Monday, February 25, 2013

Monday Morning Waffles: Week 8 (2013)

EDM @ CLE:  Cleveland beat Edmonton and I was kinda surprised,  All 19 points came in the 4th quarter, call it an epic collapse for an Edmonton squad I thought would make short work of the Stallions.  The most baffling stat this season... Cleveland had a +/- ratio of -108.  HOLY MOSES, -108!  That's just... *walks away slowly*.

STL @ LOU:  Whenever the Wolfpack play in primetime, you're always in for a great game and this week was no different.  A defensive game with the final score of 10-3.  The Wolfpack made plays and made them when they needed to.  For the Hornets,  Bruce Johnson must limit his turnovers if the Hornets are truly going to be potential World Champions.

STI @ OSA:  No contest.  The Shoguns mean business.  The Surge are just not in the same league as some of these teams.  Now they could probably beat some squads but the Shoguns,  they're deadly.  Now they need to keep the injury bug away but right now, the Shoguns are battle ready for a playoff run.

MIN @ LA:  This was a close game until Phil "The Juggernaut" Proctor came around and trounced the hapless Spartans (I will from now on call Proctor, The Juggernaut).  I mean Floyd Ahanotu goes down and then you're really scared of the Immortals.  Proctor in some baffling way has overshadowed Jed Jones and could possibly be... MVP?  (gasp).

QCC @ DEL:  There was no one in the suite at DuPont Field.  No Casey Evans Asante, no freaking Delaware Destruction.  Remember when I use to call them the Delaware Self Destruction, THEY'RE BACK.  I mean I gave the Corsairs the win but 55 POINTS?  And Danny Greene scored a TD?  *shakes head*  I wash my hands of this game.

LVD @ CIN:  The Walsh Bowl was kind of a dud this year.  31-3 in favor of the Sentinels.  Total role reversal as Sloan shined and O'Connor bombed.  He bombed hard.  A shameful night to be a Diablos fan, but props to Cincy and Marvel "Da Superhero" Palmer.  The sky's the limit for the Sentinels.  As for the Diablos, the Immortals are coming and chances are it's not gonna be pretty.

Heading into Week 9 (it's Week 9 already?),  here's what we ask ourselves

-  Is Phil Proctor the best running back in the league?
-  Are Cleveland gaining steam?
-  Are the Wolfpack the best franchise in League history?
- Is Delaware going from first to worst?
-  Did the Diablos just have an off night?
-  Will the Immortals fall?
-  Are the Shoguns the favorites to win it all?

I'm Ace Whirls,  it's only my opinion.

Friday, February 22, 2013

The Ace Report: El Fuego

What's the deal with the Immortals, Hornets, and Diablos.  They're winning and winning with style.  The team I'm most baffled by is the St. Louis Hornets.  The Hornets were one of the worst teams last year and now with some solid free agent pickups and trades,  the Hornets continue to win.  The Immortals were the darling of the WAFL last year and the feel good team of the year,  they too are undefeated and look like nothing is stopping them now.  And then there is the case of the Las Vegas Diablos,  three straight wins since Marcus Berry was traded to Minnesota, despite Michael O'Connor's  struggles,  his defense is something else.  If Vegas continues to win,  there must be harmony on both sides of the ball.

On to Week 8 picks.

CLE @ EDM:  This one is pretty puzzling,  Cleveland had the Wolfpack in their sights and just let it slip away.  Edmonton went off against Cincinnati in a puzzling showcase.  This one goes either way but my heart is set on Edmonton and  Herman Johnson.

STL @ LOU:  I know what you're thinking.  Obviously I should pick Louisville but let's be honest here, if St. Louis can catch a break against Osaka, they can for sure catch a break against Louisville.  Plus Louisville's secondary puzzles me at times.  So for the sake of "destiny" St. Louis and James Cooley  somehow win again.

STI @ OSA:  The Surge, oh the Surge.  This isn't going to end well for you.  Both of these teams are coming off losses but both teams have stars.  In the end,  I feel Osaka has a better chance here than Stirling.  Stirling just hasn't adjusted well to new ownership but I'm sure Mike Irvine can turn it around.  Donte Houle has a good game.

MIN @ LAI:  The Immortals and Spartans are going in different directions and I'll say it freaking again until Phil Proctor keels over or decides "maybe I should buy a boat"  the Immortals will stay undefeated (until next week maybe).  So yeah I'm going to take the Immortals and Phil Proctor to win again.  Don't be surprised if Jed Jones airs it out.  So yes I have the Hornets and Immortals still undefeated headed into Week 9.

