Written By Josh Farnzy, Ethan Kye, Ray Bentley, Rae Colston, Baylee O’Shaughnessy, Jack Brown and Jason Miller
Images by Tyler Falk
(Movement) | Recap |
||
|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | (-) | Well where else do you expect the reigning champions? Season 16 started with a matchup between the title defenders and Eddie Gauge's Arizona Scorpions, and a final score of 21-27 doesn't quite do justice to what a game it really was, which included everybody's favourite 2-point score addition, a safety. While Vultures quarterback Jack Wigmore did throw two interceptions on the day, it wasn't enough to overcome he and his receiving corps' air attack, which put up over 340 yards on the stat sheet. Defensively the Vultures were able to 'pick clean' the Scorpions attempt at moving the ball down the field, with strong safety Troy Loshaw recording 3 interceptions during the game. Even their special teams work, with Shark Tarkington banging a perfect 6-for-6 field goals through the uprights, was operating smoothly, efficiently - with the knowledge that this team is, and continues to be, a winner. Baltimore heads home next week to take on their championship game foes, the Sioux Falls Sparrows, for Week 2. |
2 |  | (-) | The Denver Nightwings had a bone to pick after dropping their first-seed (and home field advantage) to the Sioux Falls Sparrows in last season's playoffs, and boy was it apparent tonight. If Josh Miller wasn't finding his target through the air, Jarrod McChesney was barrelling his way forward to it on the ground. Even the prolific Kramer Jackson got in on the action, adding an easy 19 yarder to his retinue against the hosting Sparrows. Defensively they were able to prevent Sioux Falls from making much, if any, headway on the ground, adding two sacks and four tackles for loss to their stats. There was no breathing room in this game, with Denver confidently adding to their score in every single quarter until the final whistle. On their quest to return to the championship, the Nightwings head home to prepare for the fresh-look D.C. Dragons for their Week 2 matchup. |
3 |  | (-) | In a rematch of their Season 15 Quarterfinal matchup, Vancouver took charge early in Week 1 and scored 21 unanswered against the winner of the last meeting, the Louisiana Revolution. QB Tom Pepper threw for 404 yards and 4 TDs with a QBR of 127.7, and his offensive line kept him relatively clean all day by giving up no sacks, yet it wasn’t all pretty. Seven turnovers were the story of the day, 3 of them interceptions so there is a question of ball security that may come back to haunt them if they don’t solve it quickly. HB Robert Redford did what was needed by turning in a solid performance for 103 yards on the ground and 1 TD. But WR Kendra Hall was the offense’s story of the day, making a statement with an incredible performance amassing 163 yards on only 6 receptions to go with 2 TDs. We have the Vancouver Legion ranked at #3 because this offense can definitely put up points and the defense truly frustrated the Revolution, causing 4 turnovers of their own. They have the makings of a true contender, so long as they can protect the football. |
| 4 |  | (-) | It’s a tale as old as time, the Jacksonville Kings come into the season with a chip on their shoulder and expectations are set very high. This season is no different for Duval’s monarchs, facing off in week one against age old rivals Houston. Now much like they have since march of 2019, the Kings went in and handily beat the Hyenas. With one man in particular having a major impact on this win and from the scoreline single handedly won them it. Jared Willis. The dude looked like an absolute beast on the field with 251 yards on the ground with 2 rushing touchdowns, the longest being 75 yards long and in the plays themselves, he was shedding off tacklers like he was the SFL’s Derrick Henry. He certainly has cemented himself as an early contender for the HB that breaks the game. Everyone else did their job with not much flash and not much more needed, honestly. The only area of genuine concern to see is that CC threw 3 picks during the contest and had plenty more… highly suspect throws. He has always been known for being a loose gun but that may be, a bit too much. Fix that though? A ring may be in their future. |
| 5 |  | (-) | The beginning of this is for Tyler, only Tyler can read this, if you are not Tyler, please scroll down or go watch the stock market go all over the place again. Okay so Tyler, are you sure this is the team in this game that was supposed to go 2-10? Seems to me like they aren’t. Utterly dominating the Desperados at home I presume because they heard your take. Alright now everyone come back, Atlanta (through one game, frankly) looked like their S14 form once again. 44-10. Bryant Dynasty looked like he was back on his way to matching his predecessor Marcus Dunhill. With BDG Hollywood looking to get back to his HOF form. With 3 TDs from 241 yards. The defense got a pick six, too! Everyone got in on the fun! What fun they had, too! Now looking down the barrel of taking on an equally hot Vancouver Legion, it should be like two locomotives slamming into each other! |
