IHOF: Maassluis Merchantmen [Archive] - Page 4 - Front Office Football Central

MIJB#19

03-04-2005, 12:07 PM

Single-Season Records And Such
I know, we're only nine games going, but I figured it would be cool to check out all our single-season statistics and let you all know whether individuals or entire units are on pace to break any. Let's start off with team records on the offensive side and end with individuals on special teams.

Team Stats Records:

Points Scored - 322 points (2006)
The offense needs 154 points to tie the record, 22 points per game.

Passing Yards - 3,018 yards (2004)
The offense needs 865 yards to tie the record, 124 yards per game.

Rushing Yards - 1,736 yards (2006)
The offense needs 767 yards to tie the record, 109 yards per game.

Points Against - 270 points (2005)
The defense may allow 122 points to tie the record, 17 points per game.

Pass Defense - 2,714 yards (2004)
The defense may allow 750 yards to tie the record, 107 yards per game.

Rush Defense - 1,673 yards (2005)
The defense may allow 557 yards to tie the record, 79 yards per game.

Individual Stats:

Passer Rating - Louie Flannery (2006) 64.4 rating
Louie Flannery is currently on pace to have a 74.9 passer rating.

Passing Yards - Justin McDavid (2004) 2,904 yards
Louie Flannery needs 751 yards to tie the record, 107 yards per game.

Passing TDs - Justin McDavid (2004) 19 touchdowns
Louie Flannery needs 8 touchdowns to tie the record, just over 1 per game.
Any other player would require close to 3 touchdown passes per game.

Rushing Yards - Randy Harris (2006) 1,203 yards
Randy Harris needs 537 yards to tie the record, 77 yards per game.

Rushing TDs - Randy Harris (2005, 2006) 6 touchdowns
Randy Harris needs 4 touchdowns to tie the record, less than 1 touchdowns per game.
Rodger Mowery or Jamel Rosenberry need 5 touchdowns, less than 1 per game.
Other players would need 6 touchdowns, meaning almost 1 per game.

Receptions - Jim Reiser (2006) 79 receptions
Jim Reiser needs 49 receptions to tie the record, 7 per game.
Bryce Ewald needs 50 reception, Gregory Monti 51, each needing just over 7 per game.

Receiving Yds - Jerry Aubrey (2004) 760 yards
Gregory Monti needs 301 yards to tie the record, 43 yards per game.
Bryce Ewald needs 322 yards to tie the record, 46 yards per game.
Jerry Beyer needs 470 yards to tie the record, over 67 yards per game.
Jim Reiser or Jules Benedict would each need over 70 yards per game.

Receiving TDs - Jerry Aubrey (2004) 6 touchdowns
Gregory Monti or Jerry Beyer need 3 touchdowns to tie the record.
Any other player would need close to 1 touchdown per game.

Interceptions - Johnnie Stidham (2006) 7 interceptions
Cody Cluff and Emile William each have 2 interceptions, needing 5 to tie the record.

Total Sacks - Harold Wells (2005) 13.0 sacks
Albert Bernardo needs 6.5 sacks to tie the record, which is 1.0 sacks per game.
Omar Gougeon and Aaron Sherrill would need about 1.5 sacks per game.

Solo Tackles - Cody Cluff (2006) 120 tackles
Cody Cluff needs 44 tackles to tie the record, which is about 5 per game.
Lincoln Gilmore, Carl Meier and Tai Wayne need 12 tackles per game.

Key Run Blocks - Harold Hurtado (2004) 31 key run blocks
Brant Heinrich needs 12 key blocks to tie the record, almost 2 per game.
Butch White needs 15 key blocks to tie the record, just over 2 per game.
Timothy Lacy needs 19 key blocks to tie the record, almost 3 per game.

Defended Passes - Tai Wayne (2005) 13 defended passes
Tai Wayne and Winford Endicoot each need 4 defended passes to tie the record.
Emile William needs 8 to tie the record, Cody Cluff and Lincoln Gilmore need 9 each.

MIJB#19

03-05-2005, 09:20 AM

Maassluis At Gothenburg Preview (Week 11, 2007)
The first ten weeks were a fun ride, but now the Maassluis Merchantmen have nothing to hide anymore. No easy schedule, no excellent game planning, the unexpected division leaders have to show they are for real. The Gothenburg Giants are black and blue from injuries, especially their secondary, but they won't pack the title with a fancy ribbon around it. The Giants are still in pursuit and can move into first place with a victory in their 'Palace of Ice and Frost'. At least as long as Duane Davis is still walking and passing the ball.

In Gothenburg, the Merchantmen and Giants played three games before. In 2004, it was the today retired running back Jerry McGee who inspired his men to a 37-24 win in the rain. In 2005 it was Chris Nagel who personlized the 19-9 win with 3 sacks and 6 tackles. And last season Duane Davis was named player of the game in a 20-10 victory, despite passing for only 183 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception. Who will be the candidates to take the individual honors on Moday?

Duane Davis has been having a career season so far and hopes to keep his team rolling. Davis completed 170 of 275 passes so far (61.8 percent). With those passes, his offense advances 230 yards per game and 7.5 yards per attempt. Add 14 touchdowns versus 4 interceptions and you don't have to wonder anymore where the 95.8 passer rating comes from. Davis is the key to the Giants' success, in 5 of 6 wins he was named the player of the game. But recently he struggled a bit, specially in home games. The Giants lost three of their last four games, all at home.

Maassluis Merchantmen defensive tackle Charles Gomez will be Davis' guy to fear. In last season's week 17 matchup, Gomez sacked Davis 3 times. This season, since Gomez returned after a shoulder injury, the Merchantmen have moved into first place on the team leaders charts at most sacks. Gomez contributed with 3.0 sacks and 16 hurries in just 5 games. But the biggest thing is his threat, giving the defensive ends Albert Bernardo, Omar Gougeon and Aaron Sherrill enough room to make the sack and rank in the individual top 30.

But Gothenburg has their own star defensive tackle to haunt the Merchantmen's offensive line. Chris Nagel is a bit down on sacks this season, with just 3 in 9 games, but he did combine for 6.0 sacks in the last three games versus Maassluis. Quarterback Louie Flannery has reason to be afraid, he's been sacked 9 times in 9 games by rushers who burst through the middle of the line. Having a pass protection expert as Ivan Jacques at left tackle doesn't help much then.

Flannery himself hasn't lived up to the high expectations a #5 overall pick brings. Flan' spreads the ball around to several receivers, but especially recently he's been saved by running back Randy Harris. Harris is coming off consecutive 100-yard games, his first series, and seems to run very well when his fullback Jamel Rosenberry is fit. But then, Harris hasn't lived up to his first game against Gothenburg, when he set a still standing single-game league record with 3 rushing touchdowns. In the last five against the Giants, his only two touchdowns were receptions.

Receiving touchdowns are stil the one thing the Giants could be afraid of. As of today, the Giants have 13 defensive backs under contract, of which 2 are on injured reserve and 5 more are injured. The Giants are expected to start a couple of long-time backup players behind the also banged up linebackers group. Given that, if the Merchantmen ever had a chance to win a road game at the Gothenburg Giants it would be this game. And seeing them on a 5-game winning streak in road games, the Merchantmen look more confident than ever before away from home.

To temper the expectations, head coach Leroy Van Der Woude plays the underdog card: "Ask Vegas who will win, we're still the 'dogs." Van Der Woude has turned around the team big time, having a career record of 22-19. Which is not bad, concidering Van Der Woude is the youngest head coachin the IHOF. "Age says nothing to me," Van Der Woude claims, "I think our defensive ends point that out very well. But being the youngest, I'd better just keep my mouth shut and work hard to keep the momentum going."

The momentum could indeed be short, as the Gothenburg Giants have more experience in playing games with playoff implications. Sitting just one win behind, a victory could help them into te lead again, having temporarily tie-breakers with a head-to-head win. The Giants have been playing winning football since 2005. The Merchantmen only recently burst through the .500 barrier. To support that, the Merchantmen were 3-6 versus playoff teams in 2006, the Giants were 4-3. But then, in 2005, the Giants and Merchantmen were 2-5 each. But what if the Merchantmen are for real and can make the big jump up? The best way to prove that: Beating Gothenburg in their own house.

MIJB#19

03-07-2005, 09:33 AM

Merchantmen Planning Ahead For Long-Term Success
The Maassluis Merchantmen have been a surprise team so far in the 2007 IHOF season. With 7 wins and 2 losses, they've been living above their standards, set in the past two seasons. But the success doesn't come in short-term solutions, the team has pretty much locked up the entire roster throughout the 2009 season. That's right, two seasons away, we'll be seeing pretty much the same personnel. And that's something note worthy for the Masters of Trading.

"There's a Dutch saying about this," Maassluis Merchantmen owner and general manager M.IJ.B. says, "being in charge means you have to look at the future." M.IJ.B. is a guy who can talk on and on, but to make things short, it's been his intention to have the same roster for several seasons together. Of today's team, most players are locked up long-term, but that was also true in the past season and they still have a big turnover in players. And of the roster today, four will be free agents after the season finale, including three new key players to the team.

Rodger Mowery was a 1,000-yard back for the RayCo Raiders, but with the retirement of quarterback Brian Hartsock his best friend left the team. As the Raiders acquired Jonathan Smith as the new starter in trade from Maassluis, the Raiders opted to give Mowery room to be the #2 guy behind Randy Harris. With 5.5 yards per carry, Mowery makes the best of it. And with his punt returning skills, he's also helping out on special teams. Mowery said "Being a backup ain't special, but Randy [Harris] has a short breath and needs to be replaced every four runs, so I get some carries." The Merchantmen have started negotiations with Mowery for a longer stay, but might see Mowery retire after the 2007 season. "If I think it's enough, this will be my last trick."

Another player who might retire after the season is Wally 'World' Wilcox. The defensive end is currently the number four on the depth chart, but get's the playing time once in a while. Wilcox says: "Rotation system they call it... For now I can live with it, but it makes me concider retirement more than before." So far, Wilcox hardly contrubited with sacks, but he's mentoring the youngesters Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon well. The Merchantmen signed Wilcox this off-season and can't offer him a new contract by league policy, meaning Wilcox will walk of a free agent if he doesn't retire.

Another potential free agent is Winford Endicott. The cornerback was signed after training camp as the Merchantmen liked his profile. Endicott has emerged as a starter and comes in handy with Johnnie Stidham having a weak knee and nursing his second knee injury of the season. Endicott lookis like a perfect match, but knows it might be just one season. "Yes. Myron Stevens and Johnnie Stidham are still here, they are clearly the #2 and #3 next season." Besides, the only way to keep Endicott out of the market would be the franchise tag and that's not likely to happen, given the salary it requires. The other option is franchise and re-negotiate, which the team might do, if they're not looking at other players.

But that's what the Merchantmen are already doing. Owner M.IJ.B. is open about it: "Oh yes, we're still thin in startable defensive backs. Tai Wayne and Lincoln Gilmore are good guys. Winford Endicott and Emile William make good players in the system, but we want more. Myron Stevens is coming up and could be a starter next season, but we are still eyeing others. Our list of potential new players is about ten names deep. I hope we can present about three of them next season." And that's putting the pressure on the currently signed defensive backs to perform. Especially as cornerback Carlos Mitchem and safety Richard Muller will also return from their injured reserve roles.

The biggest casualties could sit at linebacker, however, as the Merchantmen have used only 5 active 'backers so far. Mitch Hoofkin and Daniel Ruelas are usually inactive when everybody is healthy. Ruelas is on a one-year contract, but the management is trying to lock him up for another season. Owner M.IJ.B. says: "Ruelas did well when we were short on 'backers and we'll clearly be going 60-men deep into the pre-season. That will include all seven linebackers on the current roster."

But there are a few other things to do the mext off-season. The refreshing of the defensive is fully accomplished, aside from one new defensive end signing or keeping Wilcox around. A second need is a new backup quarterback as the organization is still not happy with Shane Bower, Mel Atkins and Justin McDavid as the options at #2. And the biggest need might be offensive tackle as Ivan Jacques is looking injury prone, Harold Hurtado is flirting with retirement and Norman Holliday needs a year or three to get experienced. And then there's Cornelius Rice who's not yet living up to expectations.

But then, the sacks are mostly allowed by the center of the line, which could be the biggest need in the off-season. A new center and possibly a new backup guard if Brian Hammond remains unhappy about his role on the team. Owner M.IJ.B. explains: "They are still a lot of things to do, we're still one of the weakest teams in talent overall. But we know how to get the guys that fit our system and will continue to do so. And we're still the masters of trading, there will be more of that next off-season too, you can count on it."

MIJB#19

03-08-2005, 04:52 AM

Merchantmen Extend Contracts Of Three Players
Hours before the Maassluis Merchantmen played against the Gothenburg Giants, the Maassluis Merchantmen agreed on new contracts for three players. Wide receiver Jules Benedict and safety Lamar Singelton signed a new three-year deal giving them more bonus money and a higher salary for the 2007 season. Linebacker Daniel Ruelas, who was going to be a free agent after the season, was signed to a two-year contract, including an increase in salary for 2007. Running back Rodger Mowery turned down an offer to extending his contract, but the Merchantmen management want to let the fans know there will be ongoing attempts to make sure Mowery will either be retired or a Merchantmen player in 2008.

MIJB#19

03-08-2005, 04:52 AM

Merchantmen Win In Gothenburg, Increase Division Lead
The fairy tale continues, the Maassluis Merchantmen keep on winning. With a 31-17 win in an amazing fourth quarter comeback, the Merchantmen won at the Gothenburg Giants, who are their biggest rival for the division title. Louie Flannery and his receivers provided a big game, while the Merchanten defense put enough pressure on the Giants passing game to succeed. The price they paid was one with three injured starterrs, but none serious enough to not see them return in time for a possible first playoff game.

A quick recap of the game shows it was a close game all day long. In total yards on offense, the Giants even did a bit better than the Merchantmen, but in efficiency and big plays on defense, the visisting orange-white-and-blue stood out. With two big drives, the Merchantmen had taken a 14-10 lead at half time. Randy Harris had accounted for the points with a run and a pass from Louie Flannery. Giants' quarterback Duane Davis had connected with his tight end Saul Delgado and Damien Deming scored a field goal.

In the third quarter, the Giants took the lead again after backup running back Cecil Maxwell ran for 25 yards on a trick play. The Giants faced third and nine and were preparing for the field goal. In the next drives, neither offense managaed to gain enough yards to put some points on the scoreboard, meaning the Merchantmen were trailing 14-17 going into the fourth quarter. At that point, they had the ball at their own 42-yard line and knew it would be another tough game.

But after Louie Flannery connected on a 24-yard pass to Bryce Ewald, the Merchantmen moved forward and a 7-yard run from Randy Harris moved them into the red zone. The Giants' defense stopped two runs, but Merchantmen kicker Cary Coles kept his perfect record for the season alive with a 38-yard field goal. The Merchantmen defense forced a three-and-out and the offense paid back with some big plays. With a big 34-yard combo from Flannery to rookie Jerry Beyer, the Merchantmen moved into Swedish territory.

"At that point, I knew it would happen," running back Randy Harris said, "I was going to make a third score against the Giants just like that first win of the team." Harris' forecast may have been right, but he needed a couple of teammates to bail him out. First, Flannery connected with Beyer and fullback Jamel Rosenberry to move into the red zone and then guard Brian Hammond saved Harris' butt. Harris fumbled at the 4-yard line, but Hammond recovered and two plays later, Harris scored on a 5-yard run to take a 24-17 lead.

The Giants got the ball back, but a couple of fresh Merchantmen defenders put the pressure on the Giants. When Wally 'World' Wilcox hurried Duane Davis into a bad throw on third and four, the Merchantmen knew they could knock-out their biggest rivals for the division title and do it in their own house. Flannery combined on big passes with tight end Jim Reiser and receiver Bryce Ewald to put them into the red zone. With the two-minute warning yet to come, Flannery completed a 10-yard pass to Gregory Monti and the game was pretty much over.

The Giants tried to get back in and the Merchantmen defense let them come into their half. But that's where they start rushing the opposing quarterback and Giants' Daune Davis didn't know what to do. Rushed into bad throws by Charles Gomez and Omar Gougeon, Duane had to take a risk on third down and his pass was almost intercepted by Tai Wayne. On fourth down, the pass rush was there again as Shaun Shiroma forced the turnover on downs to end the game.

After the game, wide receiver Gregory Monti, cornerback Winford Endicott and defensive end Omar Gougeon were added to the list of injuries. Monti and Endicott are expected back in time for the all important home games against Georgia Gridlock and Gothenburg Giants in weeks 13 and 15, but Gougeon is unlikly to return before the playoffs. Next up is a home game against the RayCo Raiders, who are currently 1-9. Butthey can't be underestimated, the Raiders are coming off their first win of the season and the Merchantmen have struggled at home. And from all the teams, the Merchantmen know best to not underestimate the opposing underdogs, they've pulled the upset tricks themselves multiple times...

MIJB#19

03-08-2005, 04:53 AM

General Manager Notes (Post Week 11, 2007)
And then it was five-in-a-row for an 8-2 record.

8-2.

Okay, so maybe I'm underestimating our own team, but going into the season we had never beaten Paris or Gothenburg on the road and had never beaten Bordeaux at all. Right now, we sit into a comofrtable division lead and are going into a four-game series at home. Wow.

Okay, we won against the Gothenburg Giants, but the other big news was the Paris Musketeers beating the Bordeaux Vineyards, in Bordeaux, 20-17 on a 53-yard field goal in the late seconds of the second quarter. The Musketeers held Joe Johnson to 131 yards and completing only 11 of 20 passes, which is quit astonishing. Next up is the second round of games against the NAC Mid-West division. Earlier on we swept them, but the tide could turn as they're still a division to not underestimate. They were all at least 8-8 last season.

Division Standings:
8-2 Maassluis (4-0 div)
6-4 Gothenburg (2-2 div)
5-5 Paris (2-2 div)
4-6 Bordeaux (0-4 div)
Maassluis clinched tie-breakers over Paris and Bordeaux.
Gothenburg clinched tie-breakers over Bordeaux.

Schedule:
Maassluis (8-2) versus RayCo (1-9)
Gothenburg (6-4) at Minnesota (4-6)
Paris (5-5) versus Ann Arbor (2-8)
Bordeaux (4-6) at Columbus (7-3)

Stats?
Well, I'm not sure what to note, we're still winning games with te old recipe of allowing teams to run, but pressuring the quarterback enough to (sn)eak into a fourth quarter victory. All I can hope for is that we win a two games at home against RayCo, Georgia and Minnesota, so we can clinch the division title at home against Gothenburg in week 15. Wouldn't that be cool?

MIJB#19

03-08-2005, 01:35 PM

Merchantmen Versus RayCo Raiders Preview (Week 12, 2007)
The Maassluis Merchantmen are rolling and their next stop in their franchise longest winning streak is their own Oranje Haven. In the next four games, their own home will be location of Merchantmen football. First on the list are the RayCo Raiders. The Raiders were on a losing streak, but last week turned away from losing by winning at the 2005 champions, the Ann Arbor Anacrhonism to sit 1-9, still at the bottom of the NAC conference. The Merchantmen in turn are third seeded in the AOC at his point.

In their visit to Maassluis, the RayCo Raiders bring along two familiar faces on their starting lineups. Jonathan Smith is the starting running back for the Raiders after being Randy Harris' understudy for three years in Maassluis. Gene Sampson started the last four games at cornerback for the Raiders. Sampson was drafted by the Merchantmen in the fifth round of the 2007 draft and accompanied Smith in an off-season trade.

The trade brought two new players to the Merchantmen as well. Wide receiver Jules benedict was a backup in RayCo and has been so far in Maassluis. But at the expected absence of Gregory Monti, Benedict will likely move up to being the #3 receiver behind Jerry Beyer and Bryce Ewald. And joining him as a premier backup is Rodger Mowery. Mowery is an elite punt returner and was a 1,000-yard back for the Raiders in their succesful seasons 2004 and 2006. For the Merchantmen he has only 21 yards from the line of scrimmage per game. Looking at the players, the Raiders may have had the worse end of the trade, but it was a matter of future potential versus current starters.

The Raiders are rebuilding and try to be competitive again in 2008. With Neal Aguillard at quarterback, drafted at #10 overall in the 2006 draft, the Raiders have been struggling all year. But Aguillard is not doing bad at all. He's got pretty similair numbers as the #5 of the same draft class, the Merchantmen's Louie Flannery. With 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions each, they look similiar in production, despite the difference in win total. The one stat that seperates the two is Flannery's extra yard per pass attempt.

After seeing how close the two passers are, it's pretty amazing, especially as in all other statistical categories the Merchantmen are clearly the better team. Except with the respective run defenses as the Merchantmen allow a yard per game more and even allow 0.4 yards per rush more than the Raiders. But it's unlikely to be noted in the head-to-head game as the running games from Maassluis and especially RayCo's are not setting the world of fire. Jonathan Smith is maybe the worst starting running back in the IHOF.

What will be crucial once again is the Merchantmen' s pass rush. Defensive end Omar Gougeon is ruled out for the rest of the regular season, but with Albert Bernardo (6.5 sacks in 105 plays) and Wally 'World' Wilcox (6 broken pass plays) Gougeon is replacable. The top pass rush in the league will be ready and Raiders' quarterback Aguillard will not have an easy game. So far, Aguillard did a decent job of avoiding sacks, but with the weak pass protection from his offensive line, it might be a game of survivial.

In return, the Raiders bring in Daniel Moore (5.5 sacks in 6 games) and Charles Newell. The two make a nice pass rush duo on the ends of the front seven and will keep Ivan Jacques and Cornelius Rice occupied all game. And if they can pressure Louie Flannery enough, he might get into old bad habbits with interceptions. Playing the Raiders it will be something to watch out for as the Raiders have Clarence Whyte and Anthony Santos in their secondary. Both have 4 interceptions this season and can give a guy like Flannery nightmares on the night before the game.

In return, the Merchantmen are expected to miss their second and third cornerbacks. Winford Endicott (pulled groin) and Johnnie Stidham (hyperextended knee) will be sitting out until they are fully recovered. But the Merchantmen have faith in Tai Wayne and future starter Myron Stevens, with Desmond Craig and Lamar Singleton at nickelback and dimeback. All three have a good history with interceptions and are said to fit in the pass defense scheme the Merchantmen play.

Whatever the pundits say, the Maassluis Merchantmen will be heavily favored to win, but as no others they know the 'any given sunday' theme well. They've knocked off potential championship teams on the road and know the Raiders could return the favor. Plus, the Raiders may be playing around a bit with starters, sitting out guys like Clarence Whyte and Daniel Moore when they could play. The Vegas line is 12 points in Merchantmen favor, but Louie Flannery and his troops will just be happy to win by one point to keep their dreams alive. But first is reaching the goal set before the season: winning nine games and the Raiders won't give it to them that easy...

MIJB#19

03-09-2005, 10:16 AM

Gossip News: Merchantmen Trade Charles Gomez In Off-Season
It was always in the air and now it's bound to happen. Despite his status as a superstar, we here the Maassluis Merchantmen are going to shop around their best player. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez might be playing elsewhere in the 2008 season. Maybe the current success, especially with an unbeaten record when Gomez is playing might make you think it won't happen. But salary cap woes and the drafting of replacements point to something else.

It all starts with the cap situation. The Maassluis Merchantmen have invested in a team to keep together throughout the 2009 season, but one player is accounting for about $10 million. Charles Gomez has been the top paid player for four seasons and with his stats and awards he seems to be worth it. But in Maassluis the management is unwilling to play one player more than ten percent of the entire salary cap. Unless Gomez is willing to take a pay cut, he's not going to be there in 2009 and might be shipped out in the 2008 off-season.

Thinking in advance, the Merchantmen drafted three defensive tackles in the past two drafts. Any Weliczka was picked in the 2006 draft and he's emerging as a run stopping specialist. The 2007 rookies Shaun Shiroma and Andrew Rasmussen are supposed to be all-round tackles who can together bring the pass rush pressure Gomez brings along. And with a couple of young defensive ends also acquired, it looks like Gomez can be missed.

So, what could they possibly be looking for then? It looks like the Merchantmen are not too sold on Louie Flannery. Despite his production and leadership, Flannery throws as mayne interceptions as touchdowns and is always a risk for a turnover. Given the history with Justin McDavid, it's unlikely Flannery is going to be concidered a true franchise player in Maassluis, despite all they gave up to get him. So, the team could be looking for a more mature quarterback or a high enough pick to invest a first round pick in a quarterback for the third time in four drafts.

But there are more option. The Merchantmen have started a rebuilding project on the offensive line as well and the offensive tackles positions were due for replacement. Wilson Grimaldo has left for Vicksburg, but Harold Hurtado is still here. The team acquired Cornelius Rice and rookie Norman Holliday, but neither seem to be the wanted world class pass protection tackles the management desires to have. Expect that the team will make a move in this area, wit or without trading Gomez.

And then there's the secondary. Guys like Winford Endicott, Myron Stevens, Emile William and Johnnie Stidham are cool on short-term, but in the long run Tai Wayne needs a better buddy to mark the opposing receivers. And since Wayne has yet to make his first reception in no less than 27 games, he's not safe of his job either.

Last but not least is the Merchantmen's desire to have a two-headed running game. Randy Harris is overpaid by the team and the trade of Jonathan Smith showed they had no faith in him. Today's backups Rodger Mowery and Tyrell Mahoney are either going to retire or never will succeed. It's no secret the team has their eyes open for another running back to get in the off-season. Especially the name of IHOF MVP Billy Jamerson has been going around in the rumor mill.

There, you have it, the latest rumors from the Merchantmen organization. This news could be pretty crucial in the upcoming games as the team tries to keep everybody happy. But recently three backup players have complaint about playing time and it's just a matter of time until an expected departure from Charles Gomez will end the happiness in Maassluis. Keep reading Gossip News to get in touch with all the secret ins and outs on the Merchantmen.

Kodos

03-09-2005, 12:59 PM

Charles Gomez for Kevin 'Chief' Wiggins? :confused:

VPI97

03-09-2005, 03:38 PM

Charles Gomez for Kevin 'Chief' Wiggins? :confused:
The curse of Joe Boulware rears it's ugly head.

Kodos

03-09-2005, 03:43 PM

You damned Joe Boulware fanatic! Get over it!!!

;)

MIJB#19

03-10-2005, 05:19 AM

General Manager Notes
Gomez out of Maassluis? Not in a million years! Okay, maybe ten if we get lucky. This leaked rumor is a good moment to share a little bit of our off-season plans for 2008. The most crucial thing is that we're projecting at $9.2M over the cap at this moment for 2008, with 53 players signed and 4 low draft picks which can be signed cheaper than the 53th highest cap figure. Let's break the roster down by position group. For 2009 we're projecting to be about $1M over the cap, including the signing of 16 draft picks from 2008 and 2009. That means we have 45 players signed though 2009.

Quarterbacks
We've got three backups and am not going to let us going into 2008 with four quarterbacks again, unless one of them is injured enough to be put on injured reserve. Options to go are any besides Louie Flannery. Mel Atkins is a good #3, maybe a decent #2 and can help the kicking unit. Shane Bower has yet to prove he's a true #2, I'm not sure what to do with him. And 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid is a question mark regarding whether he can still do it. His pre-season was amazing, but it could have been a big fluke. The thing is: All three are due about $1.5M in cap space. Cap wise, Atkins or Bower has to go.

Running backs
Randy Harris and Jamel Rosenberry are not going anywhere, that's for sure. Harris is counting $5.3M and $6.1M against the cap the upcoming seasons, but after that he's locked up for $4.5M, $5.3M and $6.1M. Henry Poston is a fine looking fullback in potential, but he's clearly not ready for the real thing as a starter. Tyrell Mahoney could work out as #3 back and is signed relative cheap. Rodger Mowery is a great #2 back and an elite punt returner, but he's getting old and could retire. And if he doesn't, Mowery is out of contract and I'm still not sure I want to invest $300K in bonus money in a potential retiring player.

Receivers
Jim Reiser is counting $3.3M, $3.8M and $5.3M the upcoming seasons. Especially that last figure is worrying. He's still a great guy to have, but he's also a sort of bump-in-the-road as he takes away catches where our wide receivers could go deep for more yards. Arnold Ramirez is a good enough backup, as he proved, he'll be still here in 2009. Long snapper and tight end Charlie Martins has competition for the snapping next season, but if we can keep him below $1M for 2009, he'll get a new deal. At wide out, Jerry Beyer, Jules Benedict and kick returner Devin Henson are not going anywhere. The two long-time starters Gregory Monti and Bryce Ewald are signed through 2010, so they won't be traded away either. Only big-play receiver David Henkel will be out of Maassluis next off-season.

Offensive line
A few guys will not leave, being left tackle Ivan Jacques and guards Butch White and Timothy Lacy. Center Brant Heinrich ain't the best of centers, but he's signed long-term and we will only dump him if we can't get around the cap problem. Guard Brian Hammond is complaining about playing time, but I think we can keep him around if he's happy again after a couple of starts. Tackle Cornelius Rice is signed through 2008 only, meaning we have to renegotiate his $1.3M contract in 2008, that will be tough. Left tackle Harold Hurtado isn't getting younger, but at $4.3M and $3.7M he's clearly overpaid for a backup player, which he's become. Tackle Norman Holliday is still too green, but could be given the start at right tackle next season. Long snapper and center Chrstian Reichel is signed through 2008 and I hope to keep him around longer. Center Tom Schwartz is a lock for leaving, unless injuries require us to keep another center around.

Kickers
Well, I think we're in good shape here. Cary Coles is signed through 2010 and is emerging as the best placekicker in the entire IHOF. Our kickoff guy Al Bettis is free after 2008, but we want to keep him in 2009 as well. Punter Roscoe Corrales is popular, but is getting older and we're looking at possibly replacing him. And sadly for him, he's locked up pretty cheap in terms of bonus money.

Defensive line
Okay, the charm of the team so far and the reason of this whole run-down. Ends Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon combine for $1.3M in cap space in 2009. Not bad for two starters, huh? Defensive tackles Andy Weliczka, Andrew Rasmussen and Shaun Shiroma will together account for $3.2M in 2009. End Albert Bernardo is counting for $3.4M in 2008 and it adds up to $4.6M in 2010. We hope to get him to sign a cheaper deal. End Wally 'World' Wilcox is expected to retire. And if he doesn't, I doubt we can give him the $2M he's paid this season. And then there's tackle Charles Gomez. Gomez is scheduled to make $9.8 and $10.9M in 2008 and 2009, but clearly we hope to get him to sign a new longer deal at around $7M a year. His bonus money figure is $5.6M in both seasons, so trading is possible, but we desire to keep him.

Linebackers
We have little to worry here. Cody Cluff, Mike Kershner and Ellsworth Thelen are signed through 2010 or longer. Carl Meier is signed through 2009. Mentor Josh Weisberg is slowly starting to complain, but I'd like to keep him around until 2009. HGis contract ends in 2008, so it won't be easy to do. Mitch Hoofkin and Daniel Ruelas both have bonus free contracts with free agency in 2009. Both will be kept around at least until after pre-season.

Secondary
A couple of guys won't be going. Corners Tai Wayne and Johnnie Stidham, and safety Lincoln Gilmore are signed through 2010. Safety Emile William will still through 2009. Safety Richard Muller is still a questionmark, returning from consecutive concussion syndrome, but I doubt he'll make the 2008 regular season roster, despite being signed through 2009. Safety John Cole could be a locker room problem long-term, but we do have him signed relative cheap and through 2010. Corner Myron Stevens is schedule to be a free agent in 2009 and I'd like to keep him around longer. It will require some tough negotiating, I fear. Corner Desmond Craig could be a numbers game casualty afterall in 2008, despite having a contract through 2009. Carlos Mitchem is a mentor and we hope to keep him until end of contract, seeing him walk in 2010. Safety Lamar Singleton might never reach his potential, but is good enough to be a dime back through 2009. Corner Winford Endicott is leaving Maassluis after the season, unless we can re-sign him as a free agent. I'm tossing with the three options we have: franchise tag, signing him and replacing him. Afterall, I hope Stevens is as good as Endicott by that time, but you never know it will happen for sure.

So, we have over $9M to clear, but I think we can manage most of it with renegotiations with players signed at high salaries. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez will be the big guy to make a pay cut of $3M. Quarterback Mel Atkins, running back Randy Harris, tight end Jim Reiser, defensive end Albert Bernardo and left tackle Harold Hurtado will be asked to take $1M in cuts. And with ten other starters we'll try to get them to shove a bit of salary to the future by making a signing bonus of the salary. Especially if we don't build up more dead cap space for 2009, we'll have $15M more to spend on salaries in 2009. I think we should be able to manage it all and keep the entire roster together through 2009. If we can move the draft picks to other seasons, we might be able to patch the open roster spots by 2010 with a bunch of rookies.

MIJB#19

03-10-2005, 02:54 PM

Merchantmen Beat Raiders, Now Win Six In A Row
It's there, the best season ever for the Maassluis Merchantmen. with a 21-14 victory over the RayCo Raiders, the nineth win of the season ment the Merchantmen clinched having at least a 9-7 record at season's end. Randy Harris ran wild on offense, but it wasn't until late in the fourth quarter when the team clinched the win. Especially the defense was impressive in their effort to overcome missed field goals and turnovers.

The Merchantmen scored early to take the lead on a 7-yard run from Randy Harris. As the defense managed to keep the Raiders to just 73 yards in 26 plays on 7 drives, it looked like it would be an easy win. But it wasn't at all. Raiders' kicker Myron Gomez had to miss a field goal to help the Merchantmen 7-0 in the half time lead. But the offense didn't hlep either as Louie Flannery threw his 14th interception of the season, while the until today perfect kicker Cary Coles missed field goals from 40 and 54 yards away.

In the second half both teams picked up where they left off. The Raiders were held to three and out, while the Merchantmen moved forward and saw Cary Coles miss his third kick of the game. At that moment the Raiders got the confidence back and second year quarterback connected with wide receiver Stan Butler for 69 yards and the touchdown to tie the score immediately after the missed kick. The Merchantmen got he ball back, but Louie Flannery lost his confidence and threw his second interception of the game.

What followed was good defensive play going towards the end of the third quarter, when all of a sudden the defense stood up for another big play. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez blocked a punt and as safety Lincoln Gilmore recovered the ball at the 11-yard line, the Merchantmen were in scoring position once again. This time Flannery didn't make a mistake, on second down he connected with tight end Jim Reiser to take a 14-7 lead. Going into the fourth quarter it looked over, until Stan Butler returned a punt for 65 yards to tie the score again with ten minutes left to play.

In the remaining minutes, the Merchantmen offense kept moving forward, while the Raiders offense was stopped for losses. Again having possession, the Merchantmen decided to run out the clock as much as possible in a long drive towards the end of the game. As Louie Flannery kept passing and Randy Harris kept running, the home team marched into the red zone and Randy Harris eventual ran the points in for a 21-14 lead.

The Raiders had two minutes and three time outs left to tie the score and Neal Aguillard decided to go for it. But after his first pass fell complete, his second attempt was intercepted by Myron Stevens. The Merchantmen got the ball and on third and three, former Raiders' running back Rodger Mowery clinched the win by converting a first down by inches. The Raiders had used all their time outs and te game was over.

For the game the Merchantmen backfield combined for 219 yards, which ment a franchise all-time best. Randy Harris anchored the group with 141 yards on 26 carries with two scored. But Jamel Rosenberry (45 yards) and Rodger Mowery (28 yards). Harris has ran for 100 yards in three of the past four games now and scored 7 touchdowns in the last three games. He's slowly became the most popular player on the team and it payed off with a player of the game mentioning today.

Looking back, the game was closer than needed and the Merchantmen should worry about how they almost gave a relative easy win away. When the defense breaks up 14 of 37 passing plays and allows only 43 yards rushing for a total of 184, the offense shouldn't struggle that much with 416 total yards. But looking at last week, the Raiders had pulled an upset 20-10 win with similiar looking stats at the Ann Arbor Anachronism.

The bad news of the day was arguably the injury linebacker Cody Cluff picked up early in the game. But even with Cluff out, the defense did what they usually do. Charles Gomez made a sack and provided enough pass rush pressure to have the entire line haunt the Raiders quarterback. The linebackers Carl Meier and Mike Kershner made the needed run stops, while the secondary played a good game as well. Emile William made his 3rd interception of the season, while Tai Wayne didn't allow a single catch, but did defended 3 passes.

Upcoming are the 6-5 Georgia Gridlock. With a victory over the Gridlock, the Merchantmen would clinch being at least third seed in the conference if the division title is won two weeks later against the Gothenburg Giants. The Gridlock are an upcoming team and, like the Merchantmen, already clinched having their best season to date. And as the Gridlock are the number one team in the IHOF in turnover margin, the Merchantmen will once again have to stay away from their usual mistakes.

MIJB#19

03-10-2005, 02:58 PM

General Manager Notes
How rude!

In all the excitement of the victory, I failed to mention the five stand-out players of the road game at the Gothenburg Giants. Well, to be honest, there may have been multiple stand-out players, way more than five at least. But sticking with the concept, in order from fifth best to very best, the Merchantmen stars in week 11 were:

* Ellsworth Thelen, who contributed in limited action with 7 tackles and 1 sack.
* Tai Wayne, who contributed with just 2 tackles and 2 assists, but recorded 1 defended pass and didn't allow a single reception.
* Cody Cluff, who enmassed 10 tackles, 3 assists and defended 1 pass.
* Louie Flannery, who completed 19 of 28 passes for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns, with over 10 yards per pass attepmt.
* Randy Harris, who ran for 78 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also made a score on 1 of 3 receptions, which combined for 30 more yards.

Standings
20 points - Louie Flannery
18 points - Randy Harris
17 points - Cody Cluff
11 points - Charles Gomez
10 points - Tai Wayne
8 points - Bryce Ewald
6 points - Cary Coles, Carl Meier, Emile William
5 points - Omar Gougeon
4 points - Albert Bernardo, Lincoln Gilmore
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy
2 points - Winford Endicott, Jim Reiser
1 point - Jerry Beyer, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka, Butch White

MIJB#19

03-10-2005, 03:21 PM

General Manager Notes (Post Week 12, 2007)
And then it was six-in-a-row for a 9-2 record.

Our goal for the season has been reached, but this success tastes for more. Beating RayCo was pretty much compulsory, but losses by Bordeaux (0-17 at Columbus, with a 'fresh' lineup) and Paris (15-30 to Ann Arbor, with quarterback E.G. Lumpkin going out for the season) help us in the hunt to the division title. Our biggest rivals now, Gothenburg did what had to be doen with a big 34-3 win at Minnesota.

Division Standings:
9-2 Maassluis (4-0 div)
7-4 Gothenburg (2-2 div)
5-6 Paris (2-2 div)
4-7 Bordeaux (0-4 div)
Maassluis clinched tie-breakers over Paris and Bordeaux.
Gothenburg clinched tie-breakers over Bordeaux.
Maassluis clinched at least third place, Bordeaux can't reach first place.

Schedule:
Maassluis (9-2) versus Georgia (6-5)
Gothenburg (7-4) at Syracuse (9-2)
Paris (5-6) at Boston (6-5)
Bordeaux (4-7) versus Orlando (1-10)

As of the stats, we're still the league leaders in sacks and still rank pretty high on pasing yards, yards per carry in rushing, defensive yards per pass attempt and completion percentage on defense. In the turnover tables we moved down a bit more losing the battle 2-3 against RayCo to -9 overall. With 16.2 points per game we've moved into 5th place, while we're also doing well in red zone offense.

Individual stats are not too important to us yet, but it bares moentioning that Randy Harris is back in the top 10 in rushing yards and touchdowns, Cody Cluff will be dropping a bit in the tackles race and Charles Gomez has remarkably taken the league lead in quarterback hurries. Tai Wayne burst into the top 10 in defended passes. Cary Coles is still one of the better kickers, but his field goal accuracy took a big hit to a 5 out of 6 average.

In my Merchantmen player of the year rankings, the following players earned points today:
* Randy Harris with his 2 touchdowns and 141 yards rushing.
* Tai Wayne with 3 defended passes, 1 tackle and 1 assist.
* Charles Gomez with 1 sack, 3 hurries, 1 blocked punt and 3 tackles.
* Jim Reiser with 6 receptions for 68 yards and 1 touchdown.
* Cornelius Rice with 5 key run blocks.

Standings
23 points - Randy Harris
20 points - Louie Flannery
17 points - Cody Cluff
14 points - Charles Gomez, Tai Wayne
8 points - Bryce Ewald
6 points - Cary Coles, Carl Meier, Emile William
5 points - Omar Gougeon
4 points - Albert Bernardo, Lincoln Gilmore, Jim Reiser
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy
2 points - Winford Endicott
1 point - Jerry Beyer, Cornelius Rice, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka, Butch White

Alf

03-11-2005, 04:53 AM

I can't see how you can't win the division, with Paris and Bordeaux sucking so much and Gothenburg being beaten by injuries.....

Kodos

03-15-2005, 05:28 PM

Oh sure - he wins a Golden Scribe and then gets lazy. Where are the updates?

;)

MIJB#19

03-17-2005, 06:31 AM

Editor's Note
Lack of internet access at home for the past 7 days have severly damaged the updating. I'll try to get back on track and have a bunch of flashbacks to the past games once I'm back and running. For now, the only thing I hae sitting ready is a preview for last Monday's game (which has been played already).

MIJB#19

03-17-2005, 06:32 AM

Merchantmen Versus Georgia Gridlock Preview
The 2007 IHOF is reaching the crucial phase of the regular season and the race for the playoff tickets is heating up. The four division leaders in the Atlantic Ocean Conference play head-to-head games in a round of games which could be a test for the real playoffs. The top two teams, the North Plainfield Plague and the San Antonio Volunteers are amongst the usual suspects for the playoff race, as they've had winning seasons since the start of the league. The other two division leaders are not amongst the favorites, but going into their matchup, both teams already clinched having more wins than ever before in a single season. The Georgia Gridlock are visiting the Maassluis Merchantmen.

The Merchantmen have reached an amazing 9-2 record after 11 games with second-year quarterback Louie Flannery at the helmet. Flannery is racking up the yardage after a season of getting to know each other, still having pretty much the same players to throw to. In Georgia, however, it's rookie Nate Sutter who's passing like a veteran quarterback. Most of his targets were already part of the Gridlock roster in 2006, but their top wide receiver Fernando Weaver was a pre-season addition to fill the gap after trading former #1 pick Tyrus Shaye to be able to draft Nate Sutter at #3 overall.

Tyrus Shaye was the receiver with high expectations back in the 2005 seaoson when the Gridlock and Merchantmen met for the first and so far only time in league history. In an exciting game, the Grodlock won 27-24 at home as kicker Edward Wilkes converted a 47-yard field goal in overtime. That day another rookie quarterback, Tim Wilkes, set franchise passing records in single-game yardage and touchdowns.

Nate Sutter tied the single-game passing touchdowns figure of 3 twice this season, but the yardage figure of 346 is a goal to reach in Maassluis. But it won't be easy as the Merchantmen defense is slowly growing into one of the top defense around the league. The Merchantmen lead the league with 33 sacks, rank fifth in the league in points allowed and do a good job not allowing teams to pass for a lot of yards against them. Looking at the Gridlock offense, the passing game has to do well to be able to win.

But it won't be an easy task for the Merchantmen passing game either. The Gridlock defense is just one of those other defenses in the top half of the statistics in every pass defense category. And with their ability to force turnovers, a league leading 24 in 11 games, the turnover-sensitive Merchantmen will be an easy prey to beat.

But the Merchantmen are not a one-sided offense with their passing game. Running back Randy Harris recently ran for 100 yards in three of the last four games and helps to keep the offense unpredictable and helps moving the chains. The Gridlock will ask 2006 #7 pick Cole Alexander and ex-Merchantmen John Bryant. Alexander has yet to live up to his potential as an elite run stopper, while Bryant is a decent sidekick, but not the tackles machine.

Besides Bryant, the Gridlock will bring three other ex-Merchantmen to Maassluis. All three are offensive linemen and were traded away to have a bigger shot at a starting role elsewhere. Center Bubba 'Gump' Kerney and guard Lane Stedman were traded to Georgia, while guard Eric Dietrich moved there after being traded to the Paris Musketeers and being released by them. Kearney is a starter, while Dietrich is a backup. Stedman was put on injured reserve in the pre-season.

All things aside, the head-to-head game between Maassluis and Georgia will be one for the ages. Both teams can make another step towards their first division title, while the other will have to fear for seeing the competition get closer. And for Maassluis there's still the posibility to grab a bye week in the playoffs if the keep winning their games. A loss from San Antonio against North Plainfield could move them into second place in the AOC if they don't lose against Georgia. Whatever will happen, it will likely be a game to not forget for a long time.

MIJB#19

03-17-2005, 06:41 AM

Merchantmen No Longer IHOF's Hottest, Lose To Georgia
Lead by rookie quarterback Nate Sutter, the Georgia Gridlock put an end to the victory streak of the Maassluis Merchantmen. With a 28-27 victory in Oranje Haven, the visiting Gridlock snapped a six-game winning streak, which was the longest running streak in the IHOF going into the week. A win from the Gothenburg Giants increases the pressure put on te Merchantmen to grab the one additional needed win on top of a head-to-head win in week 15.

The sreak is over, but the Merchantmen are far from done. The loss to Georgia ment that a #1 seed in the AOC is not a serious option anymore, but a win in week 15 keeps a first European Division title in the running. And with losses from the competition for #2 and #3 seed in week 13, the Merchantmen can still work their ways up to a bye week in the wild card round. And the Georgia Gridlock could again be a potential opponent.

The game against Georgia wasn't all that good. The defense allowed over 400 yards on defense and yet the defense again didn't allow a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Lack of faith in the defense to keep the Gridlock away from a touchdown resulted in a two-point coversion attempt being 27-22 up after a touchdown. The failed conversion eventually resulted in a 27-28 loss. Add a fourth straight missed field goal from Cary Coles and you have your reasons for the loss.

The game itself was exciting, but the Merchantmen hope to move on and get ready for a big game against the Minnesota Miners to get to win number ten. The Miners have been going up and down all season, but at a 5-7 record shouldn't be underestimated. A win over Minnesota could provide the much needed confidence to go into the all-important week 15 game at home against Gothenburg, which could be the division taking win. That is, if Maassluis can win one other game and Gothenburg drops at least one the rest of the way.

MIJB#19

03-17-2005, 06:53 AM

General Manager Notes
9-3 is good too.

Yeah right, who am I kidding. We lost an important game against a rival and missed a great opportunity to move into #2 seed for the AOC and clinch a bye in the first round of the playoffs. And, Georgia is competition for the #3 seed and now they're just two wins behind holding tie-breakers over us, in stead of four behind with us clinching we would be at least #3 seed as European champs. Maybe most crucial: it was our first loss with our current game plan, which brought us nine consecutive wins without a loss before this game.

Division Standings:
9-3 Maassluis (4-0 div)
8-4 Gothenburg (2-2 div)
5-7 Paris (2-2 div)
5-7 Bordeaux (0-4 div)
Maassluis clinched tie-breakers over Paris and Bordeaux.
Gothenburg clinched tie-breakers over Bordeaux.
Maassluis clinched at least second place, Bordeaux and Paris can't reach first place.

Schedule:
Maassluis (9-3) versus Minnesota (5-7)
Gothenburg (8-4) at RayCo (1-11)
Paris (5-7) versus Columbus (8-4)
Bordeaux (5-7) at Ann Arbor (4-8)

Best players? Are you kiddin' me again? Okay, fair is fair, I'll name three players who didn't play as much below par as the rest of the team, with the best player mentioned first. Jamel Rosenberry had 6 catches for 62 yards, added 26 yards rushing and a receiving touchdown and 3 key run blocks. Charles Gomez had 5 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack and 5 quarterback hurries. Randy Harris ran for 87 yards and scored 2 total touchdowns.

Standings
24 points - Randy Harris
20 points - Louie Flannery
17 points - Cody Cluff
16 points - Charles Gomez
14 points - Tai Wayne
8 points - Bryce Ewald
6 points - Cary Coles, Carl Meier, Emile William
5 points - Omar Gougeon
4 points - Albert Bernardo, Lincoln Gilmore, Jim Reiser
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy, Jamel Rosenberry
2 points - Winford Endicott
1 point - Jerry Beyer, Cornelius Rice, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka, Butch White

Stats
Stats? Let's just one some games before we go looking at stats again, okay? Yes, we still lead the league in sacks and still do a good job in avoiding passing touchdowns, but that's basically it. Oh, and our running game is improving...

MIJB#19

03-17-2005, 06:54 AM

Oh sure - he wins a Golden Scribe and then gets lazy. Where are the updates?

;)Happy now? ;)

KWhit

03-17-2005, 08:18 AM

Why oh why couldn't you beat Georgia?!?!?!

Kodos

03-18-2005, 12:17 AM

Happy now? ;)

Yep. Sorry you guys dropped a game, but you're still in good shape. :)

MIJB#19

03-18-2005, 12:46 PM

New articles have been written already. All I need is a little bit more internet access time to be able to post them...

MIJB#19

03-20-2005, 01:49 PM

Merchantmen Shutout Miners In Impressive Win
The Maassluis Merchantmen hit a bump in the road, but a nice win over the Minnesota Miners put them back into winning football. With a huge 32-0 shutout victory, the Merchantmen offense and especially defense put a few things in place. With an amazing Tai Wayne at cornerback and Charles Gomez at defensive tackle, the Merchantmen defense did half of the job. Louie Flannery stayed away from turnovers and gladly took the MVP honors. Two new injuries couldn't spoil the happy mood.

"Last week's loss was a gift," Maassluis Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. claimed, "We knew we'd lose a game sooner or later and sooner was the better option. The team is now in time focussed and in the mood for the division title game against Gothenburg." Technically, the Merchantmen only need to win one of their last two divisional games, but winning in their first opportunity would clinch the division two weeks ahead of time.

Against Minnesota, the start was a bit soft, but veteran Rodger Mowery pulled of a nice trick. With a 76-yard punt return touchdown against familiair foes, Mowery won all six of his previous games against Minnesota, Mowery opened the scoring spree and the Merchantmen were loose. Minnesota quarterback Terrence Wesson saw the pressure and imploded. He fumbled in his own territory after being fumbled by Charles Gomez and "My Sharona" blasted throughout Oranje Haven as Shaun Shiroma recovered the ball.

The Miners' defense has always been a decent one and it showed again in Maassluis. Besides a big 20-yard run from Mowery, the Merchantmen were flawless and knew they had to go for the field goal. In the first nine games, Cary Coles had been perfect, but after four consecutive misses, the fans and teammates were relieved as Coles broke the curse with a converted 40-yard kick.

The Miners' offense started making risks and young Terrence Wesson got intercepted just as he got his offense moving. Cornerback Tai Wayne recorded his first career interception and was delighted to finally make it. It took Wayne no less than 30 games to get there, but the former first round pick did it at last. Louie Flannery got his flow going, but it required a huge run from wide receiver Bryce Ewald to extend the lead. Ewald broke through the defense for a 48-yard reception for the 17-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter.

The Merchantmen defense force a three-and-out next and the game could be called being over after just 17 minutes of football. Louie Flannery led his men to a long drive, which resulted in Bryce Ewald's second score from 21 yards out. Being 24-0, it looked secure and the defense decided to play it hard. Forced back by a holding penalty and Shane Nagurski being stuffed, the Miners looked at 2nd and 24 at their own 5-yard line. Wesson completed his pass to Richard Stewart, but a holding penalty turned into a safety and up 26-0, the Merchantmen got the ball back, again.

After both defenses kept their ground twice, the Merchantmen got the ball back with less than a minute left. Instead of kneeling to half time, The Merchantmen offense went for it and set up a 56-yard field goal. To return Cary Coles' confidence, he got the opportunity to score a 56-yard field goal with little implications and the clock stopped after a time out. Coles paid back with the three points. As the Miners did nothing in their last two plays, the Merchantmen saw a huge 29-0 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Miners' quarterback Terrence Wesson wasted his team's chances all by himself. With interceptions to again Tai Wayne and his buddy Winford Endicott, a nice 39-yard pass to Shane Nagurski was whiped away. Cary Coles scored a 32-yarder in the game's only red zone visit by any offense to make he lead even bigger. 32-0 up with 20 minutes left, this game was over. What followed was effective defensive football from Maassluis and the fourth quarter flew by like it never happened.

Louie Flannery passed for only 158 yards, but with 2 touchdown passes against 0 interceptions, there was no reason to complain. Helped by defenders like Tai Wayne (2 interceptions, 2 defended passes), Charles Gomez (1 forced fumble, 1 sack, 4 tackles) and run stopping linebackers Cody Cluff and Carl Meier, the Miners looked like an easy prey. The total yards statistics of 264-263 in Minnesota favor was completely nullified by a turenover margin of -4.

And now, the Merchantmen can start preparing for the biggest game in franchise history. In their last regular season home game of the 2007 season, the Merchantmen can secure their first European Division title by beating the Gothenburg Giants. In fact, a tie would also secure the divsion with 2 games left, 2 wins more in the bag and already having won on the road. With everybody warmed up after the biggest win in franchise history in terms of points margin, what could go wrong?

MIJB#19

03-20-2005, 01:51 PM

General Manager Notes
Okay, we're for real. I mean, at 10-3, is there anyway to still deny it?

In te last round of games, we got lucky with scores elsewhere, but we're still in the running for something cool. Losses from Paris (21-24 versus Columbus) and Bordeaux (7-27 at Ann Arbor) didn't mean much, but Gothenburg's painful 25-16 loss at the 1-11 RayCo Raiders put their first European title aspirations back in the cooler until at least week 17. All we need is beating Gothenburg in our house in week 15 or win at Bordeaux in week 17 to secure the divsion.

Also, a bye week is on the horizon if we can win all of our remaining games. A 34-40 loss from San Antonio against Miami in overtime pulled them back into second place in the Deep South by also 9-4 Vicksburg. Both teams hold tie-breakers over us, but we're still one win up. The three Southeast divison leaders are 7-6 and the best the winners can do is 10-6. We're not asured of that #3 seed if we win the division. And there are still a bunch of other teams in the running for the wild cards. The runners' up in the Northeast and Deep South are both 9-4. The #12 seed from North Plainfield at 12-1 can only been reached if we end up with a better record. Oh, our good friends from Rochester are out of the race, despite a good comeback from 0-5 to now a 6-7 record.

Standings:
10-3 Maassluis (div 4-0)
8-5 Gothenburg (div 2-2)
5-8 Paris (div 2-2)
5-8 Bordeaux (div 0-4)
Paris and Bordeaux are out ofd the playoffs race.
Maassluis secured at least second place, Gothenburg at least third place.

Schedule:
Alright, it's pay day in the IHOF. Upcoming are 7 games between number and number two ranked teams in the respective divisions. The only division having a number two versus number three is where the top three are tied with 7-6 records. Paris and Bordeaux play eachother in Paris, but that game is only interesting for the draft order and the honour of France. Nope, the big games are elsewhere and many could influence our playoff chances. Running all things down, it shows that our Futility Bowl and Dutch Bowl rivals, Rochester and Orlando can help us out big time with victories.

AOC Northeast: North Plainfield (12-1) versus Syracuse (9-4)
North Plainfield can clinch the #1 seed in the AOC with a victory. Realistically, we are their only contenders. Syracuse is in the wild card tickets race and can't afford to lose another game to keep the ticket in their hands, especially having lost to Gothenburg. Also playing are Rochester and 8-5 Boston. Boston is still in the running for the wild cards and if they lose they're no competition for us anymore, thanks to our win over Rochester earlier on. Go Rochester!

AOC Deep South: Vicksburg (9-4) versus San Antonio (9-4)
Vicksburg won the first game, but it's a close race and San Antonio takes the tie-breakers if they win this game. Both teams beat us, meaning the division winner will have an advantage over us for the seeding procedure. The loser is still deep into the wild card race and for us it doesn't matter at all who's gonna win this thing. We're never going to end up above any of them in tie-breakers.

AOC Southeast: Conyers (7-6) versus Tucker (7-6)
Georgia leads the division at 7-6 and goes to Orlando, but this division is a three-way race. We don't have to fear Conyers or Tucker in the seeding procedure if we manage to lose all of our remaining games, only Georgia holds tie-breakers after beating us. Whatever happens here, the any non-winners are out of the playoffs race for sure. Go Orlando!

Our stars of the week were not hard to indentify, the hard part was ordering them. From Number five to number one they were:
* Lincoln Gilmore had 2 defended passes versus 0 catches, 2 tackles and 1 assist.
* Rodger Mowery ran for 39 yards, but mostly had a 76-yard punt return for a score.
* Bryce Ewald had 2 receptions for 69 yards and 2 scores.
* Charles Gomez had 1 sack, leading to a fumble, had 1 blocked pass, 1 hurry and 4 tackles.
* Tai Wayne: 2 interceptions, 2 defended passes, 1 catch allowed, 3 tackles, 1 assist; wow!

Standings
24 points - Randy Harris
20 points - Louie Flannery, Charles Gomez
19 points - Tai Wayne
17 points - Cody Cluff
11 points - Bryce Ewald
6 points - Cary Coles, Carl Meier, Emile William
5 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Omar Gougeon
4 points - Albert Bernardo, Jim Reiser
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy, Jamel Rosenberry
2 points - Winford Endicott, Rodger Mowery
1 point - Jerry Beyer, Cornelius Rice, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka, Butch White

MIJB#19

03-20-2005, 01:51 PM

Merchantmen Versus Giants Preview (Week 15, 2007)
European Champions. That's what's on the line in Monday's game between the Gothenburg Giants and the Maassluis Merchantmen. The Giants were close to their first title in 2006, but fell back after the mid-season point and lost the race to the Bordeaux Vineyards. But the Vineyards are already out of contention and for the first time another team will take the crown. And the Maassluis Merchantmen are the popular choice right now, the Merchantmen take it with a tie against Gothenburg.

A tie is all they need, and clearly the Merchantmen should feel confident going into the game. They are 2-1 all-time against the Giants in Oranje Haven, they won the road game 31-17 this season and are coming off their biggest victory in franchise history in terms of points margin. In fact, the 32-0 beating of the Minnesota Miners marked their first shutout victory and the biggest shutout of the entire league in 2007 so far.

But the Giants are not to be underestimated. Haunted by injuries, the team that had a jump start to a 5-0 record dropped five of their last eight games. But slowly the players are returning and the Giants have so far won all but one of their games on the road. Guided by the highly rated quarterback Duane Davis, the Giants' offense is above average. The defense is missing a couple of stars, yet they are one of the best run defenses in the IHOF this season.

Merchantmen running back Randy Harris has no news about the good run defense from the Giants. Harris has been hot recently. Against Minnesota, Harris' role was limited, but in the five games before that one, he's been the big guy on the team. With three 100-yard games and eight total touchdowns, he's living up to the hype of being amongst the league's ten best runners. And rightfully, last week's 46 yards were enough to stay in this season's top ten rushers and clinch his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

Despite Harris' good form and nice resume against the Gothenburg Giants, he's going to face a couple of potential All IHOF selections. Defensive end David Millard leads the league in sacks with 11.5 in 13 games and with 38 tackles supports the run defense. Defensive tackle Chris Nagel is the anchorman of the defensive line and shows it with 56 tackles and 4.0 sacks. And running along with the two is linebacker Andrew McDaniel, who recorded 5.0 sacks and no less than 92 tackles so far this season.

