(S7) - Ultimus Week

[Ramero]

Robbed

I have always been a stickler for the Palm Beach Solar Bears being the best team in the DSFL, and I will stand behind this statement for my entire career despite the fact that PBSB failed to make the playoffs this season behind even the weak Tijuana Luchadores and the otherworldly San Antonio Marshals. The Solar Bears have a rich history of success, coming off of an Ultimini victory only two season ago, and they have a lot of experienced young talent resting on their bench that will be looking to make a big return next season. A change in general managers happened midway through the most recent season, which could have been a large reason for the change in success by this storied franchise, but shot calling doesn't always have the biggest impact on the success of a team. In the case of the Solar Bears though, this is more than likely the reason for their recent demise. In order for the team to see a rise back to stardom in the next few years, shot calling and general team chemistry will have to rise or the team will be left to continue to fall into ruin as their older stars time out.

New Talent

S7 of the DSFL did not feature any prominent trades, which makes writing this section hard but I decided to take it in a little bit of a different direction which I hope is okay. I wanted to talk about which rookie had the biggest impact in his first season in the DSFL. William Harrison was an all around dominant defensive threat for the Portland Pythons, but contributed offensively as well with the team while holding a massive role on the Pythons kick/punt return. Harrison had one of the best seasons seen by any defensive back in DSFL history with some big numbers at sacks, passes defended, and interceptions. His elite play in Portland was a major reason for their trip to the Ultimini and ultimately to their success in bringing home the trophy for the first time since the teams second season in the league. The Pythons will look to continue to build around the talented young safety, who as a breakout player will be a massive part of their defense for many years to come. Should he continue to develop at the rate he is headed now, he will be a vital part of some NSFL team's defense in the near future.

Playoff Review

The S7 DSFL playoffs were jam packed with action on the both the Northern and Southern conferences side of the ball. We saw a number of great displays of offense and defense and were granted the opportunity to watch amazing future stars play. S8 NSFL draftees such as William Harrison, Rickey Ramero, and Brock Weathers III showed the importance of talented defense. In our review, we will do a quick recap of the three match ups that occurred, one for both the NFC and SFC as well as the final match-up of the Ultimin Championship. In the NFC, the Portland Pythons took on the Kansas City Coyotes and took home a much expected win. Their veteran roster was simply too much even for the young and talented Coyotes team. In the South, Tijuana closely edged out the San Antonio Marshals in a battle of rookie sensations. Despite Marshals' rooks Ramero and Weathers, the Pennington brothers were able to take home their first division championship. Finally, in the Ultimini match up between the Tijuana Luchadores and the Portland Pythons we watched the future stars face off against the stars of yesterday in an age old battle of... while... age. The young Luchadores roster proved too inexperienced to defeat the mighty Pythons, and Portland returned home with a trophy in hand.

That Magic Moment

The undeniable moment that is recorded here is when Josh Garden of the Philadelphia Liberty redeemed himself after missing the game winning pass in the Ultimus Final last season. The veteran wide receiver had to go into hiding after missing a short open lob in last seasons' championship game, but on the opening drive of the Ultimus VII, Garden found himself taking home the opening kick off. As the ball sailed towards him, you could almost see revenge in his eyes with the Liberty facing off against the same team that ousted them last year in the Orange County Otters. As Garden caught the ball and began baring down the field, pushing off defender after defender you could see every single year of being called cursed coming to the surface. Drawing every ounce of strength from his body, Garden broke into the open and had a clear field. No one even came close to catching the talented and legendary veteran receiver as he ran an amazing and record setting 103 yards to open up the game, something never before seen. This primed the Liberty with momentum to take home their first Ultimus trophy, and to be the first ever expansion team to win the award.

[Toasty]

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)


with @PDXBaller

answered @PDXBaller's questions here http://nsfl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=...ndpost&p=124422

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)

with @PDXBaller

1. Thinking of last years lose and how the game ended, are you guys doing anything extra in practice?

We have opened up the playbook and we're working on lots of new looks for our offense. Our defense has been dialed into a few new ways to contain the other teams in the league and I think those 2 factors have helped us improve significantly.

2. This is your second time in a row making in to the ultimus what is different about it this time?

I think beating a top team like Yellowknife will be the biggest difference this time around. We are facing one of the best teams in the league with the best record.

3. Do you believe in the Cushing and Garden curse?

No, I do not believe in the Cushing and Garden curse.

