(S24) - Ultimus Week

[Ry_]

Task 10(5 TPE): History is not always kind to the losers. Tell the story of a team who you view as an all-time great but who did not win the title game. Why was that team so dominant? What were the major focal points of their offense and defense, and who were the star players? What makes them so special? What was the reason that they ultimately fell short of immortal greatness?

One of the greatest teams in history that weren't able to finish the job in the title game, in my opinion, were the S19 Tijuana Luchadores. Tijuana had just come off a strong S18 season, and continued to dominate, with big names like Jed Podolak, Avon Blocksdale, and a very, very strong defense. They cruised through the regular season, with their main losses coming on the road to a solid Myrtle Beach Buccaneers' team and another good squad in the Portland Pythons. Tijuana finished 7-0 at home, only allowed an average 11.8 points over the course of an entire 14-game season, combining that with a strong offense that finished top half in the league. Where did this team go wrong? The main issue, at least to me, was the lack of consistency by their offense. Sure, Tijuana could turn on the gas at times and absolutely torch teams on both sides of the ball, and while their defense almost always showed their best side, the offense could not consistently dominate the other team. They only finished third out of fourth in points per game by non-bot teams, and with a legendary defense you can win a lot of games you're not supposed to, but it shows up over time.

Let's switch gears to the Championship Game of S19. The Luchadores were playing the Minnesota Grey Ducks, a team that they had crushed twice and completely stifled their offense, although their defense was not the greatest. The main way Tijuana won(and won handly) those two games was by stopping the main offensive contributor for the Grey Ducks, #1 overall pick Darrel Williams. Oops, ended up talking about myself again. While they were able to stop him in the first two matchups, the Luchadores weren't perfect defensively against Williams and the Grey Ducks, as he ran all over the gassed Tijuana defense. Jed Podolak, the running back star of Tijuana, showed up in goal line situations, but otherwise was almost nowhere to be seen, as he only marked up 22 yards on ten carries. Ed Barker, a rookie who had barely played in the regular season, had to be relied on, and that did not help Tijuana's cause. Tijuana's defense held Minnesota's offense to 16 points, even when they were at their best, but Tijuana's offense could not rely on star quarterback Avon Blocksdale, who was unspectaular. He only helped Tijuana have nine first downs over the course of the entire game, and while he completed passes, he could not get the offense running, and Tijuana could not go back to back.

This team was mainly legendary for its defense and its' steamrolling of many opponents throughout the regular season, but came up just short in the title game.
(435 words)

16) Choose your favorite non-playoffs game of this season, whether your own team or another. Explain what was so special and why the winner ultimately came out victorious, including key players and moments(2.5 TPE)

While this wasn't my favorite game, it was one of the best games to watch of the season, and it resulted in two fierce rivals going head to head in a dogfight of a game, even though the result didn't really matter. The 3-12 Hawks were facing the 5-10 Yellowknife Wraiths, and the Hawks started out very strong in the first quarter. A touchdown pass and a great punt return by the star running back Darrel Williams led the Baltimore Hawks to a 14-0 lead over Yellowknife. Immediately in the next quarter, Acura Skyline refused to let his team stay down, so he put up back to back strong goal line touchdowns to tie up the game at 14. Already this game was a dogfight and it was only the second quarter. With about four minutes left in the quarter, Baltimore then began to drive down the field, ending with a strong pass from Chika Fujiwara to put Baltimore up by 7 with a minute left in the quarter. The third quarter was more of a defensive battle, as the only points scored was a field goal in the middle of the quarter. With Baltimore now up 24-14 heading into the fourth, Yellowknife was in trouble. Right at the start of the quarter, the Wraiths dotted up the Hawks and scored a longish touchdown to bring themselves within three. Now with less than two minutes in the game, the Hawks were able to stop Yellowknife deep in Hawks territory, but the Wraiths still were able to tie up the game. As overtime dragged on, no team established themselves as the clear favorite, but someone had to win, and the Wraiths did with about four and a half minutes in overtime.
(294 words)

PBE CW

[Emi]

Tier 3 - PBE Affiliation

[Mojojojo]

Tier 1 long form task (800+ words), topic #2 - 10 TPE!
(WC = 1,035)
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Who doesn’t love watching a team without a bye advance all the way to the final game of the playoffs? What about two bye-less teams upsetting the top seeds in their divisions to face off for the Ultimus title? Let’s rewind to Season 21 of the NSFL and relive the playoffs cycle that led to a head-to-head match-up between the New Orleans Second Line and the Yellowknife Wraiths in the Ultimus.