The timing to play that defense might be not so much fun for quarterback Louie Flannery. Looking at his protection, two potential starters are not fully healthy. Run blocking expert Timothy Lacy is recovering from a neck injury and is expected not to play his role as right guard. His replacement last week was left tackle Harold Hurtado, but 'good old Harry' has a broken hand and could be a weak link on the line. Veteran Brain Hammond is likely to step in like he did in Gothenburg.

But Duane Davis has nothing to be happy about either. Davis is missing Brenden Ingraham, who's out for the season with a torn ankle ligament. His other linemen are all healthy, but he's going to face the IHOF's strongest pass rush. With 36 sacks, the Merchantmen are still in charge, with Gothenburg and the Telluride Outlaws trailing by 2 sacks. But the Merchantmen have no single sack machine, they are doing their trick with eight different players who recorded multiple sacks this season. But especially defensive tackle Charles Gomez is eager to set a few things straight.

One thing in the game can be very crucial. Where the Merchantmen clinch the division with a win, the Giants need to win to stay in the race. With a perfect record so far in divisional games, the Merchantmen could simply wait and clinch the division title with a win or even a tie at the Bordeaux Vineyards in week 17. The pressure might be on Maassluis to win the division, but Gothenburg has more pressing need to win the game. But with the Merchantmen virtually in a bye week spot after 13 games, they have something extra to play for, just as the Giants would also need a win to stay in the wild card race, another loss to an AOC team could be devastating for their playoff hopes.

3ric

03-20-2005, 03:20 PM

Very good preview - I had actually missed out on the fact that Millard is leading the league in sacks. Should be an exciting game...

Kodos

03-21-2005, 06:27 PM

Congratulations on your first European Division championship! :D

MIJB#19

03-22-2005, 06:15 AM

Congratulations on your first European Division championship! :DYou just had to spoil the tension, did you? ;)

New articles will be up later today (they're written, but just not accesable from this public school pc).

MIJB#19

03-22-2005, 06:35 AM

Merchantmen Steamroll To European Title
It was supposed to be some sort of finale. A game with two teams of the same calibre, with the visitors the favorites by the league pundits and the home team favored by Vegas. But the Maassluis Merchantmen didn't care about it all and steamrolled over their last bump in the road to their first division title. With a 40-13 victory over the Gothenburg Giants, the Merchantmen take their first title and clinched their first playoff appearance.

According to some fans, the game was over when the game was just a minute or two into the second quarter. Running back Rodger Mowery was handed the ball on the first play of a new drive. Mowery was stuffed pretty hard and dropped the ball. But Jules Benedict, who was exchange money in the trade that brought Mowery to Maassluis, was alert and picked up the loose ball. Benedict started running and 81 yards later he brought the 20 on the scoreboard next to the zero for Gothenburg. Even Cary Coles' missed extra point didn't matter.

The remainder of that first half, the Gothenburg Giants tried to get back and scored a field goal through Damien Deming. But as Cary Coles also scored a three-pointer, the touchdown passes from Louie Flannery to Jamel Rosenberry and Jim Reiser made the score 23-3. Gothenburg quarterback Duane Davis looked lost and the rest of his team didn't know how to stop this train. The Merchantmen looked determined to win this game and secure their dream.

In the remainder of the game, Louie Flannery connected with Jim Reiser and Gregory Monti for two more touchdowns, while Cary Coles added another field goal. In between, the Giants saw Duane Davis connect with Kerry Thornburg for a touchdown pass and Damien Deming made a field goal, but it didn't matter much. The Merchantmen never looked like they would give this game away and walked to the division title like a veteran loaded team.

For some, the outcome of the game was even more amazing as the Merchantmen's pass defense seemed to struggle a bit. The pass rush provided only 1 sack as just 7 of 30 passing plays were broken up. And especially linebacker Mike Kershner was humiliated as he was eight times the guy to allow a catch. But as long as the offense kept showing up, the defense could simply wait and defend the lead.

After the game, the props should especially go to quarterback Louie Flannery. The second year passer has been critized more often than not due to his interceptions. But on the 'moment supreme', Flannery stepped up and led his offense with a franchise single game best 4 touchdown passes. And did so without throwing an interception. Flannery, as always, spread the ball around to many players, praising running back Randy Harris for his 115 yards rushing. But the experts know it: Flannery is the reason why this team keeps winning. With 19 victories in 30 games, Flannery has joined the elite of the AOC.

With the division title secured, the Merchantmen are flirting with resting their starters for the remaining two games. But Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude denied the plans: "Not unless they're injured." Cody Cluff and Tai Wayne took a knock and could be benched. Omar Gougeon, Harold Hurtado and Emile William were injured already and will be reserves for sure. Van Der Woude: "We've got our pride high. We can still secure a bye week in the playoffs. Even though the first round games are at home, the opponent will be a better team." Underdog-ism is still sky high in Maassluis. But how long until they can't sell it anymore?

MIJB#19

03-22-2005, 06:38 AM

General Manager Notes
It's official: Maassluis, champions of Europe.

Okay, we got lucky with the low number of injuries, we're still unbeaten on the road and have arguably the most efficient pass defense, but we're still te Merchantmen. With mostly players with limited talent, we've clinched a playoff ticket. And, maybe the best thing, we're the only IHOF team with more wins every season. 1, 7, 8 and now 11+. Our only remaining contenders were ironically the Gothenburg Giants, who had 6, 9, 10 and 8+.

Okay, cool, we trashed the Giants, but we also racked up a franchise record 482 total yards on offense and had our first 40-pointer. We're currently on fire. But there's more going on in the IHOF with scores related to our success. For those still keeping score, Bordeaux beat Paris in Paris 20-17 with Joe Johnson back for his (final?) trick as the Vineyards' starting quarterback. In other games, North Plainfield secured the #1 seed, San Antonio clinched tie-breakers over Vicksburg, we have secured at least #3 seed and the teams who could have threatened us, Boston and Georgia both lost.

Standings:
11-3 Maassluis
8-6 Gothenburg
6-8 Bordeaux
5-9 Paris
- Maassluis clinched first place
- Gothenburg clinched second place
- Paris hold tie-breakers over Bordeaux

Schedule:
Maassluis (11-3) at Columbus (10-4)
Gothenburg (8-6) versus Ann Arbor (6-8)
Bordeaux (6-8) versus Minnesota (5-9)
Paris (5-9) at RayCo (2-12)

Yeah, that's not all, the European rivals are not important for us anymore this season. With the #2 seed on the horizon, the teams to watch are San Antonio (10-4), who play at Springfield (4-10), and Vicksburg (9-5), who play at Miami (10-4). San Antonio and Vicksburg hold tie-breakers over us, so we have to keep pace with the eventual division winner. Vicksburg can only get there with two wins and a winless San Antonio. But our mission is simple: beating Columbus and hoping to see San Antonio lose would help us the most.

Our top five stars the past game? Well, number one is an easy pick, but who are the others then?
* Brian Hammond had 6 key run blocks and didn't allow a sack.
* Jim Reiser had 6 catches for 56 yards, 2 touchdowns and had 1 key run block.
* Charles Gomez had 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 assist and 1 hurried pass.
* Randy Harris ran for 115 yards and added 5 receptions for 20 yards.
* Louie Flannery completed 30 of 40 passes for 328 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Standings
28 points - Randy Harris
25 points - Louie Flannery
23 points - Charles Gomez
19 points - Tai Wayne
17 points - Cody Cluff
11 points - Bryce Ewald
6 points - Cary Coles, Carl Meier, Jim Reiser, Emile William
5 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Omar Gougeon
4 points - Albert Bernardo
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy, Jamel Rosenberry
2 points - Winford Endicott, Rodger Mowery
1 point - Jerry Beyer, Brian Hammond, Cornelius Rice, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka, Butch White

KWhit

03-22-2005, 07:39 AM

Congrats on your division title. Hopefully, I'll be able to join you next week.

Alf

03-22-2005, 11:36 AM

Hoping that both your #2 seed opponents lose so that I have an easy week 17 vs you :)

3ric

03-22-2005, 12:53 PM

Congratulations to the division title, MIJB - you've deserved it!

Darkiller

03-23-2005, 04:49 AM

Contrats on the European Title, your team is having a wonderful season and we hope you can make it all the way to the IHOF Bowl.

Make sure to secure that prized #2 seed so to have a 1st-round Playoff bye. That'd be helpful !

MIJB#19

03-23-2005, 05:00 AM

Roster News: Richard Muller recovered well from injury
Safety Richard Muller is likely to return to the active roster in 2008. It would be Muller's fourth season as a Merchantmen player, but only his second on the active roster. Muller suffered a serious concussion in the 2006 pre-season and spent all of the 2006 on injured reserve with repetitive concussion syndrome. As Muller was expected to miss most of the 2007 season, he was put on injured reserve again. But Muller recently was diagnosed 'healthy' and returned to Maassluis to do promotional stuff.

Muller himself said he was pleased to be back in the place where he became an IHOF regular starter. In the 2005 season, Muller started all 15 games and lead the team with 3 interceptions. Asked about his expectations for 2008, Muller said: "I've not been part of the recent success. I hear the management want to keep the team together and I can only hope to battle it out for a starting job. But after the injury and being injured reserve, I think I should focus on 2008 to be ready for training camp. With Lamar (Singleton), John (Cole) and Emile (William) only getting better, the competition will be very tough."

Given the revamped secondary, Muller's chances are not too good to stay. Lincoln Gilmore has been the starting strong safety for two and a half years now, while John Cole and Emile William split time at free safety. Muller has a good history with the team, but even the current backups Cole and Lamar Singleton fit better in the zone defense based game plan. But then, given Muller's mentality, it's not going to be a sure thing he won't make the 2008 regular season 53-men roster.

MIJB#19

03-23-2005, 05:00 AM

Maassluis At Columbus Preview (2007, week 16)
From .500 land to a bye in te playoffs. That's the step the Merchantmen and Architects hope to make this season. And the looks are that one of them will be able to manage it. But to get there it will require a victory in this game between teams who have secured their division title. The loser will likely have to settle for a home game in the wild card round, knowing it isn't a shame to be playing a home game in the playoffs.

Only one fourth of the IHOF teams will get the priviledge to play a playoff game at home. Both the Maassluis Merchantmen and Columbus Architects clinched that honor already. Maassluis has become unreachable for the Gothenburg Giants after a 40-13 win in week 15. Columbus clinched their division a week earlier with a little bit of help from the Merchantmen, who mishandled the last contenders: the Minnesota Miners.

But in football, teams don't get presents for helping each other out. Despite the division titles, both teams are aiming for a higher goal now: the rights to have a bye week. The Architects know it will require a loss from the Frederick Red Menace in one of their next two games and possibly a loss from the Miami Sharks, but the key element is winning their own games. Meanwhile, the Merchantmen have it even more in their own hands, clinching the bye with two more wins. And a loss by the San Antonio Volunteers elsewhere could help too.

The Maassluis Merchantmen already announced they will likely not play with their injured players. If that's true, tackle machine Cody Cluff, shutdown corner Tai Wayne, offensive leader Harold Hurtado, safety Emile William and defensive end Omar Gougeon sit the next game out. But the bye week could help out excellently as Wayne and Gougeon both are not expected back completely healthy until the second round of playoff games.

The Merchantmen could still decide to not risk losing more stars to injury, but they simply can't put a fantasy lineup together. Granted, the reserve players are not as good as most starters, but they team believes in depth and the Merchantmen management seems confident in starting their reserves. Even if it would mean the comeback of fan favorite Fumblin' Justin McDavid in the Merchantmen starting lineup. But then, young players like Norman Holliday, Jerry Beyer and Shaun Shiroma can really use the extra playing time to get more experienced.

In return, the Columbus Architects are a bit more hurt by injuries, especially on defense. Amazingly, pretty much every star from the defensive front is hurt, except league leading sack machine Gary Shields. Linebackers Corey Whaley is out, while his buddy on the inside Dalton Fang has suffered an ankle injury and could be rested. Outside linebacker Alton Furtado has a broken finger and defensive tackle Myles Halliburton is nursing a knee injury. And as if it's not enough, strong safety Brett Boden and offensive left tackle Charles Singleton are also expected to miss the action.

Just as much as the Merchantmen, the Architects could opt for not taking risks and let the reserves handle the rest of the season, knowing that reaching a bye week is a longshot. They really don't want to go into their first playoff game at home missing a player like quarterback Curtis Corbett, rookie running back Joey Babbage, tackle Billy Carrigan or the earlier mentioned Gary Shields.

But then, we're talking about a step closer to the IHOF Bowl, the ultimate goal for any football player. Nobody wants to miss their opportunity to play in that game. Of the Architects, only one player was once in there as running back Maximo Chastain lost in 2005, despite 65 yards rushing and a running touchdown. And of the Merchantmen roster, only the injured reserved Christian Reichel played an IHOF Bowl game, back in 2004, when he was one of the starting guards on the line that allowed 8 sacks.

Given all the suspension around potential lineups, there's little knowledge on what to expect. But one ting we can expect to see is a game of decent pass rush as Columbus ties for second with 35 sacks, close behind the IHOF leading Merchantmen, who have 37 sacks. And due to the pass rush pressure, the Architects and Merrchantmen rank second and third in points allowed per game. Ther difference is there were the Architects also provide a strong run defense, while the Merchantmen bring along an offense that scores three points more per game.

All in all, the two teams look pretty similiar in success, and only one statistical category is where the two sit as far away as their geographical distance: turnovers. With 29 turnovers on defense, the Architects lead the IHOF both in defense and overall. In contrast, the Merchantmen are the IHOF's worst in forcing fumbles and only recently moved out of the cellars of the turnover margin tables. But the margin is still more than 1 turnover per game worse. And in an expected close game, one turnover can decided the turn of the season. The difference between a bye week and potentially going out in the wild card round. What will it be?

MIJB#19

03-23-2005, 05:01 AM

Thanks a lot, guys! I hope I can make Europe proud and see my team do something special on the playoffs.

Kodos

03-23-2005, 12:55 PM

You just had to spoil the tension, did you? ;)

New articles will be up later today (they're written, but just not accesable from this public school pc).

I figured if people were following the dynasty, they'd probably know to go over to IHOF and check out the results. Hope I didn't spoil anything. :)

MIJB#19

03-24-2005, 01:27 PM

I figured if people were following the dynasty, they'd probably know to go over to IHOF and check out the results. Hope I didn't spoil anything. :)D'oh.
That's a good point.

MIJB#19

03-29-2005, 05:20 AM

Merchantmen Beat Columbus To Keep Bye Week Possible
The Maassluis Merchantmen look ready for something special this season. After a 24-9 victory at the Columbus Architects, a bye week for the playoffs is still an option. The Merchantmen defense was impressive again, despite missing two of their stars. The pass rush pressure was bigger than before and did it's job. But Louie Flannery again took the MVP honors with another decent performance. The only bad news was Ivan Jacques getting injured, again.

Going into the game, the Merchantmen and Architects saw their biggest difference in stats in the turnover categories. Where the Architects usually win that battle to make winning easier, the Merchantmen usually have to overcome a negative turnover margin. But today things were the other way around and the Architects lost the turnover battle 2-1, making it hard for them to have a shot at winning.

The first turnover came on the first drive of the game. After converting a fourth and one situation while faking a punt, the Architects set up a first and ten at the Maassluis 25 yard line. Adrian McDougall ran around the left side, but was tackled by rookie defensive end Aaron Sherrill after 5 yards and fumbled the ball. As the other defensive end, Albert Bernardo, recovered the fumble, the Architects lost a good chance at scoring.

What followed was a classic first drive for the Maassluis Merchantmen offense. The first two plays were for no gain, but quarterback Louie Flannery really matured in his second season. Flannery completed four consecutive passes to four different players, with Jim Reiser being the guy to score the first touchdown of the game. The score was set and the Merchantmen defense could start their usual game of letting the opponent come and force a punt with the pass rush.

At the start of the second quarter, the Architects had the ball again, after both defense forced punts. Columbus quarterback Curtis Corbett lead his offense well, but the running backs McDougall, Joey Babbage and Jason Lariviere did the load of the work. Eventually, the Architects were stopped at the Maassluis 6-yard line and settled for a 23-yard field goal by Dennis Giles.

Louie Flannery had no message about the score and decided it was time to expand the lead. With two great passes to Bryce Ewald, the Merchantmen marched into the Architects territory. After another bunch of first down conversions by multiple receivers, the visitors arrived at the 2-yard line. After penalties on both sides, the ball had moved 4 yards back, but Flannery didn't care and had no trouble finding Randy Harris in the endzone.

The Architects saw the clock ticking and decided to get closer into the game with a few points before the first half would end. Curtis Corbett did a good job finding his receivers. But as his offense marched into the red zone, a false start penalty and two big plays from defensive tackle Charles Gomez moved them back. A 19-yard completion was insufficient on third and 21, forcing the Architects to settle for a field goal with still two minutes on the clock. The remaining minutes, neither side scored, although Columbus' kicker Dennis Giles did miss a 55-yard field goal attempt.

In the second half, the Merchantmen offense failed to do something with their first possession, the following punt from Roscoe Corrales was so short, the Architects knew that it was possible to shorten the gap of eight points. They marched upfield, but again Aaron Sherrill showed up big on third down. As the Merchantmen declined a Columbus penalty, they were looking at a 52-yard field goal attempt and <insert name> Giles converted it for a 9-14 score.

What started next was some sort of how-to-run-the-clock-out show from the Merchantmen. Running backs Randy Harris and Rodger Mowery shared carries and wasted some time. The Merchantmen failed to score, but the defense came up well and helped to make the field position battle get better for the Merchantmen. Especially another great punt return from Mowery helped to push the Architects back to their own 11-yard line.

Looking to a first and ten close to his own end zone, Curtis Corbett looked at the clock and saw the thrid quarter was almost over. Corbett looked a bit too long and as the play had already started, linebacker Carl Meier took Corbett down, only 3 yards away from a safety. Unlucky for the young passer, Corbett fumbled the ball and as the Merchantmen's defensive leader, Charles Gomez stepped up again, recovering the loose ball.

A penalty for illegal use of hands pulled the Merchantmen back a little, but running backs Randy Harris and Rodger Mowery didn't care much. Harris set it up and Mowery finished it off. With a nice run on third and three, Mowery ran in the six points and extended the lead to 21-9. At that point, the Architects knew that they'd have to take some risks in the remainder of the fourth quarter to get the so much wanted victory.

At first, the Architects offense struggled a bit, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty helped the Architects forward afterall. After that, Curtis Corbett saw a heavy pass rush on him, but at first escaped it with a third down conversion. But it didn't last long. Corbett was sacked by again Charles Gomez and after being hurried into two bad throws by Albert Bernardo and Wally Wilcox, the Architects called out their punter to save the day.

Sitting at their own 8-yard line, the Merchantmen knew they were no winners yet, but there was much confidence that the eleven remaining minutes would be easy to consumate. With another set of great passes from Louie Flannery, the Merchantmen offense marched forward into Columbus' territory. With big runs from the running backs, the clock kept ticking and even though they were forced to settle for a 43-yard field goal, when Cary Coles' three-pointer was called as converted there were less than three minutes left.

The Architects got the ball back, but Curtis Corbett didn't do much with it. With a hurt elbow and the fear for being sacked again, he and his receivers failed to connect and at the two-minute warning, they weere punting again, trailing by 15 points. As the Merchantmen tried to eat up all the Columbus' time outs, Louie Flannery made a classic mistake and saw one of his passed getting intercepted around the middle line.

Still struggling, Curtis Corbett was clearly done for the game. After being sacked for a loss of 10 yards by Shaun Shiroma and Albert Bernardo, Corbett could do anything right anymore. His eye was clearly on Joseph Birk all the time, but Shaun Shiroma (blocked pass) and Lincoln Gilmore (defended pass) kept Birk from catching the ball. On fourth and twenty, Corbett was scared as he saw Albert Bernardo coming his way and threw the ball away to avoid a big hit. The last 37 seconds were a formality.

Louie Flannery took the MVP honors, despite passing for only 185 yards. But as he connected on two scores and made the right calls most of the time on crucial downs, he well deserved it. But he said he though the honors should go elsewhere: "The defense rocked again. Even with Tai Wayne and Cody Cluff missing, this defense makes plays and can stop any offense."

The pass rush was exceptional once again. The Merchantmen defense recorded 5 sacks, 2 blocked passes and 7 quarterback hurries in 35 passing plays. The performance keeps them into pole position to end the year as the IHOF's number one team in sacks, despite not having anyone near the double digits figure. Charles Gomez (8 sacks) and Albert Bernardo (8.5 sacks) are close, but not there yet.

With this victory, the Merchantmen continue their new journey towards a bye week. Despite seeing the competition win as well, another win or a loss form the San Antonio Volunteers in the fianl regular season week against will give the Merchantmen the #2 seed in the Atlantic Ocean Conference. If they manage that, it would mean that a bunch of injured players, diagnosed to still be hurt in the wild card round, can be fully healthy. Especially Tai Wayne, Omar Gougeon and Ivan Jacques could take profit out of the situation.

MIJB#19

03-29-2005, 05:24 AM

General Manager Notes
And then we were the #2 ranked team in the league in total wins for the season, untied.

It's pretty weird to think about it. We've come from the cellers, the deepest, we were 1-15, remember? Now, we're 12-3 and only one team will have a better record this season, the now 14-1 North Plainfield Plague. Thinking back how we got that far, I'm not sure what the most crucial moments have been. Especially given that the pass rush on defense seems to be the crucial element in our success.

Okay, a quick recap: what did I do? After a 1-15 campaign, I analysed the players and saw that we had only about 15 players worth keeping around, max. The offensive line got reshuffled, we added players to the secondary and drafted Leonard Lyon to quarterback us in case Justin McDavid would get hurt. McDavid did get hurt, but behind Lyon in the rest of the season we managed a 6-win improvement to 7-9. And I almost fail to mention we did so with a new headcoach: Leroy Van Der Woude.

Next was a tougher off-season, we said goodbye to our star defensive ends and went younger there. We revamped the secondary again, did some more offensive line patching and mostly added Louie Flannery. Star cornerback Tai Wayne went out for the year after one game, but with a bit of magic, anchored by Cody Cluff and Charles Gomez on the defense, we managed an 8-8 season.

At the start of this season, I decided to refresh the offensive line on the outside. Star Wilson Grimaldo went out and three younger guys were acquired. We added depth all-around, acquired more young defensive linemen. But the biggest step was moving to a zone defense. Our last second addition Winford Endicott helped out big time, but in his shadows Myron Stevens has grown into being almost as good and a great guy opposite of Tai Wayne. And with everybody matured, we're 12-3.

I thought we were pretenders, but it's tough to keep up that with our success. We're the #2 defense in terms of points against and tied for #1 in terms of touchdowns allowed. Our offense ranks in the top 10 in points scored as our running game and passing game are both pretty efficient. And with the turnover problem solved a bit recently, we might be in for something special on the playoffs.

In Europe, the other teams have given their season up by now. We were the only team able to win this past week, which is pretty sad. Gothenburg saw their playoff dreams end against Ann Arbor (16-24), Bordeaux was hopeless against Minnesota (9-13), despite rookie Zach Sakurai's 161 yards rushing, and Paris lost by three points for the third straight week (24-27 at RayCo).

Standings:
12-3 Maassluis
8-7 Gothenburg
6-9 Bordeaux
5-10 Paris
- Maassluis clinched the division and a playoff ticket
- Gothenburg clinched the second place
- Paris holds tie-breakers over Bordeaux

Schedule:
Maassluis at Bordeaux
Gothenburg at Paris

The last round of divisional games. For all teams there's something in the tank to achieve. Paris hopes to not end up last and needs some help from our side. Bordeaux doesn't want to fall from three-time champs to last place. Gothenburg can still have a winning record season. And for us, the #2 seed is not all, we can still end up as the only team sweeping the entire division this season in the entire IHOF. Wouldn't that be something? All other IHOF teams at least won one and lost one in divisional play.

To back up the earlier mentioned statitics stuff, here's where we ranked around the league in the most important statistical categories. For the non listed stats, we are a top ten 3rd down defense, one of the 10 least penalised teams, do struggle on third downs on offense a bit, are the #1 red zone offense and have an average red zone defense.

Offense points for: _7th (22.8 pt/game)
Offense pass yards: 12th (236 yd/game)
Offense yd per att: 12th (7.3 yd/att)
Offense yards sack: 10th (10 yd/game)
Offense rush yards: 12th (119 yd/game)
Offense yd per car: _9th (4.2 yd/car)
Defense points agg: _2nd (15.2 pt/game)
Defense pass yards: 15th (214 yd/game)
Defense yd per att: _4th (6.4 yd/att)
Defense yards sack: _1st (19 yd/game)
Defense rush yards: 16th (121 yd/game)
Defense yd per car: 27th (4.3 yd/car)
Team Turnover Marg: 22nd (-6 margin)

I don't want to point out individual statistics, really, it's a team sports. But it's worth noting that Rodger Mowery is the best punt returner, that Charles Gomez is second in QB hurries, Randy Harris is a top ten runner, Louie Flannery is top ten in yards and touchdowns, and both Albert Bernardo and Charles Gomez are in the top15 sack machines.

Our rookies?
RB Tyrell Mahoney played in 13 games, but only 4 carries for 15 yards.
FB Henry Poston played in 11 games, but was limted to only 1 ball touch.
WR Jerry Beyer started 7 of 15 games, leads all rookies with 450 yd and 3 scores.
OT Norman Holliday played in 3 games, but was limited to 35 downs on offense.
DE Aaron Sherrill has 14 starts with 25 tackles and 5.5 sacks (#1 amongst rookies).
DT Shaun Shiroma now has 4 starts in 13 games with 20 tackles and 2 sacks.
DT Andrew Rasmussen now has 3 starts in 10 games with 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

The Merchantmen player of the year race. Well, my own race that is, the nine candidates for the Player of the Year poll will be announced after the season. Having reached the playoffs, it's alreadyclear that the winner won't be known for another week or two, maybe even more. Who scored point this week and what are the standings going into the last regular season game?

* Rodger Mowery ran for 56 yards, with 1 touchdown and had 36 yards on 2 punt returns.
* Carl Meier made 8 tackles, 1 sack and forced 1 fumble.
* Louie Flannery completed 15 of 25 passes for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns.
* Winford Endicott defended 2 passes, allowed 0 catches and made 3 assists.
* Charles Gomez made 1 sack, 2 qb hurries, 6 tackles, 3 assists and recovered a fumble.

Standings
28 points - Louie Flannery, Charles Gomez, Randy Harris
19 points - Tai Wayne
17 points - Cody Cluff
11 points - Bryce Ewald
8 points - Carl Meier
6 points - Cary Coles, Winford Endicott, Jim Reiser, Emile William
5 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Omar Gougeon
4 points - Albert Bernardo
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy, Rodger Mowery, Jamel Rosenberry
1 point - Jerry Beyer, Brian Hammond, Cornelius Rice, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka, Butch White

Oh, and a final, typical, 'last but not least' message. I've got my eye on three players to get in the upcoming off-season. Going ahead of time, two of those three are currently injured and out for the season, but the third isn't. I contacted the ownership of the player's team and hope we can work a trade out or that player. I hope we can work something out, this guy could really help us reach the next level. Oh, it's not for a backup quarterback, which is our #1 need next season. I hope there's news soon...

MIJB#19

03-29-2005, 05:25 AM

Merchantmen At Bordeaux Vineyards Preview (week 17, 2007)
Maassluis at Bordeaux, number one at number three. The Three-time European Champions Bordeaux Vineyards are ex-champions. The new champs are playing up North, in the Netherlands. The Maassluis Merchantmen clinched their first championship two weeks ago and have bigger things on their mind. Beating Bordeaux would give them a bye week in the playoffs. Bordeaux only has the honor to play for, they want to show they just had an off-season and are still the best team in Europe. Losing at home against Maassluis would mean just another first-time experience.

The Vineyards fans shouldn't set their expectations high. As the team had a disappointing 4-6 start, Joe Johnson has been replaced at quarterback by rookie Earnest Barlow. The first round pick has been given the go ahead to get some experience, but so far he led the Vineyards to just 1 win and 3 losses. In the game at the Paris Musketeers, the honor of France was at stake and the management decided to give Joe Johnson another start.

Knowning that, it's tough to say what to expect from the Vineyards. In Bordeaux, the confidence in the defense is low, but recently the faith in the offense plummetted as well. Star running back Gerald Harris has been out for a couple of games, yet rookie Zach Sakurai has amazed the league with his play. With 161 yards against the Minnesota Miners last week, Sakurai seems to be the new star of the team. It was the second best rushing performance in Vineyards history, only Rashad Burse did better in a 2005 game against Paris with 221 yards.

The Merchantmen have recently picked up pace after a disappointing 27-28 loss at home against the Georgia Gridlock that ended a six-game winning streak. With 96 points against 22 in the last three games, the Merchantmen have moved up to being a top offense and the second best defense in terms of scoring. The offense makes little mistakes with the fast improving Louie Flannery at quarterback, while the defense wins games when the score is close.

With a bye week on the horizon, the Merchantmen simply want to go into Bordeaux and return home victorious. Granted, they could still take the #2 seed if the San Antonio volunteers lose, but it's not likly to happen. The Volunteers play at the Telluride Outlaws, who are experiencing the likely farewell game from Norm Rizzo. The IHOF's oldest active player has flirted with retirement and nobody expects Rizzo to return after a disappointing 4-11 campaign, especially after leading his team to the Atlantic Ocean Conference title in 2004.

But the Vineyards also have still something to play for. If they lose and see the Paris Musketeers upset the Gothenburg Giants, the Vineyards will fall to fourth place in the division. Aside for the already terrible season, ending up in last place after winning the division three times, it would be a huge demotion. The last game of the season will be one were pride is at stake. The Vineyards are not going to let the Merchantmen get the bye week for nothing, you can count on that.

MIJB#19

03-29-2005, 05:26 AM

2008 Merchantmen Schedule Set In Stone
The 2008 schedule for the Maassluis Merchantmen has been finalized, after the San Antonio Volunteers and Conyers Condors clinched their third and second division titles respectively. Looking ahead, 2008 looks like a tough season, with the three 'easiest' games being the last three of the season.

week 01 vs Gothenburg (8-7)
week 02 at Outer Banks (8-7)
week 03 vs San Antonio (10-5)
week 04 open
week 05 vs Tucker (8-7)
week 06 at Georgia (7-8)
week 07 at Paris (5-10)
week 08 vs Conyers (9-6)
week 09 at Bordeaux (6-9)
week 10 at Orlando (3-12)
week 11 at Gothenburg (8-7)
week 12 vs Asheville (6-9)
week 13 at North Plainfield (14-1)
week 14 at Miami (10-5)
week 15 vs Bordeaux (6-9)
week 16 vs Springfield (4-11)
week 17 vs Paris (5-10)

MIJB#19

03-29-2005, 05:26 AM

Merchantmen Clinch Bye Week, Beat Bordeaux
With a show of defense supremacy, the Maassluis Merchantmen ended the regular season in style. With a 19-3 victory at the Bordeaux Vineyards, the Merchantmen secured a bye week in the playoffs. By allowoing only 3 points, the Merchantmen also moved up to the top defense in the league. And with no new injuries, there could still be something special in the air during the playoffs.

The Merchantmen had their minds on a bye week and with a defensive masterpiece, the extra week of non-actions looked like a piece of cake. It required a playcalling blunder by the Bordeaux offense to take the 7-0 lead, but after that it was all a walkover. With four field goals by Cary Coles, of which three in the second quarter, the victory was never in jeopardy.

Charm of the game was the Merchantmen run defense. With Cody Cluff back from injury to play behind Charles Gomez, the Vineyards' running backs were hopeless. Rookie Zach Sakurai led them all with 21 yards on 11 carries, while ex-Merchantmen Kyle Montoya racked up 13 yards in 6 carries. The Vineyards were forced to pass and rookie Earnest Barlow seemed uncomfortable with it.

What's next in the big hat of tricks for the Merchantmen is still a mysterty. The tickets sales have started as the first ever playoff game is in Oranje Haven, but the opponent isn't known yet. If the San Antonio Volunteers beat the Syracuse Mohawks, the Volunteers return to Maassluis, But if the Volunteers lose, it's the winner of the other wild card round game. The Vicksburg Vipers are playing at the Conyers Condors for the fourth Atlantic Ocean Conferece ticket in the elite eight round.

But the Merchantmen don't care much who it will be, the joy of playing a playoff game at home is the biggest achievement in team history that nobody can take away from them. Even the most prolific players, the team's stars and oldest veterans are looking forward to this new step in their careers. With no former champs on the team, it's all new and it will be a new experience in their lives. Let's hope they're ready for it.

MIJB#19

03-30-2005, 05:13 AM

General Manager Notes
And then we were 13-3. We swept our division (only team in the IHOF to do so this season), were unbeaten on the road and of our three losses two were explainable. At home against San Antonio and Vicksburg we were missing Charles Gomez and experimented with a different game plan. But in the other games, we kept the same winning tactics and it's unlikely we'll change it. Going 13-1, what more proof do I need to not do that?

But then, I'm stunned by more figures, really, 13-3 is amazing, but seeing how we won the last four games, it's even more impressive. 115 points scored, 25 allowed. This streak has been so good, we marched into first place as the defense that allows the least points, anchored by the league best pass defense in touchdown figures. Just to compare, only last season we finished as the worst defense the IHOF ever saw. Sure, the RayCo Raiders broke our record by 15 yards per game, but last season I thought the 376 yards per game would stand for a while.

The last regular season round of games saw another set of interesting scores. There were the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums beating their archrivals Astoria Heroes 26-3 on the road to clinch a franchise best 7-9 record. The North Plainfield Plague lost 6-27 at the Boston Rhinos, but still recorded the best single-season win-loss record at 14-2 in the AOC. The Boston Rhinos ended up 10-6 and missing the playoffs, while three other teams made it at 9-7.

Also failing to get into the playoffs are the Rochester Lake Monsters. After two winning campaigns, this time they miss the post-season at 8-8. They are in good company, however, as the 2005 IHOF Champions, the Ann Arbor Anachronism miss the playoffs at 8-8. It's especially sour as the triple A's are currently the hottest team with six consecutive wins. And then, the Orlando Knights were 4-12, despite having reaches the post-season in all three previous seasons.And the Gothenburg Giants miss the playoffs at 9-7, the 27-3 win at the Paris Musketeers couldn't avoid that from happening.

European Division Standings:
13-3 Maassluis
9-7 Gothenburg
6-10 Bordeaux
5-11 Paris
- Maassluis clinched #2 seed in the AOC

Playoffs Schedule:
Atlantic Ocean Conference
North Plainfield Plague (#1) bye
Maassluis Merchantmen (#2) bye
San Antonio Volunteers (#3) vs. Syracuse Mohawks (#6)
Conyers Condors (#4) vs. Vicksburg Vipers (#5)

North American Conference
Fairbanks NorthStars (#1) bye
Frederick Red Menace (#2) bye
Columbus Architects (#) vs. Outer Banks Ospreys (#6)
Miami Sharks (#4) vs. Chesapeake Chitterlings (#5)

Offense points for: _9th (22.7 pt/game)
Offense pass yards: 12th (236 yd/game)
Offense yd per att: 13th (7.1 yd/att)
Offense yards sack: 10th (10 yd/game)
Offense rush yards: 12th (121 yd/game)
Offense yd per car: _6th (4.2 yd/car)
Defense points agg: _1st (14.5 pt/game)
Defense pass yards: 10th (211 yd/game)
Defense yd per att: _4th (6.3 yd/att)
Defense yards sack: _1st (18 yd/game)
Defense rush yards: 13th (116 yd/game)
Defense yd per car: 24th (4.2 yd/car)
Team Turnover Marg: 21st (-4 margin)

Our rookies?
RB Tyrell Mahoney played in 14 games, but had only 4 carries for 15 yards.
FB Henry Poston played in 12 games, but was limted to only 1 ball touch.
WR Jerry Beyer started 7 of 16 games, leads all rookies with 519 yd and 3 scores.
OT Norman Holliday played in 4 games, but was limited to 42 downs on offense.
DE Aaron Sherrill has 15 starts with 29 tackles and 6.5 sacks (#1 amongst rookies).
DT Shaun Shiroma has 4 starts in 14 games with 20 tackles and 2.0 sacks.
DT Andrew Rasmussen has 3 starts in 10 games with 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Merchantmen Player of the Year race
Well, another win, another quintet of points collectors. Randy Harris had 127 yards rushing and 1 touchdown. Jerry Beyer had 4 receptions for 69 yards. Aaron Sherrill made 4 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 2 qb hurries and 1 blocked pass. Myron Stevens had 1 defended pass, 1 forced fumble, 3 tackles and 2 assists. Butch White made 3 key run blocks and didn't allow a sack.

Standings
33 points - Randy Harris
28 points - Louie Flannery, Charles Gomez
19 points - Tai Wayne
17 points - Cody Cluff
11 points - Bryce Ewald
8 points - Carl Meier
6 points - Cary Coles, Winford Endicott, Jim Reiser, Emile William
5 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Omar Gougeon
4 points - Albert Bernardo, Jerry Beyer, Aaron Sherrill
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy, Rodger Mowery, Jamel Rosenberry, Butch White
1 point - Brian Hammond, Cornelius Rice, Myron Stevens, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka

And the last but not least message is a relative sad one. The Anaheim Matterhorns have been sold. 'Bigwood1488' is taking over command from 'Chief Rum'. Whether there will be a new team name is yet to be seen. Which isn't the case with the Astoria Heroes, as that team will officially be renamed the Williamsburg Colonials at the start of the 2008 season.

Buzzbee

03-30-2005, 05:28 PM

General Manager Notes
And then we were 13-3. We swept our division (only team in the IHOF to do so this season)
Not true. The Vipers beat Bordeaux, Paris, Maassluis, and Gothenburg this season. The European division is the reason I made the playoffs this year. Well, and the NAC Atlantic (Asheville, Outer Banks, Miami).

MIJB#19

03-31-2005, 05:52 AM

Not true. The Vipers beat Bordeaux, Paris, Maassluis, and Gothenburg this season. The European division is the reason I made the playoffs this year. Well, and the NAC Atlantic (Asheville, Outer Banks, Miami).We're still the only team with 6-0 under the divisional games column, which was what I was referring to. :p

MIJB#19

04-02-2005, 01:39 PM

Volunteers Return To Maassluis
The waiting is over, the Maassluis Merchantmen know their opponents. The San Antonio Volunteers were the number one suspects. With a 34-21 win over the Syracuse Mohawks, the Volunteers lived up to expectations. Interestin tidbit: the Volunteers played in Maassluis already this season and gave the Merchantmen their first loss of the season. And looking at overall records, San Antonio at Maassluis could be the game to watch.

The waiting game was easy, but the Merchantmen management had some preferences. General manager M.IJ.B. explains: "It was San Antonio, Conyers or Vicksburg. Of these three, we played two of them and lost at home. Vicksburg had a cakewalk, while we were competitive against San Antonio. The third team, Conyers is a team of the future and the team I feared the most."

Given the preference, the Volunteers were the 'dream' opponents. With a marvelous show on offense, quarterback John McMasters bolstered his MVP candidacy, leading to 417 total yards. And given that the opponents featered one of the league's top defenses, the show was even more impressive. With 213 yards passing and 2 touchdowns, McMasters took the player of the game honors over the young running back Michael Fau, who ran for 130 yards and 1 touchdown.

That means that McMasters and his Volunteers return to Maassluis. They were there before this season, when the Texan football team won 24-17 in an exciting game. It marked the Merchantmen's first loss of the season, but things have drastically changed. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "San Antonio is a team to fear, but we played them and know we can beat them. We experimented in that first matchup and we're happy to have Charles Gomez playing in the rematch."

After their show against Syracuse, the Volunteers have won 13 games this season. With that, they tie the Merchantmen, although the Dutch team have lost three games rather than four. It combined for a 26-7 record, making it the game to watch. Just to illustrate that: in the three other games, the road team is coming in with 10 wins and 7 losses. In Vegas, the experts expect it to be a close game, with the home team only favored by two points.

Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery calls it the highlight of his career so far and he's not alone. Even players with more kudos and honors on their resumes haven't played a playoff game before. Left tackle Harold Hurtado said: "We've played them before and know what to expect. Their secondary is solid, but we have the tools to win." Defensive end Albert Bernardo "We need to pressure McMasters to win this game. I have no doubt we can manage it this time."

Key element in the could be the age of the player group. While the Volunteers are still the same bunch of aged veterans, on the Merchantmen roster a couple of youngesters greatly improved their level of play. Linebacker Cody Cluff, cornerback Tai Wayne and quarterback Louie Flannery are the biggest examples and really moved into quality starters at their positions. But whether they've improved enough to play in the Atlantic Ocean Conference Championship game, that remains to be seen.

MIJB#19

04-02-2005, 01:40 PM

News Around The IHOF
The wild card round games have been played, we're down to eight contenders for the 2007 championship crown. In the Atlantic Ocean Conference, the home teams had a seemingly easy game. In the North American Conference, the wild card teams upset with wins on the road. And in the meantime, the four team with byes regrouped in preperation for an important game in their own house.

Playoffs Scores:
San Antonio Volunteers 34, Syracuse Mohawks 21
Conyers Condors 28, Vicksburg Vipers 9
Columbus Architects 6, Outer Banks Ospreys 15
Miami Sharks 10, Chesapeake Chitterlings 35

Looking at the matchups, the AOC matchups jump out a bit. There are 13-4 San Antonio and 13-3 Maassluis playing each other, meaning it will require 14 wins for the winner to survive. In the other matchup, the last two AOC champions, North Planfield and Conyers, play head-to-head for a ticket in the conference final. In the NAC, the division rivals Chesapeake and Frederick play again and the road team have won both games this season. In the other game, some sort of mismatch is going on with Fairbanks being nine-point favorites over Outer Banks.

Playoffs Schedule:
Atlantic Ocean Conference
North Plainfield Plague (#1) vs. Conyers Condors (#4)
Maassluis Merchantmen (#2) vs. San Antonio Volunteers (#3)

North American Conference
Fairbanks NorthStars (#1) vs. Outer Banks Ospreys (#6)
Frederick Red Menace (#2) vs. Chesapeake Chitterlings (#5)

MIJB#19

04-02-2005, 01:45 PM

Charles Gomez Only Merchantmen All-IHOF Selection
As the 2007 IHOF regular season has ended, the selections of the best players have been published. In the All IHOF selections of first and second team, only one Maassluis Merchantmen player made the list. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez was once again rewarded for huis contributations, this time with an All IHOF Second Team spot after First Team duties in 2006 and Second Team duties in 2005. Amazingly, Gomez was the only player awarded of the top two AOC teams, the North Plainfield Plague and Maassluis Merchantmen.

MIJB#19

04-03-2005, 08:54 AM

Gossip News: Merchantmen Back To Business With Big Trade
The Maassluis Merchantmen are back at it, or so Gossip News' infiltraded spies report. The Maassluis Merchantmen have started trade talks with two teams and already struck a deal with one. Both talks are about defensive backs, despite that the Merchantmen defense ended the regular season as top rated in point per game allowed. And crazy enough, they're talking while the team is still aiming for the IHOF championship.

The last issue is a clear one, the Merchantmen are the obvious underdogs to go all the way. The Merchantmen may have ended up 13-3, but their schedule was one of the easiest possible and the team went 1-2 against playoff teams. Most importantly, they Merchantmen lost against their upcoming playoff opponents, in their own house. It's time to start looking to the future and how to improve a defense that could still use some help in keeping the production down.

Of the two players they are trying to get, one is said to be injured. The Merchantmen management seems to have only showed interest and wanted the other team to note they want the player. Perhaps the player returns without being able to reach his old level of play. It makes sense to wait for that player and see what he can do for 'Mass Loss'. We hear the RayCo Raiders are the other team at the negotiations table, but why would the Merchantmen want a player from the worst defense in league history in terms of yards per game allowed?

But the finalized deal, who is the player, what team is he from? Our early reports point out to the Anaheim Matterhorns. We hear the Merchantmen management want to introduce the new owner in style, with a trade with the Merchantmen. But then, the Matterhorns have a weak defense, allowing the most points of all teams. But apparently, a trade has been agreed on and one of the Matterhorns' players is moving to Maassluis and will see little from the ownership change, other than him moving out.

But now, given the position of the players and their current team, is either of the two the so much hyped player the Merchantmen want so badly? Maassluis Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. said there's one player he desperately wants to add to his football team. Speculations continue, but we all know that the biggest need positions in Maassluis are not in te secondary. A backup quarterback, backup running back and a new center are needed, while the verdict isn't out yet on rookie wide receiver Jerry Beyer as the much wanted deep threat target. Keep reading Gossip News, we'll continue to spy and publish the name as soon as we figured it out.

MIJB#19

04-03-2005, 05:03 PM

All MIJB: Rodger Mowery And Charles Gomez Selected
As the regular season of the 2007 IHOF season has been finalized recently, the Maassluis Merchantmen owner/general manager M.IJ.B. once again found the time to select the 53 best players of the past football season. As always the selection of names has at least one player of each IHOF franchise and has a reasonable breakdown by position. For the Maassluis Merchantmen, two players have been selected in Rodger Mowery, as punt returner, and Charles Gomez, as number two defensive tackle. The full selection, with in brackets the team and years of earlier selections:

QB1 Jaime Canter (Chesapeake - 2005)
QB2 John McMasters (San Antonio)
QB3 Joey Allen (Fairbanks - 2005, 2004)
RB1 Ronnie Kemp (Vicksburg)
RB2 Huey Gervais (Syracuse - 2005, 2004)
RB3 Raymond Flowers (Springfield - 2006)
PR1 Rodger Mowery (Maassluis)
FB1 Cole Dean (Georgia - 2006)
FB2 Will Wasserman (Boston)
TE1 Brent Hickok (Conyers - 2006, 2005)
TE2 Arthur Blakey (Orlando)
TE3 Brendon Drumm (Astoria - 2006)
WR1 Edward Duval (Fairbanks)
WR2 Seymour Barber (Telluride - 2006, 2005, 2004)
WR3 Albert Moses (North Plainfield)
WR4 Forrest Truett (Tucker)
KR1 Stanley Johnson (RayCo)
C1 Matthew Walker (Columbus - 2005)
C2 Jarrett Waugh (Vicksburg)
G1 Eric Crouch (Vicksburg)
G2 Roland Forrest (Asheville)
G3 Alfred Delacruz (Boulder)
G4 Rick Steffen (San Luis Obispo)
OT1 Isaias Lewis (North Plainfield)
OT2 Alphonso Gant (Gothenburg)
OT3 Daniel Brown (Brooklyn)
OT4 Justin Washington (Outer Banks)
P1 Michael Helgeson (Rochester)
K1 John Burch (Astoria)
DE1 Gary Shields (Columbus - 2006)
DE2 Cris Richarson (Conyers)
DE3 Ronnie Oxley (Frederick)
DE4 Curtis Dinsmore (Ann Arbor - 2005)
DT1 Ivan Sparks (Anaheim)
DT2 Charles Gomez (Maassluis - 2006, 2005)
DT3 Ronald Bell (Miami - 2006)
DT4 Chris Nagel (Gothenburg)
ILB1 Ben 'Furby' Tompkins (North Plainfield)
ILB2 Leland Moorehead (Miami)
ILB3 Johnnie Braithwaite (Brooklyn - 2006, 2005)
ILB4 Scott Hansel (Fort Worth - 2005)
OLB1 Andrew McDaniel (Gothenburg - 2006)
OLB2 Jeffrey Flores (Georgia)
OLB3 Daniel Hope (Minnesota - 2005)
OLB4 Paul Dunkle (Paris - 2005)
CB1 Jack Romero (Syracuse)
CB2 Tommie Cannon (Fairbanks)
CB3 Robert Grosso (Asheville)
CB4 Merle Chumley (Brooklyn - 2004)
S1 Andrew Remmington (Georgia)
S2 Adan Chambers (Astoria)
S3 Joshua Finlay (Asheville)
S4 Cecil McIver (Bordeaux)

Senator

04-03-2005, 07:25 PM

Good Luck tomorrow. You have had a great year. I hope it will be a good game.

cthomer5000

04-03-2005, 11:17 PM

Thanks for the selections on the all-pro team. I thought those 3 guys had oustanding years myself.

MIJB#19

04-04-2005, 06:19 AM

Gossip News: Fumblin' Justin Starting For Merchantmen?
It's unlikely the Maassluis Merchantmen will sit Louie Flannery in favor of Justin McDavid in their first playoff game, but the rumors are there. On the day of the big game, our insider sources claim that quarterback Shane Bower has left the training complex after hearing he will be watching the game against the San Antonio Volunteers from the stands. Maassluis and area are slowly hearing about the news and fans are buying tickets to see their fan favorite, Fumblin' Justin in action. But is that likely to happen?

Louie Flannery has been having a great season so far. In 16 games, he marched his men to 13 wins and broke all the single-season franchise records. The only concern that still stands is his interceptions figure, but Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. has claimed he can live with it. But for the biggest game in franchise history, the first playoff game ever, in maybe a sold-out Oranje Haven, can they get away with benching Flannery?

Justin McDavid looked sharp yesterday, even though the best pass rush in the league has been running against him in practise. Charles Gomez was claimed to be saying: "Justin is better than ever, he's not having trouble from the knee anymore." Harold Hurtado mentioned how optimistic McDavid was. Hurtado called it a "tribute to the fans" if McDavid would be playing.

The problems with Shane Bower have quietly gone bigger. Bower is officially reported to be happy witrh his role, but Bower is the only premier backup quarterback in the IHOF without a single pass attempt. And being replaced on the most important game of the season, it's not making sense. But he's got to keep focussed, if the Merchantmen win, they might call Bower again to be Flannery's understudy.

The biggest reasons of the faith in Fumblin' Justin are making sense to re-activate him. The Merchantmen have been training hard to recover their own fumbles in the past two seasons and it worked out okay. In fact, the Merchantmen won a couple of games on recovered fumbles, their own fumbles. And more importantly, the offense has been redesigned to fit better with Louie Flannery, but McDavid looked okay with the system in pre-season.

All in all, it won't matter much, expectations are that te Merchantmen will try to run in stead of pass against the San Antonio Volunteers. In week four this plan failed, but in their first playoff game, with Charles Gomez playing again, even a starting Fumblin' Justin can't keep the team from running all day long. But then, McDavid loves to run himself and we all know what will happen next: he'll get tackled and fumble. Fan favorite or not, with Fumblin' Justin playing, the Merchantmen are doomed...

MIJB#19

04-04-2005, 12:28 PM

Story Continues As Merchantmen Beat San Antonio
The Maassluis Merchantmen continue their Cinderella story after an amazing 27-24 victory at home over the San Antonio Volunteers. Louie Flannery shined as never before, while Shaun Shiroma earned Defensive Player of the Week honors with a couple of crucial plays. The victory means the Merchantmen will go back to the USA next week to play the North Plainfield Plague and to extend their winning streak in road games to nine.

The Volunteers won the last time, but Charles Gomez missed the party. This time Gomez was there and the Volunteers quarterback John McMasters noticed it. He was so impressed that he missed Gomez' companion Shaun Shiroma and never really got the passing game going. With 1 touchdown versus 2 interceptions and being sacked 5 times, McMasters struggled for the entire game.

While McMasters struggled, Merchantmen passer Louie Flannery shined more than ever before and was leading his men like an aged veteran passer. With 298 yards passing and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions, Flan' excelled and looked mature enough to do more big things. His reputation as a guy who throws an interception too much per game didn't show up and his mentality inspirded the enitre offense.

But in the end, the defense set up the posibility to win after the pass rush started working. Albert Bernardo and Shaun Shiroma sacked John McMasters early in the game at his own 2-yard line. Bernardo batted the ball loose, while rookie Shiroma picked up the ball and downed it two yards upfield. The Merchantmen went 7-3 up and never looked back. In the rest of the game, Shiroma added two solo sacks to earn well-deserved Defensive Player of the Week honors.

In the fourth quarter, punt returner Rodger Mowery almost made his team choke. At the Merchantmen half, Mowery fumbled on a return and helped the Volunteers into first and goal at the 5-yard line. The Volunteers scored, but those were their only 7 points for the entire fourth quarter, to narrow down the margin from 27-17 to 27-24. In the rest of the fourth quarter, the Merchantmen let the clock tick, wasting nine of thirteen remaining minutes, while the defense stood it's own and allowed only 5 yards gained in 7 plays.

Next up is a road game at the North Plainfield Plague. The #1 seeded IHOF team and defending champs beat the Conyers Condors 37-20 at home. The Merchantmen continue to be underdogs and will be in for a championship game in style: to win the conference, they have to knock out the champs in the final. Whether they'll manage it or not, it'll be another big game in franchise history.

MIJB#19

04-05-2005, 03:55 PM

General Manager Notes
Final Four baby!

Okay, who would have thought that, the Merchantmen in the final four? Well, I didn't, nobody did in the IHOF, I tell you that. But the next hurdle to a championship is the highest a team can take, the North Plainfield Plague are clearly the best team of the IHOF and the only thing we can do is play our game and hope for the best. At least we've got no injuries, compared to North Plainfield playing with a quarterback who's thumb is sore.

Playoffs Results:
North Plainfield Plague (AOC#1) 37, Conyers Condors (AOC#4) 20
Maassluis Merchantmen (AOC#2) 27, San Antonio Volunteers (AOC#3) 24
Outer Banks Ospreys (NAC#6) 20, Fairbanks NorthStars (NAC#1) 3
Chesapeake Chitterlings (NAC#5) 14, Frederick Red Menace (NAC#2) 3

Schedule:
Atlantic Ocean Conference Championship: North Plainfield vs. Maassluis
North American Conference Championship: Chesapeake vs. Outer Banks

For those not knowing it, North Plainfield beat Cheasapeake in the last IHOF Bowl game and both teams are on pace to repeat. Another interesting fact, Maassluis and Outer Banks represent the only two division that haven't been represented in the first three IHOF Bowls. In Las Vegas, the bookies are working 24/7 to calculate the number of best on Maassluis-Outer Banks matchups.

MIJB's Merchantmen Player of the Year
Well, I figured it could have been over after our first playoff game, but the story continues and Randy Harris has not clinched the award yet. Which five players deserve the most credits in our first ever playoff victory?

* Randy Harris ran for 77 yards and had a 6-yard reception for a touchdown
* Mike Kershner made 2 tackles, 1 interception and 1 defended passes while allowing 0 catches
* Lincoln Gilmore made 8 tackles, 3 assists and 1 interceptions while allowing 2 catches
* Shaun Shiroma made 2.5 sacks, 3 tackles, but mostly recovered a fumble for a touchdown
* Louie Flannery completed 22 of 34 passes for 298 yards and 2 touchdowns without interception

Standigs
34 points - Randy Harris
33 points - Louie Flannery
28 points - Charles Gomez
19 points - Tai Wayne
17 points - Cody Cluff
11 points - Bryce Ewald
8 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Carl Meier
6 points - Cary Coles, Winford Endicott, Jim Reiser, Emile William
5 points - Omar Gougeon, Shaun Shiroma
4 points - Albert Bernardo, Jerry Beyer, Aaron Sherrill
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy, Rodger Mowery, Jamel Rosenberry, Butch White
2 points - Mike Kershner
1 point - Brian Hammond, Cornelius Rice, Myron Stevens, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka

To be honest, I think Gomez deserves this title the most, but I can't argue with the numbers and Flannery and Harris have both show to be top10 players at their position.

MIJB#19

04-06-2005, 05:17 AM

Harold Hurtado Wants To Leave Merchantmen
Despite the surprise season, one Maassluis Merchantmen player is unhappy with the achievements. The prolific left tackle Harold Hurtado lost his starting job this season after the Merchantmen acquired Ivan Jacques and Cornelius Rice in trades. Hurtado has a leadership role on the offense, but right now he's not happy. Hurtado has been active in only 10 games this season, including 6 starts. Now, Hurtado wants to start in the upcoming Atlantic Ocean Conference Championship game, otherwise he's reconcidering his role in Maassluis.

Hurtado is accounting for a big salary figure and is concidered a key player, despite his role as a backup. "Harold is important, no doubt about that," owner M.IJ.B. said, "We pay him a lot for his role, but he can't demand to start." The Merchantmen are looking to the upcoming 2008 season and know that Hurtado could be once again a crucial member to the team. But if this argument continues, the teams fears to be unable to extend Hurtado's contract and to create some cap room. In the worst case, Hurtado would be released and the team would face a dead cap space hit of roughly two million dollars in 2008 and one million dollars in 2009.

Hurtado was acquired from the Rochester Lake Monsters in the 2004 pre-season in a trade for wide receiver Amos Collins. Hurtado was an All IHOF Second Team selection after the 2004 campaign in which the Merchantmen went 1-15. In the following two seasons, the Merchantmen went 7-9 and 8-8 as Hurtado formed a great tackle duo with Wilson Grimaldo. But the past season, Hurtado is mainly a backup as he gets older and has been a weak link in the pass protection when playing.

'Good old Harry', as the Merchantmen players tend to call him, has been a popular player on the team. Center Tom Schwartz returned this off-season to Maassluis and called te ability to work with Hurtado again one of the reasons to put his name under a two-year contract. But on the Merchantmen offensive line, the competition is high and others have complained about playing time this season. Schwartz and guard Brian Hammond have been complaining as well.

All things aside, the Merchantmen want to keep Hurtado happy at all cost. "Harold is a notirious player, a big name and a great guy." Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude is positive about finding a solution: "We might be able to find a role for Harold that fits his current state of skills. After all, age os working on him, but he's still a great leader and is one of the most loyal people I've ever met. Harold will do anything to help the Merchantmen." To be continued...

MIJB#19

04-06-2005, 09:12 AM

Merchantmen Analyse 2008 Roster
With the 2007 season almost done, the Maassluis Merchantmen management wants to let the fans know what the plans with the team are for 2008. The management understands that it's a bit early, given that the team is playing in the Atlantic Ocean Conference Final tomorrow, but the plans are made and only published afterall. We'll run down the roster by position group and tell what we expect to do in the 2008 off-season at the position. Per group, the players are mentioned, with their start of 2008 season age and last year of contract in brackets.

Quarterbacks
QB Justin McDavid (27, 2009)
QB Shane Bower (34, 2009)
QB Mel Atkins (26, 2009)
QB Louie Flannery (26, 2010)
We have to find about 10M of cap room at the start of the new season and at this position I expect to make some room. Bower and Atkins are together accounting for 2.5M of cap room and one of them will be leaving the Netherlands next spring. Given his age, Bower is the obvious suspect, but Atkins might be easier to trade. McDavid is too popular to trade and he's going to sit as #3 quarterback behind Flannery. That means we're potentially hiring a new #2 quarterback, providing we find cap room for him, which I doubt we can do. If we can't work something out, we might hire a cheap fourth passer, or ask Atkins or Bower to take a huge salary cut.

