(you'll have to excuse me on Alpha. I've been around since the beginning, so I know a little bit, but it doesn't compare to my Zeta knowledge.)
Alpha Breakdown - Season 5
(in order of finish from Season 4)
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Woodridge Lumberjacks
Last Season: 15 - 1, won Conference and League Championship
Breakdown: The Woojacks are the closest thing to a dynasty that GLB has. Since joining the WEPL in Season 2, no other team has won the Alpha title. This means three straight trips to the league championship game where they have posted a 2-1 record, winning two straight. Quarterback Marlo Stanfield threw for over 300 yards in 13 regular season games last year while Joseph Ngo added over 1300 yards on the ground with a 6.2 ypc average.
Prediction: The leagues are evening out a little bit and its barely arguable that the WEPL is the most competitive league in the game. Better, more consistent competition doesn't necessarily spell trouble for Woodridge, who seem to be head and shoulders above the rest. Unless someone can figure out a way to play David to this Goliath, its hard not to see a three-peat in their future.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3 or 14-2, makes playoffs
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Wembley Warriors
Last Season: 10-6, lost to Woojacks in conference championship (16-10)
Breakdown: The Warriors made a great comeback in the second half of Season 4 after posting only three wins in the first eight games. They saw their Cinderella hopes flounder in the Alpha championship though, finding their offense unable to outscore an unusually dormant Woodbridge offense. Even with the Jekyll and Hyde halves, a bigger story emerged from the Wembley schedule: out of 16 games, 9 games were decided by 7 points or less with a 5-4 record in those games.
Prediction: Leroy and crew will need to find some consistency to build on last season's finish. Putting away the close games and finding a way to pull away from some teams should be the focus for this season. This team and their coaches definitely have the experience, the knowledge, and the talent to get this accomplished.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: Anywhere from 8-8 to 10-6, makes playoffs
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Berlin Blitzkrieg
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: Unlike the Warriors, Berlin seemed to stumble a little bit towards the end of last season, with 3 of their losses coming in the last 5 games. Even some of their losses showed hope though, losing to Wembley by a point, as well as two other losses being in single digits. The O Line was shaky at times, allowing 19 sacks, but they still allowed QB Ewiv Enor to pass for over 3100 yards.
Prediction: Improvement along the O Line would go a long way to staying competitive in the WEPL and Bort's changes to the effect of speed on DEs might help with that. Lots of inactives would go a long way in the other direction, although expiring contracts won't be a problem with everyone being signed until season 7. If IrishHand and GMs can get everyone back and involved, this will be a good season for the Blitzkrieg.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 12-4, possible 2 seed in the playoffs
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Valhalla Vikings
Last Season: 12-4
Breakdown: Valhalla seemed ready to go the distance last season with 3 of their regular season losses being within a single score, including a 6 point loss to eventual league champion, Woodridge. Wembley had other plans for the Vikings, though, as they were sent home in the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year. The star of the offense for the last two seasons, without a doubt, has been Quarterback James McMahon. With over 10,000 passing yards over the last two seasons and an astounding 30-6 touchdown to pass ratio in season 4, McMahon has established himself as one of the league's elite passers.
Prediction: The Vikings have established themselves as perennial playoff contenders, and this season should be no different. Lack of depth along the offensive line could hurt them in the long run, but unless teams can figure out a way to shut down McMahon, this could be the year Valhalla gets to play for a trophy.
Season 5 Regular Season Record:11-5, make the playoffs
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Fightin' Texas Aggies
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: Season 5 actually seemed like a step back from previous seasons for the Aggies, winning 1 less game than in season 4 and losing in the first round of the playoffs to Wembley. This has more to do with the increased competition in the league than it does with any lack of talent. Runningback Tank Smasher burst onto the scene last year with over 1400 yards on the ground and 35 touchdowns, taking some of the pressure off of Maxwell Smart, who saw his touchdown numbers dip slightly, but his touchdown/interception ratio improve immensely.