Quarterfinals:
In the NSFC, the Baltimore Hawks lead the division going into the playoffs with a 9-4-0 record, securing a bye with their highest seed. So for quarterfinals week, the Colorado Yeti, at second in the division with an 8-5-0 record, is hosting the 7-6-0 Wraiths. In the regular season, the Wraiths lost to the Yeti both times they matched up, with a final score of 34-24 while away in Colorado in week 5 and a final score of 19-13 while home in Yellowknife in week 9. The Yeti, with their better season record, their two previous victories, and their home field advantage for the wildcard game, are the clear favorites to win the match. But the Wraiths have come to play and they keep pace with the Yeti in the first half of the game, which is tied up at 13-13 when both teams retire to the locker room for half time. It is during this halftime that something happens to tip the scales in the favor of the underdog away team, who puts up a beautiful defensive display, holding the Yeti to a scoreless second half with multiple three and outs. The offense secures a touchdown at the end of the third quarter, and the Yeti is never able to recover. The Wraiths win it 26-13.

In the ASFC, the Orange County Otters lead the division and secure a bye with a 10-3-0 record. So for quarterfinals week, the New Orleans Second Line, at second in the NSFC with a 9-4-0 record, is hosting the Austin Copperheads at 7-6-0. The Second Line is the favorite with home field advantage and two regular season wins in matchups against the Copperheads in weeks 1 (home) and 8 (away). The Copperheads are not a team to be underestimated, as they are the returning Ultimus champions from Season 21 and they open the game with a drive down the field ending in a field goal. Despite having points on the board first, the Copperheads quickly lose the lead to a Second Line drive for a touchdown. The lead passes back and forth in the first half, which ends with the Second Line leading 13-10. The second half starts slowly, with neither team making it to the red zone until the Second Line scores another touchdown, giving them a two-score cushion. Despite a late fourth quarter touchdown in response, the Copperheads are unable to rally a rebuttal and fall to the Second Line 23-17.

Semifinals:
Now it is semifinals week and in the NSFC and the well-rested Hawks are hosting the Wraiths. While the Hawks and Wraiths went 1 and 1 in their head-to-head matchups in the regular season, with their better record and home field advantage, the Hawks are the favorites for this division championship. The game starts with a scoreless first quarter, but as the second quarter starts the Wraiths drive for a field goal. This begins an onslaught of scoring drives from the Wraiths, who put up 24 unanswered points against a bewildered Hawks team. The Hawks finally muster a field goal right before halftime, but the Wraiths head to the locker room with a comfortable 24-3 lead. It takes the Hawks a while to regroup, with most of the third quarter remaining scoreless. As the 4th quarter approaches, the Hawks drive for another field goal, and keep up that momentum to go 16-0 for the half. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to overcome the Wraiths’ halftime lead and the Hawks fall to the away team 24-19.

In the ASFC, the Otters, with the best record in the league, host the Second Line for the division championship game. These teams have met up twice in the regular season in the run-up to the playoffs, going 1 and 1 with the away team coming out the victor both times. So this could be anyone’s game! Indeed, it is a back-and-forth contest with the Second Line taking an early lead, but the Otters closing the gap in the second half. With a touchdown with one minute left to go, the Otters tie it up 24-24. With a clutch sack, the Otters hold the Second Line scoreless until the end of the forth quarter, sending the game into overtime . The Second Line receive the ball to start and drive for a field goal. The Otters are unable to mount a response and the game ends 27-24, sending the New Orleans away team to the Ultimus.

Ultimus:
The stage is set and it is time for the Ultimus match with the Second Line hosting the Wraiths.  The last time these two teams faced off in the Ultimus was in Season 8, when the Wraiths took the title 24-13. Despite their home field advantage, the Second Line have not been to a final game since they won the title back in Season 11. The Wraiths, on the other hand, are veterans of the Ultimus field having appeared in the last three Ultimus games (without a trophy to show for it). Furthermore, only a few weeks ago, the Wraiths secured a clutch away victory 32-29 over the Second Line in the regular season.

