2) Underdog (225 Words)
Out of the two DSFL playoff matchups happening in round one the Kansas City Coyotes have a better chance at upsetting in their series. The Coyotes and Pythons split their season series 2-2 this season and although the Pythons ended the regular season on a much higher note than the Coyotes resulting in home field advantage the Coyotes actually stole a game in Portland back in Week 5 clawing their way back from a multiple score deficit going into the 4th Quarter, so it's very possible they could do it again. If Jay Longshaw can out duel Franklin Armstrong at the QB position and get Dexter Banks the ball early and often I think the Coyotes can steal away some of the home field momentum and maybe even win this one. The Pythons defence has been lights out all season but the Coyotes managed to hang 38 points on the Pythons in Week 9 which was the most number of points given up by the Pythons Stranglehold all season long. For the Coyotes to win Longshaw needs to throw a clean game, and the Coyotes defence lead by Tyron Brackenridge and Brayden Ennis needs to find a way to shut down the dominant Pythons run game. If the Coyotes can come up with a gameplan to pull that off they could actually win this one.
3) All about the QBs (212 Words)
The QB matchup I'm most excited to see in the DSFL playoffs is Franklin Armstrong vs Jay Longshaw in the round one matchup between Portland and KC. These two Division rivals have been going toe to toe all season long the winning team of each game this series came as the result of the winning QB making smart decisions and not turning the ball over. Armstrong led a fiery Pythons offence that lead the DSFL in passing yards per game. Armstrong is by far the highest TPE earning QB in the DSFL and is surrounded by weapons including Hugo Mongo, Action Jackson and SabaDonutMan. Jay Longshaw on the other side is a ways behind Armstrong in terms of TPE but benefits greatly from the performance of max earner and explosive target Dexter Banks. Armstrong has struggled at times this season but I expect to see a huge performance out of him in this round one series and wouldn't be surprised to see him put up 300+ in this matchup. Banks will be hard to contain for the Pythons but I expect the Stranglehold to lock him down much like did in week 14 and Armstrong will be play of the game on the other side in a back and forth explosive affair.
4) Head to Head Matchups (236 Words)
I've been focusing all of my answers on the much anticipated Coyotes vs Pythons matchup and this answer is no different. The matchup I'm most looking forward to is Mervin Leonard vs Dexter Banks (Yes, I may be a bit biased here..). I have faced off with Banks 4 times this season and he has been my favourite matchup on and off of the field all season. Banks' speed proved to be an issue early in the season for Leonard as we saw in Week 1 as Banks got off to a hot start 88 yards on 5 catches but was kept out of the endzone. In the week 5 matchup Banks was shutdown the majority of the game until the final minute of the game when Banks beat Leonard on a quick slant from the 1 yard line to score the game winning TD. In week 9 Banks once again had a big game racking up 93 yards and a TD en route to the Pythons worst loss of the season. Leonard managed to completely skunk Banks in the final regular season matchup between these two in week 14 as Banks was held to 1 catch for 13 yards in a Coyotes loss. I expect this matchup to be heated heading into this round one playoff game and expect this matchup to be a pivotal battle to determine who will be heading to the Ultimini.
6) Our Time (211 words)
This year is our year, The Portland Pythons will be Ultimini Champions. The Pythons are coming into the playoffs arguably the hottest team in the DSFL finishing first in the NFC with an 11-3 record while putting up some pretty damn impressive numbers leading the league in Points per game, points allowed per game, most total yards offensively, while allowing the fewest yards per game among other impressive feats. On offence the team features the top QB in the , the top WR in the DSFL, the top RB in the DSFL. Meanwhile over on the defensive side of the ball the team features the much feared Portland Stranglehold lead by Rookie CB's Mervin Leonard and Koda Adok. The Tijuana Luchadores are favoured by a lot of analysts as the favourites to win it all heading into this years playoffs but are coming into the playoffs after suffering a humiliating loss to Norfolk. Tijuana's only other loss of the season came in week 6 to Portland and the teams only other matchup of the season was a hotly contest 26-20 Tijuana win. I think the entire Python lineup is getting hot just at the right time lead by Franklin Armstrong and think people should be seriously considering this squad as Ultimini favourites.