Prediction: FTA has always seemed to fighting to find some consistency in their game, and with a multitude of inactives along the roster, they might struggle again this year. If even a few of the players come back, and the WR play continues its upward, seasonal improvement, the Aggies might find their way back into the playoffs. Unfortunately, they won't have that extra little bit to push them into the upper tier with Woodridge and company this season.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 8-8 to 10-6, playoff possibilities
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Aberdeen Wrecking Crew
Last Season: 9-5
Breakdown: The other Aggie owned team in Alpha managed to barely squeak by into the playoffs last season, losing 5 of their last 6, all to eventual playoff teams. They did have the honor, however, of being the only team to knock off the Woojacks in the regular season, something only 4 teams have ever done. A large part of their success, when they had it, was due to Jimmy Johnston. The DE posted 170 tackles on the season as well as 64 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. He also returned his lone interception of the season for a touchdown.
Prediction: Another Aggie team that seems to be plagued with inactivity. Lack of depth on the outside of the offensive line could mean trouble against DEs, which are becoming one of the strongest positions in GLB. Unless the Wrecking Crew has an ace up its sleeve, I don't see this being a good year to be from Aberdeen.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 4-12
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Toledo Swords
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: Another 1st year promoted team continues the tradition of success in the Pros. A slow start to last season was quickly erased by a five game winning streak, which included a win over Valhalla. The Swords' scoring offense was one of the best in the league as they were held to under 20 points only twice all season, one of those being in the first week. The defense was a different story, though, allowing 20 or more points in 13 out of the 16 weeks.
Prediction: Toledo would be my pick for a "sleeper", if you can even classify them as that. Being able to score with anyone is always a great ability to have, but remember what the proverbial "they" always say: "Defense wins championships." If the Swords can shore up their defensive line, they might have a chance at the big one. If not, another early exit in the playoffs is probably in their future.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 10-6 or 11-5, playoffs
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Lake Charles Who Dats
Last Season: 9-7
Breakdown: The Who Dats pulled the short straw last season as they were the ones to face Woodridge in the first round of the playoffs. After a roller coaster season that saw Lake Charles' longest streak, win or lose, at three games. The secondary, led by Pick'em Hedrick, Deion Sanders, and Antonio Cromartie, was one part of the team that shined in season 4. Pick'em and Deion nabbed 4 interceptions while Antonio led the team with 5.
Prediction: Depth is definitely not a question with the Who Dats, but consistency is. Last season included only a 6 point loss to Woodridge, but also a 20 point loss to Valhalla. If they can start strong and gain some momentum going into the rest of the season, they'll be able to improve on last season.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 9-7
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Zeta Breakdown - Season 5
(in order of finish from Season 4)
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Rotterdam Roughnecks
Last Season: 10-6
Breakdown: The New York Giants of the conference, the Roughnecks came from nowhere out of the 8th seed to win the conference championship. An up and down season led to the Rougnnecks finishing strong, winning 6 out of their last 7 games. Two of the teams Rotterdam beat in the playoffs, they had lost to in the regular season. This included a 30-20 loss to a 34-13 win turnaround against the HEAT. While everyone knows about Corey Smith, the turnaround had alot to do with the dangerous stable of runningbacks that Corey keeps hidden under the guise of a "pass heavy" offense.
Prediction: The Roughnecks had an amazing post season in season 4, but to repeat, they're going to have to find more success during the regular season. Gone are the easy games, and every win is going to be hard fought. They have the talent to win against anyone, and they'll find themselves higher than an 8 seed come the playoffs.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 12-4
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Frankfurt HEAT
Last Season: 14-2
Breakdown: With one of the leagues staunchest defenses and most balanced offensive attacks, the HEAT rattled off 13 straight wins last season before being upended by Rotterdam in the conference championship game. Not only is the streak impressive, but they won by an average of more than 25 points per game. The offensive line was the anchor of the offense, allowing only 9 sacks on Jimmy Jimmy Clausen all season and open holes for Antwain Easterling to the tune of nearly 1500 yards on the ground and 21 touchdowns.