The game begins and it is not long before it becomes clear that the Wraiths are destined to be runner-up for the fourth year in a row. By the end of the first quarter, the Second Line is up two touchdowns and they take the lead to 17-0 by halftime. While the Wraiths play a closer game in the second half, with successful scoring drives, they are unable to stop the Second Line from continuing to put points on the board. The game ends in a disappointing loss for the embattled Wraiths and, with a final score of 33-13, the Second Line take the Season 21 trophy.

[Eldorian]

Task 1 - PBE Affiliate

Task 2 - Create an argument for your own player, or for someone else on your team, as to why they should be nominated for awards. Lay out their stats or compare them to other contenders. Make a convincing case.

Goat Tank should be a front runner for defensive lineman of the year and also defensive rookie of the year. He should also be in the running for defensive player of the year as well. The thing is, Defensive Tackles never get any love in these categories like they should because it's much harder as a defensive tackle to put up some big stats that are much easier for linebackers and defensive ends to do. What happens is people see all the tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks that those groups have and they just outweigh what a defensive tackle can do. But hold up for a minute, if you look at Goat Tank and compare him to other defensive tackles, it's not even close. Where as if you compare the top linebacker and defensive ends to others in the category, you have a few that are right up with them.

So why would you ignore someone who completely excelled at their position above anyone?

Goat Tank lead defensive tackles in tackles. Goat Tank led defensive tackles in sacks with 7, the closest behind him had 2. Goat Tank was near the top of the league in forced fumbles with 3 and also in fumble recoveries with 3. He was partially responsible for 5 turnovers and fully responsible for 1 of those (a forced fumble he also recovered himself at the 1 yard line). 2 of his forced fumbles happened within the 5 yard line and immediately resulted in touchdowns. He also finished off the season with a safety. No other defensive tackle was even in the same stratosphere as Goat Tank - and if that doesn't deserve the biggest honors in the league, I don't know what does.

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288 words

Task 3 - Choose your favorite non-playoffs game of this season, whether your own team or another. Explain what was so special and why the winner ultimately came out victorious, including key players and moments.

The final game where the Bucs beat the Ducks 54-10 is by far my favorite. We were already out of playoff contention at that point and were absolutely pissed how the season went down because we had a couple late losses in the season that really screwed us or our offense just couldn't get it done. And then in this game, bam, huge blowout. For me personally getting 6 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a safety made me really happy to help with my stats a bit on making a run toward some personal awards. I'd rather have gone to the playoffs, but if we had played like this all season I feel like we could have been championship contenders.

I think the biggest thing is how well our offense played. Our QB was finally starting to get it done with 4 TD passes with Crowley catching 3 of them. The fact that we had no turnovers was also a huge plus as that is what had plagued us all season. Our defense was always good and it was our offense that would slow us down. If our offense had played at this level all season we'd have probably gone undefeated. The best part of this game though was simply just crushing the Ducks since they ignored taking me 2nd overall.

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224 words

Task 4 - Imagine that the league’s Pro Bowl included a skills competition similar to the NFL. What sorts of  games could you see being implemented? Which players do you think would perform the best in ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, or other games? Which conference would come out on top?

First of all, I would say anyone on the Dallas Birddogs would probably be the best at some kind of frisbee challenge. For some reason, they would be really good at catching Frisbees instead of footballs. In dodgeball I would have to go with the Minnesota Grey Ducks because they sure as hell couldn't catch any balls, so they were really good at dodging them. For Portland I would have to say golfing, because for some reason they were able to make it into the playoffs with a lesser score than we did and the only sport I can think of where that would be acceptable would be golf.

I'm really not sure what the Kansas City Coyotes would be good at because whatever they do, they're not good at sports. I heard Norfolk was really good at water polo but I'm unsure why that would be in a pro bowl challenge. 

Has Tijuana even won any championships? I'm going to pretend they haven't even though looking at their wiki says they have won a lot. I choose not to believe anything anyone can post on the internet. So I doubt they would be good at any kind of challenge and are probably at the bar playing beer pong and getting drunk. Actually, that sounds like a great skill challenge, let's do that.

