Extreme Players at NOVAFFL!

The return of Madcap in editorial form brings to light a more somber individual with a strikingly mature and benign role than the Madcap of Season 1. I first want to thank some of my grand assistants and apprentice writers who have filled in when I have been absent. Some of these persons of high repute included the great "Timmay" of Season II who effectively wrote the power rankings religiously while pounding irrelevant keyboards at the IG office in Arlington, VA. Now, Groverb has retaken the responsibility, albeit ­- in an abbreviated light. Groverb is immensely busy, so he can but commit a page of rankings for now. However this may be true, they are normally quite accurate. Ty's point spreads and predictions, quite well-written have been absent, but hopefully we will see them again soon. "Werdsofsilence" always inspires and delivers controversy with his blog posts and insightful forum blurbs. If anyone has had a chance to read "SanFran's Quite Frankly" interviews, I strongly suggest that as well. I just wish he was more prolific and faster with his product.

Initial Field Conditions

Why was the Washington Metro (WMATA) conducting training exercises on Ohio Drive? Would it not have been more realistic to do it in front of some boring Natural History museum---in a congested part of DC? As the denizens of Nova eagerly drove to their early games, each of us saw the red glare of aged fire engines blocking our access to the Polo Fields. Thankfully, the unselfish nature of the rest of the league drove each of the Captains to activate the alert roster and call Madcap-to inform him of the problem, if not the change in playing fields. In so doing, players were able to make it on time.

PAUSE

Negative Ghost Rider we have a problem, Self-Interest preempts the wherewithal of the league

In an ideal world, this would have happened, but as is usual with Novaffl, selfless service to the league takes a back seat to a team's petty wins. Either or, it looks as if this week will see Novaffl at Polo fields again, with hopefully the reliable Route 1 as a backup.

Into the Fire

One of the first games, I observed involved the Cutters versus the UpperDeckers. Of particular note, was the Melancholy Mcgrath accruing well over 120 yards versus a team of speedy defensive backs. Over and over again, Strawman was able to pass to this unlikely hero for huge gains. Was UD simply not paying attention? Did they care naught for the young Irishman? Well, it was good to see old Mcgrath take the team to town, and believe it or not follow up the performance in game two, with two catches over the dangerous D'Angelo for 15-20 yard gains (amassing at least 200 yards for the day). Perhaps, this is the flaw of D'Angelo, great hands, but poor coverage. Time will tell on this one. To see the Cutters shut out the high powered UD's was nothing less than staggering, but brought to light an important point:

· The Cutters enjoy one of the league's smallest rosters to maximize playing time, but in so doing lack depth for the second game. This solidifies the point, that the Cutters really need that first game bye going into the playoffs, because normal wear and tear breaks them off something "propa" like-as it does with most teams.

To see the Conquest come back to beat the Cutters in overtime was earth-shattering. Get this, Jack Frost (the co-MVP of the playoffs-with D'Angelo) played a mediocre game, but Kevin was able to fill in as a lineman along with Alge to prevent many sacks in the backfield. Not to mention some speedy WRs Athar picked up, showed no signs of tiring. In the end, they did not have a CB who could cover Alge, and thus went the game winner.

Alge's threat

"I'm going to kill someone or punch them in the face" was the comment. Coach D, stamped a five yard penalty on it and it seemed to quell the fire. A threat like this should perhaps see more yardage, taken, but we will see if the future brings it. Interestingly enough, one should examine whether the threat was taken more seriously because of Alge's size and whether the penalty would have been similarly given if a small person made the same outburst.

Why did the Hawks beat the Upper Deckers ?

There are a lot of reasons that can be attributed to the Hawks comeback win, but three players stand out as major architects of Briscoe's comeback. The first, involves Ottskie. Did anyone see his late game scrambles? Apparently, that hammy is healed up. Secondly, did anyone notice WB made the same comeback catch to get his team back in it as he did against the Spartans? We are talking 5 yards east of centerfield (30 yards down the line). Teams should pick up on this detail and watch the middle. Finally, a shout out has to go to " Bangor Bang-Bang Lee"---possibly the most underrated defensive back in Novaffl, he is always guarding the deadly WR's and dealing with them with ease.

Why did Steel Rain beat the Namers?

This was one of the more interesting games to watch. The quarterback goes by the name of Kyle and has a means of throwing the football "sidearmed" at shoulder level. One of the more awkward throwing movements, some would say it resembled Madcap's jump shot. In the end, teams will come to respect a formidable reconstructed line on the Steel Rain, bolstered by a former Marine and some other stocky characters. The Namers 4-man blitzes simply were countered via lofts in the air to open receivers. Three defenders can only guard so much B.Hidd! It was a heartbreaker but congrats to the Rain.

What happened to the 69ers this weekend?

Most of the problems concerning the 69ers occurred, with a disorganized offense. While some teams took advantage of the layoff, the 69ers had no idea what plays they were running. This team may be on a downturn, if they don't get their act straight---also the QB seemed hesitant to run this past weekend. Many a time the mods warned them of their seemingly two minute huddles, and this may have been a result of new teammates joining the squad.

Mods who are cornerstones of Novaffl:

The following moderators did a great job this weekend, and in deference to the many times cocky and arrogant Coach D and normally silent Andy B, the following Mod committee should be immediately set up: Big Tone, Andy B, Coach D, Straw, Sanfran, Grover, Mike D, and Yang. Mods who do above and beyond their share deserve a greater stake in this league's direction.

Finally the Ty issue

Many probably think Athar was the individual who brought Ty back to the squad, or caused him to summarily quit the Hawks for no reason. The answer lies more in an innate feeling of betrayal from Ty to his teammates, such as Kevin and Alge. Betrayal stings, and some people are better with it than others. Then again, its always the possibility that Athar planned this from the outset, which would definitely lend credence to his argument-that Ty truly was going nowhere in regards to leaving the Quest and was simply on a scouting mission. What inside information could he possess? -- and has Athar made one of the more clandestine moves in Novaffl history, by sending a henchman into enemy lines?