Robbed
The Norfolk Seawolves were robbed from the playoffs, unfortunately due to being in a division with two incredibly strong teams, the Kansas City Coyotes and the Portland Pythons. They finished their season 6-8 which would have been tied for first place in the SFC South. People may say that it's tough to compare divisions, strength of schedule, etc, well they were in the objectively stronger division and the SFC is lucky that they didn't have the Seawolves in their division.
They were one of two teams to beat a historically great Pythons and outscored the majority of the SFC. Their quarterback Palmer put up solid numbers and overall is my third ranked quarterback in the DSFL behind McCoy and Strike, unfortunately held back by a lack of a strong running game and the league's second worst defense, letting up 324 points.
They had 8 games within the division and unfortunately the Coyotes and Pythons were the top tier teams, they went 2-6 against these two historically efficient offenses, beating them one each. That means that they went 4-2 against the SFC, and likely would have ended up looking at an 8-6 record if in the SFC. Maybe it's time for a change of divisions?
Playoff MVP
In terms of offensive MVP, Mark Grau takes the nod. He put up consistent and efficient numbers, passing the 70 yard threshold in both games, with a game changing touchdown in the Ultimini. This is in conjunction with some solid returns that kept the Pythons in striking distance often. In addition to the statistics, there are intangibles that he offered that are impossible to measure. He was instrumental in rallying the team in both of the close playoff games, and he was constantly on the sidelines taking care of his guy McCoy who had two rough games. Hats off to you Grau.
Play of the playoffs for him is his 37 yard touchdown in the Ultimini. He shook a cornerback so badly that gave him a clear 10 yards of separation for him and McCoy to connect for what would become the game winning touchdown. MVP of the series, and of the Ultimini.
Defensive MVP is tough, there were some incredible game-changing plays but Mason Brown is my choice. Coming up with 14 tackles and 3 sacks, he kept the offenses cautious and was constantly in the backfield hurrying up opposing quarterbacks. As with Grau, some things can't be pinned down by statistics. Brown has been a vocal leader of the defense and as a group they made some incredible stops to keep the Pythons chances of winning up.
That Magic Moment
The S7 Ultimini was a ridiculously tough match, and one that had many viewers on the edge of their seats. A goal line stop, a series of field goals, some turnovers, it had it all. One moment in particular left everyone in awe though, and many of you know the play before I even say it. In what we now call "The Shimmy Shammy Shakeup" quarterback Cole McCoy connected with wide receiver Mark Grau for a game-winning touchdown. Many thought it was just poor coverage, but it was entirely a mental assault on Vranos, a calculated series of moves from Grau to get in the head of Vranos and it paid off.
Mark Grau is a renowned route running wide receiver, which led many people into shock as to why he was having trouble getting separation. Grau looked to be soft on his routes, taking lazy angles and favoring an inside release all game. Little did Vranos and the Luchadores know that it was entirely a matter of Grau setting up for a finale. After a turnover on downs from the Luchadores Grau looked at McCoy, gave a wink and McCoy knew what was going to happen. The ball was hiked, Grau took a slow release from the line, planted left foot down and moved to turn his body inwards for a quick hitch route. He sold it incredibly well, so well that Vranos went to jump on the interception, 100% committed to it he had no time to react to Grau digging his right foot in and turning his hips downfield. A perfectly executed stop and go that gave Grau 10 yards of separation with his tremendous speed. McCoy hit him perfectly in stride and it was a clear touchdown. Game over.
The Norfolk Seawolves were robbed from the playoffs, unfortunately due to being in a division with two incredibly strong teams, the Kansas City Coyotes and the Portland Pythons. They finished their season 6-8 which would have been tied for first place in the SFC South. People may say that it's tough to compare divisions, strength of schedule, etc, well they were in the objectively stronger division and the SFC is lucky that they didn't have the Seawolves in their division.
They were one of two teams to beat a historically great Pythons and outscored the majority of the SFC. Their quarterback Palmer put up solid numbers and overall is my third ranked quarterback in the DSFL behind McCoy and Strike, unfortunately held back by a lack of a strong running game and the league's second worst defense, letting up 324 points.
They had 8 games within the division and unfortunately the Coyotes and Pythons were the top tier teams, they went 2-6 against these two historically efficient offenses, beating them one each. That means that they went 4-2 against the SFC, and likely would have ended up looking at an 8-6 record if in the SFC. Maybe it's time for a change of divisions?
Playoff MVP
In terms of offensive MVP, Mark Grau takes the nod. He put up consistent and efficient numbers, passing the 70 yard threshold in both games, with a game changing touchdown in the Ultimini. This is in conjunction with some solid returns that kept the Pythons in striking distance often. In addition to the statistics, there are intangibles that he offered that are impossible to measure. He was instrumental in rallying the team in both of the close playoff games, and he was constantly on the sidelines taking care of his guy McCoy who had two rough games. Hats off to you Grau.
Play of the playoffs for him is his 37 yard touchdown in the Ultimini. He shook a cornerback so badly that gave him a clear 10 yards of separation for him and McCoy to connect for what would become the game winning touchdown. MVP of the series, and of the Ultimini.
Defensive MVP is tough, there were some incredible game-changing plays but Mason Brown is my choice. Coming up with 14 tackles and 3 sacks, he kept the offenses cautious and was constantly in the backfield hurrying up opposing quarterbacks. As with Grau, some things can't be pinned down by statistics. Brown has been a vocal leader of the defense and as a group they made some incredible stops to keep the Pythons chances of winning up.
That Magic Moment
The S7 Ultimini was a ridiculously tough match, and one that had many viewers on the edge of their seats. A goal line stop, a series of field goals, some turnovers, it had it all. One moment in particular left everyone in awe though, and many of you know the play before I even say it. In what we now call "The Shimmy Shammy Shakeup" quarterback Cole McCoy connected with wide receiver Mark Grau for a game-winning touchdown. Many thought it was just poor coverage, but it was entirely a mental assault on Vranos, a calculated series of moves from Grau to get in the head of Vranos and it paid off.
Mark Grau is a renowned route running wide receiver, which led many people into shock as to why he was having trouble getting separation. Grau looked to be soft on his routes, taking lazy angles and favoring an inside release all game. Little did Vranos and the Luchadores know that it was entirely a matter of Grau setting up for a finale. After a turnover on downs from the Luchadores Grau looked at McCoy, gave a wink and McCoy knew what was going to happen. The ball was hiked, Grau took a slow release from the line, planted left foot down and moved to turn his body inwards for a quick hitch route. He sold it incredibly well, so well that Vranos went to jump on the interception, 100% committed to it he had no time to react to Grau digging his right foot in and turning his hips downfield. A perfectly executed stop and go that gave Grau 10 yards of separation with his tremendous speed. McCoy hit him perfectly in stride and it was a clear touchdown. Game over.
![[Image: grau.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/370592568003788822/414919298327248929/grau.png)
WR/RB | Portland Pythons | Colorado Yeti Star RB | Awards Committee Member