Prediction If last season is any indication, this season could be a long one for Frankfurt, the good kind of long. They show almost no weaknesses in their roster, having the talent and the depth to keep up with anyone in GLB. Its hard for me to see them losing too many games this season. I'll be interested to see at what point in the season the HEAT decide to break out with their dreaded Fullback offense (5 FBs on the roster).
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3
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Rivals Mainboard Pink Panthers (a.k.a. The one you've all been waiting for)
Last Season: 13-3
Breakdown: With what is possibly the most and least awaited addition to the league since its inception, the Mainboard Pimps took the WEPL by storm in season 4, firmly proving that they belong in the top teams of the pros. No breakdown would be complete without the mention of Mr. Bundy and his 45 sacks. Bundy was the leader of a defense that allowed more than 10 points only 5 times all season. On the other side of the ball, balance was the name of the game as Lee Suggs and Graig Cooper ran for approximately 3200 yards and 46 touchdowns, while QB Pohl added 37 more scores through the air. Pohl was also only sacked 10 times all season, 6 of those coming in only 3 games.
Prediction: While any doubt that the Pimps belong was erased last season, they can still anchor themselves as an elite team if they make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. As far as Zeta goes, the Pimps, along with the Roughnecks and HEAT, are a little above the rest of the conference, and if T-Noles is to be believed, maybe even God himself. If the offense can keep up its impressive ways and the defense can step up in those critical games, Rivals will finally have that trophy that they say they deserve.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3
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Multiple Scorgasms
Last Season: 12-4
Breakdown: After an extremely down season 3, the Scorgasms bounced back to form. Winning 5 of their first 6 let the rest of the league know they wouldn't be pushed around anymore. The revitalization came behind 1800 rushing yards from Randy Watson and a defense that allowed them to stay in most of their games. Alot of players left during the offseason, though, including both QBs, QB Eagles and Jo Moxon.
Prediction: Replacing lost players was priority #1 for the Scorgasms, and Sexual Chocolate wasted no time. New QB Adrian Viking was probably their biggest pickup, having spent the last 3 seasons terrorizing the Canadian Pro League to the tune of over 12000 yards. While the offensive fire power is there, the Multiple defense will need to stiffen up to keep them competitive in the league.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 11-5
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Stockholm Meatballs
Last Season: 10-6
Breakdown: The third rookie team to make the playoffs, the Meatballs crawled into the playoffs with a 2 game losing streak. Stockholm used the "committee" approach to most of their positions, and in some areas it paid off. Turnovers were their undoing though, throwing 18 interceptions and losing a total of 12 fumbles on the year.
Prediction: The fix is simple for Stockholm: don't turn the ball over. Turnovers can kill momentum and morale and ultimately lose the game for you if you're team can't overcome the morale hit. Hopefully the addition of Mal Brown can help keep defenses on the field and keep the offense fresh. Unfortunately, I don't think the Meatballs can keep up with the new teams and will barely miss the playoffs.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: anywhere from 7-9 to 9-7
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MA Trolls
Last Season: 15-1
Breakdown: What started as a dream season for the Trolls came to an abrupt end with a 1st round playoff loss to Rotterdam. After losing their season opener to the Pimps, the Trolls rolled off a very impressive 15 game win streak over their Zeta opponents and looked well on their way to an easy conference trophy.
* I want to apologize here to the Trolls about leaving you out of the elite teams talk. You obviously belong and it was purely a glitch in my memory to leave you out.*
JJ Flicker wowed everyone with his 55 touchdown passes while only being sacked 7 times. Almost lost, but not completely unnoticed, were their stable of runningbacks who amassed a total of 35 scores on the ground.
