[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen At Musketeers Preview
In a few years time, things can change quickly in the football world. Tomorrow, the Maassluis Merchantmen and Paris Musketeers will battle it out for one team to sit 5-2 and in pursuit of the division title, even leading if the Gothenburg Giants lose. The loser will be 4-3 and looking over their shoulder to the Bordeaux Vineyards, who are expected to move to 4-3. But why is this so special?

Looking at the history of both franchises, the best they ever did was going 8-8. That's right, 8 wins in one season, the infamous .500 land. The Paris Musketeers were 2-14 two years ago, the Maassluis Merchantmen even 1-15 three seasons ago. But with a new quarterback (the second new one, to be precise) both teams are aiming for a winning season and potentially a playoff ticket. And in a tight division, it ain't impossible for either of the two to get there. Paris and Maassluis can make the jump up in a game that is called an even battle by the experts from Vegas.

Old results are no guarantee for success, but the Muskteers have the early each, leading the head-to-head series 4-3, including beain unbeaten in Paris. It's been said more often than not, the Merchantmen have allowed a combined 71 points in the last two at Paris. The Musketeers would have sufficient confidence had they not been pretty much kept out of competing in the week 1 game at Oranje Haven. Quarterback Louie Flannery showed he's the better quarterback head-to-head with E.G. 'The Great' Lumpkin, despite Lumpkin having the better to-date stats this season.

Vicious sacks and tackles for a loss. That's what the Merchantmen's defensive front is prommising Lumpkin and running back Joe Boulware. With everybody back from injury, except 2006 seventh round pick Andy Weliczka, there are enough players available to make it happen. Especially the return of Charles Gomez is expected to strike fear to the Paris backfield. Supported by the excellent linebacking quartertet Cody Cluff, Carl Meier, Ellsowrth Thelen and Mike Kershner, it will be running towards the sidelines rather than the opposing endzone all day for the Parisians. Especially after stud tackle Howard Bingham went out for the season with an injury.

Even if Lumpkin thinks he can avoid the sack, the Merchantmen defense has shown in their last game they still can force turnovers. With three interceptions, good times seem back and the return of cornerback Winford Endicott has been called "very good news". Star cornerback Tai Wayne explains: "Winford is a winner. He's one of the best defenders in the league in zone defense and with him we can make sure the receivers won't get open." Wayne and Endicott both defended 7 passes so far, which are good totals for a cornerback, especially when they allow a total of 2.4 receptions per game.

Looking to the other side of the ball, the Merchantmen are not top fit. Running back Randy Harris has pulled his groin for the second time in three months time, while his fullback Jamel Flannery is still recovering from knee tendinitis. It means the Merchantmen will be needing great run blocking from the offensive line to help the backups Rodger Mowery and Tyrell Mahoney to make plays. Mowery so far had 27 carries for 5.3 yards per carry, but he's also recorded 3 fumbles in 6 games. And Mahoney hasn't had a ball touch yet. Lucky for them, the Merchantmen line, especially the guards, are pass blocking experts.

Looking back to week one and the expected lineups, there can be only conclussion: The Merchantmen will finally win a European game on the road. Granted, Paris has won all previous meetings at home, but the personnel they will provide is missing stars compared to week one, while the Merchantmen only face a problem with a limited running back. But seeing how the Merchantmen beat Fort Worth and Rochester on the road without Charles Gomez active, the should be no doubt they can find a winning way with their all time rushing leader present. Besides, Rodger Mowery is no rookie, he's a former 1,000-yard back! Go Merchantmen!