| 6 |  | (-) | The Lone Star Glory came into week one trying to make a statement and a statement they made as they finally managed to get their first win against the Florida Storm in 3 of their meetings. They now lead the charge in the south division. Ace Fenech had a pretty good day as he would complete 30 of his 34 passes for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns he was 1 of 3 Quarterbacks to not throw an interception. Ike McBride had a really good day as she would carry the ball 19 times for 93 yards and finding the endzone 3 times. Greg Soto would catch the ball 7 times for 115 yards and a touchdown. On defense FS Bo Martin Jr. had 7 tackles and 3 assisted tackles. LB Brian Craven also had 7 tackles 4 assisted tackles and a pass deflection. They had two takeaways on QB Ron Cockren one from CB Mickey McGuire and SS Doug Day. Look to see the Glory ride away with another win in week 2. |
| 7 |  | (-) | In their first week back in action after a busy offseason of signings that ended with no picks in the draft, we have the Revolution slightly lower than how they left off at the end of the playoffs… ranking now at #7. Louisiana had trouble mounting much offense at all in the first half of play against Vancouver this week, despite their defense getting turnovers. However, in the second half they came alive putting up 34 points in the end to Vancouver’s 45. HB Reggie Streeter (78 yards rushing) was held in check all day, partially due to the deficit they saw early on that allowed QB Jonny Pichler to throw for 409 yards and 3 TDs. Unfortunately, it also saw him sacked 4 times, with 4 interceptions and ending with a QBR of 76.7. If they can get off to a faster start in Week 2, I can see them moving up in the ranks a little. But, if they can’t be more consistent on offense and turn great opportunities into points, it could be a long season for the Revolution. |
| 8 |  | (-) | Few defenses looked as stout as the Predators, especially during their first half against Mexico City. The defensive line led by Joseph Sebolka (7 tackles, 2 sacks) controlled play - limiting the Aztec ground game and pressuring Matt Wilson often. Running back Keith Swearingen paced Charleston on offense with 142 yards and two scores on 32 carries as the Predators were methodical in their execution. T.D.Drew will need to reduce his turnovers (4), but Charleston ultimately looks to have gained some traction towards an improved Season 16 - as they get ready to face Arizona in Week 2. |
| 9 |  | (-) | Sioux Falls, still smarting from dropping their second title game in as many seasons, was not prepared for what the Denver Nightwings had cooked up for them for Week 1 of the Simulation Football League's 16th season. The only time the Sparrows were able to put points on the board was on a late pass to Al Dillapree Sr. in the 4th. Veteran quarterback Julian Tyree wasn't the source of Sioux Falls' ills, as he completed 17 for 20 passes without a single turnover; it was defensively that Sioux Falls had no answer for the one-two punch of Josh Miller and Jarrod McChesney. Nick Fargo was able to pick off Miller for 7 yards, but ultimately that was the brightest spot for the otherwise lacklustre defense. Sioux Falls will hope the Week 1 jitters are gone as they head to Baltimore to take on the current reigning champs, the Vultures, for Week 2. |
| 10 |  | (-) | The Queen City Corsairs needed a win desperately if they wanted to forget about a very disappointing Season 15 campaign. A home game against the tough Fort Worth Toros beckoned, and after a less than perfect opening 30 minutes, the Corsairs found a way to win. The game did, however, start poorly for the men in black and green. AJ Caswell threw a couple of picks and Jett Zero wasn't having much luck against a tenacious defense. Harsh words must have been uttered in the locker room at half time, because the Corsairs came out firing. Caswell looked more confident moving the ball and the much maligned Zero (after his struggles last season) got his Season 16 tally off the mark with 2 touchdowns. Defensively, cornerback Ted Haynes was the hero, intercepting Cameron Curtis twice, at crucial times, to give Queen City a hard-fought 14-17 home victory to start their season. There are still many things to work on for the Corsairs, but this is a good start heading into Week 2. |
| 11 |  | (-) | First the good - K.L. Barrett looked sharp (11 catches, 171 yards, 2 TDs) and flashed some of the best hands in the league’s opening weekend. The defense forced 4 turnovers and Rookie Dan Tritz also registered two sacks and even more pressure to give Mexico City’s defensive line an extra shot in the arm. The bad (other than, well, they lost) - The offense could not sustain any drives, especially in the first half. On plays not throwing to Barrett: 54 plays, 132 yards. Get Barrett some help in Week 2 against London and Mexico City figures to be able to swiftly right this ship. |
