(S7) - Ultimus Week

[iamslm22]

Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else. Can be completed at any point

I mean you know where I'm going with this right? The Baltimore Hawks v the Arizona Outlaws is not a fucking contest as to who should have made the playoffs. The Baltimore Hawks were better in the regular season by two games. The Baltimore Hawks were better at nearly every single position than the Arizona Outlaws. The Baltimore Hawks scored 405 points compared to the Arizona Outlaws 357 (that's good for 48 points more). The Baltimore Hawks allowed only only 333 points while the Outlaws allowed an insane one hundred points more than the Hawks did, allowing 433 points. The Hawks had a better offense, led by a better QB, better RB and better receivers. The Hawks Defense was also better, with a better secondary, better D line and better linebackers. At every single phase of the game the Hawks were better, and yet because of DDSPF16 the Hawks couldn't make the playoffs. Now you may say the Hawks would've lost to the Otters in Orange County anyways, but remember than last season the Hawks won against the Otters BOTH games. Regardless of whether or not the Hawks would have beaten the otters, they certainly deserved to make the playoffs. It's a shame that they couldn't. 206

Sit-down with a star:Interview a player from a team that is not your own that is in the playoffs. You must ask them four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. YOU MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS FOR CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)

Answers from Dermott Lavelle


QUESTIONS FROM ME
1 - What were playoff expectations like after the 13-1 season
2 - What was the vibe in the LR like after the loss at home to philly
3 - What are your expectations for next season
4 - With all this talk for HOF where does your impressive career stand? Do you feel that you're a Hall of Famer


1 - Really we atleast expected an Ultimus appearence at the very least but in all reality we actually thought we would win it all this year, if not this year then we probably never would and that's unfortunately what it's looking like. It sucks to go 13-1 and be the best team in the regular season, then go ahead and lose at home to the Liberty, sure it makes it better that they ran on to be the eventual winners and more power to them, they're a great team but it still stings.

2 - Before the philly game, the vibes were great , everybody expected a solid win or a blowout at home but obviously that wasn't the case. After the loss it was awful, even just our war room with me, kennedy, bzerkap and ahriman was pretty depressing, when you've got a team of this quality, go 13-1 and still get bounced in the first round but hey it is what it is.

3 - Really I seen this season as our window to really compete and at the very most we might challenge for home field advantage again this year but I'm not really optimistic about our chances, we're easily the unluckiest franchise in NSFL history.

4 - Lavelle is currently heading into his 8th season (7th in terms of waiver season) and leads the league in interceptions with 30 snagged already and is top 5 in pass deflections. I hope when it's all said and done I'm at the top of that pile and I'm not letting any GM sabotage me on my quest to get to 50 interceptions in my career. I don't see anybody as a hall of famer yet and realistically I'll let the higher powers decide if i'm good enough to get into the NSFL HOF.

Championship Game Recap: Do a recap of the best play from the championship game. Must be completed after the Championship Game

The Ultimus wound up with a rematch of the S6 Ultimus having the Philadelphia Liberty come to visit the Orange County Otters. The Liberty (much like in S6) were considered significant underdogs against the now 3 times over defending champions. The Liberty would wind up coming away with a 9 point win in an astounding 28-19 win that surely gave someone with a crappy box combination a happy win. Let's start with the biggest reason the Otters failed - Red Zone Offense. The Otters had to settle for FOUR field goals closer than 30 yards. All of those are red zone trips that could have been TDs but instead wound up being stalled out for field goals. Credit the Liberty passing defense for this. Mike Boss was held relatively in check with a line of 30 for 52 for 345 yards, which sounds impressive, but he threw for only one TD and had an interception. Boss was great leading his team to the Red Zone but he couldn't come through. the GOAT Wide Out Bradley Westfield was held relatively in check as well. He wound up being held out of the end zone and had under 100 yards. This might not sound like GREAT defense - but all things considered with the Otters at home it was very impressive by the Philadelphia Defense. 223

Going to Disneyland!:Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)