Prediction: The Trolls have a good group of active guys and could almost run the table again this season, except for one thing: their first few games of the season are absolutely brutal. Even then, the MA defense is nothing to scoff at and few teams can put up the points to keep up. Look for the Trolls to be a power again this season, and if they can keep it up in the post season, they have as good a shot as anyone at the championship. A Trolls/Woojacks matchup would be electric.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3
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Reyjavik Aggies
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: The Aggies have three things that I've thought are the cornerstone to a successful GLB team since the beginning: a strong offensive line, a strong defensive line, and a strong running game. Unfortunately, lack of a consistent passing game really hurt Reyjavik last season and really stunted their success. While 3 of their losses were in single digits, only 2 of their wins were, which means they struggled to close out the close games that happen often in a competitive league like the WEPL.
Prediction: With the retirement of Josh McNamara, Manny White becomes the go to guy for the Aggies. With both runningbacks returning and the depth of the O-line, the Aggies will once again be a very competitive team. It will all hinge on how they perform in the 4th quarter all season long and if they can use their RB tandem to wear defenses down enough to take advantage.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 8-8
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Paris Musketeers
Last Season: 10-6
Breakdown: Bad luck might be attributed to the Musketeers' early playoff exit this last season. Part of a multi-way tie with a 10-6 record, Paris was matched up with the Pimps in the first round, a team that had beaten them 58-0 in the regular season. While not nearly as bad, most of their losses were by more than single digits. On the other hand, 9 of their wins were double digit spreads. Nolan Akers was the star of the offense, rushing for close to 2000 yards and 31 touchdowns without a fumble the entire season.
Prediction: With good depth along the offensive line and the addition of Zac Hawk, the offense looks to be potent this season as long as Christian Soldier can limit the interceptions. A good secondary will help, but questionable depth in the middle of the defensive line might make stopping drives hard on defense. Paris has always remained competitive, but with gutted teams being weeded up, its going to be hard to remain in the top half of the league.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 7-9 or 8-8
* I think I'm going to do something different with the rest of the teams tomorrow. Still good info and predictions and all that, this just took up alot more time than I thought it would.*
*edited a thousand times for my inability to understand the rules of grammar
Alpha Breakdown - Season 5
(in order of finish from Season 4)
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Woodridge Lumberjacks
Last Season: 15 - 1, won Conference and League Championship
Breakdown: The Woojacks are the closest thing to a dynasty that GLB has. Since joining the WEPL in Season 2, no other team has won the Alpha title. This means three straight trips to the league championship game where they have posted a 2-1 record, winning two straight. Quarterback Marlo Stanfield threw for over 300 yards in 13 regular season games last year while Joseph Ngo added over 1300 yards on the ground with a 6.2 ypc average.
Prediction: The leagues are evening out a little bit and its barely arguable that the WEPL is the most competitive league in the game. Better, more consistent competition doesn't necessarily spell trouble for Woodridge, who seem to be head and shoulders above the rest. Unless someone can figure out a way to play David to this Goliath, its hard not to see a three-peat in their future.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3 or 14-2, makes playoffs
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Wembley Warriors
Last Season: 10-6, lost to Woojacks in conference championship (16-10)
Breakdown: The Warriors made a great comeback in the second half of Season 4 after posting only three wins in the first eight games. They saw their Cinderella hopes flounder in the Alpha championship though, finding their offense unable to outscore an unusually dormant Woodbridge offense. Even with the Jekyll and Hyde halves, a bigger story emerged from the Wembley schedule: out of 16 games, 9 games were decided by 7 points or less with a 5-4 record in those games.
Prediction: Leroy and crew will need to find some consistency to build on last season's finish. Putting away the close games and finding a way to pull away from some teams should be the focus for this season. This team and their coaches definitely have the experience, the knowledge, and the talent to get this accomplished.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: Anywhere from 8-8 to 10-6, makes playoffs
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Berlin Blitzkrieg
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: Unlike the Warriors, Berlin seemed to stumble a little bit towards the end of last season, with 3 of their losses coming in the last 5 games. Even some of their losses showed hope though, losing to Wembley by a point, as well as two other losses being in single digits. The O Line was shaky at times, allowing 19 sacks, but they still allowed QB Ewiv Enor to pass for over 3100 yards.