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223 words

[majesiu]

pbe cw

[UpperNet]

13) Finally Net Gaines is retiring, finally done after having a up and down season. I wanna say I got my ultimus so I dont have any regrets if how my career turnt out, yup I am happy with my one utimus win. Anyways I am gonna start from the beginning to tell you about the Net Gaines experience, shall we call this 30 for 30 the man who had bricks for hands? Or 30 for 30 the man who was so bad at linebacker he had to switch? You know what lets just call it the net gaines experience. The Net Gaines Experience first started in s18 at the time was the biggest draft. We had many big names, in fact I didn't know if i was even going to get drafted that high. I was real nervous before the draft but good thing Kansas city caught on to my activity for i was drafted 10th by them. I was drafted with Maurice virtnen, also known and bacon brother and Korrin Abernathy also known as laser. It wasn't surprising to me that the Kansas City Coyotes went with defense for there first few picks because at the time there defense wasn't all that great. They also selected thunder and rublics. The season went by pretty fast, it was my first experience in a sim league so I didn't know what to expect but overall it was fun rooting for our team, watching the sim every week, Comparing stats and overall having a good time. Everbodu on our team put up stats and we had i hopes going for the NSFL draft. At the time I was 10th in TPE, I had many teams scouted me, which was a pretty experience. The scouting questions that mostly caught my eye though was Adam Spencer's signature "weird question". It definitely made the copperhead stand out. My top 2 teams going into the draft was the Yellowknife Whaiths and the Austin Copperheads and surprise, i ended up on austin. Pretty exciting watching the draft overall and watching my fellow teammates getting drafted high. We had 3 fellow Coyotes go in the top 3, great stuff! After playing a couple of seasons as linebacker, I wanted a bigger role on offense. I made my official switch to wide receiver hoping I could become someone, a star. I ended my season getting zero awards and just a few pro bowls. I am highly disappointed i didn't really reach what I placed my standards on. I am currently sitting at a retired Net gaines, one more season left under his belt. I dont kniw where to place my expectations but I am glad I can play my final season as Net Gaines a Copperhead.

20. I am gonna do a scouting report on probbaly one of the best and most versatile offensive lineman im thus upcoming draft, Felix archstone. Archstone is currently 231 TPE which is currently the highest for in his position for this class. Archstone can play both in the inside and the outside, but he mainly played at tackle for the coyotes, helping them bulldozer there way to the ultimini. Archstone showed his strength with 34 pancakes but also quick enough to stop any rusher at there tracks, only allowing a impressive number of 2 sacks of the season. Lets break down his strength and weaknesses

Strengths:

Strong enough to dominate any rusher (85 strength)

Can stop any rushers at ther track

Can lineup anywhere on the line, smart enough to make quick and smart adjustment -71 intelligence

Quick on his feet and can go against the fastest, quickest and strongest rushers with ease. -75 pass blocking

Strong, thick and sturdy in the run game and can dominate with ease. -75 run block


Weakness

Can be slow sometimes against more faster rushers - 58 agility

Stamina can go down pretty quickly in long games - 61 endurance

Can be slow during transition downfeild - 35 speed

Conclusion: archstone is the top offensive lineman in this draft. strong, quick and smart and should be a top 10 pick



27. Offensive linemen and kickers are both way under appreciated it makes me sick. I cant even sleep properly at night thats how sicks i am. Everyday I have to live through this discord seeing little love for kickers. But offensive linemen do have there own discord so kickers deserve more love anyways. So I am going to talk about a kicker in the isfl that been the boot all these seasons and sadly he finally calling it a career and retiring. This legend kicked many balls for austin and to see him go. So crisco even though he is deep in regression and practically dead he still hold his ground with the other kickers this season. Cisco is actually in a three way tie for XP% with powers and prohaska. Every points matters no matter if its only 1 so those extra points was key. Cisco was clutch at kicking, with 35 field goals made. The only kicker higher then him is Alex D. What I found more impressive is crisco only missing one field goal, he for sure was a big part at austin. This season there was alot of kickers kicked over 50 yard field goals so sadly Cresco couldn't dominate in that stat like he usually does but he still made a 53 yard field goal this season. I am glad crisco is ending his career with such a good season and hopefully he get a nominee.