QCC @ DEL:  We say goodbye to Casey Asante,  he was a good kid, a great owner but I guess after he won his championship,  the fun ended for him.  With that said,  Corsairs should win despite their struggles.  I think Bryson McGrew has a nice game.

LVD @ CIN:  THE WALSH BOWL,  these two respect each other dearly and this is always a wonderful game.  Diablos have won three straight,  Sentinels have loss three straight.  But here's the thing folks,  sometimes you have an off night and when you're up against your arch rivals,  things happen.  UPSET OF THE WEEK:  Sentinels  get by Las Vegas.  Dustin McKnight comes up huge.

Ace Whirls' predictions (as of Week 8): (19-26)

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Monday Morning Waffles (late edition): Week 7 (2013)

DEL @ MIN:  Well the Spartans did it.  It wasn't pretty but a win is a win.  The Destruction continue to struggle and it would help if owner Casey Evans Asante (Samuel)  was around.  Darius Rider's 269 passing yards is something to be happy about I guess.

DUB @ LAI:  Team of Destiny pffft.  A 37-3 thrashing of the Celts put that out of the window.  The Immortals mean business and until their divisional match ups with the Diablos or Shoguns.  I don't see anyone in their way.  Jed Jones threw for 206 yards,  Ahanontu had 122 yards on the ground.  And Alex Cooper  had 154 receiving yards. A good day to be an Immortal.

LVD@ STI:  BOOM SHAKALAKA THEY'RE ON FIRE.  The Las Vegas Diablos have strung together three wins straight and this time it was a 41-14 thrashing of the struggling Surge.  Michael O'Connor is back throwing for 305 yards and 3 TDs and Gerod Perron had 186 receiving yards, one of his best games of the season so far.

CIN @ EDM:  Yeesh, what is in the water in Ohio.  Edmonton obliterated Cincy 51-17.  Bubba Jones threw for 245 yards, I don't even want to talk about Joe Sloan (poor guy).  Herm Johnson had 111 yards on the ground.  I can't find anything positive to say about the Sentinels.  Just makes the Walsh Bowl in San Antonio even more intriguing.

LOU@CLE:  This one of the most bizarre games I ever watched.  It was tied 31-31 at half time and then the Wolfpack shutout the Stallions 28-0 in the second half of the game.  Jason Timbers threw for an astonishing 400+ yards.  He could have broke Norm Van Brocklin's NFL Record (I would have passed out).  The Wolfpack continue their winning ways.

STL@OSK:  Team of Desinty.  Give Daley Holder the Owner of the Year trophy (Dave Arnold begs to differ).  Consider it luck the Hornets knocked out Conner Pyatt for two quarters and benefited greatly.  Could there be a bounty system in St. Lou... I'M KIDDING.

BOS @ PHI:  Woe is me says Jordan Smithers.  The Maulers choke away another game and Smithers now is a free man.  The Maulers has mysteriously released Smithers following owner A.J. Cawell's tweet of a BYE week for the Maulers which in point was a cryptic message that Smithers would be let go.  For the Iron,  call it a fluke win (I'm sorry but it's true).

Heading into Week 8,  here's what we ask ourselves.

- What's the deal with Delaware?
-  Who stands in the Immortals way?
-  Are the Diablos unstoppable?
- Is Joe Sloan done in Cincy?
- Are the Hornet legit title contenders?
-  Can Boston catch a break?

I'm Ace Whirls, it's only my opinion.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

The Ace Report: Sick and Tired.

WAFL Nation,  I'm not very happy right now.  Some of these owners don't give a damn about this league that I love and write about so much.  It's literally making me consider stop writing articles,  I mean the amount of suspensions we've had,  the lack of owner commitment, the fact we can't get a damn 15th owner who actually cares about their team.  Some owners just skate by and some owners are dedicated to win.  I'm not going to call anyone out but you know who you are.  I'm pissed off frankly with the way some of these teams are ran by some of these owners.  It may be Valentine's Day but it's tough love from Ace.  Get it together people.  It's hilarious I like writing for this league more than writing for my own freaking school newspaper, at least the WAFL has some entertaining characters.  Yes I just broke the 4th wall, who cares.
You all know who I am.

Dublin got what they deserve.

Everyone else who doesn't give a damn get out while you have a chance.

Let's lighten the mood with some Week 7 picks.

