-Wagon they were ready to get back to work and try for a threepeat before longtime wide receiver for the San Jose Sabercats Deondre Thomas-Fox retired.

“My main priority is to win championships; I want to make my mark on the league and end up in the Hall of Fame when it’s all said and done, and I told every team the same thing. Best way to do that is to get to work and win championships.”

Week 1

The first week of the season would have the San Jose Sabercats fly out to Honolulu to face the Hahalua on the road, facing down a veteran QB in Luke Skywalker and going to his house was not going to be easy for Rich and the Sabercats. However, Rich was feeling strongly about the outcome of the game before it even started. “We’re going to win this one, I woke up feeling dangerous today, I wasn’t nominated for CBOTY last year in the DSFL, so I guess I have to go out and go for DROTY this year in the ISFL.” The cockiness and brashness of Rich’s statement rubbed some in the league the wrong way, “Dude’s full of himself, hasn’t played a snap and is boasting like he’s the best player in the league. Can’t wait to burn the young kid for a buck fifty and a touddy when he comes to New York.” Said Kingston, wide receiver for the New York Silverbacks. However, that game would not take place until week three. In the week one matchup against Honolulu Rich was indeed dangerous, leading the team in tackles out of the slot position with seven in the game, Rich also deflected one pass and ended up with an interception. The San Jose Sabercats won the game 27-24 in week 1.

“I told you I was dangerous, I got nothing but respect for Skywalker, but I had to do it to em day 1. That is just how we do it in San Jose. That one is gonna be first of many, I am telling you I’m coming for the DROTY award.”

Week 2

Week 2 of the season was the second game on the road in back to backs for the Sabercats. They would be heading to their division rivals in the Orange County Otters. “They’re a dynasty for a reason, there’s a reason we’ve only seen true threepeats by one franchise, sorry Arizona but I am not counting your cloning operation as a real threepeat. We just want to be like that, get the threepeat here for the Sabercat fans.” Rich would again be playing in the slot and despite his big talk the week prior he did not play well in the slightest. The Sabercats started off hot scoring 21 in the first quarter but did not score a single point after that. Rich only registered 4 tackles on the game as the combo of Heath Evans and Jacob Philips ate him alive in the slot. Going off for a combined 8 catches for 102 yards. Despite not personally allowing a TD Rich took the loss personally.

“We have to be better on defense to be honest, offense scored a lot early and we have to hold theirs to less than 20 and we’ll win most of these. I gotta be better personally too. Not happy with my performance.”

Week 3

Week three brought the San Jose Sabercats back home, with their home opener they would face the New York Silverbacks, with the receiver who talked back about Rich’s boastful personality Joshua Kingston. “I’m gonna be on him like glue, I don’t take kindly to those talking down about me or my teammates.” Despite talking a big game Rich was not able to hold Kingston as the star receiver went off for four catches, 101 yards but was held without a touchdown. Rich had a solid game in the run game however and went for 7 tackles second on the team.

“I didn’t hold Kingston like I wanted but the team got the win and that’s what’s most important to me, 2-1 is a solid way to start and getting the home opener win was really big for us as a team. I am not doing what I would like to in the passing game but if it helps the team win then my stats come second.”

Week 4

Week 4 brought the Arizona Outlaws to San Jose to face off against another division rival. Playing against a great QB in Jay Cue who has weapons galore, and a defense loaded with young talent was not going to be easy but Rich and the Sabercats were ready for the challenge. “They’re good not gonna lie, I don’t care if they’re 0-3 they are a lot better than their record shows. They could make the playoffs easily, but we gotta take care of business today.” Unfortunately, they were unable to take care of business in their second home game. Despite crushing the Outlaws in time of possession and rushing yards, the San Jose Sabercats turned the ball over 3 times which all ended in touchdowns for the Outlaws as they fell to 2-2 on the year. Rich registered 6 tackles and 1 pass defense on the day, hardly DROTY numbers.

“We gotta be better with turnovers man, not only on offense but we gotta start creating them on defense. We gotta be better as a unit, and I gotta be better as an individual. Cannot keep taking these losses, this division is going to be tough and divisional wins are what will keep us in the playoff hunt.”

Week 5

The week 5 matchup had the Chicago Butchers coming to town, a team that has been a lot better than most others thought they would be due to their insane talent on their offense line. The wall of Chicago was real and the Sabercats knew defensively they needed to stick to their assignments perfectly if they wanted a shot. “They bully you up front man, playing in the slot I gotta stay disciplined, I gotta stay in my gap on the run and stay with my man on the pass. Can not afford penalties with these cats no way no how.” The match would turn into a barn burner of a game 10-3 was the final score with the Butchers coming out with the win. Rich ended the game with 5 tackles with one for a loss, and a pass defense.

