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)
Thursday, February 7, 2013
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
#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.
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.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
The Ace Report: Hoth in Cleveland.
Star Wars humor. But seriously, it is ice cold in Cleveland right now. 0-3 and no end in sight. Now the close call against the Immortals was a sign of improvement but at the same time, Cleveland just doesn't have an identity. Yes, they have offensive firepower with quarterback Jason Timbers leading the charge, yes they have Patrick Vance, who has been struggling this season in Cleveland. And yes, they have Lance "Cookie" Johnson and Johnny Hoffman among others but Cleveland's true problem is their defense, their defense is Swiss cheese. Cleveland, we here at the Ace Report thinks you need some defensive firepower. Your corners look like pee wee football players out there. Please Ronnie Nickens, make a trade, move a movable player and get some defense sir.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, California Love is blaring on the speakers but we at the Ace Report have some controversial words to spread. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Los Angeles Immortals are frauds. Yes, Jed Jones was the greatest thing since sliced bread his rookie season but he is suffering a massive sophomore slump. LA can run, heck Floyd Ahanotu and Phil Proctor are the best running tandem in the league (sorry Duke and Tiquan) but LA needs to learn to protect Jed Jones. Without Jed Jones, I have no faith in Nate Hughes to win in Los Angeles.
With that, we have a massive Week 5. These picks are gonna be tough but you know what, time to go bold. (or not).
Wolfpack @ Spartans: Louisville is in beast mode right now after the dismantling of the Sentinels in London. The Spartans cut Nate Kemp this week and rookie Antonio Curtis will get his first start. This one seems like a no brainer, with Louisville's history against Minnesota (undefeated). Wolfpack is the right choice, Matt Diles, why not have another solid game.
Destruction @ Immortals: Tonight... Tonight is the night the Immortals go down. It's the perfect set up. Jones has been struggling, the Immortals let the Stallions scored 17 points. The Destruction are the defending champs but they've been on a slow start. Tonight the Destruction wake up. Destruction in an upset. Ernest Campbell goes off.
Iron @ Surge: These owners are good friends but this game seems one note. The Surge haven't been great and the Iron were great...until Ivan Inferno went down. This is a toss up but with the way Mitchell Harrison has struggled and the fact that the Iron gave up 8 sacks, obviously Stirling is the right call. Former Iron wide receiver Aaron Culp, your time to shine.
Hornets @ Chill: There's no way Edmonton wins this game right? Bubba Jones playing lackluster, no Chris Noel for six more weeks? The Hornets have been winning left and right, how can they possibly lose? Well... I think they will. I mean why not have the last two undefeated teams go down in Week 5. Chill in an upset just because it seems right. A good game out of Herm Johnson.
Celts @ Maulers: Oh Boston, you have a stout defense but Jordan Smithers is just not getting it done. Dublin's owner has been MIA for a few weeks now, no Chase Maden-Hill or Justin Dobzinski this week for Dublin. I mean the Maulers have to have this one right? Right. Maulers in a slaying. Luscious Sanders, just give him all three trophies already. (heck give him a World Bowl ring also)
Stallions @ Shoguns: Cleveland beat Osaka in a stunner last year, can they repeat history? Well Conner Pyatt has played well over the last few weeks plus Osaka has Donte Houle. I mean I can't go against the Shoguns in this instance. Cleveland drops to 0-4. At this rate, you might as well call in LeBron James.
Ace Whirls' Predictions (as of Week 5): (10-17)
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, California Love is blaring on the speakers but we at the Ace Report have some controversial words to spread. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Los Angeles Immortals are frauds. Yes, Jed Jones was the greatest thing since sliced bread his rookie season but he is suffering a massive sophomore slump. LA can run, heck Floyd Ahanotu and Phil Proctor are the best running tandem in the league (sorry Duke and Tiquan) but LA needs to learn to protect Jed Jones. Without Jed Jones, I have no faith in Nate Hughes to win in Los Angeles.