Prediction: Improvement along the O Line would go a long way to staying competitive in the WEPL and Bort's changes to the effect of speed on DEs might help with that. Lots of inactives would go a long way in the other direction, although expiring contracts won't be a problem with everyone being signed until season 7. If IrishHand and GMs can get everyone back and involved, this will be a good season for the Blitzkrieg.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 12-4, possible 2 seed in the playoffs
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Valhalla Vikings
Last Season: 12-4
Breakdown: Valhalla seemed ready to go the distance last season with 3 of their regular season losses being within a single score, including a 6 point loss to eventual league champion, Woodridge. Wembley had other plans for the Vikings, though, as they were sent home in the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year. The star of the offense for the last two seasons, without a doubt, has been Quarterback James McMahon. With over 10,000 passing yards over the last two seasons and an astounding 30-6 touchdown to pass ratio in season 4, McMahon has established himself as one of the league's elite passers.
Prediction: The Vikings have established themselves as perennial playoff contenders, and this season should be no different. Lack of depth along the offensive line could hurt them in the long run, but unless teams can figure out a way to shut down McMahon, this could be the year Valhalla gets to play for a trophy.
Season 5 Regular Season Record:11-5, make the playoffs
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Fightin' Texas Aggies
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: Season 5 actually seemed like a step back from previous seasons for the Aggies, winning 1 less game than in season 4 and losing in the first round of the playoffs to Wembley. This has more to do with the increased competition in the league than it does with any lack of talent. Runningback Tank Smasher burst onto the scene last year with over 1400 yards on the ground and 35 touchdowns, taking some of the pressure off of Maxwell Smart, who saw his touchdown numbers dip slightly, but his touchdown/interception ratio improve immensely.
Prediction: FTA has always seemed to fighting to find some consistency in their game, and with a multitude of inactives along the roster, they might struggle again this year. If even a few of the players come back, and the WR play continues its upward, seasonal improvement, the Aggies might find their way back into the playoffs. Unfortunately, they won't have that extra little bit to push them into the upper tier with Woodridge and company this season.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 8-8 to 10-6, playoff possibilities
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Aberdeen Wrecking Crew
Last Season: 9-5
Breakdown: The other Aggie owned team in Alpha managed to barely squeak by into the playoffs last season, losing 5 of their last 6, all to eventual playoff teams. They did have the honor, however, of being the only team to knock off the Woojacks in the regular season, something only 4 teams have ever done. A large part of their success, when they had it, was due to Jimmy Johnston. The DE posted 170 tackles on the season as well as 64 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. He also returned his lone interception of the season for a touchdown.
Prediction: Another Aggie team that seems to be plagued with inactivity. Lack of depth on the outside of the offensive line could mean trouble against DEs, which are becoming one of the strongest positions in GLB. Unless the Wrecking Crew has an ace up its sleeve, I don't see this being a good year to be from Aberdeen.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 4-12
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Toledo Swords
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: Another 1st year promoted team continues the tradition of success in the Pros. A slow start to last season was quickly erased by a five game winning streak, which included a win over Valhalla. The Swords' scoring offense was one of the best in the league as they were held to under 20 points only twice all season, one of those being in the first week. The defense was a different story, though, allowing 20 or more points in 13 out of the 16 weeks.
Prediction: Toledo would be my pick for a "sleeper", if you can even classify them as that. Being able to score with anyone is always a great ability to have, but remember what the proverbial "they" always say: "Defense wins championships." If the Swords can shore up their defensive line, they might have a chance at the big one. If not, another early exit in the playoffs is probably in their future.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 10-6 or 11-5, playoffs
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Lake Charles Who Dats
Last Season: 9-7
Breakdown: The Who Dats pulled the short straw last season as they were the ones to face Woodridge in the first round of the playoffs. After a roller coaster season that saw Lake Charles' longest streak, win or lose, at three games. The secondary, led by Pick'em Hedrick, Deion Sanders, and Antonio Cromartie, was one part of the team that shined in season 4. Pick'em and Deion nabbed 4 interceptions while Antonio led the team with 5.