“Not much you can say about that, they dominated us in time of possession and kept the ball out of our offenses hands. We only let them score in the first, but we could have forced for turnovers to allow our offense to have more chances. O’Donnell played efficiently against us, we will not let that happen again though.”

Week 6

Week 6 had the San Jose Sabercats back on the road and heading to the Austin Copperhead’s stadium. Despite some reports that Easton Cole was washed up he was putting together a nice season. “Everyone had Austin pegged to be one of the worst in the division. I think people who thought like that are surprised and they are scary man, better than most of the league for sure. Gotta hold Watts in check this game, I played her in the DSFL and I still remember when she hit an 88 yard TD against us in our house, we won that game but she’s only gotten better since then.” While the Sabercats held Watts to only 49 yards on 14 attempts they lost the game handedly. Easton Cole went off for 325 yards and 3 TDs with only 1 INT in the game. Rich was really humbled by this game, after only recording one tackle and allowing the vet to tear up their secondary they were humbled.

“I’m learning a lot about this league, it’s a lot different than the DSFL, I thought I was gonna be the man, but I have to earn that spot in this league. We gotta get better as a unit, we’re still pretty young so I know we can grow throughout the season, but this was a tough one to swallow.”

Week 7

Week 7 had the Sabercats come back home to face off against the New Orleans Second Line. Rich got the chance to catch up with his former captain in Tijuana Adam Mellott, the two had a great time catching up talking about the playoff race heading into the mid-season but Rich happily reminded him like the TPE race, he planned to win this game as well. Win they did, the Sabercats won the game by 15 with Rich only totaling 3 tackles on the day, he was just happy to secure the victory.

“We didn’t allow much through the air and came away with the W. Was great to see some of those Tijuana legends, but I cannot say I am upset they lost today. Was awesome to see Mellott and wish him nothing but success today I’m glad we came away with the win.”

Week 8

Week 8 had the Sabercats travel to the tundra to face off against the red-hot Yellowknife Wraiths. The San Jose Sabercats quarterback, Monty Jack, has faced his brother before and this time was no different. Colby Jack has had a phenomenal season for the Wraiths and Rich knew it. “Their passing game has been great, but their running game is just as impressive. We are going to have to force turnovers against this team because they will run away if they get ahead.” Unfortunately for the Sabercats they did not force any turnovers. Despite playing a clean game on offense the defense did not reciprocate allowing the wraiths to go off for over 469 yards total with the splash play being from the quarterback Colby Jack rushing for an 80-yard touchdown. Rich ended the game with 5 tackles and one pass defense.

“That was brutal man, we let up so much on defense, we couldn’t get anything going on offense. We are not looking like a playoff team, we have a title to defend and we are not taking care of business as it is. We NEED to be better, and I promise you we will be next week.”

Week 9

Week 9 had the Sabercats return home to face off against the Sarasota Sailfish, most teams did not have the Sabercats winning this game and for good reason, looking at their latest performance did not leave them favorable in the matchup. “We know how we looked last week but I played with Mike Boss Jr. for two seasons down in Tijuana, I know what makes him tick. Great friend of mine but this week I’m going to make him regret passing my way.” The Sabercats were unstoppable this game, putting up 477 yards on offense and scoring a whopping 52 points against the fish while only allowing 17 to be scored. With a TD in garbage time late in the fourth.  The defense was no slouch either allowing only 1 conversion on 12 attempts on third downs. While also forcing 2 turnovers and registering 6 sacks as a unit. Rich Triplet ended the game with 5 tackles.

“This is what I knew this squad could do all year long, we can be one of the deadliest teams in the league easily when we get it going. The goal is to be consistent for the rest of the year, run the table and get in a position to run the table.”

Week 10

Week 10 had the Sabercats traveling to the Baltimore Hawks, facing off against his old teammate in Doug Howlett, the duo were great friends in Tijuana. They kept their mouths covered while speaking being two young and up and coming players people get ideas when they see them talk. “I love Howlett but he’s another challenge in this league, so young and so good man it’ll make it hard to keep up.” Rich was also seen talking with Dermot Lavelle Jr. His father has helped mentor Rich Triplet throughout his time coming up in the league, Rich was quoted stating “He’s old man but I don’t think he’s lost it yet. Super dangerous in the return game.” The Sabercats were late in the game and looked to be set up pretty good to win the game. With 4 minutes left the Sabercats sideline stood in horror. As the old man Lavelle zipped down the sideline for an 81-yard return setting the Hawks in prime scoring location putting them down by only one point. The Sabercats ended up losing the game due to the special teams play.

“I was out there on that play and I should have covered him, I know his tendencies from training with him, so I knew what he was gonna do but still fell for it. It sucks but it is just another thing we need to improve.”