As we know the Ultimus MVP in most cases is the winning QB of the Ultimus, and in spite of two interceptions, Tyler Oles is going to go down of MVP of this game. Before getting in to his Disney related shenanigans, lets go through why he was the MVP. As stated the Philly Defense did its job shutting down the Otters offense but there wasn't anyone specifically who stood out. Oles was responsible for three of the four touchdowns that the Philly team scored, with the other being a TD by Josh Garden (who was extraordinarily quiet in the passing game). Oles spread the Ball around throwing three Touchdowns to three different players, Kendrick Hendrix, Paul DiMirio and Fox North. Oles threw for 260 yards and under 50% so he really did not have a great game, but its happened before that a player with a mediocre stat line winds up as MVP. Anyway on to disney, in classic Oles fashion he went to Epcot and visited poland right away. Dude had a great time seeing his people. Additionally he met all sorts of disney characters and even hooked up with the girl who plays Esmerelda (I guess she has a thing for dudes and Bells - idk). 209

[iseedoug]

Future Talent:
DSFL WR Squanch


Magic Moments:
Horne Sacks Vick to start a rough offensive drive for the Marshals (S7 DSFL Semifinals).


Sit down with a fan:

1. You joined a stacked Tijuana team that had hopes of absolutely dominating. What was it like to experience the ups and downs of having a losing season and then end up in the Ultimini only to lose?

- In short: it was crazy. Tijuana was almost purely rookies, but we were all updating together (which you can see from the clear increase in stats for everyone throughout the year). By the time we got to the playoffs, I felt like we had the best team out there, and it seem like we could really win the Ultimini. But come the 4th quarter, one of our CBs decided to blitz and leave a Python WR wide open to score. Huge disappointment at that point in a tie ball game. Our defense was destroying anything in the middle, but one mistake throws the game. Congrats to the Pythons and all, but Luchadores were the best rookie team out there.

2. Who do you look up to in the league? Is there anyone you model your game after?

- I definitely look up to Mills, Sharpei, and Oakes on the defensive side of the ball and Vers L'Alto on the offense side. But my style of play really matches guys like O'Sullivan or Enchant. I would say I model my game after O'Sullivan, Enchant, and Mills. But definitely look up to the grit of Oakes, L'Alto, and Sharpei.

3. You've recently held a presser to announce that you won't attend the NSFL draft next week. Do you have any speculations on where you'll likely end up? And what sets you apart from other players in a very defensive heavy class?

- As time has passed, I have a few places I want to end up (NOLA or Baltimore), but really not idea where I will end up. I am not sure how these GMs see the draft going or what their biggest needs are. So, it could be anywhere. I think the biggest difference between me and the others in the class is position flexibility. I am both willing to move positions as well as tailor my traits to the teams needs. I think this alone puts me at high value. I also can guarantee my activity in the future, because I know how obsessed I am with football.

4. Do you ever see yourself holding any league jobs in the future? If so, what would you be interested in?

- Definitely so. I want to be a GM at some point (probably after Ben Horne retires, so he can become the GM). I also could see my self doing other jobs to keep the league afloat. Right now I like running the team Twitter and keeping occasional media pieces coming.

Sit down with a star:
Link to Interview

[Muford]

Written Points

Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else. Can be completed at any point

One team that was truly robbed of the playoffs this season was none other than the New Orleans Second Line. They made some big moves by acquiring Vincent Sharpei at the trade deadline, and he came in and showed why he was a big name to grab. He was a work horse as soon as he got here, learning the playbook to get ready for the next game, but we aren’t talking about just one player. WE are talking about how New Orleans was a couple of plays away from their first ever playoff appearance. They needed to beat Arizona and score 3 more points to make the playoffs, but those damned Outlaws were able to score with less than two minutes and scrape out a win against those good ol’ Orleans boys. New Orleans’ defense was way better than Arizona’s, being second in the conference, their offense sputtered at times, but that is to be expected from a rookie quarterback. None the less, New Orleans easily deserved a playoff spot and should have gone into Orange County in the playoffs for a chance to go to the Ultimus. Next season, New Orleans will make a splash and make the playoffs.