[EMPER0R]

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Task #13 +5 TPE

My experience in the league so far has been great.  There has been lots of helpful people I have interacted with so far.  Not one person has been rude and everyone has been very nice.  It's fun trying to earn as much TP as possible to improve your player.  I enjoy watching my player play and make an impact on a game.

I was surprised about the entire process of being drafted.  Going through the scouting process was something I did not expect.    Again, everyone was very helpful during the scoring process and answered all of my questions.  A lot of questions were your basic questions but some people threw some random, interesting questions at you.  Watching the draft was a cool experience.  I would have approached my player build a little differently had a I known what to expect prior.

A few things that would be helpful would be a scale of how each attribute correlates with your overall player rating.  I know that there is a a diagram stating which attributes are more important for your position, but I'd like somthing that days "increase your strength to 40 to gain 1 overall" or somthing like for every 4 increase to strength you gain one overall.  Each attribute to have a different scale for each position.


One thing that I wasn't really prepare for was my players playing time.  Now I was starting nickle back and 2 straight games my team didn't move out of base defense.  Its discouraging to see your team lose and you didn't play one snap.  When I started I just assumed that my player played the entire game and that was that.  I didnt expect to be on the bench.  Perhaps when people create a player that there could be a post about that starting off your player might not see a lot of game time.  You need to earn TP to improve your player and not to be discouraged if you dont see a lot of snaps as a rookie.  If there is a post like this, I missed it.

After my 1st season in the DSFL I'm being scouted for the ISFL.  I keep being asked about what kind of contract I'd like. I have no idea.  A post about what to expect or to look for in a contract would be helpful.

Overall I have enjoyed my time so far and I looking forward to continuing to improve my player and help my team win.  I dont necessarily think anything needs to improve, just a little more reading material and some dos and donts for beginners would be helpful.
 
434 words


Task 20  +2.5 TPE

Mason Gillion CB Tijuana Luchadores

Age 20
Height (ft.): 6' 2"
Weight (lbs.): 195 lbs
TPE 163

In limited playing time this season Gillion has proven his big play potential.  Primarily played in nickel situations only, but has the ability to play every down.  In his limited playing time he was tied for 1st in defensive TDs with 2 pick sixes.  He also was tied for 3rd with 3 ints.  His first int he returned for 27 yards.  As soon as he gets the ball in his hands there is a good change he returns in for a TD.

He doesn't have blazing fast speed or raw strength, but what he lacks in speed and strength he makes up for in endurance.  He will still at full strength late in the game or on a long drive to make the play he needs to make.

His strength is man to man, press coverage.  With his height, weight and endurance he can handle the biggest WR in the ISFL.  Although he isnt a max TPE, he has shown consistent grown and will be an asset to any team who drafts him.  He may need one more season in the DSFL which will greatly benefit him, but after that he will be a solid starter in the isfl and make an impact.

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Task 23 +2.5 TPE

Here is a list of pro bowl skills competitions that I think would not only be interesting, but showcase some of the unheralded players. Offense and defensive line players don't the glammer or glory as the some of the other players but they are just as important. They also have a unique skill set that other skill positions simply cannot do.

Pancake Eating competition -  Those guys can eat a lot of food.  It takes hard work to maintain that body weight and still be athletic.

High dive splash -  biggest splash wins. big guys, big splashes.

A relay race with o line and d line from each conference. 

Tug-of-war - same teams as the relay race

Sumo wrestling - oline vs oline and dline vs dline in opposite conferences.

A strong man competition - lifting the heavy stones, tracker pull, the most reps  bench pressing 225lbs, etc.

SFC south wins this easily. The NFC north had the top 3 teams in sacks allow last season.  Clearly the O Lines are strong in the SFC.  SFC also had 2 of the top 3 teams in sacks.

Goat Tank had 7 sacks and a DT.  That's a monster year for a DT.  I think he also dominates everyone in these competitions.  Although Clay Stallworth gives him a run for his money.  He had 71 pancakes this season.  No one else even had 60.