DEL@MIN:  Minnesota has struggled and Delaware has shown signs of improvement.  I really don't know how this game will go.  I think it comes down to Price vs Campbell but I don't have enough faith in Minnesota because of Antonio Curtis.  Delaware wins...maybe.

DUB@LA:  Now the Celts get to "troll" the rest of the league by winning games and not even getting to play in the post season.  Until Phil Proctor either quits for an acting career or declines, he will be thee impact player for an Immortals victory.

LVD@STI:  The Diablos are on the verge of redemption from the beginning of the season.  Stirling has had an up and down season.  Michael Irvine is passionate and confident in the Surge but so is Diablos owner Eric Walsh in his Diablos,  In the end this game comes down to momentum and the Diablos and Anthony Hawkins have it all.

CIN@EDM: Hey these two need to get it together, something has to give eventually.  With the way Edmonton has played and the lack of motivation from coach James Stokley.  I see the Sentinels as winners.  I think Joe Sloan has a good game, not a great game but a good game.

LOU @ CLE:  These two don't like each other, Cleveland piggybacked some of Louisville's players their first season in the league.  It has always been a war of words.  Cleveland got their first win last week and momentum is on their side but this is the Wolfpack we're talking about... c'mon.  Duke Overstreet runs all over the Stallions.

STL @ OSA:  St. Louis welcome to your biggest task, taking down MVPyatt and the Shoguns.  I know every time I pick against the Hornets it bites me in the ass and this whole team of destiny thing is ridiculous but maybe the Hornets are being controlled by a higher power.  Hornets win.  Somehow Bruce Johnson does it again.

BOS @ PHI:  Philadelphia seems to miss Ivan Inferno and it shows.  Giving up 11 sacks to the Diablos,  I'm afraid to see what the Maulers do to them.  This is going to be an ugly President's Day.  Terry Tate is going for a career game.

Ace Whirls' predictions (as of Week 7): (15-23)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

WAFL Week 7 News and Notes

We at the WAFL have had a busy week outside of the league but we wanted to fill you in on the storylines heading into week seven.

Suspensions handed down once again
The league office has grown frustrated with team rule violations as more suspensions were handed down this week. Delaware and Philadelphia will lose four players each while Edmonton's Chris Noel will be suspended one game once he returns from injury. The Iron will be losing three of their starting offensive lineman and after last week's 11 sacks given up, that doesn't bode well for them this week against Boston.

A matchup of epic proportions
The St. Louis Hornets (5-0) and the Osaka Shoguns (3-2) will battle Sunday night at 9:30pm CST with two heavyweights going at it. The Hornets have squeaked past their opponents in the fourth quarter the last couple of weeks while the Shoguns have outscored opponents 79-24 at home this season. The Hornets are beginning a three game road trip with Osaka, Louisville and Delaware on the schedule - definitely not an easy task. They won't play another home game until March 9.

Salute the troops
The WAFL will be saluting the troops this week with a game played on Monday afternoon, President's Day, between the Boston Maulers and the Philadelphia Iron. Both teams are struggling to fight their way to the top of the Eastern Conference but the good cause is worth it. Since scoring 95 points in their first three games, the Maulers have scored just 23 points since, with only two touchdowns.

Playing spoiler
Already, it has been ruled that the Dublin Celts will be league operated and will carry out their regular season and not be eligible to compete in the playoffs. The Celts, a talented 3-2 organization, will get all of their players back this week against the Immortals. Dublin has lost two games by a combined 11 points. After their game with Los Angeles, Dublin won't play a team with a winning record (currently) till April 13!

This week begins on Thursday with a doubleheader that kicks off at 7:30pm CST. Four games are scheduled for Sunday and the President's Day event will kick off at 11:30am CST.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Monday Morning Waffles: Week 6 (2013)

Week 6 is in the books and my what a wild week it was in the WAFL.  Some games tooks some turns I didn't even expect and now everyone in the WAFL has a win.  Congrats to the Cleveland Stallions on their first win of the season against Queen City.  This playoff chase is gonna be a wild one.

STI @ STL:  I really thought Stirling had this.  New owner Michael Irvine was confident in himself to get Stirling the victory over St. Louis but nobody expected Hornets cornerback Charles Fontaine picked off four  Paul Young passes to conserve a Hornets victory 27-17.  I can't say it enough, Team of destiny.

BOS @ CIN:   The Maulers are back in the win column though it was close 17-15 over the Sentinels.  Joe Sloan threw for 215 yards in the loss.  Bam Bam Thunderman has a baffling 63 yards, a career low I assume and Andrew Hawk only mustered 65 receiving yards.  A defensive battle indeed.