(201 words)

Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have? (Can be completed at any point)


One team that shouldn’t have made the playoffs is none other than the Arizona Outlaws. Besides the fact that they sported one of the WORST defenses in the league (the only team worse in 3 of the 4 categories was the Colorado Yeti), and didn’t stand a chance against the Orange County Outlaws. The Arizona Outlaws must have done something illegal to come into New Orleans and win by one on a last second field goal. It’s hard to get over the fact that Arizona really has nothing going for them, but somehow squeaked their way into the playoffs. Their one bright spot that they have is their kicker, Dean Jackson, but besides that, the rest of the team just hasn’t been up to snuff like it should be. For such a history-riddled team, they are going to be struggling the next few years. Maybe this season was their last big hurrah where they were able to make the playoffs, but now it’s going to be time for them to move aside and let another team take the reins. New Orleans is the team that will step up next season, and show Arizona that it belongs in the bottom half of the conference just like their defense proved that this season.

(211 words)


Going to Disneyland!:Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)


The Ultimus MVP has to be none other than Tyler Oles. Sadly, he threw two interceptions and only had a 72.3 Quarterback rating, but he held onto the ball when his team needed it most and led the Philadelphia Liberty to their first ever Ultimus win. With that, Tyler Oles heads to Disneyland (clearly to get that money, you know how Disney is loaded out the ass). While there, rumor has it that he hooked up with not one, not two, not three, but four Disney princesses. Three have come forth already, being that of Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Arielle (Little Mermaid) and Jasmine. Who knew that Oles was into such a vast choice of women, but hey more power to him. There was also video evidence of Oles acting a drunk fool around the kids, throwing up on the streets in Disney and having open liquor in sight of minors. The police attempted to arrest him and he just kept screaming out “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? I’M TYLER FUCKING OLES. I JUST WON THE ULTIMUS.” The Police really thought this man was crazy and were able to detain him for a little bit until the Front Office of Philadelphia had to come to his rescue. More to come on this story possibly later.

(217 words)


Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)


The Unsung hero of the Playoffs is none other than Tight End / Wide Receiver Paul DiMirio. This man easily lit up the Yellowknife Wraiths in the first round of the playoffs, putting up 8 receptions for 115 yards with two touchdowns. He came to show up and show out, he was bound to drag Philadelphia to the Ultimus if he had to. This man kept showing up play in and play out, he even had two pancakes against such a stingy defense in Yellowknife. Fast forward to the Ultimus and Paul decided to show up and play out again, this time going off for 4 receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. Yes, his numbers weren’t as impressive as they were in the first game, but he still decided from the onset that he was going to do everything he could to be disruptive to the Otters defense. With him doing what he did, he allowed his teammates to get open and help open up the passing game, even if Oles only threw for 260 yards. Without Paul DiMirio, the Liberty would probably not have beat the Wraiths, and would not have had a chance against the Otters. Everybody in Philadelphia is thankful for DiMirio.

(206 words)

[Durden]

Written Points

Code:

Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write about.

The Most Valuable Player for the DSFL Championship game was definitely Michael Scott. As much as it hurts me to talk about it, he really took the game into his hands and made the Tijuana Luchadores pay for not being a defensive dynamo. Michael Scott was able to rush for 107 yards on 20 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per touch and busting in for a touchdown. His touchdown set the tone of the game, coming just 4 minutes and fifty five seconds into the first quarter. Scott was also able to pick up a 3rd and 4 with a 22 yard run, which got Portland onto Tijuana's side of the field, which later led to the Michael Scott touchdown. In a surprise move, with 12:32 left on the clock in the third quarter, the Pythons went for it on 4th and 5. Michael Scott picked up 8 yards, keeping the ball in Portland's hands. Finally with the game in hand but still close with just 2:04 left on the clock, Scott would run for another 10 yards on a 2nd and 14. While it didn't pick up all the yards, it got the team close enough for the nail in the coffin, the last field goal of the game.

Code:

Playoff Review: Write a short review of the playoffs and each of the matchups. Must be completed after the Championship Game

The DSFL playoffs luckily saw all four human teams make the playoffs. It would've been quite embarrassing if a bot team had made it. While the San Antonio Marshals were close to missing the playoffs, they squeaked in and fought against the Tijuana Luchadores. The Marshals were very slow out of the gate, punting on their first possession. While the Luchadores looked a bit shaky, they were able to score on their opening drive, assisted by a Viggo Squanch 31 yard catch, capped off by a 16 yard pass to Atasuke. Neither of the teams could get anything going until the beginning of the second quarter as Tijuana was able to lock in a field goal. Sydney Spinelli rand one in and the rest was gravy. Willy Nyquist was able to run one in for the Marshals but it was too little too late.

