Saturday, December 22, 2012

2012 Commissioner's Year in Review: A Time to Celebrate

Well WAFL owners and fans, this has been a very long and trying off-season as was last years. It presented new challenges and some old ones. Our ownership group is stronger and continues to bond together for the good of this league as we all grow old with it together. It seems like forever ago since we crowned Delaware as 2012 champions - that happened this year too and we certainly should not forget about all of the huge improvements made from season one to season two.

One of the biggest issues this off season has been our game itself, NCAA 13, and our ability to put the best product forward. As we have continued behind he scenes throughout the summer and fall we stand by the fact that we are putting the best simulation product we can possibly provide out there to our owners and fans this Saturday and beyond. We are truly proud of the steps we have taken over the past month to ensure our product continues to raise the standard of simulation football.

The league website is almost ready for 2013 and, as everyone close to the league knows, it has been "almost ready" for quite some time. It was always my hobby to help with multiple redesign projects with the website as myself and my staff grew our web design skills. I am happy to announce CI Design will be launching our business venture next year, thanks in part to the effort to improve our abilities on so many levels.

On a personal note, things got new real fast for me in 2012. An owner, girlfriend, and special human being left my life on a personal level and has become nothing more than memories. She made me happy for four years of my life but was not the one for me in the end. To my new special someone, I officially welcome you to the WAFL family. You have already gotten to know some of our hardest workers quite well and soon enough they will get to know you just as well. To all of you who meant something to me in 2012, big or small, as a friend or co-worker, I appreciate everything you have done to make my life special.

Looking ahead, having analysts in the commentating booth with me and having games broadcasting in better quality, I feel, has been my greatest achievement as your Commissioner in the last three years. I am glad that everything happened the way it was supposed to on that front. Our teams, story lines and schedule are certainly excellent things to look forward too.

The world didn't end - we never thought it would. The world is just beginning. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. My God bless you and your families and keep us all on this world just a little longer so we can enjoy the smaller things in life - like a simulation football league that has become more than just a small piece of life for many of us. I hope it becomes more than that to more fans in the future. I hope to one day have many video game fanatics talking about our accomplishments and one day a football game will come out that is exactly what this league needs.

Here's to the future - here's to us! Thank you owners and fans, you are truly great.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Winter Forecast: Holiday Extravaganza Holy Paragraph Batman Edition


It’s the season of giving, and what better gift than a full slate of WAFL games coming your way this weekend as preseason comes to a close. Here on this special holiday episode yours truly will not only be giving you your weekly picks, but also the winter forecast award favorites, including our WB III matchup.


Louisville>Dublin
Not going to  lie, I dreamed about this game the other night before I knew it was being played this weekend, and while this isn’t the most analytical process im going to go by what I saw (don’t judge me ok, I’m a professional) . Dublin will start hot, but this Louisville defense will wear down the potato cannon and in the end the Wolfpack tear away the hopes and dreams of yet another team starving for a win, those heartless bas**rds.

Boston<Delaware
Being the best in the atlantic right now is like being the most popular kid in the chess club. Call it preseason jitters but something very wrong is going on around the east coast. Nevertheless this should be a good game as always, while Darius Rider put the beatdown on the maulers.

Stirling>LA, many questions have arose as to why LA might be benching their starter this week, but that’s probably the last thing on the minds of the stirling defense. Though to be fair im not sure if anything will be on their minds considering they will probably be severely liquored up for the game courtesy of owner Sandy Campbell. Nevertheless, the Stirling spirit will shine through this week in a win that should finally get stirling on the map for playoff contenders.

LV<Cleveland: No team has come out of this offseason with more controversy, more headlines, and more QB mixups than this one. I am, obviously referring to Cleveland.  Cleveland has looked very impressive this preseason and that is in thank due to one man (though carrying the weight of two), Jason Timbers. Since being picked up by the Stallions he seems to have lit the fuse for this previously struggling offense, running passing, the man can do it all. Oh yeah, and there is a QB controversy in Vegas or something, which I have not heard much about. 