4a. If so, explain on it?

4b. If not, what do you want others to know why they are not cursed?

The idea of cursed players is silly and superstitious. I'm a numbers man and at the end of the day...I'm confident in their numbers.

5. Do you think you can stop a 4 peat?

Yes and we fully intend on doing it to claim our first Ultimus.

6. What will you guys have to do different this time around?

Our guys have increased their endurance greatly between seasons and I think that will play a big part in our success this time around.

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

One squad that was truly robbed of the playoff this season was none other than the New Orleans Second Line. They made some big moves by getting some one at the winning the trade deadline, He picked up the team as soon as he got here, Practiced the strats 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 gambling away to help them get their first ever playoff appearance. They needed to pulse AZ and score 2 more points to shuffle the playoffs around , but those fucking Outlaws were able to score with less than two minutes and abrasion out a win against those hard working Orleans Players. New Orleans’ defense was way better than Arizona’s, being second in the conference, their criminal offense sputtered at multiplication , but that is to be expected from a cub field general . 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. They got robbed this class but it would've been hard to contend against OCO.

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

Mason Brown was running down the side line looking for his friend and teammate Mark Grau to be there when he gets the news that he was named the Ultimi MVP. But then Mason Brown's phone started to blow up, which is not uncommon for a team that was just in a championship. So Mason ignored is phone and continued to run. But the reports started to point in Brown's direction and they started to run towards Mason. Mason figuring Grau was behind him, but he wasn't. Then as the reports got with in 25 feet of him he heard "Mason what are your thoughts on being Ultimi MVP." That is when Zack Skinner who Mason saw running a him ran into him and knocked him over and said while grinning ear to ear "You were named MVP of the Game!" Mason while lying on the ground stated to cry tears of joy for his performance he had just put up just minutes ago. He remembered getting the fourth sack of Brad Pennington in the first quarter which was a loss of 7. Then n the very next play sacking him again this time for a lose of 9. Then he remembered the 3 and 1 stop of Sydney Spinelli which was a huge stop. Then a 2nd and ten stop, 1st and ten, another 1st and ten, another 1st and ten then a 2nd and 8 stop, and then a 2 and 9 stop. The one thing tat he could not get out of his mind was the fact that he did not give up a reception all game and that for some weird reason he heard his name getting shouted by William and a few other Pythons asking him if he was all right. But then he remembered he had just gotten tackled by a very hyper and strong Zack Skinner. Mason Brown deserved this and I choose him because he put up great defensive numbers in the being he had to share the defensive plays with everyone.

[PDXBaller]

Championship Game Recap: Do a recap of the best play from the championship game. Must be completed after the Championship Game
The Ultimus game was one of the most memorable games in the most recent seasons. The Philadelphia Liberty were able to upset not one, but two teams on their way to their first championship. What's more impressive is that they were able to pull it off on the road in both the NSFC and Ultimus games. The best play of the Ultimus game came from the opening minutes much to the surprise of everyone. As Madlad kicked off for the Liberty return, Josh Garden caught the ball out of the end zone and proceed to take it down the right side of the field. As he dodged tacklers left and right, he cut across the middle of the field and ended up leaving all the Otters defenders in the dust as he ran it in for a 103 yard return. Stephen Harris' kick capped it off and the Liberty were off to a 7 nothing lead to within the first minute of the game. It was an exhilarating play that no one expected and set the tone for the Philadelphia Liberty to win the game with a final score of 28-19. It was an incredible start to cap off a definitive victory.

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
It would have been easy to say that Josh Garden was the playoff series MVP for the Ultimus game, but I think that Paul DiMirio's incredible performance through both playoff games proved that he was the playoff superstar that the Liberty needed to win the Ultimus. Against the Yellowknife Wraiths, Paul was the team's top receiver with 8 receptions for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was brilliant from start to finish and helped the Liberty score when they needed it most. He averaged 14.4 yards a catch with his longest at 30 yards. It was this game that Paul would become affectionately known as 'Playoff Paul' given his stellar performance against the Wraiths that helped seal the deal with a 40-31 win in Yellowknife. It was one of the best playoff performances in the league's history. It was the fourth quarter where Oles was finding Paul really well with a 10 yard catch to kick things off and then an 18 yard touchdown at around 10:21 minutes of the game. As the defense held on, the offense kept firing away and Paul's touchdown in the fourth quarter helped the Liberty maintain their league in the end. Go Playoff Paul!!!