| 12 |  | (-) | The Florida Storm drop one to the Glory who came out blazing. Is this a sign of things to come for the Storm? Nah! Its week one and the Storm have away of bouncing back from tough losses if anything this loss just fanned the flames. QB Ron Cockren had a normal day at the office completing 52 of his 53 passes for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. Cockren would connect with WR EJ Mincin 8 times for 85 yards and a touchdown. The Rookie HB Charlie Biletsky would carry the ball 4 times for 25 yards, but makes up for his lack of rushing yards with receiving yards as he had 13 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. Defense was a bit slow ,but veteran CB Ryan Davisdson and CB Evan Carroll showed their experience as they combined for a total of 16 tackles 3 assisted tackles. Carroll would also have a tackle for loss and a pass deflection. Can the Storm get the speed up to get a win this week against the opponent. |
| 13 |  | (-) | Bringing all they had to the game, the Arizona Scorpions held the heat to the reigning champion Baltimore Vultures for all 4 quarters this past weekend. While they walked away with a loss, it was never a runaway for either team, and for the Scorpions there was plenty to celebrate. Arizona quarterback Ashley Jackson actually posted a higher completion percentage than her Vultures counterpart, and the Hands brothers produced long runs of at least 20 yards. Vernard Smith IV and Iverson Gamble were able to nab their own interceptions as well, preventing the game from becoming too lopsided in favour of the defending champs. Rookie kicker Larry Barr missed his shot at the uprights, but Scorpion fans can rest easy with the knowledge of the Week 1 yips, knowing he'll be back to redeem himself soon enough. The Scorpions remain on the road to take on the Charleston Predators at home for Week 2. |
| 14 |  | (-) | Las Vegas Fury get the win and boy did they show out. Rookie QB Colin Pierce would complete 20 of 35 of his passes for 256 yards and a touchdown. HB Scott Johnson had 17 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. WR John Blades had an amazing day as he had 7 receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. The defense of the Fury was on fire as CB Merrick Itera had 7 tackles 3 assisted tackles 1 tackle for loss 1 pass deflection and 2 interceptions. LB Day Drewery had 8 tackles 2 assisted tackles 2 tackle for losses and an interception. DE Rhett Sawyer had 6 tackles 2 assisted tackles and a tackle for a loss. SS Max Jackson had 5 tackles 2 assisted tackles 4 pass deflections and an interception. Will the Fury keep the flames burning and try to ignite another win under her belt. |
| 15 |  | (-) | The Gladiators pulled out the victory against Portland 20-16. It was a tale of two halves for rookie QB Christian Brown. Threw 2 INTs in the first half but came out firing on all cylinders in the 2nd half. If he can play like he did in the second half this team will be a sneaky team that could make the postseason.. |
| 16 |  | (-) | The Fort Worth Toros staff, players and fans will come away from Queen City thinking 'What might have been' after they sqwuandered a healthy half-time lead to fall to the home team Corsairs, 14-17. Obviously there a lot of positives to take from this performance, easiest to pic out the play of Delaney Nash, the second-year safety managing to pick off AJ Caswell and force a fumble during the game. Katherine Horrell had a decent day against the run up the middle and offensively, Jason Williams looked strong, managing to burst into the endzone on a couple of occasions. Alas, it wasn't enough. The Toros' play was too inconsistent in the second half and they allowed a team to come back into the game who looked lifeless before half time. If the Toros are going to fulfil pre-season expectations and make it to the post-season, consistency is going to have to improve. |
| 17 |  | (-) | The Los Angeles Lycans, the relocated team from Chicago, hosted the new expansion team the San Diego Mavericks in both team’s first franchise game which I call “The Battle for California”. Sully Richardson would complete 24 of his 32 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. TE Jack Flash had 108 receiving yards and one touchdown and averaged 12 yards per reception. WR Davius Reid had 92 yards and one touchdown averaging 18.4 yards per reception. Rookie WR Chris Lee was on the receiving end of his first career touchdown. Robert Johnson moved the ball down the field all day with his fifteen carries for 151 yards and one rushing touchdown. Rob Emms had one 26-yard field goal. The bend- don’t break offense led by LB Buddy Blaze, who had 13 tackles (one for a loss) and two pass deflections, held the Mavericks to only five field goals. The Lycans would get their first franchise victory at home defeating the Mavericks 31-17. The Lycan’s are just one win away from obtaining Tyler Faulk’s 2-10 prediction for their season. The Lycans will travel to Houston to face the Hyenas next week. |