Backfield
RB Randy Harris (28, 2012)
RB Rodger Mowery (35, 2008)
RB Tyrell Mahoney (24, 2009)
FB Jamel Rosenberry (27, 2010)
FB Henry Poston (25, 2009)
This is a group we want to keep togheter, but it might be tough to do. Harris is the clearcut starter, but the #2 spot is up in the air. We're not too sold on Mahoney, but Mowery is likely to retire. If Mowery stays, we're in excellent shape, but if he's out, we're going to go on the market to find a new #2 running back and we're also going to need a new punt returner. We're also not too sold on Poston, but if he has a good camp we might want to reconsider and give him more playing time as Rosenberry's understudy. Note that I will try to ask Harris, Mowery and Rosenberry to give up about 1.5M of salary so we get into a healthy cap situation. A little hint, it's very likely we'll draft a running back with returning skills, geared to punt returning, but also able to be a backup kickoff returner.

Tight Ends
TE Jim Reiser (27, 2010)
TE Arnold Ramirez (27, 2009)
TE Charlie Martins (26, 2008)
Reiser is a star and Ramirez has proven to be a worthy backup. Martins has been helping out as longsnapper and looks like a nice #3 tight end as well. We'll try to extend Martins' contract, unless we can find a better longsnapping tight end, which is very unlikely. I'll probably ask Reiser to sacrifice a bit of his salary figure.

Wide Receivers
FL David Henkel (31, 2009)
FL Gregory Monti (27, 2010)
FL Jerry Beyer (25, 2010)
SE Jules Benedict (30, 2009)
SE Bryce Ewald (27, 2010)
SE Devin Henson (26, 2009)
Well, as you can see we've got the whole group signed pretty long-term. Especially our top three guys won't be going away soon, while the others are signed long enough to find a potential replacement in time. That said, Henkel is unlikely to be on our roster in 2008. Henson is a worthy #4 receiver, so if one of the top four goes out long term, Henkel is still unneeded. It will save us a bit of money, but so little that we're likely not going to notice the difference. Note that we might try to ask Monti or Ewald to push some salary back to the future.

Offensive Line
C Christian Reichel (27, 2008)
C Tom Schwartz (27, 2007)
C Brant Heinrich (26, 2010)
G Butch White (26, 2011)
G Timothy Lacy (25, 2010)
G Brian Hammond (30, 2009)
LT Ivan Jacques (28, 2010)
LT Harold Hurtado (34, 2009)
RT Cornelius Rice (26, 2008)
RT Norman Holliday (23, 2009)
A big group and almost every player is signed longer than one year. Reichel is going to be our backup center, most likely, meaning Schwartz will walk away as a free agent. Reichel is also a good long snapper, but we've got faith in our TE Martins there. Still, at center we're not so happy with Heinrich, he's got to make some improvement as a pass protector to be worth his salary. We're likely to ask him to sacrifice some money. At guard, White and Lacy are great starters, while Hammond or our backup tackle can be a good stand-in. At tackle, Jacques is locked up, but Rice is not, while Hurtado is costing a lot. We might have to let Hurtado walk and acquire a new backup LT. Otherwise he's got to give up a lot of money and he might still lose the backup role to young Holliday.

Defensive Line
DE Albert Bernardo (30, 2010)
DE Wally Wilcox (37, 2007)
DE Aaron Sherrill (24, 2009)
DE Omar Gougeon (25, 2009)
DT Charles Gomez (28, 2009)
DT Andrew Rasmussen (24, 2009)
DT Shaun Shiroma (24, 2010)
DT Andy Weliczka (25, 2010)
We expect Wilcox to retire and have no money invested in him. He's been a backup and will likely get no playing time anyway. Sherrill and Gougeon are the future, meaning Bernardo is going to have to give up a bit of his 3.4M cap figure in 2008 to stay around. All the tackles are going to stay, although Gomez is a problem-child. Gomez is accounting for 9.8M and we can't afford that. We're going to offer him a new long-term contract, but including a paycut of about 3M in 2008, making our most valuable player affordable.

Linebackers
ILB Daniel Ruelas (31, 2008)
ILB Carl Meier (29, 2009)
ILB Cody Cluff (27, 2011)
OLB Ellsworth Thelen (29, 2010)
OLB Mitch Hoofkin (25, 2008)
OLB Josh Weisberg (35, 2008)
OLB Mike Kershner (26, 2010)
Without a doubt, this is a fine group and we'll keep te entire group together, providing Weisberg isn't going to retire. Ruelas and Hoofkin have contracts ending after 2008, but we'll try to lock Hoofkin up longer than that. Note that if we can acquired a linebacker who's a real stud and can help out in our zone defense, we have to go for it, even if it means either Thelen, Kershner or Meier becomes expendable. We'll also try to create about 1M of cap room with renegotiations in this group.

Secondary
CB Carlos Mitchem (28, 2009)
CB Tai Wayne (24, 2010)
CB Desmond Craig (25, 2009)
CB Winford Endicott (30, 2007)
CB Johnnie Stidham (27, 2010)
CB Myron Stevens (24, 2008)
SS Emile William (29, 2009)
SS Lincoln Gilmore (27, 2010)
SS Lamar Singleton (23, 2009)
FS John Cole (27, 2010)
FS Richard Muller (29, 2009)
Ah, our charming group of youngesters, all signed at low cost and mostly long-term. We've got two big problems here in Endicott and Stevens. Behind Wayne, they are the #2 and #3 cornerbacks. Endicott will likely be franchise tagged, but if he wants too much money, we'll let him walk. With Stevens, we can risk letting him become a restricted free agent in 2009. But I'd rather get him to extend his contract now. Also note that we're likely to let either Craig or Stidham walk, potentially even both. Mitchem is a mentor and thus important to keep, but not necessary as the youngsters have all reached their potential by now. At safety, we're going to say goodbye to Muller or Cole. We're even leaning to letting both go, or maybe Singleton instead. For you interest, we already struck a deal to acquire one player for this group and expect to acquire another next off-season.

Special Teams
P Roscoe Corrales (33, 2009)
K Cary Coles (26, 2010)
K Al Bettis (25, 2008)
Okay, here we're in good shape, but still have a couple of things to do. Corrales is getting older and we are potentially going to hire a punter to challenge him. Coles will stay as our placekicker. Just as with CB Stevens, Bettis has been a wonderful undrafted rookie pickup and we might try to restricted free agent trick with him as well. But if we got the cap room, Bettis will get a new contract as our kickoff specialist. But then, if a better and cheaper option at placekicker or kickoff kicker or a two-way guy shows up, we're not unwilling to hire the guy. In other special teams areas, we're okay at longsnapper, have a great holder in QB Flannery and have WR Henson as kickoff returner. Only at punt returner, we're having a problem if Mowery retires and WR Beyer doesn't develop into a worthy replacement. Also, we might need a new backup kickoff returner. Expect us to draft a return specialist.

Overall we're in good shape to retain the services of the entire roster. Granted, we need to solve a cap room problem of exaclty 10M dollars, but we'll manage it, I think. Compared to our end of 2006 situation, we already improved 1.3M and at the start of 2007 we were about 20M over the cap. We've done it before and we'll do it again, our salary cap management magic will be back. With about 15M more to spend than in 2007 and another 15M more for 2009, it's not going to be impossible. The succesful 2007 Merchantmen roster will be kept together for 2008 and 2009, you can count on that!

Oh, and for those wondering, we've got only four draft picks in 2008, all fifth rounders and three of those are already 'traded'. We've got a big collection of second to fifth rounders for 2009, but we expect to trade many of those for a better 2008 pick, higher 2009 picks and 2010 picks. For 2010, we still have our own picks for rounds one to five.

Alf

04-07-2005, 04:04 AM

I am wearing my Oranje T-Shirt today. Go Maassluis !

MIJB#19

04-07-2005, 07:25 AM

I am wearing my Oranje T-Shirt today. Go Maassluis !I kept thinking I forgot to do something this morning, but now I remember.
Sadly my blue sweater with orange sleeves is on the 'up for washing' pile of clothes.

Oh well, I guess my Tiesto CD will have to cover it for me... :D

MIJB#19

04-08-2005, 04:50 AM

Plague End Merchantmen Fairy Tale In Brutal Way
With a phenomenal first quarter, the North Plainfield Plague ended the fairy tale of the Maassluis Merchantmen. The defending IHOF champions trashed the visiting challengers 43-10 to mark their opponent's biggest loss in franchise history. Quarterback David Conti passed for four touchdowns in the first quarter to finish the game at a quarter of the playing time. The Plague take their second consecutive Atlantic Ocean Conference title, while the Merchantmen sail home in disbelief.

It boded well for an exciting matchup, the top two teams after the regular season playing head to head. But in the first quarter, the North Planfield Plague were two classes better. Where the Plague passing game was amazing, Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery threw an interception. And where the Plague defense stopped the visitors on every single down, the best defense in terms of points was hopeless all the time. Four touchdowns and a safety later, the Plague were leading 30-0 and the first quarter wasn't even over yet.

David Conti didn't even finish the game, as his sore thumb warrented for a reason to bring in backup quarterback Bradley Keil. With Keil at the helmet, the Plague defended the lead and expanded it by three points. Louie Flannery found Randy Harris for the only Merchantmen touchdown mid-way the third quarter, but at that point the game was pretty much over. The Merchantmen rediscovered how much bigger the Plague are and even the 14-40 loss during the 2006 season was less of a humiliation. The Plague now lead the series 3-0 all time, making them the biggest plague to the Merchantmen, while the Merchantmen have become the Plague's easiest foe to beat.

After the game, Louie Flannery broke into tears, but the young playcaller should see he and his team have a bright future. Flannery is only in his second season and has done bigger things than any other quarterback selected in any amateur draft. "Flamery" has slowely moved up into the top eight active quarterbacks in winning percentage with 22 victories and 12 losses. Running back Rodger Mowery, who missed the playoffs twice with the RayCo Raiders after a winning season, called Flannery a great leader and the reason why the offense is winning games.

On the defensive side, Charles Gomez tried to explain the loss, but he had no defense to why the pass rush struggled all game long. "I guess we just didn't have our day. Albert [Bernardo], Aaron [Sherrill], Shaun [Shiroma], Andy [Weliczka], we all had an off-day." Gomez was the only one who reached his normal level of play, recording half a sack and eight tackles.

Next up, the Plague go for their second consecutive IHOF Bowl victory, as they play the Outer Banks Ospreys next. The 'Dirty Birds' have been a hot and cold team all season, sneaked into the playoffs as sixth seeds and depending on an Astoria Heroes loss in week 17. The Ospreys knocked out Columbus, the 2004 IHOF champions Fairbanks and 2006 NAC champions Chespeake to get into the final. The Plague are heavily favored, but Ospreys are one of those teams who can win when you least expect it.

For the Merchantmen, 2008 looks like another cool season. The off-season starts with a big salary cap problem of exactly ten million dollars, but the team is expecting to resolve the issue. The departure of long time starter Harold Hurtado has come a step closer after Hurtado said starting in the AOC title game was not enough to make him happy again. The Merchantmen plan to stick together about 50 of the current 53 players and hope to add a couple of promising players at other positions. And perhaps 2007 was only the start of a series of AOC championship games between the two teams. The Merchantmen would love to see it happen, but only time will tell whether 2007 was a fluke...

MIJB#19

04-08-2005, 04:51 AM

General Manager Notes
Game over.

Wow. 43-10, that's the last thing I expected to happen. Well, maybe not, when the best roster play the 29th best, it's bound to happen. Oh well, the regular season has been a great ride, the European division title was a great accomplishment and the playoff victory at home was the cherry on the pie. That huge loss is not going to spoil such a great season is it? We're going to regroup and try again in 2008 with the least roster turnover the IHOF has ever seen in one off-season. About 45 of the 57 players on roster will still be here next season. And the game plan has worked in 14 of 16 games we used it, that's got to be worth something.

Oh, for those wondering what happened elsewhere, the NAC championship game may have been decided by the kicker we drafted the past off-season, Alvin Ladner missed an extra point.

Playoffs Results:
Atlantic Ocean Conference Championship: North Plainfield 43, Maassluis 10
North American Conference Championship: Chesapeake 18, Outer Banks 20

Schedule:
IHOF Bowl IV: North Plainfield vs. Outer Banks

That's right, North Plainfield is there for the second time, while the European division is the only one with no Conference championship winner to date.

MIJB's Merchantmen Player of the Year
Despite the humiliation, it's not impossible to credit three players for their play. It was actually pretty easy to find three guys who did at least a decent job. Butch White made 4 key run blocks and was not to blame for the three sacks the line allowed. Cody Cluff recorded 9 tackles, 4 assists and 1 interception to keep the loss from going into a 60-something loss. Charles Gomez made 8 tackle, 1 assist, 0.5 sacks and a quarterback hurry.

Final Standings
34 points - Randy Harris
33 points - Louie Flannery
29 points - Charles Gomez
19 points - Cody Cluff, Tai Wayne
11 points - Bryce Ewald
8 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Carl Meier
6 points - Cary Coles, Winford Endicott, Jim Reiser, Butch White, Emile William
5 points - Omar Gougeon, Shaun Shiroma
4 points - Albert Bernardo, Jerry Beyer, Aaron Sherrill
3 points - Brant Heinrich, Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy, Rodger Mowery, Jamel Rosenberry
2 points - Mike Kershner
1 point - Brian Hammond, Cornelius Rice, Myron Stevens, Ellsworth Thelen, Andy Weliczka

Best Rookie Race: 1. Shaun Shiroma, 2. Aaron Sherrill, 3. Jerry Beyer
Best Newcomer Race: 1. Winford Endicott, 2. Shaun Shiroma, 3. Aaron Sherrill
Best Defensive Player: 1. Charles Gomez, 2. Tai Wayne, 3. Cody Cluff
Best Offensive Player: 1. Randy Harris, 2. Louie Flannery, 3. Bryce Ewald
Best Overall Player: 1. Randy Harris, 2. Louie Flannery, 3. Charles Gomez

cthomer5000

04-08-2005, 05:33 AM

MIJB#19

04-08-2005, 06:45 AM

Irregular Interview With Bernie Hicks
As the average Merchantmen fan te name of Bernie Hicks probably doesn't immediately ring a bell. Well, after the 2007 season, it's a name to remember for the ages, Hicks is the Merchantmen's defensive coordinator. The 66-year old used to be offensive coordinator with the Tucker Tigers, but this past season he was hired by the Merchantmen to coordinate the defense. And not without success, the Merchantmen finished the season number one in most sacks and in least points allowed. Today, we're talking with Hicks about the accomplishments and his role.

Q (Questioner): Hello mister Hicks, thanks for joining us, congratulations on the succesful season.
BH (Bennie Hicks): Thank you for the compliments, but after the last game the winning mood we've had for most of the season has been replaced with a feeling like the world ended today.

Q: 30 points in the first quarter, that's going to be tough.
BH: As a matter of fact, I think I was close to having a heart attack. A man of my age just isn't able to witness such a humiliation. On the other hand, the North Plainfield Plague are the defending champions and showed us how far off we are from being the best team in the league. This team is going to repeat, for our sake it's best if the Plague repeat with a serious beating of the Ospreys.

Q: Mister Hicks, you've worked as an offensive coordinator from 2004 through 2006 with the Tucker Tigers, how was the demotion to defensive coordinator?
BH: I wouldn't call it a demotion, it's just a different role. The Merchantmen management told me they thought I'd still be able to do a great job in the IHOF and they told me they had faith in my knowledge of football. Looking back, I guess it was a missed opportunity to not do this end of the ball earlier.

Q: The Merchantmen defense really had a breakthrough season. When you got here, we were talking about the worst defense in IHOF history in terms of yardage.
BH: Correct. During training camp it became apparent that we had to make an adjustment to the defense. The owner had some great advice from a guy named Warhammer through the internet and told me we were going to work with a zone defense.

Q: The owner?
BH: Correct. Mister Van Der Woude [Merchantmen head coach] talked it over and decided that would be best fror the team. Looking back, it may have been the best thing to do. Winford Endicott was added to the team shortly after camp and explained the younger players how it was done. Guys like Wayne, Gilmore, Emile William, Johnny Cole and Myron Stevens picked it up very well. Do remember that Wayne missed the entire 2006 season so the secondary missed their best man, it wasn't helpful.

[i]Q: But there was more, the pass rush has lived up to a higher level than ever before. That alone is surprising as the Merchantmen traded away three of the best defensive linemen in the league the past seasons.[/i]
BH: The youngesters picked it up very well. Don't underestimate Charles Gomez, he's a monster. Gomez alone keeps two men busy, creating the holes for others to get to the quarterback. Ellsworth Thelen does a good job of pressure as a linebacker, while Weliczka and Shiroma picked up their role as time sharers very well. Big Al [Bernardo] has been amazing and really inspired the younger ends Omar [Gougeon] and Sherrill to play so well. Plus, the rule changes in the IHOF to prohibit 24/7 pass rushing from linebackers helped a bit too.

[i]Q: We've talked about the pass rush and pass defense, which each lived up, but where's the role of the linebackers? There were rumors about you being hired primairily to develop the linebackers.[/i]
BH: It's true in a way. It's true that linebackers are my favorite group of players. I think most of the guys around here picked it up well. Thelen has brought more pass rush pressure than ever before, Carl Meier has been the best thinkable backup and Cody Cluff, well, the kid has become the best run stopper in the entire league. Imagine facing Charles Gomez and Cody Cluff, there's no fun in there for any running back.

[i]Q: How about Mike Kershner? Mike is popular with the fans, but the management has critized his lack of progress over the years.[/i]
BH: Mickey is a problem child, sort of. You can't argue with his potential, he's got lost of it, but he's just, well, not devoted enough to get there. Josh Weisberg and I talked about it a lot. The team hoped that Weisberg would be able to inspire Mickey, but so far he failed a bit. Don't get me wrong, Mickey still has the potential, but it seems he doesn't have what it takes to be an every downs kid. Just an example, he's been exposed as our weakest link in the pass defense and he doesn' pick it up to mark his guy. All he wants is go after the running back, but that's not his role. He's a linebacker, he's got to focus. I guess it's up to Mickey to prove me wrong, but as it looks like now, Mickey is backing up Carl Meier in 2008.

[i]Q: So Mickey has been disappointing, which player surprised the most in a positive way?[/i]
BH: Myron Stevens. Let me put this straight, the ownership has said that Myron is the prototypical Merchantmen player and it's all true. Myron has learned the zone defense system in and out. Don't ask him to make a tackle, but he's an amazing kid to have on your secondary in the right system. With two interceptions, a crucial fumble recovery touchdown and a sack, Myron has made a couple of big plays. He's still got to improve his frequency of defended passes to be a full time starter, but I think he can do it.

[i]Q: Not bad for an undrafted rookie free agent pickup.[/i]
BH: Well, perhaps, but I hear the management had their eye on Myron during the 2006 draft from the minute they had selected Louie Flannery. I understand that there's been a prestige battle between Myron and safety Lamar Singleton, I guess Myron.

[i]Q: Talking of turnarounds, after you left the Tucker Tigers, the team has changed from a run oriented team to a pass heavy scheme. What's your take on it?[/i]
BH: To be honest, I've been shocked. The ownership has always said that the Tigers are a running team and they even worked hard to acquire running back Monty Avent. Of course, Monty has yet to prove he's of IHOF starting calibre, despite his talent. And in the end, the Tigers finished the season 8-8 and missed the playoffs. At least Forrest Truett finally broke out...

[i]Q: Do you have hard feelings towards the Tigers?[/i]
BH: Personally? Not really, my contract ended and I wasn't going to be there for another year. The Merchantmen offered a 66-year old a contract, which calls for a lot of respect from both sides. But I have to say, here in Maassluis, the Tigers are one of those teams they want to see lose. That one-point victory 'we' pulled off in 2005 has a sore spot in the hearts of any Merchantmen fan. Cary Coles [Kicker who missed a short field goal and an extra point in the 9-10 loss] is still having nightmares about that game. Over two years later!

[i]Q: So what was your take on the trade between the Merchantmen and Tigers for the #10 overall pick, which quikcly after that was already traded to the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums to later on select Vinnie Simmons, their new quarterback of the future?[/i]
BH: It did nothing to me. That was pure business. I hear the Tigers wanted one of our best defensive players, the management denied it without talking to me. At that point the management didn't trust me enough yet, I was coming from the Tigers. In the end, I guess they made a good trade. Ivan Jacques has been a key player on the pass protection. If the kid is willing to work on resovling the problems with his weak knees, I think the Merchantmen made the right decission. Jacques has proven to be an elite left tackle when healthy.

[i]Q: What about the next off-season, what are your plans?[/i]
BH: Well, it's tough. Mrs. Hicks wants to go back to the States, she missed the weather in Georgia. We're going to talk with the management after the IHOF Bowl, as we already planned to do. The management says they were happy about my role, but they also understand I'm not getting younger. If this has just been a one-year job, then so be it. I've lived for about a year overseas and have been part of perhaps the biggest Cincerella story in league history to date. That is if the Ospreys don't win it all in the IHOF Bowl, because that would clearly be a bigger story.

[i]Q: 13-3, European Champions and Atlantic Ocean Conferece runners' up. You've been part of a great season.[/i]
BH: For sure. I remember the day when we talked about the Merchantmen as the laughing stock of the IHOF. Today, I'm about to leave that organization.

[i]Q: You've been part of one of the biggest turnarounds in IHOF history and now you're stepping down?[/i]
BH: Correct. Well, if all goes as the Mrs. Hicks wants to. Maybe the management can talk her into staying for another season, but it's unlikely.

[i]Q: If you're stepping down, you're leaving behind a potent defense with up to five starters who are only at the start of their careers. And in your one year you brought this defense from worst to first![/i]
BH: Thank you for the kind words. It's been a team effort and the players picked it up all very well. It's to early to say goodbye, but 2007 has been the best experience of my football career. And with all the youngsters, this defense hasn't reached their peak yet. We're going to see bigger things in the future from this defense. I'm sure that whomever takes over from me, he'll have something good to work with.

[i]Q: Mister Hicks. Thank you for your time.[/i]
BH: It's been my pleasure.

[i]Q: Good luck talking your wife out of wanting back to the USA.[/i]
BH: You clearly never met Mrs. Hicks, but I'll do my best. Can you make sure she doesn't read this?

MIJB#19

04-08-2005, 06:55 AM

I just wanted to congratulate you on an excellent season overall.

Yesterday just wasn't your day, i don't know if anything else could have gone wrong in that first quarter. I think it was 30-0 before Louie even completed a pass for you guys. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/frown.gifThat's right:
1 pass intercepted
1 pass blocked
3 passes defended
1 sack for -3 yards and a safety
The other offensive plays were 2-yard a 0-yard runs from Randy Harris...

MIJB#19

04-08-2005, 11:28 AM

Back after success in the past: 2007 The Merchantmen Player of the Year Poll (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?t=37799)!

It was tougher than ever before to name the nine finalists, but as always there's the write-in option. Don't let your ability to vote fly by!

MIJB#19

04-09-2005, 08:13 AM

Where Have They Gone: The Traded Merchantmen
The Maassluis Merchantmen, the name alone says enough, the slogan "Masters Of Trading" has been proudly made reality. After three trade-loaded off-seasons, the Merchantmen have moved up from the IHOF's laughingstock at 1-15 to Atlantic Ocean Conference runners' up at 13-3. In the big number of trades, about 30 players left Maassluis after long and short stints. Where have they gone and what do their owners think? Selected are a few players, but at least one of every team the Merchantmen traded a player to.

Fullback Vincent Lopez
(Merchantmen player in 2004-2005, traded during draft to Boulder Blizzard)
In the 2006 season, Lopez was a one-year fit to make holes for running back Heath Barber in the best season the Blizzard had. With a 10-6 record and reaching the elite eight, Lopez had his role in the success. Blizzard owner Blackadar: "Good Trade. I got out of him exactly what I wanted. [Lopez was] a decent starting fullback that helped lead us to the playoffs." Today, Lopez is a retired football player and has the honor of having been part of the two biggest turnarounds in the IHOF's short history.

Kicker Alvin Ladner
(Drafted in 2007 by Merchantmen, traded after pre-season to Chesapeake Chitterlings)
Ladner stepped into the shoes of an infamous undrafted rookie kicker. Ike Settles missed three field goals in IHOF Bowl III and has been 'credited' for the eventual loss. Ladner was 'lucky' enough to basically copied that with a missed extra point in a last second 18-20 loss. Before that game, Chitterlings onwer QuikSand said: "[Ladner] got off to a good start, [but] faded down the stretch. I feel I got my money's worth in the deal." Ladner converted 23 of 33 field goals and 46 of 48 extra points, setting a rookie record for points scored at 115. But after the North American Conferece Championship game debacle, Ladner's future in Annapolis is in jeopardy.

Quarterback Dominic Lynch
(Traded in by the Merchantmen in 2006, traded to the Conyers Condors in the 2007 off-season)
Lynch was a mentor to Louie Flannery during his one season in Maassluis, but after the return of 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid was the fifth wheel on the quarterback wagon. Lynch has mentored number two pick Chris Donaldson at Conyers and the kid played some awesome football. Conyers owner KWhit praised Lynch: "[Lynch's] mentorship has been outstanding in bringing Chris Donaldson along so quickly." Lynch's future could be in Conyers as he's proven to be a worthy third quarterback.

Wide receiver Raul Marshall
(Merchantmen player in 2004, traded in 2005 off-season to the Fairbanks NorthStars)
Marshall was the #4 receiver in a crowded Merchantmen receivers corps, but in Alaska got the opportunity to play for the first IHOF champions. Fairbanks owner Albionmoonlight said: "[Marshall] promoted to number three receiver [in 2007]. He hasbeen able to step it up with an injury to our tight end." With an ever improving receptions and yardage total, Marshall's future in Alaska looks bright. That depends on whether the team can re-sign him to a new contract in 2008.

Defensive tackle John Bryant
(Merchantmen player from 2004 through 2006, traded in the 2007 off-season to the Georgia Gridlock)
Bryant has always been contributing well as the sidekick of the Merchantmen star Charles Gomez. The Merchantmen decided to go younger and draft a new sidekick. Bryant had a decent season and paid back big time in the Gridlock's game at Maassluis. With 1.5 sacks and 4 tackles, Bryant haunted Louie Flannery and was a key player in a surprising 28-27 victory. Gridlock owner Celeval is happy: "[Bryant] performed solidly. [He was] an improvement on the fourth lineman in previous years." Bryant is still a decent lineman and should be a starter for about five more years in the league.

Wide Receiver Fredric Vargas
(Merchantmen player in 2004, traded to the North Plainfield Plague in 2005 off-season)
Plague owner Cthomer5000 explained Vargas' role best with: "Although we might have overpaid, [Vargas]'s become a major target for David Conti and is one of the reasons we have one championship trophy and are gunning for a second." Vargas' 2007 campaign was one of his first 1,000-yard season and a huge 19 yards per catch average. Vargas is still a relative cheap receiver and has proven the Merchantmen wrong in trading him premature. Imagine a Flannery to Vargas combo and all of a sudden the Merchantmen are in IHOF Bowl IV. But then, that's maybe a bit too far fetched...

Safety Percy Francis
(Merchantmen player in 2004 and 2005, traded in the 2006 off-season to the Outer Banks Ospreys)
At the moment of writing, Francis is sitting on injured reserve and will sadly sit out the Ospreys' first IHOF Bowl asppearance. That said, Francis has gone from backup on a 1-15 team to starter on North American Conferece Champions. With 5 interceptions, 5 defended passes and only 13 catches allowed, Francis is the perfect partner for star safety Milo Epperson. Ospreys owner WSUCouger calls Francis: "A pleasant surprise. [Francis] has been consistently good in coverage." Francis' future in the IHOF looks very good.

Defensive end Scot Dick
(Acquired in trade by Merchantmen before 2006 season from the Bordeaux Vineyards, traded in 2007 off-season to the Paris Musketeers)
Dick has been a consistent starting sacks machine in the European division. In his third stop, Dick has not done so well. Musketeers owner Darkiller thinks: "[Dick] underachieved. He didn't produce as I expected a lot more. [Dick is] not a sure thing to remain in Paris [in 2008]." Dick finished the season with only 2.5 sacks, but his totals of 6 blocked passes, 15 quarterback hurries and 32 tackles are respectable. Butr then, Dick is a defensive end and has a multi-millionair salary. And being 30 years old, Dick might be on his way back.

Tight end Jerry Aubrey
(Merchantmen player in 2004 and 2005, traded to the Rochester Lake Monsters in the 2006 off-season)
The Merchantmen fans may remember Aubrey from his surprising All IHOF First Team selection after the 2004 season. Despite a 1-15 campaign, the Merchantmen provided a true star in Aubrey. But the management decided to go with the younger Jim Reiser and Aubrey was too much respected to be a backup in Maassluis. The Rochester Lake Monsters were Aubrey's new home, where he's been a decent number two tight end. Lake Monsters owner Kodos was not very particular in Aubrey's overall showing, but saying "When starting TE Oliver Dugger went down this season, Aubrey stepped into the starting role", Aubrey has got to be doing something right.

Quarterback Leonard Lyon
(Drafted by the Merchantmen in 2005, traded in the 2006 off-season to the Springfield Isotopes)
'The Lion' roars no more, in only his third season in the IHOF, Lyon looks like a career backup. With a winning percentage of only .200, Lyon has lost the starting role battle to rookie Louie Boles in the 2007 season. Isotopes owner Samdari said: "Lyon remains an enigma. Decent [skills], poor performance." Lyon has been prone to interceptions and that's not good on a run-oriented team that wants to control the ball. He might get another shot at being a starter, but history is repeating with Lyon. After being demoted after just one start as a rookie in Maassluis, Lyon has little chances to be a starting quarterback in Springfield.

Offensive tackle Wilson Grimaldo
(Traded in by the Merchantmen in the 2005 off-season from the Paris Musketeers, traded in the 2007 off-season to the Vicksburg Vipers)
When Grimaldo was traded, the Merchantmen management were called morons, especially when they later on acquired a new offensive tackle in a trade. Grimaldo was an excellent pass protection in Maassluis, but his replacement Ivan Jacques played just as well. Sadly for Vicksburg, Grimaldo suffered an injury early on in the season and was done for the season. Vipers owners Buzzbee worries: "Considering his [age], and that Rochester lineman Gene Simmons had the same injury, hopes [that Wilson comes back again next year with a full recovery] are somewhat slim." Simmons was the best guard in the IHOF until his injury and is now expected to retire pre-mature after being a free agent for all of the 2007 season. Grimaldo's career might be over soon.

The owners of the Anaheim Matterhorns, Bordeaux Vineyards, Fort Worth Fury and RayCo Raiders were unavailable for comment. Telluride Outlaws owner Buccanneer did comment, but his words on Russell Malave's performance were clear: "[Malave] probably sucked." Looking back, given the success of the Merchantmen it may have been successful to trade. But reading the feedback from other owners, it seems not only the Merchantmen took advantage of the trades. But then, some stories have been disappointing as trades don't always workout as planned. If anything, it just shows the narrow the margin between winning and losing also applies to trades, it can't always be win-win...

MIJB#19

04-11-2005, 07:43 AM

General Manager Notes: Progress Of Players
Okay, since we're at the season end for our team, maybe it's interesting to show how much progress our youngsters have made. Here's the start of regular season to end of regular season progress (or regression!) our players made. In brackets are the rounded current overall and future levels.

+00/+00 (~25/40) QB Mel Atkins
+00/+00 (~30/45) QB Shane Bower
+17/+00 (~65/65) QB Louie Flannery
+00/+00 (~20/30) QB 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid
+00/+00 (~55/60) RB Randy Harris
+02/+00 (~30/40) RB Tyrell Mahoney
+00/+00 (~35/35) RB Rodger Mowery
+00/+00 (~25/45) FB Henry Poston
+06/+00 (~65/70) FB Jamel Rosenberry
+00/+00 (~25/30) TE Charlie Martins
+03/+00 (~40/45) TE Arnold Ramirez
+00/+00 (~80/80) TE Jim Reiser
+03/+00 (~25/45) WR Jerry Beyer
-01/+00 (~25/30) WR David Henkel
+00/+00 (~45/50) WR Gregory Monti
+00/+00 (~45/50) WR Jules Benedict
+02/+02 (~60/60) WR Bryce Ewald
+00/+00 (~25/30) WR Devin Henson
+04/+00 (~55/60) C Brant Heinrich
-01/-01 (~35/50) C Christian Reichel
+00/+00 (~25/35) C Tom Schwartz
+04/+02 (~55/55) G Butch White
+00/+00 (~35/40) G Brian Hammond
+07/+00 (~55/55) G Timothy Lacy
+00/+00 (~45/45) LT 'Good old Harry' Harold Hurtado
+00/+00 (~70/70) LT Ivan Jacques
+00/+00 (~15/50) RT Norman Holliday
+07/+03 (~50/50) RT Cornelius Rice
+00/+00 (~55/55) P Roscoe Corrales
+00/+00 (~25/40) K Al Bettis
+03/+00 (~50/55) K Cary Coles
+00/+00 (~45/45) DE 'Big Al' Albert Bernardo
+03/+00 (~20/40) DE Aaron Sherrill
+00/+00 (~45/50) DE Wally 'World' Wilcox
+02/+00 (~20/40) DE Omar Gougeon
+00/+00 (~85/85) DT Charles Gomez
+02/+00 (~20/45) DT Andrew Rasmussen
+02/+00 (~35/45) DT Andy Weliczka
+03/+00 (~25/45) DT Shaun Shiroma
+09/+04 (~75/75) MLB Cody Cluff
-02/+00 (~35/40) ILB Daniel Ruelas
+00/+00 (~65/70) ILB Carl Meier
+00/+00 (~30/45) OLB Mitch Hoofkin
+00/+00 (~50/50) OLB Ellsworth Thelen
+05/+00 (~55/65) OLB Mike 'Mickey' Kershner
+00/+00 (~40/40) OLB Josh Weisberg
+00/+00 (~25/35) CB Desmond Craig
-01/+00 (~35/45) CB Carlos Mitchem
+13/+00 (~65/65) CB Tai Wayne
+00/+00 (~35/35) CB Winford Endicott
+03/+00 (~20/20) CB Myron Stevens
+01/+00 (~30/40) CB Johnnie Stidham
+01/+00 (~35/40) FS John Cole
+00/+00 (~40/45) FS Richard Muller
+08/+00 (~55/55) SS Lincoln Gilmore
+00/+00 (~15/30) SS Lamar Singleton
+07/+00 (~45/50) SS Emile William

MIJB#19

04-11-2005, 01:43 PM

North Plainfield Plague Are Repeat IHOF Champs
With a 27-14 victory in IHOF Bowl IV, the North Plainfield Plague defended their IHOF title in style. Guided by David Conti, the Plague steamrolled over the Outer Banks Ospreys and let the score look closer than the game actually was. The Ospreys saw an amazing playoffs run as #6 seeds from the North American Conference end. Coming up next is the 2008 off-season, in which the Maassluis Merchantmen will strive to kick the Plague of their throne in an Atlantic Ocean Conference rematch. But with the Plague sticking their stars together and owning the right to two top 10 draft picks, the league is sceptic about the chances of having another team winning IHOF Bowl V.

MIJB#19

04-12-2005, 11:26 AM

Merchantmen To Honor Retiring Players
As the 2007 season is officially over, football players had to file the official IHOF papers for retirement. In the Maassluis Merchantmen camp, two players filled the papers and will no longer be seen on the IHOF fields. Running back Rodger Mowery and defensive end Wally Wilcox say good bye to Maassluis after just one season. In the first regular season game the fans will be given their shot at saying goodbye to both and to two ex-Merchantmen players. Jerry Aubrey decided to leave the Rochester Lake Monsters behind, while Matt Offord had no job in the 2007 season and decided to pursue a career in business. Both Aubrey and Offord have been invited to attend the season opener against the Gothenburg Giants.

Rodger Mowery played only 18 games for the Merchantmen, but he did leave behind a great image. As the backup to Randy Harris, the former RayCo Raiders 1,000-yards back had been the much wanted change of pace guy. And with his abilty to return punts, Mowery had another role on the team. Mowery ended the season as the IHOF leader in punt return average and touchdowns. His 2007 performance helped him into the #1 spot for career leaders in punt returning.

Wally Wilcox never was a full time starter in Maassluis, but the team management still appreciates his efforts. As an aged veteran, Wilcox has been a mentor type to young ends Omar Gougeon and Aaron Sherrill. Wilcox finished the 2007 season as the primairy backup in the playoffs, but never got further than 1.0 sacks.

Jerry Aubrey was the Merchantmen's starting tight end in the 2004 season and the first couple of games in 2005. After an All IHOF First Team campaign, Aubrey lost the starting role to today's best tight end in the game, Jim Reiser. Aubrey was traded to the Rochester Lake Monsters and played two seasons there as a part-time starter or primairy backup. At the moment of retirement, Aubrey holds the Merchantmen's receiving touchdowns records per season (with 6 in 2004) and per game (tied with two others with 2).

Matt Offord never got into a starting role in Maassluis, but during the 2006 season he was the starting punt returner and ran for a score in a game won in overtime. Going into the 2007 season, Offord was released after training camp to make room for wide receiver Jerry Beyer. The Merchantmen management hoped to talk Offord into returing to Maassluis in 2008 as the new punt returner, but Offord decided to go for another career, although not knowing what it would be yet. Rumors are that Offord is going to follow his heart in journalism.

Around the league retirments hit pretty hard at some teams and hardly did any damage to other teams. The biggest name was clearly running back Huey Gervais, who was the leading IHOF rusher with the Springfield Isotopes in 2004 and 2005. In 2006, Gervais was part of the Bordeaux Vineyards and for the first time was part of a palyoff team. In the 2007 season, Gervais set a new single season total touchdowns record with the Syracuse Mohawks, but couldn't help his team into their first playoff game victory. Gervais leaves the league as the career leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

Other former Merchantmen players who left the game (with years on roster): guard David Burdett (2004-2005), defensive end Junior McKeehan (2004-2005), running back Kenny Colwell (2005), fullback Doug Nelson (2006), left tackle Kerry McLaurin (2006), fullback Greg Berk (2006), safety Earnest Atkins (2006) and wide receiver Donovan Bradley (2006).

MIJB#19

04-12-2005, 04:23 PM

Merchantmen Trade For Safety Broderick Schultz
The Merchantmen are back at it and have announced their first trade of the 2008 season, agreeing terms with the Anaheim Visigoths. In a trade that sends five draft picks in the rang of fourth and fifth rounders in the 2008 and 2009 draft, the Merchantmen acquired safety Borderick Schultz and a third round pick in 2010. Bad tongues speak of a way to welcome the Visigoths owner to the IHOF, but the this article tells the exclusive story surrounding the trade.

Homework for the trade started in the Merchantmen's open weekend of the 2007 season. The defense had adjusted to a zone defense and the scores of games were promissing. The Merchantmen management decided to find ways to acquire zone defense specialist from around the league. In the research, free safety Broderick Schultz jumped out, being a zone defense specialist and being an easy trade target as a backup player with the Anaheim Matterhorns.

As the season progress, the eyes were on Schultz to know whether he'd get injured. Midway the preperation for week 17, the Merchantmen management contacted the Anaheim Matterhorns ownership. But just 12 hours later, the Matterhorns owner 'Chief Rum' announced the sell of the team to 'Bigwood1488'. Not knowing the plans of the new management, the Merchantmen management decided to wait with giving away the name, but did decide to break the ice by welcoming the new owner to the club and asking to get back in touch once 'Bigwood1488' would be into making off-season plans.

Just before the Merchantmen's first playoff game ever, the phone rang in the Merchantmen owners' suite. Onwer M.IJ.B. said: "It was a nice gesture to welcome the new ownership and let them know they're part of the gang, but it wasn't as planned, we really wanted Schultz." So said, so done, the management sent out an offer of five draft picks for Schultz and a 2010 third round pick and the trade was almost done. "Well, not entirely, 'Bigwood' played it well and edged out some better exchange money to get three 2008 picks on stead of just two."

Schultz, who's been tagged a bust after being selected high in the second round of the 2005 draft, looks ready for a new chapter in his life. The biggest story of it all is that Schultz is projected to go from a backup on the team that allowed the most, to being a starter on the team that allowed the least points. But as the trade has not been officially approved by the IHOF league office, the player has not been allowed to comment on the issue. Schultz said: "I've been told things will be figured out shortly after free agency starts. I'll wait and see what they've got for me in Maassluis and whether they can make some cap room."

The acquisition of Schultz is the much anticipated big move the Merchantmen wanted to make. Defensive coordinator Bernie Hicks even said: "Schultz may be the next step to improve this defense." But Schultz' role isn't clear yet as he'll be battling it out with five other guys. Lincoln Gilmore has been a long time starter and looks safe. But sitting behind Gilmore in the depth chart are Richard Muller (2005 starter), John Cole (2006 starter), Emile William (2007 starter) and Lamar Singleton (2006 draft pick). The management is hinting towards a rotation system, just like with the front seven.

Whaterver will happen, Schultz looks like he's going to get a new start elsewhere in te IHOF. The ownership in Maassluis looks happy and they kicked of their annual tradition of trading. The management tries to temper expectations from the fans, stating 10 trades would be a lot, but with the 'Masters of Trading' you never know when they strike a deal. Some people may remember the deals that brought them rookie defensive linemen Aaron Sherrill and Shaun Shiroma. The heart is filled with desire to trade, it's the nature of the Dutchman, even the success in 2007 can't temper the lust to trade. Expect more trades to be announced soon.

WSUCougar

04-12-2005, 04:52 PM

the Plague steamrolled over the Outer Banks Ospreys and let the score look closer than the game actually was.
We got methodically worn down by a superior team, couldn't move the ball much on offense, but steamrolled? Take away a successful fake punt and an untimely INT, and...and...

MIJB#19

04-12-2005, 05:45 PM

We got methodically worn down by a superior team, couldn't move the ball much on offense, but steamrolled? Take away a successful fake punt and an untimely INT, and...and...I guess the Merchantmen reporters (me!?) are a bit biased. Looking back, I agree "steamrolled" is a bit over the top, but I did feel that the game was over the second the Plague took a 10-7 lead.

Oh, and your posting reminds me to write a paragraph about some well-known quarterback in the Maassluis area. But not because he played for the orange-white-and-blue...

MIJB#19

04-13-2005, 04:56 AM

General Manager Notes: 2008 Off-season Plans
There he is again. The 43-10 beating at the Plague was so big, I couldn't even feel that we even deserved going to IHOF Bowl IV. Going out the next day may have helped to get me over the loss and some self-mockery did wonders. It's time for the 2008 off-season and to let you all know what the plans are.

First, we've published a list of players who are up for trade. Who and why, I'll tell you later on as I once again run down our plans position by position. The most important thing is to get our current team together. After all, when you're reaching the final four after a 13-3 regular season, there's got be something going right.

Quarterbacks
Face it, Louie Flannery is the obvious starter and despite his ongoing flirting with interceptions, he's our 'franchise quarterback'. Behind him, I'm not too sold on any guy to be a reliable backup. The plan still is to acquire a better backup quarterback. Our attempt to bring ex-Musketeers player Mario Hudson to Maassluis failed, but we're still looking and might go after a quarterback in free agency. Shane Bower and/or Mel Atkins are up for trade, while fan favorite Justin McDavid is safe of his job as at least #3 guy.

Backfield
The retirment of Rodger Mowery is a big problem, but it was expected. The idea is to draft a running back and sign another free agent to let them and Tyrell Mahoney battle it out for the change of pace role behind Randy Harris. Fullback Jamel Rosenberry will be concidered as a #3 guy too, although it would require us to get an upgrade over Henry Poston in the backup role. Unless Poston makes a big improvent in the off-season as a blocker, but that's very unlikely.

Receivers
At tight end we're set and I really doubt we need a new player. Jim Reiser is the perfect starter, Arnold Ramirez has been a great backup and Charlie Martins the ideal long snapper and third option. At wide receiver, the starting role battle is going to heat up soon enough. Jerry Beyer wants to be a starter, I think, but Gregory Monti and Bryce Ewald won't give up their roles for nothing. Jules Benedict is a great #4 guy amd Devin Henson as a kickoff return specialist helps out as #5 option. Beyer might be our new punt returner, but that job could go to a new backup running back. David Henkel will leave Maassluis this off-season for sure.

Offensive line
Okay, here we've got some troubles. Three guys are for sure going to be starters again. Ivan Jacques, Butch White and Timothy Lacy are experts in what they do and make an excellent trio. Brant Heinrich has not won my over as the starting center, despite three years as a starter, but I'm not sure we can afford a new starter. Cornelius Rice is out of contract after 2008, so we have to concider that. And Harold Hurtado is unhappy, so I fear we're going to let him walk soon. In the backup roles, Christian Reichel, Brian Hammond and Norman Holliday will stick around, although Holliday will have to make some progress to be promoted to the active roster. If Holliday fails to improve and Hurtado goes, we're going to need a new backup left tackle.

Defensive Line
Charles Gomez, Albert Bernardo, Omar Gougeon, Aaron Sherrill, Shaun Shiroma, Andy Welicza and Andrew Rasmussen. That's seven guys signed long-term and these seven will be doing it again in 2008. The only concern is our lack of a fourth defensive end, but I think we'll pick someone up sooner or later to fill the role.

Linebackers
Just as with the defensive line, I'm very happy and everybody will stay. Ellsworth Thelen, Mike Kershner, Cody Cluff and Carl Meier will populate the three starting roles, Josh Weisberg will remain as the emergency starter. Mitch Hoofkin and Daniel Ruelas will stick around as backups for injury-loaded weeks.

Secondary
Despite the succes, we're going to revamp the secondary once again. The plan is to stick around most of these guys, but for Desmond Craig, Johnnie Stidham and Carlos Mitchem 2007 might have been their last season here. Mitchem is likely to go and so is either Craig or Stidham. Clearly, it only happens if we can get a replacement who can reach the level of play Tai Wayne, Myron Stevens and soon-to-be franchised Winford Endicott have. At safety, we've already struck a deal to bring in Broderick Schultz to give us more startable players. With Lincoln Gilmore, Emile William and John Cole we've got three startable players already. Richard Muller is going to be the odd guy and will leave after missing two seasons with repetetive concussion syndrome, while Lamar Singleton is going to need to make progress in training camp to survive.

Special Teams
Cary Coles and Roscoe Corrales made clear they can still do it, so we should be fine at placekicker and punter. Clearly, if we can get a real star at either position, I think we should go for it, but both are good enough to win games. Al Bettis has been our kicoff guy, but it seems he's not making much progress. I'm concidering to acquire a new kickoff specialist. At holder, we're okay with Louie Flannery. We do need to appoint a new backup holder in case we trade Mel Atkins. At long snapper we're in great shape with Charlie Martins and Christian Reichel. At kickoff returner, Devin Henson is a great number one, but we might need a new or better number two. Desmond Craig is okay, but he's potentially leaving town. At punt returner we lost our starter and we're going to go onto the market to get either a new one, or we'll promote Jerry Beyer into the role. He's got potential, but he' not ready yet.

All in all, we're advertising seven players. Shane Bower or Mel Atkins will leave Maassluis for sure, another guy will leave if we can get a better backup quarterback. Wide receiver David Henkel will leave us after a season as #3 guy and a season on injured reserve. Harold Hurtado is a potential casualty of his own attitude, but it really depends on whether he's willing to sign a new contract. Safety Richard Muller has to go as the least talented guy in zone defense. Cornberbacks Johnnie Sitdham and Desmond Craig are interception specialists, but they don't do a very good job in defending their man, meaning one of them will have to go. If we don't trade Carlos Mitchem, the other guy is going out as well.

That said, the 2008 off-season has so little to do, I might get a feeling I'm doing something wrong. Trading has been the fun thing in the off-season, but not needing to do it, it's unlikely we'll reach the figure of, say, 20 trade. The past three off-seasons we combined for 71 trades. Add 2 trades in the 2004 off-season and I'd say that reaching 80 trades all-time should be the over/under in Vegas. But only time will tell whether I can keep hold of myself and not fall back into old habbits, I'm a trade-a-holic afterall...

MIJB#19

04-14-2005, 12:21 PM

Merchantmen Tag Winford Endicott
The Maassluis Merchantmen management is proud to present Winford Endicott as their new franchise player. The 30-year old cornerback is the second player in team history to receive the tag after guard Alvin Causey in the 2005 off-season. With this move, the Merchantmen retain all their starters from the 2007 roster. The management and Endicott will now start negotiating on a long-term contract to fit Endicott better in the salary cap enviroment.

Winford Endicott hasn't been a Merchantmen player for a long time, but in his first season in Maassluis he formed a great duo with Tai Wayne. Endicott started in 11 games in which he made 1 interception, defended 14 passes and had 54 total tackles. He was picked up after training camp as the Merchantmen hoped that Endicott would be a perfect fit to the new defensive game plan.

Turning 31 in pre-season, Endicott may be one of the veterans on the Merchantmen roster, but in 2007 he had a leadership role. The coaching staff hope to see his chemistry with Wayne do more good in the upcoming season. But to make sure Endicott stays, the management does want Endicott to sign a long-term contract at a longer salary figure. The one-year 4.74 million dollars makes him the third highest paid Merchantmen player.

If the Merchantmen and Endicott can agree to terms, it will mark the first time in Endicott's career he won't change teams. Before playing in the 2007 season with the Maassluis Merchantmen, Endicott played with the North Plainfield Plague (2004), Georgia Gridlock (2005) and Outer Banks Ospreys (2006). In 50 games, Endicott had 29 starts in which he totalled 2 interceptions and 20 defended passes.

MIJB#19

04-15-2005, 09:10 AM

Gossip News: Merchantmen Tried To Can Defensive Cordinator
The annual staff hiring period in the International House Of Football just ended and an interesting rumor was spread around. It turned out that Oliver Petersen, who signed with the Frederick Red Menace to be their new defensive coordinator, turned down an offer from the Maassluis Merchantmen. The situation is pretty interesting as the Merchantmen made a big case to talking into current coordinator Bernie Hicks into not retiring.

Let's go back to the 2007 off-season. The Maassluis Merchantmen had just ended an 8-8 campaing with the worst defensive performance in terms of yards allowed. The ownership called for changes and defensive coordinator Kim Johannsen was given the can in favor of former Tucker Tigers offensive coordinator Bernie Hicks. Under the reigns of Hicks, the Merchantmen grew into the defense with the best pass rush and the league's leader in least points allowed.

Going into the 2008 off-season, Bernie Hicks told the management he was not ready to leave the Netherlands, but Mrs. Hicks wanted back to Georgia. After lenghty talks, Hicks decided to stay, but behind the scenes the management was recruiting a younger guy. The 47-year old Oliver Petersen was selected to replace the 67-year old Hicks. If anything, it didn't show for a lot of respect towards the winningest active defensive coordinator in the IHOF.

The past weeks, the Merchantmen went into a bidding war with the Frederick Red Menace for Petersen's services. With the offer from the Red Menace being better, Petersen had no doubt and decided to go for the team with a vacancy. The Merchantmen were denied and now had to go back to the guy they talked out of retirement.

Now, we hear that Hicks has heared the rumors too and it seems the relationship between owner M.IJ.B. and Hicks are disturbed. Of course, the team denies all of it, but where smoke is, there's fire, there's got to be more going wrong. Gossip News will keep you up to date with what's going on in Maassluis. Especially now they're talking about a silent off-season. We'll make sure it won't happen.

MIJB#19

04-16-2005, 05:24 AM

Breaking News: Merchantmen Acquire Thad
The Maassluis Merchantmen and the Asheville Axemen today announced the trade of quarterback Thad Pilkington from Asheville to Maassluis. Details of the deal and the reasoning behind bringing a new quarterback to a team with four passers signed to multiple years will come later in an official press release. The Merchantmen still need to make some cap room to make the addition of Pilkington possible, so the deal isn't official yet. To be continued?

MIJB#19

04-17-2005, 02:03 PM

Merchantmen Trade Cornerback Mitchem To Brooklyn
Today the Maassluis Merchantmen announced the trade of cornerback Carlos Mitchem to the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums. Mitchem never played a down with the Merchantmen after starting 20 games in three seasons with the Lesburg Generals/Miami Sharks. Mitchem was placed on injured reserve after getting injured in pre-season and losing out the battle for the backup role. Mitchem mentored young starters Tai Wayne and Myron Stevens very well. In the deal, the Merchantmen trade up in the 2010 draft from fifth to fourth round pick and from #147 overall to #82 overall in the 2008 draft.

MIJB#19

04-17-2005, 05:31 PM

General Manager Notes
And we're off!

Yeah, I know, 10 trades would be a lot and all of a sudden we strike twice in a short span of time. Well, it's simple, we needed a new, better backup quarterback and Thad Pilkington has the name of being a good quarterback. In contrast to Flannery, he's interceptions free AND has the name of being a fourth quarter expert. Just the guy you want as your backup, no?

The Carlos Mitchem deal was different, we put him on the block and out of nowhere Brooklyn made a good offer. It was a done deal in no time. Mitchem contributed in his own way with the team and we're going to be thankful for his mentoring for a long time. Hopefully he can help the Bums out, they're a likeable team and all.

The off-season plan is going well. The 14M of being over the cap has been pretty much cleared with some renegotiations. With a second run of talks, we hope to make the cap room needed to welcome Thad Pikington to his new home and increase the fan base of the Merchantmen. I mean, the idea alone: Thad in orange-white-and-blue, wow.

In the remainder of the process, Broderick Schultz should be presented to the fans together with Pilkington. Additionally, we moved up to #82 overall in the draft and have looked at the options for our needs a bit. We've found a guy we'd like to get and if he falls to #82 overall, we might be getting a steal. Freaky enough, this guy might be the only rookie on the Merchantmen roster. Unless I get the usual thrill and need to trade and pick another kid.

Keeping the staff together has been huge, although we did try to acquire a different type of defensive coordinator. We battled it out and lost the bidding war on a younger guy. Oh well, it's not like we're in bad shape, Bernie Hicks has a career winning percentage about .750. He's the best of all the active defensive coordinators.

What's still up in the air? Well, we're not done this off-season. Right now we're waiting for the arrival of Schultz and Pilkington, wait to hear how they see their futures here and hope they can be useful to improve the team. The plan is to stick the same group of players together through the 2010 and it looks like we'll be able to manage it past the 2009 already. In 2010, we might have to pick some rookies up, but to worry about it is for some other time.

What's up my sleeves, I still hope to trade up in the 2008 draft a bit and also hope to be able to give some of our backups a new home. Shane Bower, Mel Atkins, David Henkel, Richard Muller, Johnnie Stidham and Desmond Craig have proven to be pro's and good enough to sit on the lists of 46 active players. I mention Stidham and Craig because we're in on-going negotitions to acquire a new cornerback. With Mitchem gone, we have five corners left, which should be our regular season figure as well.

Aside from the mentioned players, the future of a couple of other players is still a mystery. Safety Lamar Singleton has hardly made progress in his time as a backup and all we can hope for is seeing John Cole willing enough to mentor him. Linebackers Daniel Ruelas and Mitch Hoofkin could be post-pre-season casualties in the numbers game. Tackle Norman Holliday needs a good camp to stick around. And the same is true for fullback Henry Poston.

Last but not least, we're still looking for a backup running back and a punt returner after Rodger Mowery retired. We may try to trade for them, especially after seeing how thin the draft class and free agency market are at both positions. Unlike with the defensive end position, at which we'll need a new backup to take Wally 'World' WIlcox' role. But of all needs, getting a backup running back is the one and only big need. We've got only two running backs signed and Tyrell Mahoney is not ready. We'll see what happens.

MIJB#19

04-18-2005, 12:46 PM

Press Release: Merchantmen Present Thad And Schultz
The Maassluis Merchantmen management is very happy to announce the arrival of Thad Pilkington and Broderick Schultz to Maassluis. The acquisition of both players are crucial to boost the depth at quarterback and in the secondary.The Merchantmen hope that these two players will help to defend the European Division title and return to the Atlantic Ocean Conference championship game in the 2008 season.

Thad Pilkington comes over from the Asheville Axemen. In 4 seasons he played 51 games there, having 50 starts to throw for 7,887 yards, 42 touchdowns and only 27 interceptions. After starting the 2004 season with the North Planfield Plague, Thad was traded early in the season to the Axemen. With Thad starting at quarterback, the Axemen won the NAC Atlantic Coast division. In 2007, Thad lost the starting job and was moved out the past off-season.

Broderick Schultz comes over from the Anaheim Visigoths. In 3 seasons he played 32 games for the Anaheim Matterhorns, having 24 starts to make 5 interceptions, 7 defended passes and 58 tackles. Schultz was drafted 39th overall in the 2005 draft by the Matterhorns. In 2007, after two seasons as a regular starter, Schultz was demoted into a backup role and played only 10 downs on defense.

MIJB#19

04-18-2005, 04:15 PM

Merchantmen Trade For Two Running Backs
In two quick moves, the Maassluis Merchantmen today acquired two running backs to address the need to find a new backup running back. Dez Carlisle comes in from the North Plainfield Plague, while Kyle Montoya makes an amazing return fro the Bordeaux Vineyards. The Merchantmen give up fourth round picks in 2009 and 2010, but receive a fifth round pick in 2010 from each team.

The moves come as the Merchantmen had only two running backs left on their roster. Randy Harris is the obvious starter, but the confidence in Tyrell Mahoney isn't big enough that he'll be able to be a worthy backup. Carlisle has been called a Rodger Mowery clone, but has yet see real IHOF action. Montoya had a decent pre-season in Maassluis in the 2007 off-season, but never played in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. With Bordeaux, Montoya had 39 carries total in the last six games.

Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. explains: "The picks we lose are marginal losses as we get equally valued picks in return. The two backs would likely not make the 53-men rosters on the respective teams and here they might make it. But don't think we'll stop looking for a new running back. Mahoney and the two will most likely battle it out for two roster spots."

With 58 players signed, the Merchantmen roster looks set for training camp. Both Carlisle and Montoya will arrive with a contract past the 2008 season, meaning they will likely be around in 2009 as well. Adding up draft picks, the Merchantmen roster should be set for the 2008 regular season at just the start of the off-season. Six players are still advertised to go, but even then the team looks ready for defending the European division title.

MIJB#19

04-19-2005, 07:21 AM

Gossip News: Flannery Report To Camp Out Of Shape
Riots in Maassluis, Louie Flannery isn't taking his job serious. Gossip News insiders report that the Merchantmen's franchise quarterback returned to the Netherlands out of shape. All of a sudden, the trade for Thad Pilkington makes more sense. Flannery has got to get in shape or he's riding the bench. The Merchantmen are serious about repeating as European champions and can't have this to happen.

It's not the first time the management in Maassluis has been let down by Flannery. Clearly he improved his play the past season, but Flan' at times goes berzerk. The quarterback still throws bombs, but with the lack of precission, resulting in an interception. And turnovers are exactly the thing they don't love in Maassluis, hence the downgrading of Justin McDavid over his fumblitis.