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)
Asked @`Fire-Bred` questions about Portland Pythons playoff run:

Questions
1) How does it feel to be making it back to the playoffs again with the Pythons?
2) What do you think is different this time around?
3) How has Rolando been as a head GM since Rashad Brooks left for the Liberty?
4) Do you think you'll be going up to the NSFL next season?

Answers
1) It is a once in a lifetime experience to get to the playoffs twice.

2) We have a lot of send downs and Rolando has been planning for this for the start of the season

3) He has been great and has moved me around alot so it is hard for the opposing teams to narrow in on where I am

4) Simple I will be the league MVP and break every NSFL league record... nah I will have a decent season since I won't be able to update but help lead them to a 5 peat.

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)

Answered Fire-Bred's questions here: http://nsfl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=...ndpost&p=124420

[Dawegg]

Robbed

Given the limited number of teams and the two round playoff format, the Baltimore Hawks were easily robbed of a playoff spot they had deserved. A team that was 7-7 and had beaten the Philadelphia Liberty missed the playoffs. In contrast, the weak competition in the ASFC allowed a suffering 5-9 Arizona team to make the playoffs and get instantly blown out by the Orange County Otters. It seems that the different levels of parity in the league between the conferences has made the NSFC much more difficult than the current play of the ASFC. Multiple teams in the ASFC are in the middle of rebuilds, or about to begin them. Ideally this could be resolved by realigning the conferences based on yearly performance, but a solution along those lines is incredibly unlikely. The only real solution would be to eventually expand the league and add another round of the playoffs to ensure that each conference has a good mix of teams making an Ultimus run in the playoffs. League parity should improve over time as these teams which are stockpiling younger talent improve and show significant strides over the next couple of seasons. For now, the Hawks were simply on the receiving end of a system with some issues.

Word Count: 210

Going to Disneyland!

The name I haven't heard all that much when it's asked "Who is the Ultimus MVP?" is Micah Hendrix. To understand his contribution to the Liberty's upset win over the Otters we have to go to the late third quarter with only a minute remaining. A three and out from the Liberty gives the Otters possession of the ball at their twenty two yard line. The score is 21-19 and the Otters have all the momentum in the game after falling behind early 21-3. Micah Hendrix out muscles Phelps for the ball and intercepts Boss for a return of 15 yards from the Otter 29 yard line. On the ensuing Liberty drive Oles throws a touchdown pass to Paul Dimirio, putting the game out of reach for the Otters just as the fourth quarter begins. This all but ends the hopes the Otters had to win their fourth consecutive Ultimus championship with a two possession lead by the Liberty. In addition to his contribution on the back end in sealing the Liberty's victory, Hendrix also had five tackles, a sack, and a pass defense. If Hendrix doesn't intercept that pass, there's a good chance that the Otters would have been able to continue striking against a beleaguered Liberty defense late in the game.

Word Count: 213

Unsung Hero

Josh Garden had an infamous drop in Season Six that cost the Liberty a chance at taking a lead late and winning their first ever Ultimus. Coming into the playoffs, reportedly there were fears that he would do the same once again. However, he dispelled all doubt by first putting up six catches and 113 yards against a tough Yellowknife secondary headlined by veteran Dermot Lavelle. Expectations were highest for him when the Ultimus match up against the Otters played itself out once again. He immediately set the tone for the game by returning a kick for 103 yards to set the Liberty seven in front of the Otters less than 20 seconds into the first quarter. This shocking turn of events easily saw the Liberty propel themselves to a 21-3 point lead and thanks to a timely turnover, their first Ultimus win. Garden was relatively quiet outside of his first return, posting two catches for 21 yards. His initial contribution more than made up for some lackluster production in the traditional passing game. He easily redeemed himself by stunning the league with an electric kick return that setup the Liberty to finally unseat the Otters as league champs. League historians might forget his tale of redemption in favor of his prior history, but Garden was the Liberty's hero in the Season Seven playoffs.

Word Count: 224

Sit-down with a star


Quarterback King Bronko

Questions:

1. Arizona has been a veteran team for quite some time with considerable success dating back to the founding of the league. Heading into the Season Seven playoffs, was there anything different about this particular appearance in Orange County?

2. What exactly did Arizona do to prepare for the game as a colossal underdog against the Otter juggernaut on their home turf? Were there any special strategies designed to specifically win this match up or was it treated as any other game?