Minnesota>Philadelphia: Philadelphia looks nothing like they did 6 months ago, and im not talking about their color change. The previously explosive air attack has transformed into something that can only be described as disturbing, and the run offense which some believe has improved slightly, has had as much impact on their gameplay as Jason Timbers weight has on his running ability (hopefully you got that). Minnesota has looked hot with Blaylock and Price playing exponentially better than I think anyone could have predicted for them this season. Minnesota wins this one, in what could very well be Vaughn Normans last game in the city of brotherly love (oh how the mighty have fallen). 

St Louis > Edmonton: St Louis has looked strong this preseason but they need to prove they can hold on to win in the 4th quarter. Their formula for winning this weekend is simple, stop the run. I see Edmonton and Queen City as twins, the only difference is one of them found their weakness and moved on from it, weakness being the passing game. Tommy Vegas seems to be the only standout receiver on this team this year and Bubbas drinking problem isn’t going to get any better now they he lives in a frozen tundra (I like to imagine Canada is just one giant ice cube with really nice people and good beer). Thankfully, Edmonton has a one two punch in their running game to take the pressure off. Stirlings defense seems to be their biggest strength, and with a QB controversy still looming in the Gateway to the West, this game will come down to how tough St Louis’s LBs can be. So how tough will St. Louis’s linebackers be? Well, tough enough.
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*AWARDS* 

2013 Coach of the Year: Jun Matsumoto
Osakas offensive scheming looks like the best in the league this season, but it will all rest on the shoulders of Connor Pyatt
Runner up: Edmonton Chill sobriety staff
I’ll give a trophy to anyone who can get the bottle out of Bubbas hands and replace it with a football

Owner of the Year: Dave Arnold
“Murica”
Runner up: Ty Ptak and Derik Overstreet get to fight over it in a cage match.

MVP: Quarterback Connor Pyatt
This kid can do it all, the moment you shut him down through the air he turns on the speed, probably the most dynamic players in the entire WAFL right now.
Runner up: Chris Noel
Chris Noel is bound to win some type of award this year, so why not MVP.

Offensive POTY: AJ Blaylock
Blaylock and Pyatt are going to be slugging it out for top QB in the WAFL, could be either one of them.
Runner up: Lawrence Price
Similar to Blaylock and Pyatt, this could also come down to the top 2 HBs in the league, being Price and Noel.

Defensive POTY: Rick Oriley
The Irishman will be bringing the pain for yet another season, quarterbacks look out…
Runner Up: Mashal London
With a strong supporting cast and a healthy season ahead of him, London could have a breakout season this year.

Impact POTY: Jed Jones
“Murica”
Runner Up: Tony Henderson
Tony Henderson has the ability to carry this team to a world bowl, but that will not happen until the coaching staff fully embraces him and gives up on Mark San- I mean Joseph Redfeather

Comeback POTY: Jason Timbers

Rookie OPOTY: Javier Goya

Rookie DPOTY: Rasheed Kent


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Western Conference Winner: Osaka Shoguns
Central Conference Winner: Louisville Wolfpack
Eastern Conference Winner: Boston Maulers

World Bowl III Matchup:

Osaka Shoguns vs Minnesota Spartans

There is no telling for sure if this will be the matchup in Philadelphia, but we can only hope for a game with as exciting a cast as this. Two incredibly dynamic quarterbacks, two smashmouth defenses, and an aerial assault that will make even Las Vegas jealous.

World Bowl III Winners:
Osaka Shoguns




No one can say for certain what will transpire over the next several months, records will be broken, players will get hurt, and the dream of a World Bowl will be fulfilled for 50 aspiring players. However, just like on gameday, its not about who wins or loses, but the thrill of the game itself, and here is to another very thrilling season of WAFL football. That’s it for the Winter Forecast, wishing all 16 owners, fellow journalist Ace Whirls, and the WAFLs terrific front office a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hoping everyone enjoys the holiday season with their families, and to party safe on New Years (im talking to the people in Stirling).

The Ace Report: Ace Claus

MERRY CHRISTMAS WAFL,  Ace Claus here to spread some holiday cheer.  I know all 15 teams could use some help this holiday season, so here's Ace Claus to each give you one gift for the upcoming season.  This should make your Christmas season wonderful and your New Year bright  :D

Boston Maulers:  You get a Tom Brady pep talk, before every game Tom Brady will bring brought in via satellite from Foxboro to give Smithers and company a rousing pep talk to guide your men to victory week and week out.  The chances of this working are slim but hey, it's Tom Brady.