Week 11

Week 11 had the Sabercats head to New York for their rematch with the Silverbacks. The back and forth between Kingston and Triplet were a highlight this game for the two as they had a rivalry going by this point. “They are for sure different team than when we faced off week 3, Howitzer has gotten a lot better and their defense has played a lot better over the season. We gotta watch out for Owens who’s having a great year out wide and running between the tackles.” The Sabercats narrowly won this game 19-16, Triplet did a fine job helping cover Kingston helping to hold him to less than 70 yards, while he only registered 4 tackles it was important for him to help cover even if it did not get the stats.

“It was a good game man, gotta say though, Kingston was right earlier when he said I was not going to be in the running for DROTY, but I’ll take the win any day. Offense was good at controlling the ball and not letting Howitzer get going. Gotta keep this up as things are getting tight.”

Week 12

Week 12 brought the Orange County Otters to the San Jose Sabercats house for their annual rematch. Receiver Garfield Despacito Jr. Had not yet gotten going on the season in their first matchup but was recently on a tear. “Their offense is unique because you can’t really double team anyone, if you go for Despacito then Evans will eat you, go after him then it’s Phillips, don’t even talk about Nakamura. We are going to need to be on our A game tonight.” While it was not the prettiest for the defense allowing 362 yards, they also only allowed 24 points and held the Otters to 2/10 on third downs. The Sabercats controlled the ball yet again with 36 minutes of possession. Rich ended the game with 4 tackles one for a loss, 1 pass defense and his second interception on the season.

“When we control the ball, we control the game, when we control the game, we control our destiny. Things are looking good for us right now we are heading towards that playoff spot if we just keep winning games. I gotta have the type of performance I did tonight every week, it helps us win games. Shame I could not get in the endzone and ended on the one-yard line.”

Week 13

Week 13 presented the Sabercats with their rematch against the Outlaws down in Arizona. The outlaws were looking great and seemed to be heading for playoffs lead by their young defense and their new Jay Cue impersonator who threw less picks. “They are nice man, what can I say they’re in a playoff spot and we are not. It is important we come away with a W tonight.” Unfortunately, due to a surrender punt the Sabercats would not win that game, in overtime the Sabercats chose to punt the ball instead of kicking a field goal with their kicker who has been money all year. Matty McDairmid was called upon to punt from the 38-yard line in overtime when a field goal would have won them the game. Rich ended the game without a single stat.

“I do not want to put the coach on blast but I’m going to be honest. That was garbage decision making, we had that game won and coach gave it away. We need to stop them as a defense, but we already had for the past three drives in OT man, just kick the field goal and if we miss it ends up being about the same anyways. We got what 9 yards on the punt? We might miss out on playoffs because of this so yeah, I am upset.”

Week 14

Week 14 brought the New Orleans Second Line to San Jose for their annual rematch. Both teams were battling for a playoff spot in the highly contested ASFC. Both teams needed this win to keep playoff hopes alive, but the Sabercats needed it a bit more. “This is another must win; I want to let Mellott have one but not today. Defending the title is too important to this team for that.” The Sabercats ended up squeaking out a win against the Second Line 25-20 with Rich leading the team in tackles along with two passes defended.

“This was a huge win for us as a unit, it keeps us alive in the playoff hunt. We just need to win out and we can control the playoffs. Divisional games are the most important so beating NOLA was great, hope to see them again in the playoffs. Love playing against the former Luchas there.”

Week 15

Week 15 had a rematch between the Sabercats and the winless Honolulu Hahalua. This time the Sabercats were at home and many said this was a trap game. “I do not really think trap games exist. If you made it to the ISFL you are pretty [expletive] good at football. Things have not gone their way but that does not mean they can not win a game. It just means they have not won one yet. I do not think they will win today though.” Rich was incorrect about this as the Honolulu Hahalua were able to sneak out a victory in overtime due to another surrender punt by the Sabercats. Dashing the Sabercats playoff hopes and awarding Honolulu their first victory on the season.

“I really just can not believe that it is over for us. I have not missed the playoffs since joining this league, I know it was just the DSFL but coming into the two-time back-to-back defending world champs you just feel you would continue that success. It really sucks to get knocked out in such a crappy way. Punting away a chance to win when you can take the field goal and potentially win it all feels horrible. Especially when they took the punt to our RedZone. Why punt from the 38 man, we are going to make some huge changes this offseason. I know the whole league is, but our team is going right back for it next year. Jot that in your little books.”

Thus, concludes the Hard Knocks story of Rich Triplet, with one game left in the season the team is no longer vying for a playoff spot and thus our story ends. Also, double media runs out tonight, so I had to pump this out for those fat stacks. Do not take anything in here seriously as it is just a shameless cash grab.

I hope you enjoyed reading this essay as much as I enjoyed writing it,
Rich Triplet
R-R-t

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[Lowlycrib]

I'm just thankful the cameras didn't catch you teaching me how to actually catch the ball instead of it hitting my face and counting as a pass deflection