3. The Outlaws were absolutely thrashed by the Otters in a game that quickly got out of hand. You're getting up there in age, so are we getting close to the time where Bronko hangs up his cleats for good?

4. What was your favorite part of Disneyland when you visited a few seasons ago?

Answers:

1. For sure, we were riding a big wave of emotions. Most years we make the playoffs and we know it, or play with the lead at the very least. This time, after missing the playoffs last year and seemingly destined to do so again, we pulled it out and clinched, so we were very excited coming into this game.

2. We never treat games differently. I mean you gameplan accordingly, you don't treat Applehort like you treat Boss, but we don't do crazy different stuff just because its the playoffs. Week 1 or Ultimus, it's all the same here.

3. This next season will probably be my last. I've had a good run but I'm getting old. Mah knees hurt!

4. I really liked everyone who took pictures with us. It was fun, we got to flex on that Mickey Mouse motherfucker. Disney princesses? Ain't got shot on us, kids and their parents want pics us not you! We coming into yo amusement park and we leaving like we own the place. Other than that, I mean, I was pretty high the whole time, so I don't remember most of the trip, but it was really fun. Favorite ride? Had to be the teacups you spin yourself. Sounds pretty lame, but after you are 12 beers deep and high off your ass they get like 50 times more fun.

Word Count: 226

[Mongoose87]

Robbed
Can we talk about the injustice of the 5-9 San Antonio Marshalls being in the playoffs while the 6-8 Seawolves are the victim of the two division-based seeds that the DSFL relies upon for the playoffs? The better record is a bad enough look, heck, the Seawolves would have been in contention to win that division. On top of that, the Seawolves accumulated their better record playing in the same division as the lethal Portland Pythons and the solid Coyotes, whereas the Marshalls get to face the hapless Solar Bears.
On top of that, look at the convincing thrashing the Seawolves put on the Marshalls in both of their meetings, this year, home and away. The victories were by 14 points and twelve points, and the Seawolves made the Marshalls’ Vick look like an amateur in their second meeting, intercepting him three times, including a return for a touchdown, capped off with a two-point conversion, for extra spiciness.
Look, I understand the reasoning behind the current DSFL playoff structure, but in a six team league, it just doesn’t cut it. You end up shortchanging teams like the Seawolves, and letting teams like the Luchadores walk into the finals, courtesy of the Marshalls.

Playoff Series MVP
People like to talk about how important offensive line play is and how games are won in the trenches, and then turn around and give all the accolades to showy skill position players. Not me.
When the Portland Pythons came back to beat the Kansas City Coyotes, it wasn’t their skill position players that made that happen. It was the guys in the trenches. The skill position players outright sucked. They failed. The Pythons won in spite of them. McCoy was 12/43 passing. I won’t even tell you how many drops went into that. It was ugly.
The offensive line that got the Pythons’ run game going won this game, and Slade Runestad was the meanest of them all, with five pancakes. That’s my MVP.
You’re going to tell me I’m crazy, the line allowed four sacks, and Runestad one of them. Those sacks are on McCoy. He had his head in the clouds. Look at the rushing games Gore and Scott had. Gore averaged 5.5 yards a pop. Scott got himself 5.7. They totaled 146 rushing yards. That’s how you win games. Jam the football down the opponents’ collective throat. All day everyone was dropping passes. But the run game stayed strong, thanks to guys like Runestad.

Unsung Hero
When it comes to unsung heroes, I like to look at the players who performed better than their team. I think of them as guys who deserved a championship, on teams that didn’t. These are often quarterbacks, let down by receivers or their offensive line, or running backs who ball out only to see their defense turn into a damp paper towel.
Another type is the defensive player that puts up a dominant, disruptive performance, but the team around him fails to perform at his level. That is what we’re looking at this season.
Ian Bavitz is not new to the playoff stage, having brought home Ultimus four and five. The value of his skill and experience was apparent these playoffs, as he performed like a champion again, though his fellow Orange County Otters failed to hold up their side of the bargain.
In the Otters’ 48-24 whomping of the Arizona Outlaws, Bavitz was all over the field, recording seven tackles. On top of that, he was very effective on the blitz, recording a game-high two sacks.
In the Ultimus game, Bavitz was impressive again. Though putting up fewer tackles, only four this time, he maintained his sack total, tying the Liberty’s Flock for the game high of two. Also, he added a pass breakup. There is no doubt Bavitz wanted that game.