Cincinnati Sentinels:  Kevlar padding,  Joe Sloan and Marvel Palmer seems to be on the ground a lot.  Take this Kevlar padding and put it to good use.  Might save your season or you guys will just look cool with Kevlar padded helmets and pads...

Cleveland Stallions:  Cleveland Stallions, you seem like a solid team but you need defense.  So I'm giving you Louisville middle lineback Andrei Kruschev.  Consider it another Wolfpack castaway sent to Cleveland but this time around, old Ace Claus sent him.

Delaware Destruction:  Well you are in for quite the treat since I'm bring back Nick Thibedoux to the Destruction.  Ernest Campbell is doing well but Thibs was your guys lightning in a bottle.

Dublin Celts:  This one is simple,  you guys get yourself one of the best coaches in the college game.  What no, not Nick Saban... HA.  You get Brian Kelly from Notre Dame.  The perfect man for the Celts and I'm sure his temper will keep you guys on your toes.  Enjoy.

Edmonton Chill: Well Edmonton,  you already have Chris Noel and Herm Johnson and you have Bubba Jones.  What could you seriously need? I grant you An 1,000+ receiving season from Tommy Vegas.  Should make him one of the elites.

Las Vegas Diablos:  Oh hi Las Vegas, the most attention desperate team of the league.  Your colluded QB battle is suppose to end tomorrow night but I grant you this,  An Injury Free Season.   For the team who has the most season breaking injuries consider 2013 a pass.  Whoever is your quarterback,  he's in the clear.

Los Angeles Immortals:  What do you give one of the best teams in the League?  why a trip to The World Bowl.   Now please read this correctly LA fans,  you're going to the World Bowl, doesn't mean you're going to win it.  I don't have that much power.  Ho Ho Ho.

Louisville Wolfpack:  Well the Wolfpack are a stout defensive team but offensively they can be odd at times.  That's why I'm granting Blake Wilson a rocket cannon arm.  Funk isn't the best QB but he gets the job done,  with a rocket cannon arm, he'll skyrocket passes to receivers with ease.

Minnesota Spartans:  Well one of the favorites to win the Western conference, it's hard to decide what to give the Spartans but I guess I'm going to give you, the MVP trophy.  Now boys, don't fight over it but AJ or Ahmad, this is for you.  Play nice or you're both getting Coal for 2014.

Osaka Shoguns:  Well Osaka took a risk on Mr.Glass aka Donte Houle so I grant them with the gift of Titanium Legs for all their players.  Conner Pyatt will be lethal with these ankle breakers.

Philadelphia Iron:  For a team who had a lot of grief with EA,  your present is a written apology from Peter Moore and a year supply of EA published or produced games for 2013 for all personnel of the Philadelphia Iron.   I mean you probably wanted like immunity for Ivan Inferno or for Aaron Culp to have stickum but no, this is more fitting.

Queen City Corsairs:  With the WAFL cover curse looming, you get a curse free and all star worthy season out of Tony Henderson.  The Corsairs may not win anything but at least Tony Henderson should enjoy himself.

Stirling Surge:  A YEAR SUPPLY OF SCOTCH for SANDY CAMPBELL!  Nope, just kidding Mr. Campbell.  However I give you the present of Paul Young returning to form. So we're going to go back in time and bring back 2010 Paul Young and transport him to Stirling and get rid of the current Paul Young...secretly.

St. Louis Hornets:  You St. Louis get a do over,  so your Christmas present is the 1st overall draft pick in 2013.  Now before you get the pitchforks and fire pokers, this is a freebie. Regardless of your record, may it be good or bad,  this one is from Ace Claus.

Well my present giving is over, time to get to the picks and for that,  I bring back Ace Whirls, WAFL Journalist and Media Personnel.

Louisville @ Dublin:  Louisville isn't feel to good about this match up for some reason according to owner Derik Overstreet, so I'll go with Dublin in an upset.  I'm sure the Wolfpack will find a way to win but perhaps Graham Holiday ends the preseason on a good note.

Boston @ Delaware:  Our game of the week,  I like Delaware after what they've done this preseason, it looks like they haven't missed a step.  Ernest Campbell should do well for the Destruction.