With Thad Pilkington, the Merchantmen acquired a quarterback who throws very little interceptions and doesn't fumble too often. The plan is clearly to point out to Flan' his job isn't safe afterall. Thad himself just wanted to get a shot at starting again as his reign at the Axemen was clearly over. And if he's not starting, Pilkington has a reputation of being an elite fourth quarter passer. So if Flannery has to be pulled at some point, they got the best guy to take over.

But the trouble isn't all over yet, the Merchantmen are heading into training camp with five quarterbacks signed. Besides Pilkington, Flannery and McDavid, Shane Bower and Mel Atkins hope to make the 53-men regular season roster. Both Bower and Atkins are advertised as being up for trade, but so far the Merchantmen seem to have no luck. The team could be going into camp with all five players signed.

Other rumors from the trading front are that the Merchantmen were turned down by a team to get a new cornerback. But now we here the Merchantmen are in the market for another cornerback elsewhere as they still try to boost their secondary. We don't know for sure, but matching the Merchantmen with cornerback Xavier Clyburn (on the trade block) is a little bit too easy.

In other rumors, we hear the Merchantmen have given up their attepmts to acquire a former 1,000-yard back to be Randy Harris' understudy. We here the team contacted the Georgia Gridlock for Joseph Schoen, but without a first round pick in this or the next draft, it's hopeless. Other targets mentioned were Kurt Basso and Gerald Harris, but both players were traded recently.

Coming back on the quarterback issue, there are rumors about the trouble surrounding Flannery being related to him turning down a six-year contract offer late in the 2007 season. Flan' has been reported to be disappointed bynot having received a new offer yet. We hear the Merchantmen still want to extend the deal of their franchise quarterback before he breaks out to being a top five passer and becomes worth more than ten million dollars a year. But then, with his interceptions, that will never happen...

MIJB#19

04-19-2005, 02:47 PM

Merchantmen Trade In Two New Cornerbacks
In a big trade, the Maassluis Merchantmen acquired cornerbacks Xavier Clyburn and Sammie Kennedy from the San Luis Obispo. The Merchantmen also trade up from the #82 overall pick to the #68 overall pick. Cornerback Desmond Craig is making a move in the other direction and he's accompanied by the Merchantmen's 2010 first round pick. And we're still not giving all the details here as more picks were swapped. A big trade, but the Merchantmen think this move completes a strong secondary for a couple of years.

"We gave up alot, but these players were worth it," Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. says, "we have big plans and need the best players for the system." The Merchantmen have had some success in the past season with a zone defense system and are replacing the weaker links of the secondary. Desmond Craig, Johnnie Stidham and Richard Muller are well-known Merchantmen players, but they were told to pack their bags this off-season. M.IJ.B.: "We like the players, but this is business, they're just not the best guys for the job."

Clyburn has been a regular starter around the IHOF so far. In 2004 through 2006 he started 34 games for the Columbus Architects. He signed as a free agent with the San Luis Obispo Burn in 2007, where he eventually started in 7 games. With 10 interceptions in 59 career games, Clyburn showed he's got a nose for picks and that's exactly something the current Merchantmen cornerbacks fail to do.

Kennedy was a first round pick for San Luis Obispo last season, but never won the heart of his owner. Kennedy was active in only 175 defensive plays, but still managed to record a hurried pass and a defended pass. With some punt returning skills, he can help out on special teams as well. Kennedy is likely to be a dimeback in Maassluis, but could be playing a lot as the team is planning to rotate a lot in the secondary.

After these moves, the Merchantmen once again dare to say they're done trading, even as every IHOF fan knows that can't be true. But with 58 players signed and a one draft pick, there's only room for one more player for the pre-season roster. Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. said: "We've got some cap room left and hope to give a couple of guys a new home. We've got nothing important to do. All I'd like to say is that we hope to make one good free agency move and draft one heck of a player to complete the 2008 and 2009 roster."

Kodos

04-19-2005, 03:55 PM

A season cannot pass without a Rochester - Maassluis trade. Think of the tradition!

MIJB#19

04-19-2005, 05:39 PM

A season cannot pass without a Rochester - Maassluis trade. Think of the tradition!Richard Muller would love to boost the Lake Monsters secondary. ;)

Kodos

04-19-2005, 08:16 PM

You never know... ;)

MIJB#19

04-20-2005, 05:42 AM

You never know... ;)Muller wouldn't know it either.
When he went out with repetetitve concussion syndrome, the Merchantmen had never had a .500 or better season, while the Lake Monsters were the quickest rising team in the IHOF. How things can change in a matter of two seasons (and two injuries to an all-world guard and starting quarterback :(.)

MIJB#19

04-20-2005, 06:03 AM

Gossip News: Locker Room Troubles In Maassluis!
Get your eyes focussed on Maassluis, IHOF fans, the Merchantmen are having some serious locker room troubles! After the arrival of Xavier Clyburn, last year's starter Winford Endicott and Clyburn have gotten into a fight. Both understand that Tai Wayne will be starting on and only one of the two can play at he other side. The fight has gotten so big, other secondary players are already taking sides in the whole situation. And the players haven't even started training yet!

The whole story started with the franchising of Winford Endicott. The walk-on addition became an important starter on one of the league's best defenses and expected to be a starter again in the 2008 season. But the Merchantmen management has not been happy about the turnover production from the defense, the team needed to add interceptions to their stats list, now the paas rush had to cover it all.

The trade talks were there, but the Merchantmen failed to talk an undisclosed team into trading the cornerback to Maassluis. The addition of safety Borderick Schultz brought a decent interceptions guy, it looked safe. But when the San Luis Obispo Burn started advertising Xavier Clyburn, Endicott saw it coming, the rumors about Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. likeing Clyburn so much were there. Something about Clyburn having both the X-Factor and Y-Factor.

Then, the Merchantmen announced the deal, a week or two after Endicott agreed to sign a cheap three-year contract in stead of playing the season with the franchise player salary. Now, his starting role looks done and Clyburn could be the new starter. And behind the two, Myron Stevens, the former undrafted rookie, he's going to lose even more playing time. And the 2007 first round pick Kennedy, who arrived with Clyburn, he's not even sitting on the depth chart right now.

But the trouble is bigger than that, other secondary players are already taking sides on the issue. Safety John Cole, who lost his starting role last season and was expecting to be the secondary leader. Now Cole could become a third stringer and he sides with Clyburn on the issue. Cole has been rumored to be saying he's want out of Maassluis as long as Endicott is playing there. On the other end are last year's starters Tai Wayne and Myron Stevens, who both adore Endicott's leadership and winner mentality. It's going to be a fun training camp in Maasluis for sure.

Additionally, Gossip News picked up rumors about the Merchantmen going to pick the top punter left in the draft at the fourth pick of the third round. The team clearly needs a backup running back, but after trading for two backs, that seems unrealistic. The team is done with Roscoe Corrales and thinks either Toney Amey or Albert Barreras can take over from the popular veteran.

Other rumors in Maassluis are the team trying to acquire a new veteran defensive end to inspire the youngsters Omar Gougeon and Aaron Sherrill. After failing to sign free agents Vito Riggs and Terry Feeley, a trade is likely in the air. But the team may go in a different route as we hear they might try to hire an outside linebacker to play in the rotation. But the Merchantmen already have Ellsworth Thelen around, who can play that role. Keep reading Gossip News, we'll let you know what's going on!

MIJB#19

04-20-2005, 06:51 AM

Merchantmen Acquired Defensive End Baranowski
In a fast move, the Maassluis Merchantmen today acquired defensive end Erwin Baranowski from the Outer Banks Ospreys for a 2009 fourth round pick. Baranowski joins an already strong group of defensive linemen, a mix of veterans and hot prospects. Baranowski will be filling the shoes of the retired Wally 'World' Wilcox as fourth end of a rotation system.

"A great addition, a guy we always wanted to have." Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. said, "Baranowski is a sack machine and the type of defensive end we like." Baranowski isn't physically strong, but with his technique, he's made 29.0 sacks in 56 games, ranking him tied for twenty-first all-time in the IHOF. Last season was a bit of a down year, with only 2.0 sacks, but Baranowski has seasons of 14.0 and 9.5 sacks on his resume.

Baranowski wasn't available for comment, but after a season of riding the bench, he wasn't happy in Outer Banks. Baranowski was part of the team that won the North American Conference and was the IHOF Bowl IV runners' up. Ironically, Baranowski was acquired in a trade from the North Plainfield Plague in the pre-season, the team that beat them in the IHOF Bowl.

With Baranowski, the Merchantmen think they have improved the pass rush even more after leading the IHOF as a team with 44 sacks. Players like Charles Gomez (8.0 sacks), Albert Bernardo (8.5 sacks), Aaron Sherrill (6.5 sacks), Omar Gougeon (4.5 sacks in 10 games) and Shaun Shiroma (2.5 sacks in 2 playoff games) already bring the pass rush pressure, but Baranowski could make it even bigger.

The addition of Baranowski also makes rumors of the Merchantmen trying to sign outside linebacker Myles Sam vanish. Defensive coordinator Bernie Hicks explains: "Sure, Sam is a great player and who wouldn't want him? The thing is, we've got enough good linebackers and we don't like moving Ellsworth Thelen to the defensive line afterall." General manager M.IJ.B. said: "So far, the Merchantmen haven't made a bid for Sam, so I've got no idea where the rumors come from. We've still got the same seven linebackers from the best defense in the league!"

The addition of Baranowski does mean that te Merchantmen migh once again have acquired a player who will retire after a short contract. And going by history, that's one thing they didn't like to happen. Starts like Jerry Aubrey, Wiley McGhee, Vincent Lopez and Wilson Grimaldo were traded away to retire elsewhere, but now the tide has turned. M.IJ.B. said: "Baranowski is a good friend of Thad Pilkington. We want him to feel at home here. If he retires here, so be it. We've become the kind of team that's one or two impact players away from a championship run. So, we act like it."

One last thing to notice, with the addition of Baranowski it's becoming even more of a quiz who the Merchantmen are going to select in the draft. Around Oranje Haven, people expected to see another defensive end being selected, but now these rumors look false. What remains are the options of a punter, although a bit of a reach at #68 overall, a return specialist and a blocking fullback. The team looks set for the season and that one rookie will have to be an impact pick.

MIJB#19

04-20-2005, 07:37 PM

Merchantmen Trade Bower To Move Up In Draft
The International House of Football is preparing for the 2008 draft and the Maassluis Merchantmen just moved up in that draft. After today's trade, the Merchantmen should be holding the #49 overall pick after sending the #68 overall pick and quarterback Shane Bower to the Williamsburg Colonials. The trade is even more interesting as the current Colonials owner was a substitute owner of the Astoria Heroes when the Heroes traded Bower to the Merchantmen back in the 2006 off-season. After two seasons of riding the bench, the Merchantmen had no role for Bower after acquiring Thad Pilkington this off-season.

MIJB#19

04-21-2005, 08:36 AM

Math Error Keeps Myles Sam Out Of Maassluis
Free agency can be a fun period, especially for the top rated players. Amazing offers come in and all they need to do is weigh in which one is the best. So it happened that linebacker Myles Sam, a two-time All-IHOF selection was getting a lot of interest. One of the team in the race were the Maassluis Merchantmen, but Sam eventually couldn't even concider their offer as a math error made the league office overrule the offer for cap violation. What went wrong?

Let's start with the offer, the Merchantmen decided that Myles Sam may be a star player, but also a relative old one. Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B.: "We decided to offer him a one-year deal with a minimum veteran salary and a big bonus." So said, so done, the Merchantmen rang Sam's agent and offer a salary of 840 thousand dollars with a signing bonus of four million dollars. M.IJ.B.: "The bonus was the thing, we offered guaranteed money and free agency in 2009."

The offer was cool, but somewhere a math error occured. The Merchantmen figured to have 4.9 million dollars of cap room, yet league cap management officials thought differently. The Merchantmen had acquired defensive end Erwin Baranowski on the day and apparently the one draft pick they have was factored in wrongfully. The team was denied to be allowed to offer a 4.88 million dollar contract. The team wanted to redo thier mistake, but it was impossible, Myles Sam re-signed with the Chesapeake Chitterlings already.

After hearing the news, other linebackers in Maassluis spoke of shame, openly questioning why they were about to be replaced. Linebacker Carl Meier said: "We got the job done last season, we were the top defense in the IHOF, what more can you ask?" But to avoid a suspension, all linebackers praised Myles Sam as an elite player at the position and a guy who would have been welcome to the team. Meier: "Sam is a stud and would have been able to be an impact addition towards an IHOF Bowl berth. Eventually we'd have had no problem with it."

What happens now with the remaining four million of cap room is yet to be seen. The Merchantmen decided to trade quarterback Shane Bower and to move up significantly in the draft as well. Sitting at the #51 overall pick, te Merchantmen are in a good position to make an impact pick, or so they say. General manager M.IJ.B.: "if the posibility arises, we try to move up more spots, but it's not unlikely we stay put. We reached the spot we wanted to sit in. But then, with that rookie signed, we'd still have about 4 to 4.5 million left to spent on a single free agent. Me might go for the impact signing."

With the rumor mill going, the Merchantmen management was willing to tell that the names of Mel Atkins, David Henkel, Johnnie Stidham and Richard Muller remain on the trading block. M.IJ.B.: "All four of them are good players and could be great backups or even starters elsewhere. Sadly for them, they just don't fit in our system anymore." Calculation the roster spots, after trading these four, the Merchantmen would sit at 55 players signed, five shy of the pre-season maximum, fifteen shy of the trainging camp limit. M.IJ.B. "But we'll eventually will reach those limits, no question about that." Just hope they don't make another math error or have the league office cap managament department make one.

MIJB#19

04-21-2005, 05:22 PM

General Manager Notes
Eight trades and counting. Where are the holy words of a silnet off-season now?

Okay, I may have been too optimistic, but so far there's still very little turnover. Shane Bower, Carlos Mitchem and Desmond Craig have been traded away, coming in are Thad Pilkington, Desmond Carlisle, Kyle Montoya, Erwin Baranowski, Xavier Clyburn, Sammie Kennedy and Broderick Schultz. We hoped to sign an impact free agent, but failed and now have one draft pick left to use, the #51 overall.

The draft will start in roughly 18 hours and our draft plan has been ready for a couple of days now. There's a list of guys we could pick and we pick the best guy available from our list. What position we'll go? That's too important to tell, that information can't be shared. But looking at our roster, it should be obvious what needs we can fill in the second round, let's go by position.

Quarterback? We'll, take a look around, we've got four guys left. Louie Flannery, Thad Pilkington and Mel Atkins are good enough for #1, #2 and #3, while Justin McDavid is a great number four. Whatever rookie is left for us will be very green and will never get enough time to develop in Maassluis.

Running back? Okay, here's a serious possibility. After trading in Carlisle and Montoya, we've got four backs, so we're cool by the numbers. But I'm not too sold on either Carlisle, Montoya or Tyrell Mahoney being a capable #2 back. But then, fullback Jamel Rosenberry is, so we've got an option ready.

Fullback? Hey, talking of Rosenberry, we're fine here, right? Wrong. Henry Poston is still very green and has yet to prove he can make hols for our running backs. We might pick a run blocking fullback to replace Poston.

Tight end? Okay, here's a position we won't address or wiil we? Jim Reiser is a stud, but he wants the money of one as well. There are three amazingly talented tight ends in this draft, but will one fall here? If it happens, I won't say we won't pick the guy.

Wide receiver? Here's a complete no, I guess. Sure, we tried to sign all-world David Marquis, but that was an impact signing, this wouldn't be one. We've got four capable receivers, the unwanted David Henkel and kickoff returner Devin Henson. You do the math.

Center? Hmmm. Hmmm. Tricky one. Brant Heinrich was a first rounder, but also one that hasn't lived up to his ratings. He set a franchise record in key run blocks last season, however, and Christian Reichel is a long snapper and decent backup.

Guard? We've got three guys signed and could use some depth. But the offensive tackles can step in as well, especially good old Hurtado. I've seen a guy who could fit here, but he would be a backup behind Butch White and 'Tiny Tim' Lacy.

Offensive tackle? With Ivan Jacques and Cornelius Rice we're set and have Harold Hurtado to backup up. We could use a developed backup left tackle, but won't get one in the draft. And if we want a project player, we've got our very own Norman Holliday.

Defensive end? A simple no is appropriate. Of the entire class, one end jumps out and he will go before this pick. Besides, we've got so much guys fighting for a starting job, we don't need another that badly.

Defensive tackle? I don't think so. Although, I've seen a hot prospect who could fall here, but last season we picked Shaun Shiroma and Andrew Rasmussen, while Andy Weliczka is developing as well. Did I mention that Charles Gomez is not going to another team this season?

Linebackers? Nah. We've got four starter calibre guys and three decent backups. We're set and don't like any of the linebacker prospects. Well, expect one, but the kid is a bit green and will still be there in the third round.

Cornerbacks? Negative. We've acquired two new guys and should not revamp more than that. We've got five guys who fit our system and still have Johnnie Stidham to 'dump'.

Safeties? Heck, it's even worse than cornerback here. Four starters, a former starter and a hot prospect. A big no.

Special teamers? Well, we could use a younger punter, so that's an option, but at #51 overall? Only if that stud Tony Amey is still there, who's supposed to be an all-world punter already. We could also pick a return specialist as we'd really like to have a better punt returner than the options we have now. And we still lack a decent second kickoff return guy after we traded Desmond Craig.

So, what will it be? I think our list makes sense and has one player of each potential position group inside. It's easy to say running back is our focus, but right now we might not have a huge hole to fill. I've got my eye on one guy particularly to get. Okay, maybe two. If we can het both, I'd be more than happy...

MIJB#19

04-23-2005, 10:54 AM

Merchantmen Draft Running Back Scott Bagley
The Maassluis Merchantmen today selected running back Scot Bagley. As an early indication, Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. said: "We had two guy on our list to get. The punter went too high, but Scot Bagley was our main target. We're very happy to get him." At the moment, the draft has stalled a bit at the mid to end of the second round. And the Maassluis Merchantmen are trying to get back into the draft with one more selection. To be continued...

MIJB#19

04-23-2005, 12:43 PM

Merchantmen Trade To Get Punter Sean Smalley
The Maassluis Merchantmen pulled one of their usual tricks in the 2008 draft. The 'masters of trading' sent their 2010 second round pick to the Ann Arbor Anachronism for the #63 overall pick in the 2008 draft. The Dutch team picked punter Seam Smalley and have filled a void. General manager M.IJ.B.: "We still have faith in Roscoe Corrales, but he's not getting younger and Smalley is already devepoled enough to battle for the starting role." To be continued...

MIJB#19

04-24-2005, 08:03 AM

Merchantmen Present Four New Players
While the IHOF Draft is still going, the Maassluis Merchantmen think it's time to present four new faces to the team. The Maassluis Merchantmen agreed on a one-year contract with two free agents. Defensive tackle Eric Griffin leaves the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums to strengthen the pre-season battle on the defensive line. Offensive tackle Harrison Bolden will compete for a roster spot in the offensive line. Additionally, the Merchantmen picked running back Scott Bagley and punter Sean Smalley in the draft.

Eric Griffin will turn 27 during training camp. The defensive tackle has played four seasons with the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums, but never became a regular starter. In 46 games, Griffin had 7 starts. In those games, Griffin made 22 tackles, 11 assists, had 10 quarterback hurries, defended 1 pass, had 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Griffin agreed to a one-year deal and will battle for a roster spot, with a minor chance on winning the starting role opposite Charles Gomez.

Harrison Bolden will turn 30 during training camp. Bolden is an all-round decent player, with his specialty being the pass protection on the right outside of the line. Bolden starter his IHOF career with the Ann Arbor Anachronism. In three seasons, Bolden played 36 games, with 18 starts. In 2005 he was a member of the IHOF Bowl winners. In 2007 Bolden won another ring as a member of the North Plainfield Plague after being a third stringer for most of the season.

Scott Bagley was the fourth best rated running back in the draft class. Bagley is 22 years old and had his football education at Temple. Bagley is said to be developed enough to come on to the team as the premier backup running back. Bagley has the intelligence to see the holes in the defense, but can also makes third down conversions. Bagley is a decent receiver in potential and as cherry on the pie is a sure-handed kickoff returner. Worst case scenario, Bagley at least makes the final roster as the backup kickoff returner.

Sean Smalley is a 23-year old punter. Smalley learned the tricks of football at Pittsburgh. Smalley was the third highest rated punter and is said to be almost fully developed. Smalley is expected to be the new punter on the team, providing he gets through pre-season healthy. Smalley is an intelligent player and should be an excellent succesor for fan favorite Roscoe Corrales. What this means for Corrales role is yet to be seen, but the early signals say the lost 2007 AOC Championship game was Corrales' last game.

In addition, the Merchantmen have three outstanding free agent bids and will add five more players to fill out the roster to the 70-men training camp limit. The plan is to go in camp with another quarterback, fullback, tight end, wide receiver, center, guard, defensive end and linebacker. The management wants to let the fans know that the 53-men final roster is already pretty much identified, however they want to see whether players turn into camp out of shape or break out.

cthomer5000

04-24-2005, 10:07 AM

Scott Bagley was the fourth best rated running back in the draft class. Bagley is 22 years old and had his football education at Temple. Bagley is said to be developed enough to come on to the team as the premier backup running back. Bagley has the intelligence to see the holes in the defense, but can also makes third down conversions. Bagley is a decent receiver in potential and as cherry on the pie is a sure-handed kickoff returner. Worst case scenario, Bagley at least makes the final roster as the backup kickoff returner.
http://www.fof-ihof.com/upload/cthomer5000/maa_bagley_a.png

Sean Smalley is a 23-year old punter. Smalley learned the tricks of football at Pittsburgh. Smalley was the third highest rated punter and is said to be almost fully developed. Smalley is expected to be the new punter on the team, providing he gets through pre-season healthy. Smalley is an intelligent player and should be an excellent succesor for fan favorite Roscoe Corrales. What this means for Corrales role is yet to be seen, but the early signals say the lost 2007 AOC Championship game was Corrales' last game.
http://www.fof-ihof.com/upload/cthomer5000/maa_smalley_a.png

http://www.fof-ihof.com/upload/cthomer5000/maa_smalley_b.png

A fake punt goes wrong against Temple.

MIJB#19

04-24-2005, 10:19 AM

Thanks, cthomer5000.

MIJB#19

04-25-2005, 08:25 AM

Merchantmen Trade To Pick Linebacker Surry
Looking for more depth at linebacker, the Maassluis Merchantmen traded a 2009 fourth round pick for the 150th overall selection in the 2008 draft. The Miami Sharks had been on the clock for quite a while after technical difficulties and as the draft was ready to take off again, the Merchantmen saw their offer to trade accepted. With the draft pick the Merchantmen selected linebacker Bernie Surry. Surry is pretty developed and is said to be a run stopping expert. Surry could be a great gunner someday and also has some experience with zone defense, which is a pre in Maassluis.

MIJB#19

04-25-2005, 10:47 AM

Merchantmen Trade Again, Pick Defensive End Henderson
With the 168th pick of the 2008 IHOF draft, the Maassluis Merchantmen selected defensive end Brenden Henderson out of Western Kentucky. The Merchantmen traded a 2010 fifth round pick to the North Plainfield Plague to get the selection and player. General manager M.IJ.B.: "We need to bring at least five ends into pre-season, to get at least four healthy ends into the regular season. Henderson will even have a shot at a starting role."

MIJB#19

04-25-2005, 12:46 PM

Merchantmen Present Four More New Players
Adding up the roster to the training camp limit of 70 names, the Maassluis Merchantmen today signed fullback Luke Smelser and guard Alphonse Gale. This announcement came shortly after the team had traded into the 2008 draft twice to selected two young prospects. Linebacker Bernie Surry and Brenden Henderson were given a phone call to report for camp with the Merchantmen in the summer of 2008.

Alphonse Gale as a familiar face with the Merchantmen organization. Gale was a starter for the San Luis Obispo Burn (2004) and the Orlando Knights (2005) before he became a job hunter. Gale played 4 games with the Chesapeake Chitterlings in 2006 and joined the Maassluis Merchantmen in the 2007 pre-season, but didn't survive the 53-men roster cuts. Determined to succeed with the Merchantmen, the 32-year old guard Gale signed a two-year contract.

Luke Smelser hopped around in the IHOF the past seasons. The 34-year old fullback played games for the Asheville Axemen (2004), Minnesota Miners (2005) and Bordeaux Vineyards (2006) in his stints in the league. Smelser is known as a run blocking specialist and an intelligent guy who likes to mentor younger football players. Smelser signed a one-year contract and hopes to battle for a roster spot in training camp and eventually pre-season.

Bernie Surry is a project outside linebacker. Surry will turn 24 during pre-season and had his education at Syracuse. The Merchantmen scouting staff thinks Surry can battle for a backup role in Maassluis from the start. Surry is said to be a decent run stopper and he should bring enough zone defense experience to battle with Mitch Hoofkin, Daniel Ruelas and Josh Weisberg for the fifth active roster spot.

Brenden Henderson was a surprise pick for the Merchantmen. The tenth highest rated defensive end turned 23 this May. Coming from Western Kentucky, Henderson isn't a familair face for most football fans. The Merchantmen scouting staff believe that Henderson could be the next gem at the position drafted. Henderson is said to be just as developed as the current starters and with enough potential as a pass rusher to battle for the roster spots. Expectations are that Henderson will at least survive through pre-season with his new team.

In the upcoming days, the Maassluis Merchantmen hope to announce the names of four more new players. The team is still talking with tight end Rich McMahon, wide receiver Alfredo Rhodes, defensive end Charles Layfield and linebacker Ronald Felipe. General manager M.IJ.B. restated: "We have no guarantee either player will sign, but we'll definately add up to 70 players for training camp. Surely, our potential 53-men roster is already identified, as is our 60-men pre-season list, but you always want room for break-out players."

MIJB#19

04-26-2005, 06:27 AM

What Do The Merchantmen Have With Defensive Ends?
When Wally 'World' Wilcox retired this off-season, a big name stepped away from the International House Of Football. Wilcox had just played a full season as a backup with the Maassluis Merchantmen and had no problems with it. Looking back, how could such a high profile player live with riding the bench? Let's look at what's going on in Maassluis.

The Merchantmen defensive line starts with Charles Gomez. Back in the day of the league draft, the Merchantmen made Gomez their first selection and to date he's been the top paid player. Gomez is a three-time All IHOF selection and holds IHOF record amongst defensive tackles in single-season tackles (99 in 2006), career tackles (286) and career sacks (32.0). Gomez is the big guy in the middle and makes it easier for the ends to make plays.

With Harold Wells, Deon Chapa and Cecil Doney, the Merchantmen's initial group of ends was one of future stars. All left the team over two years ago, but today, especially Wells and Chapa are concidered to be amongst the elite ends in the game. So why did he Merchantmen say goodbye to these studs who can do it all on the line?

General manager M.IJ.B. explains: "It's a salary cap issue. Defensive ends are amongst the highly paid players. We don't want to invest 25% of our cap room in the defensive line, so we scout for cheaper ends." And it shows, of the four defensive ends on roster, these guys account for just over one million dollars per player. Even if rookie Brenden Henderson and free agent Charles Layfield are signed, the team would invest just 6% of their cap on the position.

With so little money invested, you'd think production would be low, but that isn't true at all. The Merchantmen defense led the IHOF in sacks during the 2007 season. With Gomez making the pressure, the ends could easily turn around the tackles and make sacks. And for the new season, the addition of Erwin Baranowski and Brenden Henderson could improve the production, while Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon are only getting better.

But now comes the crucial element, how were these guys acquired? Albert Bernardo, the long-time member of the Merchantmen was a free agent signing. Baranowski was recently acquired in trade for a mid to low round pick, while Gougeon, Sherrill and Hederson were draft picks, taken in the low fourth to high sixth round. Sherrill even out performed eight higher selected rookies, to lead all rookies with 6.5 sacks.

Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude has another explanation for the succes: "Young players need the time to develope. Guys like Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon have enough potential to play the position very well. We give them playing time and let them rest enough, giving the eager backups also time to shine. Where other teams waste the talented of highly picked guys, in Maassluis these guys get all the confidence they need"

For the 2008 season, the Merchantmen have a reputation to defend. Coming of a season as the best defense in terms of allowing points and allowing offensive touchdowns. The eyes will be more on the youngesters than before, its time to prove they're for real. By adding two or three new ends who can compete, the Merchantmen think they got it covered and are ready to go. But only time will tell whether 2007 was a fluke and whether the ends can produce when Charles Gomez isn't around.

MIJB#19

04-26-2005, 08:33 AM

General Manager Notes
Okay, it's not very important news, but here's a little update on my trading addiction. In the 2008 off-season, I've made 10 trades so far:
* CB Mitchem to Brooklyn
* FS Schultz from Anahiem
* CB Craig for CB Clyburn and CB Kennedy to San Luis Obispo
* QB Bower to Williamsburg
* DE Baranowski from Outer Banks
* RB Carlisle from North Plainfield
* RB Montoya from Bordeaux
* pick 2.31 from Ann Arbor
* pick 5.22 from Miami
* pick 6.8 from North Plainfield

With these trades, the Merchantmen total of trades adds up to 81 trades, including swaps with 30 different owners. Including the ownership changes, there have been 35 different owners active in the IHOF. That means I haven't made a trade with five past or present owners. Who they are? They are:
* Subby, ex-owner of the former Leesburg Generals
* 3ric, owner of the Gothenburg Giants
* McKerney, owner of the Minnesota Miners
* Senator, owner of the San Antonio Volunteers
* Cuervo72, owner of the Frederick Red Menace

Of course, trading is not what the IHOF is about, but it's really a cool stat to know I've traded with so many different owners and personalities. And trading is, of course, a key element in what the Merchantmen are about. For reference, let's recap some of the greatest moves in franchise history:

2004 off-season
LT Harold Hurtado comes over from the Rochester Lake Monsters. Hurtado would play an excellent season and be rewarded with All IHOF second team honors, despite the 1-15 campaign. Hurtado is still on roster, but after a backup role in 2007 unhappy with his role. Barring injuries, Hurtado will be a backup again in 2008.

2005 off-season
OT Wilson Grimaldo comes over from the Paris Musketeers. Grimaldo was a big factor on the offensive line, helping the team to adjust from losers to a .500 ball team. In 2006 he allowed only 1 sack all season. In the 2007 off-season, Grimaldo was traded to the Vicksburg Vipers, where he's still playing in the 2008 season.

2006 off-season
On draft day the Merchantmen trade up from #12 to #5 overall. The selection turns into QB Louie Flannery. His rookie campaign went with ups and downs, going 8-8. But in the 2007 season, Flannery didn't miss a down on offense and marched his team to the second best overall record and into the final four.

2007 off-season
LT Ivan Jacques was acquired from the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums. Jacques was brought in to boost the offensive line on the left side after Wilson Grimaldo was traded for Cornelius Rice with the Vicksburg Vipers. Jacques played a good job, allowing only 1 sack all season in 2007. In 2008, Jacques hopes to grow into the best pass protecting left tackle in the IHOF.

2008 off-season
With little needs, the Merchantmen try to avoid trading, but in the end they do make some moves. The biggest move could be the acquisition of CB Xavier Clyburn and CB Sammie Kennedy from the San Luis Obispo Burn. But how big the impact of the move will be has yet to be seen.

MIJB#19

04-26-2005, 04:35 PM

Merchantmen Sign Free Agent Receiver Alfredo Rhodes
The Maassluis Merchantmen today signed Alfredo Rhodes as their newest addition to the team. Rhodes is an aged wide receiver and played for the Miami Sharks in the past three seasons. Including a year with the Leesburg Generals, Rhodes played 34 games and started 3 of those. Rhodes' biggest trick was his punt returning, as shown by his career totals of 413 yards in 48 attempts, accounting for an 8.6 average. Rhodes spent 2007 on injured reserve and will battle in Maassluis for the punt returning role after mentoring the youngsters in training camp.

Alf

04-27-2005, 06:59 AM

What did you get with the 1st round pick I sent you (along with Dick) to get Wells ?

MIJB#19

04-27-2005, 08:52 AM

What did you get with the 1st round pick I sent you (along with Dick) to get Wells ?It was eventually used to trade up to get the #12 pick, which was again traded to get the #5 pick and with that Flannery.

MIJB#19

04-27-2005, 09:40 AM

General Manager Notes
Alright fans, here's a little peak into our draft day strategy in the IHOF 2008 amateur draft. Well, a review sort of strategy that is.

Okay, lets look at where we were at the start of the off-season, we were holding four 5th round picks, of which three were already promissed to be traded to the Anaheim Visigoths for safety Broderick Schultz. That left us with one 5th round pick. One pick and basically two big needs: a new backup running back and a young punter who can replace our Roscoe Corrales some day. One important change to previous drafts, we'd go more for experience than before, although potential would still be important, but much higher than we already had on roster.

The draft class was announced and I saw only one running back I liked: Scott Bagley. Why? Bagley was the only rookie with relative high hole recognition, high speed to the outside, not too high willigness to catch passes, sure handedness and endurance. An extra was his kickoff returning ability, but that wasn't what we were after at first. Additionally, this class had one all-world type of kid in Tony Amey. Knowing this league a bit better, I figured he would go early second, later third round. Second best punter was Albert Barreras, who could go as high as the mid to top second round. I didn't even look at other options.

In a trade with the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums, I traded us up to the 3.19 pick by trading away cornerback Carlos Mitchem. But wanting a mid-2nd rounder, we were far from done. In a big trade with San Luis Obispo Burn, I managed to talk them into letting me move up to 3.4 as part of the big deal that cost us a future 1st and 2nd for cornerbacks Xavier Clyburn and Sammie Kennedy. And after getting that pick, I got the Williamsburg Colonials willing to trade the 2.19 for the 3.4 and quarterback Shane Bower.

Okay, we were at 2.19 and I realized that trading up would cost too much. We had to settle for sitting in this position and hope to see Amey or Bagley fall. The draft started and we didn't see Amey get selected in the first about 15 picks. Time zone issues kicked in and yours truely took a little nap.

As I returned to the land of the awake, I found out that the top two punters were selected in the first 40 picks. Sitting at #51, we had to hope Bagley would be there, however the top three running backs were also off the board already. With iron nerves, I decided to wait and see. After a lunch break, it turned out that Bagley had landed with us!

Well, so far so good, but a further look at the draft class told me there was another punter worth picking up. As the 2nd round was coming to an end, I tried to acquire a mid to high 3rd round pick. Talks with Ann Arbor Anachronism for the 3.16 were almost done, until I realized they were up in three picks at 2.31. They wanted a future 2nd round pick and in the end I figured it was worth sacrificing our 2010 2nd round pick to get a younger punter now. Two other picks went by and Sean Smalley, the best punter left, became ours.

The draft looked succesful and I didn't seen any need to trade anymore. But, as the draft kept going on, I kept my eyes open for hidden gems, players that my scout gave good grades that would be good enough to make the final 53-men roster, even if they turn out to be a little bit less talented than we wanted. The idea was to go for guys with a bit of experience as these players would have a hard time becoming a starter and thus getting more experienced during the season.

The draft continued and as we stopped at the 5.22 pick, I found linebacker Bernie Surry, defensive Brenden Henderson and safety Wade Elliot as potential pickups. Seeing our depth at safety, Elliot would only be a consolation prize, but Henderson and especially Surry could make the final roster. I promoted my desire to trade, offered a 4th round pick in 2009 and started with waiting.

The North Plainfield Plague were interested and offer the 5.27. We talked and decided it would be a done deal. However, I was also talking with the Georgia Gridlock at 5.24 and had contacted the Miami Sharks, who were on the clock at 5.22. As the Sharks' manager returned, we made the deal (the 4th for the 5.22) and Surry was ours.

Having the line open with the Plague, we talked and I let known I had still one player I wanted. Brenden Henderson could fall, but all of a sudden he was the best end left in the class. We agreed to trade a 2010 5th rounder for the 6.10 pick under if-he's-there conditions. Henderson fell, wasn't picked by the Paris Musketeers at 6.9 and Henderson was ours as well.

After we picked Henderson, for the first time this draft I felt like the draft was done, the feeling was the same as the one after we completed the first round foursome in 2005, after the pick of Flannery in 2006 and after getting Andrew Rasmussen and Aaron Sherrill in the 6th round of the 2007 draft.

As of today, I've got no idea yet whether any of the four rookies will be a good or bad pick, but the scouting reports of the four rookies are promissing:
* Scott Bagley is scouted as 30/48
* Sean Smalley is scouted as 55/62
* Bernie Surry is scouted as 24/50
* Brenden Henderson is scouted as 22/42

Looking at our roster, Bagley would indeed be our second best RB and would be our second best KR guy. Smalley will challenge Roscoe Corrales (55/55) for the role, Henderson will be challenging 2007 starters Aaron Sherrill (20/38) and Omar Gougeon (23/39), while Surry will battle with Mitch Hoofkin (30/44) for a roster spot.

Looking at our previous class, the 2007 class looks like we had a lot of misspicks. Jerry Beyer, Shaun Shiroma and Aaron Sherrill were rookie leaders, while traded kicker Alvin Ladner set a new single-season points record for rookies. But the other side are the released Terror Norris and potential green-forever players Norman Holliday, Henry Poston and Andrew Rasmussen. The future plan is to avoid having green players who will never play. As of now, Poston, Holliday and Rasmussen project as inactive roster members. It's sad, but that's how things go...

MIJB#19

04-28-2005, 07:08 AM

Merchantmen Sign Defensive End Charles Layfield
With training camp coming up soon, the Maassluis Merchantmen signed another free agent to add up the roster total to 64 players, excluding four incoming drafted rookies. Defensive end Charles Layfield signed a one-year contract, in hopes to survive roster cuts going into pre-season. The 27-year old Layfield's IHOF career started with the North Plainfield Plague in 2004. As a rookie, Layfield played in 2 regular season games. In the next two seasons, Layfield played a total of 9 games for the Chesapeake Chitterlings.

Defensive coordinator Bernie Hicks: "Layfield will be able to boost or pass rush, if he's going to reach his potential. Right now he's a long shot at making the final roster, but if he's learning fast, things can go differently. Layfield is still a very green player, but if he's going to learn fast here, he'll have a shot at becoming a regular contributor in the rotation." Let's wait and see whether Layfield can do that.

MIJB#19

04-29-2005, 04:06 AM

General Manager Notes
Here's some first news surrounding our rookies. Our scouting staff had the time to take a closer look to our rookies and the news is somewhat disappointing.

RB Scott Bagley is said to have less potentail than expected. Bagley should still be a contender for the #2 and #3 roles, but it's possible he'll only make the active roster as our #2 kickoff returner. How his running abilty wil turn out is yet to be seen, though. [From 30/48 to 29/43]

P Sean Smalley turns out to be a little bit less than initially scouted, but only a little bit. Smalley should still battle it out with Roscoe Corrales for the punting duties. [From 55/62 to 54/61]

LB Bernie Surry is said to have a little bit less potential. Lucky for Surry, we expected a little downfall and his odds to make the final 53-men roster might have even gone up. That is, if his run stopping and zone defense turn out to be good enough. [From 24/50 to 24/48]

DE Breden Henderson could be another typical Merchantmen defensive linemen late round steal. Henderson is said to have more potential than expected and now he might be a serious contender for a starting role. He might even force us to release or trade Charles Layfield or one of our 2007 starters (Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon) before pre-season. [From 22/42 to 22/45]

More to come in a few days when the players report for more intens scouting on how the off-season effected their ability. [I mean the in-game boom/bust algorithm]

MIJB#19

04-29-2005, 11:31 AM

Merchantmen Ready For Training Camp
With two free agent signings today, the Maassluis Merchantmen are ready for training camp. The addition of quarterback Irv Wooden and center Heath Ferebee adds up to 66 players under contract. Add the four drafted rookies and the Merchantmen are ready. But nothing is secure in Maassluis until camp officially starts, there's still a round of free agency bidding coming up for left over free agents, former restricted free agents and undrafted rookies.

Center Heath Ferebee is a 35-year old veteran. Ferebee has been a starter for the past four seasons in the IHOF. In 2004, Ferebee started 12 games for the Astoria Heroes. In 2005 he moved to the Telluride Outlaws, where he started all 16 games. The past two season he missed only the last game of the 2007 season for the Bordeaux Vineyards. In 60 games, Ferebee recorded 100 key run blocks, has a run blocking percentage of 34.4 and a sacks allowed percentage of 1.1. Ferebee will challenge Brant Heinrich and Christian Reichel for the two roster spots at center.

Quarterback Irv Wooden is a surprise addition to the roster. The 24-year old has yet to start a game in the IHOF. Wooden was released by the Rochester Lake Monsters after joining them in 2006 as an undrafted free agent. Wooden has been a holder for the Lake Monsters and might be a backup option there in Maassluis. The management thinks that Wooden has a shot at making the final roster only with injuries and if the team can find a new home for Mel Atkins.

Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. calls the newbies both welcome additions: "Ferebee will challenge Heinrich. 'Heiny' allows too many sacks and Ferebee is known for his pass protection. With their run blocking ability being similair, it's not a done deal yet." About the new quarterback, M.IJ.B. said: "Wooden has the tools to be a good number three quarterback. In our quarterback happy organization, we hope he can make some progress and grow into being a worthy backup."

In the upcoming weekend, the Merchantmen will start negotiations with the four rookies. Next Saturday, all IHOF teams will get the green light on talking with their drafted players. The Merchantmen expect to sign all four rookies immediately and don't think there will be interesting free agents coming onto the market. But knowing how things go, the team might be looking for options afterall in the upcoming weeks towards training camp and pre-season. Nobody's job is safe in the football world.

MIJB#19

04-30-2005, 05:59 AM

Fans Choose Louie Flannery As Player Of The Year
The Maassluis Merchantmen are happy to announce the conclusion of an internet poll amongst Merchantmen fans to name their 2007 Player of the Year. With 70 percent of the votes, quarterback Louie Flannery was a run away winner in the voting. Flannery's leadership was highly praised after a 13-3 campaign, including the Europeran Division title and a second place overall in the Atlantic Ocean Conference. Charles Gomez and Randy Harris came in second and third place.

In a first reaction, Louie Flannery just thanks all the fans: "Thank you. We talked about it in the locker room a bit, but me being just a second year pro, I didn't expect this. Guys like Randy [Harris], [Charles] Gomez and Tai [Wayne] had the better story or long-term Merchantmen membership in their favor. I guess the fans go with the QB if a team wins and I'm grateful for the support. I just hope I can live up to expectations for next season."

"Flan' is the man!" Randy Harris said, "Louie makes this offense work, he's learned the system well and makes things work." The prolific running back has been starting every game for the Merchantmen since the IHOF started and should know. "We've had some fine quarterbacks on the team, but Flannery is a class on his own. I guess the fans see how much effort he gives with his ability to never give up."

Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude agreed with the choice: "The fans chose well. We've got a great team spirit amongst the players, but how Flannery picked up the leadership role is amazing. A second year quarterback who can lead a team to 14 wins in 18 games deserves recognition."

Defensive tackle Charles Gomez, who won the voting in 2006 and 2005 wasn't disappointed with the second place. Gomez said: "Football is all about team effort. The defense gains possession, special teams makes the field position better and the offense finishes it off. Flannery is the best quarterback I've worked with. The way how he came back after the struggles in his rookie year was awesome. I hope we can keep this flow going for several more seasons to come. With Flan', we can repeat and even go for more in 2008."

General manager and owner M.IJ.B. looks back to the day Flannery was drafted: "In our own tradition, we made a trade and got the guy we wanted. After we picked Flannery, I felt we found the right guy for the team. To be honest, my own vote went to Gomez, but I can feel good about Flannery being the fans' choice. Quarterbacks are the spot light players in this game and Flannery has proven he can be a top ten guy in this league."

It was only his second season, but the 'franchise quarterback' broke through in the 2008 season with a 14-4 record. Flannery set new franchise records in passing yards (3,768) and touchdowns (25). Flannery didn't miss a single down on offense for the entire season and also became the fulltime holder on kicking plays. After struggling with interceptions, Flannery got over it in the second half of the season and, according to team scouts, has already matured into a playoff calibre quarterback in his second year in the IHOF.

MIJB#19

05-02-2005, 07:33 PM

General Manager Notes
The players report for camp, the early signals of booming and busting are here.

Let's start with the bad news as a couple of players have lost some of their skills:
* -21 points, Guard Alphonse Gale, I'm concidering to release him right away
* -18 points, Center Christian Reichel, he's still a great long snapper, but no backup option
* -15 points, Defensive end Albert Bernardo, the aging mentor will be mentoring even more
* -14 points, Fullback Luke Smelser, age is catching up and he's no backup type anymore
* -11 points, Running back Randy Harris, still our starter, but this is not funny to know
* -11 points, Safety Richard Muller, he was headed out already, but now might go earlier
* -10 points, Wide receiver David Henkel, no way he's still here, but for how long?
* -10 points, Wide receiver Alfredo Rhodes, he's a mentor, otherwise he'd be out
* -8 points, Center Heath Ferebee, well, he's lising it, but he can still play
* -7 points, Defensive end Charles Layfield, he's headed out for sure now
* -6 points, Linebacker Josh Weisberg, somebody will have to mentor the 'backers!

And which guys made progress?
* +26 points, Linebacker Bernie Surry, the rookie looks like a potential starter now!
* +15 points, Safety Lincoln Gilmore, Our strong safety got even stronger
* +8 points, Defensive tackle Andrew Rasmussen, projected as a backup, still is but for how long?

Other things to note:
The rookies are all looking good. We're offering contracts this week and I hope they sign immediately. We offered our second round picks a 4-year deal and the lower round picks a 3-year deal. Three of our rookies are official 'boomers', while our fourth rookie is a 'bust' of some sort, yet he's still good enough in the skills we drafted him for. Or so it seems.

In the quarterback area, Mel Atkins is headed out, but the battle for the #3 role is heating up. Justin McDavid has serious competition from Irv Wooden. Wooden has more potential, the better formations knowledge and the potential in key areas to play in the system.

On the offensive line, I'm concidering to dump the second-year green kid Norman Holliday in favor of two-ringer Harrison Bolden. The line is going to see no new starters, but in te backup roles things will change. The backup center will be replaced and Bolden could be the other difference.

On the defensive line, Layfield and rookie Henderson are not setting the world on fire on first looks. It's looking like we'll go with the three starters from 2007, with the addition of Baranowski on the outside. On the inside, Rasmussen looks so good, it migh be worthwile to give him a starting role over Shiroma.

In the linebackers group, the five usual suspects see Bernie Surry move into the group. With Meier, Cluff, Kershner, Thelen and Surry, this could be the best linebackers group in the entire league. The emergency backers from 2007 could be out soon.

And in our secondary, the progress from Lincoln Gilmore means he's won the strong safety battle over William. Schultz will play free safety, with William as oft playing backup. On te corners, Endicott and Wayne stay as Clyburn seems to not be as good as hoped he could be. Clyburn can still be a good nickelback and Kennedy can dimeback, but it's not all too great.

Last but not least, it's looking more and more like Sean Smalley will be the better punter. The fans won't like it, but Roscoe Corrales' days in Maassluis could be over soon...

Alf

05-03-2005, 03:06 AM

ouch, not funny on Harris ....

MIJB#19

05-03-2005, 10:40 AM

Gossip News: Merchantmen Seeking Developmental Team
The latest rumors around the International House Of Football are not peanuts, the Maassluis Merchantmen have spread the word they're seeking another IHOF team to let a couple of youngsters get playing time elsewhere. What started the idea is still a bit of a mystery, but apparently they think they've outgrown a lot of other teams and are acting like their 4th stringers should be starters elsewhere.

First things first, what happened? The Merchantmen spread the word on a special 'loan' of player for the durartion of the pre-season. The Merchantmen sold it as a way to keep teams' best players inactive and make the 53-men roster cut day easier to get through. The written word was a list of six players which should be traded away for a sixth round pick and reacquired on the mandatory roster cut day for a fifth rounder.

The idea is said to have come forward through the re-acquisition of running back Kyle Montoya. In the 2007 pre-season, Montoya did well for the Merchantmen, yet was a fifth wheel on the wagon, sort of, and traded to the Bordeaux Vineyards. But in this off-season, the Merchantmen reacquired Montoya from the Vineyards in another trade. Crucial being that Montoya had some playing time with the French team he'd never had gotten with the Dutch team.

The latest news is that the Merchantmen dropped the offer, yet the damage is already done. Once the league doormat, now a rising team, they seem to have forgotten where they cam from. Of all people, the Merchantmen management should know what it's like to be a cellar dweller and yet they're seeking former fellow-dwellars to dump their own players for a while.

In a reaction, a couple of fellow owners suggested it is not such a good idea to use other teams as minor league teams. And the six listed players were not happy either. Center Christian Reichel was quoted: "Traded away for the pre-season? This isn't a soccer league!" Offensive tackle Norman Holliday said: "One day you're a future starter, the next they want to dump you in a place where they've never played winning football."

The Merchantmen management was unavailable for comment, as usual, but the defense they played didn't make much sense. The words "creativity" and "helping other teams" were complete non-sense. The advertised 'loans' were uncalled for and without respect to other teams. You'd almost want them to go through a season of struggle to get back to earth after a season as pretenders at the highest level. Haven't they learned anything from the spanking they got in the Atlantic Ocean Conference championship game?

MIJB#19

05-03-2005, 02:03 PM

Merchantmen Sign Three Rookies
With the signatures under the contracts three rookies were presented by the Maassluis Merchantmen today. Scott Bagley, Bernie Surry and Brenden Henderson turned up for the press conference and smilies in their new jerseys. Bagley will be wearing the 44 jerseys, which has never seen the field for the Merchantmen before during a regular season game. Henderson was given 96, the old number from long time starting defensive tackle John Bryant. Surry looked happy in his new orange 56 jersey.

Scott Bagley was the first rookie player to sign the deal and became Merchantmen player #185. The Temple graduate was presented as "a guy who can run with the ball" and "a special teams standout". Bagley is expected to play a lot in pre-season and be the premier kickoff returner for the team in the regular season.

Brenden Henderson was presented second. Henderson will be expected to be active for the pre-season, but the odds on him making the roster are slim. Merchantmen lead scout Gabe Avila said: "Henderson has good potential, but his pass rush technique is terrible right now. It'll be tough to make the roster with so little experience." Henderson hopes to prove the scouting staff wrong and survive the roster cuts.

Bernie Surry was the highly anticipated new star of the team. Scouts around the IHOF noticed that Surry was better than advertised. Some even claim Surry has the best zone defense potential of all outside linebacker in the league. Recent scouting reports read: "Surry is the missing piece to the puzzle, he's got the potential of the perfect linebacker for the Merchantmen defense." For 2008, Surry is expected to be the new gunner and a premier backup.

Puner Sean Smalley turned down the initial contract offered. Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. was disappointed: "Smalley got the same offer that Scott Bagley signed and Bagley was drafted 12 spots higher." Player agent Stanley Johnson advised Smalley to wait with signing. Johnson said: "The Merchantmen think Smalley is the real deal, signing a four-year deal will limit his chances to sign a better deal later on."

The press conference was closed with the presentation of the entire training camp roster list of 70 names, including unsigned punter Smalley. Onwer M.IJ.B. explained: "It's pretty easy, we're done with figuring out which 53 men will defend the European division title. We'll stick seven others around in case people get hurt."

The comments from M.IJ.B. mean the ten casualties to go from 70 to 60 players after training are also known. "Correct," M.IJ.B. said, "the list of names has already been spread around in the league, nine players are available for trade and one running back will join them."

The list of unwanted players contains of: quarterback Mel Atkins, wide receiver David Henkel, center/long snapper Christian Reichel, guard Alphonse Gale, defensive end Charles Layfield, defensive tackle Eric Griffin, linebacker Mitch Hoofkin, cornerback Johnnie Stidham and safety Richard Muller. The names of Stidham and Muller as former starters jump out.

MIJB#19

05-04-2005, 06:49 AM

General Manager Notes
Well, we're heading towards training camp and we're almost done figuring out which 53 players will be defending the European Division title. As I said before, I hope to go into the season with pretty much the same 53 players who made us Atlantic Ocean Conferece runners' up. Let's take a look at our 2007 53-men roster and the potential changes in 2008:
<table>
<tr><td>2007<td>2008
<tr><td>QB Louie Flannery<td>QB Louie Flannery
<tr><td>QB Shane Bower<td>QB Thad Pikington
<tr><td>QB Mel Atkins<td>QB Mel Atkins/QB Irv Wooden/RB Kyle Montoya
<tr><td>QB Justin McDavid<td>QB Justin McDavid
<tr><td>RB Randy Harris<td>RB Randy Harris
<tr><td>RB/PR Rodger Mowery<td>RB/KR Scott Bagley
<tr><td>RB Tyrell Mahoney<td>RB Tyrell Mahoney/RB Desmond Carlisle/RB Kyle Montoya
<tr><td>FB Jamel Rosenberry<td>FB Jamel Rosenberry
<tr><td>FB Henry Poston<td>FB Henry Poston
<tr><td>TE Jim Reiser<td>TE Jim Reiser
<tr><td>TE Arnold Ramirez<td>TE Arnold Ramirez
<tr><td>TE/LS Charlie Martins<td>TE/LS Charlie Martins
<tr><td>WR Gregory Monti<td>WR Gregory Monti
<tr><td>WR Bryce Ewald<td>WR Bryce Ewald
<tr><td>WR/PR Jerry Beyer<td>WR/PR Jerry Beyer
<tr><td>WR Jules Benedict<td>WR Jules Benedict
<tr><td>WR/KR Devin Henson<td>WR/KR Devin Henson
<tr><td>C Brant Heinrich<td>C Brant Heinrich
<tr><td>C Tom Schwartz<td>C Heath Ferebee
<tr><td>G Butch White<td>G Butch White
<tr><td>G Timothy Lacy<td>G Timothy Lacy
<tr><td>G Brian Hammond<td>G Brian Hammond
<tr><td>LT Ivan Jacques<td>LT Ivan Jacques
<tr><td>LT Harold Hurtado<td>LT Harold Hurtado
<tr><td>RT Cornelius Rice<td>RT Cornelius Rice
<tr><td>RT Norman Holliday<td>RT Norman Holliday/RT Harrison Bolden
<tr><td>P Roscoe Corrales<td>P Roscoe Corrales/P Sean Smalley
<tr><td>PK Cary Coles<td>PK Cary Coles
<tr><td>KOK Al Bettis<td>KOK Al Bettis
<tr><td>DE Omar Gougeon<td>DE Omar Gougeon
<tr><td>DE Aaron Sherrill<td>DE Aaron Sherrill
<tr><td>DE Albert Bernardo<td>DE Albert Bernardo
<tr><td>DE Wally Wilcox<td>DE Erwin Baranowski
<tr><td>DT Charles Gomez<td>DT Charles Gomez
<tr><td>DT Andy Weliczka<td>DT Andy Weliczka
<tr><td>DT Shaun Shiroma<td>DT Shaun Shiroma
<tr><td>DT Andrew Rasmussen<td>DT Andrew Rasmussen
<tr><td>MLB Cody Cluff<td>MLB Cody Cluff
<tr><td>LB Carl Meier<td>LB Carl Meier
<tr><td>OLB Ellsworth Thelen<td>OLB Ellsworth Thelen
<tr><td>OLB Mike Kershner<td>OLB Mike Kershner
<tr><td>OLB John Weisberg<td>OLB John Weisberg
<tr><td>OLB Mitch Hoofkin<td>OLB Bernie Surry
<tr><td>LB Daniel Ruelas<td>FS Broderick Schultz
<tr><td>CB Tai Wayne<td>CB Tai Wayne
<tr><td>CB Winford Endicott<td>CB Winford Endicott
<tr><td>CB Myron Stevens<td>CB Myron Stevens
<tr><td>CB Johnnie Stidham<td>CB Xavier Clyburn
<tr><td>CB/KR Desmond Craig<td>CB/PR Sammie Kennedy
<tr><td>SS Lincoln Gilmore<td>SS Lincoln Gilmore
<tr><td>S Emile William<td>S Emile William
<tr><td>FS John Cole<td>FS John Cole
<tr><td>S Lamar Singleton<td>S Lamar Singleton
</table>
A quick look shows we're going with 5 to 9 changes in our personnel for 2008. Who are coming in and who are going out?

QB Mel Atkins could be a decent #4 quarterback, but right now we're only keeping him around for pre-season if QB Irv Wooden has a worse training camp. After pre-season we'll decided whether we go with 4 quarterbacks or with 4 running backs. It will probably depend on injuries.

RB Rodger Mowery retired so we needed a new backup runner. RB Scott Bagley has the potential and current skills to be a decent #3 running back, but with the lack of better, we'll have to do with him for 2008. Unless a freaky trade comes along...

RB Tyrell Mahoney was a nice project, but I'm not too sold with him. RB Kyle Montoya and RB Desmond Carlisle will battle it out with Mahoney in pre-season on who will go into 2008 as our #3 running back. Right now Kyle Montoya has the edge over the other two. If we go with 4 running backs, two of the three will make the final roster.

C Tom Schwartz wasn't planned to make the 2007 roster, but in the end we didn't have a decent enough backup center. Chris Reichel was hurt for an unknown time. Heath Ferebee is an experienced veteran player and has four years as an IHOF starter on his resume.

RT Norman Holliday looks like a potential future starter, but needs to get more experienced to be even backup material. With a good camp and full time starting in pre-season, we hope Holliday will mature. If he doesn't, we'll condider to dump him in favor of two-time IHOF champion Harrison Bolden.

P Roscoe Corrales has been a good punter and did his share of field position setting. For 2008 and on, we drafted Sean Smalley to take over from Corrales. Training camp and pre-season will have to point out who the winner will be. Might might even cocider keeping both around in stead of a fourth quarterback, fourth running back or fifth safety.

DE Wally Wilcox was pretty old and retired after hardly playing a down in 2007. Still, he gave us enough depth at defensive end to play a rotation system. Erwin Baranowski is the new guy in town and he should be our new #3 end. The idea is to do even more rotating in 2008 and Baranowski will be a crucial element.

OLB Mitch Hoofkin hardly played and would have been a good enough sixth linebacker. Until Bernie Surry was drafted and broke out into a potential superstar linebacker. Surry lacks endurance, but we've got depth at the linebacker position and we got a mentor to tutor him.

LB Daniel Ruelas was acquired to get through injury woes and he might survive roster cuts again due to injuries. Ruelas will play in pre-season, but is unlikely to stick around. Free safety Broderick Schultz looks like the perfect fit for our defense, despite his lack of endurance. We've got depth and I believe in Schultz.

S Lamar Singleton is curretly inked in as our 53rd player, but if injuries call for it, we won't hesistate to let him go in favor of having enough healthy players at other positions. Singleton still has the potential to contribute on our secondary, but time to breakout has come.

Looking around, 'worst case' we're going into 2008 with 10 new faces active. Of course, injuries to players in pre-season could change the face of our 2008 team a bit more, but it's unlikely to be significant enough to be noticed. I can't wait for the season to start. The first three games will be the ultimate test, Going 2-1 against Gothenburg and at North Plainfield and Outer Banks are the best way to show we're for real.