Playoff Review
NSFL
Game one: Liberty vs Wraiths – A real battle of the Titans as two of the best offenses and defenses squared off. Fans were not disappointed by this high-scoring affair as the Liberty banished the Wraiths 40-31.
Game two: Outlaws vs Otters – The complete opposite of game one, as a top-tier offense and defense faced off against a middling offense and second to worst defense. The results were unsurprising, as the Otters doubled up on the Outlaws, 48-24. Sounds like those desperados need to come to their senses.
The Ultimus: Liberty vs Otters – The Liberty came in looking to match their first upset to get themselves a nice pair. I hope you bet on the pocket, because the Liberty went up early and never looked back. No bells cracking in Philadelphia tonight!

DSFL
Game one: Marshalls vs Luchadores – Two hapless teams line up to fight for the right to say they’re less out of place than the other. The Luchadores Pinned the Marshalls 22-10.
Game Two: Coyotes vs Pythons – Some Pythons fans presumptively called this “The Real Ultimini” – bold words! The two best records in the DSFL faced off and in a tight matchup, the Pythons bit the Coyotes, and put that dog down.
The Ultimini: Pythons vs Luchadores – This is shaping up to be a real mismatch, as the top regular season team faces a team that didn’t even have a winning record. I don’t hear any Joe Namath guarantees from the Luchadores… yet.
Post Ultimini Update: Looks like it's a good thing no Namath's came out of the woodwork. The Luchadores put up a good fight, but the better team won.

[Renrut]

[ExemplaryChad]

New Talent: Write about which S7 trade will or did have the biggest impact in the playoffs

The biggest impact for these playoffs has to be the one made by my boi Carlito Crush. His team might not have taken the trophy all the way back to Orange County, but it wasn’t because of a lack of effort on his part. In both of their playoff games, Crush had over 80 yards and let the team in receiving. He wasn’t able to get into the end zone, but that shouldn’t diminish what was, by all accounts, a stunning streak of play from the new addition to the team.

Just a few short weeks ago, Crush had been toiling away his time on that wreck of a Colorado Yeti roster. Ultimately, after doing what he could to turn that team around, he decided that he couldn’t take the losing anymore and asked for a trade. His numbers were pedestrian at best, and he needed a bit more motivation to keep competing at the highest level. While he had his fair share of possible locations to end up, the Yeti were able to find the best balance of a fit for their (former) player and a return on their investment in the championship-bound Orange County Otters. The move proved to be a coup for the Otters, and Crush helped lead them to the Ultimus game.

Word count: 216


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

The MVP from the Yellowknife Wraiths versus Philadelphia Liberty matchup has to be Paul DiMirio. This was a close game that the Liberty nevertheless led the whole way through. The Wraiths mounted a number of valiant comeback efforts in the second half, but the Liberty offense probed too much for the Wraiths’ star-studded defense.

A huge part of this offensive showing was flex back Paul DiMirio. Occupying the role of an interesting hybrid who can line up just about anywhere in the Liberty offense, DiMirio was able to consistently catch the Yellowknife defense off guard, leading him to a highly productive day. On a defense that fields Phillipe Carter, Dermott Lavelle, Boss Tweed, and Jayce Tuck, DiMirio nonetheless found holes in the defense consistently. He amassed 8 catches on the day, resulting in 115 yards (a 14.4 yard per reception average for an H-back!). Perhaps more importantly, he found the end zone twice, the first time giving the Liberty the lead and the second time extending it.There were ultimately a number of players who contributed to the Philadelphia victory in Yellowknife. Each player had a role to fulfill, and they had to do it to the best of their abilities to win the day. But no one on the Liberty roster stepped up and carried the team to a berth in the Ultimus more than Paul DiMirio.

Word count: 229


Unsung Hero:Who was the unsung hero of the playoffs, convince us.

These guys get overlooked in this league so often it’s criminal. What, just because they’re machines built for the sole purpose of moving large men and women across a field and literally no other purpose, they’re not worthy of our consideration? I say, nay. NAY, ladies and gentlemen! Of course, I’m talking about our own mechanical marvels, our resident robots, our loveable lugnuts: our offensive line bots!

