(S19) - Ultimus Week

[HalfEatenOnionBagel]

Kicker Appreciation

Kickers get a bit of a bad rap in the NSFL but there's no doubt that the newly crown DSFL champion Minnesota Gray Ducks have a hell of a kicker on their hands that was a massive difference for them down the stretch. That's right I'm talking about the rising star Silver Banana. Sure his regular season may have been solid with no missed extra points and an 85% field goal conversion rate. But where Banana really made a difference for the grey ducks was in the playoffs. Banana was fantastic in the playoffs, making five field goals including the winning scores in both games en route to an Ultimini title. It's hard to find a solid kicker in the league that you can rely on not only on the field but off the field. Players like Turk Turkleton don't come around every day. Now I'm not saying that Solve Banana is the next Turkleton but you look at the success he has had here in the DSFL, his dedication to his craft and his role as a leader on the team and it's not hard to believe he could be changing the narrative around kickers for seasons to come. The future is bright for this shining Banana.


Playoff Predictions, Reviews:
Written: Give a short write up of one or multiple playoff matches. If completed before the airing of the sims have predictions, after if it is a review of the game.

The Ultimus Game this season was between the storied Orange County Otters and the Yellowknife Wraiths. Despite being the top teams in their respective conferences this season, both squads only boasted a 9-4 record, a testament to the parity across the league this season. The game itself was no different as it was a back and forth showing between the two teams. The first half was rather uneventful with the Wraiths carrying a 10-3 lead into the break. In the second half however, both teams took off with the Otters scoring 17 unanswered points in the third quarter. The Wraiths battled back in the fourth though to take a four point lead after a Orien Drake touchdown run with less than five minutes to go. The Otters would not be denied though with Franklin Armstrong uncorking two huge throws to Johnny Blaze and Hugh Mongo with the game on the line. The touchdown to Mongo would give the Otters a lead they would not relinquish and their eight Ultimus title. Overall it was a bit of a sloppy game until both teams started clicking in the second half. Even then neither quarterback finished with a rating over 80. It was really Armstrong's efficient work on the ground and through the air in key situations that made the biggest difference.



Holiday Bowl
Written: This year’s Ultimus lands right in holiday season. What changes are made to this year’s Ultimus game to reflect the time of year?


"Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas," Santa's voice books as he gets ready to perform the coin toss for the Ultimus Game. Yes, this season the football playoffs for NSFL come during the holidays and the league has certainly leaned into it quite a bit. Stadiums have been decked out in colorful lights and blow ups of some of the most recognizable winter time characters like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Some teams even made fake snow for their home playoff games though the league strictly prohibited doing so for the actual Ultimus game. The Ultimus halftime show typically performed by whatever flavor of the month pop star is hip with the kids at the time will be replaced by a Holiday parade featuring wonderful holiday music and of course the big man, Santa Class himself with his sleigh and all his reindeer. And it's not just the decorations and lights and music either, there will be a holiday themed menu served at many of the food kiosks at the stadium as well. How about a little spiked eggnog while you watch the championship game? Sure it may set you back about 25 bucks but when else will you be able to enjoy your favorite holiday drink at a live NSFL game?




Scouting Report
Written: Write a scouting report for one of the incoming draftees in either the NSFL or DSFL.

Kyle Idlewyld, DE, Tijuana Luchadores
6'4", 300 lbs

As with any professional football draft, elite pass rushing talent comes at a premium price. This season's premier pass rush prospect is undoubtedly Kyle Idlewyld from the Tijuana Luchadores. Despite losing in the Ultimini, the Tijuana defense was a major part of their success and Idlewyld was a spark plug for that unit.

Pros: Great athletic profile for a player his size displaying both speed and strength. Expect him to be a workout warrior at the combine. Strong production including a league leading 21 tackles for loss.

Cons: Plays a little too rigid relying on raw athleticism; needs to develop more bend to get around athletic linemen at the next level. Surprisingly low sack total this season for a player of his caliber. Will need to develop a knack for getting after the quarterback to be more than just a rotational player. Tackling form is somewhat lacking but could be coached up; strong running backs will be able to break through arm tackles.

Draft Projection: Top 5 pick

Idlewyld has shown a ton of promise, especially in run defense and athletic ability. Unfortunately where he needs the most work is in pass rushing ability but with the right coaching in the NSFL and hard work there's no reason he couldn't become a star.