With that, we have a massive Week 5. These picks are gonna be tough but you know what, time to go bold. (or not).
Wolfpack @ Spartans: Louisville is in beast mode right now after the dismantling of the Sentinels in London. The Spartans cut Nate Kemp this week and rookie Antonio Curtis will get his first start. This one seems like a no brainer, with Louisville's history against Minnesota (undefeated). Wolfpack is the right choice, Matt Diles, why not have another solid game.
Destruction @ Immortals: Tonight... Tonight is the night the Immortals go down. It's the perfect set up. Jones has been struggling, the Immortals let the Stallions scored 17 points. The Destruction are the defending champs but they've been on a slow start. Tonight the Destruction wake up. Destruction in an upset. Ernest Campbell goes off.
Iron @ Surge: These owners are good friends but this game seems one note. The Surge haven't been great and the Iron were great...until Ivan Inferno went down. This is a toss up but with the way Mitchell Harrison has struggled and the fact that the Iron gave up 8 sacks, obviously Stirling is the right call. Former Iron wide receiver Aaron Culp, your time to shine.
Hornets @ Chill: There's no way Edmonton wins this game right? Bubba Jones playing lackluster, no Chris Noel for six more weeks? The Hornets have been winning left and right, how can they possibly lose? Well... I think they will. I mean why not have the last two undefeated teams go down in Week 5. Chill in an upset just because it seems right. A good game out of Herm Johnson.
Celts @ Maulers: Oh Boston, you have a stout defense but Jordan Smithers is just not getting it done. Dublin's owner has been MIA for a few weeks now, no Chase Maden-Hill or Justin Dobzinski this week for Dublin. I mean the Maulers have to have this one right? Right. Maulers in a slaying. Luscious Sanders, just give him all three trophies already. (heck give him a World Bowl ring also)
Stallions @ Shoguns: Cleveland beat Osaka in a stunner last year, can they repeat history? Well Conner Pyatt has played well over the last few weeks plus Osaka has Donte Houle. I mean I can't go against the Shoguns in this instance. Cleveland drops to 0-4. At this rate, you might as well call in LeBron James.
Ace Whirls' Predictions (as of Week 5): (10-17)
Monday, January 28, 2013
Power Rankings: Week 5
Now that dust is starting the settle and some sort of true predictions can now start on who are the greats of the WAFL in 2013 are, power rankings have returned. While three teams only have wining records, most teams have played 25% of their schedule so we begin the process of cursing the lucky and giving rise to those who just miss the cut.
#1 Los Angeles
After much deliberation, the Los Angeles Immortals may not win pretty but they are still the favorites to make it to and win the World Bowl. The Immortals know how to win and strangely enough, they've gotten the job done with the best rushing offense and the worst passing offense. With a three game home stand against 1-2 Delaware, 1-2 Dublin and 2-2 Minnesota, the road to 7-0 may not be a stretch for Los Angeles.
#2 St. Louis
The Hornets have certainly been surprising in 2013. St. Louis was expected to prove, but they have grown much faster than most anticipated. St. Louis has four of their next five on the road, all tough games, against Edmonton, Osaka, Louisville and Delaware. The Hornets could show their true colors by the halfway mark.
#3 Osaka
The Shoguns have lost two tightly contested games on the road but have looked extremely strong in their two triumphs. Conner Pyatt has stayed healthy and remains the most lethal dual-threat in the WAFL. The Shoguns have three straight at home before they hit their tough stretch so winning needs to come sooner rather than later for the Shoguns to keep momentum.
#4 Louisville
The Wolfpack showed that they can get out of their early season "Funk" once again, thumping Cincinnati this past week, so much so that our confidence for the Sentinels has put them completely out of our top five. Louisville has completely dominant and if Funk continues his play as he did in London, the Wolfpack could be in the World Bowl all over again.