The Pythons vs Coyotes game didn't start like anyone thought it would. The Coyotes got a quick 13 to 0 lead, but couldn't hang on to it. While it was definitely a game of field goals, they Coyotes burned themselves out too quickly and couldn't score a single point more as the Pythons would put up a touchdown and 4 field goals to get the win.


The Championship game was much tighter than people would've thought. Portland came out quick, but the Luchadores kept it close, scoring a lot later to get it back to being manageable, but couldn't do it. The Luchadores would lose by a touchdown.

Code:

Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have? (Can be completed at any point)

If we're being honest with ourselves, the San Antonio Marshals should not have made the playoffs. The format is two from each division so it had to happen, but the team was absolutely terrible. The team won 5 games and lost 9, for a dismal .357 on the season. They scored only 222 points, and let their opponents put up 269 on them for a negative 47 on the year. They were nothing more than a middling team who was able to ride into the playoffs on a guarantee. They weren't able to beat the Polar Bears the first time they played them, something that should have been a given. They even split games with the Luchadores who they saw in the playoffs, but couldn't win when it mattered. Against bot teams, the Marshals went 3 and 3. This is embarrassing for a team that has real players. If there's anything for the San Antonio Marshals to hang their hat on it's that they had a decent defense that kept them in games when their offense couldn't bail them out. If they stay hungry and retain players, they should be able to improve their offense next season and maybe have a chance at competing.

Code:

Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)

Oddly enough, the playoff unsung hero for me is the guy who changed the game. Without this hero, the game wouldn't have even been a game, but would have been a massacre. The player of the game for the Ultimus Trophy is none other than kicker Bradley Madlad of the Orange County Otters. Say what you will about being on the losing team but again, without Madlad, the final score is 28 to 6. Madlad did have a lot of help with getting into great positioning, but he made his time on the field count. He hit every field goal that he was put on for, and knocked home the extra point on the only touchdown of the game from the Orange County Otters. Madlad was four for four on kicks. He put in field goals from 29 yards, 29 yards, 29 yards and an even easier chip in of 21 yards. You might be saying, "Durden, those are all gimmes and he SHOULD be making them". You're right. And he did. He's not the type of player to miss the gimmes, but it should still count that when the pressure is on, he brought his A game and score more points than the rest of his team combined. Madlad is the definitive unsung hero. Deal with it.

[keanex]

Robbed

The Norfolk Seawolves were robbed from the playoffs, unfortunately due to being in a division with two incredibly strong teams, the Kansas City Coyotes and the Portland Pythons. They finished their season 6-8 which would have been tied for first place in the SFC South. People may say that it's tough to compare divisions, strength of schedule, etc, well they were in the objectively stronger division and the SFC is lucky that they didn't have the Seawolves in their division.

They were one of two teams to beat a historically great Pythons and outscored the majority of the SFC. Their quarterback Palmer put up solid numbers and overall is my third ranked quarterback in the DSFL behind McCoy and Strike, unfortunately held back by a lack of a strong running game and the league's second worst defense, letting up 324 points.

They had 8 games within the division and unfortunately the Coyotes and Pythons were the top tier teams, they went 2-6 against these two historically efficient offenses, beating them one each. That means that they went 4-2 against the SFC, and likely would have ended up looking at an 8-6 record if in the SFC. Maybe it's time for a change of divisions?

Playoff MVP

In terms of offensive MVP, Mark Grau takes the nod. He put up consistent and efficient numbers, passing the 70 yard threshold in both games, with a game changing touchdown in the Ultimini. This is in conjunction with some solid returns that kept the Pythons in striking distance often. In addition to the statistics, there are intangibles that he offered that are impossible to measure. He was instrumental in rallying the team in both of the close playoff games, and he was constantly on the sidelines taking care of his guy McCoy who had two rough games. Hats off to you Grau.