Kodos

05-04-2005, 12:39 PM

First, I'm not sure wheter I will be updating regularly, but I'll try to do an update after the stages.

I guess you're doing okay with the updating. ;)

MIJB#19

05-04-2005, 12:50 PM

Irregular Interviewing: Mike 'Mickey' Kershner
The 2008 IHOF season is coming up and all around the league people are looking forward to the new season. Training camp has yet to start, but mini-camp have already shuffled the cards a bit. For the Maassluis Merchantmen the arrival of rookie linebacker Bernie Surry has caused a lot of media attention. Surry is said to be the perfect guy to play in the system.

Casualty of the situation will be fan favorite Mike Kershner. 'Mickey' has a lot to proove in training camp and maybe pre-season that he's for real. Overtime, the Merchantmen management brought in Bernie Hicks as defensive coordinator, Carl Meier as backup and Josh Weisberg as mentor to get 'Mickey' focussed to develop. And now the newest boost to step up and become an elite outside linebacker has arrived. The last chance to become the star he wants to be is here. Can 'Mickey' handle the pressure?

Questioner (Q): Hello Mike, how's life back in the Netherlands?
Mike Kershner (MK): It's raining now and than, as usual, but we've had a couple of hot days as well. We'll get through it, I think.

Q: Let's throw out the question everybody has out there: What do you think of the hype Bernie Surry is bringing?
MK: We've trained together and Surry is looking good. It looks like he's going to push the rest to step up or ride the bench.

Q: Are you afraid of losing your starting role?
MK: The management keeps saying we all should be afraid. And face it, with the group of 'backers we got, it's five or six guys for three spots in the starting lineup. It'll be a fun camp.

Q: Last season, people called you the weakest link on the pass defense. They defend their words with the 10 catches you allowed in the AOC Championship game. What's your take on that?
MK: I think as a team we played one of our worst games ever. The Plague offense was determined to repeat and we played as rookies. It was never a fair game.

Q: But people pointed the finger in your direction. Bernie Surry and Carl Meier are said to be the better pass defenders.
MK: So? I'm a winner, a survivor, I'll comeback. With all the injuries last season, I have no doubt we'll be handling with it. The fans want me on the field. I'm here to show them why.

Q: But what about the pass defense?
MK: I'm pretty sure we'll be working on it in training camp. I know the zone defense is part of the system, I've got to learn it to play they say. Well, I've got news for you, I'm going to set everything right by sniping the running backs down!

Q: And the pass defense?
MK: Well, I hear Bernie Surry can play it, let's see if he can handle it. I'm expecting they'll let us share time anyway, I'm an explosive guy, can give it only for about 30 to 40 minutes, Surry has the same style of play.

Q: Okay, something different now. Where's the nickname 'Mickey' coming from?
MK: Heh, that's a long story. I'm a Disney fan and I love that black mouse. Mickey Mouse is my idol and I always try to wear something with his picture on it. Whether it's a sock, a baseball cap, a sweat bandage or my boxers.

Q: And with your name being Mike, the link is easy.
MK: Huh? ... Mike, Mickey. ... Wow, good find!

Q: Right.
MK: I love it! That makes the image even cooler! Go Mickey!

Q: The fans have been screaming for you, you were recently polled to be the even more popular than Charles Gomez, Louie Flannery and Justin McDavid.
MK: Yeah, I know. Ain't it cool to be more popualr than the quarterbacks? I think the fans around here justknow who to support. It's not all about offense in football.

Q: What are your plans for 2008?
MK: Well, first I want to survive pre-season injury free. 2007 wasn't fun. I was unable to play in the early games and had to watch the losses to San Antonio and Vicksburg from the sidelines.

Q: That was rough I guess?
MK: For sure. I mean, the team just had no clue how to stop that Ronnie Kemp guy. I tell you, he'd never had ran for over 100 yards with me around, I'd take the guy out before half time.

Q: Then you returned and eventually started 9 games, including the two playoff games.
MK: It was all cool to experience. We trashed Gothenburg, trashed Bordeaux, a fun season after all.

Q: Another question, how's your relationship with Josh Weisberg?
MK: Josh and I are football players, we both play outside linebacker. He's a guy with experience and can teach a lot.

Q: How has his pressence on the team changed things for you?
MK: Well, at first I was afraid he'd start, but later on he turned out to be a cool guy who knows a lot about football. But not as much as Mister Hicks.

Q: Mister Hicks? You mean defensive coordinator Bernie Hicks?
MK: Yeah, mister Hicks. You can tell he's played linebacker at a high level. He knows all about it. I feel I can learn a lot more from him this season.

Q: Coming back to Bernie Surry, will he contribute from it?
MK: Bernie is a young guy, but he's got potential, everybody can see it. With mister Hicks and 'Wizz' [Josh Weisberg] around, everybody can learn to play outside 'backer.

Q: Mike, besides Weisberg, which football players around the league are your heroes?
MK: Myles Sam. That guy is freakin' awesome! I watched him closely when we played at the Chitterlings back in 2006. He's always focussed on the running back, he'll never let him escape when he comes to his side.

Q: When the Merchantmen were taking with Sam, what did you think about it?
MK: Well, I was only thinking how cool it would be to play opposite him on the defensive front. Imagine the best pass rush, with Cody Cluff, Myles Sam and me. I guees 'Elly' [Ellsworth Thelen] wouldn't like to read this, but damn did that sounds awesome.

Q: You think Thelen isn't good enough?
MK: Thelen is a great player, like me a run stopper. But he's not all world stud like Myles Sam. 'Elly' is just behind that kind of level. Thelen is an A, Sam is A+.

Q: The manegement has kept the defense together for 2008, can the top defense in points allowed get any better?
MK: Sure we can. Look at the new guys, we only got better! Erwin [Baranowski], [Broderick] Schultz, [Xavier] Clyburn, Sammie [Kennedy], they're all awesome additions. We've talked about Surry. And the younger guys are also maturing.

Q: You're saying you guys are better?
MK: We can only hope so, but on first look we're better. Look at who are leaving and who are coming back for them. Johnnie Stidham was mister interception two years ago and now, boom, he's supposed to be gone after trainging camp. Same with Desmond Craig, Richard Muller. And in the past with guys like Gus Stoffers, Percy Francis, John Bryant, Scot Dick. The management is doing a good job to keep this defense getting better.

Q: And the offense?
MK: Well, we got Louie Flannery. People all around the league talk big about him and it's hard to argue he's no future star. Randy Harris has slowed down a bit, but with the other guys around him, the offense will be the same.

Q: And then there's special teams. You used to be the gunner, is that your role again in 2008?
MK: That's yet to be seen. It seems we've got a lot of competition for it this year. Cody Cluff is a stud, he's still the #1 guy. We've got Surry now, Lincoln Gilmore, Jim Reiser, Bryce Ewald, Greg' Monti, 'Jelly Belly' [Jerry Beyer]...

Q: Enough guys who can play it?
MK: Exactly.

Q: Okay, we're running out of time. Last question: how do you explain the huge fan base? The Merchantmen have the biggest attendance figures in the IHOF?
MK: Well, I hear ticket prices have been the same for three seasons and we're winning games now. We'll gone from the doormat of the league to the surprize of the league. People love that.

Q: Even in the Netherlands?
MK: Especially in the Netherlands! It's a small country, they're the ultimate underdogs. It's all about being part of the Merchantmen. We worked hard to get here, from worst team to second best of the AOC.

Q: Point taken. Thanks for you time, Mike. Good luck in 2008.
MK: Thanks.

Q: Let's hope you can go through 2008 injury-free!
MK: That's very kind of you. I hope it too!

MIJB#19

05-04-2005, 12:52 PM

I guess you're doing okay with the updating. ;)LOL. I've outdone my own expectations so far.

MIJB#19

05-04-2005, 04:54 PM

Merchantmen Opt To Let Smalley Holdout
Things can get stranger with the week for punter Sean Smalley. One week they trade to get you in the second round of the draft, the next week you're talked into not signing a four-year deal, and then you're facing to sit out the season unsigned. After additional talks, the Maassluis Merchantmen are opting to keep Smalley unsigned until popular long-term punter Roscoe Corrales gets hurt.

General manager and owner M.IJ.B. explains the situation: "We have 61 players we want to bring into pre-season. We don't really need two punters, Smalley just made it a tricky situation for himself. We like the kid, but we won't hesistate to let him wait until we think we need him. Maybe it's a strategy to keep in mind for future holdouts as well. We could have saved us some painful decissions in the past."

Smalley himself was shocked and had a hard time explaining his feelings: "One day they want me, the next they tell me to wait for Roscoe [Corrales] to get hurt. It's confusing." Smalley's agent Stanley Johnson was furious: "They can't do this to players! They're keeping Smalley out of important team building and development stages. But in the end, they are wasting their draft pick, I want the best deal for Sean and we'll play it hard."

To pressure player agent Johnson, the Merchantmen management were rumored to have threatend other players associtated with his agency. Johnson: "There are early indication the team is going to cut ties with some of the players I represent, but I'm professional enough to keep things seperated. I expect the same thing from the Merchantmen management, but the rumors are there."

Stanley Johnson represents 139 players associated with the IHOF and eight of them are on the Maassluis Merchantmen roster. Besides punter Sean Smalley, Johnson's agency represents tight end Arnold Ramirez, wide receiver David Henkel, defensive ends Charles Layfield, Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon, and linebackers Mitch Hoofkin and Josh Weisberg.

Roscoe Corrales, the Merchantmen punter for the past four seasons was also confused. Corrales said: "The future is looking different. Maybe I should have seen this coming, but now the tide is turing, maybe I can have another season in Oranje Haven now. If that's what the player and his agent want..."

Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude pleads for a stress-free environment: "We're about to head into training camp, we can't use this type of sideline stuff. We need to focus everything and need to train on the automatics. Especially if we want to know whether Smalley can replace Corrales."

The Maassluis Merchantmen are allowed to bring 60 players into pre-season. If Smalley remains unsigned, he won't count towards the active 46 players or the 14 inactive players. It would give the team the possibility to sign Smalley after putting a player on injured reserve. This way the team can spare one player from getting released after training camp and basically sign Smalley whenever they need him or have room for him.

MIJB#19

05-05-2005, 12:04 PM

Merchantmen Sign Call, Release Gale And Layfield
Just days before training camp, the Maassluis Merchantmen made three roster moves to complete the traning camp roster to 69 players. Guard Alphonse Gale was released to make room for former All IHOF guard Jasper Call. Additionally, the team released Charles Layfield and made another contract offer to punter Sean Smalley in hopes he'll sign in-time to be able to participate in training camp.

Alphonse Gale never played a game for the Merchantmen, but has some history with the team after spending the 2007 pre-season with the team. Gale was then released days before going into the regular season. For 2008, Gale was expected to battle for a roster spot again, but he turned in for mini-camps out of shape and the team management felt he would be unable to make the team.

Charles Layfield has spent only part of this off-season on the Merchantmen roster. Layfield was expected to be the fifth defensive end going into pre-season, but he became expendable after he showed up out of shape. Additionally, the Merchantmen drafted another defensive end in Brenden Henderson to compete for the pre-season roster spot.

Jasper Call is the new face in town. Call will be battling with Brian Hammond for the backup job behind Butch White and Timothy Lacy. In 2004, Call earned All IHOF second team honors in his first of four years of service with the Springfield Isotopes. Last season he fell into a backup role and became expendable this off-season. Call's lack of interest to protect his quarterback might break him up, but his run blocking makes up for the loss. Aged 36, Call is expected to be a one or two year backup at best.

MIJB#19

05-06-2005, 04:06 PM

Merchantmen Staff Happy About Training Camp
The Maassluis Merchantmen are ready for 2008, or so do the coordinators on each end of the ball believe. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude tempers the positive sentiments, but can't hide his optimism. Punter Sean Smalley is still holding out and seems to go unsigned for a long time. And the team is still searching for a new backup running back as Scott Bagley couldn't impress the manament.

The offensive side of the ball looked good. Randy Harris looked a bit slower than the past season, but other players looked better than ever. Fullback Jamel Rosenberry made blocks, Timothy Lacy was dominant on the right side of the line and Mel Atkins made a push for making the 53-men roster once again. Offensive coordinator Antonio Francis was praised but also tempered the sentiments: "The running backs are not making progress as we want, I hope it's not going to break us up." The most kudos went to Henry Poston, who's making a statement as being a capable backup fullback.

On the defensive side, coordinator Bernie Hicks looked happier than ever. "I'm impressed by the defensive tackles, while Mike Kershner and Bernie Surry are pumping eachother up for the regular season." In the secondary, Broderick Schultz and Lincoln Gilmore looked amazing as a safety duo, making people wonder why Schultz was ever concidered a bust. Second-year player Sammie Kennedy also looked good and made a case for being on the depth chart as at least a dime back.

Headcaoch Leroy Van Der Woude was happy, but also pointed out that anything can happen: "Everybody around the IHOF has seen other teams fall. The Conyers Condors went from conference champs to 4-12, the Orlando Knights from a lock for the playoffs to cellar dwellars. We lost some depth at running back, but have gotten better in depth at the offensive line, in the secondary and we have Thad Pilkington as the perfect backup quarterback."

Missing for camp was punter Sean Smalley. The second round pick and 63rd overall selection in the 2008 draft once again didn't sign the contract offer the Merchantmen management showed him. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "Smalley missed some important steps in the team proces. With this attitude, he's not going to be part of the team soon." As announced earlier, the team will leaves Smalley unsigned until veteran Roscoe Corrales gets hurt or until they have room on the team due to injuries at other positions.

The other second round pick, Scott Bagley did sign his rookie contract, but hasn't set the world on fire yet. Bagley looked good in special teams drills, but his running game is a bit predicatble. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "Scott has the elusiveness to make big plays, but his speed and power are lacking. But more importantly, he's seemingly lacking enough skill to find the holes in the defense yet, he's got to work on that to win us over."

With Bagley not completely fullfilling expectations, the Merchantmen have sent out an advertisement as looking for a backup running back. The team knows that the likes of Tyrell Mahoney, Kyle Montoya, Desmond Carlisle and Scott Bagley would qualify as good reserves all around the league, but they want more. In 2007, Rodger Mowery showed that having a former 1,000-yard back as the #2 guy can do wonders. Additionally, the team has plans to let Jamel Rosenberry take over the backup duties if no better alternative is found.

With the traning camp over, the Merchantmen also announced a list of eight names of players who should be looking out for a job elsewhere. Quarterback Irv Woodson, wide receiver David Henkel, center Christian Reichel, defensive end Brenden Henderson, defensive tackle Eric Griffin, linebacker Mitch Hoofkin, cornerback Johnnie Stidham and safety Richard Muller are listed as up for trade. Quarterback Mel Atkins and linebacker Daniel Ruelas were informed that they should be aware that the team will try to pick up two free agents to take their roster spots.

MIJB#19

05-07-2005, 11:49 AM

Merchantmen Sign 1000-Yd Runner Curran And Tackle King
Two days before the IHOF pre-season kicks of, the Maassluis Merchantmen presented two new faces to the team. Running back Arthur Curran and left ackle Alfonso King join the team on a one-year minimum salary contract. These moves boost the team to 70 players under contract, excluding hold-out punter Sean Smalley. The management is pleased with these signings and wanted to point out to other players on roster their jobs are not safe until the 53-men cut day is over.

Arthur Curran brings experience to the backfield. The 31-year old runner started his IHOF career with the Fairbanks NorthStars and earned a championship ring with them. During the 2005 season he was traded to the Syracuse Mohawks. In both 2005 and 2006 he ran for over 1,000 yards, while totalling 17 touchdowns. In 2007 Curran dropped on the depth chart and became a free agent this off-season. Curran will battle with three younger running backs for one or two roster spots for the 2008 season.

Alfonso King kicked his career off with the San Luis Obispo Burn. The 33-year old left tackle played there for three seasons. King started 14 games during the 2005 season, but hasn't started in a regular season IHOF game since. In 2007, King was hired by the Fredrick Red Menace and started in the playoff game against the Chesapeake Chitterlings. King is unlikely to survive the 53-men roster cut day, but if he will, he'll be asked to mentor young Norman Holliday.

The addition of both players stirred up the discussion on which ten players will be released going into the first pre-season game. The names of linebacker Daniel Ruelas and quarterback Mel Atkins were mentioned already, but now the other backup running backs and offensive tackles have to fear for their jobs. Especially tackle Harrison Bolden looks up for release, despite having a stellar training camp. The Merchantmen management expects to announce the release of ten players a day before the first pre-season game at the Williamsburg Colonials.

MIJB#19

05-09-2005, 03:02 PM

General Manager Notes
Hello everybody, let me give you a little update on what's going on lately.

First of all, we signed two new players and with that I created a tougher decission day to go down fro 70 to 60 players. Against my usual habits, I've decided to release the 10 players before game day and not on game day. The downside is that these guys could be picked up for game day, but I think shortening the trade options period with a day helps to give me a shot at trading the players. I've offered to trade all ten casualties for just one draft pick, even if it's just a 2011 seventh round pick. How's that on losing value?

Well, looking at the team, some of he guys are total scrubs. I mean, QB Irv Woodson, C Chris Reichel, LB Daniel Ruelas, DE Brenden Henderson and LB Mitch Hoofkin are not going to make the starting lineup elsewhere. On the other hand, Henderson has the best overall potential of all our defensive ends while Ruelas and Hoofkin were our emergency linebackers last season. And the other five guys up for release are guys I'd really liked to keep.

CB Johnnie Stidham has a reputation in Maassluis. Stid' became Mister Interception in 2006 when he made 7 picks for us. Stid' is the Merchantmen all time leader and will likely be that still until after the upcoming season. He's been a great guy and could still work out on the system, but we've added some elite zone defenders and Stid' just isn't that.

FS Richard Muller once was a game winner for us. In 2005 he helped a lot in the revival from 1-15 to a 7-9 team. Too bad repetetitive concussion syndrome destryed his career here, but that's how things go. He could help out on other teams as a backup, but so far nobody wants him...

WR David Henkel has scored 6 touchdowns as the # 3 receiver for Vicksburg in 2005 and sadly never worked out with us. Mister big-play was about to be cut last season, but injury and league rules forced him onto the injured reserve list. Too bad, he deserved better than that.

RT Harrison Bolden hasn't even played for us, but after a great training camp he was almost a potential starter. Yeah, almost. We signed him on a one-year deal and didn't expect Norman Holliday to have a good camp or to be able to acquire a mentor for Holliday for pre-season. I would have loved to have our team hand him his tird championship ring in four years, but that won't happen now, will it?

DT Eric Griffin is a guy who I tried to get before drafting Shaun Shiroma and Andrew Rasmussen. Go figure, now he's here and I prefer the two second-year guys over him. If only Brooklyn had traded the bum to me in the 2007 off-season, Shiroma had never been a Merchantmen and Griffin would have been a starter wit us today. Oh well, I guess he was at the wrong place in the wrong time. I even forgot he was on our roster right now...

Okay, so, we're heading into the pre-season with 60 players signed and one hold-out, then what? Well, we've got 6 running backs and one or two will leave the team. We also signed a couple of short-term mentors earlier on, who will be kicked off the team as well in the process. And we don't know who will get injured yet. So nothing is 100% sure.

In pre-season, our youngsters will be starting and get mentored as well. So, some of our potential starters will in fact be starting. Jerry Beyer, Scott Bagley, Aaron Sherrill, Omar Gougeon, Andy Weliczka, Andrew Rasmussen, Bernie Surry, Mike Kershner and Myron Stevens are all going to start in the road game at the Williamsburg Colonials.

We did inactivate 14 players by the way. The names of Randy Harris, Jamel Rosenberry, Jim Reiser, Bryce Ewald, Timothy Lacy, Ivan Jacques, Cornelius Rice, Cary Coles, Erwin Baranowski, Charles Gomez, Ellsworth Thelen, Tai Wayne, Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz will be missing on the active roster.

That's it for now, more to come when the releases are made final.

MIJB#19

05-10-2005, 09:21 AM

Irregular Interviewing: Randy Harris
Quick, name the ten best running backs in IHOF history. The average fan will come up with Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson, Gerald Harris, Huey Gervais, Ronnie Kemp and Raymond Flowers as the top five. Behind them, the likes of Jerry McGee, Bud Pitts, Kevin 'Chief' Wiggins and Joe Boulware could show up. And we're simply going past the likes of Dan Mobley, William 'Chunder' Wood, Israel Mars, Shannon Fitzhume, Phillip Hough, Garrett Freitas, James Cull and Mark Halley. There's plenty of qualifying runners in the IHOF.

The Maassluis Merchantmen fans have their own hero. Running from behind the hyped quarterbacks Justin McDavid and Louie Flannery, the Merchantmen have their own star. A guy who ran for at least 1,000 yards in each of the first four IHOF seasons. A guy who still holds the single-game rushing touchdowns record since week three of the 2004 season. A guy who ranks seventh all-time in touchdowns scored and in rushing yards. A guy who ranks first in receiving touchdowns amongst running backs. A guy names Randy Harris.

Questioner (Q): Hello Randy, thanks for joining us.
Randy Harris (RH): My pleasure. They told me the fans want to hear my stories, so I'm here to tell something about me.

Q: What do you think the fans want to know? What kind of ice crea you like?
RH: I'm a banana split fan. I found a good local restaurant in Maassluis where they make a tasty banana split. But I can't give away the name of it or all the fans will join me. [Laughs]

Q: Okay Randy, you like banana splits, but what's your take on splitting time?
RH: I see where you're going.

Q: You're not getting younger. Rumors are you lost some of your speed and stamina. The Merchantmen even drafted a running back!
RH: They did so in three of the four drafts. Running back has always been a need area, or so it seems. It worked out all well last season with Rodger Mowery. I think the team wanted to have a similar kind of player to replace him.

Q: Is Scott Bagley the new Rodger Mowery?
RH: Hard to say, he's yet to play a down for the team. With the pre-season, he'll get some time to show what he's worth. He's developed a bit and I think he'll be able to be a good backup type of player.

Q: What do you think of Arthur Curran? Is he capable of learning you and the youngsters some stuff?
RH: Curran is the guy who showed the league that any running back can be a 1,000 yarder as long as he's with the right system. If anybody can teach other backs how to run, he can.

Q: Who do you see make the final roster at running back?
RH: That's an aweful question. How can I say something like: "I think Kyle (Montoya) is a great guy, but doesn't lack the speed?" It's going to be an all open race between the four guys. As far as I know, only Scott (Bagley) and I are already written in for the 53-men roster.

Q: How do you like the chances for the upcoming season for the team? Will the Merchantmen stay where they are as a final four candidate, or was 2007 really a fluke?
RH: A fluke? I'm not sure about that. The team has worked hard on things like cohesion and chemistry. The game plan has been working last season and the management has managed to stick the team together. I'll miss Rodger Mowery, but he's probably the only guy to leave on offense.

Q: And Shane Bower was replaced with Thad Pilkington.
RH: True. Shane was unlucky in his timing to get here. From the moment the team traded for him, he was tagged the ultimate Justin McDavid clone. Try to live up to being a clone of the most popular player. It's impossible for a new guy.

Q: How's Thad getting accustomed to life in the Netherlands?
RH: I think you should ask him personally, really. So far, I think Thad and Louie (Flannery) are making it a close battle for the starting job. Everbody knows Louie will be our quarterback next season, but Thad brings quarterback game time experience we never had before on the team.

Q: What's the secret of the Merchantmen?
RH: The trading spree.

Q: Are you serious?
RH: What's the trait of the Merchantmen?

Q: Trading?
RH: Exactly! The management has brought in the right players for the system over the years and change the system accordingly. We look like world beaters, but we're still the same football players. Together as a team, with everybody doing their trick, we can beat everybody.

Q: Except the North Plainfield Plague.
RH: Yes, except the Plague... In week three, we'll go into their house again and try to avenge the previous beatings they gave us.

Q: Even Charles Gomez and the top defense in the league couldn't keep the Plague from winning that game.
RH: Yeah. Well, that's one of those things. We've got a great team, but if things go bad, things will get ugly and we can lose really big. We've gotten used to taking an early lead and defending it. That's what we do best.

Q: And that's where the great ground game comes in.
RH: Yes. It's no coincidence the ground game production went up with the number of victories going up. Don't get me wrong, we're not winning due to our ground game alone, it works in both directions.

Q: The more you win, the more you run, and the more you win?
RH: Exactly. With the offensive line and Jamel (Rosenberry) blocking for me, it's a lot easier than in the early days. Not to let the 2004 line down, they all worked hard, but simply didn't have the talent guys like Ivan Jacques, Timothy Lacy and the rest bring.

Q: And that's it? There's no other secret about the Merchantmen?
RH: Well, I could say that the drugs policy is less tight around here, but hat would be a typical American point of view joke. Living around here for four years, you find out things are different. There are no hookers on every street corner either. There are only drugs dealers on every corner. [Harris winks with his eye.]

Q: Okay, something a bit different now. We've talked about team success. You are a popular player, but yet you seem to go under the radar and silently be an elite running back.
RH: Perhaps. I think the other running backs and run-oriented teams will have the respect for me. It's true that I'm not being scouted as a top 10, top 20 running back, but it's up to me to prove everybody wrong. I work hard for the team and it seems to work, given the stats.

Q: Will you ever lead the league in something?
RH: I hear I'm leading the league in receiving touchdowns amongst running backs and I got that big game against the Giants back in 2004. People know me, I think. Everytime somebody opens the record book, my name is there. It's nice, but not important today.

Q: What is important today?
RH: Winning the league title. We were two wins away from it last season, 2/3rd of the league has never been that close. It's ought to be worth something.

Q: But with you slowing down a bit, is that still possible?
RH: I'll do my best, work hard as always and try to make plays. Or else the other guys will have to step up. We don't have world beating running backs, but all the guys around are good enough to be a number three guy somewhere.

Q: Okay, it sounds like you're confident for the next season.
RH: I am, we're still the same team, except a bit better on defense. The defense will help out and make things easier for the offense. I hope we can take advantage again and score three touchdowns per game.

Q: With one on your account.
RH: It doesn't matter, we're a team, you know? Stats are nice, like I said earlier, but the ultimate goal is still 18 or 19 games. We can only hope to go 19-0 for the season.

Q: Any final word for the fans?
RH: I hope we can win more than just 5 games at home this season. It was the only downer of last season, to win only 5 games and a playoff game at home.

Q: Okay, thanks for you time Randy and good luck next season.
RH: No problem.

MIJB#19

05-10-2005, 01:20 PM

Merchantmen Waive Ten Players
It was a tough speech, but inevitable. Today, the Maassluis Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. called the staff and players for the inevitable release of 10 players to reach the pre-season limit of 60 players under contract. The eventual names didn't come as a surprise as the names were mentioned already immediately after training camp. The remaining players and the rest of the staff left for the first pre-season game at the Williamsburg Colonials.

A tear glanced in his eye when Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. did his thank you speech towards the end of reading the list of ten released players. Quarterback Irv Wooden, wide receiver David Henkel, center Christian Reichel, tackle Harrison Bolden, defensive end Brenden Henderson, defensive tackle Eric Griffin and linebackers Daniel Ruelas and Mitch Hoofkin were mentioned, but not with the same pain as the last two players. Cornerback Johnnie Stidham and safety Richard Muller have gone through ups and downs with the team before.

Owner M.IJ.B. wished the players luck in their search for a new job: "We tried to find you all a new home. The league is not thrilled about trading at this stage of the season, but I've got good hopes that some of you will be employed again soon enough." Of the ten casualties, all are expected to find a new team during pre-season, except for quarterback Irv Wooden, wide receiver David Henkel and maybe the defensive linemen Eric Griffin and Brenden Henderson.

To show the contrast, the remaining 60 players left for the USA to play the first pre-season game, while the released players joined the same flight. In the USA, the Merchantmen will play the Williamsburg Colonials. The home team will show their new uniforms in their first game after the name change. In Williamsburg, the former substitute general manager for the Maassluis Merchantmen, Wademoore is in charge of the hiring and firing of people.

The team may have gone to the USA with 60 players, but 14 of them won't be active during the game. Most of those 14 are the top players of the team, who are given time to rest and to avoid injury. Surprizingly quarterback Louie Flannery was activated, but it's yet to be seen how much action he will see. Flannery said: "I'm probably going to guard the Gatorade tank together with Cody Cluff."

Back in the Netherlands, punter Sean Smalley is waiting for a phone call. Hesistant to sign a four-year contract, Smalley will have a hard time to be signed this season. The ask and demand difference is big and the Merchantmen management has already decided that Smalley isn't as important as he seem to think he is. "Sean should think about the situation. We'd like to have him on the team the coming four seasons, but he rather wants a shorter deal, he's going to have to wait until fan favorite Roscoe Corrales gets hurt."

Most interesting in the pre-season will be the positional battles. In Maassluis, the battle will mainly be focussed on the running backs. Tyrell Mahoney, Desmond Carlisle, Kyle Montoya and Arthur Curran will fight to survive roster cuts, while Scott Bagley joins the group in the battle for the premier backup role. Besides that battle, there will be an eye on the offensive linemen, where one or two players will be released after pre-season. And last but not least is the third quarterback role, battled between Justin McDavid and Mel Atkins.

MIJB#19

05-12-2005, 06:43 AM

Merchantmen Fumble To Loss Against Colonials
The first Maassluis Merchantmen pre-season game of the 2008 IHOF season is in the books. The Merchantmen lost 10-13 at the Williamsburg Colonials in a close game. Crucial in the game was the Merchantmen's return of fumblitis. A 94-yard fumble return for a touchdown accounted for the Colonials only touchdown. Justin McDavid once again showed his pre-season reputation with a good stats line. The worst news was the injury to Mike Kershener.

The 2008 season start is coming soon and the Merchantmen looked back on track. Without some of the best players, the second string offensive players showed the normal trend. In a good first drive of the game, it was quarterback Justin McDavid who guided the team to a 7-0 lead. A 7-yard pass to Scott Bagley made McDavid look like his usual pre-season form. It also marked the only score of the first quarter of the game.

In the second quarter, the Colonials offense got a bit going. Ex-Merchantmen quarterback Shane Bower let his revenge sentiments boil up and he made good decissions. Bower completed 4 of 5 passes for 52 yards to set up a 30-yard field goal from xxx Burch. It also marked the 7-3 halftime score as neither team came close to scoring after that. Burch missed a 51-yard kick for the home team, while Al Bettis missed a 59-yard kick with 5 seconds left to play.

In the second half, an old problem returned in the Merchantmen offense. In the 2004 season, fumbles haunted the team more than once and it showed up in this pre-season game. Scott Bagley fumbled mid-way the third quarter and possession was lost. Lucky for Bagley, the Colonials immediately fumbled the ball back. But as the Merchantmen marched toward the endzone in the next plays, Kyle Montoya fumbled on an attempt to score and xxx Payton returned the ball for 94 yards and a 10-7 Colonials lead.

After several defensive highlights, the Merchantmen offense got back on track. Now quarterback by Mel Atkins, the Merchantmen moved up from their own 25-yard line towards the 13-yard line. Atkins completed 5 of 7 passes for 45 yards and saw Al Bettis kick in the 10-10 score on a 30-yarder. And as the Merchantmen defense forced a three-and-out next, Atkins was given a shot at winning the game afterall.

After Kyle Montoya broke through for a nice 12-yard run, Mel Atkins decided to gamble a bit. Atkins tried to connect with Montoya, but the ball was intercepted by xxx May and possession was lost. The Colonials took advantage a bit and marched forward. They were stopped halfway their route, but xxx Burch's 50-yard fied goal gave the home team a 13-10 lead with just 19 seconds left to play. Atkins failed to complete a hail mary to Devin Henson and the game was over.

Justin McDavid spoke of a good game with an undeserved final score: "Things clicked and had we done a better job avoiding turnovers, this would have been a small victory." McDavid completed 13 of 21 passes for 137 yards and was arguably the best Merchantmen player in stats. McDavid did get sacked once and fumbled once as well. McDavid: "Fumblitis... I'll never get that image away. The thing to do was showing I can pass the ball and be worth a roster spot when the season starts."

Besides the loss, the injuries to two players were the bad news of the game. Safety John Cole hurt his elbow and is expected to play a backup role in the next pre-season game at home against the Asheville Axemen. More troublesome could be the knee injury linebacker Mike Kershner picked up. The team expects to inactivate Kersher for the remainder of the pre-season to have him fit for game one against the Gothenburg Giants.

Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. wanted to only see the good things: "(receiver) Devin Henson looked good and may have proven he can be our #4 receiver. (running back) Kyle Montoya did well, aside from the fumble. (running back) Scott Bagley played 'Harrish'. And (punter) Roscoe Corrales showed we made a good decission to keep him around until he gets hurt."

Most interesting moment of the Maassluis-Williamsburg meeting was not during but after the game. Justin McDavid had to sign his autograph on an orange #3 jersey. That alone is no news, unless the wearer of the replica is the owner of the other team. Colonials owner Wademoore looked happier with the ink on his shirt than the outcome of the game. But rumors on a trade of McDavid to Williamsburg were denied by both owners. McDavid just smiled and knows his popularity could make him a Merchantmen player until the end of his career. If only he could stop fumbling...

MIJB#19

05-12-2005, 10:55 AM

Breaking News: Merchantmen Acquire Running Back Schoen
In an unexpected move, the Maassluis Merchantmen today announced the acquisition of running back Joseph Schoen from the Georgia Gridlock. The Merchantmen say goodbye to running back Tyrell Mahoney (drafted in 2007) and wide receiver Jules Benedict (acquired through trade in 2007). The Merchantmen also gave up three future draft picks for two picks from Georgia. Schoen ran for 1,031 and 1,045 yards the past two seasons and is expected to play as a time-sharer with Randy Harris in Maassluis. The Merchantmen will come with more news later today...

MIJB#19

05-12-2005, 01:20 PM

Merchantmen Present Schoen And Bush
The regualr season roster looked ready, but all of a sudden the management decided differently. With a trade and a free agent signing, the Maassluis Merchantmen changed their roster at two spots. Running back Joseph Schoen replaces running back Tyrell Mahoney, while wide receiver Jules Benedict was replaced by defensive end Bubba Bush. Bush was hired as a free agent, while the other three players were involved with a trade between the Merchantmen and the Georgia Gridlock.

Joseph Schoen is the new kid on the block to threaten the role of fan favorite Randy Harris. Schoen is only 25 years old, but has already two 1,000-yard seasons with the Georgia Gridlock on his resume. In 64 games for the Gridlock, Schoen ran for 3,631 yards and 16 touchdowns. Schoen never excelled as a receiver, as is show by the 43 receptions for 210 yards in his career. Schoen also has a reputation as a return specialist, especially in punt returning. Additional note: Schoen's nickname 'The Shoe' refers to 'schoen' being dutch for 'shoe'.

Bubba Bush is a 26-year old defensive end. Bush was drafted by the Gothenburg Giants in the 2006 draft, 4 picks before Omar Gougeon was taken by the Merchantmen. Bush signed a one-year deal, but will be restricted in the next off-season, providing he's still around by then. Bush never played a big role for the Giants. In two seasons, Bush started only once and recorded no sacks in 12 games. Bush will be active for the entire pre-season and might luck into a roster spot if injuries hit hard.

Jules Benedict was a well appreciated wide receiver with the Merchantmen. During the 13-3 campaign, Benedict played in all games and started once. The sole start came ironically against the team he played for during the previous three seasons, the RayCo Raiders. Benedict recorded 26 receptions for 338 yards in 2007. Benedict's highlight in Maassluis was a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the 40-13 victory over the Gothenburg Giants in week 15.

Tyrell Mahoney was drafted as a hot prospect but time was very short for him to prove he's a worthy backup player. Mahoney was picked in the fifth round of the 2007 draft and was eventually active in 14 regular season games. Mahoney ran 4 times for 15 yards as the number three running back behind 1,000-yard backs Randy Harris and Rodger Mowery on the epth chart. Mahoney was known for his hard working attitude and the pretty good progress he made over time. But the addition of Schoen made him expendable and being traded to Georgia improves his chances to make some noise in the IHOF.

MIJB#19

05-16-2005, 05:30 PM

Merchantmen Back In Winning Mood
The Maassluis Merchantmen are back in the land of the winning teams. With a 27-22 victory, the Merchantmen beat the Asehville Axemen in an exhibition game. Justin McDavid excelled in his own pre-season fashion with a great passing game and handing over the curse of fumblitis. The defense allowed a lot of yards, but shined with key plays in the red zone. Defensive linemen Albert Bernardo and Andrew Rasmussen got hurt and might miss the season start.

It was only pre-season, but for the Merchantmen fans it was a game like always. 72,400 people attended the game and saw the home team win in an exciting game of football. With Al Bettis' 28-yard field goal in the last second of the first half and Scott Bagley's rushing touchdown in the last minute, the game came down to the last moments of the hour of play. The Axemen took the lead at three occasions, but didn't take care of turnover as they should have.

Justin McDavid took the game MVP honors. McDavid may be a popular face in Oranje Haven, but he did show up with 13 of 18 passes completed for 123 yards and a touchdown. McDavid didn't commit a turnover, for a change, but his three skill players with returning specialities did. Scott Bagley (twice), Jerry Beyer and Devin Henson have picked up the fumblitis and the fans are already in awe to think of another fumbles loaded season. Bagley already fumbled four times in two pre-season games now.

As the offense tried to fumble the game away, the defense didn't mind to let the Axemen come. Interceptions from Myron Stevens and Xavier Clyburn saved the day, but more crucial was how the defense forced 18-yard and 20-yard field goals in stead of a touchdown. Fullback Jackson Sloane accounted for two touchdown receptions in the third quarter and looked happy to contribute for a change. But eventually Ellsworth Thelen (10 tackles) and his defense made key plays at the right moments.

Sadly for the team, two more defensive players got hurt. Linebacker Mike Kershner will be joined on the inactive list by defensive tackle Andrew Rasmussen, while Albert Bernardo will play. Rasmussen suffered a torn calf muscle and is expected to not return after the bye in week four. Bernardo was diagnoses with a broken nose, but should be able to play and ready to go in the season opener against the Gothenburg Giants.

Last but not least, following the injuries to Rasmussen and Bernardo, the Merchantmen hired defensive tackle Andre Cofield as a potential addition to the team. Cofield is still a rookie and was drafted last in the sixth round of the past draft by the North Plainfield Plague. Cofield is still very green, but has the potential to become a very good pass rusher with some good run defense skills.

The management is still determining what will be done to go down to 46 active and 14 inactive players for the road game at the Frederick Red Menace. The team is opting to either release Andre Cofield or defensive end Bubba Bush, but it seems Bush is fitting on the team system and with 4 tackles and 1 sack he made a case for a longer stay. Cofield might be moved to defensive end, but that doesn't resolve the issue. Worst case, the team will release another player that was already unlikely to make the final 53-men roster.

MIJB#19

05-17-2005, 02:38 PM

Merchantmen Drop To 1-2 In Pre-Season
Coming back to Maassluis, the Merchantmen won't have a winning record in the 2008 pre-season. With a 23-20 victory, the Frederick Red Menace defended their home soil well. Justin McDavid once again made good decissions at quarterback, but more fumbles make the coaching staff worried. The defense looked hopeless and has a lot to improve in the regular season. Injuries hit again as rookie Scott Bagley joins the list of inactive players for the last pre-season game.

Lenny Roberts wants more playing time and with 113 yards and 2 touchdowns the running back has a case. Running through the decent Merchantmen defense, Roberts was the key element in a 23-20 victory. In the end the score was even closer than the game was as the Red Menace wasted a 20-0 lead and allowed 13 points in the fourth quarter.

Justin McDavid once again enjoyed wearing the orange-white-and-blue outfit. McDavid quarterbacked his men well as he completed 18 of 28 passes for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns versus 1 interception. McDavid connected with Charlie Martins, Jerry Beyer and Alfredo Rhodes for the scores McDavid even worked his butt off for others as he recovered a fumble of a teammate.

But as McDavid recovered a fumble, it was one of three own recoveries. Like in the previous two pre-season games, the Merchantmen as a team combined for four fumbles and the stories of the curse of Fumblin' Justin boiled up again. Gregory Monti and Desmond Carlisle joined the list of players with a fumble. Kyle Montoya and Jerry Beyer added their second fumble of the pre-season.

But as the offense fumbled, the defense looked even more hopeless. While allowing 440 total yards concerns are rising about how great the system can be in Maassluis. It may have been pre-season, but the Merchantmen started a lot of potential starters, including some true starters. Allowing 237 yards for the entire game, the pressure is on Charles Gomez, Cody Cluff and Lincoln Gilmore even more during the regular season.

Rookie Scott Bagley will likely miss the regular season start. The kickoff return specialised running back picked up a nasty back injury and is listed as out for the next pre-season game. Bagley joins defensive tackle Andrew Rasmussen on the list of players tagged as 'out'. Albert Bernardo and Mike Kershner are expected to return in time for regular season action.

Who will play in the last pre-season game is still a mystery. The team management has spoken with the coaching staff about the option to let the starters handle the home game against the Miami Sharks. But seeing the trend in recent games, the Merchantmen are likely to stick with the current depth chart and let the backups and youngsters handle the pre-season.

MIJB#19

05-17-2005, 04:10 PM

General Manager Notes
Here we go, we're a week closer to the regular season!

Okay, our backups and youngsters are 1-2 this pre-season and it's tough to say we're doing great so far. Looking at the fumbling alone, that's probably the worst thing of it all: four fumbles in every single game. What the pre-season is mostly about is testing out some of our new players. Who are the new faces and what have they done so far?

QB Thad Pilkington
Thad is Thad. And Thad stands for fourth quarter comeback victories. Well, I wanted to test him and made him second stringer versus Frederick. Guess what? Our headcoach decided to give Justin McDavid a full game to play and Thad has yet to make a snap for our team.

RB Joseph Schoen
'The Shoe' is finally a Merchantmen player. Well, he's yet to be as we deactivated him so far. I'm interested to see him in action and with other injuries, the Shoe is going to be active at home against Miami.

RB Desmond Carlisle
Mr. Irrelevant of the 2006 draft has seen some action and it's easy to say he didn't impress so far. With 45 yards rushing on 18 carries, Carlisle hasn't been a running threat so far. And with one fumble in those carries, he didn't set himself up to make the final 53-men roster at all.

RB Kyle Montoya
The comeback kid. Kyle is back and determined to make the 53-men roster for the third time in four seasons. Montoya ran for 90 yards on 16 carries already. Sadly for him, the 2 fumbles are not making a case for him to be worth sticking around.

RB Scott Bagley
Mister kickoff return is trying to show he can contribute as a rookie. And with 2 total touchdowns, Bagley has been doing well so far. 117 yards rushing with a 4.3 yard per carry average ain't bad at all. His kickoff return skills didn't show up, but what did show up is a case of fumblitis. Bagley lost the ball four times in 33 ball carries. That can't be good...

C Heath Ferebee
We didn't really need a new backup center, but so far the pass protection expert is proving why he was a full time start so far in the IHOF. With 4 key run blocks and 1 sack allowed, Ferebee shows decent numbers and is a welcome addition to the pack of offensive linemen.

G Jasper Call
How often can you get a former All IHOF guard on the free agent market so easily? Well, Call has a pass protection problem, he can't do it. So far we saw nothing of that. Call didn't allow a sack and did show his run blocking with 6 run blocks.

DE Erwin Baranowski
Welcome to the team Erwin. We wanted Baranowski to be our new #3 defensive end and he's going to be that. Well, he should be as it seems we picked up competition recently. And Bara' has not been given the opportunity to show his trait yet.

DE Bubba Bush
Bubba wants Bara's job. And he's making a case for it so far. The free agent signing is well developed and with 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries in 2 games he's doing a decent pass rush job. Bush even recorded a defended pass and 6 tackles already.

LB Bernie Surry
Hello breakout rookie! Well, Surry will know it and the spotlights will be on him. In three games so far, Surry made 14 tackles and 8 assists. But more importantly, Surry couldn't help on the pass defense or pass rush so far. And with the play Ellsworth Thelen and Carl Meier are showing, Surry may be riding the bench at the season start.

CB Xavier Clyburn
3 games, 2 interceptions. Say "Hi!" to our new interception specialist people! Clyburn has yet to make a defended pass, but that's okay if he can make interceptions. It looks like Clyburn will be more than just a nickelback for us.

CB Sammie Kennedy
Here's a downer. Kennedy should develop into a zone defense specialist, but so far he's not producing the goods. Kennedy allowed 4 catches and didn't defend or intercept a pass yet. As a punt returner, Kennedy will have a shot to show his trick next game, but he's unlikely to become our #2 guy in that. And as a dimeback, we got Myron Stevens on the team, who had 1 interception and 4 defended passes already this pre-season.

FS Broderick Schultz
Oh boy, here's our new sidekick to Lincoln Gilmore. So far Schultz hasn't done anything special, while Emile William defended 3 passes. It looks like Schultz will be a backup against the Gothenburg Giants in week one.

Others
RB Arthur Curran, FB Luke Smelser, WR Alfredo Rhodes, LT Alfonso King were hired to be mentoring the youngsters. They've done their share and will likely be released on the 53-men roster cut day. Curran or Rhodes may survive, but Smelser and King are very unlikely to make it.

I think you're all up to date on what's going on so far in Maassluis. Injuries are no big concern so far either. DT Andrew Rasmussen will miss the season start, but he's got a backup role, as will RB Scott Bagley most likely, who was going to be a backup as well. Let's hope we get through the last pre-season game injury-free to defend our European title. Fingers crossed!

MIJB#19

05-19-2005, 06:27 PM

Merchantmen Lose Last Pre-Season Game
Despite a good running game and effective passing game in the first half, the Maassluis Merchantmen have ended the pre-season with a loss. The Miami Sharks went into Oranje Haven knowing they won there last year and went back home as 17-10 winners this time. Justin McDavid once again blossomed on a fumbling offense. Carl Meier lead the defense to allow a respectable 261 total yards. The best news were no new injuries to the team, but most eyes were on the players who are likely 53-men roster cut day casualties.

The Sharks did it in 2007 and they did it again in 2008. With a victory in Oranje Haven, they give the Dutch football team's players reason to think about what's going on. With three lost close games, the backups haven't proven to be ready for the season. At least the fans know they can expect better things to happen when the likes of Louie Flannery, Charles Gomez, Randy Harris, Bryce Ewald and Tai Wayne return to action. Nobody will talk about how the Merchantmen came a completed pass short of tying the score.

Justin McDavid ended the pre-season is style, with his fourth consecutive good performance. While completing 14 of 21 passes for 95 yards and running for 33 more yards, McDavid once again showed he can be efficient in the Merchantmen offense. Compared to the newly acquired number two quarterback Thad Pilkington (5 for 15, 80 yards), McDavid even pushed for being re-promoted to the premier backup role. But as a negative, the players around him once again produced fumbles, adding 3 more for a pre-season total of 15.

Linebacker Carl Meier got the kudos all over after the game. With 10 tackles, Meier was the key player on a defense that once again managed to stop the pass. Allowing 11 completed passes on 21 attempts for 108 yards, the pass defense looks ready, even with Tai Wayne and Lincoln Gilmore still inactive. Rookie linebacker Bernie Surry doesn't look ready to help the pass protection, but as long as Mike Kershner, Ellsworth Thelen and Meier don't excel at it, Surry will get a look as the new strong side linebacker.

The good news was that injuries to Bernie Surry and cornerback Winford Endicott were so minor that they will be 100% fit for the official season opener against the Gothenburg Giants this weekend. Running back Scott Bagley (back) and defensive tackle Andrew Rasmussen (calf muscle) will surly miss the first game, while defensive end Albert Bernardo will take extra precaution with a broken nose.

Last but not least were the roster spot battles to make the final 53-men roster cut down. Running back Desmonds Carlisle scored a touchdown, but ran for only 20 yards on 10 carries as the feature back. Arthur Curran (46 yards) and Kyle Montoya (45 yards) seem to battle for the fourth running back spot behind Randy Harris, Joseph Schoen and Scott Bagley. Curran fumbled today, but Montoya's two fumbles in earlier games may cost him in the end.

MIJB#19

05-19-2005, 06:57 PM

Merchantmen Announce Their Roster Cuts To 53 Men
Even though the official papers haven't been processed by the IHOF's league office yet, the Maassluis Merchantmen have announced their seven released to meet the 53-men roster cut day limitations. Mel Atkins is the only long time Merchantmen player who didn't survive the roster cuts. Joining Atkins into free agency are off-season acquisitions Bubba Bush, Desmond Carlisle, Arthur Curran, Alfonso King, Alfredo Rhodes and Luke Smelser.

Quarterback Mel Atkins joined the Merchantmen in the 2006 off-season. As the management had lost all confidence in the former first round pick quarterback Leonard Lyon, Atkins was acquired in a trade of Lyon from the Springfield Isotopes. But as Atkins was written down as the new starter over the long-term injured Justin McDavid, the Merchantmen added Shane Bower in a trade and drafted Louie Flannery fifth overall. Atkins was only active as a holder in 2006, while in 2007 Atkins was only active as emergency quarterback for the duration of the entire season.

Of the six other casualties, only one was actually concidered as an improvement forover the 2007 roster. Running back Desmond Carlisle was traded in hopes to see him survive roster cuts, but the 2007 IHOF draft's mr. Irrelevant couldn't impress in pre-season. The acquisition of Kyle Montoya (trade), Scott Bagley (draft) and Joseph Schoen (trade) made Carlisle's chances even slimmer. Kyle Montoya may even have survived the cuts due to Bagley's back injury, but the management is unwilling to confirm or deny it.

Defensive end Bubba Bush played well in the pre-season and was scouted as the best end on the team, but the success of the 2007 starters and newcomer Erwin Baranowski's reputation made Bush the fifth wheel on the wagon. Running back Arthur Curran showed glimpses of why he was a 1,000-yard back twice, but couldn't compete with the others. Left tackle Alfonso King, wide receiver Alfredo Rhodes and fullback Luke Smelser were hired for their experience and reputation as mentor.

Maassluis Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. wanted to make sure that the cuts don't mean the team is done this off-season: "We're heading into the season with only four wide receivers and three quarterbacks. It's a tricky situation and injuries there could call for short-term free agent solutions. We got our list of casualites ready, but we might try to make a move here or there earlier than seems logic."

MIJB#19

05-19-2005, 07:25 PM

General Manager Notes
And then there were 53 left.

The logic behind the releases was easy for me, but for those needing some explaination here goes! FB Luke Smelser, RB Arthur Curran, WR Alfredo Rhodes and LT Alfonso King were noit good enough as backups, but have mentorship skills and helped to develope our youngsters. Curran also battled with RB Desmond Carlisle for the fourth and last running back spot, but both didn't make it as Kyle Montoya is signed long-term, Montoya produced better and our top backs don't need any mentoring anymore.

QB Mel Atkins had been on the bubble before and I'm willing to risk playing with three quarterbacks. DE Bubba Bush is better than Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon, but the two stole my heart last season and I just don't dare to bench them, yet.

So, how does the list of 53 players look now compared to our European championship roster (excluding players on injured reserve)?
<table>
<tr><td>2007<td>2008
<tr><td>QB Louie Flannery<td>QB Louie Flannery
<tr><td>QB Shane Bower<td>QB Thad Pikington
<tr><td>QB Justin McDavid<td>QB Justin McDavid
<tr><td>QB Mel Atkins<td>RB/KR Scott Bagley
<tr><td>RB Randy Harris<td>RB Randy Harris
<tr><td>RB/PR Rodger Mowery<td>RB/PR/KR Joseph Schoen
<tr><td>RB Tyrell Mahoney<td>RB Kyle Montoya
<tr><td>FB Jamel Rosenberry<td>FB Jamel Rosenberry
<tr><td>FB Henry Poston<td>FB Henry Poston
<tr><td>TE Jim Reiser<td>TE Jim Reiser
<tr><td>TE Arnold Ramirez<td>TE Arnold Ramirez
<tr><td>TE/LS Charlie Martins<td>TE/LS Charlie Martins
<tr><td>WR Bryce Ewald<td>WR Bryce Ewald
<tr><td>WR Gregory Monti<td>WR Gregory Monti
<tr><td>WR/PR Jerry Beyer<td>WR/PR Jerry Beyer
<tr><td>WR/KR Devin Henson<td>WR/KR Devin Henson
<tr><td>WR Jules Benedict<td>G Jasper Call
<tr><td>C Brant Heinrich<td>C Brant Heinrich
<tr><td>C Tom Schwartz<td>C Heath Ferebee
<tr><td>G Butch White<td>G Butch White
<tr><td>G Timothy Lacy<td>G Timothy Lacy
<tr><td>G Brian Hammond<td>G Brian Hammond
<tr><td>LT Ivan Jacques<td>LT Ivan Jacques
<tr><td>LT Harold Hurtado<td>LT Harold Hurtado
<tr><td>RT Cornelius Rice<td>RT Cornelius Rice
<tr><td>RT Norman Holliday<td>RT Norman Holliday
<tr><td>P Roscoe Corrales<td>P Roscoe Corrales & P Sean Smalley
<tr><td>PK Cary Coles<td>PK Cary Coles
<tr><td>KOK Al Bettis<td>KOK Al Bettis
<tr><td>DE Omar Gougeon<td>DE Omar Gougeon
<tr><td>DE Aaron Sherrill<td>DE Aaron Sherrill
<tr><td>DE Albert Bernardo<td>DE Albert Bernardo
<tr><td>DE Wally Wilcox<td>DE Erwin Baranowski
<tr><td>DT Charles Gomez<td>DT Charles Gomez
<tr><td>DT Andy Weliczka<td>DT Andy Weliczka
<tr><td>DT Shaun Shiroma<td>DT Shaun Shiroma
<tr><td>DT Andrew Rasmussen<td>DT Andrew Rasmussen
<tr><td>MLB Cody Cluff<td>MLB Cody Cluff
<tr><td>MLB Carl Meier<td>MLB Carl Meier
<tr><td>OLB Ellsworth Thelen<td>OLB Ellsworth Thelen
<tr><td>OLB Mike Kershner<td>OLB Mike Kershner
<tr><td>OLB John Weisberg<td>OLB John Weisberg
<tr><td>OLB Mitch Hoofkin<td>OLB Bernie Surry
<tr><td>MLB Daniel Ruelas<td>FS Broderick Schultz
<tr><td>CB Tai Wayne<td>CB Tai Wayne
<tr><td>CB Winford Endicott<td>CB Winford Endicott
<tr><td>CB Myron Stevens<td>CB Myron Stevens
<tr><td>CB Johnnie Stidham<td>CB Xavier Clyburn
<tr><td>CB/KR Desmond Craig<td>CB/PR Sammie Kennedy
<tr><td>SS Lincoln Gilmore<td>SS Lincoln Gilmore
<tr><td>S Emile William<td>S Emile William
<tr><td>FS John Cole<td>FS John Cole
<tr><td>S Lamar Singleton<td>S Lamar Singleton
</table>

And voila, we have 11 new players excluding 1 unsigned rookie going into the 2008 season! Who are they again and what will be their roles?

Scott Bagley - #2 KR, potential #1 KR, #3 RB, potential #2 RB
Erwin Baranowski - #3 DE in a rotation system
Jasper Call - one-year #4 G, 53rd guy
Xavier Clyburn - nickelback, potential starting CB
Heath Ferebee - backup C
Sammie Kennedy - potential starting CB, potential backup PR
Kyle Montoya - #4 RB, potential #3 RB
Thad Pilkington - #2 QB
Joseph Schoen - #2 RB, potential #1 RB, #1 PR, emergency KR
Broderick Schultz - #2 FS, potential #1 FS in rotation
Sean Smalley - potential #1 P in case of injury
Bernie Surry - #1 SLB in rotation

How about a final look at our schedule then? We start with a tough top three games and finished with three relative easy games. The hopes are to be 2-1 into the open weekend and 7-3 going into the last 6 games (of which 5 are at home) to finish the season 12-4. Anything below 10-6 and missing the playoffs would be disappointing now.

wk01 vs Gothenburg Giants (2007: 9-7, #2 Europe)
wk02 at Outer Banks Ospreys (2007: 9-7, conference champs)
wk03 at North Plainfield Plague (2007: 14-2, league champs)
wk04 open
wk05 vs Tucker Tigers (2007: 8-8, 1-0 all time vs Maassluis)
wk06 at Georgia Gridlock (2007: 8-8, 2-0 all time vs Maassluis)
wk07 at Paris Musketeers (2007: 5-11, #4 Europe)
wk08 vs Conyers Condors (2007: 9-7, Fumblin' Justin re-match)
wk09 at Bordeaux Vineyards (2007: 6-10, #3 Europe)
wk10 at Orlando Knights (2007 4-12, Dutch Bowl III)
wk11 at Gothenburg Giants (2007: 9-7, #2 Europe)
wk12 vs Asheville Axemen (2007: 7-9, Thad Pilkington game)
wk13 vs San Antonio Volunteers (2007: 12-4, AOC semi finalists)
wk14 at Miami Sharks (2007: 10-6, division champs)
wk15 vs Bordeaux Vineyards (2007: 6-10, #3 Europe)
wk16 vs Springfield Isotopes (2007: 4-12, Leonard Lyon game)
wk17 vs Paris Musketeers (2007: 5-11, #4 Europe)

MIJB#19

05-20-2005, 07:24 PM

IHOF Journalists Put Pressure On Merchantmen
The 2008 IHOF season is about to kick of as the 53-men roster cut day has passed by. The rosters are set and the predictions are flowing around. The Merchantmen owner and part time journalist M.IJ.B. sees a close race with the Gothenburg Giants and the Bordeaux Vineyards. But a poll amongst fulltime IHOF writers shows that half of them expect the Merchantmen to repeat. The pressure is on, the expectations are set higher than ever before.

10-6 and going to the playoffs, that's where the goal is set for 2008 by the ownership. Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. is serious about the demands: "We're coming of a bit of an overperforming season, but we improved our depth and should be able to compete for the post-season tickets." Off the record, the owner was hinting to higher goals, being taking home IHOF Bowl V, but he's not willing to pressure the players and staff that hard. "10-6 and a playoffs berth will be good, a division title and reaching the elite eight would be great."

Looking around the roster, depth may indeed have been increased. At quarterback, Thad Pilkington is a quarterback with experience as a starter and is a clear upgrade. Running from behind the quarterback could be newby Joseph Schoen, who will feature as the new chance of pace back and punt returner. However to acquire Schoen, the Merchantmen gave up depth at wide receiver, trading away Jules Benedict. But with experience veterans added on the offensive line, that loss could be only minor. Benedict was only projected as #4 receiver.

On defense the team added rookie Bernie Surry as the new project to become an anchorman as outside linebacker. When you see the other linebackers, you know Surry will be a better fit in the team philosophy of defense. At defensive end, Erwin Baranowski is an excellent addition for the rotation. And in the secondary three new faces improve the depth significantly. Defensive coordinator Bernie Hicks claimed: "If we lose all of our secondary starters, we're still better off than we were at the start of 2007."

The big question mark is still how good the team can be without the top players, despite the newly acquired depth. Charles Gomez has emerged as the face of the defense and has the reputation of being irreplacable. Linebacker Carl Meier said: "When Gomez is out, we still have a lot of talent, but the way Gomez plays, it's almost like we're having 12 men on the field." The fact that the team went 2-2 with Charles Gomez inactive only defends the hype.

