(S13) - Ultimus Week

[manicmav36]

1) IT IS OUR TIME THIS (NEXT) YEAR - Can be completed anytime

The Yellowknife Wraiths would have what many would probably call a disappointing season, 4-10 isn’t exactly setting the world on fire. However, there were clear improvements over last season. After finishing a league worst 3-11, the Wraiths improved almost across the board. Ignoring the obvious of 1 more win over last season, they also improved in points scored by scoring nearly 4 more points per game, and total offense by improving roughly 55 yards per game. Curiously, despite adding CB Johnny Snuggles with the 1st overall pick in the draft, points allowed and passing yards allowed by failed to improve, and in fact, got worse, when compared to last season. This offseason looks to be a boon for the Wraiths, however. After retaining the talented Dick Wizardry, running back star in the making, the Wraiths traded a pair of draft picks to the Arizona Outlaws for blossoming star linebacker, Alex Selich, who will replace barely serviceable Elvin Enchant as the #1 linebacker. The fun doesn’t stop there though. The Wraiths also retain the rights to 3 picks in the first round of the upcoming draft. Although many expect the first pick to address their future QB and have little to no effect on the team next season, they are expected to pick up two more starters with the 6th and 8th overall picks. The Wraiths may not be competing for the Ultimus this upcoming season, but with the continued improvements, they are well on their way.



2) SPOTLIGHT ON THE YOUTH - Can be completed anytime

Entering only his second season in the league, James Bishop has a lot of room to grow. Luckily for Bishop, he gets to learn behind the greatest wide receiver the Colorado Yeti have ever seen, Howard Miller. Miller has been fantastic in his career and many believe if he continues his current pace, has a good shot at the Hall of Fame. But where does James Bishop fit into all of this? As the clear #2 receiver on the team, he frequently gets the benefit of one-on-one coverage due to the consistent double coverage on Miller. In the past teams could easily pull this off with no clear #2 threat coming from the Yeti, but since he has joined the league, Bishop has been making the pay. Now, it’s true that Bishop saw a slight dip across the board (receptions, yards, TDs, yards/reception) but that less of an indication of where his career is headed, and more an indication of the added firepower (although temporary) on the Yeti’s offense. L’Alto has had a great season, but is officially on his way out the door and Bishop will be there to pick up the slack (and yards) left behind. With defenses keying on the bigger names (Miller, L’Alto) expect Bishop to flourish in the payoffs and make defenses pay for the lack of respect. Expect a monster showing from Bishop as he continues to grow and mature next season.

3) SIT DOWN WITH A STAR @Bigred1580 answered questions from me

1) After a very up and down season (especially by Luchadore standards), you've managed to fight your way into the Ultimini against the defending champs, the Kansas City Coyotes. What did you do to prepare for this showdown, and can you give me any insight into the Luchadore's game plan?
I plan to prepare for this game like I do every other game. Catch 100 balls every morning, 100 balls after lunch, and 100 balls before bed. I will study the game plan as I fall asleep to the prophetic dream of catching a TD in the Championship and that TD being the difference in the game. The game plan is pretty simple, feed me the rock. 20+ targets aren’t out of the question.

2) After finishing 5th in receiving yards and first in touchdown receptions, do think you deserve to be in discussions for WRotY in the DSFL?
Definitely. The first half of the season we were bringing along a rookie Qb. Once he started realizing his best strategy was to throw to your’s truly, we began our late season comeback. That comeback resulting in me getting to fifth in receiving yards, but more importantly destroying the competition in TDs. Unless I’m mistaken, you get points in football for TDs, not yards, so I did more to help my team than anyone else. In fact, I ended the regular season scoring 6 touchdowns in the last 5 games, a trend that continued into the playoffs. So yeah, you got your WRotY right here.

3) Next season you will likely be joining a Yellowknife receiving corp as the #4 receiver. How do you hope to separate yourself from the rest of the group?
I reject the premise that I will be the #4 receiver. Yellowknife is getting a baller, a touchdown maker, a future no 1. I understand that I have to show my stuff, and I always have, but it’s only a matter of time before I’m the leading wide out in the league. My only setback will be learning French. That’s what they speak up there right?

4) What are some realistic goals you have both for yourself and the Wraiths as a whole next season?
Ultimus, RotY, WRotY. MVP will come in year two...


4) SIT DOWN WITH A FAN I answered questions from @Bigred1580

What's the biggest difference moving from Nebraska to Canada?
Honestly, it’s the sheer lack of things to do here. Funny to hear someone from Nebraska to say that, right? “It’s just a fly over state” I hear it all the time. Seriously though, there is nothing to do here. Thank God for football, or this town would drive me absolutely insane. Did I mention the cold? Who’s bight idea was it to put people this far north? It’s must be someone’s idea of a cruel joke. Don’t forget your parka.

How would you gauge your performance as a rookie this season and what areas are you looking to improve on in this off season?
Overall, I’m pretty happy with it. I finished with 61 tackles, 14 passes defended, and 3 interceptions. The 61 tackles is my most disappointing statistic, as it puts me at #15 among CBs, although there was significant improvement on that front towards the end of the season. The 3 interceptions was good enough to tie me for 11th in the league and 4th among CBs (and tie for most of all defensive rookies). My goal for passes defended was an average of 1 per game (that I nailed!), but there is plenty of room for improvement there as the league leader finished with 31. 14 was still a respectable number, however, as it was good enough to put me in 17th overall and 8th among CBs. It was also the most recorded by any rookie. While I would call it a solid season overall, being the first overall pick in the draft is a lot to live up to, and I strive to do every day.

You got the privilege of learning alongside future HOF Dermot Lavelle in his final season. What has he been able to pass on to you as his heir apparent?
The best thing he’s taught me is that eventually, we all get beat on a route, especially in a league as pass happy as the NSFL. The thing the separates the good from the great is how quickly you bounce back from, and how you learn from it. Honestly though, it’s hard not to learn something from that guy whenever you step on the field with him. He’s the career leader in passes defended, interceptions, defensive touchdowns, return yards… the list just goes on and on. He’s a legend.

What should we as fans expect to see from the Wraiths next season?
Improvement. I’m not going to lie to you and say that we’ll be Ultimus favorites, because we won’t be. I’ll probably catch some flak for that, but it’s the truth, we’re just too young right now. The amount of young talent we have on the roster will surprise some people though. Add in our 4 picks in the top 9 of the draft this year, and the we have all the makings of an NSFC power in a couple seasons.