Play of the playoffs for him is his 37 yard touchdown in the Ultimini. He shook a cornerback so badly that gave him a clear 10 yards of separation for him and McCoy to connect for what would become the game winning touchdown. MVP of the series, and of the Ultimini.

Defensive MVP is tough, there were some incredible game-changing plays but Mason Brown is my choice. Coming up with 14 tackles and 3 sacks, he kept the offenses cautious and was constantly in the backfield hurrying up opposing quarterbacks. As with Grau, some things can't be pinned down by statistics. Brown has been a vocal leader of the defense and as a group they made some incredible stops to keep the Pythons chances of winning up.

That Magic Moment

The S7 Ultimini was a ridiculously tough match, and one that had many viewers on the edge of their seats. A goal line stop, a series of field goals, some turnovers, it had it all. One moment in particular left everyone in awe though, and many of you know the play before I even say it. In what we now call "The Shimmy Shammy Shakeup" quarterback Cole McCoy connected with wide receiver Mark Grau for a game-winning touchdown. Many thought it was just poor coverage, but it was entirely a mental assault on Vranos, a calculated series of moves from Grau to get in the head of Vranos and it paid off.

Mark Grau is a renowned route running wide receiver, which led many people into shock as to why he was having trouble getting separation. Grau looked to be soft on his routes, taking lazy angles and favoring an inside release all game. Little did Vranos and the Luchadores know that it was entirely a matter of Grau setting up for a finale. After a turnover on downs from the Luchadores Grau looked at McCoy, gave a wink and McCoy knew what was going to happen. The ball was hiked, Grau took a slow release from the line, planted left foot down and moved to turn his body inwards for a quick hitch route. He sold it incredibly well, so well that Vranos went to jump on the interception, 100% committed to it he had no time to react to Grau digging his right foot in and turning his hips downfield. A perfectly executed stop and go that gave Grau 10 yards of separation with his tremendous speed. McCoy hit him perfectly in stride and it was a clear touchdown. Game over.

[timeconsumer]

Written Points

Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else. Can be completed at any point

The Second Line were robbed. They had a legitimate shot at making the playoffs at the last second and thanks to the Arizona Outlaws not even knowing how to tank right, they missed out. Could you imagine what the league would have looked like with both of the S2 expansion teams making the playoffs only 6 seasons after coming into being? It would have been an incredible story. The Second Line rising from the ashes of the mass retirement to make the playoffs, but probably lose to the Otters.

The thing is they are sitting in an excellent spot to make a run in S8 and definitely S9. The Otters and Outlaws have regressing quarterbacks. The Sabercats just lost theirs, and will likely be starting a rookie. Meanwhile Borkus will be sitting in a great spot loaded with TPE. It may not have been their year this time around, because Arizona screws up everything, even tanking. But I expect to see them in the running in the next two seasons, possibly with a championship come S9. Damn I still came up short on words. Did I mention how much Arizona sucks? Come on, 5-9 team making the playoffs and we couldn't have it be the guys who had never been there before. Could have been a storybook year.

New Talent: Write about which S7 trade will or did have the biggest impact in the playoffs. Can be written at any time depending on if you choose to write about who already has or who will do good

I think the trade with the biggest impact on the playoffs had to be the Otters acquisition of Carlito Crush. Sure they didn't end up winning the Ultimus, but they gave it a good shot and Crush did very well in both of his playoff games. In the conference championship Crush caught 8 balls for 95 yards. He didn't get any touchdowns but that's okay, sometimes as a tight end your job is just to move the chains, and that's exactly what he did that game, kept the chains moving and sustained drives to get the Otters a win.

In the Ultimus game Crush came up big again by making 10 catches for 89 yards. Again he did not score any touchdowns but that was really the case with the entire Otters offense, they were stalling on drives in the red zone, and I credit a lot of that to the Philly D. Crush did his part by running his routes and making his catches, proving himself to be a reliable third down option. Although they still were not able to win the game he has proven that he will be an excellent receiving option for the otters should he choose to return there for one more season.

Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write abou

Ultimus MVP is a tough choice considering there were a lot of weird performances. By total team metrics it's hard to tell that the Liberty won. They didn't have great completion percentages, yardage, efficiency, time of possession, turnover ratio, first downs, anything that normally winning teams have. But they did score more points, and they won the game. So to me it seems that they were able to finish drives and the Otters weren't, and for that I credit their reliable red zone target Paul Dimirio.