Stirling @ Los Angeles:  People are gonna start calling me an Immortals homer but until someone knocks these guys off the podium, I'm going to keep picking the Immortals.   Jed Jones is Captain America, no one beats Captain America.

Diablos @ Stallions:  Matt Saracen, welcome home.  Yes it seem the Diablos are going with Saracen, not sure if O'Connor opted out or if Saracen is their guy, As for the game I think Cleveland prevails.  Patrick Vance will be too much for this Diablos defense which gave up 118 yards to Dmitri Kruschev last week.

Spartans @ Iron:  This is crucial game according to Iron owner Max Winter.  Jobs are at stake, someone could get fired... is Vaughn Norman on the hot seat?  Anyways I can't go against the Spartans.  Flash Jackson should burn a suspect Iron secondary.

St. Louis @ Edmonton:  The grand finale, the game to end the preseason.  Edmonton hosts St. Louis and I feel an Ace Whirls upset coming.  Upset of the Week (sorta)  St. Louis and their stout defense will get the best of Chris Noel and the Hornets will prevail thanks in part to star receiver James Cooley.

Well this concludes a lengthy Ace Report,  I'm going back home to be with my family this Christmas.  I just want to wish all 15 owners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2013 is going to be a fun WAFL season and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.  Our next Ace Report will be on the season opener and you'll get the first Ace Report power rankings.

Note:  There will be no Monday Morning Waffles Christmas Eve.  This is my last column for 2012. See you in 2013, WAFL

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Monday Morning Waffles: Preseason Week 4

Welcome back to Monday Morning Waffles with me,  Ace Whirls.  So far this column has gone swimmingly.  Week 4 led to more questions than answers for some teams (Vegas)  but for others, it was business as usual.
With that in mind,  let's get to the recap.

DUB @ DEL:  It was another dominating performance by the Destruction dropping 48 points on the hapless Dubliners. Darius Rider threw for 313 yards.  Ernest Campbell ran for 113 yards and JoJo Benton had 127 receiving yards.  On the Celts side, they did have the lead at half time and Justin Dobzinski had an interception returned for a touchdown but the Celts are still a work in progress.

EDM @ PHI:  If you told me Daniel Thompson-Rider was going to start this game,  I would have been like whaat!  but he did indeed start but let's be honest,  Edmonton's rock is Chris Noel, and even if he goes down there's still Herm Johnson.  Dangerous Team.  As for the Iron,  Ivan Inferno played mediocre and then backup Travis Switzer trumped his performance.  There could be another QB controversy in the WAFL...

BOS @ CIN:  Funny way the Maulers won,  some solid defense and a little luck from Chester Hilton and Rudy Foster.  Though the Sentinels led all three statistical categories, the Maulers pulled it off.  Joe Sloan looked very erratic at times.  Odd situation for Kyle Walsh to figure out.

OSK @ LOU:  In a potential World Bowl scenario,  the Wolfpack showed why they are champion favorites.  Sacking Conner Pyatt... I forgot how many because he was on the ground so much.  Another solid outing by the Wolfpack who surged the win late in the 4th.  Louisville,  you're the one's to beat.

QCC @ MIN:  Hey!  There's some offense in New York  after all but I came just short of the upset of the week as Minnesota held on 20-17.  Joey Redfeather outplayed AJ Blaylock throwing for 235 yards.  Ahmad Price beasted his way to 131 rushing yards  and Larry Rooney had a feasible 90 receiving yards.

STI @ LVD:  Well... if you're Vegas, you're just scratching your head.  If you're Stirling you're feeling mighty confident.  Dmitri Kruschev carved the supposed stout Diablos defense for 118 yards.  But those Diablos still forced turnovers and held Stirling to field goal attempts.  However this QB Battle must end,  both played mediocre but it would help if the receiving core (which dropped 13 passes) was more consistent.  Owner Eric Walsh is suppose to announce the starter this Saturday, December 22nd.

This concludes Monday Morning Waffles.

One more week of the preseason,  many questions left to be answered.