#5 Queen City
This was a tough one, especially with the concerns that Joesph Redfeather's job is not a for sure thing. the one thing that set the Corsairs apart has been their schedule and how they have performed. Queen City's two losses have come to undefeated Los Angeles by 7 and undefeated St. Louis by 6. They came back and defeated the Maulers - who are actually number six in our rankings. With Cleveland, Philadelphia and Stirling on the horizon, big things are expected from the Corsairs moving forward, especially if Tony Henderson gets more carries.
Just missed the cut:
#6 Boston
#7 Edmonton
#1 Los Angeles
After much deliberation, the Los Angeles Immortals may not win pretty but they are still the favorites to make it to and win the World Bowl. The Immortals know how to win and strangely enough, they've gotten the job done with the best rushing offense and the worst passing offense. With a three game home stand against 1-2 Delaware, 1-2 Dublin and 2-2 Minnesota, the road to 7-0 may not be a stretch for Los Angeles.
#2 St. Louis
The Hornets have certainly been surprising in 2013. St. Louis was expected to prove, but they have grown much faster than most anticipated. St. Louis has four of their next five on the road, all tough games, against Edmonton, Osaka, Louisville and Delaware. The Hornets could show their true colors by the halfway mark.
#3 Osaka
The Shoguns have lost two tightly contested games on the road but have looked extremely strong in their two triumphs. Conner Pyatt has stayed healthy and remains the most lethal dual-threat in the WAFL. The Shoguns have three straight at home before they hit their tough stretch so winning needs to come sooner rather than later for the Shoguns to keep momentum.
#4 Louisville
The Wolfpack showed that they can get out of their early season "Funk" once again, thumping Cincinnati this past week, so much so that our confidence for the Sentinels has put them completely out of our top five. Louisville has completely dominant and if Funk continues his play as he did in London, the Wolfpack could be in the World Bowl all over again.
#5 Queen City
This was a tough one, especially with the concerns that Joesph Redfeather's job is not a for sure thing. the one thing that set the Corsairs apart has been their schedule and how they have performed. Queen City's two losses have come to undefeated Los Angeles by 7 and undefeated St. Louis by 6. They came back and defeated the Maulers - who are actually number six in our rankings. With Cleveland, Philadelphia and Stirling on the horizon, big things are expected from the Corsairs moving forward, especially if Tony Henderson gets more carries.
Just missed the cut:
#6 Boston
#7 Edmonton
Monday Morning Waffles Week 4 (2013)
And then there was one, with Las Vegas' win over the Edmonton Chill (14-7 in a nail bitter) The Cleveland Stallions remain the only team with a zero in the win column, we wish the Stallions the best of luck going forward. With Las Vegas' win the Western conference is a heated race with 2nd and 5th place separated by one win a piece. Cincinnati, St. Louis and Los Angeles are the only teams with winning records heading into Week 5. This is going to be a tight knit season. Let's recap Week 4.
BOS @ QCC: You know I really thought the Maulers had this one after Luscious Sander had been playing lights out the entire first half and the fact Joseph Redfeather is channeling his inner Mark Sanchez but stranger things happen in this league. A deep bomb to Bryson McGrew gave the Corsairs the win. Tony Henderson's 198 all purpose yards probably helped the Corsairs cause anyways.
CIN @ LOU: The road to the World Bowl begins for Blake Wilson and the Wolfpack, an absolute trashing of the once undefeated Sentinels 49-7. Matt Diles had a career game recording 197 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Wilson threw for 314 yards. It was baffling to see the Wolfpack win so lopsided but if you're Cincy, you have to be concerned about Joe Sloan in road game situations.
LA @ CLE: Los Angeles beat Cleveland 24-17. Wait that has to be a typo... It's not... oh, okay. Yeah Los Angeles didn't look so stellar against Cleveland as Cleveland went on a route late. Timbers threw for 254 yards in the loss, but Floyd Ahanotu had 134 rushing yards on his former team but in the end, LA prevails and Cleveland keeps the downtrodden streak.