Playoff Paul has had an excellent postseason and really helped to carry the offense through some sticky situations. Although he didn't have the yardage and efficiency of Fox North in the passing game he helped keep the energy high from the very beginning as he caught a 40 yard pass. Then they go back to him later in the red zone and he was able to haul it in for a touchdown. And that's really what they did best in this game, they converted scores. Instead of stalling in the red zone and settling for field goals guys like Paul helped score six and they were able to win the game because of it.

Sit-down with a fan:Answer questions for an interview from a player that is not your own. You must answer at least four questions and at least three must relate to the league in some way. Link to the interviewers PT to receive credit. NOTE: THEY MUST POST THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR YOU TO GET CREDIT. (Can be completed at any point)

http://nsfl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=...ndpost&p=124010

[nunccoepi]

1. Sit down with a fan (questions from iseedoug)

Where do you think the hawks need to improve to win the Ultimus?

The defensive line is the first position that comes to mind. I know Hendrix has been an absolute beast, but as you probably know he suddenly went inactive a few weeks ago and now has been hit with some serious regression. He'll still be starting for a couple of seasons, but at this point if we aren't improving up front we are getting worse.

What are goals next year as a player? Where can you improve most to help your team get to the next level?

I was very happy to step in and help the Hawks right away. I hope that I was a help anyway. Trey Willie and LeClair didn't get as many looks due to my presence--I did end up vulturing 8 TDs--so there was an adjustment period since Baltimore hasn't had a true TE in forever. But this year, as my speed and strength are at their best, I will be focusing on building strength and endurance so I can perform better when my team needs me the most.

As a player, what is the biggest difference between the DSFL and NSFL?

Easily it has to be the level of dedication. In the DSFL you often run into players who are still trying to figure out how serious they are going to be. In the NSFL you are surrounded by players who have committed to the life of professional football and if you aren't keeping up with them, giving 100%, you are falling behind.

Is there a specific player you want your team to draft? Or is there a general position you see as a need for your team in the draft?

Like I said before, DL is a big need and I'd love to see my team pick up some help there. Gambino seems to be a solid prospect. But most of all, and I think my GMs and other league GMs would agree, we want someone who is excited to be here. Personal preference makes a big difference in a players desire to be the best they can be.

2. Sit Down with a star


3. That Magic Moment




@keanex

[dropbear]

Robbed
The team that was robbed of a chance to make the playoffs this season was the New Orleans Second Line, and I say this as a member of the team directly competing against them in the rebuild Olympics. Now, to be fair, no team below the Orange County Otters in the ASFC really deserved to make the playoffs -- not one of them could manage to win even 36% of their games this season, hardly marking them as elite teams. With that said, as much as they were all train-wrecks this season, the Arizona Outlaws and San Jose Sabercats are fading into obscurity, while the New Orleans Second Line – fresh from their rebranding after failing as a franchise in Las Vegas as the Legion – are on the rise.

If any team in the ASFC at present truly deserves to play second-fiddle to the Orange County Otters while their dynasty remains intact, it’s the young up-and-comers, not the crumbling franchises of Season One. With only a single win the difference between the three bottom-dwellers of the ASFC, it might as well be the team with hope for the future that gets to taste the playoffs, not those who have wasted their opportunities, or cheated to get there.


Playoff Series MVP
Typically, when you think of the Most Valuable Playoff in a team, you think of the quarterback. Failing that, maybe a prolific running back or wide receiver, or a defensive player who was a force to be reckoned with. How often does your mind wander to the tight end of a team when dissecting their success? Well, regardless of what is commonplace, the Philadelphia Liberty's tight end, Paul DiMirio, showed us this playoff series that his position isn't one to be overlooked.

In the Conference Championship, Playoff Paul was unstoppable, catching 8 passes for 115 yards (averaging 14.4 yards per catch), two of which were touchdowns. He also got dirty where there is less recognition, adding two pancakes to his numbers for the day.