THE BELOW TWO ARE POSTED SO THAT RAIDERNATION AKA JORDAN ANDREWS GETS CREDIT:
1. The DSFL Ultimi Championship has been set. You and the Portland Pythons will be squaring up with the Tijuana Luchadores for the third time this season. Both teams split their season matchups, what do you feel is the key on offense and defense for either team to come out as victors?
"Both games between us and the Luchadores this season were a slugfest and came down to the wire with less than 7 points being the deciding factor in both. I expect much of the same in the Ultimini. In a game full of superstars in the passing game such as Franklin Thompson, Jordan Andrews and Hugo Mongo I actually expect this one to be decided by who can control the line of scrimmage and hold the opposing teams rushing attack in check.
Neither QB put up very good numbers in the head to head matchups between these two this season but both teams managed to put up very impressive rushing stats and in the Pythons win against the Luchadores early in the year the deciding factor was the Python rush attack that put up 80 more yards than the Luchadores.
Whoever puts up more yards on the ground is going to win this one"
2. The football camp you and fellow DSFL cornerback Jordan Andrews Co-Hosted in the beginning of the season had a great turnout. Any plans from the two of you in keeping it going next season?
"I'm really glad you asked about that! Me and Jordan are both warriors on the field but we also both love giving back to the community off the field.
Like you mentioned that camp we hosted was a huge success and we've actually been in discussions to expand the camp next year. I can't give to many details out yet but stay tuned for some really exciting news soon!"
3. Who is your favorite to win the NSFL Ultimus?
"I think that Jordan and I can both agree on this one... This season's champion will 100% be the Portland Pythons!!
All joking aside both teams played great all season and this game will really be a showcase of the best that the DSFL has to offer. I legitimately believe this one is going to be decided by less than 7 points and wouldn't be surprised to see someone make a big play in the final minutes that decides this one.
I predict Pythons by 3."
4. Any off-season plans yet?
"This is a big offseason for me. I'm coming off a big season for the Pythons and am really focused and looking forward to my future in the NSFL. You'll be able to find me in the gym and on the practice field all offseason getting better every day!"
13) 1) Every player in the DSFL gets to pick their own Jersey number, tell me why you picked the number 21.
Oh man, that numbers been part of my playing days from as far back as I can remember. I think it stuck mainly cause my father would teach me a ton about life because of my mom's situation. There was this one time the three of us, my dad my brother Derrick and myself was having a deep conversation on life and the age 21 came up. I just got the concept that even though we are considered adults at age 18, we really don't start living life until we are 21 and I've set countless goals for myself to accomplish by the time I was 21. I can't complain as of yet.
2) You had a great rookie season in the DSFL and I'm sure you're excited to play in the upcoming Ultimini. Outside of having the opportunity to win it all this season what has been your most memorable moment this season and why?
I don't think any one moment sticks out more than another in my first full season. It's just a blessing to have had a dream as a child and proceeded to connect to blocks on my way to completing my dream. With the right training and putting the right products in my body, I'm preparing myself to play for many years to come. As of now, I'm just glad I stay healthy all season and did my part for the Luchadores to get the opportunity to play for another 'ship.
3) Lots of players have game day routines or superstitions, do you have any and if so what are they?
To be completely honest, between all the position meetings and walk throughs on game day, I usually throw on my Beats by Dre and get myself mentally ready. There's plenty of coaches, staff, teammates, family and friends that have suggestions on what to look out for in game, all we can do is retain as much of it as possible and focus on what you know you need to do to be successful that game.
4) Saving the best for last. Your Luchadores will be facing off with Pythons tomorrow night for the Ultimini. Who's going to win the game and what are will be each teams key to success?
Tijuana has been the hottest team all season in the DSFL and not to mention one of the most successful organizations. I have no doubt in my fellow teammates that we can't take care of business tomorrow night. I believe the key for us to win is our ground game has it's been our bread and butter all season. Ducky Donut and C. Osbourn will lead the charge accompanied by stellar QB play by Jordan McCann.