In this case, the offensive line for the Liberty was dominant in the playoffs. They allowed just two sacks in both playoff games (2!). That’s one in each, folks, for two total. With the quarterback staying that clean, it’s no wonder their offense is able to produce like it did. Similarly, they blocked for well over 100 yards rushing in the divisional championship against the Yellowknife Wraiths, and just under the 100 yard mark in the Ultimus game. Two sacks and 200+ yards rushing in their two playoff games make a solid case for these guys being the unsung heroes of the playoffs. Football is won and lost in the trenches, and these guys getting are getting wins for their team on a regular basis. Congratulations and hats off to these wonders of biomechanical engineering!

Word count: 202


Robbed: Write about why a team that failed to make the playoffs should have over somebody else.

For the second year in a row, the Colorado Yeti were robbed of a position in the playoffs that they well deserved. Two perfect seasons in a row, and nothing whatsoever to show for it? That’s a ripoff no matter how you slice it. No other team in NSFL history has accomplished such a feat. 0-14 is truly something special, and we should all be proud to have been a part of it. 0-28? That’s something different altogether. We’re essentially all NSFL unicorns. But nope, the league snubs us and keeps us from our rightful spot on the playoff throne.

Let’s take a look at the case to be made here. We are first in lowest points scored (this is golf rules, right?) with 137. The next lowest was 304. Tell me that’s not special. First in most points allowed? Check. We allowed 501. No other team was even close to the 5-bomb. Next up is passer rating. Our MVP Ryan Applehort maintained a league-best lowest rating of 47.9. Again, no one else is even close. The run game: lowest (best) yards per carry and fewest (best) touchdowns. I think you get the point. With any number of statistical examinations, you can see the case that the league’s Head Office clearly has some sort of vendetta against the Yeti, and it’s time it comes to an end.

Word count: 228

[Kendrick]

Graphic Points

Conference Final MVP Sig:


Championship Banner:


Going to Disneyland!:


Unsung Hero:

[Titan127]

Playoff Series MVP: DSFL

First off, I would like to say two things: For one, this was a whole-team effort and our GM was as important as anyone, too, in our playoff run. But if I had to pick one guy, one particular player, to take the MVP, I would say Mason Brown, linebacker for the Portland Pythons, would be that guy. Not only did he show up in our first playoff outing, but he dominated in the season eight Ultimini game. Brown went off, with one of his biggest moments coming on one drive where he took two sacks, helping in the defense's fast start. But, of course, in the second half, when Tijauna began to look as if they were going to comeback and upset the greatest team in DSFL history, he was all over the field, totaling nine tackles on the night, helping the rest of us hold them at bay. But I have to give our stud wideout, Mark Grau, a shoutout as well, because he was the key cog in our passing attack not only through the regular season, but in the playoffs as well. Both of these guys are going to have remarkable NSFL careers, as are many of our players. Regardless of who gets the "MVP" for this, however, it really was an entire team fighting our way to get where we did.

That Magic Moment: The Catch
In our Ultimini matchup against the Luchadores, we started strong. The Portland Pythons went up 14-0 in the first quarter, and sacked our opposition's quarterback four times in that span, looking to absolutely dominate the game throughout. But something happened. We slowed down, and the Luchadores started coming back.

While they never managed to take the lead, the game was much too close for comfort at more points than one, and it felt like our momentum was just draining. Our big plays still ended in punts, and they were starting to wear on our defense.

Then, our most explosive offensive weapon did what he does best: He got open.

Wideout Mark Grau, the best receiver the Pythons have ever had, in my opinion, came off the line of scrimmage like a bolt of lightning, and in an instant there was no one within ten yards of him. It was an easy matter for our quarterback, Cole McCoy, to hit him for a late touchdown that drove a dagger into the Luchadores' hopes, their slow climb having been brought crashing down in a single play.

That play, the last touchdown of the season 8 Ultimini, was the final bit of momentum, and last points, that we needed to bring back our trophy. So hats off to you, Mark Grau.

Championship Banner:


Unsung Hero:

[Leafs4ever]

Playoff Series MVP:
My choice for the MVP of the NSFC game between the Liberty and the Wraiths is wide receiver Paul DiMirio. While there were a handful of great performances from this game, I feel that DiMirio stood out as a game breaker and a consistent threat throughout the game. He got things started in the first quarter, hauling in a 21 yard touchdown throw from Tyler Oles. Putting up the first points of the game is always crucial in a big game. He was a safety blanket for his quarterback all game, catching 8 passes for 115 yards. Both of those totals were game highs as well. He was clearly the preferred target for his quarterback. His best play also came in the final quarter, as great players often do. With Philadelphia holding onto a 2 point lead, DiMirio broke free from the defense and ran 18 yards into the endzone for his second touchdown of the game. That score put the Liberty up 33-24, a score which the Wraiths could not equal. A late touchdown by the Liberty put things away for good, but the touchdown by DiMirio was the nail in the coffin of the Wraiths season. Paul DiMirio's monster game in the NSFC playoff match up makes him my choice for the MVP of the game.