Friday, December 14, 2012

The Ace Report: The Pursuit of Happiness

The regular season of WAFL 2013 will be upon us shortly, two weeks left for teams to figure out what they want to do and where they are headed.  The 2013 preview magazine came out and has Los Angeles winning the World Bowl over Osaka.  Odd to see the World Bowl between two Western conference teams but who knows who will win a stacked Western conference, the weakest links look like Edmonton and Las Vegas but even they could make a run.  The Central will also be tough to predict but Louisville's favorite sons, the Wolfpack are the front runners.  In the East lies the defending champs the Delaware Destruction alongside the Iron, Celts, Surge and Maulers.  My money is on the Destruction but don't be surprised if the Iron or Surge pull off the division.

Alright, on to the picks and remember as always I pick a winner and an impact player.  This should be a hefty week of games.

Dublin @ Delaware:   Dublin is still a mess.  I mean I love the old Chicago Ghosts but I think Dublin might be a little hungover.  I can't go against the Destruction.  The Destruction should win soundly.  Darius Rider should light up the Celts.  The Celts seriously need to figure out what they're doing offensively.

Edmonton @ Philadelphia:  Edmonton and Philadelphia are complete opposites.  The key match up here is former Iron wide receiver Tommy Vegas.  Vegas should have a huge game against a mediocre Iron secondary.  Therefore I'm picking Edmonton.

Boston @ Cincinnati:  Well, this is quite the game.  Boston is starting Chester Hilton and Rudy Foster.  Chester Hilton could be a breath of fresh air for the Maulers with Jordan Smithers struggling BUT we're talking about Marvel Palmer here.  Sentinels wins.

Osaka @ Louisville:  A title game possibility.  Osaka and Louisville are both top 5 teams in the WAFL, this game could go either way.  I think Conner Pyatt is due a loss.  Louisville will prevail.  Anyone could be an impact player for Louisville but let's go with the man under center, Skeletor P. Funk.

Queen City @ Minnesota:  This is our Game of the Week for Sunday Night.  Why?  Queen City has looked miserable with Joseph Redfeather under center.  You'd be better off giving ever snap to Tony Henderson.  Minnesota is a freaking powehouse, AJ Blaylock is clutch.  How can I go against Minnesota?  I'M GOING TO!  Queen City in an upset.  Player of the Game?  Why Queen City linebacker John Curry. (he could lead the WAFL in tackles)

Stirling @ Las Vegas:  Last game of the week, last time the Diablos played in primetime they shocked the league with a 6 interception performance on Joe Sloan.  How will Paul Young fair?  Probably better since Vegas' defense might have just been luck last week.  Michael O'Connor is the wild card of this game, if he struggles, Vegas will falter.  However I can't go against a team that forced 8 turnovers.  Las Vegas will win this game and  Tony Franklin will be the x-factor.

This concludes the Ace Report, a day late but here it is.

Should be a good week of games and a good helping of Monday Morning Waffles come Monday.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Monday Morning Waffles: Preseason Week 3

Welcome back to Monday Morning Waffles.  We finally had Week 3 of the WAFL Preseason.  Let's see how things went around the league as some teams have some weighty decisions to make about quarterbacks including one defensive performance that even left me baffled.

CLE @ STI:  Stirling was able to beat Clevelend 37-27 thanks in part to some clutch work from safety Tony Romano.  Jason Timbers threw for 423 yards in the loss and Joey Russo led all receivers with 125 all purpose yards.  Oddly enough Paul Young outran his teammate Dimitri Kruschev with 101 yards.  Seems like Timbers is the right man in Cleveland after all but where's Patrick Vance?

MIN @ BOS:  Minnesota continued to impress with a 27-0 dismantling of the Boston Maulers.  Nothing seemed to go right for Boston as Jordan Smithers played poorly and Bam Bam Thunderman was held without a TD.  AJ Blaylock and Ahmad Price continue to impress us here on the Monday Morning Waffles staff.

LA @ STL:  I will give the Hornets credit,  they hanged on pretty well but Jed Jones got the best of them again.  The only thing I will take from this is that Mitchell Harrison seems poised to become the Hornets starting QB but we'll see what owner/GM Daley Holder thinks about this.  Until Los Angeles is exposed, they're a potential World Bowl darling.

