S2 - Ultimus Week

[Den_Tex_Mix2]

Bottom Half
Philadelphia Liberty- Being one of the two expansion teams already set the expectation that this team wasn't going to make the playoffs, with many believing that it would take a long time before this team showed any signed of being able to compete with the original 6 teams. During the preseason this showed to be true as they were blown out constantly, the lack of TPE really killed this team. As the season rolled on however, the amount of active users this team has really turned around the season for them. They were able to show that maybe they could sneak into the playoffs, but ultimately blew the opportunity with a blown 24-10 lead against the Hawks eliminating them from the playoffs. Look for this team to compete for playoffs next year.
Colorado Yeti- Unfortunately for the Yeti, going 8-6 was not good enough to make the playoffs as they lost the tie breaker to the Wraiths for the last playoffs spot in the NSFC. The season overall had been a lot of up and downs for the Yeti. They were the first team to lose to both expansions teams, one of which was to the Legion at home in the week 12 of the regular season. That was their six lost and probably the one lost on the schedule were if your a Yeti fan you would point back to and say you want back. Another thing a fan would want back would be their Qb Noble's season, constantly throwing interceptions and taking bad sacks for one of the highest TPE Qb's in the league is really disappointing and costed them some critical games. Look for the Yeti to make a push to add some free agent talent on their roster to avoid another playoff miss.
Playoff Recap

Championship Game Recap
The Ultimus Championship game started out right for the Outlaw as the their defense was asked start the game off first. After a seven play drive for the Hawks that only gained one first down the Hawks were forced to punt the ball to the the Outlaw. The Outlaw offense looked to match the great start that their defense had starting at their own 20 yard line. after a short run by Mackworthy, the Outlaw turned to King Bronko and the passing attack to quick get them to the Hawks 45 yard line. From their C.A Chess decided to take over the game, first with a 12 yard reception finished with punishing hit on his tackler R. Reyes. Then from the Hawks 25 the play that set the statement for the game happened. "First and ten from the Hawks 25, the Outlaws are marching. King Bronco takes the snap, drops backs..... AND HE HAS CHESS OPEN AT THE HAWKS TEN, CHESS THROWS A MAN OFF OF HIM, FIVE, TOUCHDOWN OUTLAW, C.A CHESS JUST WILLED HIMSELF INTO THE ENDZONE, BREAKING A TACKLE AND DRAGGING A DEFENDER INTO THE ENDZONE WITH HIM. Man, and they say Wrs don't like contact. That ladies and gentlemen is how you win a championship." From that point on the Outlaw had a firm control of the game, never giving up their lead, ending the game as champions with a 33-6 victory over the out matched Hawks.
Playoff Review
Hawks vs Wraiths- a low scoring defensive game, the Hawks looked to gain a early lead as they were able to get a 10-0 lead by early in the second quarter. The Wraiths would respond with a touchdown themselves to bring it to a 10-7 game, and before the end of the half the Hawks were able to extend their lead to 6 with another field goal. To start the second half the Hawks kick another field goal to make it 16-7, this would be prove to be enough as the Wraiths were only able to get one more touchdown late in the fourth to make the game 16-14. The Wraiths ultimate down fall would be their inability to convert 3rd downs as they went 2-15 and allowing the Hawks to pass for 336 yards and seeing Farlane rush for 101 yards.
Outlaws vs Otters- just like the Hawks vs Wraith game, this was a low scoring game. The Otters were off with a good start by taking the lead early with a field goal. The veteran Outlaw team was ready for this however as they were able to quickly put up ten straight point to make it 10-3. Luckily for Otter fans they were able to respond before half with another field goal to make it 10-6 at half. Coming out of half the Outlaw made a powerful statement with a touchdown drive to ultimately put the game out of reach at 17-6 as their defense would lock down the otters, only allowing one touchdown to preserve the lead and the game 17-13. Going 0/16 on three down conversions makes it tough for any team to have a drive that would lead to points as the otters found out as they were unable to put up any forth quarter points, and combined that with 9 penalties makes the out come of this game make sense.
Hawks vs Outlaws- The two best regular season teams were able to face off in our leagues championship game, However this game was a complete blow out. The Outlaws sprung out to a quick 18-0 lead by half scoring in all kind of ways, field goals, touchdown, even a safety, in all facets of the game they dominated. The second half was a little bit better for the Hawks as they were able to put up 6 points to avoid the shutout, however the Outlaws finished with 33 points. Hawks were out matched from the very beginning, the Outlaw truly deserved being crowned back to back champions.