And as Gomez is on defense, on offense Louie Flannery stands out as irreplacable. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "Thad (Pilkington) and Justin (McDavid) have proven several times they can play in this league and win games, but Louie is the kind of guy that brings your offense into the next level." There's still some concern with Flannery's habbit to throw interceptions, but he's said to work on it and having an experienced guy like Thad mentoring him, Flannery is expected to keep his average at one per game or lower.

As depth improved, the team also got older. Were the Merchantmen the youngest team of the league in 2004, in 2008 the average age hits 27 and a half years. Especially on the offensive line, with three backups way into their thirtees, the overall age has moved up. Additionally, the Merchantmen hoped to bring cohesion, but that's where the team is in fact lacking a bit. With a relative low number of new players, the cohesion may have taken a little hit with the several moves, especially in the secondary.

Age, cohesion or expectations, the team will mostly lean on the succes formula of the 2007 season. With the same game plan, the Merchantmen hope to win at least 10 games. With Charles Gomez, Cody Cluff and Lincoln Gilmore as the backbone on defense, things looks excellent there. If the balanced offense can keep the chains moving again, the Masters of Trading could fullfill expectations and be a threat to stop the North Planfield Plague's supremacy.

With three of their toughest games to kickoff the season, the true test comes very early. Gothenburg, Outer Banks and North Plainfield are waiting and they all want to end the hype of the best pass rush and points avoiding defense. It'll be clear soon enough whether the Merchantmen are overrated or just living up to expectations.

MIJB#19

05-22-2005, 05:53 PM

The European Title Defense Begins Against The Giants
Get your women and children in safety, the 2008 IHOF season is about to kickoff. The Maassluis Merchantmen get lucky playing at home, however in the Gothenburg Giants they don't have the easiest opponent of the season coming in. Last season this matchup ended the excitement for the European title, this season it's only starting with this game. Maassluis versus Gothenburg, what can we expect?

The Merchantmen have seen two players retire and traded a backup wide receiver. In return they acquired a new quarterback, running back, guard, defensive end, linebacker, two cornerbacks and a safety. What do you mean with a winning team can't be improved, didn't they just do that?

Maybe, but of all the newbies only two are expected to start. The offense is still all of the same, the success last season gave the coaching staff little reason to change things anyway. Louie Flannery makes the calles, Jim Reiser, Bryce Ewald, Gregory Monti and Jerry Beyer make the cacthes, while Randy Harris uses Jamel Rosenberry as his human shield. On the line, Ivan Jacques will be Flannery's body guard, while Butch White, Brant Heinrich, Timothy Lacy and Cornelius Rice pull and push the opposing defensive linemen.

On defense, Charles Gomez hopes to anchor his team for more games, yet hopes the team won't rely on him too much. Shuan Shiroma and Andy Welickza have grown, but don't look ready to be both on the field. Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon had good sack numbers, but also know they're sharing time with Erwin Baranowski and Albert Bernardo. The defensive line is prettu much the same, more mature and ready to prove why they were the league's leading pass rush.

Behind the line, Cody Cluff will sit ready to stuff the running backs. Sidekicked by Ellsworth Thelen, Mike Kershner, Carl Meier and Bernie Surry, things look good. IN the secondary, Lincoln Gilmore tackles any runner that broke through the front seven. And supported by Tai Wayne, Winford Endicott, Emile William, Myron Stevens and newbies Broderick Schultz and Xavier Clyburn the Merchantmen field the best zone defenders in the IHOF.

Playing the Gothenburg Giants, both the offense end defense will have to step up. The Giants were injury plagued in 2007 and have something to set right after their third straight winning record season towards second place. Duane Davis has matured into a top quarterback the past seasons and doesn't make many mistakes. Stopping the run can help, however Nicolas Dutra has the Merchantmen's number as he showed with his 93 yards rushing ah home against them.

On defense it's still all Chris Nagel's show. The defensive tackle leads a potent pass rush, which is supported by the fearsome threesome of Andrew McDaniel, Steven Marshall and Hubert Cox. The linebacking trio is going into their fifth season together and they know of each other what they are up to on every play. Add Harley Gowan's interceptions and man marking skills and there's a very strong defense coming at you.

Going by recent results, the Merchantmen are the favorites, but objective scouting resources say the Giants have the better players all over the place. Going by historic results, the Merchantmen lead 3-1 in Oranje Haven and are on a 2-game winning streak. The last time the Merchantmen simply trashed the Giants 40-13 and the confidence may be on the home team. But after the beating the went through in their last official game of the 2007 season, anything could happen.

wade moore

05-23-2005, 05:53 AM

I do not envy you going up against the Giants defense in week 1 while they're healthy...

MIJB#19

05-23-2005, 09:09 AM

I do not envy you going up against the Giants defense in week 1 while they're healthy...No kidding, the Giants are a team I fear to lose against everytime I play them. Even knowing they're the team my team has beaten the most of all IHOF teams. I can only hope my D does a little bit of a better job than their D and that my special teams experts save the day.

MIJB#19

05-23-2005, 04:34 PM

Merchantmen Start 2008 By Beating Gothenburg
The defense of the European crown has started and the first punch has been given. The Maassluis Merchantmen beat the Gothenburg Giants to start the 2008 season with victory. Louie Flannery looked good as always and guided the team to four scoring drives. The defense struggled a bit, but made key plays to keep the Giants from scoring on several occasions. The bad news was an injury to right tackle Cornelius Rice and likely season end.

The Merchantmen looked good at home and started the game in style. While the defense stopped the Giants on their first possession for a classic tree-and-out, the Merchantmen responded with a great drive. Runs from Randy Harris, Jamel Rosenberry and Joseph Schoen (twice!) set all up to get into scoring position. Louie Flannery found fullback Rosenberry in the endzone and the 7-0 lead was there. The rest of the first quarter neither side managed to get into scoring position.

In the second quarter the Merchantmen started the field position game. The Giants were pushed back slowly, while Maassluis moved up slowly. As time ran out, the Merchantmen saw Randy Harris burst out for 9 and 7-yard runs to set the team up for a field goal. After using the last time out, Cary Coles aimed and scored the 52-yarder to give the orange-white-and-blue a 10-0 lead.

After sloppy start in the second half, the Gothenburg Giants offense got their engine running. Anchored by a 24-yard run from Nicholas Dutra and Duane Davis spreading the ball around, the Giants got into scoring position. A holding penalty pushed them out of the red zone, but Damien Deming turned up as a reliable kicker and converted a 45-yard field goal. Gothenburg was back in the game and hoping to get the ball back quickly to tie the score.

But the Merchantmen offense decided not to. Louie Flannery connected with five different players to move upfield. The Merchantmen settled for a 19-yard field goal, but the game looked secured. The Giants then wasted their chances on an unsportsman conduct penalty and Maassluis had the ball back. A lethal pass interference penalty at the Gothenburg 15-yard line put Maassluis in scoring position. Louie Flannery found Joseph Schoen in the endzone and a 20-3 lead was there with 14 minutes to go.

Duane Davis decided the game wasn't over and had one of his usual impulses. With 18 and 35-yard passes to xxx Nemeth and xxx Walker, the Giants got back moved forward. Damien Deming scored a 31-yard field goal and after the defense stopped the Merchantmen, the Giants were back in the game. Davis connected on 36 and 22-yard passes with Walker, eventually followed with a 1-yard pass to xxx Watkins for the touchdown. But as Damien Deming missed the extra point, the Giants were still trailing by eight.

With five minutes left, the Merchantmen tried to waste the time, but failed and the Giants got the ball back with just over two minutes left. Duane Davis immediately connected on a 30-yard pass with xxx Nemeth and the Merchantmen defense looked really to give up another touchdown. Except for Middle linebacker Cody Cluff. Davis threw deep and Cluff intercepted the ball midway the Merchantmen territory.

With an eight-point lead, Louie Flannery decided to give the fans a fun last two minutes. With a 32-yard pass to Gregory Monti and a 19-yard Devin Henson, the Merchantmen marched up. On third and seven at the Gothenburg 9-yard line, Flannery found Bryce Ewald in the end zone. An illegal use of the hands penalty nulliefied the score, but with the 26-yard field goal from Cary Coles, the lead was extended to 11 points. The Giants tried to move forward, but with eight seconds left the game was over. Maassluis 23, Gothenburg 12.

Louie Flannery got the people cheering in the stands and received the Player of the Game honors. Completing 24 of 37 passes for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns, Flannery was once again the big man of the offense. Flannery said: "A good game, the Giants were strong, but we showed we can beat good teams. I hope people will see we're for real now. How many more games do we need to win to be taken serious?"

Cody Cluff was regarded as the hero on defense, but Cluff denied that his interception was the crucial play. Cluff: "I read the play and saw it coming. The important thing is we won. Everybody works hard and we'll try to keep the opponents from scoring. The pass rush did their job, the secondary made plays and the linebackers supported on both ends. I think we're in for another cool season."

Unlucky player of the game was offensive tackle Cornelius Rice. In his second season withthe Merchantmen, Rice is regared as the starting right tackle. Rice is an important player to protect te pass and support the running game. Half way through the first quarter, Rice got hurt and was carried off the field. Early diagnosis is a high ankle sprain and being fully recovered as early as the AOC conference championship game. Taking his place is Harold Hurtado, providing the team is unable to find a replacement player outside of their own team.

MIJB#19

05-23-2005, 05:05 PM

General Manager Notes
And we're back!

A 1-0 start, it couldn't have gone better. Okay, we lost Cornelius Rice for the season, but Harold Hurtado is experienced enough to take his place. I have to be honest, I was worried whether we are for real or not, but beating Gothenburg to me means we are for real and were deserved European champions. The Giants will challenge us again, but having this early one-game lead will help.

Okay, we beat the Giants, but the team we kicked off the throne are back in the mix. The Bordeaux Vineyards went into Paris and came home as 28-10 winners. Joe Johnson looked great as always, passing for 292 yards and 4 touchdowns. Former MVP winner Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson had 94 total yards and looked like he could be the new star running back in Bordeaux. The Paris Musketeers were unlucky and saw their third starting offensive lineman go out for the season.

European standings:
1-0 Bordeaux
1-0 Maassluis
0-1 Gothenburg
0-1 Paris

Schedule:
Maassluis visits the 1-0 Outer Banks Ospreys, the 2007 NAC champions
Bordeaux visits the 0-1 Miami Sharks, who want to defend their division title
Gothenburg hosts the 1-0 Asheville Axemen
Paris visits the 0-1 Springfield Isotopes, Leonard Lyon's team

Player of the year:
The tradition is back, and with the victory there will be 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 points to be awarded. Louie Flannery takes the 5 with his 266 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. The 2 goes to Lincoln Gilmore, who made 4 tackles, 2 assists, 1 defended pass and allowed 0 catches. The 3 is reserved for Cody Cluff's 4 tackles and 1 interception. Devin Henson received the 2 for his 68 yards receiving and 26 kickoff return yards. With 2 tackles, 1 assist, 1 blocked pass and 2 hurries,Omar Gougeon gets the 21

Standings:
5 points - Louie Flannery
4 points - Lincoln Gilmore
3 points - Cody Cluff
2 points - Devin Henson
1 point - Omar Gougeon

Next up, the Outer Banks Ospreys. The defended NAC champions have kicked off with a victory on the road and should not be underestimated. The scouting department thinks we should be favorites, but also not underestimate their defensive line. With Joe 'Mad Cow' Holstein and Charles Carreno they can run havoc on any offensive line. Good thing ofr us, the Ospreys will miss their best cornerback. Kendall 'Thibby' Thibodeaux, a guy I once tried to bring to our team, is diagnoses 'out' with a strainded foot ligament. And to reach the desired 2-1 record going into the bye week, we need to win this game with North Plainfield awaiting for week 3. I hope we can be 2-0 soon!

MIJB#19

05-25-2005, 05:48 AM

2008 Merchantmen Rookie Watch
With the arrival of a new season, the Merchantmen also drafted four rookies in the league draft. Defensive end Brenden Henderson didn't survive the post training camp roster cuts, but three others did. What are the up to so far?

Running back Scott Bagley had a decent pre-season, but mainly put the spotlights on himself with the four fumbles he had. Bagley got hurt in the third pre-season game and has been inactive. The pain in his back is almost completely gone now and Bagley is expected to be back to full training for the road game at the North Plainfield Plague.

Punter Sean Smalley is still sitting unsigned at the Merchantmen roster. His future in Maassluis is still unpredictable and could be shorter than planned. The team still has good faith in Smalley, but his salary demands made his position troubled. For now, the team keeps playing with veteran Roscoe Corrales and waits with signing Smalley to a contract.

Linebacker Bernie Surry was a surprise in training camp. Surry turned out to be a steal for a fifth round pick and hopes to remain a starter for the rest of the season. In his first game, Surry was active in 34 plays and played well. Surry made 2 tackles and an assist. But te main reason he was picked is his pass defense and Surry paid back with 1 defended pass.

MIJB#19

05-26-2005, 03:46 AM

Merchantmen At Ospreys Preview
Quick, give the two teams who surprized the IHOF most in the 2007 season? If you were thinking Outer Banks Ospreys and Maassluis Merchantmen, you're probably not alone. The Ospreys went from 6-7 to North American Conference champions and IHOF Bowl IV runners-up. The Merchantmen went 13-3 and were stopped in the Atlantic Ocean Conference championship game. And with both teams 1-0 after beating their closest rivals for the division title, they are in for an interesting matchup.

The Ospreys have been a strange team so far. Their defense makes or breaks games, while the offense seems to only be there because the team has to field an offense. Jerry Burchell is by all means no elite quarterback in talent, but he gets te job done and that's important too. Running back Sterling Ahern is good, but not great, and had his best season in 2004 with the Boulder Bulldogs. More impressive is the offensive line, anchored by right tackle Justin Washington and newby left tackle Warner Johnson. Add Ned Cozart as center and there are three of the very best linemen in the league playing on the same line.

The defense is another story. In the secondary, the team has more the kind of role players, but last season they did their trick and helped out. Milo Epperson is an All IHOF caliber player and leads this group well. Ex-Merchantmen Percy Francis is his well performing sidekick, however Francis is still nursing an elbow injury. But with stud cornerback Kendall 'Thibby' Thibodeaux out for this game, the two safeties will have to step it up.

In front of the secondary, the Ospreys field a stronger front seven. Arthur Hollar and David Hildebrandt are tackle machines as they combined for 203 tackles last season. That's not including assists and sacks. But they're not the main crew, it's the defensive line that stands out. Last week Joe 'Mad Cow' Holstein, Harris Solwold, Charles Carreno and Joe Wolfe pressured the Miami Sharks quarterback into a loss. With 15 broken plays in 48 passing plays, the Ospreys pass rush is fearsome and should not be underestimated.

The Merchantmen are playing without right tackle Cornelius Rice, which doesn't help to avoid the pass rush. Quarterback Louie Flannery is in for a tough game as the only pass rush expert starting in front of him is left tackle Ivan Jacques. Brant Heinrich is a center who can do it all a bit, but 'Bruce' White, 'Tiny Tim' Lacy and 'Good old Harry' Hurtado are run block specialists. Maybe Jamel Rosenberry can help out?

But Rosenberry has a busy day schedule already. The fullback will have to make extra holes for Randy Harris and Joseph Schoen to run through. And given the passing tendencies, Rosenberry will have to join Jim Reiser, Bryce Ewald, Gregory Monti and Jerry Beyer more often than not as a fifth receiver. Providing he is on the field.

On defense, the Merchantmen are mostly known for Charles Gomez and Cody Cluff. the defensive tackle and mid linebacker anchor a strong pass rush and passable run defense. Behind their units, Tai Wayne and Lincoln Gilmore anchor a secondary, which specializes in the zone defense. Gilmore might be sidelined with a strained rotator cuff, but the coahcing staff is confident te role players on defense will do their job well.

Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. has good hopes: "We're 15-2 with the current game plan, I don't see why anything could go wrong. We play on the road? We went 8-0 away from home in the regular season in 2007. The only thing we have to fear is their pass rush, but Thad Pilkington played them before and has instructed Flannery well. All in all, I think we'll see two teams who wanted to show that 2007 was not just a cinderella story, but an early sign that these teams can be true championship contenders in the coming seasons."

MIJB#19

05-26-2005, 03:50 AM

Merchantmen Handed First Loss By Ospreys
The matchup screamed game of the week and the Merchantmen felt the pressure. The expected defensive minded game turned out to be more about offense than expected. But the stronger Merchantmen offense failed and couldn't overcome the 14-29 loss. The Outer Banks Ospreys continue their defense of the NAC conference title, while the Merchantmen are lucky to still sit in pole-position for the European title.

Some football experts expected a defensive showdown between two strong defenses. In the first quarter of the game, it turned out to be a correct prediction. The Merchantmen had first possession, but failed to score on the long possession they had. Next up, Xavier Clyburn intercepted Ospreys' Jerry Burchell's pass, but it didn't help much for field position. In the remainder of the first quarter, the Merchantmen had the longer drives, but the Ospreys had the ball when the teams switched sides of the field.

The second quarter burst open on the second Ospreys' offense's play. Jerry Burchell connected with Jason Calder for 50 yards.If it hadn't been for rookie linebacker Bernie Surry, Calder would have ran it to the house. In their own red zone, the Merchantmen defense is strong and Charles Gomez decided to inspire his men. With a tackle and an assist, Gomez helped to stop the Ospreys and made them settle for an 18-yard fieldgoal. Kyle Everett scored, giving the home team the early lead.

Next up was the Devin Henson show. The wide receiver returned a pretty short kickoff for 27 yards towards the middle of the field. Randy Harris provided two short breaks to take a breath, but Louie Flannery had taken notice and decided to use Henson as his top receiver. Henson paid back with a 23-yard catch and a 17-yard catch for the touchdown. The Merchantmen had taken the lead and the game was definately on now.

A now even more determined Ospreys offense got things going now. Jerry Burchell started spreadingthe ball around, while running backs Ed Dodge and Sterling Ahern kept the chains moving. A 23-yard touchdown pass to Danny Wilhite was called back for an illegible receiver downfield penalty, but Ed Dodge decided to set things right a couple of plays later with a great 22-yard rush for the score.

The Merchantmen running back tandem of Randy Harris and Joseph Schoen wasn't impressed and the duo decided to step it up. With great runs and catches, they marched into Outer Banks' territory. Louie Flannery looked sharp and to set up for another touchdown, but was surprised as Bryce Ewald failed to catch the ball and Dana Adelman intercepted the pass.

The Ospreys' tank wasn't empty yet and the blue birds got their act going again. Fullback Burt Burke and tigth end Frank Law made the big plays, but the Ospreys got pushed back for an illegal block penalty. With 41 seconds left, Jerry Burchell decided to go for it and sent his receiver Danny Wilhite deep. Wilhite made the catch 42 yards downfield and advances the remaining 2 yards needed to score. The Merchantmen couldn't make a fist the next play and thus the home team went into the break leading 17-7.

In the second half, the Ospreys got the first touch, but couldn't do much. The Merchantmen defense looked reborn and looked their old selves, forcing a three-and-out. It was the start of an old fashioned field position battle and the Merchantmen looks very good at it. On the legs of Randy Harris, te Merchantmen got their machine running and moved up field. A great 23-yard reception from ex-Ospreys tight end Arnold Ramirez put the Merchantmen at the 1-yard line. Jerry Beyer was the lucky receiver in the end zone to get the ball from Louie Flannery to shorten the Ospreys lead to 17-14.

With that long drive, the fourth quarter was seconds away from starting and the Ospreys started that quarter in a third and three situation at their own 21-yard line. With a nice catch from Frank Law, the Ospreys made the first down, but harldy managed to get into scoring position and eventually punted on fourth and one around the middle of the field.

The Merchantmen were pushed back at their own 4-yard line and were forced even further back as Joseph Schoen was tackled for a loss. Louie Flannery was twice hurried to make a pass and avoided the safety twice. Roscoe Corrales was called on the field and left the field again after a horrible punt. The ball was caught only 24 yards up field and the Ospreys had the ball back at the Maassluis 27-yard line. The Ospreys were in run the clock out mode and saw five different ball carriers run forward, but fail to score. The Ospreys settled for a 23-yard field goal, meaning the game was far from over.

Louie Flannery wasn't impressed by the pass rush provided by the Ospreys and tried to get his offense running again. With a well timed run by him self and a nice play from Jamel Rosenberry to get the first down, the Merchantmen moved forward. And when Flannery connected with Jerry Beyer to have a first down around the middle line, things looked good again. But linebacker Arthur Hollar tackle Berry very hard and Beyer lost the ball. Edward Peterson picked up the loose ball and ran it all the way to the end zone. Ed Dodge failed to score on the two-point conversion attempt, but the lead was now 26-14 and thus demanding two touchdowns from the Merchantmen.

Louie Flannery tried to get his offense going again and things looked good. Nice catches from Gregory Monti and Jim Reiser moved the down markers towards the Ospreys red zone. The two-minute warning was called and Flannery tried to take a risk. His pass was intercepted by Milo Epperson and the game was pretty much over. Ed Dodge broke through for a 38-yard run next and the Merchantmen didn't even try anymore. The Ospreys made the humiliation complete after scoring another field goal follwing a knee drop.

Defensive end Erwin Baranowski, who played only sporadically in the game, analyzed the game between his old and new team. Baranowski said: "It went as to be expected. The Ospreys defense put the pressure on Flannery all game. Flan' worked well with the pressure, but the two interceptions and the fumble return touchdown broke our spirit. And let's not talk about the field goal."

Merchantmen headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude wasn't too shocked: "So we lost, big deal. We had a great streak of games running on the road and now lost the the two conference champions in our last two road games. Too bad we're going to North Plainfield again next week, in any other location I'm confident our team would have brought us to 2-1."

The Merchantmen go to the North Plainfield Plague next and are already anticipating a loss and being 1-2 going into the open weekend. The Merchantmen haven't started worse than 2-1 since the 2004 season. That season the team finished 1-15 and 'earned' the #1 overall draft pick. "We're not even thinking about that," Charles Gomez said, "our goals are sets much higher this season. We want to go all the way and beating the Plague on the road would be a nice."

MIJB#19

05-27-2005, 05:35 AM

General Manager Notes
And down to earth we were.

To be honest, 2007 was a great season, but in 2008 our schedule is a little bit tougher and it shows already. We beat the Giants, but the Opsreys were a little bit too much to ask. I mean, we had it in us, but Flannery had his old habit of interceptions return and a badly timed fumble cost us the game.

The rest of the European division wasn't doing much better. Bordeaux got spanked, yes, spanked, by the Miami Sharks. The score ended at 41-10 in Miami advantage. The Paris Musketeers were handed a 10-7 loss at the Springfield Isotopes. Leonard Lyon had a passing touchdown for the 'topes in that game. Only the Gothenburg Giants managed to win this week, beating the Asheville Axemen 24-20.

European standings:
1-1 Maassluis
1-1 Bordeaux
1-1 Gothenburg
0-2 Paris
Maassluis holds head-to-head tiebreakers over Bordeaux and Gothenburg, Bordeaux hold tiebreakers over Gothenburg on divisional record.

Schedule:
Maassluis is involved in another game of the week. In Monday Night Football, they go to the 2-0 North Plainfield Plague for an interesting AOC conference championship game rematch. Bordeaux is going to the 1-1 Boston Rhinos, Gothenburg hosts the 1-1 Vicksburg Vipers and Paris hosts the 1-1 Fort Worth Fury.

Player of the year:
I had a hard time mentioning three players who played their butts off, but in the end it wasn't that hard afterall. Wide receiver Devin Henson played well again with 88 kickoff return yards (29.3 average) and 40 yards receiving, including a touchdown. Cornerback Xavier Clyburn was active as nickelback and had 1 interception and 1 defended pass versus 1 catch allowed. Nickelback Tai Wayne made 3 tackles and 1 defended pass, while not allowing a single catch.

Standings:
5 points - Louie Flannery, Devin Henson
4 points - Lincoln Gilmore
3 points - Cody Cluff
2 points - Xavier Clyburn
1 point - Omar Gougeon, Tai Wayne

As I mentioned already, next up is North Plainfield. The early preview indicates that we're the clear underdogs. A scouting device by the league, which compares the two teams, points out that North Plainfield has the advantage in every position and whatever else they could be. We're the biggest underdogs by Vegas standards this week as well. With a lot of players bruised, black and blue from the last game, I'm concidering to rest some of our banged up starters. As if we even stand a chance against the team that beat us 43-10 and 40-14 in their house the last two seasons.

MIJB#19

05-30-2005, 07:19 AM

Merchantmen At North Plainfield Preview
Maassluis at North Plainfield, game of the year. Not just in Maassluis, but in the entire league people are wondering wheter the Merchantmen can do something about the Plague's supremacy. Two time defending champions and in pole-position for a third title. The Merchantmen will have to be top fit and in their best shape to even be in the game. What will the game be like?

First of, there are three kinds of football teams. The cellar dwellars, the kind of teams that steal a win here or there, but have a hard time getting close to the psychological 8-8 mark. The .500 land, where all the 7-9 through 9-7 type of teams reside. The winning football group, these are the teams who have found their trick to win games at times. The Merchantmen have moved into the last group having gone through the first two, but the Plague have kicked off in 2004 in the winning football group, but the last two seasons became a league of their own.

There's no need to run down the Plague's roster. From quarterback David Conti to linebacker 'Ferby Thompson', from left tackle Isaias Lewis through cornerback Rod Huffman, every single player is perfect for the system. The Plague need only two scoring drives on offense and the defense will do the rest. Look at the score of 24-7 and 27-6 they had against Syracuse and Frederick and you realize they do it to any team.

The Merchantmen are in for a long day and expect a big loss. After the 10-43 and 14-40 spankings by the Plague in recent history, they know they are the underdogs and have little to hope for. But that's what the Merchantmen love to be, the underdogs. But after a 13-3 season, trying to talk like an underdog doesn't do justice to their own team performance in the past season, or to the teams who really are underdogs in the league.

Going back to the 2007 AOC Champions, the Merchantmen saw how their lack of pass protecting linebackers may have cost them the victory. The team drafted Bernie Surry to fill the void, however Surry's pass defense excellence comes with a lack of pass rush technique. Given the recent games, in which the pass rush was disappointing, the Merchantmen are speculating to go back to Carl Meier as strong-side linebacker for the game against the Plague. And the team still has Mike Kershner, although 'Mickey' looks like he's going to sit out a lot this season after the 10 catches he allowed in that AOC Championship game.

In today's Monday Night Football game, the Merchantmen will be missing the long-term injured tackle Cornelius Rice and the recovering defensive tackle Andrew Rasmussen. Also injured and likely to sit out the game are flanker Gregory Monti and center Brant Heinrich. The two best defensive backs of the team, cornerback Tai Wayne and strong safety Lincoln Gilmore are a bit black and blue, but expected to play. The same counts for tackle Harold Hurtado.

The offensive line will be reshuffled, so to say, as three normal contributors are hurt. Right tackle Cornelius Rice is out for most of the season, while Brant Heinrich is a risky play. Harold Hurtado, the substitute lineman for all the tackle and guard spots, will likely get the start over Norman Holliday at right tackle. Disgruntled Heath Ferebee gets the call at center, while disgruntled Brian Hammond will once again be the backup guard.

Ready or not, the Merchantmen will have to avenge the Plague now are be facing a 1-2 start for the first time since 2004. The confidence will take a huge hit and the open weekend won't be coming at the right time. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "We want to be above .500 as soon as possible. Going into the open week sitting 1-2, the team will only have more time to question them selves and set up a disastrous scenario for the home game against Tucker."

The panic should not start, as the two losses would be coming off the hands of last season's IHOF Bowl teams, but it isn't fun at all. But then, a victory would boost the confidence sky high, even a close loss could make the Merchantmen feel like in the period they went 11-1. Maassluis at North Plainfield, it's still boding well for a great matchup between two strong offenses and two defenses who can keep their opponentn from scoring. Tune in on MNF tonight, it could turn out to be a game to remember for the ages.

CraigSca

05-30-2005, 09:00 AM

Looking forward to this one! Good luck against the Plague. This is one reason why it would be really cool if the games could be played on a server and viewed like an ESPN Gamecast.

cthomer5000

05-30-2005, 09:28 AM

Let's hope for a good game today and no injuries.

MIJB#19

05-31-2005, 04:13 AM

Merchantmen Steamrolled To 1-2 By The Plague
With a humiliating 6-28 loss at the North Plainfield Plague, the Maassluis Merchantmen are facing a 1-2 season start. The Merchantmen were hopeless on offense and defense once again against the much feared opponent. With the 1-2 record, the Merchantmen have the worst season start since the 2004 season. Jamel Rosenberry went out with an injury. But as things are looking bad, the open weekend may be well timed to have a lot of starters return health for week 5.

The Plague had the Merchantmen's number and they proved once again why they are the #1 favorites to win IHOF Bowl V. In their first three games, the Plague beat three teams that went 11-5 or better in 2007, scoring 24 or more points while allowing 7 or less points in each game. Against the Merchantmen, the Plague had 494 total yards versus 148 for the Merchantmen.

Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude was sceptic about the loss: "We saw it coming, yet are devastated by the lack of offense power we showed. The Plague played with us like a cat does with a mouse." Quarterback Louie Flannery complained about the lack of pass protection: "It was the toughest game so far for me with the Merchantmen. I really missed Cornelius Rice as a sure thing on the right side. Maybe Norman (Holliday) can do it next game..."

On defense, the linebackers were once again the center of critics. Starters Carl Meier, Ellsworth Thelen and Cody Cluff combined for 14 catches allowed. Add the 7 catches that nickelback Xavier Clyburn allowed and you can see where the Merchantmen were beaten. In contrast, the four starting defensive backs allowed only 4 catches and returned with 2 defended passes and 1 interception.

"We can talk on and off about the game, but we know the Plague are much stronger," Charles Gomez said, "we know we're playing for second place in the conference." Gomez once again disappointed and is talked down in the local media. With 2 quarterback hurries and 0 sacks in three games, people wonder whether Gomez is still doing his best to anchor the Merchantmen.

The 1-2 start means the worst start since the 2004 season. The past three seasons, the Merchantmen were 2-1 or better after three games. But the schedule they had may have had a big role in the start. With a home game against Gothenburg, and road games against the two defending conference champions Outer Banks and North Plainfield, the Merchantmen expected a 1-2 start. "We're focussing on the remaining 13 games," running back Randy Harris explained, "We got to rack up the W total in the winnable games, not the once where we are clear underdogs."

Fullback Jamel Rosenberry won't be available for the next couple of games. Rosenberry sufferss from a broken clavicle and is expected to miss four games after the bye week. Cornerback Xavier Clyburn seriously damaged his elbow and is expected out for one week more than Rosenberry. Guard Timothy Lacy picked up a hamstring injury, but should be able to play. Especially Rosenberry is a key player who the team will have a hard time to replace. Thew options are to activate Henry Poston or move either running back Joseph Schoen, tigh end Jerry Reiser or tight end Arnold Ramirez to fullback.

Owner M.IJ.B. once again stated that the team won't go into panic mode yet: "I think we were due a couple of losses. We've played our two toughest road games of the season already and can now look forward to the rest of the games. It will be crucial to sweep Bordeaux and Gothenburg to repeat as European champions. We've done it last season and could do it this season, but I have to be honest to say that the optimism has waned a bit and that we're expecting 8-8 more than 12-4. The goal is still 10-6 and a playoffs berth, even after being so close to the IHOF Bowl last season..."

MIJB#19

05-31-2005, 04:41 AM

General Manager Notes
Speechless.

It was expected, yet, seeing the score and watching the game it was aweful. Aweful! I hope we can soon get over this and get back into division title defense mode.

Bordeaux took the division lead with a 27-20 win at the Boston Rhinos. Billy Jamerson finally shined, as he ran for 135 yards. Gothenburg lost a heartbreaking game against the Vicksburg Vipers. a last minute field goal in regulation and a last-second field goal in overtime made the Vipers win 22-19. The Paris Musketeers notched win #1 over the Fort Worth Fury as E.G. Lumpkin returned to form with 3 passing touchdowns towards the 31-6 win.

European standings:
2-1 Bordeaux
1-2 Maassluis
1-2 Paris
1-2 Gothenburg
Maassluis holds head-to-head tiebreakers over Paris and Gothenburg, Paris hold tiebreakers over Gothenburg on conference record.

Schedule:
Maassluis doesn't play, meaning Bordeaux can extend their lead by beating the 1-2 Orlando Knights in Bordeaux. Gothenburg will be hosting the 2-1 Conyers Condors, who are playing without their star quarterback Chris Donaldson. Paris is also on a open weekend, meaning they can nurse their long list of injured players a bit.

Player of the year:
Wow, try finding three top players after the beating we got. Lincoln Gilmore recorded 1 interception and 1 defended pass versus 1 catch allowed, with 3 tackles and 1 assist. Cary Coles was perfect in his limited duties, Coles converted two of two field goals to remain as the leading kicker in the IHOF this season with a perfect record and a 52-yarder on his resume. Mike Kershner was active in only 4 plays and made 1 tackle and 1 defended pass.

Standings:
7 points - Lincoln Gilmore
5 points - Louie Flannery, Devin Henson
3 points - Cody Cluff
2 points - Xavier Clyburn, Cary Coles
1 point - Omar Gougeon, Mike Kershner, Tai Wayne

Next up an open weekend, followed by a home game against the now 0-3 Tucker Tigers. I hope I have better news to report about by then...

Alf

06-01-2005, 03:15 AM

back to 1st place :)

CraigSca

06-01-2005, 04:34 AM

Does the Plague's defense have a nickname ala the Steel Curtain, Doomsday Defense, Gang Green?

MIJB#19

06-01-2005, 05:20 AM

Does the Plague's defense have a nickname ala the Steel Curtain, Doomsday Defense, Gang Green?Hmmm, come to think of it, not that I remember ever seeing one. With just over four years going, I think there are not many nicknames yet. There are a couple of nicknames invented over time, but the number on a specific position group, or offense is still limited.

cthomer5000

06-01-2005, 06:43 AM

Hmmm, come to think of it, not that I remember ever seeing one. With just over four years going, I think there are not many nicknames yet. There are a couple of nicknames invented over time, but the number on a specific position group, or offense is still limited.
I suppose The Black Death might be appropriate, given our jersey color and team name.

MIJB#19

06-03-2005, 09:09 AM

Merchantmen See Starters Heal Wounds In Bye Week
Week 4 of the 2008 IHOF season was a silent one for the Maassluis Merchantmen. With the open weekend scheduled after the trashing at the North Plainfield Plague, the Merchantmen players, staff and fans had something to talk about. But as the Merchantmen licked their wounds, from both the loss and injuries, the main rivals in Europe made the record gap a bit bigger. The Bordeaux Vineyards and Gothenburg Giants won and are taking the top two positions. The Paris Musketeers were with Maassluis and took a rest.

The Merchantmen had a tough schedule to start the season, but everybody expected at least one win and hope on two or more. A loss at North Plainfield would have been acceptable, but a complete humiliation following the unneeded loss at the Outer Banks Ospreys gave food for thought. Sitting 1-2 and having allowed 28 and 29 points in back to back weeks have people wondering what's going on. This was the top defense in scoring last season and all that only lost six backups.

Although the coaching staff wanted to play so the team could get into the winning mood fast enough, the injury list was asking for a week off. The non-action ment that quarterback Louie Flannery, cornerback Tai Wayne, center Brant Heinrich and flanker Gregory Monti could all recover to full health. Sadly, fullback Jamel Rosenberry and tackle Cornelius Rice are still out. Both are key players on offense, for both the passing and running game. Cornerback Xavier Clyburn is also still out, yet the Merchantmen have more roster depth at the secondary than anywhere else.

In the meantime, the Bordeaux Vineyards moved on towards a traditional 3-1 start. The Orlando Knights kept the score close, but were clearly the weaker side on the field all game long. 'Bam Bam' Jamerson ran for 135 yards in the 20-14 fourth quarter victory,but the game wasn't over until Paul Fabrizio scored two 22-yard filed goals in the last two minutes of regulation.

The Gothenburg Giants improved to 2-2 with an easy 27-16 win over the Conyers Condors. The Condors missed quarterback Chris Donaldson, while former #1 pick Randy Reagor struggled once again, racking up just 28 total yards. Giants' quarterback Duane Davis guided his team to the victory with 220 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. Davis' two interceptions were nullified as the Giants' defense totalled 4 interceptions.

With these scores, the Merchentman dropped to third place behid the two active teams. The Paris Musketeers are now in fourth place based on divisional record. The full standings in the European Division after four regular season weeks:
3-1 Bordeaux
2-2 Gothenburg
1-2 Maassluis
1-2 Paris

In week five the pressure is on for the top two teams. Bordeaux will host Gothenburg in a classic top of the division matchup. Gothenburg won the two head-to-head games in 2007 and will take over the division lead with a win. Maassluis gets ready for the visiting Tucker Tigers. The Tigers started 0-4 and will be desperate to notch win #1. The Tigers are leading the all-time head-to-head series 1-0. The Paris Musketeers are hosting the 3-1 Georgia Gridlock in the first of three consecutive home games. All in all enough ingredients for exciting football for the Europeans in week 5 of the 2008 IHOF season.

MIJB#19

06-06-2005, 10:45 AM

Gossip News: Merchantmen Owner Sighted With Cheerleader?
It was bound to happen with the young owner, the Maassluis Merchantmen was sighted in the local discotheque the Friday before the nexthome game against the Tucker Tigers. The Merchantmen organization denies rumors, but anonymus sources claim they saw M.IJ.B. dancing his legs off accompanied by one of the Merchantmen cheerleaders.

Usually the Merchantmen cheerleaders are kept out of the spotlights, but today things changed. The IHOF Monthly magazine promoted a couple of cheerleaders around the league, including Maassluis' gorgeous brunette Belou. In the issue, Belou admitted she's got the hots for volleyball players. And since Merchantmen owner M.IJ.B. still plays volleyball, the link was easy set up.

Usually, we wouldn't make any concern about it, but Gossip News picked up a lack of updating of owner M.IJ.B.'s dairy at FOFC.com and also heard that the team didn't submit a game plan and depth chart to the league office for today's game against the Tucker Tigers. Given the bye week, this could be meaningless, but we really think something has been going on there. Gossip News will keep you updated.

MIJB#19

06-06-2005, 05:50 PM

So who voted a 1 rating for my dynasty, was it so much more fun when my team was still losing so much? Stupid thread ratings system... I haven't felt like writing recently, but I'll get back at it soon enough. :)

MIJB#19

06-07-2005, 06:28 AM

Merchantmen Back In .500 Land
They licked their wounds and returned to the turf. The Maassluis Merchantmen enjoyed their open weekend and recovered with a 31-14 victory over the Tucker Tigers. Charles Gomez silenced his critics for a bad season start after anchoring his defense like never before. Louie Flannery looked good and evened up his career touchdowns and interceptions. The bad news was the injury to another offensive linemen as Butch White joins three other starters on the injury list.

In the first quarter the Merchantmen defense looked as bad as in the last couple of games. The 0-4 Tucker Tigers moved upfield with a 43-yard reception by ??? Ellard on a pass from Gary Handy. Three plays later the young defensive ends Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon sacked Handy on third down and forced a punt. But as the Merchantmen offense couldn't move, the Tigers got the ball back and Gary Handy started making good calls on third downs. The drive ended as Handy found Monty Avent in the endzone for the 7-0 lead.

The crowd in Oranje Haven wasn't happy and started whistling to the Merchantmen players. Being 1-2 and down to an 0-4 team didn't inspire the fans to support the team. Louie Flannery decided to silence the crowd and found Jerry Beyer for a 20-yard pass. The fans got the confidence back and saw Randy Harris and Joseph Schoen combine for just enough yards to set up a convertable field goal. Placekicker Cary Coles converted the 34-yard kick and the Merchantmen were back in the game.

Having the lead, the Tigers didn't feel like playing it easy yet. But as Monty Avent got stuffed by Mike Kershner and Gary Handy sacked by Erwin Baranowski, a big third down play was needed. Handy found Mark Poehnert for the first down, but as the receiver tried to gain the yards, he fumbled and the Merchantmen gained possession in the Tigers' territory. Louie Flannery then connected with Devin Henson for a nice 18-yard gain that moved the team inside the red zone. After some running and screen passes, Flannery saw Henson open in the endzone on second and two to put his team in the 10-7 lead.

In their next possession, it turned into the Forrest Pruett show. The prolific wide receiver made 4 catches for 42 yards on passes from Gary Handy. But as the Tigers moved upfield, the Merchantmen defensive line once again protected their own territory well. A sack from Charles Gomez and a hurried pass forced by Omar Gougeon made the Tigers punt from the 38-yard line. The Merchantmen offense was fruitless and punted the ball back. The Tigers failed to move forward as they were forced back by a holding penalty and it was time for a field position game.

With five minutes left in the first half, the Merchantmen looked to Joseph Schoen to make plays. But as Schoen gained only 8 yards, the team punted and the field position looked getting worse. A unsportmanlike conduct penalty then forced the Tigers back in their own territory and it looked like Maassluis' punter Roscoe Corrales was winning the punting battle. Louie Flannery got overexcited and with three minutes left saw his pass, intended for Devin Henson, get intercepted by ??? Criner. But on the next play, Tucker's Gary Handy returned the favor as he got sacked by Charles Gomez, who then forced the fumble and recovered the ball.

With just over two minutes left and having first possession in the second half, the Merchantmen wanted to wrap up the game in the first half. Louie Flannery knew who to play and looked like a great leader. A handoff to tight end Jim Reiser resulted in a 12-yard run. After getting sacked, Flannery didn't panic and immediately tossed a bomb to catch for Jerry Beyer near the Tigers endzone. The Merchantmen had a minute left and were pushed back by a false start penalty. Randy Harris had a huge run, but in the end the team settled for a 21-yard field goal by Cary Coles for a 13-7 half time score.

Fresh out of the locker rooms, Louie Flannery looked like the quarterback that amazed the IHOF late in the 2007 season. Flannery connected with Joseph Schoen for 18 yards on third and seventeen, followed by first down passes to Randy Harris and Arnold Ramirez. Then, Flannery connected with his favorite receiver again as Devin Henson was his target for a 40-yard gain. With 11 yards to go, the Merchantmen didn't make a mistake and Flannery found Ramirez for 9 yards on second down to make it 20-7.

After the score, another field position battle started. The Tigers' offense looked a bit better and the Tigers forced the Merchantmen back into their own territory. As Louie Flannery started panicing so close to his endzone, the quarterback once again got intercepted. ??? Lemere made the catch for the Tigers' at the Merchantmen 45-yard line. Set up by a 17-yard run from Monty Avent, Gary Handy connected with Forrest Pruett for a 37-yard touchdown.

The third quarter was about over by then. Louie Flannery looked determined to not let this 6-point lead slip and got his act going again. With great third down catches from Joseph Schoen and Arnold Ramirez (twice), the orange-white-and-blue moved upfield. After a nice 7-yard run from young fullback Henry Poston on third and two, the team was coming closer to the end zone. A handoff to Randy Harris kept the offense from being predictable as Flannery then was able to find flanker Gregory Monti for a nice 21-yard touchdown pass. Joseph Schoen ran in the two-pointer for a 28-14 lead.

But with ten minutes left, the game was far from over. Tigers' quarterback Gary Handy got the motor of his offense running again as his team started running all over the Merchantmen. But by running, the clock was ticking away and less than six minutes were left when the Tigers arrived near the red zone. Gary Handy sent his men into the endzone for a touchdown pass, but instead of closing the gap to 7 points, Merchantmen cornerback Sammie Kennedy intercepted the ball in the endzone.

In their own red zone, the Merchantmen tried to run out the clock, but as Joe Schoen and Randy Harris failed to move upfield, the Merchantmen had to punt with still four minutes on the clock. The Tigers, however, failed to move upfield themselves and were forced to punt with three minutes left. The Merchantmen tried to run out the clock, but again failed and possession was the Tigers' again.

The Tigers were sitting at their own 24-yard line and had to take risks. Gary Handy decided to go into pass-pass-pass mode. First down, the pass was defended by safety Broderick Schultz. Second down, Forrest Pruett dropped a pass for the first time in the game. Third down, Handy saw Shaun Shiroma coming at him and decided to throw the ball away. Fourth down, Handy decided to go for it and as he tried to connect with Monty Avent, Merchantmen safety Lincoln Gilmore came in between and batted down the ball for the turnover on downs.

Starting at the 24-yard line in the Tigers' part of the field, it was a piece of cake to wrap up the game with a field goal. The Merchantmen forced the Tigers into their last timeout after a 1-yard run by Randy Harris and then even threatened for a touchdown as Louie Flannery sent his men forward. On third and one, Louie Flannnery dropped to one knee, but the Merchantmen still had one last trick. Cary Coles was brought on to score the 33-yard field goal to not end the game. On the following kickoff return, the Tigers failed to score and the game was over.

Charles Gomez smiled all over as the recorded 7 tackles, 3 sacks and a crucial fumble forced and recovered. Gomez said: "It was the type of game we needed to get back into the winning mood. The Tigers ain't a true 0-5 team, but after trash talks from their owner we were eager to beat this team (Tigers' owner SkyDog claimed that the Merchantmen first round pick would be a top5 pick). That, and some of us still remember how we lost to them the last time we played them (The Merchantmen lost 9-10 after a missed extra point)."

Louie Flannery was happy about the result, but did start complaining a bit after the game. Flannery: "Injuries are hitting us hard this season. I know it's part of the game, but seeing five different starting linemen get injured in just four different games, it's not making things easier. No offense to Norman Holliday, but it's obvious he's not playing up to his potential yet. He can be as good as (Cornelius) Rice or Harold (Hurtado) some day, but he's not there yet."

Left guard Butch White was added to the list of injured offensive linemen. White sprained his thumb in the game and is expected to play through the pain in the upcoming month or so. Right guard Tim Lacy hardly played due to a sore hamstring, while lineman number six Harold Hurtado was a backup because of a knee injury. right tackle Cornelius Rice is out for the rest of the regular season with an ankle injury. The good news was center Brant Heinrich playing all game after returning from the injury list, yet he didn't look like his usually self.

Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude was pleased with the victory: "I knew we could win this game and knew we could get back on track this fast. We talked a lot during the bye week and I think we have everybody motivated again. Sure, some players are complaining about playing time, but I hope they understand the sacrifice they have to make to be part of a team trying to make a run at the league title. Given all the injuries, I don't understand the complaints from the offensive linemen anyway..."

Next up for the Merchantmen are the Georgia Gridlock. The Gridlock are 3-2 and division leaders in the AOC Southeast. The Georgians need a win to defend the division lead as the Orlando Knights and Conyers Condors are in pursuit at 2-3. The Merchantmen are two wins behind the Bordeaux Vineyards and can't afford a loss in their attempt to defend their European crown. Going to Georgia, the Merchantmen know they are 0-2 all-time versus the Gridlock. Last season, the Gridlock won by 1 point and were the only team to beat the Merchantmen in between 6 and 5-game winning streaks. In 2005 the Gridlock won on a 47-yard field goal in over time. That's plenty history to be determined to take the win and sit 3-2 going to Paris the week after.

MIJB#19

06-07-2005, 07:30 AM

General Manager Notes
(Sigh of relief)
It wasn't pretty, but I'll take the win over playing great football. Besides, our fans are not used to seeing us score 30 or more points in one game.

A recent statistic showed that our team has faced the toughest schedule in weeks one through four. Our game against Tucker (0-5 now) will probably make us drop on the list, but having played the defending conference champions and having lost at both of them makes us look mediocre at best so far.

How did our European rivals do? The Bordeaux Vineyards shutdown the Gothenburg Giants and are looking stronger than ever. In the 23-10 victory, Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson ran for two scores and 119 yards. The yards per carry figure of 2.9 wasn't so great, but I think Bordeaux will take the yardage and scores over the average any day. The Paris Musketeers are impressive all of a sudden. They managed to shutdown Georgia Gridlock and their 2007 rookie of the year quarterback Nate Sutter. The 20-7 victory shows the Musketeers are a team to watch out for this season. And having allowed only 23 points in their last three games, it looks like Paris has a defense now.
euro's

European standings:
4-1 Bordeaux
2-2 Maassluis
2-2 Paris
2-3 Gothenburg
Maassluis holds head-to-head tiebreakers over Paris on divisional record.

Schedule:
The Bordeaux players, staff and fans will sit on their couches, watching the games of the other European teams. The Maassluis Merchantmen play at the 3-2 Georgia Gridlock, the Paris Musketeers host the 2-3 Orlando Knights and the Gothenburg Giants host the 0-5 Tucker Tigers.

Player of the year:
Five heroes for our win, and they were not easy to name with so many candidates. From fifth best to best they were:
Middle Linebacker Cody Cluff, who made 6 tackles, 2 assists and defended 1 pass.
Quarterback Louie Flannery, who nullified two interceptions with 248 yards passing and 3 touchdowns.
Receiver Devin Henson, who had 3 catches for 60 yars and a score, as well as 78 kickoff return yards.
Defensive end Omar Gougeon, who had 2 tackles, 1 defended pass, half a sack and 5 quarterback hurries.
Defensive tackle Charles Gomez, who made 7 tackles, 3 sacks and recovered a fumble after forcing it.

Standings:
8 points - Devin Henson
7 points - Louie Flannery, Lincoln Gilmore
5 points - Charles Gomez, Omar Gougeon
4 points - Cody Cluff
2 points - Xavier Clyburn, Cary Coles
1 point - Mike Kershner, Tai Wayne

So, after 1/4th of the games, how are we doing stats-wise?
Offense
After four games, we're just an average passing offense. The injuries on the offensive line made the pass protection worse than normal and we all know that Louie Flannery is no sacks avoider like Justin McDavid is. With 225 yards per game things look better han they are. A completion percentage of 48.7, a 5.8 yards per attempt average, and 2 sacks per game allowed are not the best of stats. But if you think the passing game is bad, the running game is even worse. Our linemen are all black and blue and can't get key run blocks anymore. Our runners combined for 83 yards per game and a pathetic 3.2 yards per carry.

Defense
What happened here, were we not a top defense last season? Let's start with our charm last season, te pass rush. With 2.5 sacks per game, we're closing in on our average, but this figure was boosted by the 5 sacks against Tucker. Our pass defense is lacking recently. We're allowing teams to complete 61% of their passes for 7.8 yards per attempt and 285 yards per game. Yeah, ouch. Add the 117 yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry rushing and we're looking plain aweful. At least the defense still keeps teams from scoring a lot of touchdowns, although 9 touchdowns in 4 games is not a good average.

Individual Passing Game
Louie Flannery is not making the difference so far. Flan' completes only 49.6% of his passes and for just 6.0 yards per attempt. The good news is that he's got only 5 interceptions so far versus 7 touchdowns. Devin Henson is our top receiver so far, to my surprise. With 10 catches for 174 yards and 2 scores. Gregory Monti has 6 catches for 134 yards and a 22.3 average so far in limited action. Jerry Beyer helps out with 11 catches for 129 yards. Only Bryce Ewald is a bit disappointing with 9 catches for 111 yards. Jim Reiser isn't getting much looks yet, but that's partially due to his temporary role as fullback.

Individual Running Game
Don't look. Really, don't. Randy Harris has ran for 181 yards so far and an average below 3.0. The new backup Joseph Schoen ran for 61 yards and a 2.2 average, go us! In four games, our team has zero running touchdowns, zero! Where is it going wrong? Well, we're missing our run blockers a bit. Jamel Rosenberry got hurt, Cornelius Rice is out for the year, Tim Lacy is hurt, Harold Hurtado is hurt, Brant Heinrich missed time, Butch White is hurt now. I can only hope we can get over the slump.

Individual Pass Rush
Finally something that looks decent so far, although we're entirely leaning on the pass rush pressure we showed against the Tucker Tigers. With 3 sacks from Charles Gomez, the highlight is already mentioned. Omar Gougeon is doing his share with 1.5 sacks and 8 quarterback hurries. Aaron Sherrill, Erwin Baranowski, Shaun Shiroma and Andy Weliczka all added 1 sack, but not much more.

Individual Pass Defense
Guess what: Our rookie Bernie Surry is the charm of the group so far. How bad is that? Okay, granted, we wanted a pass defense linebacker, but if Surry is already our best guy, what's going wrong elsewhere? Lincoln Gilmore has been great as our strong safety, 1 interception, 3 defended passes and 5 catches allowed is a good averages. Others helping out are Tai Wayne (3 defended, 8 catches), Cody Cluff (1 interception, 2 defended, 11 catches) and Borderick Schultz (2 defended, 7 catches). The rest is lacking a bit, especially cornerbacks Winford Endicott (2 defended, 14 catches) and Xavier Clyburn (1 interception, 1 defended, 10 catches). Even Myron Stevens is joining mediocrity with 1 defended pass and 4 catches allowed.

Oh well, the toughest part of the schedule has been survived. We're 2-2 and that's just were I expected us to be. Well, okay, I hoped and expected 3-1, but 2-2 is not bad given our schedule. Outer Banks and North Plainfield are conference champs, while we never beat Tucker before. Gothenburg was a sort of no-brainer, given the 4-0 streak we have against them, yet I'm aware of how good that team actually is. The season is still long and expecting another streak of 10-1 smells like arrogance and insanity. Let's stick with the plan to hope for at least 10-6 and a playoff ticket, okay?

Kodos

06-07-2005, 01:12 PM

http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01185b.jpg

http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01185c.jpg

Figured the readers might appreciate these commemorative shots of Louie Flannery and Benny Hughes from Futility Bowl IV. :)

Oh, and you're now 108 replies away from this being the most replied to dynasty in FOFC history.

MIJB#19

06-07-2005, 03:12 PM

Oh yeah, I got to thank Kodos and others for making Madden pics and photo-edited images of some of the Merchantmen players. I don't remember who all made the photo edits, but I do know that Dutch took the time to make snapshot of all the 2007 starters and important backups. Including the three below, that made for a great trash talk series going into the first Merchantmen playoffs game (or did I share these here already?):
John McMasters, the IHOF's best pass rush is coming at ya today
<table><tr><td>http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/00886a.png<td>http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/00207a.png<td>http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/05505a.png<tr><td>Albert Bernardo (8.5 sacks)<td>Charles Gomez (8.0 sacks)<td>Aaron Sherrill (6.5 sacks)</table>

MIJB#19

06-07-2005, 03:32 PM

Charles Gomez Wins Player Of Week Honors
In the 31-14 beating of the Tucker Tigers, Maassluis Merchantmen defensive tackle Charles Gomez played well enough to win the IHOF Defensive Player of the Week honors. In over four years in the league, this was Gomez' first player of the week honor. Gomez made 7 tackles, 3 sacks and recovered a fumbled that he forced to lead the defense to a rebound win after two straight losses.

"The honor is nice, but the real thing is the ring." Gomez said, "We got a goal and we're still far from reaching it." Gomez was the Merchantmen's first round pick in the league draft for the 2004 season and has been the team's best player since the league started. Gomez earned All IHOF First Team (2006) and All IHOF Second Team (2005, 2007) honors before, but was never the defensive player of the week.

This honor is the first and according to some team mates not the last. Middle linebacker Cody Cluff: "Gomez was robbed for Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 and was the Defensive Player of the Week a couple of times that season. Gomez is the top of the backbone, no Gomez no glory." Safety Lincoln Gilmore agrees with Cluff: "Most teams have a quarterback as their start player, we don't believe in stars, but Gomez would qualify as one."

Gomez' star has always been rising, but the big breakthrough came only recently as Gomez was featuring on the front of the 2008 IHOF Monthly Season Preview magazine. Gomez was pictured as the Maassluis Merchantmen's answer to North Plainfield quarterback David Conti. Gomez was then interviewed going into a Monday Night Football preview for the Maassluis at North Plainfield game in week three, but after the game people started to wonder whether the media attention broke his stride.

"No, no, I wasn't slacking." Gomez said. "You know me, I want to work hard for the team and make room for the other guys to make plays. The first three games things didn't go well and I really pumped myself up for the home game versus Tucker." Apparently it worked as Gomez shined and earned the Defensive Player of the Week honors. And with the Georgia Gridlock focussing in the pass with a shacky offensive line, Gomez and co. could be in for another good game.

MIJB#19

06-08-2005, 04:58 AM

Oh, and you're now 108 replies away from this being the most replied to dynasty in FOFC history.Wow, I didn't realize this thread had gotten so big already. Is that a good thing? :cool:

MIJB#19

06-08-2005, 09:14 AM

Maassluis At Georgia Preview: The Shoe Returns To Georgia
Joseph Schoen returns to Georgia. The two-time 1,000-yard back was traded this pre-season by the Georgia Gridlock to the Maassluis Merchantmen. This weekend, Schoen is expected to be starting against his former teammates and make a case for why he should have been kept around, despite salary cap struggles. But the Georgia Gridlock are not afraid, they beat the Merchantmen last season in Maassluis and lead the head-to-head series 2-0. The only two IHOF franchises with a continued growth in regular season wins are getting ready for an interesting game.

"'The Shoe' is going home." said Georgia Gridlock owner Celeval about two months ago. At that moment, the Gridlock had just agreed terms with the Maassluis Merchantmen to trade Joseph Schoen to Maassluis. Schoen has a dutch lastname and thus has roots on the old continent. But the reason for trade was not a lack of production. In four seasons as Georgia's tailback, Schoen racked up 908 yards rushing per season. But a big salary figure and Georgia being in cap hell made the move possible.

Merchantmen headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude is happy about 'The Shoe': "With the retirement of Rodger Mowery, I pressed for a replacement running back. The management listened and acquired two guys. Scott Bagley is not quite ready for the job, while Schoen can challenge Randy Harris for the starting job." But despite the good words, Schoen has only 117 total yards in four games, including a horrible 2.2 yards per carry average.

"He's a nice guy to have around," Randy Harris said, "I worried for my job, but I know that Joseph and I can share carries and be more productive. It's too bad that we've been playing catch-up so much this season, which means we have to pass more and can't wear down the defense with the running game. And the injuries to our linemen and Jamel (Rosenberry, fullback) haven't made things easier."

Some league pundits expected Schoen to be the new starter in Maassluis, but so far fan favorite Randy Harris is still going strong. Schoen said: "Harris has started every game in franchise history and improved his production every season. It's not easy being in the shadows of a legend. But then, the 2007 showed that the Merchantmen need two great backs to keep winning, I'm happy to be that second guy."

Schoen and the rest of the Merchantmen offense will be facing a tough Gridlock defense. The defensive line will be rotating a lot as te Gridlock have six guys who can contribute. John Bryant is the former Merchantmen player who the fans should recognize, however the likes of Alonzo Millet and Cole Alexander are even bigger names around the IHOF. Behind the line, John Culpepper and Jeffrey Flores anchor a strong linebackers quartertet. And the secondary can't be underestimated with safeties Andrew Remington and Glenn Casares playing all over the field.

The Gridlock offense isn't so bad either. Quarterback Nate Sutter will be given a lot of looks, although he might be a bit worrying about playing Maassluis again. Last season, Sutter got hurt in a freak accident against Maassluis and missed a couple of games. Lucky for him the now retired Fabian Parker stepped up and passed the team to a 28-27 upset victory.