MIN @ STL: The St. Louis Hornets are the feel good story of WAFL 2013, after a bad/forgettable 2012 season, the Hornets are literally in control of their own destiny stringing an undefeated season at 3-0. They beat the Spartans who have struggled without AJ Blaylock. Bruce Johnson threw for 249 yards and Marcus Forte chipped in 96 yards on the ground in the win.
OSK @ PHI: I wasn't expecting a Philly victory but I wasn't expecting a thrashing like 34-6. The Iron just didn't seem the same without Inferno under center. Mitchell Harrison did however throw for 180 yards, so that's something positive... but he was also sacked eight times. Donte Houle's 140 yards on the ground carried the Shoguns to another win
EDM @ LVD: Despite Herman Johnson's 157 yards on the ground, the Diablos prevailed 14-7 to win their first game this season and get owner Eric Walsh's mind off a possible 0-16 season. It was a passionate performance from the Diablos defense which only gave up one touchdown and held Bubba Jones under 100 yards passing. Will Nolan's heroic burst into the end zone has the city of Las Vegas headed to New Orleans with high spirits.
Things to ask heading into Week 5
- Are the Wolfpack geared for a title run?
- Can Boston get some freaking offense consistency?
- Is Los Angeles Overrated? (gasp)
- Are the Hornets legit title contenders?
- Are the Diablos going to turn the season around?
I'm Ace Whirls, it's only my opinion.
BOS @ QCC: You know I really thought the Maulers had this one after Luscious Sander had been playing lights out the entire first half and the fact Joseph Redfeather is channeling his inner Mark Sanchez but stranger things happen in this league. A deep bomb to Bryson McGrew gave the Corsairs the win. Tony Henderson's 198 all purpose yards probably helped the Corsairs cause anyways.
CIN @ LOU: The road to the World Bowl begins for Blake Wilson and the Wolfpack, an absolute trashing of the once undefeated Sentinels 49-7. Matt Diles had a career game recording 197 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Wilson threw for 314 yards. It was baffling to see the Wolfpack win so lopsided but if you're Cincy, you have to be concerned about Joe Sloan in road game situations.
LA @ CLE: Los Angeles beat Cleveland 24-17. Wait that has to be a typo... It's not... oh, okay. Yeah Los Angeles didn't look so stellar against Cleveland as Cleveland went on a route late. Timbers threw for 254 yards in the loss, but Floyd Ahanotu had 134 rushing yards on his former team but in the end, LA prevails and Cleveland keeps the downtrodden streak.
MIN @ STL: The St. Louis Hornets are the feel good story of WAFL 2013, after a bad/forgettable 2012 season, the Hornets are literally in control of their own destiny stringing an undefeated season at 3-0. They beat the Spartans who have struggled without AJ Blaylock. Bruce Johnson threw for 249 yards and Marcus Forte chipped in 96 yards on the ground in the win.
OSK @ PHI: I wasn't expecting a Philly victory but I wasn't expecting a thrashing like 34-6. The Iron just didn't seem the same without Inferno under center. Mitchell Harrison did however throw for 180 yards, so that's something positive... but he was also sacked eight times. Donte Houle's 140 yards on the ground carried the Shoguns to another win
EDM @ LVD: Despite Herman Johnson's 157 yards on the ground, the Diablos prevailed 14-7 to win their first game this season and get owner Eric Walsh's mind off a possible 0-16 season. It was a passionate performance from the Diablos defense which only gave up one touchdown and held Bubba Jones under 100 yards passing. Will Nolan's heroic burst into the end zone has the city of Las Vegas headed to New Orleans with high spirits.
Things to ask heading into Week 5
- Are the Wolfpack geared for a title run?
- Can Boston get some freaking offense consistency?
- Is Los Angeles Overrated? (gasp)
- Are the Hornets legit title contenders?
- Are the Diablos going to turn the season around?