| 18 |  | (-) | London has been preaching about being a “different football team” and they came out and showed us just that. This team is showing me that they want to identify themselves by playing tough hard-nosed defense. Holding DC to 10 points was a good start. Angus McClaine had a fantastic game completing 83% of his passes, and watching Robert Merrill do what he does best was a nice surprise also. |
| 19 |  | (-) | Coming into a new season with a new team is never the easiest of asks. Never mind when you are straddled with a brand new QB and some brand new supporting cast. To say the least, Houston held their own against a team they were simply outmatched by. ET King managed to0 get 277 yards through the air while Murray had a frankly underwhelming day with just a smidge over 100 yards for the man looking to repeat his lights out performance last season. With the new receiving corps all getting action in some form or another. For Houston, despite being this far down on the rankings, they have a lot of room to improve, it was but a few big plays that lost them the game. If those stop happening, Houston can be dangerous. |
| 20 |  | (-) | The Carolina Skyhawks started out with a rough start. It's not what i you would expect. I had them winning this this game but it wasn't in the stars this time. Week 1 is a hard week to figure out who will win and who will lose. Anyways on to offense. QB Xander Gold would complete 33 of his 54 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown. It would be the 5 interceptions that would seal the fate for them in this game. HB Logan Jack had 17 carries for 97 yards but wouldn't find the endzone on the ground. HB Logan Jack had 16 receptions for 64 yards and it would be here that he would find the endzone. WR Harish Prasad had 8 receptions for 91 yards and WR Heath McDaniel Jr. Had 5 receptions for 68 yards. On defense SS Trystan Hatley and SS Cain Vasquez both would walk away with interceptions. Look for the Skyhawks to pull it together in week two and try to pull out a win. |
| 21 |  | (-) | Portland to me is a team that is just 'meh'. Matt South hasn't produced as he should, This defense gets beat constantly, and some of the coaching decisions have been subpar at best. But my friends there is hope.. And his name is Ezekiel Love. They finally have someone that can run the ball. They need to make him the feature of this offense. A Lot of people have Portland as a team on the rise. I still don't see it. They need to prove it. |
| 22 |  | (-) | Well Tulsa, lets start out with the positives, you got nearly 350 yards passing on Jay Cue’s debut! He also threw for two touchdowns and the defense got two picks! This wouldn’t be a horrible day at the office if I didn’t list what I am about to. But let’s pull the pin, Jay Cue threw 5 picks, one going back for a TD. He also got sacked a whopping 5 times, you can’t expect a QB to succeed in a system so pass heavy if he is getting hit so often. Meanwhile Sonzo Robinson may as well have not existed only getting 31 yards. But that seems to be more so a game planning thing than a flaw. Still though, if Tulsa’s offense is gonna live or die on a rookie’s arm, then prepare to see them basically go boom or bust week to week. They get a chance to lick their wounds and get their season back at home against Portland this week, if those flashes from Cue show, they should be okay. If they don’t… |
| 23 |  | (-) | The San Diego Mavericks travelled the short distance to Los Angeles looking for their first ever franchise win against the Lycans. Javier Vasquez would complete 39 of his 52 attempts for 291 yards. WR Connor Weston had an impressive 7 receptions for 141 yards. Jaylin wells had a slow start to his season with 19 carries for only 34 yards. The Mavericks moved the ball down the field all day, but the Lycans defense would not allow them to reach the endzone. K Nico Cappuccino would go 5/5 on field goals on the day with a long of 50 yards. The Maverick’s defense had some highlight moments with the interceptions from LB Pete Mitchell and CB Ron Hoff. SS Mike Ryan and FS Ray Lenearl III each had 7 tackles. They also added to the scoreboard with the safety when they sacked QB Sully Richardson. At the end of the day the Mavericks would fall short and lose their franchise opener 31-17. The Mavericks will host the Las Vegas Fury next week where they hope to obtain their first franchise victory. |
| 24 |  | (-) | DC for all its worth actually had some bright spots. Psynergy completed 73% of his passes and Kevin Seay had some bright spots as well, having 120 total yards. But as we have said before, that defense will need to get better. They are going to struggle until they figure out that defense. |