Out of the two DSFL playoff matchups happening in round one the Kansas City Coyotes have a better chance at upsetting in their series. The Coyotes and Pythons split their season series 2-2 this season and although the Pythons ended the regular season on a much higher note than the Coyotes resulting in home field advantage the Coyotes actually stole a game in Portland back in Week 5 clawing their way back from a multiple score deficit going into the 4th Quarter, so it's very possible they could do it again. If Jay Longshaw can out duel Franklin Armstrong at the QB position and get Dexter Banks the ball early and often I think the Coyotes can steal away some of the home field momentum and maybe even win this one. The Pythons defence has been lights out all season but the Coyotes managed to hang 38 points on the Pythons in Week 9 which was the most number of points given up by the Pythons Stranglehold all season long. For the Coyotes to win Longshaw needs to throw a clean game, and the Coyotes defence lead by Tyron Brackenridge and Brayden Ennis needs to find a way to shut down the dominant Pythons run game. If the Coyotes can come up with a gameplan to pull that off they could actually win this one.
3) All about the QBs (212 Words)
The QB matchup I'm most excited to see in the DSFL playoffs is Franklin Armstrong vs Jay Longshaw in the round one matchup between Portland and KC. These two Division rivals have been going toe to toe all season long the winning team of each game this series came as the result of the winning QB making smart decisions and not turning the ball over. Armstrong led a fiery Pythons offence that lead the DSFL in passing yards per game. Armstrong is by far the highest TPE earning QB in the DSFL and is surrounded by weapons including Hugo Mongo, Action Jackson and SabaDonutMan. Jay Longshaw on the other side is a ways behind Armstrong in terms of TPE but benefits greatly from the performance of max earner and explosive target Dexter Banks. Armstrong has struggled at times this season but I expect to see a huge performance out of him in this round one series and wouldn't be surprised to see him put up 300+ in this matchup. Banks will be hard to contain for the Pythons but I expect the Stranglehold to lock him down much like did in week 14 and Armstrong will be play of the game on the other side in a back and forth explosive affair.
4) Head to Head Matchups (236 Words)
I've been focusing all of my answers on the much anticipated Coyotes vs Pythons matchup and this answer is no different. The matchup I'm most looking forward to is Mervin Leonard vs Dexter Banks (Yes, I may be a bit biased here..). I have faced off with Banks 4 times this season and he has been my favourite matchup on and off of the field all season. Banks' speed proved to be an issue early in the season for Leonard as we saw in Week 1 as Banks got off to a hot start 88 yards on 5 catches but was kept out of the endzone. In the week 5 matchup Banks was shutdown the majority of the game until the final minute of the game when Banks beat Leonard on a quick slant from the 1 yard line to score the game winning TD. In week 9 Banks once again had a big game racking up 93 yards and a TD en route to the Pythons worst loss of the season. Leonard managed to completely skunk Banks in the final regular season matchup between these two in week 14 as Banks was held to 1 catch for 13 yards in a Coyotes loss. I expect this matchup to be heated heading into this round one playoff game and expect this matchup to be a pivotal battle to determine who will be heading to the Ultimini.
6) Our Time (211 words)
This year is our year, The Portland Pythons will be Ultimini Champions. The Pythons are coming into the playoffs arguably the hottest team in the DSFL finishing first in the NFC with an 11-3 record while putting up some pretty damn impressive numbers leading the league in Points per game, points allowed per game, most total yards offensively, while allowing the fewest yards per game among other impressive feats. On offence the team features the top QB in the , the top WR in the DSFL, the top RB in the DSFL. Meanwhile over on the defensive side of the ball the team features the much feared Portland Stranglehold lead by Rookie CB's Mervin Leonard and Koda Adok. The Tijuana Luchadores are favoured by a lot of analysts as the favourites to win it all heading into this years playoffs but are coming into the playoffs after suffering a humiliating loss to Norfolk. Tijuana's only other loss of the season came in week 6 to Portland and the teams only other matchup of the season was a hotly contest 26-20 Tijuana win. I think the entire Python lineup is getting hot just at the right time lead by Franklin Armstrong and think people should be seriously considering this squad as Ultimini favourites.