221 words

[bex]

2 Tier 3 Tasks, 1 Tier 2 Task

Task 0 - PBE CW Task

Task 12
The E word! It's always exciting to see the league grow. While this expansion comes close on the heels of the last major league expansion, it's clear that the league can sustain 14 teams. I don't think we'll see the playoff structure change, as letting in more teams would mean that more than half of the teams would make the play-offs. While no one likes getting eliminated, it's important to have making the post-season mean something. In the next leg of expansion, a change to the structure would make more sense. But that is a conversation for another time. I think we'll see these teams work to build up young talent and prepare for their time a few seasons from now. I feel bad for the Silverbacks, as the ASFC has been intensely competitive, and at the moment it's hard to imagine them as anything but the bottom of the conference for the next two seasons. They will be an appealing destination for folks frustrated with the lack of offensive openings elsewhere though, as both GM players are on defense. The Fire Salamanders might have it a bit easier, as we see two teams in the NSFC currently on the decline. They do have the small issue of needing to find themselves a quarterback. While the Silverbacks have their QB set, the Fire Salamanders have two wide receivers and no one to throw to them. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what the teams are able to accomplish this offseason as they work to plant the seeds for future success. Currently, the expansion draft is hugely promising in terms of claiming existing talent. With two players being able to be taken from each team and only 8 initial protection slots, there is a large number of active players available to be claimed. While going to an expansion team might not be everyone's desire or goal, those who are excited to help shape the identity of a new team are waiting in the wings. More promising, I think, is really cultivating a good crew of draftees. Having young players ready to grow with the team is one of the most beautiful opportunities given in expansion, and given the amazing folks in the season 25 draft, the expansion teams are spoiled for choice. Looking ahead, Season 26 is full of some amazing recreates that will be excellent additions to these new teams as well, providing some veteran presence to balance out fresh faces. I'm excited to see these new teams come into their own as the league continues to grow and change.

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431 Words

Task 25
Of the big changes that have occurred in recent seasons, the one I'd like to chat about is the addition of DSFL Head Office. Now, I know this isn't a brand new change. The DSFL HO has been here for a few seasons now. And to quite the effect. The prospect bowl has built off of changes made to the RM process that now allow the event to be bigger and more engaging. It's now an annual event built into the league instead of a side project picked up when the situation called for it. This change has also allowed the DSFL to receive more tailored HO attention. Instead of one Head Office spread thin across both leagues, the new HO allows people to focus full attention on our minor leagues, attending to issues at that level. They have been able to grapple with issues like inactive players and the competitive culture within the DSFL. Their existence has been of benefit to the ISFL HO, as we have been able to focus more on the issues we face as well. The reason I have chosen to write about this change specifically is that we are entering the stage where we may see rule shift. Currently, members of the DSFL HO are permitted to be General Managers at the ISFL level. This decision will be put to a vote soon enough to determine whether this practice should be allowed to continue. While the DSFL has done so much in their short time, we must determine if splitting focus by holding both jobs is a limitation that is holding them back.

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[dogwoodmaple]

Tier 3: Written/Graphics Tasks

Choose up to FOUR for 2.5 TPE each.

14) Create an argument for your own player, or for someone else on your team, as to why they should be nominated for awards. Lay out their stats or compare them to other contenders. Make a convincing case.

Almost every player is good at one thing, but very few players are good at everything.  Rickie Vaughne is one of those few players and he deserves to be named Most Versatile Player in the DSFL this season.  To start, he’s absolutely dynamite in the return game.  He’s one of just three players in the entire league with 250+ punt return yards and 500+ kick return yards.  Not only that, but he’s tied for the league lead with two punt return touchdowns and is a weapon every time he touches the ball.

As if that wasn’t enough, Vaughne also happens to be a do-everything cornerback as well.. It isn’t just about picks with him, though.  He’s just one of five players with 3+ INT and 10+ PD, but he separates himself when it comes to his physicality.  He leads all defensive backs in forced fumbles (3) and is one of just three CBs to score a defensive touchdown. 

When it comes to being an elite player, he checks every box.  He impacts the game not just on defense, but in every part of defense.  Helping out in run support, bringing the lumber on a big hit, or simply being a lockdown coverage CB, Vaughne has it all.  And you may want to kick it away from him once he forces a three-and-out.  There’s simply no one else in his league when it comes to making the team better every single snap. He truly can do anything. (246 words)


16) Choose your favorite non-playoffs game of this season, whether your own team or another. Explain what was so special and why the winner ultimately came out victorious, including key players and moments.