PHI @ OSA:  Philadelphia looked good and had a commanding lead going into halftime but then Conner Pyatt happened.  Conner Pyatt was a double threat with 226 passing yards and 125 rushing yards.  He is truly becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the WAFL.  Looking forward to those Osaka/Los Angeles games that's for sure.

DUB @ QCC: Dublin showed signs of life but in the end, the Corsairs prevailed.  It doesn't help neither quarterback looked better than Rob Johnson out there but in the end, a win is a win even if it doesn't count.  I credit Corsair linebacker John Curry with the game ball for his 16 tackles, with 11 being a solo effort.  Corsairs owner Erik Barkley seems to be upset with his receiving core following a lackluster performance.

CIN @ LVD:   The Walsh Bowl ended the week and it was wacky.  The Sony Sunday Night Football Crew was puzzled by the air mail offenses and lack of composure by Joe Sloan.  Sloan threw 6 interceptions, might be a WAFL single game record but luckily it doesn't count.  This was Las Vegas' first look at Matt Saracen who showed skills at times.  Game ball has to go to Vegas corner Sam Doss who picked off two errant fumbles for touchdown scores.  Teams put the Vegas defense on watch.

This concludes Monday Morning Waffles, interested to see what Week 4 brings this Sunday.  My Ace Report talking about the 2013 Preview magazine and Week 4 picks will be up on Thursday.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Ace Report 2013 #3: What Controversy?

I must apologize fans,  I seem to be suffering from Writer's block.  I'm sorry Monday Morning Waffles Week 2 didn't happen but my vacation in Denver lasted a little too long.  Anyways I'm back and ready for some Week 3 action.  Let's talk about what's on everyone's mind,  QB Controversies.

We have schism for two teams:  Las Vegas and St. Louis.  Both of them have backup quarterbacks with WAFL pasts.  Matt Saracen was the Cleveland Stallions rookie quarterback until owner Ronnie Nickens stunned the league with the drafting of former Baltimore Battlewing Jason Timbers.  Saracen was the odd man out and was picked up by Vegas who had Michael O'Connor fresh off a rib injury.  Saracen apparently gunned for O'Connor's job in camp and the Diablos are going to give him a shot this Sunday.

St. Louis had Graham Holiday, traded him to Chicago and then picked up Bruce Johnson in a trade with Stirling.  Now Bruce Johnson has showed improvements but there is another Hornet stinging for a start,  Mitchell Harrison who is best known for winning the triple overtime classic between Chicago and Edmonton.

How do I think both will fair in Week 3?  Let's get to the picks.

Cleveland @ Stirling:  Paul Young v Jason Timbers.  This screams a shootout but it also could be a defensive struggle.  Cleveland impressed me with their defense but Stirling has more to prove.  That said I'll take the hot team and give the Stallions the win.  Tyrone Harrington "should" have a big game.'

Minnesota @ Boston:  This should be a good one.  AJ Blaylock and Jordan Smithers going blow for blow but it really comes down to Bam Bam and Price running down the field.  I gotta go with the Spartans.  AJ Blaylock  will continue his preseason MVP campaign.

Los Angeles @ St. Louis:  Mitchell Harrison, this is quite the start for you but sadly it will end with an Immortals victory.  Jed Jones  is too good to go against so far, especially after he toasted the Iron.

Philadelphia @ Osaka:  A mess of a team vs a team on fire.  I'm going with the battle ready Shoguns.  As for who should have a good game,  Donte Houle  will break out and go over 150 yards.

Dublin @ Queen City:  Both coming off losses, both looked lackluster in their games.  Dublin seems uninspired and Queen City wants to keep fighting for me.  Taking the Corsairs.  Surprisingly enough, Larry Rooney is my impact player for this game.

Sentinels @ Diablos:  The Pre-Season Walsh Bowl between the Walsh men.  Matt Saracen gets the start in prime time.  He has a slew of receivers to throw to and a lot of passion.  This is his audition to dethrone Michael O'Connor.  But.. then there is this guy named Joe Sloan.  Sorry Vegas but Sentinels have this one.  Matt Saracen will throw A LOT.  Joe Sloan will throw A LOT but this game, this game comes down to the trenches.

And this wraps up the Ace Report for preseason week 3.  Monday Morning Waffles comes back Monday, December 10th.