(218 words)

Playoff Review:
NSFC Game: The Philadelphia Liberty and the Yellowknife Wraiths played a highly entertaining game. It was early in the game where the Liberty really put their stamp on the match. They stormed out and took a big 17-0 lead against the favoured Wraiths. Credit to Yellowknife as they continued to fight and make things interesting, but in the end it was too much to overcome as the Liberty kept up a steady enough scoring pace to seal the deal and win 40-31 and book their trip to the Ultimus Championship Game. Big games by Liberty QB Tyler Oles and WR Paul DiMirio helped Philadelphia pull the upset.

ASFC Game: This game wasn't quite as close as the NSFC Game turned out to be. The Otters were the clear favourite against the upstart Outlaws and they certainly played like it. The Otters came out of the gate strong, storming to a 21-0 lead early into the 2nd quarter. Erlich Burnsman lead the charge early with 2 touchdowns and the Otters never looked back, winning the game 48-24. QB Mike Boss dropped a casual 484 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Otters easily disposed of the Outlaws en route to the Ultimus Championship Game.

Ultimus Championship Game: The final game of season 7 saw the Philadelphia Liberty take on the Orange County Otters. The Otters came into the game as the league's best team. The Liberty certainly had their work cut out for them, but boy did they show up at the right time. Another great start for the Liberty put them in the driver's seat for the rest of the game. They went up 21-3 very quickly, with 11 minutes still left in the 2nd quarter. After that they really held the fort down. However, credit to the Otters, as they showed exactly why they were the best team in the league as they climbed back to within 2 points, getting the score to 21-19 with just 2 minutes left in the 3rd qaurter. Heartbreak would ensue though, as the Liberty stormed down the field and scored a backbreaking touchdown at the end of the 3rd quarter. That proved to be the final blow as the Liberty won their first ever Ultimus Trophy 28-19. Liberty QB Tyler Oles had a great game, throwing for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns as did WR Fox North, putting up 103 yards and 1 touchdown.

(400 words)

Going to Disneyland!:
In my opinion, the MVP of the Ultimus Championship Game is Philadelphia Liberty QB Tyler Oles. They could of been a couple of choices for the MVP but I feel that Oles had a extra step on anyone else. It's hard to ignore a QB throwing 260 yards and 3 touchdowns against the best team in the league, the Otters. He put the team on his back, as any great QB would, and led his Liberty to their first ever Ultimus trophy in their franchise's history.

Following his MVP performance, it was discovered that Tyler Oles spent his time celebrating at Disneyland! As it seems to be tradition for sports MVPs to go to Disneyland after their season, Oles made the most of his new found fame. Oles was invited to ride on the main float in the famous Disneyland parade alongside Mickey and Minnie Mouse. After the parade, Oles took a ride on space mountain and, yes, even the tea cups. Eventually, Oles found himself with some time away from the fanfare and strolled into one of the restaurants where he was finally able to sit down, relax, have a pint and reflect on the great season he and his team had this year.

(205 words)

Unsung Hero:
Throughout the whole of the season 7 NSFL playoffs, there was one player that I believe was the unsung hero of it all. That player is Vikian Marmeladov of the Philadelphia Liberty. The reason I think Marmeladov was this unsung hero was because of his stellar play, but also because we tend to forget about the contributions of defensive players.

In 2 games in the NSFL playoffs, Marmeladov put up 12 tackles, 1 sack, 3 pass deflections, and 1 interception. He did a little bit of everything for the Liberty helping them win their first ever Ultimus Trophy. In the final game, his 2 pass deflections and 1 interception led the team and really helped to shut down the powerful Otters offense. It's easy to look at the QB or any offensive player and see how they impacted the game. On the defensive side it's not as easy to see how much of an impact a player had on the game. Marmeladov defied those odds. He was noticeable every time his took the field. He was a menace in the secondary, hunting down the ball carrier and following every thrown ball in order to make a play on it. His steady patrolling in the secondary was a key reason why Philadelphia is celebrating their first ever Ultimus Trophy.

(218 words)