THE BELOW TWO ARE POSTED SO THAT RAIDERNATION AKA JORDAN ANDREWS GETS CREDIT:
1. The DSFL Ultimi Championship has been set. You and the Portland Pythons will be squaring up with the Tijuana Luchadores for the third time this season. Both teams split their season matchups, what do you feel is the key on offense and defense for either team to come out as victors?
"Both games between us and the Luchadores this season were a slugfest and came down to the wire with less than 7 points being the deciding factor in both. I expect much of the same in the Ultimini. In a game full of superstars in the passing game such as Franklin Thompson, Jordan Andrews and Hugo Mongo I actually expect this one to be decided by who can control the line of scrimmage and hold the opposing teams rushing attack in check.
Neither QB put up very good numbers in the head to head matchups between these two this season but both teams managed to put up very impressive rushing stats and in the Pythons win against the Luchadores early in the year the deciding factor was the Python rush attack that put up 80 more yards than the Luchadores.
Whoever puts up more yards on the ground is going to win this one"
2. The football camp you and fellow DSFL cornerback Jordan Andrews Co-Hosted in the beginning of the season had a great turnout. Any plans from the two of you in keeping it going next season?
"I'm really glad you asked about that! Me and Jordan are both warriors on the field but we also both love giving back to the community off the field.
Like you mentioned that camp we hosted was a huge success and we've actually been in discussions to expand the camp next year. I can't give to many details out yet but stay tuned for some really exciting news soon!"
3. Who is your favorite to win the NSFL Ultimus?
"I think that Jordan and I can both agree on this one... This season's champion will 100% be the Portland Pythons!!
All joking aside both teams played great all season and this game will really be a showcase of the best that the DSFL has to offer. I legitimately believe this one is going to be decided by less than 7 points and wouldn't be surprised to see someone make a big play in the final minutes that decides this one.
I predict Pythons by 3."
4. Any off-season plans yet?
"This is a big offseason for me. I'm coming off a big season for the Pythons and am really focused and looking forward to my future in the NSFL. You'll be able to find me in the gym and on the practice field all offseason getting better every day!"
13) 1) Every player in the DSFL gets to pick their own Jersey number, tell me why you picked the number 21.
Oh man, that numbers been part of my playing days from as far back as I can remember. I think it stuck mainly cause my father would teach me a ton about life because of my mom's situation. There was this one time the three of us, my dad my brother Derrick and myself was having a deep conversation on life and the age 21 came up. I just got the concept that even though we are considered adults at age 18, we really don't start living life until we are 21 and I've set countless goals for myself to accomplish by the time I was 21. I can't complain as of yet.
2) You had a great rookie season in the DSFL and I'm sure you're excited to play in the upcoming Ultimini. Outside of having the opportunity to win it all this season what has been your most memorable moment this season and why?
I don't think any one moment sticks out more than another in my first full season. It's just a blessing to have had a dream as a child and proceeded to connect to blocks on my way to completing my dream. With the right training and putting the right products in my body, I'm preparing myself to play for many years to come. As of now, I'm just glad I stay healthy all season and did my part for the Luchadores to get the opportunity to play for another 'ship.
3) Lots of players have game day routines or superstitions, do you have any and if so what are they?
To be completely honest, between all the position meetings and walk throughs on game day, I usually throw on my Beats by Dre and get myself mentally ready. There's plenty of coaches, staff, teammates, family and friends that have suggestions on what to look out for in game, all we can do is retain as much of it as possible and focus on what you know you need to do to be successful that game.
4) Saving the best for last. Your Luchadores will be facing off with Pythons tomorrow night for the Ultimini. Who's going to win the game and what are will be each teams key to success?
Tijuana has been the hottest team all season in the DSFL and not to mention one of the most successful organizations. I have no doubt in my fellow teammates that we can't take care of business tomorrow night. I believe the key for us to win is our ground game has it's been our bread and butter all season. Ducky Donut and C. Osbourn will lead the charge accompanied by stellar QB play by Jordan McCann.
