(S11) - Ultimus Week

[iseedoug]

Championship Game Recap:

The Ultmini was an instant classic as it has been the past few seasons. The 3-time Ultmini Champions Tijuana were looking to add their 4th against an arguable much stronger Portland Python team. Tijuana was coming off of a surprisingly tough regular season, but were highly confident after a win in the conference championship against the Marshals. Portland on the other hand was coming off of one of the best seasons in recent date, and were heavily favored to win it all. Despite this seemly lopsided match up, the game remained tight. The most exciting play of the game has to be the 50-yard field goal by the Luchadores rookie kicker early in the game. 50-yard field goals are always exciting, but this kick brought back some historic memories for the Luchadore fans. In the S8 Ultimini, the Luchadores, again underdogs, won the game in the last second off the leg of then rookie Kyle Corbett. This was the Luchadores first championship. This early 50 yard boot left gave the underdog Luchadores hope. Sadly, (for Luchadore fans), Portland ended up winning the game with a score of 13 to 6. While this play did not win the game or even match the strong defensive play from both teams, it gave the Luchadore fans hope to win the 4th Ultimini in a row.

Going to Disneyland!:

In this years Ultimini, I think there are two sets of players who deserve MVP: the Portland running game (Shady and Smallwood-Chess) and the Portland GMs. The run game was outstanding in this game, 195 yards on 40 attempts. While this rushing attack failed to score, it did run the clock in a close score game with the lead. The Portland offense held the ball and did not give the Luchadores a chance to score and tie it up. This performance is both a credit to the game planning and to the build of these running backs. So, I am going to say Shady and Smallwood-Chess are probably Epcot guys, and will spend all their hard earned DSFL money eating food at every expensive foreign food place in Walt Disney has to offer. While Daybe is probably a Mickey Mouse guy. So, 16 selfies with Mickey Mouse and Goofy the Dog for Daybe, followed up by a lazy stroll through Magic Kingdom and a thrilling ride on Big Thunder Mountain. Lastly, I assume Daybe and the running back duo will meet up to go see the snakes in the Disney Animal Kingdom. Happily Ever After. Until the Luchadores crush their hopes and dreams in S12.


Sit down with a fan: @nunccoepi interviewed me

1. SJS started to see some long awaited success this season. What is there most to be excited about going into next season?

Yeah I think the team has a lot of talent guys, but we just didn’t have enough to get the wins. I think next season has a lot of excitement with the deep draft class coming up. Unlike last season, we have some early picks, and hope to make those picks matter. If we can fill a few more gaps, this team could be a playoff team.

2. What is the greatest area that SJS still needs to improve in?

I would love to see a 3rd dominate LB come play with Deringer and myself, maybe a big Free Agent, while that is not a hole, I love seeing strengths get stronger. We also could really use help on the Dline and the back end of the D. On the offense, I really feel like we have the pieces, guys just need to keep up the offseason work to get better.

3. You signed a contract extension with SJS. Are you there for the long haul? Will you retire a sabercat?

That’s a great question. I love the locker room in San Jose and think this team has tons of promise, but it is true that I want to have a ring before it’s all said and done. I think ultimately I will retire a Sabercat and want to retire a Sabercat, but I am keeping my options open to spend some time elsewhere before retirement. I am really excited to see what the front office can do in S12 with the current talent, free agents, and the draft, hopefully to make a push at getting a championship.

4. What happened with the Luchadores this season?

Man, Luchadores had a crazy season. I watched every game and just was in awe at how many close games they lost in the regular season. I mean with that roster and such an experienced set of winning GMs, it just didn’t make sense. So, tough season, but they really showed up in the playoffs, getting that huge road win against the newly ran Marshals. It was said to see them lose the championship, but a great rally by the team for sure.

Sit down with a star: I interviewed nunccoepi