EDM @ DUB:  Dublin won?  I am speechless.  Despite six player suspensions and no Owner present.  The Dublin Celtics won a shootout 38-37 over the struggling Edmonton Chill.  Despite Bubba Jones' 226 passing yards, despite Herm Johnson's 120 yards on the ground and Casey Rodgers 160 receiving yards... Dublin won.  Team of Destiny?

QCC @ CLE:  Break out the Drew Carey glasses and blare Cleveland Rock from the speakers because the Stallions are winners!  The Stallions upset the Queen City Corsairs 24-17.  Joseph Redfeather threw for 161 yards in the loss.  Patrick Vance outshined Tony Henderson with an 103 yard performance.  Cleveland has a win in the stacked Central division finally.

PHI @ LVD:  It was a party in New Orleans but Philadelphia showed up to the party drunk.  The Diablos defense has come alive their past two games and this was a career game for Diablos Anthony Hawkins who had 5.5 sacks in the game.  The Diablos has a team total 11 sacks, the difference maker in this game.  Michael O'Connor continues to struggle though throwing 3 interceptions the second straight week.

Heading into Week 7,  here's what we have to ask ourselves.

-  Is St. Louis ever going to lose?
- Is Joe Sloan losing his edge?
-  Are Dublin a real threat?
- Is Edmonton on the decline?
-  Are the Diablos dangerous?

I'm Ace Whirls, it's only my opinion.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

The Ace Report: The Golden Arch

The St. Louis Hornets?  Undefeated?  *shakes head*  "Am I dreaming?"  *slaps self*  "I guess not".  The St. Louis Hornets have already bested their win total from last season after a come from behind win against Edmonton.  When they're down,  St. Louis still finds a way to win.  It's baffling.  It's almost as if they made a deal with the devil (cue Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones).  Bruce Johnson, Marcus Forte, Alex Grover, the DeLuca cousins, all apart of this 4-0 squad.  People wonder when the Hornets are gonna lose.  Who knew the Central would be so good.  And then there is the case of the Dublin Celts, even without Justin Dobzinski and Chase Maden-Hill and Josh Weaver, the Celts pulled off the win against the Maulers.  Call it a fluke for now but if Dublin continues to win, maybe they're the ones who made a deal with a devil.  Imagine a Dublin/St. Louis World Bowl.  Two teams of destiny, one champion.

Let's get to Week 6 picks.

STI@STL:  The Surge already have a new owner in Michael Irvine and he made his plans clear from his first day as owner  "St. Louis is going down"  and well I know I just made this article but let's face it,  Stirling is pretty good. I expect a shootout between Paul Young and Bruce Johnson.  I see Young winning the shootout for Stirling.

BOS @ CIN:  Boston is frustrated to say the least.  Cincinnati needs to get that bad taste of London out of their mouth.  One of these teams has to lose.  I just think too much of Boston's defense to pick against them.   I just think Sloan will struggle against Jackson Lawrence and Luscious Sanders.

EDM@ DUB:  Ok this Dublin team is going to be decimated due to suspensions from the Commish.  Edmonton is coming off a tough to swallow loss to St. Louis.  In the end,  I see this coming down to Bubba Jones vs the Dublin secondary.  Bubba Jones won't let the Chill down.  I'm taking Edmonton by 13.

QCC @ CLE:  With all due respect to owner Ronnie Nickens, I would be crazy to pick the Stallions to win this game.  Queen City.  Tony Henderson.  We're done here.

PHI @ LVD:  If you thought the Super Bowl was great... this game isn't going to hold a candle to it.  No Ivan Inferno vs Michael O'Connor.  We get Michael O'Connor vs Mitchell Harrison.  Oooh.  Still it's nice to see the WAFL in New Orleans.  Vegas looked alive against Edmonton, they stopped the run and contained the pass.  I see Michael O'Connor playing much better since he told the media his reckless scrambling is behind him.  I'll take Las Vegas but Philadelphia has a chance.

Ace Whirls' Predictions (as of Week 6): (13-20)

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Power Rankings: Week 6

Last week's power rankings caused some controversy and you know what? We aren't going to apologize for that. After another wild week in the WAFL here's who we believe are the best five teams in the WAFL right now. Not much has changed but no one is safe.