Though not as dominant in the battle for the Ultimus, DiMirio was nonetheless pivotal to his team’s streak-breaking championship win. With 4 receptions for 59 yards – averaging an impressive 14.8 yards per catch – and a single touchdown, Playoff Paul once again made his presence felt. Perhaps most importantly, DiMirio’s only touchdown was the final touchdown of the game, sealing his team’s victory and the end of the Otters’ domination, much to the satisfaction of most viewers.

That Magic Moment
I would be amazed if it wasn't close to every single person involved with the NSFL that agreed on the magic moment of the Championship Game. Much has been made of the 'Garden Curse' -- the inability of any team with Josh Garden on their roster to win the Ultimus. Welll, as the ball was kicked off to start the final game of the season and sailed towards the embattled superstar, who through a crucial drop in the same game last season cost his team their first chance at championship, there was a certain electricity in the air. And with good reason.

Despite the ball sailing into the endzone, Garden decided to return it. He made for the right-hand-side of the field, and much to the relief of Philadelphia Liberty fans – and Orange County Otters haters – around the world, he at least made it to the 20. But he didn’t stop there. He made a sharp cut across field, exploiting a hole that had opened in the defensive line, and outraced the panicking Otters kickoff team on the way to an incredible 103-yard kickoff return to start what would become the Liberty’s triumphant game. The Garden curse ended with the very first play of the Ultimus.

Unsung Hero
In a league dominated by big-name superstars playing in the flashy positions, including several who have made the switch to a new position explicitly to feature more prominently in their team's success (and to get more exposure), and in a league where kickers are so woefully inconsistent, it's incredible to think that it was in fact a kicker might have been the key to the Philadelphia Liberty's playoff success.

Stephen Harris, the Liberty's kicker, nailed four of four extra points in their conference championship win against the Yellowknife Wraiths - favoured by many to win the game comfortably. He also slotted a field goal from more than 30 yards, as well as making it look easy as he sent the ball through the goal posts three more times from more than 40 yards. He was then perfect in the big game – the Ultimus – again successfully kicking four extra points from four attempts. When you’re facing off against the sort of dynasty that the Otters have become, any weakness will be exploited. By taking control and setting an example of perfection in a position plagued by inconsistency and outrageous failures, Stephen Harris helped the Liberty overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to win the championship.

[speculadora]

Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them.

My Ultimus MVP has to go to Micah Hendrix of the Philadelphia Liberty. There were plenty of deserving candidates on their offense - Fox North, Tyler Oles, even Josh Garden, but none made quite the impact that Hendrix did, in my opinion. North had 100 yards and a touchdown but his quarterback arguably had the better game, with 280 yards and 3 touchdowns. Yet Oles also had 2 interceptions and completed under fifty-percent of his pass attempts. Garden's kickoff return for a touchdown created a spark for the team, but he fell flat on the offensive end. Hendrix is my pick because he made two huge plays that swung field position and led to Liberty scores. The first was a sack on 3rd and 16 that backed Orange County up inside their own 20. The punt that followed left Philadelphia with just 55 yards to cover and they handled that task with ease. The second play was a crucial interception in the midst of a 16-0 Otters run. The pick set Philly up inside enemy territory and swung all the momentum in their direction, ultimately putting the game out of reach.

Championship Game Recap: Do a recap of the best play from the championship game.

With just six minutes left in regulation, the Ultimini Championship game between the Portland Pythons and Tijuana Luchadores was tied at 17-17. After opening the game with a 14-0 lead, the Pythons were struggling. Tijuana had scored 10 in a row and all momentum seemed to be on their side, until they made a head scratching decision to go for it on 4th and 4 inside their own 40. The Pythons defense came up with a huge stop and set the stage for the biggest play of the game. The Pythons ran out their standard personnel - Mark Grau and Borro Gore on the outside, Michael Scott in the backfield, and Zapp Brannigan lined up at tight end. Cole McCoy took the snap and took a five step drop-back. His primary ready, Borro Gore, was tightly covered with help over the top. He turned to his left to look for his secondary read, Mark Grau. As he turned, Grau put a nasty double move on his man and left him in the dust. The Luchadores safety help was slow to react and McCoy did not hesitate. He fired a perfect strike to Grau who caught the ball in stride and took it the remaining fifteen yards to the house in what turned out to be the game winning score. A Pythons stop and some clock chewing later, the Pythons were crowned DSFL Champions and capped the greatest season in the league's history.