Week 10 vs. the Birddogs

Final Score: Norfolk 28-17

After starting the season 5-0, the Seawolves hit a mid-season skid and lost four in a row.  Sitting at 5-4 with our playoff chances bordering on life support and zero momentum, we desperately needed a victory.  We had defeated the Birddogs earlier in the season, which made this Week 10 matchup even that much more important.  A loss and our season would be on the brink of disaster; a win and we were on the path to clinching a spot in the playoffs.

Dallas got out to a quick 7-0 lead, but we rallied to take a 14-10 edge into halftime. Ramza led us in the first half with both touchdowns and our defense was able to keep them out of the endzone in the second quarter.  After a back-and-forth zero point third quarter, things got dicey.  The Birddogs took the lead 17-14 in the 4th and our hopes began to fade.  But we turned back to our leader, Suleiman Ramza, who threw the go-ahead touchdown with just 4:57 remaining in the game.  Our defense then rose up and stymied Dallas the rest of the way, before we hammered home the exclamation point with a last second short TD run by Skrills. 

Ramza was nearly flawless, finishing the day going 13/19 for 101 yards, 3 TD, and no turnovers.  He put the ball in all the right spots and methodically drove us down the field for the final touchdown.  It was his leadership, poise, and accuracy that led the comeback and ultimately revived our playoff hopes.

As I look back on our season, I know there’s no chance we make our second consecutive Ultimini if we don’t knock off Dallas and get our mojo back.  We may not have known it at the time, but that was our turning point this season. (313 words)

24) Present your argument for the playoffs MVP. Show their stats and impact on the games that they played.

The undoubted DSFL Playoffs MVP is Danny King of the London Royals.  In two games, King finished with 220 total yards and 3 TD. But a simple listing of the stats doesn’t do his performance justice.

In the semifinals, he was the battering ram that helped wear down Portland’s defense.  He hauled the rock 20 times, hauled in a pair of passes, and didn’t once put the ball on the turf. He helped open the door for Terry Yaki’s long TD run with his constant, hard-nosed running.  But 119 yards in the semis isn’t where this story ends.  In the Ultimini, he scored all three touchdowns for the Royals en route to bringing home the title.  He again was the featured back with 24 carries and finished with 98 yards on the ground.  His two rushing scores turned a 10-0 deficit to a 14-10 Royals’ lead and got them right back into the game.  His most important play, however, was the Ultimini-winning touchdown he scored with just 5:03 left in the game.  On the three yard-line and tied 17-17, Charlemagne Cortez found King on a flare route and the stud running back did the rest.  He was one-on-one with one of our linebackers and it was a mismatch from the start.  He hauled in the pass which turned out to be the winning touchdown for London.

Not only did he put up the stats to support the Playoff MVP Award, but he came through for London in crunch time again and again. When the game was on the line, there was one clear best player on the field. (269 words)

27) Some positions are still under appreciated. Talk about the offensive linemen and/or special teamers on your squad. Show how they have contributed to the team, both on and off the field, and why they deserve recognition.

They do the dirty work, rarely get proper recognition, and are the main reason we made it back to the Ultimini for the second straight season.  Our offensive line in Norfolk is full of unsung heroes who were truly the heartbeat of our team this season. From left to right, we had Thad Pennington, Jr., Darth Vader, Gen Tarkin, Han Solo, and Ananda Adyan.  This dynamic quintet allowed a combined four sacks while clearing the road of defenders to the tune of 173 combined pancakes.

Pennington was the clear leader of the group, starting all 16 games at left tackle and leading the league in pancakes among players who did now allow a sack.  Not to be outdone, Tarkin, Vader, and Adyan all ranked in the top 10 league-wide in pancakes while allowing less than two sacks.  It’s not just about their individual stats, though, it’s the overall impact they had on our success this year. Without their dominance up front, RBs Captain Rogers and Quanter Skrills don’t combine for 2,213 rushing yards at an astonishing 4.65 ypc.  But more importantly, without their dominance we don’t upset the Luchadores in the playoffs and give the Royals all they wanted in the Ultimini.

Our fans know how dominant our OL was, but it’s time the rest of the league take notice as well.  When it comes to development, coaching, and pinpoint technique, look no further than the naval yard in Norfolk. (242 words)

[FleshBagSoup]

PBE pt