(S16) - Ultimus Week

[Modern_Duke]

7) Next Year
Season 17 of the NSFL will belong to the Orange County Otters. Simply put, this was the best team in the league, with the second most points scored per game (1 total point behind the Yellowknife Wraiths) and the fewest points allowed. But, as we all know anything can happen in the playoffs. "That's why they play the games", as the saying goes. Orange County was eliminated (actually that may not be a strong enough word..."obliterated") by eventual champions and division rival Arizona Outlaws in the semifinals, 31-3. It was quite the shocking result, but the Otters should be poised for revenge next season.

The Otters went 8-6 in Season 15 before improving to 10-3 in Season 16. It will be hard to continue improving upon a 10-3 record and division title, but anything is possible if the game breaking duo of G. Showbiz and V. Valentine stays this effective, not to mention the other two 1000-yard receivers on the roster. The rest of the division certainly wasn't too much of a challenge in the regular season, and outside of the defending champs, it appears unlikely that another challenger will emerge. If the Otters can put a tough and, what some would consider fluky, loss behind them, look for the Otters to be back with a vengeance and something to prove in the coming season.

---

4) Head to Head Matchups

I want to focus on a big matchup that occurred in the Ultimus between top stars in the league, Arizona Outlaws WR Brock Landers and Philadelphia Liberty CB Emondov Emoji. Landers was the main offensive threat for the Outlaws in Season 17, as one of only eight receivers in the league to over 1,000 yards on the season. Meanwhile, Emoji was arguably the league's premier defensive back despite only getting three interceptions on the season, on the back of a league leading 26 passes defended.

With all eyes on this impressive WR/CB duel, Landers' first reception came on the Outlaws opening drive, but Emoji wrapped him up right away for a modest 7 yard gain. Landers did not record another catch until 6:11 remained in the second quarter, but this time he came out on top with a 11 yard reception that resulted in a first down. Arizona QB Andrew Reese returned to the well again 8 plays later, and again Landers won the matchup with a huge 18 yard reception to bring the Outlaws into the red zone. The drive ended with a field goal. From there on out though, Emoji completely shut down Landers as an offensive threat, and did not allow a reception to Landers in the entire second half.

Final Stat Lines: Emoji - 5 Tackles -- Landers - 3 Receptions, 36 Yards

The Ultimus saw Emoji win the battle, but Landers win the war. With so much focus on shutting down Landers, fellow Outlaw Jeffery Murphy was left open enough to go off, compiling 8 receptions, 120 yards, and 3 touchdowns en route to earning offensive player of the game and an Ultimus championship for Arizona.
---

Other tasks to be completed later