Passing is what Sutter and company will be doing. The Gridlock are focussing a bit more on passing, although Cole Dean will be running from time to time. The fullback is playing tailback this season and has been a good replacement for Joe Schoen so far with 343 yards and a 4.8 average. Wide receiver Jules Benedict and center Bubba Kearney are the ex-Merchantmen players on the offense and could be seeing a lot of playing time against their old teammates.

The starting lineup for the Merchantmen will probably be reshuffled a bit once again. Left guard Butch White hurt his thumb and is expected to play through the pain, but probably be rotating a bit with the backups. But as right guard Timothy Lacy is troubled by a sore hamstring, right tackle Cornelius Rice is out for the season and backup tackle Harold Hurtado has a sore knee, White might be forced into play afterall.

On defense, the Merchantmen expect to play with the usual starters. Strong safety Lincoln Gilmore re-injured his shoulder. He's expected to play through the pain, however the team has confidence Emile William as a replacement. Cornerback Xavier Clyburn is still out, but the Merchantmen think their depth will cover for the injury. The biggest question will be whether Andrew Rasmussen will return to the active roster, as Rasmussen returned from injury and is fully recovered. The management, however, is having a hard time finding an active roster spot for Rasmussen.

Given the historyof the Maassluis-Georgia games, people should expect a close game. In 2005, the Gridlock won in their own house in an overtime classic. Tim Wilkes completed 50 and 78 yard touchdown passes in regulation before watching Edward Wilkes scoring the game winning 47-yard field goal two minutes into overtime. And last season the Gridlock saw Joseph Schoen score twice in a 28-27 shocker. Edward Wilkes once again was crucial, this time scoring a 36-yard field goal with 45 seconds left. Will Edward Wilkes repeat history or will the Merchantmen overcome their fear and end the losing streak versus Georgia? After tomorrow, we'll know the answers...

MIJB#19

06-10-2005, 11:58 AM

"Hey MIJB, what's the hold up?"

Some freak scores in 10 of the 13 other IHOF games have made yesterday's scores reason for a bit of a research before being made reality. Once the issue is resolved, I'll get an update in.

"That's lame!"

You call that lame, then you haven't seen the ugly score for Maassluis at Georgia yet...

"And when is soon then?"

If things get bad, it will be on Sunday, I'm going to the coutry's most beatiful beach for most of Saturday. :cool:

Alf

06-14-2005, 02:39 AM

Doh, I thought all Dutchmen were coming down to sunny France for all beach related activities ;)

MIJB#19

06-14-2005, 04:07 AM

Doh, I thought all Dutchmen were coming down to sunny France for all beach related activities ;)Stupid Dutchmen and their compulsory vacation trip with tent to France or Spain. It's always cool when they get rain there and it remains sunny and exhaustingly hot in the Netherlands. If only the humidity wasn't so bad... ;)

Time for a Georgia recap and Paris preview, the Merchantmen are going to France today!

MIJB#19

06-14-2005, 04:27 AM

Merchantmen Suffer Big Loss At Georgia Gridlock
For the third time in franchise history, the Maassluis Merchantmen were beaten by the Georgia Gridlock. In what should have been a close game, the Gridlock marched to a big 38-17 victory. The running game, pass protection and pass rush all failed heavily in the beating. Former Merchantmen players John Bryant and Jules Benedict scored against their old team. Joseph Schoen returned the favor, but couldn't do much as the starter, which also ment that Randy Harris saw a streak of consecutive games started ended at 68 regular season games.

The 2008 season so far looks like a big dissater for the Merchantmen. In six weeks, including a bye week, the team has won only 2 games and thus already tied their 2007 loss total. Big losses on the road to Outer Banks, North Plainfield and Georgia have totally vanished their winning streak in road games, after the team went 8-0 away from Oranje Haven in the 2008 regular season.

Quarterback Louie Flannery looked devastated after the game. The young Merchantmen quarterback completed 21 of 32 passes for 274 yards, yet was not looking happy at all after being sacked 7 times and not having any support from the running game. Flan' wasn't ready to blame the offensive line, but did say: "It comes to show how vulnerable we are when a couple of guys are playing through pain and when (Cornelius) Rice isn't playing."

After a disappointing first four games, fan favorite running back Randy Harris was benched by te Merchantmen management. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "Randy looked exhausted and we had good hopes on Joseph (Schoen) to tear apart his former teammates. It's clear that the whole offense is missing (tackle Cornelius) Rice and (fullback Jamal) Rosenberry, who both work hard for the skill players."

On the defensive side, the team couldn't be much happier. After a game in which Charles Gomez earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, Gomez and his defensive line recorded no sacked and only three quarterback hurries. Gomez: "The team wanted to see how good Shaun (Shiroma) would do in more playing time, while we're probably missing Big Al (Albert Bernardo) and his routine on the line as well."

Things are not going well in the Merchantmen locker room. Three prominent players are complaining about playing time and the management is having a hard time to get them happy again. Left tackle Harold Hurtado was supposed to be the sixth linemen, but with a knee injury is still riding the bench, despite seeing three starters injured. Defensive end Albert Bernardo was demoted to #4 end, yet thinks he can provide the pass rush the team has been lacking so far. And linebacker Josh Weisberg is not happy as sixth choice in the 4-3 defense.

"We all have to make sacrifices, but as the team isn't playing well, the desire to step in and make plays is higher than before. It's a good thing, but Harold, Al and Josh should realize that age has slowed them down a bit." These were the words from owner M.IJ.B. and he seems to have a big hand in the playing time of the veterans.

Next up is an all-important game at the Paris Musketeers. Middle linebacker Cody Cluff sprained his ankle, meaning the Merchantmen are most likely going to play without the second segment in the three-men backbone of the run defense. Safety Lincoln Gilmore is expect to play a bit, but not a full game yet with his shoulder injury. Only defensive tackle Charles Gomez is ready to go. The rest of the personnel on defense will have to make up for the absence.

MIJB#19

06-14-2005, 05:08 AM

General Manager Notes
Just when you think things can't get worse, well, they do get worse.

Try finding excuses, but 2-3 is not where we wanted to be. Granted, the losses to Outer Banks, North Plainfield and Georgia all were expected, but they shouldn't have been that big. I'm still believing in our system, but I can't hide the fact that I'm slowly giving up on our anchorman on offense: Randy Harris. Dandy Randy used to be our star touchdown scorer and now he's nothing better than a change of pace back, or so it seems. My heart is breaking over this, but we may have to stick with Joe the Shoe...

How did our rivals do? Well, the Bordeaux Vineyards didn't play, so they laughed their asses of for our big loss. The Paris Musketeers continued their defense top showing, beating the Orlando Knights 34-10. The Musketeers have now allowed 33 points combined in the last four games. And Duane Davis seems to have the Gothenburg Giants back to winning ways, although a 27-17 score versus the winless Tucker Tigers doesn't mean much. And that, my good readers, means we're back in fourth place...

European standings:
4-1 Bordeaux
3-2 Paris
3-3 Gothenburg
2-3 Maassluis

Schedule:
Bordeaux will defend first place for another week, but going to the Conyers Condors (2-3) it doesn't make sense to expect them to do so. If Chris Donaldson is back at quarterback for the Condors, the Vineyards should expect a close game. Gothenburg is going to the Orlando Knights (2-4), who are still missing their quarterback. But the game of the week in Europe is Maassluis at Paris. With a bit of luck, it means we could be back at second place and only 1 win behind Bordeaux. If we're unlucky, we're 3 wins behind Bordeaux and see an 8-game winning streak inside the division end.

Player of the year:
Try finding three non-zeroes in our beating at Georgia... The only qualifiers to me were Bryce Ewald (4 receptions for 92 yards), Bernie Surry (1 pass defended, 1 tackle, 3 assists) and Tai Wayne (1 fumble recovered, 2 passes defended, 3 tackles, 1 assist). Louie Flannery should have qualified with 274 yards passing and completing 21 of 32 passes, yet 2 interceptions and a fumble make him point-less this week.

Standings:
8 points - Devin Henson
7 points - Louie Flannery, Lincoln Gilmore
5 points - Charles Gomez, Omar Gougeon
4 points - Cody Cluff
3 points - Bryce Ewald
2 points - Xavier Clyburn, Cary Coles, Bernie Surry, Tai Wayne
1 point - Mike Kershner

MIJB#19

06-14-2005, 06:02 AM

Maassluis At Paris Preview
Maassluis at Paris, a classic to the two owners. The Maassluis Merchantmen have had a bad start and want to get back to .500 with a win here. The Paris Musketeers are aiming for 4-2 and hope to be second on tiebreakers after this week. But both teams are struggling with injuries on their offensive line and can only hope that their defenses will step up and hold their ground for most of the day.

Flannery versus Lumpkin, that's how this game looks in quaterbacks. So far, Lumpkin has the edge over Flan' in the 2008 season. With a better completion percentage (65 vs. 52), more yards (1,246 vs. 1,167) and less interceptions (4 vs. 7), it shows that Lumpkin may be the stronger of the two passers. But Flannery isn't impressed, as their head-to-head record shows a 2-0 lead for Flannery. With 27-17 and 14-6 scores, Flannery and team have beaten paris twice the previous season.

But 2008 shows to be a different season. The Musketeers all of a sudden have a defense, while the highly touted top defense from the Merchantmen has collapsed this season. The Musketeers allowed just over 8 points per game in their last four games and are going on a hot streak. The Merchantmen average 32 points per game allowed so far on the road and can't be feeling happy about this matchup.

Crucial element today will be which offensive line will hold up te best. Both lines are haunted by injuries, but both teams think they can get something done still. Paris have IR'ed tackle Howard Bingham and guard Isaac Bailey, two of their top three linemen in talent, while backup tackle Wilford Eckstein is alo out for the season. But with Louis Bell, Broderick Marsh, Harold Prescott, a dinged up Tony Kuehn and Chris Johnson, the Musketeers can still field a good line.

In Maassluis the total number of injuries is less, but the impact is pretty similair. After seasons of 26 and 28 sacks the past years, Louie Flannery has been sacked 15 times already. The absence of right tackle Cornelius Rice has been mentoined a lot, but it's not all there is. Guards Timothy Lacy and Butch White are hurt and can't play without pain. It means they're taking it easy and the two main run blockers on the line are not giving all their power.

Facing Paris it's not a lucky timing. The Paris Musketeers had two trianing camp surprises in defensive tackles Joseph Battle and Charles Conaway. Lucky for Maassluis, Conaway is out with an ankle injury, while his replacement Parker Jones is taking it easy with a thumb injury. Albert Buxton is getting playing time, but isn't producing a lot so far. The Musketeers have a good linebackers trio behind them and can field a reliable secondary.

For Maassluis there's bad news as middle linebacker Cody Cluff is expected to sit out the game. Carl Meier has borken to be a good backup, but isn't the elite run stopper that Cluff is. In return, Meier helps out the pass rush and pass defense, which could be useful against a pass happy Paris offense. Sided by Ellsworth Thelen and rookie surprise Bernie Surry, Meier could be Cluff-ish. And with Andy Weliczka returning on the defensive line as a run stuffer, the Merchantmen think they have fixed the problem.

But most of all in Paris, the eyes will be on the running backs of both sides. Joe Boulware hasn't produced a lot so far this season, but with 81 yards per game and 3 touchdowns he's helping out. In Maassluis it's a controversy, however, as Randy Harris has only 196 yards in 5 games and averages just 2.9 yards per carry. New acquisition Joseph Schoen hoped to turn the tide, but with just 90 yards in 5 games and a 2.4 per carry average, 'The Shoe' is not ready to carry this offense.

The Merchantmen have won the last two head-to-head games, but with Paris on a hot streak, things could go different this time around. Given the historical results in Paris, the Musketeers could be up for a big win again after the 2006 (40-20) and 2005 (31-3) upset wins. Afterall, it's been a long time since Paris had a better record than Maassluis and they would love to extend that image, while digging Maassluis deeper into last place. The Merchantmen can only hope to extend their European games winning streak to nine and move back up the divisional rankings. Get ready for another episode of the Maassluis-Paris classic...

MIJB#19

06-14-2005, 07:39 AM

Irregular Interviewing: Bernie Surry, Bright Light Of 2008?
The 2008 season has been a big disappointment to the Maassluis Merchantmen so far. But two things have been looking good so far. One is the Merchantmen's record in home games. With two wins in as many games, Oranje Haven is once a gain the much wanted harbor to the Dutch american football team. The other bright light is a rookie linebacker. A young kid, drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 draft, who has emerged as a starter on a top defense from 2007 and in one of the league's strongest linebacker groups. Rookie Bernie Surry has lived up to the training camp hype and has become a key player on the pass defense.

Q (Questioner): Bernie thank you for joining us for this interview.
BS (Bernie Surry): I'm happy to contribute to whatever this is for.

Q: This interview is for the Maassluis Merchantmen dynasty website over at the Front Office Football Central website.
BS: Really? Cool! I love FOF! I didn't know there was a site dedicated to the game. Well, I knew a bit, but after going to college I hardly visited.

Q: So, which team did you like to be in FOF?
BS: The Vicksburg Vipers. I grew up like 40 miles from where they play in real life and managing them in a game was fun to do. Although, the Syracuse Mohawks were a close second due to my college time.

Q: How would you like to play either of those teams?
BS: I think that would be a cool experience. I'd love to make a tackle on Ronnie Kemp or defend a paas from Brent Peterman, but then, they're not on our schedule for this season.

Q: Unless you guys meat them in the playoffs.
BS: True. But right now we're not allowed to talk big about the playoffs. Coach (headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude) has ordered us to only be focussed for the next game. Being 2-3, we have no rights to talk playoffs anyway.

Q: What did you expect coming to the Merchantmen as AOC runners' up and European Champions?
BS: Well, I was pretty honored by getting drafted. I heard rumors on the Merchantmen wanting me, but they didn't have draft picks. When they traded into the fifth round, I didn't expect them to pick me. I was quite honored to hear they traded in to get me.

Q: Then, after the draft, people started talking about booms and busts. More often than not, the name of Bernies Surry was mentioned.
BS: That was cool and all, but I really wanted to prove I can play good football. That's what people want from fifth round picks. Besides, I was going to Maassluis, they still had like seven better linebackers.

Q: Good group or not, you've started in four games this season and have been helping out with four defended passes.
BS: I do what I can.

Q: Still, people around the league are amazed how a fifth round rookie with no stamina and no pass rush technique can become the starting strong-side linebacker for Maassluis.
BS: True. I just do my best. I hear 'Mickey' (Mike Kershner) and Carl Meier have allowed too many catches from the strong side position. I think I'm a good zone defender and as the team likes to play it a lot, I try to show what I can.

Q: With 4 passes defended, you rank second on the team.
BS: As I said, I do my best. I want to win at all cost all the time as I hate losing.

Q: How does that contrast with being on the Merchantmen?
BS: Face it: I joined a team that went to the conference championship game. They haven't been big losers for the past seasons at all.

Q: But the Merchantmen still have the image of lovable losers.
BS: Really? Well, I guess they've proven wrong. Just look at some guys around here. They've given faith in Aaron Sherrill and Omar Gougeon. Didn't they start for the best pass rush last season?

Q: True. How do you see your role in the pass rush?
BS: it's a problem. I've played like a safety a bit in college, but changed to pass defense oriented weak-side linebacker in the last two seasons. I never developed any pass rush technique and at time my teammates complain about it. I've decided to try to improve my traits as a run stopper and pass defender.

Q: We hear the management has big things in their plans for you as a long-time starter as pass defender and run stuffer.
BS: That's cool to hear.

Q: You haven't heard or read about it?
BS: I'm still a rookie. Haven't you seen the competition? Cody is the #1 run stuffer in the league, Meier is a great leader and can do it all, Elly (Ellsworth Thelen) is a sack machine, who can stop the run, 'Mickey' (Mike Kershner) is so popular and Josh Weisberg is such a great guy to hang around with, I learn a lot from all these guys.

Q: Something a bit different, how do you get around life in the Netherlands so far?
BS: Hard to say, after I got drafted and signed my contract, we went into traning camp and then had a lot of road games, so we haven't been in Maassluis a lot so far.

Q: But did the other guys tell you about the 'first city at the New Waterway'?
BS: Oh yeah. Ronnie (Myron Stevens) told me about the bikeride interview I did. I purposely turned it down. I may be a good football player, but I don't dare to jump on a bike.

Q: Which guys on the team do you hang out with the most?
BS: Well, the linebackers are all a bit older than me, but I hang out with some of them. I talk a lot with Carl Meier, who's also from the state of Mississippi, but he's like 5 years older. I've had fun with Lamer Singleton as well. He's one day older than me, but knows the team and the area well after two seasons here. Of course, being inactive a lot, he's got plenty of time to get to know the area. (laugh) Sorry, me and Lamar joked about it a bit, since he's been battling for a roster spot for so long here. He's a survivor.

Q: Bernie, what do you think is the reason for the disappointing start so far?
BS: Hard to say. I'm new to the team and not too familiar with how the team managed to go 13-3 last season.

Q: But playing with pretty much the same team as last season, there's got to be something the other players have told you?
BS: Not really. I hear the guys are missing 'Stitch' (Johnnie Stidham) and (Desmond) 'Crazy' Craig a lot. They were the interception masters of the team, or so I heard.

Q: Interceptions, is that what the team is missing?
BS: Well, I understand that te pass rush has been down a bit too. It's hurting me, though, I know I'm not a good pass rusher and just can't help out there. I try to work hard, but maybe the team needs an extra rusher from the linebacker positions?

Q: But Charles Gomez and the defensive ends then?
BS: I'm not sure. Omar (Gougeon) told me that it might have to do with Big Al (Albert Bernardo) having slowed down a bit. Albert has been complaining about it a bit, but still thinks he should be starting and wants to help out.

Q: Shouldn't the management bring in Bernardo and Erwin Baranowski a bit more then? And what about Andrew Rasmussen?
BS: I think we got enough guys who can make a sack. Don't forget 'Elly' and Shaun Shiroma.

Q: Aside from the lack of a pass rush, the biggest problem is still that the linebackers are giving up the most catches.
BS: We work hard to make that figure go down.

Q: But as a group you guys allowed 44 catches, that's about 9 per game!
BS: I know, it's too much, but we'll get over it. Trust me.

Q: Okay, Bernie, a last question before the Paris game: what's your take on going to play Joe Boulware and Brian Spradlin?
BS: I hope Gomez, Carl and 'Elly' take care of Boulware, meaning I can fully focus on Spradlin. It should be a fun game.

Q: Bernie, good luck later today against Paris.
BS: Thanks.

Q: Say "Hi" to old Bernie (defensive coordinator Bernie Hicks) for me, will ya?
BS: Oh, will do, the coordinator will love to hear that!

MIJB#19

06-15-2005, 09:29 AM

Merchantmen Beat Paris With Last Second Field Goal
The Maassluis Merchantmen are back at .500 land. With a 23-20 victory at the Paris Musketeers, the Merchantmen are back in the race to defend their European title. Charles Gomez lead his defense the way to holding the Musketeers offense off from scoring. Randy Harris looked a bit like his old self as he scored his first touchdown of the season and helped the team in coming back from 17-0 down. Injuries hurt again, but the team is confident that it won't hurt too much.

Let's go to maybe the most important play of the game. The Paris Musketeers had gone 17-0 up with a field goal from Jushua Hunt and touchdown passes by E.G. Lumpkin to Henry Gayle and Tyrus Shaye. Louie Flannery was just intercepted in the two-minute warning of the first half. The Musketeers had one minute left from the Maassluis 40-yard line to lock up the game. E.G. Lumpkin steps back to finish it off. Then, 'wham', Charles Gomez rans into Lumpkin, the ball is fumbled and Omar Gougeon picks up the loose ball at the middle line.

Next up, Louie Flannery connects with Bryce Ewald for 20 yards and hands off to Randy Harris for a total of 4 yards rushing to get into a scoring position. Cary Coles gets a timeout to take his time and converts the 43-yard kick. Paris kneels down to end the half, but that one sack, fumble and following field goal turned out to be pretty important run of plays to end a first half in which the Parisians dominated.

Pumped up by the key play, Charles Gomez looked determined and inspired his defense to do great things in the third quarter. Anchored by interceptions from linebackers Bernie Surry and Carl Meier, the defense kept the Paris offense far away from the Merchantmen endzone. And as the Merchantmen offense saw Flannery connect to his new favorite target Devin Henson for a touchdown and Cary Coles scored a 23-yard field goal, the Merchantmen took advantage to the fullest of the interceptions.

Paris bounced back and got their act going on offense again. But being forced to settle for a 32-yard field goal, the score was 20-13 in home team advantage with still eight minutes left. Louie Flannery got his men going and helped by a great third down catch from Bryce Ewald and a 35-yard reception on Jerry Beyer's account, the Merchantmen marched into the redzone. Randy Harris was given the ball and scored from 3 yards out. Harris' first score of the season was an important one as the score was tied again at 20 all.

Paris tried to move forward, but forced back by a false start penalty on third and two and Charles Gomez forcing E.G. Lumpkin into a bad throw on te next play, the Merchantmen got the ball back and realised they could win this thing after having trailed 0-17. In a time consuming possession, Louie Flannery connected with his receivers to move his men into close to the redzone. Knowing a field goal would be enough, the Merchantmen went into all-rushing mode. Randy Harris and Joseph Schoen ran the clock out as the Merchantmen called for a time-out with 7 seconds left. Cary Coles scored the 22-yard field goal and the game was over.

What started ugly ended in domination mode in the second half. The Merchantmen proved to be able to bounce back after trailing and Louie Flannery recorded his fifthfourth quarter comeback victory in his career. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "The way Flannery ran this offense, Harris and Schoen ran the ball and the defense ran all over the Paris offense, we showed we're still that same team that won so much last season. I think we're back in the race for the division."

Charles Gomez took the player of the game honors after the crucial sack and forced fumbled at the end of the first half, but also contributed with 7 tackles and 2 assists. Gomez was sceptic about it: "We let Paris score 17 points before stopping them. The defense played well today, but only in the second half. If Bernie (Surry) and (Carl) Meier had not made those interceptions, we'd be having been into an even tougher game. But with how the offense played in the fourth quarter, there was no way we could lose this game."

Rookie linebacker Bernie Surry excelled in the victory and was highly praised by his teammates and the Merchantmen staff afterwards. Surry had 1 interception, 2 passes defended 5 tackles and 3 assists. The fifth round pick is quickly showing he's worth the role as a starter on this team. Charles Gomez said: "Bernie is amazing so far. The kid knows how to keep the tight ends from scoring and somehow still has the energy to support the run. He's making a lot of key plays, despite sharing playing time with others."

The bad news for the day was the addition of four players to the injury list. None very seriously, as long snapper Charlie Martins is the only one listed as questionable, but the team is taking precaution with several starters. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "Jamel Rosenberry and Xavier Clyburn are coming off serious injuries, while we should have good enough reserves to replace Tai Wayne, Cody Cluff and Andy Weliczka. We've got 53 players signed for a reason, not just because it's league policy."

The big smile on the Merchantmen's faces got even bigger after hearing what happened elsewhere in the Bordeaux-Conyers game. Reserve quarterback Justin McDavid explained: "It seems the Vineyards lost in a shocker of a game. But the Condors lost their quarterback to injury again and that's good for us as we're hosting them next week." But of course beingback to .500 land was the most important thing. With all European teams within one win now, the season looks to be a long and close race between four teams...

MIJB#19

06-15-2005, 09:51 AM

General Manager Notes
Yay! We win and in a nailbiter.

It was a fourth quarter comeback win and maybe undeserved after the first half, but once again we'll take the 'W'. I have good hope that we'll get back to the late 2007 form of steamrolling over our opponentns, but so far we've got to settle with narrow victories. Beating Paris is always nice, since the Musketeers owner and I always love to talk trash on the days leading towards the game. But after having beaten them the last 2 times on the road and last 3 times at home, is it still worth the energy? (eye-wink to Darkiller)

Our 23-20 last second win not only helps us back in the race, but other results make this divison closer than ever before. The Bordeaux Vineyars lost 20-23 at the Conyers Condors (3-3 now). The Gothenburg Giants got home as 23-20 winners from a trip to the Orlando Knights (2-5 now). Giving some pretty close standings for now.

European standings:
4-2 Bordeaux
4-3 Gothenburg
3-3 Maassluis
3-3 Paris
Maassluis holds tie-breakers on head-to-head record (1-0)

Schedule:
With the next round of games, we could face an amazing standings next week. The Gothenburg Giants are on a bye week, thus they stay in the middle of the pack. The Paris Musketeers go to the Tucker Tigers (0-6) in hopes to catch up with the Giants. The Maassluis Merchantmen host the Conyers Condors (3-3) trying to move into second place. And the Bordeaux Vineyards hope not to slip to 4-3 as they are playing at home against the Georgia Gridlock (4-2).

Player of the year:
We beat Paris and it was not difficult to hand out kudos to the five best players. Going from fifth best to best the were: receiver Devin Henson (1 touchdown, 26 yards per kickoff return, 3 catches for 37 yards), safety Broderick Schultz (1 defended pass, 0 catches, 2 tackles), linebacker Bernie Surry (1 interception, 2 passes defended, 5 tackles, 3 assists), left tackle Ivan Jacques (4 key run blocks, 50% blocking, 0 sacks) and defensive tackle Charles Gomez (1 sack, 2 hurries, 1 forced fumble, 7 tackles, 2 assists).

Standings:
10 points - Charles Gomez
9 points - Devin Henson
7 points - Louie Flannery, Lincoln Gilmore
5 points - Omar Gougeon, Bernie Surry
4 points - Cody Cluff, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald
2 points - Xavier Clyburn, Cary Coles, Broderick Schultz, Tai Wayne
1 point - Mike Kershner

Stats?
Well, we suck in individual stats, none of our passers, rushers or receivers rank in the top20. Cody Cluff is still going strong in the tackles tables (43 tackles), Charles Gomez is moving up the sack machine charts 4.0 sacks), but all other defensive players have no top20 positions. And we also suck in team stats, as the only thing we seem able to do is making turnovers on defense and keeping the opponents from scoring inside our red zone. I can only hope things will change soon, but I've got little hope for that so far...

MIJB#19

06-16-2005, 11:04 AM

Chapter Three Of The Fumblin Justin Classic
When the 2007 season ended, two teams were highly touted as surprise teams. The Conyers Condors and Maassluis Merchantmen had turned around from non-winning seasons to reaching the final four of the Atlantic Ocean Conference. But as the 2008 season is moving along, the two teams needed a win last week to move into .500 land. With 23-20 victories over the French IHOF teams, both sides hope to get over their injury troubles and win the third game in one of he IHOF's craziest head-to-head series. Part three in the Fumblin' Justin classic is here.

The Condors were hot last season after picking running back Randy Reagor and quarterback Chris Donaldson first and second overall in the draft. But so far, Reagor hasn't set the world on fire. The highly touted runner has enmassed 236 yards rushing, with just 2.8 yards per carry and 1 touchdown. Chris Donaldson is another story, as the passer did some good things in his career so far, however he's already nicknamed 'mister Glass'. Donaldson already missed 9 regular season games and is ruled out for the game at the Merchantmen.

But the Condors should know that the personnel in this matchup is not guaurantee to win or lose. In the previous meetings, the Merchantmen and Condors both won in an undeserved way. In 2004 it was the Condors' turn. With two fumble recovery touchdowns for over 60 yards, the visiting Condors won 17-16 after being held to 163 total yards on offense. That day Justin McDavid fumbled four times to earn his much hated nickname "Fumblin' Justin".

In 2005 it was Justin's revenge. While the Merchantmen offense racked up only 261 total yards, the Condors were on fire and unstoppable all day. Guided by quarterback 'Aces' Glenn and his 411 passing yards, the Condors were dominant all day, but failed to score enough points. When the last play was played, the home playing Merchantmen were on top of the scoreboard with 21 versus 17 points.

It's about three years later and both teams are battling against injuries to get into the winning records group. At 3-3, both teams are not far behind their respective 4-2 division leaders, but will have to work hard to defend their division titles. The Merchantmen are looking to Louie Flannery to field a passing game, to Charles Gomez to pressure the opposing quarterback and Lincoln Gilmore to set his pass defense right. The Condors will rely on Chris Richardson's sacks, the interceptions of Carter Martinez and Brian Fernando, while the offensive line has to protect their backfield. Enough ingredients for a fun game of football.

MIJB#19

06-17-2005, 03:12 AM

Condors Humiliate Merchantmen In Their Own House
The Maassluis Merchantmen continue to struggle in the 2008, as they got beaten up by the Conyers Condors in their own house. The Condors rushed to a 29-0 lead to eventually win the game 39-21. Condors' backup quarterback Reggie Gandy put down a surprise performance, while the Merchantmen defense looked aweful. The Merchantmen lost guard Butch White for most of the rest of the regular season with a broken clavicle. The only good news was that a win against Bordeaux could still be enough to regain the division lead with a 4-4 record.

There's clearly something wrong with the Maassluis Merchantmen this season. After the amazing 2007 campaign, the Merchantmen already clinched having a worse regular season record, with more than half of the season to go. But the most worrying element is the number of points allowed. In their four losses, the Merchantmen allowed 33.5 points on average, with the lowest total being a 28 versus the North Plainfield Plague.

Defensive tackle Charles Gomez was critical towards the management: "Maybe we've gotten a bit too confident in our team. The management decided to bench Cody Cluff and inactivate Tai Wayne. These are guys we can't miss against strong teams like the Condors." Cody Cluff's replacement Carl Meier was mostly held responsible for the loss, allowing 8 catches and not defending a single pass, while Wayne's replacement Sammie Kennedy allowed 3 catches with no defended pass.

The Condors didn't mind the struggles and were happy to see their replacement quarterback Reggie Gandy get wild. With 26 of 45 passes completed, Gandy passed for 351 yards and 2 touchdowns. Supported by Randy Reagor's 2 rushing touchdowns, the Condors' offense combined for 487 total yards. Gandy received his first player of the game honors and for the first time in his career posted a positive touchdown-interception ratio at 2:1.

The Merchantmen offense received a lot of negative critics over their lack of ability to move the chains in the first half. Randy Harris and Joseph Schoen combined for only 19 carries for a respectable 75 yards, but the complaints were mostly on the passing tendencies. Two-third of the plays was a passing play and that doesn't fit in a balanced offense. Louie Flannery didn't even play so bad as he completed 19 of 36 pass attempts for 232 yards, 1 score and only 1 interception. But with his fifth fumble of the season, people are reminded of the fumblitis that haunted the 2005 Merchantmen team. But having a pretty balanced turnover margin this season and particularly in this game, it's no excuse.

Butch White suffered a broken clavicle in the game and is ruled out for most likely the next six games. The left guard is an important player in the running game and will surley be missed. The good news is that sixth lineman Harold Hurtado and fullback Jamel Rosenberry are expected to be ready to play in the next game. The same applies to middle linebacker Cody Cluff and Lincoln Gilmore, while Tai Wayne is also expected to be playing.

Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude understands the position his team is in: "It looks like we're back to the .500 land ball we played two, three seasons ago. The good thing is that we can bounce back next week by beating Bordeaux. We've still got it in our own hands to repeat our European title." It will require a bit of help from the Georgia Gridlock to beat the Gothenburg Giants, but if both Georgia and Maassluis win, the 2007 European champions will be back in charge of the division.

MIJB#19

06-17-2005, 06:33 AM

General Manager Notes
Blech.

Random conversation in a home of the average Merchantmen family:
"How are the Merchantmen doing, dad?"
"I dunno son, I switched to Life & Cooking when the score got to 29-0."
"You don't wanna see them steamroll over the Condors?"
"Son, the Merchantmen are losing."
"Oh..."

Forget about that plan to win the conference, heck, it'll require a miracle to get the defense back in 'you-won't-score-on-us' mode and the offense rolling like it used to do. But lucky for us, the two French rivals were beaten as well. Bordeaux went down 6-0 versus the Georgia Gridlock, while Paris handed the Tucker Tigers their first win with a 13-20 score.

European standings:
4-3 Bordeaux
4-3 Gothenburg
3-4 Maassluis
3-4 Paris
* Bordeaux holds tie-breakers on head-to-head (1-0)
* Maassluis holds tie-breakers on head-to-head record (1-0)

Schedule:
Who said it was do-or-die for the Merchantmen, we're still in the race for the division, even at 3-4. We're going to Bordeaux, who are without Joe Johnson next week. Well, it doesn't mean much, but at least it could help us beat them. Gothenburg is playing the Georgia Gridlock, while Paris is playing the Conyers Condors. With a bit of good-will, we could see four teams tied at 4-4 next week (and us holding the tie-breakers as we would be 1-0 versus all three rivals).

Player of the year:
Do I have to nominate players?
Okay, here's this weeks top three, who all three were already high on the list:
Linebacker Bernie Surry defended 2 passes, allowed 0 catches, recovered 1 fumble, made 4 tackles and 1 assist; Gregory Monti had 5 catches for 99 yards, including a big 53-yard touchdown; Winford Endicott had 1 interception and 2 defended passes, versus 3 catches, while he recorded 4 tackles. Devin Henson had 0 catches, but did run back a kickoff for a touchdown, but given the timing of te score (being 39-14 down wit 3 minutes left it didn't matter much).

Standings:
10 points - Charles Gomez
9 points - Devin Henson
8 points - Bernie Surry
7 points - Louie Flannery, Lincoln Gilmore
5 points - Omar Gougeon
4 points - Cody Cluff, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald
2 points - Xavier Clyburn, Cary Coles, Broderick Schultz, Tai Wayne
1 point - Winford Endicott, Mike Kershner

Stats?
Are you kidding me? We've gone back to the cellar dwellars mode this season in offensive and defensive stats. Don't even dare to ask about them. We suck, plain and simple. Oh, maybe worth mentioning: we had no excuse to be humiliated, as we out yarded Conyers 531-509 in all puropse yards. Also worth mentioning: if we want to tie our best points allowed figure, that we set in 2007 as the best defense of that season, we'll have to average 5.8 points per game allowed from now on.

Rookie watch
So, how are the rookies doing? Well, running back Scott Bagley has been looking aroud a lot so far. So far the coaches gave him 1 ball touch, which result in a 7 yard gain. That is if you ignore his 6 kickoff returns for a nice average of 25.2. Punter Sean Smalley is still unsigned, but with injuries piling up and Roscoe Corrales not doing so well, don't be surprised if we sign Smalley after week 9. Linebacker Bernie Surry is te charm of the team so far. With 8 defended passes (1st on the team) and 1 interception versus 8 catches, as well as 21 tackles and 13 assists (1st on team) and 1 fumble recovery, he's a serious rookie of the year candidate in my book.

Next up a game at Bordeaux. I hope we can set some things straight and extend out winning streak in European games to 10, but being 1-3 so far on the road and Bordeaux being on the move back up, I doubt we can do it, even with Joe Johnson ruled out...

KWhit

06-17-2005, 08:33 AM

Good stuff, MIJB. Your pre-game writeup of MAA - CON was great, particularly the history of the series.

I'm still amazed at our offensive explosion.

MIJB#19

06-20-2005, 04:56 AM

Editor's Note
The IHOF is on hold until June 26th, when the next round of games is going to be played. What this means to the dynasty? I really don't know, yet. My schedule is pretty busy the coming 4 weeks, so I got no clue yet whether there will be extra stuff, or just some small previews and recaps. Do we need some cliffhangers for the next week or so?

Will Maassluis bounce back against Bordeaux?
Will they regain the first plays in Europe?
Is Louie Flannery going to stop committing turnovers?
Will Randy Harris hold Joe Schoen off and remain as the starter?
Is Jerry Beyer going to live up to second round pick material?
Will Shaun 'My' Shiroma live up to expectations?
Is Sammie Kennedy going to live up to his first round pick potential?
When will the rest of the secondary live up to the hype?
Can Charles Gomez fix the apparently broken DL?
Will the OL ever get healthy again?
Is Norman Holliday going to outplay 'good old' Harold Hurtado as RT?
Is this Bernie Hicks last season as defensive coordinator in Maassluis?
Can the management stick this team together for 2009?
Will the Merchantmen be back as masters of trade next off-season?
Will Sean Smalley ever sign a contract with the Merchantmen?
Can Bernie Surry continue his form and win rookie of the year?

Keep reading this summer and maybe you'll find out...

MIJB#19

06-23-2005, 05:34 PM

Special Message for Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson, high profile IHOF and Bordeaux running back:

Hey Bam Bam, since you never played the Merchantmen in a competitive game before, maybe you should get up to date with the faces you'll be seeing on Monday.
<table><tr><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/05505a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/00886a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/00207a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/05508a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/04169a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01741a.png" height=100 width=75></img><tr><td>Sherrill<td>Bernardo<td>Gomez<td>Shiroma<td>Gougeon<td>Baranowski<tr><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/06317a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01642a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/00786b.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01414a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/00040a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><tr><td>Surry<td>Kershner<td>Cluff<td>Meier<td>Thelen<td><tr><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/03907a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/02349a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01823a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/03982a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/04445a.png" height=100 width=75></img><td><img src="http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01477a.png" height=100 width=75></img><tr><td>Wayne<td>Gilmore<td>William<td>Schultz<td>Stevens<td>Endicott</table>
These guys rank 24th in rushing yards per game, 30th in yards per carry, 31st in passing yards allowed, 28th in passing touchdowns allowed and 29th in least points per game allowed. Have fun tearing this defense apart!

Once again, thanks for the images, Dutch!

MIJB#19

06-23-2005, 05:42 PM

General manager Notes
Hi everybody!

Here's a quick update on what's going on in Maassluis. Your favorite team has analyzed the game tapes of the last seven games and came to the conclusion to make a couple of slight changes to the defensive game plan for the next road game at Bordeaux. I think we have three reasons to not fear the result:
* Bordeaux is playing without a serious quarterback (Joe Johnson is out)
* We can go only one way after the recent 6-28, 17-38 and 21-39 trashings and that's up
* Bordeaux' running back 'Bam Bam' Jamerson has a sore thumb and is questionable

What the change are? Well, get real, the Bordeaux GM is a loyal dynasty reader and it'll be unwise to share the changes. But one thing I can tell: We'll be working more with our strenghs and less with our weaknesses the next games. And since the research showed unexpected weaknesses, we can only hope that Bordeaux won't have a clue what it is...

Still, beating Bordeaux is very important right now. After a slow start, we really have to sweep the division for a second year in a row to even think about the playoffs. It's in the posibilities, but won't be coming easy. Paris and Gothenburg are stronger than ever before, while Bordeuax is still Bordeaux: three-time European champions. Wish us luck, people!

Alf

06-24-2005, 08:24 AM

I wish you no luck.

Guess what, Bam Bam will see the ball on over 80% of the plays. No matter what, I need him Monday !

Mr Gomez, be warned !

MIJB#19

06-24-2005, 11:32 AM

I wish you no luck.

Guess what, Bam Bam will see the ball on over 80% of the plays. No matter what, I need him Monday !

Mr Gomez, be warned !:P

Actually, it was mainly that I was finding it fun to post pics of a bunch of players, but the Bam Bam message came in handy. AndGomez should be fine, Cluff is back to cover Gomez' back all day long.

MIJB#19

06-27-2005, 04:26 AM

Maassluis At Bordeaux Preview
The European Division is a toss up so far. With the enitre division going into their eight game, there's a good possibility that all four teams sit 4-4 after their games. The crucial game to make it happen will be played in Bordeaux. The 3-4 Maassluis Merchantmen are defending their European title against the 4-3 three-time European champions Bordeaux Vineyards. What can we expect to happen?

First of all, the Vineyards are without their quarterback. Joe Johnson, who's so much feared in Maassluis, has a strained patellar tendon and is ruled out by the medical staff. Expectations are that Heath Ashe will do the passing today. Ashe's main target is supposed to be running back Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson. The IHOF MVP of the 2006 season is however nicked up himself with a sprained thumb. But with flanker Martin Mathias doubtful, 'Bam Bam' will have to play and step it up.

The Vineyards defense is in much better shape. Aside from safety Thomas Windham. And unlike in past seasons, the Vineyards defense is doing a decent job stoppoing the opponents. The one thing Bordeaux always lacked seems to be fixed in 2008 and that should give the Vineyards a legimate reason to expect good things and hope for a playoffs ticket.

The Merchantmen are slowly collapsing under the pressure of being a championship candidate. With four losses, in which they averaged a 14-34 score, the Merchantmen are lookingaweful. The team hardly completes half of their passes (51.5%) and has a terrible running game (84 yards per game, 3.3 yards per carry). Quarterback Louie Flannery at least is even on touchdowns and interceptions, but things don't look good so far.

On defense, things don't look much better. Of course it all starts with an offense that can't keep hold onto the ball, but the defense has been hot and cold as well. With 26 points per game allowed, the team has gone from best to fourth worst. With 281 passing yards per game and 4.6 yards per run, they don't look good at all. But against Bordeaux two of the three backbone stars (Cody Cluff, Lincoln Gilmore) are back from injury to support Charles Gomez. Only cornerback Tai Wayne may sit the game out, however the staff has faith in Myron Stevens to step into the role of shutdown corner.

Despite all the injuries, the Merchantmen management is reluctant to blame the losses on the players' health. Owner/general manager M.IJ.B. said: "We spent our money and future draft picks to have depth this season. he only thing we still miss is a good backup fullback and a good fourth offensive tackle. Henry Poston and Norman Holliday will fit those roles someday, but today they're too green to make good things happen."

But the injury to quarterback Joe Johnson is the best excuse for the Bordeaux Vineyards in case they lose. Still, the Merchantmen are on a nine-game winning streak in European games. The Vineyards are eager to end that streak and build a two-win gap and take the early tie-breakers over the Dutch rivals. The Merchantmen were revolutionair winners in 2007, but in 2008 the traditional standings are back. It's up to the Merchantmen to show the revolution was for real and that Bordeaux is history. Bam Bam versus Gomez and Cluff, a game with potential to be history rewriting...

MIJB#19

06-29-2005, 07:34 AM

Merchantmen Beat Bordeaux To Return On Top
The possibility was there, but seeing it happen was concidered to be a longshot. With a 28-22 score, the Maassluis Merchantmen won at the Bordeaux Vineyards. But thanks to a Gothenburg Giants loss, the Merchantmen return at the top of the European division. Louie Flannery threw for four touchdowns to give the team an unsurmountable half time lead. But it required some excellent special teams play and defensive miracles to hold on to the lead. And in all the action Ivan Jacques and Charles Gomez joined the list of injured players.

In the first quarter of the European showdown, the Merchantmen defense looked dominant. With a highly touted new defensive game plan, the visiting Dutch team held the Vineyards to 2 yards rushing in their first possession. With Louie Flannery coming hot out of the lockers' room, the Merchantmen offense marched forward to the endzone. With one reception by all four wide receivers, the Merchantmen looked dominant. Devin Henson was the receiver with his feet in the endzone to put the 7-0 lead on the scoreboard.

In their second possession the Vineyards and Merchantmen hardly made progress, although the Vineyards won the field position battle a bit. In their third possession, the Bordeaux offense got really going. With powerful runs from Billy Jamerson and David Mercer, the Vineyards slished the Merchantmen run defense in pieces. But on a third and four situation at the Merchantmen 10-yard line, Bordeaux quarterback Heath Ashe was sacked by Charles Gomez and Omar Gougeon to force the home team to settle with a 33-yard field goal by Paul Fabrizio to end the first quarter.

The Merchantmen got their act going again, although failing to score, decided to play the field position game, having a 4-point lead. As the Vineyards failed, they were forced to punt from their own 27-yard line. As Scott Guilen placed his punt, Merchantmen linebacker Ellsworth Thelen broke through to block the punt and force a turnover at the 13-yard line. Three plays later it was Joseph Schoen with a reception on a Louie Flannery pass to increase the lead to 10 points.

With Heath Ashe eager to get he Bordeaux offense going, the Vineyards looked ready to score back. With a nice 16-yard run from David Mercer, the chains were moving, until Charles Gomez put the pressure on Ashe. Scared by the Merchantmen defensive tackle, Ashe tossed an incomplete pass and on the next play, he delivered a bad pass. Merchantmen safety Lincoln Gilmore stepped up and intercepted the pass. As Gilmore ran the ball back 30 yards, he set his offense up for a scoring position. With brilliant third-down and touchdown catches from Bryce Ewald on Louie Flannery passes, the score was getting bigger.

Determined to set things right, Heath Ashe tried to got a passing game going in the next drive. But after a bad pass to Corwin Fenton and seeing his second pass defended by linebacker Cody Cluff, his third pass was intercepted by cornerback Tai Wayne. Wayne almost ran it back for the score as he got tackled at the 3-yard line by Billy Jamerson. Randy Harris failed to score on a run on first down, but on second down, Louie Flannery passed to his running back and the 28-3 lead was there as Cary Coles scored his fourth extra point of the game. The Vineyards got on the scoreboard again with eigh seconds left, yet the second fieldgoal from Fabrizio couldn't mask the dissaster that had been going on.

In the second half the Merchantmen defense decided to play a come and don't score type of strategy. They let the Vineyards run out their energy on five to ten plays to get into Merchantmen territory and then the defense stepped up to make them settle for a field goal. The strategy seemed to work as the Merchantmen held on to their lead and allowed only one field goal in the third quarter. In fact, had a Louie Flannery pass not been intercepted in Bordeaux territory, the Merchantmen could have expanded their lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Merchantmen defense almost collapsed under the pressure, while the Merchantmen offense couldn't make a fist anymore. Bordeaux added two more field goals to sit in a 15-28 score with six minutes left. And as Roscoe Corrales delivered a bad punt, the Merchantmen offense was stuck at their own territory, while not being able to get away. Quarterback Heath Ashe managed to find Corwin Fenton for a crucial third down conversion and for the touchdown on the next play. Bordeaux was back in the game, but still trailing 22-28.

With four minutes left, the Merchantmen looked ready to expand the lead to finish the game. A brilliant 35-yard reception by Gregory Monti moved the Merchantmen forward and a nice 11-yard catch by Joseph Schoen on a third and two situation seemed to make a game winning score a matter of time. But as Schoen got tackled, he fumbled the ball and Bordeaux had one last shot to go for the game-winning touchdown.

In the two-minute warning, the Merchantmen defense stepped up big. As the Bordeaux offensive line looked exhausted, the fit looking Merchantmen defenders made plays. Heath Ashe was hurried into a bad throw time after time, and if he was getting protection, the Merchantmen safeties defended the passes. Still, Ashe managed to get a first fourth down conversion converted, but as the second one failed, the game was basically over. The Merchantmen ran the clock out and notched win number four for the season.

Louie Flannery took the game mvp honors, but spoke of a narrow escape: "The defense bailed us out today. Two picks, a blocked punt, forcing field goals... If we can't get this offense to work, we're doomed, and so far we're not getting things rolling like we did last year." Flannery's four touchdowns still marked the second time in Merchantmen history that a quarterback would throw for four touchdowns. Flannery was also the passer in that first occurance in a huge 40-13 beating of the Gothenburg Giants in the 2007 season.

The 2008 Gothenburg Giants are also struggling. After a 9-27 beating at the Georgia Gridlock, they are tied with the Merchantmen and Vineyards. The three teams all have a 4-4 record, but the Merchantmen hold the head-to-head sweep and thus tie-breakers. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude calls it a miracle: "Gothenburg and Bordeaux have good teams, I think we're lucky to be so deep into the division race at mid-season. But beating our rivals has helped and will do us good for our confidence in upcoming games."

In the next game, the team will possibly have to do with out two key players. Left tackle Ivan Jacques suffered a bruised ribcage and is expected to be playing through pain in the next two games. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez hurt his thigh and is expected to see less playing time against the Orlando Knights. Gomez said: "The games against Orlando are always fun, I'd feel disappointed if I had to miss Dutch Bowl III."

The Merchantmen are back on top, but for all they know it could be over in just a week time. The Merchantmen posted three of their four win inside the divison, the team is still 1-4 in non-divisional games. The Orlando Knights are a good team and are likely to play without quarterback Michael Prescott, but that's not enough guaurantee to win. The game is in Florida and the Merchantmen have been 0-3 in the States so far in 2008. But leading the Dutch Bowl series 2-0, the Merchantmen feel ready to go into a winning record for the first time this season. But for now, the joy of being back on top will have to do it for them.

MIJB#19

06-29-2005, 08:24 AM

General Manager Notes
It feels goo to be back on top.

We've done it, with some help. We're back in the lead for the 2008 European division title after a 28-22 win at the Bordeaux Vineyards. It's not going to be an easy ride, but we've got the pole position again. The Gothenburg Giants got demolished 9-27 at Georgia Gridlock, while Paris was hopeless in a 20-30 loss at the Conyers Condors. At least the new game plan worked out, or so it seems. The defense stepped up, avoided touchdowns and guided us into the early 28-3 lead.

European standings:
4-4 Maassluis
4-4 Bordeaux
4-4 Gothenburg
3-5 Paris
* Maassluis holds tie-breakers on head-to-head record (2-0 vs 1-1, 0-2)
* Bordeaux holds tie-breakers on head-to-head record (1-0 vs 0-1)

Schedule:
There's another European showdown coming up. The Gothenburg Giants are visiting the Paris Musketeers next week in what could be the eliminator for Paris, despite being just one win back so far. This division is going down to division tie-breakers and sitting 0-3 at mid-season could be deadly in the end. Bordeaux is set up to play at the Tucker Tigers, who've gone 2-0 since their bye week. And Maassluis is going to the 2-6 Orlando Knights for Dutch Bowl III, which game will be a Monday Night Football special.

Player of the year:
Time to name five game winners again. I'll start with Louie Flannery, who completed 20 of 32 passes for 185 yards and 4 touchdowns versus 1 interception. Lincoln Gilmore made 1 interception and defended 1 pass versus 1 catch allowed as he made 4 tackles and 3 assists. Broderick Schultz defended 3 passes and made 3 tackles, while allowing 1 catch. Charles Gomez made 7 tackles, 4 assists, 4 hurries and 0.5 sacks. Cody Cluff enmassed 8 tackles, 3 assists and had 1 defended pass.

Standings:
12 points - Louie Flannery, Charles Gomez
11 points - Lincoln Gilmore
9 points - Devin Henson
8 points - Bernie Surry
5 points - Cody Cluff, Omar Gougeon, Broderick Schultz
4 points - Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald
2 points - Xavier Clyburn, Cary Coles, Tai Wayne
1 point - Winford Endicott, Mike Kershner

Statistical Mid-Season Report?
Passing - 227 yd/game (17th), 6.2 yd/attempt (27th), 2.0 sacks/game (20th)
Rushing - 81 yd/game (31st), 3.2 yd/carry (32nd)
Pass Df - 273 yd/game (31st), 7.3 yd/attempt (23rd), 2.0 sacks/game (9th)
Run Def - 125 yd/game (24th), 4.4 yd/carry (29th)
Well, how do you like that? I mean, we're 4-4, but we've played games with night and day differences and our statistics look like a 2-6 team. We're allowing 25 points per game and score 20 per game. We're committing turnovers on offense (2.1/game) and can only be happy to force them as well now (1.9/game). It's a good thing we've got a top ten third down defense and have the special teams unit to force teams into needed about 10 yars per game more to score.

Individual Stats?
Louie Flannery has completed 54 percent of his passes for 225 yards per game with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It's not all lo0oking good, but what can we do? The system worked in 2007 and I'm confident that if the defense does it's trick again, the offense can produce again.

Okay, maybe we can't produce, our rushing leaders are Randy Harris (349 yards, 2.9 per carry, 1 touchdown) and Joseph Schoen (179 yards, 3.0 per carry, 2 touchdowns). The line clearly missed the injured run blockers Cornelius Rice, Butch White and it doesn't help either when Timothy Lacy is not 100% healthy or your fullback Jamel Rosenberry has missed 4 games.

Our receivers are a toss up on who's the best so far. Bryce Ewald again leads the bunch with 23 catches for 357 yards and 1 touchdown. Devin Henson is on pace for a franchise touchdowns record with 4 scores on 17 catches for 252 yards. Gregory Monti is a deep threat in the IHOF with 18.8 yards per catch as he made 18 catches for 340 yards and 2 scores. Jerry Beyer, the second year pro, has 17 catches for 236 yards and 1 score. And that's not all as Jim Reiser (16 catches, 1 score), Randy Harris (18 catches, 1 score), Joseph Schoen (16 catches, 2 scores) and Jamel Rosenberry (16 catches, 1 score) all do their share.

Devin Henson is also on pace for being a top kickoff returner this season. Was the return kid a special teams player of the year candidate in 2006, he's stepped up his play in 2008 with 30.3 yards per kickoff return and with his 3rd career return touchdown. Backup kickoff returner Scott Bagley doesn't look bad either with 25.2 yards per return. Joseph Schoen is a disappointment as punt returner, although a 5.0 average isn't bad.

On defense, the pass defense was our charm and it is a bit once again. Charles Gomez (4.5), Omar Gougeon (3.0), Erwin Baranowski (3.0) and Aaron Sherrill (2.5) all do their share. In the pass defense, it's rookie Bernie Surry's game still. With 8 defended passes and 1 interception he's the top dog. But Lincoln Gilmore (2 int's, 6 defended), Winford Endicott (1 int, 7 defended), Tai Wayne (1 int, 6 defended) and Broderick Schultz (6 defended passes) do their share. In the tackles area, Cody Cluff is at it again with 53 tackles and 12 assists. Charles Gomez (44 tackles, 14 assists) is also headed for big figures at season's end.

That's it for now, I think we're lucky to be 4-4, but having had a very tough schedule so far, I think we should be happy with the record and hope for more in the second half of the season. Even if that included three more tough European games and games against Asheville (6-3), at San Antonio (5-3) and at Miami (4-4). You'd almost forget the games against Springfield (3-6) and our next game, Dutch Bowl III at the 2-6 Orlando Knights...

MIJB#19

06-30-2005, 03:05 AM

Maassluis And Orlando Preparing For Dutch Bowl III
The International House Of Football has 32 teams and thus 1024 different matchups. Not every single one of them has a special character, but the Maassluis-Orlando matchup does. With the Orlando Knights' owner being named Dutch and the Maassluis Merchantmen being a Dutch team, the game was quickly called Dutch Bowl when it was first played. Today, the two teams meet for the third edition of the series: Dutch Bowl III.

The Maassluis Merchantmen are going into the game as the favorites to win. The Merchantmen were 13-3 last season and even though they're struggling so far this season at 4-4, they have the players to win this game. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez is a bit black and blue, but with a healthy Cody Cluff and Lincoln Gilmore behind him, the Merchantmen have their defensive backbone in good shape. The bigger question is whether Tai Wayne will play as the leading cornerback, but as Xavier Clyburn is returning from injury, the Merchantmen have enough options to replace Wayne with either Clyburn or Myron Stevens.

The Orlando Knights offense will be playing a predictable game, or so it seems. Quarterback Michael Prescott is recovering from a stress fracture in one of his legs and is doubtful for the game. Expectations are that running back Israel Mars (758 yards, 4.1 ypc, 6 touchdowns) will have to step up and carry the team to offensive success. But with a wide receiver Reggie Norris aiming for his 300th career catch and having surpassed 5,000 yards receiving in the last game, he can't be overlooked.

The Merchantmen have more trouble to field a healthy offense. Quarterback Louie Flannery is looking sharp and displayed his best play this season against Bordeaux. But with four of five starting offensive linemen injured, Flannery's pass protection looks suspect. It also means the running game will be less than usual. And it showed so far: Randy Harris for the first time in his career is not on pace for 1,000 yards. The pressence of Joseph Schoen doesn't change much, the Merchantmen rank next to last in the league in rushing yards and last in yards per carry.

In Orlando the Merchantmen face the wrong team to have no running game. The Knights have been able to stop the run more often than not this season. With a 3.6 yards per carry allowed, the Knights look good. Against the Merchantmen, they might miss defensive end Danny St. Louis and All IHOF defensive tackle Ivan Sparks. But with defensive linemen like Marty Stoffel (24 tackles, 3 sacks) and All IHOF selection Isaac Gard (25 tackles), the Knights have enough depth. And with Andreas Liddell (51 tackles) and Lorenzo Grier (63 tackles) playing behind the line, there is little hope to rack up over 100 yards for the Merchantmen runners.

Randy Harris did run wild in the Dutch Bowl II. In a game played in Maassluis' Oranje Haven, Harris racked up 115 yards rushing to support a struggling Louie Flannery towards a 24-13 win. The then rookie quarterback completed 18 of 29 passes for 235 yards, but saw two of his passes intercepted and was bailed out by the defense and running game pretty much. That day Reggie Norris racked up 180 yards receiving for Orlando, which immediately shows where the Knights' power then and now is on offense. Michael Prescott was his canon that day, but he's unlikely to see action in Dutch Bowl III.

The likely starting quarterback today is Scottie Hanson. Hason has experience in this rivalry as he was the starter in Dutch Bowl I, which was played in Orlando. With 212 yards and 1 touchdown versus no interceptions, Hanson looked good, but couldn't avoid a 17-10 loss. That day Randy Harris ran for 103 yards, while quarterback Justin McDavid completed 14 of 25 passes for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. That game was the last one McDavid ended as a winning quarterback before suffering a torn ACL in his knee.

Given today's win-loss records, the Merchantmen are favorites, but the Knights can't be underestimated. The Merchantmen have been playing two types of football this season and it's hard to predict which team will show up. With a black and blue offensive line, the Merchantmen will lean on their defense, which has an injured anchorman in Charles Gomez. The Orlando Knights will have a shot at improviing to 3-6, but it will require some excellent game planning and play calling with their quarterback Michael Prescott sitting the game out. The Monday Knight Football shcedule makers can't be happy for having picked Dutch Bowl III in a somewhat down year for both teams.

MIJB#19

07-01-2005, 06:58 AM

Merchantmen Trash Knights In Records Setting Victory
The Maassluis Merchantmen defense looks fixed. With a 47-3 trashing at the Orlando Knights, the Merchantmen look ready to repeat their European division title. The score marked the biggest margin of victory in IHOF league history. The stat of the game were the seven interceptions by the Merchantmen defense, of which three were returned for a touchdown. Both figures tied league single game records.

One could write out the entire game, but the drive chart for the Orlando Knights tells the story of the game:
Quar Began Poss From Plays Yards Result
1 15:00 1:50 OWN 20 3 0 Punt
1 10:19 2:40 OWN 20 7 12 Punt
1 4:01 0:12 OWN 30 1 0 Interception
1 1:24 1:24 OWN 20 2 7 Interception
2 15:00 1:06 OWN 20 3 -8 Interception
2 13:54 1:27 OWN 20 3 -1 Punt
2 9:54 5:39 OWN 4 11 60 Missed FG
2 2:58 2:03 OWN 12 3 5 Punt
3 12:37 3:56 OWN 30 6 57 Field Goal
3 1:18 2:33 OWN 22 4 33 Interception
4 12:32 2:04 OWN 3 5 12 Interception
4 9:34 2:12 OWN 13 4 33 Interception
4 7:22 0:34 OWN 18 1 0 Interception
4 4:30 2:04 OWN 13 3 1 Punt
4 0:54 0:54 OWN 27 2 9 Game

With seven interceptions, devided over rookie Mel Aschbacher (4 interceptions) and Timoth Hardaway (3 interceptions), the game was hopeless for the home team. The only two productive drives were stopped by the stout Merchantmen defense, forcing the Knights to settle for a field goal twice, of which Mickey Worlow missed one. Aschbacher still managed to pass for 127 yards and run for 38 yards, including an unexpected 34 yard run. But with the Merchantmen defense leaning back to wait for the interceptions, it was a hopeless game.