Prediction: Depth is definitely not a question with the Who Dats, but consistency is. Last season included only a 6 point loss to Woodridge, but also a 20 point loss to Valhalla. If they can start strong and gain some momentum going into the rest of the season, they'll be able to improve on last season.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 9-7
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Zeta Breakdown - Season 5
(in order of finish from Season 4)
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Rotterdam Roughnecks
Last Season: 10-6
Breakdown: The New York Giants of the conference, the Roughnecks came from nowhere out of the 8th seed to win the conference championship. An up and down season led to the Rougnnecks finishing strong, winning 6 out of their last 7 games. Two of the teams Rotterdam beat in the playoffs, they had lost to in the regular season. This included a 30-20 loss to a 34-13 win turnaround against the HEAT. While everyone knows about Corey Smith, the turnaround had alot to do with the dangerous stable of runningbacks that Corey keeps hidden under the guise of a "pass heavy" offense.
Prediction: The Roughnecks had an amazing post season in season 4, but to repeat, they're going to have to find more success during the regular season. Gone are the easy games, and every win is going to be hard fought. They have the talent to win against anyone, and they'll find themselves higher than an 8 seed come the playoffs.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 12-4
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Frankfurt HEAT
Last Season: 14-2
Breakdown: With one of the leagues staunchest defenses and most balanced offensive attacks, the HEAT rattled off 13 straight wins last season before being upended by Rotterdam in the conference championship game. Not only is the streak impressive, but they won by an average of more than 25 points per game. The offensive line was the anchor of the offense, allowing only 9 sacks on Jimmy Jimmy Clausen all season and open holes for Antwain Easterling to the tune of nearly 1500 yards on the ground and 21 touchdowns.
Prediction If last season is any indication, this season could be a long one for Frankfurt, the good kind of long. They show almost no weaknesses in their roster, having the talent and the depth to keep up with anyone in GLB. Its hard for me to see them losing too many games this season. I'll be interested to see at what point in the season the HEAT decide to break out with their dreaded Fullback offense (5 FBs on the roster).
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3
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Rivals Mainboard Pink Panthers (a.k.a. The one you've all been waiting for)
Last Season: 13-3
Breakdown: With what is possibly the most and least awaited addition to the league since its inception, the Mainboard Pimps took the WEPL by storm in season 4, firmly proving that they belong in the top teams of the pros. No breakdown would be complete without the mention of Mr. Bundy and his 45 sacks. Bundy was the leader of a defense that allowed more than 10 points only 5 times all season. On the other side of the ball, balance was the name of the game as Lee Suggs and Graig Cooper ran for approximately 3200 yards and 46 touchdowns, while QB Pohl added 37 more scores through the air. Pohl was also only sacked 10 times all season, 6 of those coming in only 3 games.
Prediction: While any doubt that the Pimps belong was erased last season, they can still anchor themselves as an elite team if they make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. As far as Zeta goes, the Pimps, along with the Roughnecks and HEAT, are a little above the rest of the conference, and if T-Noles is to be believed, maybe even God himself. If the offense can keep up its impressive ways and the defense can step up in those critical games, Rivals will finally have that trophy that they say they deserve.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3
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Multiple Scorgasms
Last Season: 12-4
Breakdown: After an extremely down season 3, the Scorgasms bounced back to form. Winning 5 of their first 6 let the rest of the league know they wouldn't be pushed around anymore. The revitalization came behind 1800 rushing yards from Randy Watson and a defense that allowed them to stay in most of their games. Alot of players left during the offseason, though, including both QBs, QB Eagles and Jo Moxon.