#1 Los Angeles (last week: #1)
Los Angeles is one-dimensional. Los Angeles can't pass. Los Angeles has an injury-prone starting running back. But guess what: until Phil Proctor is in his grave and the Immortals finally drop a game, none of that even matters. A win in dramatic fashion against the defending champs was impressive but the rushing yards LA is racking up leading the league with a whopping 280 rushing yards per game is even a greater achievement.

#2 St. Louis (last week #2)
The Hornets also won in comeback dramatic fashion against a team missing a star, Edmonton running back Chris Noel. St. Louis conquering their demons in the snow in Edmonton was almost impressive enough to take LA's number one spot this week but since we voted LA to win the title this year the spot can't be taken from them easily.

#3 Osaka (last week #3)
The Shoguns just obliterated the Stallions this week once again proving that their offense may be the most dangerous in the WAFL. Osaka averages 29.40 points per game, second only to St. Louis and averages the second highest rushing yards per game, 211, only behind LA. The Shoguns are off this week but have an impending showdown with undefeated St. Louis in week seven.

#4 Louisville (last week #4)
The Wolfpack didn't win pretty this week but they showed that they have a multitude of weapons to count on when they need them. tight end Clark Booth and safety Drew Hixon made big plays for the first time all season, all throughout this game. Louisville also has a big matchup with St. Louis coming up - on February 23.

#5 Dublin (last week unranked)
Oh my the Dublin Celts. The most impressive thing about Dublin this year, even though they've beaten two teams with a combined record of 2-6 has been that they have won with so little. The Celts were missing three of their best players and still totally dominated their game this past week. Dublin is second in the league in passing and is a top five offense in the WAFL through five weeks. Once Dublin is back to full strength, if their owner steps in and supports them, the team could go really far. If he doesn't, don't ever expect the Celts back in these rankings.

Just missed the cut:
#6 Queen City
#7 Stirling

Monday, February 4, 2013

Monday Morning Waffles: Week 5 (2013)

We must start this weeks  Monday Morning Waffles with two things.  One:  Congrats to the NFL Champions, the Baltimore Ravens and coach John Harbaugh.  I guess Joe Flacco was really elite after all.  Two:  We bid adieu to Sandy Campbell who despite his win over the Iron resigned from the WAFL. We will miss Mr. Campbell and wish him the best in life.  And now on to this week's recap.

PHI @ STI:  Philadelphia continues the downward spiral without Ivan Inferno.  A healthy win for the Surge with a great performance out of Dmitri Kruschev who had 170 yards on the ground.   Paul Young chalked up 199 passing yards in the victory. The Iron fall to 2-3 with a meeting with Las Vegas in New Orleans this Sunday.

STL @ EDM:  I thought the Chill had this and they almost did but the Hornets squeaked out a 35-27 victory.  Despite their struggles, Bruce Johnson led the charge and an interception by Jason DeLuca (Frank's cousin) led the comeback win for the Hornets.  They are currently 4-0 and are starting to look like a team of destiny. Bruce Johnson threw for 249 yards in the victory.

DUB @ BOS:  In the most baffling game of the week,  the Dublin Celts won over the Boston Maulers 21-6.  Jordan Smithers threw over 60 times in the loss. Bam Bam Thunderman did have 112 yards on the ground but not enough according to owner AJ Caswell who has called this season "comical".  I could call it something else... disappointing.

CLE @ OSK:  History did not repeat itself.  In fact, Osaka made it quite clear last year was a fluke.  A 48-14 thrashing of the winless Stallions.  I knew it was gonna be bad but not this bad.  Cleveland at 0-4 is the worst team in the league but they have heart and I'm sure they will win sooner or later.  Donte Houle had 143 yards on the ground.

LOU @ MIN:  Louisville did win but it was an ugly win.  30-27 victory thanks to a Clark Booth OT touchdown.  Minnesota held their own but are struggling without AJ Blaylock.  Duke Overstreet had 147 yards on 10 carries and a beautiful touchdown.  The Wolfpack are legit title contenders.

DEL @ LA:  Now I also thought the Destruction would pull off this upset and they almost did.  Despite injuries to Floyd Ahanotu and Jed Jones (who I'm seriously concerned about)  Phil Proctor aka Doc Proc had a field day going for 174 yards on the ground.  If LA is going to win the World Bowl, it's going to be because of this run game.

As we head into Week 6, here's what we have to ask ourselves

- Are the St. Louis Hornets really a playoff squad?
- Is Edmonton going to win without Chris Noel?
- Will Stirling prevail without Campbell's guidance
- When is Cleveland gonna win a game?
-  Is Jed Jones a dead man walking?

I'm Ace Whirls, it's only my opinion.