I'm Ace Whirls, it's only my opinion.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
WAFL Game Notes: Week 4
WAFL Game Notes: Week 4
Boston Maulers (1-1) @ Queen City
Corsairs (1-2)
Thursday January 23 / 7:45pm CST / Guy B. Mayo
Memorial (92,746)
Storylines:
The Maulers and Corsairs both
relay on their running. Bam Bam Thunderman and Tony Henderson have been icons
with their teams for the last three years that has helped the two teams combine
for seven rushing touchdowns this season.
Boston is best in the WAFL at
taking care of the football – just one turnover in two games. The Maulers
offense has had big improvement from 2012. The team is #2 in points per game
but strangely enough is bottom five in total, passing and rushing offensive
yards.
Key Matchup:
The Maulers and Corsairs are
last and next to last, respectively, in rush defense. Henderson and Thunderman
should both have great impact days but the one that makes the biggest
difference may lead his team to victory.
Difference Maker:
Luscious Sanders has been out
of control. His five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns leads the
league in both categories and Joseph Redfeather has never been known to make
the best decisions in key situations. Sources say that Henderson’s carries are
expected to spike but the odds Sanders doesn’t make his impact on this game are
exceptionally thin.
Cincinnati Sentinels (3-0) @ Louisville
Wolfpack (1-2)
Saturday January 25 / 1:30pm CST / Unitas Stadium
(61,008)
Storylines:
Cincinnati and Louisville
will meet in London on the day the first WAFL official game was played in 2011
on January 25, 2011. London was where the first WAFL test game was played. The
Sentinels are undefeated but not without some luck and Hail Mary’s along the
way while the Wolfpack’s offense has been upsetting in losses.
The Sentinels have won their
first three games with offense. They are top five in points per game, total
yards and passing yards. These two teams are far from mistake free. Louisville
has committed the third most penalties (15) and both teams have turned the ball
over 9 times, an average of three per game.
Key Matchup:
Louisville has the fifth best
rushing offense while the Sentinels boast the fourth worst rushing defense.
This may be the game that Tiquan Collins and the Louisville run game finally
gets going.
Difference Maker:
In both Louisville’s losses,
they have allowed big offensive plays that have crushed any momentum they had.
If any player will make a difference in this game, it will be Dustin McKnight
on the outside. If he creates separation and allows Joe Sloan to let it fly,
the Wolfpack could be staring at 1-3.
Los Angeles Immortals (3-0) @ Cleveland
Stallions (0-2)
Saturday January 25 / 3:00pm CST / Cleveland Stadium
(102,329)
Storylines:
It’s the Cleveland Stallions
home opener Saturday and Cleveland’s second season has not gotten off to the
start they would have hoped for. The Stallions have lost two games by a
combined 49 points in 2013 and, while they have racked up the yards, the team
is just not producing points, averaging 10 points per game (lowest average in
the league).
The Immortals defense has
been unbelievable. The team is giving up just 6.67 points per game, almost
eight points less than any other team. They are a top three defense in every
category and shut out Louisville last week. The 288 rushing yards allowed is
less than half of what Queen City has allowed on the ground.
Key Matchup:
The only problem with Los
Angeles this year has been their passing attack. The Immortals are averaging a
league low 95.33 passing yards per game, more than 50 yards less than any other
teams average. Cleveland’s defense gives up a league high 290 passing yards per
game. If the Stallions win this battle, they could have a chance at pulling an
upset and keeping it close.
Difference Maker:
For Cleveland to get the win,
Jason Timbers will have to get his wide outs involved. Vance probably won’t
find much success against LA so it’s up to Timbers to rack up the yards and
force LA to play from behind, something that the Immortals would rather not do.
Minnesota Spartans (2-1) @ St. Louis
Hornets (2-0)
Saturday January 25 / 4:30pm CST / Hardees Stadium
(75,005)
Storylines:
The Hornets are playing their
third straight home game to open up 2013. With a win, St. Louis would match the
three wins they claimed in 2012. Minnesota just acquired star wide receiver
Marcus Berry from Las Vegas this week, giving backup Nate Kemp another target
to throw to. Kemp had over 250 passing yards in his debut last week against the
Diablos.