Prediction: Replacing lost players was priority #1 for the Scorgasms, and Sexual Chocolate wasted no time. New QB Adrian Viking was probably their biggest pickup, having spent the last 3 seasons terrorizing the Canadian Pro League to the tune of over 12000 yards. While the offensive fire power is there, the Multiple defense will need to stiffen up to keep them competitive in the league.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 11-5
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Stockholm Meatballs
Last Season: 10-6
Breakdown: The third rookie team to make the playoffs, the Meatballs crawled into the playoffs with a 2 game losing streak. Stockholm used the "committee" approach to most of their positions, and in some areas it paid off. Turnovers were their undoing though, throwing 18 interceptions and losing a total of 12 fumbles on the year.
Prediction: The fix is simple for Stockholm: don't turn the ball over. Turnovers can kill momentum and morale and ultimately lose the game for you if you're team can't overcome the morale hit. Hopefully the addition of Mal Brown can help keep defenses on the field and keep the offense fresh. Unfortunately, I don't think the Meatballs can keep up with the new teams and will barely miss the playoffs.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: anywhere from 7-9 to 9-7
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MA Trolls
Last Season: 15-1
Breakdown: What started as a dream season for the Trolls came to an abrupt end with a 1st round playoff loss to Rotterdam. After losing their season opener to the Pimps, the Trolls rolled off a very impressive 15 game win streak over their Zeta opponents and looked well on their way to an easy conference trophy.
* I want to apologize here to the Trolls about leaving you out of the elite teams talk. You obviously belong and it was purely a glitch in my memory to leave you out.*
JJ Flicker wowed everyone with his 55 touchdown passes while only being sacked 7 times. Almost lost, but not completely unnoticed, were their stable of runningbacks who amassed a total of 35 scores on the ground.
Prediction: The Trolls have a good group of active guys and could almost run the table again this season, except for one thing: their first few games of the season are absolutely brutal. Even then, the MA defense is nothing to scoff at and few teams can put up the points to keep up. Look for the Trolls to be a power again this season, and if they can keep it up in the post season, they have as good a shot as anyone at the championship. A Trolls/Woojacks matchup would be electric.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 13-3
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Reyjavik Aggies
Last Season: 11-5
Breakdown: The Aggies have three things that I've thought are the cornerstone to a successful GLB team since the beginning: a strong offensive line, a strong defensive line, and a strong running game. Unfortunately, lack of a consistent passing game really hurt Reyjavik last season and really stunted their success. While 3 of their losses were in single digits, only 2 of their wins were, which means they struggled to close out the close games that happen often in a competitive league like the WEPL.
Prediction: With the retirement of Josh McNamara, Manny White becomes the go to guy for the Aggies. With both runningbacks returning and the depth of the O-line, the Aggies will once again be a very competitive team. It will all hinge on how they perform in the 4th quarter all season long and if they can use their RB tandem to wear defenses down enough to take advantage.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 8-8
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Paris Musketeers
Last Season: 10-6
Breakdown: Bad luck might be attributed to the Musketeers' early playoff exit this last season. Part of a multi-way tie with a 10-6 record, Paris was matched up with the Pimps in the first round, a team that had beaten them 58-0 in the regular season. While not nearly as bad, most of their losses were by more than single digits. On the other hand, 9 of their wins were double digit spreads. Nolan Akers was the star of the offense, rushing for close to 2000 yards and 31 touchdowns without a fumble the entire season.
Prediction: With good depth along the offensive line and the addition of Zac Hawk, the offense looks to be potent this season as long as Christian Soldier can limit the interceptions. A good secondary will help, but questionable depth in the middle of the defensive line might make stopping drives hard on defense. Paris has always remained competitive, but with gutted teams being weeded up, its going to be hard to remain in the top half of the league.
Season 5 Regular Season Record: 7-9 or 8-8
* I think I'm going to do something different with the rest of the teams tomorrow. Still good info and predictions and all that, this just took up alot more time than I thought it would.*
*edited a thousand times for my inability to understand the rules of grammar
Last edited Sep 20, 2008 22:17:42