Robbed: Make a graphical stat comparison of a team who failed to qualify for playoffs but why they should have over another team.



Playoff Recap Infographic: Make a graphic displaying the results of the playoffs.

[Leafer]

Playoff Series MVP: Choose an MVP for one of the playoff series and write about why you chose them. Must be completed after the playoff series you write about

Otters vs Outlaws was my favourite games because there is a lot of offense and I love offense so much. I love touchdowns and fumbles and stuff like that and that is why I watch the Otters. I do not know why my player is defense but he was a qb so shut up. And of course, who would be the MVP of the game when the otters win, Okay, we know the QB always wins stuff but this is a different story, Mike Boss has the name Boss in his name and he is the boss of his yard i mean field.

28 completions out of 46 attempts is actually good very solid, a total of 484 yards thrown which is actually a lot for a game and he had 4 touchdown passes which is more than average but it is just normal for Boss because he does it a lot. He had 0 interceptions which is nice and wish the Bills had a QB like that and they would actually win some games cleanly. So yeah that is why I chose Boss and he was actually the best offensive player of the game and so he is my pick.

Championship Game Recap: Do a recap of the best play from the championship game. Must be completed after the Championship Game

Alright, time for the best plays from the Championship game. Well there are lots of plays anyways especially in such a big game or the biggest game of the season because well the winner takes all and the Ultimus which every player in the NSFL have been playing for. Now between the otters and liberty, the team that wants the 4peat and the team that i hate and wants to end this stupid streak.

The ball is kicked by the otters and here we go and what we already got the touchdown. What a great start for the Liberties. Kicked off and they are already got a touchdown. Josh Garden who obviously everyone knows gets a moment of his lifetime and he actually did it. 4 minutes in, and Oles with a great pass to Hendrix which is more than 40 yeards and he gets a 21-3 lead. Aw shit. Then the otters get 16 straight points and cut the lead to 2 points and that is why I said aw shit. Big leads in a championship game is the worst thing ever because it always gets blown. And then the biggest moment yet, the otters lose the game which is great to hear.

Hate the player or the game: Tell us which team made the playoffs and shouldn't have, or which team didn't and should have? (Can be completed at any point)

The Arizona Outlaws should not have made the playoffs. I mean they are a complete joke! A team like the Baltimore Hawks could have made the playoff by a mile is they were in the ASFC so Arizona is the team that gets hated. Sure they have a good team but look at their record! They are not only under .500 but under .400 as well like what the hell. A 5-9 record making the playoffs is a joke and it is not even funny. The Hawks were clearly better and they managed to miss the playoffs again and so it is not good.

San Jose lost the last 4 games making them have a completely bad and worst collapse in history. They helped Arizona so what else is new again! Arizona will get their ass whopped by the Otters once again and no one will be surprised. Arizona's offense is shit and Arizona's defense is shit but yeah they made the playoffs but they should not have! This is why I have been saying all along, the NSFC is better than the ASFC and this is not even close. Sure the Yeti sucks but their future is bright so yeah, bye.

Going to Disneyland!:Who was the Ultimus MVP? Give us a rundown of their celebratory trip to Disneyland. (Can be completed after the Ultimus game)

Finally in like forever the Ultimus MVP is going to be going to the player from the Otters. Its been too long but finally there will be a new Ultimus Champions and the new team having the Ultimus MVP. Now as much as I like having a new champion, I do not like seeing the Philadelphia Liberty win the Ultimus because I hate the team. But anyways, the Ultimus MVP is Oles. And it is a QB again because well he did carry the offense around with 3 touchdown passes and that combined for 21 points which is more than the whole damn thing the otters have put up. So Oles should be happy even though he got carried by the receivers but he will not care about getting the MVP because he will care more about his trip to Disneyland.

Who would not wanna go to disney land? It is something ever players would dream of going and Oles is going. He will go meet some of his favourite characters like mickey mouse or cinderella whatever but the point is going into the disneyland is like entering heaven so Oles is lucky to be going there with the MVP and ultimus.