Unlike Louisville and
Cincinnati, these two teams do not make mistakes. Minnesota has just 20 yards
in penalties in three games and only four turnovers. The Hornets also have four
turnovers and six penalties through two games.
Key Matchup:
Nate Kemp may have had a
great game last week but will probably need the help of Ahmad Price this week
against a real tough Hornets ‘d’. There’s only one problem: the Hornets have
the number one rush defense in the WAFL, giving up just 85.50 yards per game.
Minnesota and St. Louis are the league’s two best rushing teams through three
weeks and whether Ahmad Price can break through will be crucial.
Difference Maker:
Why not. Marcus Berry. These
two teams are playing so well that what may separate the Spartans from the Hornets
is their new and improved wide receiving core. The Hornets aren’t known for
their weapons and Marcus berry may just get the Spartans the victory.
Osaka Shoguns (1-2) @ Philadelphia Iron
(2-1)
Saturday January 25 / 6:00pm CST / Shogun Battlefield
(63,725)
Storylines:
Osaka will try and get their
first win on the road while Philadelphia will try and win their first at home.
The Iron will still be without their starting wide receiver Javier Goya and
Ivan Inferno, although they did make a trade with the Hornets to acquire
Mitchell Harrison, who will start Saturday. The Iron has failed to reach the
end zone through the air in three games this season.
Philadelphia will try for a
fourth straight game to score over 20 points. The offense averages roughly 16
points per game and has lacked explosiveness that many other teams in the WAFL
have on a weekly basis.
Key Matchup:
Conner Pyatt has a nack for
being able to not only pass teams to death but run on them as well. Due to that
double threat, Osaka is the fourth highest rushing team in the league. The Iron
allow less than 100 yards of rushing offense total, second best in the league.
If Philadelphia can capture the winning formula that Edmonton had – pressure
and containment on Conner Pyatt, than the Iron will finish the game 3-1.
Difference Maker:
When Dante Houle has played
well, the Shoguns have been an unstoppable force. When it all is on Conner
Pyatt’s shoulders it hasn’t worked out to well for Osaka. The difference in
this game will be if Dante Houle can rack up yards and plenty of carries,
keeping Philadelphia on their toes. He doesn’t have to have a great game, he
just has to be good enough.
Edmonton Chill (2-1) @ Las Vegas Diablos
(0-3)
Sunday January 26 / 8:30pm CST / Ripley Stadium
(41,031)
Storylines:
Week 4 Sony Sunday Night Football’s Game of the Week. The Las Vegas Diablos made big trades this week in a
sort of last-ditch effort to fix the issues that have plagued the Diablos at
the start of this year. Marcus Berry is gone and in his place are two stout
defensive linemen: Andrew Hawkins and Scott Cooley. The Diablos are aiming to
get more of a pass rush so their electric secondary can have an easier time
down the field.
While the Chill is one of the
most balanced teams in the league but mistakes have hurt them all year long,
particularly by their gunslinger Bubba Jones. Edmonton has 18 penalties,
highest in the league for 120 yards, second highest in the league. Their 12
turnovers is highest in the league. Vegas is second in that category, 10
turnovers in three games. Whichever teams makes the least amount of mistakes
will easily be the winner in this contest.
Key Matchup:
Michael O’Connor vs. Edmonton
linebackers. The Edmonton pass defense has been absolutely outstanding, tops in
the league giving up just 72 pass yards per game. That is not a typo. The next
best pass defense in the league is Los Angeles – giving up twice as much,
147.33. O’Connor is not much of a thrower but a couple of big hits by an
unblocked Bobby Starks and Jamal McCall will have O’Connor freaking out.
O’Connor needs to establish the pass as much as possible early.
Difference Maker:
Jason Dodd won player of the
week last week, dominating the line of scrimmage against Osaka. Dodd has proven
he can take over games before and he has another opportunity to take over this
game, with a struggling rushing attack (Vegas: 14th in rushing
offense) and a struggling quarterback group.
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