Bernie Surry was the hero of the Merchantmen in the game. Surry recorded the first two interceptions, of which he ran the second one 42 yards back for the touchdown. With a team high 5 tackles and a defended pass, the Merchantmen staff comes words short to praise the rookie linebacker. Middle linebacker Cody Cluff said: "Bernie has matured very quickly. This guy is a winner. We were told we needed a pass defending linebacker. Surry has proven he is the solution."

After Surry's picks four others got on the list of interception makers. Nickelback Xavier Clyburn picked off 2 passes and returned one of those for 56 yards and the touchdown. Strong safety Lincoln Gilmore added a 28-yard touchdown return, while Carl Meier and Josh Weisberg added a non-scoring interception. Due to the early big lead, the Merchantmen played a lot of their backups, resulting in defensive stats for 21 different defensive players. With 17 interceptions for the season, the Merchantmen now lead the league as a team.

Despite the defensive showdown, the Merchantmen offense lacked the ability to score for most of the game. Louie Flannery completed 16 of 28 passes for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns, but saw his team forced to go for a field goal more often than not. With 254 total yards, the Merchantmen even got outscored in yards by the Knights, who had 271 total yards. Flannery said: "With this defense, we were able to get away with another so-so performance. It worked today, but we won't get an easy break in all the remaining games."

Kicker Cary Coles unexpectedly won player of the game honors at the end of the day. Coles scored four field goals and five extra points for a total of 17 points. Coles said: "It was a fun game for me, but I think the whole team played well. it was a great game to witness from the sidelines as well. I actually thought that Xavier (Clyburn) or Bernie (Surry) was going to get player of the game honors, but I guess kickers do get recognized in the IHOF."

With the big win in the bags, the Merchantmen are going to prepare for what seems to be another crucial game in the European division race. next week the orange brigade visitis Gothenburg, which is the home of the (also) 5-4 Giants. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "We can't expect to win that game on interceptions. It works once, it worked twice for us in consecutive games now, but I doubt we get another shot at it."

But after setting a new league record victory and having a 10-game winning streak in European games, including 4 against Gothenburg, do the Merchantmen have to fear their next game? Right now it mostly depends on how well the Merchantmen offense can play more than anything else. As soon as Randy Harris, Joseph Schoen and the offensive line can show a running game again, this team should be able to defend their European title and make a run in the playoffs.

MIJB#19

07-01-2005, 07:16 AM

General Manager Notes
Just... wow.

One day we're written off at 2-3, four games later we set a league record and are fully back in the race. The secret? I'm not sure, I know we played Bordeaux and Orlando when they misses their quarterbacks, but then, Conyers missed their quarterback and we got trashed. No, I'm starting to think that our new game plan is working out. We've made some changes to our defensive strategy for the game against Bordeuax and shaved a bit for the game against Orlando. I can only say that we got the desired result out of it.

How did our European rivals do? Well, the Gothenburg Giants recovered from a beating and were victorious at the Paris Musketeers. With a 24-21 score, the Giants recorded their first divisional win this season. in this close race, divisional games may end up being crucial for the tie-breakers. The Bordeaux Vineyards lost their fourth game in a row as they lost 6-10 at the Tucker Tigers.

European standings:
5-4 Maassluis
5-4 Gothenburg
4-5 Bordeaux
3-6 Paris
* Maassluis holds tie-breakers on head-to-head record (1-0 vs 0-1)

Schedule:
Two all-European games on the program. The clash between the French teams in Bordeaux is crucial for both teams. Paris needs to win to be able to stay in the division title race, while Bordeaux can't afford to fall 2 wins behind the leaders either. But the big game is played in Gothenburg, as the Merchantmen are invading Sweden. The Merchantmen put the Giants on a two-win game if they win this game as they will hold tie-breakers with a victory.

Player of the year:
After a great show, it's time to name the five best of the game again. Linebacker Bernie Surry was awesome and I can't help it but give him the kudos after he made 5 tackles, 2 interceptions, of which 1 was returned for a touchdown and 1 defended pass. Xavier Clyburn made 2 interceptions, of which he returned 1 for a score and made 4 tackles. Louie Flannery knew his way with the field position as he passed for 186 yars and 2 scores. Cary Coles excelled with 4 field goals and 5 extra points to turn the offensive and defensive efforts into points. Lincoln Gilmore also returned an interception for a score, while he added 3 tackles to support the running game.

Standings:
15 points - Louie Flannery
13 points - Bernie Surry
12 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Charles Gomez
9 points - Devin Henson
6 points - Xavier Clyburn
5 points - Cody Cluff, Omar Gougeon, Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald
2 points - Gregory Monti, Tai Wayne
1 point - Winford Endicott, Mike Kershner
* Monti was missing from the list recently

That's it for now. I hope we can continue this good streak of games and win a fourth game on the road in a row. Our winning streak in Europe (10 games) and against Gothenburg (4 games) are impressive, but are no guarantee to beat them again. This is still the team of Duane Davis and the big bad defense that can knock out any opposing offense. But with our goals, the only thing to do is beating Gothenburg and with a bit of help from Paris, we'll smash a two-win gap with the entire divison, wouldn't that be cool?

Dutch

07-01-2005, 09:27 AM

MIJB#19

07-01-2005, 11:19 AM

That was a horrible game. At home! Ugh. I'd would like to say we'll beat you next time, but obviously, we have to get our act together first before I dare make any suggestions like that. :)

Good luck the rest of the way, I'll be reading.

As I said over at the IHOF board, Orlando is one of the last teams I'd like to beat in such a fashion. I see little honor in putting a record win in the books while being outscored in yardage... I hope you can fix your team soon and be a force in the Southeast again (so you can at least help out to get me past Georgia and Conyers on the seeding list for the playoffs ;)).

Dutch

07-01-2005, 11:26 AM

As I said over at the IHOF board, Orlando is one of the last teams I'd like to beat in such a fashion. I see little honor in putting a record win in the books while being outscored in yardage... I hope you can fix your team soon and be a force in the Southeast again (so you can at least help out to get me past Georgia and Conyers on the seeding list for the playoffs ;)).

:) Consider it a top priority.

MIJB#19

07-08-2005, 06:56 AM

Editor's Note
No, I'm not depressed from a recent loss. No, I'm not quitting the IHOF at the team's peak to take up the challenge of being a contender in another FOF2004 league. And no, I'm not moving my dynasty report to http://we.win.com or http://merchantmen.defense.com. Thing is, I've got some serious real life buisness to take care of and that means the Merchantmen dynasty is on hold until July 15th. For those wondering what it's about, this has a lot to do about me wanting to finish college before I turn 25 next February. To manage that, I've got just over six days left to prove I can create a little volleyball text sim. That means I'll probably be away from FOFC entirely so if you want to contact me, you'll be able to find me at the IHOF website. For those dying to know what's going on with the Merchantmen: scores, standings and stats can (of course) be found at http://www.FOF-IHOF.com. Getting a Golden Scribe is fun and proving I deserve it is even more fun, but getting a Bachelor's degree a.s.a.p. has a bit of priority right now. Sorry for any inconveniences!

MIJB#19

07-12-2005, 04:11 AM

Editor's Note
Well, I failed, I couldn't not write about what happened with the Merchantmen in the last two games, so here's a little update. It's up in a few mins. Here's a quick week 11 game recap, the week 12 game recap will follow.

Week 11 Recap: Giants End Merchantmen Winning Streaks
The Gothenburg Giants took the lead in the European division by beating the co-leading Maassluis Merchantmen. The Giants' 20-14 win ended a four-game winning streak in this head-to-head series for the Merchantmen and also snapped a 10-game winning streak in European games. Duane Davis passed for 286 yards and earned the player of the game honors. Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery sprained his knee in the second quarter and looked bad the rest of the game.

MIJB#19

07-12-2005, 04:13 AM

Week 12 Recap: Fumblin' Justin Victorious In His Comeback!
The Maassluis Merchantmen regained the lead in the European Division in a surprize win over the Asheville Axemen. With a 19-10 victory, the Merchantmen took advantage of a loss from the Gothenburg Giants to be tops in a three-way tie with Gothenburg and the Bordeaux Vineyards at 6-5. Hero of the game was Justin McDavid, who had his first snaps in an official game since mid 2005 season, when McDavid went out for one and a half season with a knee injury. McDavid replaced injured Louie Flannery and got the nod over former Asheville quarterback Thad Pilkington.

When the starting lineup was announced in Oranje Haven, with McDavid running on te field as the last player, the crowd burst into the biggest applaus the stadium ever witnessed. Tackle Harold Hurtado said: "I whiped a tear from my cheek, the atmosphere was awesome. There was no way we were going to lose this game now." Defensive tackle Charles Gomez said: "Everybody was amazed by the decission, but we all know Justin, he's proven it in the last two pre-seasons. This comeback was awesome."

McDavid himself was over the top after the win: "I love this team, this stadium, the fans. I never expected to have such a comeback." When Louie Flannery got hurt at Gothenburg last week, McDavid got some flashbacks: "I remember being carried of the field in that same stadium. it wasn't pretty then and I feared for Flannery's career for a second." Out of precaution, Flannery was moved back to number three and the management had the tough decission to either start McDavid or Thad Pilkington.

The early signals pointed to Thad. Headcoach leroy Van Der Woude explains: "McDavid knows this team so well, we needed to see whether Thad was ready to lead this offense. In limited action this season, he could't get it done and we needed to test him." After the training sessions, the staff came up with a strategy that has been used by two other teams in the league: one quarterback per half. Van Der Woude: "We decided to go with Thad for the second half and let McDavid show what he can in the first half, but with the 16-0 lead at halftime, we decided to stick with Justin."

The rest is history. McDavid completed 14 of 23 passes for just 130 yards, but with 2 touchdown passes he was decisive in the win. The fans and staff could even live with an interception in Asheville territory and a traditional fumble after being sacked. Long time friend Harold Hurtado recovered the fumble and saved McDavid there.

Boosted by McDavid's return was running back Randy Harris. Harris quietly became the most popular player with the fans in McDavid's absence, yet was having a terrible season so far. But with McDavid back, the team needed to rely on the run a bit more and Harris had his best game of the season with 88 yards and a 6.2 average.

MIJB#19

07-12-2005, 04:17 AM

General Manager Notes
Wow, thank you Fumblin' Justin!

Okay, we're back at the top now and it was unexpected to say the least. I calculated in a win versus Gothenburg, but after that loss I expected a loss against Asheville. I'm amazed by the win and especially since I decided to put McDavid in charge. It's been so long since he played in an official game and he comes back with such a great performance. Sure 130 yards ain't much, but it was a typical McDavid game: complete passed when he needs to and taking advantage of the turnovers the defense forced. We won the turnover battle 4-1 afterall.

Gothenburg beat us, but lost at Springfield (4-7 now) in a 25-27 loss by a field goal with 3 seconds to go. "Thank you very much Leonard Lyon!" Lyon's Springfield's starting quarterback. Bordeaux is back at at after wins over Paris and Outer Banks at their own house. Paris lost to Bordeaux and at home to Miami (7-9 loss with a field goal in the last minute).

Standings
6-5 Maassluis
6-5 Bordeaux
6-5 Gothenburg
3-8 Paris
* Maassluis holds tie-breakers on head-to-head-to-head record (2-1 vs 1-1 vs 1-2)
* Bordeaux holds tie-breakers on head-to-head-to-head record (1-0 vs 0-1)

Next up is a round of intra-conference games. Maassluis plays at home against the San Antonio Volunteers (7-4). Last season the Volunteers won at Maassluis in the regular season, but the Merchantmen returned the favor in the playoffs with a huge win in their first playoff game ever. Gothenburg visists Syracuse (5-6), while Bordeaux hosts Telluride (5-6). Paris is out of the race it seems and plays for the honor at Rochester (7-4).

Player of the year race
The top three versus Gothenburg were:
* Jim Reiser, who had 4 catches for 84 yards, including a score
* Charles Gomez, who made 1.5 sacks, forced 2 hurried passes, made 3 tackles and 6 assists
* Erwin Baranowski, who made 1.5 sacks, blocked a pass, hurried a pass and added 4 tackles and 1 assist

The top five versus Asheville were:
* Tai Wayne, who recovered 1 fumble, made 1 interception, defended 1 pass and allowed only 1 catch
* Randy Harris, who ran for 88 yards with a 6.2 average
* Justin McDavid, who completed 14 of 23 passes for 130 yards and 2 scores
* Cody Cluff, who made 5 tackles, 3 assists and 1 defended pass
* Charles Gomez blocked 2 passes, forced a hurried pass and made 3 tackles
No points go to Bernie Surry and Lincoln, who each recorded their 4th interception of the season, but also allowed 4 catches.

Standings:
15 points - Louie Flannery, Charles Gomez
13 points - Bernie Surry
12 points - Lincoln Gilmore
9 points - Devin Henson
7 points - Cody Cluff, Tai Wayne
6 points - Xavier Clyburn
5 points - Omar Gougeon, Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald, Justin McDavid, Jim Reiser
2 points - Gregory Monti
1 point - Erwin Baranowski, Winford Endicott, Mike Kershner

Also we've got good news about injuries, four important players return from injury next game. Joseph Schoen and Timothy Lacy saw their 'unknown' status end, while left tackle Ivan Jacques and receiver Gregory Monti are also back to full health. Cornelius Rice, Tai Wayne, Butch White and Louie Flannery all have injuries that require precaution, so we'll probably not let them start or even play next game.

MIJB#19

07-12-2005, 04:32 AM

Press Release: No Quarterback Controversy In Maassluis
The Maassluis Merchantmen management is pleased with the 19-10 victory over the Asheville Axemen, but is unwilling to call for a quarterback controversy. The ongoing chants for Justin McDavid after the win in Oranje haven were heart warming, but will have no effect on the decission who will be starting the next game.

"Louie Flannery is still our man," owner/general manager M.IJ.B. said, "there's no question about it. Justin McDavid is an important member of the team, but the days of controversy are behind us. As soon as Flannery is fully recovered, his back in charge. Flannery has brought us all the way to the AOC championship game last season, I guess the fans forgot about that a bit in their emotion."

The status on Flannery's knee injury and him playing is a game time decission. M.IJ.B.: "Flannery's knee isn't as swollen as it was, but it's still risky to let Flannery play. We're analyzing our options, but I can't deny that it's good to know we have two good quarterbacks in the stables. Still, we have yet to decide whether Louie Flannery, Justin McDavid or Thad Pilkington will be starting next week. Yes, Thad hasn't lived up to the hype yet, but we still believe he's a quality quarterback and he's in the mix."

The Maassluis Merchantmen ask their fans to be patient and to be willing to accept any decission on who will start. The upcoming game is important for not just the race for the divison, but also for the seeding or if we win the division. With a win we can move up to third seed in the AOC.

3ric

07-12-2005, 04:53 AM

Next up is a round of intra-conference games. Maassluis plays at home against the San Antonio Volunteers (7-4). Last season the Volunteers won at Maassluis in the regular season, but the Merchantmen returned the favor in the playoffs with a huge win in their first playoff game ever. Gothenburg visists Syracuse (5-6), while Bordeaux hosts Telluride (5-6). Paris is out of the race it seems and plays for the honor at Rochester (7-4).

Tough games coming up for the entire division. Syracuse is having injury issues, and Telluride has Nick Lincoln questionable. Rochester is also limping a bit, but San Antonio has only one player out.

MIJB#19

07-14-2005, 05:22 AM

Maassluis Versus San Antiono Preview
The IHOF season is moving forward and today two teams with hopes on getting deep into the playoffs can spoil each others' hopes. The San Antonio Volunteers had a quick 5-1 start but have won only two games the last six games. Their division lead is still two games, but more losses can bring the lead in jeopardy. But the home playing Maassluis Merchantmen are not going to be an easy win. The Merchantmen regained the lead in the European Division last week and are determined to show their 2007 season wasn't a fluke.

Going back to the 2007 season, the Merchantmen and Volunteers played two games in Oranje Haven. In week four it was John McMasters who took profit of the absence of Maassluis' best player, defensive tackle Charles Gomez, and guided his man to a 24-17 win in a close game that was decided by a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown by Kasey Dowell. Later on, te two teams played again for a ticket to the AOC Championship game. The Merchantmen were in superb shape coming of a 10-1 streak and won in another close game.

The history is there and the two teams know the weakness of eachother a bit by now. The Maassluis Merchantmen could be in the biggest trouble as five usual starters are injured and expected not to play. Offensive linemen Butch White and Cornelius Rice have been inactive for most of the season, but recently defensive backs Brody Schultz and Tai Wayne joined the list. Buyt more importantly, quarterback Louie Flannery, the motor of the playoff bound Merchantmen, is struck with a knee injury and sat out the last game.

Last week, the Merchantmen made a statement by beating the NAC Atlantic Division leading Asheville Axemen in a dominating fashion. Popular quarterback Justin McDavid silences his critics once again with a good performance in an emotion-loaded win in his first start since the career threatening knee injury. The management is ready to start Thad Pilkington today, as the team has been planning to alter the game plan to Thad's strenghts, but the good showing by McDavid might change the management's mind. And they might even give the start to their true star Louie Flannery.

In San Antonio, the team looks tip-top in superb shape. Two time All IHOF selection guard Charles Trout is ruled out with ACL damage to his knee, but the rest of the team looks ready to go. Granted, four starters are a bit black and blue, or have picked up a bad cold, but they should be able to play. The worries are more on the season John McMasters is having. With 11 interceptions in as many games, McMasters is already out doing his 2006 and 2007 totals, in which seasons he combined for 13 interceptions. McMasters is less mistake-free than everybody is used to and it could be crucial in a game where he faces the league leading defense in interceptions and forcing turnovers.

In shape or not, both teams are trying to defend or extend their division lead and it's apparent this game can have a major effect on the playoff seedings if both teams win their division. The winner today is going to hold the tie-breakers over the loser and may be on pace to secure the #3 seed in the AOC. Granted, it doesn't give a bye week, but you never know with the current #2 seeded Georgia Gridlock, who are infamous for their late season collapses. Georgia never was beter than 2-4 in their last six games and with five games to go, the #2 seed could be up for grabs of today's winner.

MIJB#19

07-15-2005, 07:27 AM

Volunteers Beat Merchantmen In Defensive Showdown
The Maassluis Merchantmen have fumbled the lead in the European Divison away. In a defense dominated game, the Merchantmen were beaten 13-3 by the San Antonio Volunteers. The Merchantmen collapsed in the fourth quarter, which they went into leading 3-0. The crowd of 74,000 saw the home playing Justin McDavid struggle in the game after his amazing comeback. After wins by division rivals Gothenburg and Bordeaux, repeating the European title is still possible, but no longer in their Dutch hands.

Last season the Volunteers and Merchantmen played a great game of football and saw their good season result in a playoff matchup in Oranje Haven. That day Louie Flannery guided his Merchantmen to a narrow victory over John McMasters and his Volunteers. With Flannery absent, but Fumblin' Justin McDavid coming off a nice victory, the fans were getting ready for a game of offensive minded football.

After the game it was obviou this game was nothing about offensive football. The Maassluis Merchantmen scored only once on 16 possessions, while the Volunteers scored twice on 17 possessions. The two punters of the teams combined for 810 yards on 21 punts, which pretty much tells the story of the game. That and the quarterback ratings of the both playcallers. Both McMasters and McDavid ended up below the 50.0 mark.

In the first quarter, the San Antonio Volunteers expected to draw first blood. After Merchantmen wide receiver Gregory Monti had fumbled the ball in his own territory, the Volunteers managed to move forward from the 33-yard line to the 25-yard line for a field goal attempt. But as Neal McKeown missed the 42-yard kick, the Merchantmen forced the Volunteers back to their own 7-yard line and forced their punter into a mishit for just 26 yards. Four plays later, Merchantmen kicker Cary Coles converted his own 42-yard attempt and set the 3-0 score that nobody expected to last for a period of time.

Going into the second quarter, the two teams played the territory game. The defenses did their job to stop the opponents, while the special teams units worked hard to make the defensive play count. Going into the second quarter, neither side managed to score and players and fans got a bit frustrated. San Antonio safety Jared Dalessio couldn't control himself and threw his helmet to an opponent. Dalessio was sent off the field and had to watch the remainder of the game on a television in the locker room. For the remainder of the second quarter was a punting game to end the first half.

In the third quarter things didn't change at all. For 12 and a half minutes of playing time, the fans saw dominant defenses and punter doing their trick. Then, out of the blue, San Antonio's quarterback John McMasters made a mistake. On third and eleven he went for a medium to long pass and saw Merchantmen linebacker Cody Cluff intercept the ball at the middle of the field. Forced back by an illegal use of the hands penalty, the Merchantmen couldn't take advantage and the third quarter pretty much ended on San Antonio's next possession after a nice 22-yard pass from McMasters to Garth Sowers.

As the fourth quarter started, the Merchantmen defense looked exhausted, while the Volunteers offense looked sharp and ready to finally get on the score board. John McMasters completed six consecutive passes and set up a 27-yard field goal attempt. This time, Neal McKeown was sharp and converted the kick to tie the score 3-3 with just over 10 minutes of playing time left in the game.

The Merchantmen got the ball back, but forced back by a holding penalty and Justin McDavid being sacked for a loss of 9 yards, the Volunteers were ready to take the lead. John McMasters was sacked by the Merchantmen defensive tackles Charles Gomez and Shaun Shiroma on the first play, but on the second play, McMasters handed off to Dan Mobley, who then ran all over the Merchantmen defense for a 40-yard gain. The Merchantmen defense looked shocked for a while and allowed the Volunteers to run in the remaining 16 yards towards the endzone. Dan Mobley scored the touchdown for the 10-3 lead with less than five minutes left.

Another holding penalty ruined the next possession and the Merchantmen defense had to step up once again. They seemed to have done the trick by only allowing San Antinio into a fourth and five at the 39-yard line. But Neal McKeown didn't mind and scored a 56-yard field goal to pretty much secure the victory. On the next possession, the Merchantm offense failed again and turned the ball over on downs at the San Antonio 38-yard line. But as the defense stepped up again, helped by time-outs and a season-first sack by Cody Cluff, the Merchantmen got the ball back with a minute left.

Justin McDavid hoped to set a couple of things straight, but just like the rest of the game he was unable to shine like he did a week earlier. His first pass fell incomplete for no apparant reason. On second down, McDavid was sacked by Harold Staple and his old habits turned up again. McDavid fumbled the ball, Staple picked up the loose ball and the Volunteers let McMasters end the game with two knee-drops.

After the game, the players and fans all left the stadium with a bad feeling. The Merchantmen missed an opportunity to beat a rival for the seeding order for the playoffs and the team once again was pushed in the backseat of the division title race car. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude explains: "We still play Bordeaux and if we beat them we're back tied and hold tie-breakers over the entire division. But we need Gothenburg to lose another game to get back in first place..."

Cody Cluff was the second player in Merchantmen history to record an interception and a sack in one game after Myron Stevens in a 24-17 win at Forth Worth Fury in 2007. Cluff was not happy: "We were in pole position but give our lead away, again. We made stupid mistakes in the fourth quarter, didn't play our normal game and it resulted in that unneeded big run that set up San Antonio's touchdown. Still, we allowed only five touchdowns in the last five games. We're back in domination mode like we were at last season's season end."

MIJB#19

07-15-2005, 07:50 AM

General Manager Notes
6-6.

I can scream out loud, I can throw the dishes to the floor, but it's not gonna help. Six losses and it's simple now: we need a four-game winning streak to make a serious run to the division title. I can only blame myself for keeping McDavid in the lineup and for not double checking all the game plan screens had the settings I wanted. Yes, my defense played different than I wanted in normal fourth quarter action, but so be it.

Bordeaux is back in the lead after a 22-13 win over the Telluride Outlaws (5-7). The Oulaws missed their rookie quarterback to injury, but that was no excuse as Bordeaux still missed Joe Johnson. Gothenburg keeps the race close with a 29-27 win at the Syracuse Mohawks (5-7). Paris already looked done and now clinched their fourth conescutive losing record season. Losing at Rochester Lake Monsters (8-4) is no crime, but doing it by 28-10 looks bad.

Standings
7-5 Bordeaux
7-5 Gothenburg
6-6 Maassluis
3-8 Paris
* Bordeaux holds tie-breakers on head-to-head-to-head record (1-0 vs 0-1)

What's next up? It's time for another head-to-head against the NAC Atlantic Coast Division. Gothenburg has the toughest task as they play their last road game of the regular season at the Outer Banks Ospreys (7-5), the defending NAC champions. Bordeaux plays their last home game of the regular season against the run-oriented Springfield Isotopes (4-8). Paris is going to the Asheville Axemen (7-5), while Maassluis is playing their last road game of the season at the Miami Sharks (6-6), the 2007 division champions.

Player of the year race
The top three versus San Antonio were our elite run stopping trio, who form our defensive backbone. Cody Cluff was my number one with 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 defended pass, 6 tackles and 1 assist. Charles Gomez took second place with 0.5 sacks, 2 blocked passes, 2 hurried passes, 10 tackles and 2 assists. And Lincoln Gilmore had 7 tackles, 3 assists and allowed 1 catch, to take third place.

Standings:
17 points - Charles Gomez
15 points - Louie Flannery
13 points - Lincoln Gilmore, Bernie Surry
10 points - Cody Cluff
9 points - Devin Henson
7 points - Tai Wayne
6 points - Xavier Clyburn
5 points - Omar Gougeon, Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald, Justin McDavid, Jim Reiser
2 points - Gregory Monti
1 point - Erwin Baranowski, Winford Endicott, Mike Kershner

The season isn't over yet, but we need Gothenburg to lose another game. I wish that a 4-game winning streak would be sufficient to clinch a wild card at 10-6, but with Rochester (8-4) and Conyers (7-5, they beat us) or Georgia (8-4) as the competition, my hopes are not high. At least we can welcome back Louie Flannery...

MIJB#19

07-18-2005, 03:46 AM

Merchantmen Need Win In Miami
The Maassluis Merchantmen are seeing a good season followed up by an up-and-down season so far. After last week's disappointing 3-13 loss to the San Antonio Volunteers, the 2007 European Champions are back in .500 land and a win behind their rivals from Bordeaux and Gothenburg. A win today against the Miami Sharks looks compulsory to remain in the battle for a playoffs ticket. But the Sharks won't sell their hides easily, afterall, they're in exactly the same situation as the Merchantmen.

The Miami Sharks won the Atlantic Coast division with a 10-6 record last season. They defended their division with success and hoped to follow it up with their first playoff game victory. But after a slow 1-4 season finish, with the last three losses not even threatening their division lead, they were not ready for the post season and lost 10-35 at home to the Chesapeake Chitterlings. And as they saw their rival Outer Banks Ospreys advance all the way to the IHOF Bowl, the Sharks are determined to get at least that far into the championship race.

In 2008, the Sharks have had a slow start. With four losses in their first six games, including four home games, the Sharks have been trying to catch up with Asheville and Outer Banks from the start. Especially on the road they've struggled to win games, so they hope that their own house is the place to catch their rivals. But as their only win to a 2007 playoff team came on the road, the Maassluis Merchantmen could be in for sinking the Sharks to their worst record since the 2005 season, when they went 7-9.

The Merchantmen themselves had an amazing 2007 campaign and won eight games on the road until they got beaten up in the Atlantic Ocean Conference Championship game. But the one season is not as the other and in 2008 they've already secured a non-winning record in road games. But with a 3-6 record against teams with a winning record this season, their playoffs hopes have sunk to the bottom of the ocean, had they not been just one win behind first place.

To keep the race for their defense of the division title going, both Maassluis and Miami are looking to their hit-or-miss quarterbacks. Miami's Woodrow Taylor ranks fourth in the league with 20 touchdown passes, while Louie Flannery threw only two less in two games less. Both passers have a good number of touchdowns compared to their completion percentages of 55 and 54 respectively, while their interception figures are above one per game (Taylor 16, Flannery 12). Factor in their fumbles (Taylor 4, Flannery 6) and both have one touchdown per interception-or-fumble.

Miami is lucky to have a productive running back to save Taylor at times. With 974 yards and 11 total touchdowns, Ellis Layman has been effective all season long and makes a difference for the Sharks. Layman is facing a defense that hasn't been stopping running backs well so far this season, although the Merchantmen defense allowed just five touchdowns in as many games recently.

The Sharks' defense isn't a weak one either. Despite their low number of sacks (a league worst of 11), they manage to force teams to throw short passes and they avoid the long gains after catches. And that's exactly what they are going to need against Maassluis as Louie Flannery has the habit to throw deep and has guys like Gregory Monti (16.3 yards per catch), Bryce Ewald (14.8 yards per catch) and Devin Henson (6 touchdowns) to throw to.

Two teams with a hot-or-cold passing game and fighting for their last chances to be able to finish the season with a division title. Both teams see their 7-5 rivals play head-to-head in week 17 and need to win a game more leading up to the exciting conclusion of the season. And the loser looks destined to watch the playoffs on the television. Will the Merchantmen be strong enough to sail into Miami waters to prove they can win overseas, or will the Sharks bite their way to victory?

MIJB#19

07-18-2005, 08:07 AM

Playoff Scenarios 2008
With four rounds of games to go and the European Division race being so close, it seems that teams can't clinch anything in week 14. Note that the Paris Musketeers are officially out of the race as they cannot finish higher than third place in the division and can't at least tie the runner-up in the AOC Northeast division. Also note it seems that the Merchantmen pretty much hold tie-breakers in any event of a tie.

In the tie-breakers order inside the division the order is:
* head-to-head
* divisional games
* common games
* conference games

The Merchantmen hold tie-breakers over all divisional foes based on common games (the losses versus North Plainfield and San Antonio don't count, while the rivals all see a victory nullified), meaning conference record is only important for the wild card race. By beating both Bordeaux and Paris the divisional record will suffice to hold divisional and head-to-head tiebreakers as well. As pointed out before, with four consecutive wins, the only way the Merchantmen don't win the division is if Gothenburg goes undefeated as well.

Also, the Merchantmen can't reach the playoffs with a 7-9 record, but can theoretically still win the division with an 8-8 record, but it would still pretty much require a victory over Bordeaux in week 15. Bottom line, losing a game could end the playoff dreams, losing to Bordeaux in week 15 will require a Gothenburg win over Bordeaux in week 17 to still reach the playoffs.

Losing today versus Miami can hardly harm the team in the race for the top two spots. There's only one scenario in which Maassluis doesn't end in the top two with a three-game winning streak to end the season. That scenario requires Bordeaux to win all of their remaining games, except the game versus Maassluis, and Gothenburg to also win their remaining games, except the game versus Bordeaux. Still, losing today will surely destroy all hopes on winning a wild card race and put the posibility to win the division into jeopardy as well.

MIJB#19

07-19-2005, 07:29 AM

Merchantmen Shutout Miami To Stay Alive
The Maassluis Merchantmen stay in the race for the European Division title and the playoff tickets. With an impressive defensive performace, the Merchantmen beat the Miami Sharks 10-0 on the road. The Miami Sharks may be wasted their own chances as Willie Martin missed four field goals in the rain. Louie Flannery took player of the game honors in his comeback after sitting out two games with a knee injury. But as the competition didn't make a mistake, the European Division is starting to make a case for having two playoffs representatives.

The game between Miami and Maassluis on paper looked like a fun game of domanating offenses. But the 61,700 fans who bought a ticket of the game were denied a lot of scoring. The first half was loaded with mistakes on offense as neither side managed to score until the two-minute warning. But as the clock was running out, the Merchantmen offense had gone into second gear and resulted in Randy Harris scoring a touchdown from 4 yards out on a run past left tackle Ivan Jacques. Cary Coles proved to be a reliable kicker as he converted the extra point. A minute later, Willie Martin would miss his second field goal attempt of the game.

In the third quarter the game turned into a field position battle. After ten minutes of short gains and punting, the Merchantmen defense looked to be the first to collaps in the second half. Quarterback Woodrow Taylor got his act going with several good passes and running for 24 yards on his own. His team was stopped around the Maassluis 22-yard line and on fourth and one the field goal unit was brought on the field. Willie Martin missed for the third time in this game and made the decission to not go for it look unwise.

In the fourth quarter the Merchantmen offense still looked weak, while the Sharks offense kept moving the chains. Woodrow Taylor lead his men forward as they set up a 47-yard field goal attempt. But as Willie Martin was out of confidence after the three earlier misses, his kick was wide to the left. Martin looked devastated and done for the day with still nine minutes left in the game.

Strenghtened by the latest miss, the Merchantmen realized they could win this game, but they needed a holding penalty called against the Sharks to get out of a third and 12 situation. With Joseph Schoen then running for a nice 12-yard gain on second and ten, the Sharks defense looked out of control for a minute and Louie Flannery took advantage with a brilliant 29-yard pass to Bryce Ewald to move into the redzone. The Merchantmen simply tried to shorten the distance to the goalline to set up a field goal. Cary Coles once again proved his coolness and converted a 30-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead.

The Miami Sharks tried to move the chains going up to the two-minute warning, but gave the ball back inside the Merchantmen's own red zone. But with their backs against the wall, the Merchantmen came out strong. Joseph Schoen converted an awesome third and nine situation with a 9-yard run and followed it up with an awesome 59-yard run. With Miami running out of time outs, the Merchantmen needed only one more first down to end the game. On third and ten, Gregory Monti made a nice 20-yard catch 4 yards away from the endzone to pretty much end the game. As Louie Flannery dropped to one knee two plays later the shutout victory was there.

Louie Flannery received the player of the game kudos after completing 21 of 33 passes for 186 yards. Flannery didn't pass for a touchdown, but he looked happy with the win afterall: "We decided to change to a bit more short passes for today and it worked well, I think. Guys like 'Shoe' (Joseph Schoen), Rosie (Jamal Rosenberry) and (Jim) Reiser are perfect for that game. And I'm even more happy for Randy Harris to get on the scoreboard again after all the critics he got in a bit of a down year for him."

Talk of the day were the four missed field goals by Miami Sharks' kicker Willie Martin. Merchantmen linebacker Mike Kershner is on the special teams unit and saw the misses: "That guy was scared by our blockers and Bernie (Surry) and I were fast enough to make him worried. But missing four kicks in such an important game, they got to hire a new guy!"

Headcoach Leroy van Der Woude was mainly happy about the defense: "We've been changing the defensive game plan a bit and I think together with (defensive coordinator) Bernie Hicks we've established a new team highlight. With 46 points and only 5 touchdowns allowed in the last five games, I think we're ready for the last three games, especially the do-or-die games against Bordeaux next week."

Rookie linebacker Bernie Surry boosted his rookie of the year candidacy with 8 tackles and 4 assists. But Surry is not thinking about that honor: "Getting recognition would be cool, but the goal right now is to win the next three games so we can win the division." But the 2004 defensive rookie of the year Cody Cluff praises his teammate: "Bernie lives up to the hype. 4 interceptions, a bunch of defended passes, over 50 tackles. He's my rookie of the year already."

With the news of victories by the Gothenburg Giants and Bordeaux Vineyards, the Merchantmen know they haven't gained ground yet. But the key game of the season has been identified before, it's the home game against the Bordeaux Vinyards in week 15, which is next week. Louie Flannery is back in time and Tai Wayne was given the need time off to prepare for the crucial game of the season. And with Joseph Schoen coming of the team's first 100-yard game of the season, optimism is sky high. And the way the Merchantmen shutdown Bradley Keil, John McMasters and now Woodrow Taylor in the last couple of games, the team is ready for a late season rush towards the division title.

MIJB#19

07-19-2005, 07:49 AM

General Manager Notes
Shutout, baby!

We're back at it, but we're still far from winning the division. Gothenburg was impressive in their 27-11 win over the Outer Banks Ospreys. Bordeaux was strong in their 21-13 win over the Springfield Isotopes and we have been struggling to score points the past games. 46 points allowed in the last five, yet we scored only the same number of points in the last four games.

Standings
8-5 Bordeaux
8-5 Gothenburg
7-6 Maassluis
3-9 Paris
* Bordeaux holds tie-breakers on head-to-head-to-head record (1-0 vs 0-1)

It's do-or-die now, and not like the past times pseudo do-or-die, it's for real this time. Bordeaux at Maassluis, game of the week, the only game with two winning teams involved. Gothenburg is hosted Paris, so we're expected to see Gothenburg take the division lead with a 9-5 record. Our goal is clearly to win and stay in the race at 8-6.

Player of the year race
Five players get the kudos for the shutout win, and they are:
* Erwin Baranowski, who had 2 sacks and a forced fumbled, as well as 4 tackles and a hurried pass
* Joseph Schoen, who ran for 102 yards and had a team high 5 catches for 33 yards
* Bernie Surry, who made 8 tackles and 4 assists
* Butch White, who made 3 key run blocks on 4 opportunities
* Louie Flannery, who completed 21 of 33 passes for 186 yards

Standings:
17 points - Charles Gomez
16 points - Louie Flannery, Bernie Surry
13 points - Lincoln Gilmore
10 points - Cody Cluff
9 points - Devin Henson
7 points - Tai Wayne
6 points - Erwin Baranowski, Xavier Clyburn
5 points - Omar Gougeon, Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques, Joseph Schoen
3 points - Bryce Ewald, Justin McDavid, Jim Reiser
2 points - Gregory Monti, Butch White
1 point - Winford Endicott, Mike Kershner

The playoff race? It's pretty simple, if we beat Bordeaux, we'd still need a Gothenburg loss somewhere to take the division lead back. The division is still a three-horse race and us winning would stir it up even more. I know that a loss won't completely cancel us out for the division title, but it would knock us out for the wild cards. The Rochester Lake Monsters will likely take one wild card and the Conyers Condors are on pace for the other wild card. You might say that at 9-7, we have no right to be in their, but after the last five games, I'm pretty confident we can get something done there. Allowing 11 points per game to four teams who are deep in the playoff race (including 3 division leaders), I think we're back at it.

MIJB#19

07-19-2005, 05:48 PM

Irregular Interviewing: Devin Henson
The 2008 season is shaping up and the Maassluis Merchantmen have struggled to score points in many games this season. But despite those struggles, one player is on pace to set a new record in receiving touchdowns. The record was set by the legendary tight end Jerry Aubrey and knew it wouldn't last long. In fact, it has been set after just eleven games this season, but the player doing it is mostly known as a kickoff returner, he's holding the all-time career record in kickoff return touchdowns. He's Devin Henson.

Questioner (Q): Thanks for joining us, Devin. You've been written into the Merchantmen record books now, can you safely retire now?
Devin Henson (DH): Retire? After just four seasons? I hope I've got a lot more in my tank.

Q: Six touchdowns, you're on fire this season.
DH: Don't forget the kickoff return touchdown. But yeah, it's been my best season so far.

Q: What's the reason for your succes so far this season?
DH: Well, first of all I'm getting more playing time on offense, so that makes a difference.

Q: Still, with only one receiving touchdown in your previous seasons, you were only known as a kickoff returner.
DH: Correct. Like I said, I'm getting more looks and get the opportunity to make plays.

Q: Still, it's a weird story, you were fighting for a roster spot and were written down as the number five receiver going into pre-season.
DH: Yeah, Jules Benedict got traded for Joseph Schoen at the last second, while Gregory Monti has been banged up most of the season. I got my opportunity and make it count.

Q: What is it like to tie a franchise record?
DH: It's fun, but I'm pretty sure Jerry Beyer will threaten it some day. But not very soon!

Q: Why's that?
DH: 'Jelly Belly' and I have a lot in common, we make fun a lot. We're both drafted by the Merchantmen as return specialist receivers. He'll make his breakthrough some day. Him having the same first name as Jerry Aubrey adds to the fun, really.

Q: Okay, but what was it like to tie the record?
DH: Well, I've played a season together with Aubrey and to be honest, it was awesome. Jerry was an awesome leader and it was tough to see him struggle that last season here. But then, Jim Reiser is a super tight end and needed the playing time.

Q: As did you. The team picked you with high expectations.
DH: Well, not really. When I got picked, they told me I would be a third receiver at best. They wanted me to do kickoff return duty and I think being the number four receiver was just lucky. I concider myself even luckier for having survived for so long?

Q: Why's that?
DH: Well, the other return guys didn't last long. Lonnie O'Reilley and Matt Offord got only one season as punt returners. Emanuel Jennings didn't even survive through a pre-season. But I guess it helps to be the league's all-time kickoff return touchdown leader.

Q: That's impressive.
DH: Well, thank you. I scored three times in four seasons and can't say I'm not happy. Just look at Joseph Schoen so far. They thought he'd be the perfect guy to step into Rodger Mowery's shoes. But then, Mowery's a legend. He's the all-time leader in punt return average and is still up there in yardage too.

Q: You know a lot about it.
DH: Well, yeah. I like stats and try to improve mine every season. But now, it won't be easy to set new personal records next season.

Q: Talking about records, and setting new highlights, the Merchantmen have failed to set a new record of wins for the first time ever.
DH: Yeah. The season start was quite a disappointment and I can tell you all the players were unhappy about it for a while. Injuries hit hard on the offensive line and it seems to not stop. Randy Harris has lost some of his speed and the pass rush had huge standards to copy. At least the secondary managed to step up recently.

Q: How's the team reacting on the playoffs race?
DH: We know what we've got to do. We need to beat Bordeaux next week and can only hope Gothenburg will lose another game this season. The way I see it, we have little hopes to reach the playoffs with a wild card. Rochester is one foot in, while Conyers and Georgia have the tie-breakers in a head-to-head tie.

Q: What's your record versus Bordeaux?
DH: Huh? You think I know it all?

Q: I do now!
DH: [laughs] Well, okay then. I haven't made much catches against them, but I scored a touchdown in their house earlier this season. I'm used to having to do a lot of kickoff returns against them, but I hope that doesn't happen this time around. We need this game and I think we're ready. Especially the defense has been impressive the past games.

Q: But Bordeaux has been on fire too recently.
DH: Oh yes, but we're the defending European champions. Last season we got into the mood of beating every team we play and that confidence is slowly returning. The losses to Gothenburg and San Antonio were unneeded and we know we got a break versus Miami, but we're still alive and kicking.

Q: After the game against Miami, you talked with Scottie Handwerker.
DH: Well, yes. We're former teammates in college.

Q: Where was that?
DH: Handwerker and I played at Michigan. We had a nice team really. Shawn Jahr is the backup quarterback with the Fort Worth Fury, Kurt Basson the Syracuse Mohawks running back and Scottie has been playing a lot for the Miami Sharks. The thing is that Scottie hasn't scored a touchdown in the IHOF yet. He asked some tips about it and I tried to help him.

Q: You sound like a mentor already.
DH: Maybe I will be one some day. When I see how guys like Albert Bernardo and Josh Weisberg are mentoring the front seven guys, I'm a bit jealous at times. When Alfredo Rhodes was here in pre-season, Jerry Beyer and I learned a lot from him.

Q: But Rhodes didn't make the roster and you've been on the bubble for ages.
DH: Well, I can only hope the touchdowns this season will guarantee a roster spot for next season. I didn't sign a new three-year contract to be released next off-season.

Q: Well, if that happens, I'll boycot the Merchantmen for interviews.
DH: Don't say that out too loud. The team is becoming a group of friends, but so far only Justin McDavid has survived all the speculation. Him and Kyle Montoya. But Montoya still hasn't played a down for the team.

Q: You sound angry.
DH: Well, I'm not. I mean, maybe a little bit. Lonnie (O'Reilley) and Matt (Offord) were doing a great job and played a good third receiver role. Of course, the seven receivers we have today were all on the teams for the entire 2007 season as well. Maybe we've established the right group of guys now?

Q: The right guys to be Louie Flannery's targets to beat the Vineyards?
DH: We've done it the last three times and we'll do it again. I'll do my usual tricks and hope to contribute as the number four wide receiver.

Q: One last question: What was it about to have Justin McDavid back in the starting lineup?
DH: No offense to Louie, who's obviously the better quarterback, but he doesn't have the fanbase around here that Justin has. When we came through the player tunnel, the fans were getting all excited as the rumor was quickly spreading that Thad wasn't starting and Justin was making his comeback. I mean, the team wisely spread the rumors that Thad Pilkington would play, but the players all knew that Justin would get the nod and the story was too good to not accidentally leak to the fans and media going up to the coin toss.

Q: Why the secrecy?
DH: Well, the management and coaching staff expected an explosion of emotion in Oranje Haven and it showed, plus they tried to surprise the Axemen by claiming their former guy would start. The atmopsphere was awesome from the second we entered the field, with the climax being the on the touchdown Justin gave me. He had others open but decided to give me the single-season record. I ran back to thank him, but could hardly hear him. The fans were over the top. No wonder the Asheville Axemen played below their normal level of play. Thad was probably the only guy missing the fun, but in the end he was feeling alright with just the win, even as the backup guy. And besides, he's back to second string behind Flannery again for the rest of the season.

Q: Okay Devin, time's up, I wish you and the team good luck against the Vineyards.
DH: Thank you very much. We could use a bit of luck, but we're gonna need a surprise win by the Paris Musketeers.

Q: Go Paris!
DH: Boy, how silly does that sound, to root for a division rival, but they can help us so: Go Paris!

Kodos

07-19-2005, 06:24 PM

General Manager Notes
Shutout, baby!
The Rochester Lake Monsters will likely take one wild card and the Conyers Condors are on pace for the other wild card.

Let's not count those chickens before they hatch! It'd sure be nice to clinch our first playoff berth against the hated Mohawks. :p

Oh, and Maximus predicted that the next post in this thread would make it the most replied to dynasty thread in FOFC history. Could the prophecy come true? :confused: :eek:

wade moore

07-19-2005, 08:43 PM

It would be fun to see a futility bowl in the playoffs.. .I gotta imagine if it is not this year, it will happen soon..

oh and..

most. posted to dynasty. ever.

MIJB#19

07-20-2005, 06:14 AM

Futility Bowl V in the playoffs, that would be awesome indeed.

Thanks for taking the honors for me to make this the most replied to dynasty thread guys. I appreciate the contributions you two made over time and thought you two would gladly make it reality. Doesn't mean other fans/readers are nort special, but there are always fans who are more special than others. :rolleyes:

Enough sentimental bla-bla, on with the dynasty, we have a crucial game coming up!

Kodos

07-20-2005, 12:07 PM

We must crush the Mohawks!

KWhit

07-20-2005, 12:58 PM

We must crush the Mohawks!
It's going to be tough to root for the Mohawks this week, but I have to. It makes me feel dirty.

MIJB#19

07-21-2005, 09:12 AM

Merchantmen Against Bordeaux: Do Or Die
It's the game of the week for the objective IHOF fans. Sixteen games are scheduled, but only one is between two teams with a winning record. The 7-6 Maassluis Merchantmen are playing at home to defend their European Division title. But with the 8-5 Bordeaux Vineyards leading the division, it's is a crucial game for the Dutchmen. Lose today and winning the division requires a miracle. It's obviously do-or-die today.

The Bordeaux Vineyards are in the winning mood after their last three games. Anchored by running back Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson, the Vineyards averaged 21+ points and allowed 13 in those games. But the also know they've lost the last three games against Maassluis and saw Jamerson pretty much beaten up as he ran for 56 yards and 2.9 yards per carry.

The biggest question in Maassluis will be whether Joe Johnson can set something straight against the Merchantmen. Due to injuries, the prolific quarterback missed the last two games against the Merchantmen. And his last game against them was his first loss following six consecutive wins. Johnson is feared by the Merchantmen, but defensive tackle Charles Gomez was quoted saying: "Joe Johnson is one of the best passers in this league. We know him but he also knows us. Our luck is that he hasn't played is since we made our breakthrough midway 2007, or else we'd be in for a really tough game."

The Merchantmen defense looks ready for the Vineyards' invasion. Tai Wayne's broken hand and Broderick Schultz' knee are a bit worrying, but the rest of the team is top fit and has a good streak of games going on. But so has the Vineyards defense, who have only one injury to report. Nose tackle Joey Hammer's shoulder is still nursing a sore shoulder and is rushed into action for this important game. If the defenses play well, it may come down to the first touchdown being decisive.

On offense, the Vineyards have a bit more problems. Guards Lionel Casillas and Michael France are on injured reserve, while backup Andrew Salee is questionable and center Daniel Davis is ruled out. Tight end Josh Whitehurst may play today, however it may be risky. But the Merchantmen are not in better shape. The skills position players look top fit, but injuries to five linemen mean bad things. They might even start Norman Holliday at right tackle. Holliday has good potential, but still has a lot to learn.

Injuries or not, there is no excuse today. The Merchantmen need to win or face a miracle scenario to reach the playoffs. Given that winning the division might be easier to accomplish than taking the second wild card, beating Bordeaux today is the only thing to do. But the Vineyards are in a similair situation, knowing that a loss today could cost them the division or a potential wild card. Do-or-die is has been used before and a loss is not fatal yet today, but the intensive care is awaiting for the Merchantmen if they lose...

MIJB#19

07-22-2005, 11:37 AM

Merchantmen Beat Bordeaux To Regain Division Lead
With a convincing 37-17 victory over the Bordeaux Vineyards, the Maassluis Merchantmen proved to be Europe's best in the 2008 IHOF season. Louie Flannery and Joseph Schoen accounted for the touchdowns, while the defense showed their late season form again. And with the help from the Paris Musketeers, who beat the Gothenburg Giants, the Merchantmen are back in a three-way tie and lead the division on tie-breakers. Better yet, they secured having tie-breakers over their division rivals.

The first quarter it was score-on-every-possession. Joseph Schoen scored the first touchdown of the game on the Merchantmen's first possession to give the home team a 7-0 lead. The Vienyards followed up with a 42-yard field goal, but saw the Merchantmen extend their lead on the following play. Louie Flannery connected with Jim Reiser on a 67-yard touchdown to make it 14-3. But seconds into the second quarter, the Vineyards saw Joe Johnson connect with xxx Murray to make them trail 10-14.

In the rest of the second quarter, the Merchantmen and Vineyards saw their defenses dominate. But as the Merchantmen offense marched upfield, the Vineyards saw one of their players commit pass interference near the endzone to keep Jim Reiser away from his second score. The ball was placed at the 2-yard line, but that didn't stop the Merchantmen from scoring two plays later. Joseph Schoen ran the ball in from 3 yards out for a 21-10 lead.

Into the two-minute warning, the Vineyards went into 'Bam Bam' mode. Billy Jamerson was called upon to make the plays, but the Merchantmen put their run stoppers on him and the visitors were forced to punt. Louie Flannery saw that he was able to make the knock-out. His first pass to Jim Reiser ended up in Reiser being pushed out of bounds, but on his second pass, Bryce Ewald ran in the ball for the 28-10 lead. And as Bernie Surry recovered a fumble by the kickoff returner, Cary Coles was called onto the field to score a 26-yard field goal towards a 31-10 half time lead.

In the second half, the Vineyards hardly managed to make a fist. Their only score of the half was set up by a 50-yard pass interference penalty. Joe Johnson connected with xxx Crawford for the score, but at that point the game was already looking over. Louie Flannery threw an interception on the next drive, but as the Merchantmen defense stepped up, the Vineyards were unable to take advantage of it. Flannery then kept his offense moving for over 7 minutes, resulting in a converted 33-yard field goal by Cary Coles and a big 34-17 lead with 16 minutes left.

In the fourth quarter, defenses dominated more than ever and the Vineyards couldn't do it while the Merchantmen didn't have to score points. An interception by Emile William on a pass from Joe Johnson set up a 37-yard field goal and Cary Coles made it 7 out of 7 kicks for the day. The Vineyards tried, but couldn't quite do it and the lead was never in jeopardy for the home team. The 37-17 final score was by no means undeserved, despite the Merchantmen allowing two touchdowns for the second time in the last seven games.

Louie Flannery was presented as player of the game as he completed 18 of 31 passes for 279 yards and 2 touchdowns. But Flannery was mainly happy for the defense doing their trick and having Jim Reiser as his safe receiver. With 6 receptions for 129 yards, Reiser played one of his best games in his career. The total off day by Randy Harris (13 yards rushing) was forgotten as Joseph Schoen ran for 67 yards and 2 scores as the change of pace back.

Charles Gomez made 9 tackles, half a sack and forced a fumble to anchor his men in his usual fashion. But Gomez realized it was team effort once again: "Omar (Gougeon) made 1.5 sacks, Emile (William) had an interception and the rest of the secondary had at least 10 defended passes. I know we're not supposed to talk trash, but the we are back at it! Don't count us out yet for a post-season run!"

MIJB#19

07-22-2005, 11:53 AM

General Manager Notes
And we're back in the lead again.

What a crazy season it has been so far. One week we're in the lead, the next we choke to a third place and the following our rivals lose and we're helped back in first place. Our 37-17 win was important, but the Paris Musketeers helped us back on top with their awesome 34-14 win at the Gothenburg Giants.

Standings
8-6 Maassluis
8-6 Bordeaux
8-6 Gothenburg
4-10 Paris
* Maassluis holds tie-breakers on head-to-head-to-head record (3-1, 1-2 vs 0-3)
* Bordeaux holds tie-breakers on head-to-head record (1-0 vs 0-1)

Next up is a home game againsta familiair face. Granted, the Springfield Isotopes (4-10) are the only team we never faced before in a regular season game, but with Leonard Lyon at quarterback, this game has a special tone. The Bordeaux Vineyards are visiting the Asheville Axemen (9-5), who still lead in the NAC Atlantic Coast division. The Gothenburg Giants host the Miami Sharks (6-8), who are out of the race. And the Paris Musketeers hope to pull another upset in their last home game of the season against the NAC champions, the Outer Banks Ospreys (8-6).

Player of the year race
Five players get the kudos for the big win, and they are:
* Louie Flannery, who completed 18 of 31 passes for 279 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interceptions
* Jim Reiser had 6 catches for 129 yards and 1 score
* Charles Gomez had 9 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 blocks, 1 hurry and 1/2 a sack
* Joseph Schoen ran for 67 yards, 2 touchdowns and had 2 catches for 25 yards
* Winford Endicott had 3 defended passes, 1 tackle and 3 assists

Standings:
21 points - Louie Flannery
20 points - Charles Gomez
16 points - Bernie Surry
13 points - Lincoln Gilmore
10 points - Cody Cluff
9 points - Devin Henson
7 points - Jim Reiser, Tai Wayne
6 points - Erwin Baranowski, Xavier Clyburn, Joseph Schoen
5 points - Omar Gougeon, Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald, Justin McDavid
2 points - Winford Endicott, Gregory Monti, Butch White
1 point - Mike Kershner

Playoffs?
Okay, now it's really easy, here are the options:
1. We win our remaining games and we win the division, simple.
2. We lose one game and we have to hope that Bordeaux and Gothenburg lose a game as well, at 9-7 we can't make the playoffs.
3. Lose both games and we're done, with Bordeaux and Gothenburg playing head-to-head in week 17 that game winner will be 9-7 or better.
Bottom line is: The European Champion will go into the playoffs as #4 seeds, the numbers two and three, even at 10-6 or 9-7, are not going to make it.

News around the league?
The North Plainfield Plague are now 13-1 and guaranteed the #1 seed in the NAC towards their third league championship. Being possibly on the road there will be most likely the San Antonio Volunteers, who are close to holding Vicksburg Vipers off from the Deep South division. In the Southeast, it's coming down to a grand finale in week 17 between the Georgia Gridlock and Conyers Condors. And in the mean time, the Rochester Lake Monsters clinched the top wild card at 10-4 for their first playoff appearance. In the other conference, the former champions Fairbanks Northstars (11-3) and Ann Arbor Anachronism (9-5) joined the Frederick Red Menace (10-4) in the playoffs race. The Asheville Axemen and Outer Banks Ospreys will battle it out for the fourth division title, while the Boulder Blizzard and Williamsburg Colonials are likely to take the wild cards.

MIJB#19

07-25-2005, 07:33 AM

Merchantmen Hope To Clinch Division Vs Leonard Lyon
A week ago, the Maassluis Merchantmen needed a miracle to get back in the playoffs race, this week less of a miracle can help them into their second consecutive European title. With a win over the Springfield Isotopes and losses by the Gothenburg Giants and Bordeaux Vineyards, the 2008 European Division title will be for the Merchantmen. But as the Giants and Vineyards face tough opponents on the Miami Sharks (6-8) and Asheville Axemen (9-5) resepctively, the Merchantmen see a familiar face who wants some vengance. Oranje Haven will see Leonard Lyon back, but this time quarterbacking the opponents.

Leonard Lyon returns to Maassluis to set a few things straight. When he was drafted prior to the 2005, Lyon was expected to become the franchise quarterback of the team. During training camp and pre-season it was Lyon versus Justin McDavid for the starting role. Lyon was expected to win it as McDavid had gone 1-14 and had been given the nickname "Fumblin' Justin" over his tendency to fumble at crucial moments in games. Only a shaky offensive line could have kept the pass rush pressure avoiding McDavid into the lineup, but the line looked good and Lyon got the go ahead.

After just one game, Lyon's stint with the Merchantmen was pretty much destroyed. Lyon picked up a knee injury and was playing second string for a couple of weeks. Justin McDavid took advantage of the situation and guided his team to two wins on the road and an one-point loss. Lyon returned with a three-touchdown performance, but was shoved aside after a 4-interception game. And as McDavid guided his men to two wins in three weeks over the heavily favored Conyers Condors and Orlando Knights, McDavid was the fans' favorite to stick around.

The tide looked turned when Justin McDavid tore the ACL in his knee and was ruled out for the rest of the 2005 and the entire 2006 season. Leonard Lyon was expected to step up and win the starting role, but the Merchantmen management decided differently. Far before drafting Louie Flannery in the 2006 draft, Lyon was written off by hew lead scout Gabe Avila and the Merchantmen traded Lyon away like thrash. The Springfield Isotopes would be his new home, a team specialized in running and only running.

How different will that be as Leonard Lyon and his Springfield Isotoped visit Maassluis today? The 'topes lost their star running back Raymond Flowers with a knee injury for the rest of the season and fans around thr IHOF fear for his career. Last week the Isotopes lost 27-0 to the Outer Banks Ospreys without Flowers, but they were also without Leonard Lyon. Conspiracy theorists expect Lyon to play again in Maassluis, especially now rookie quarterback Sammie Martinez is injured. And being back in his old home, Lyon would love to be the first Springfield quarterback to throw for three or more touchdowns in a game.

The Merchantmen defense has been preperring for this game since they saw the 2008 season schedule. Charles Gomez worded the reason behind it well: "Springfield is a team that likes to run and we dare to think we have the best run stopping backbone with Gilmore, Cluff and me. But there's so much more with Leo (Lyon) being their quarterback. Lyon hasn't been kind to his former team in the past and we'll pay back this weekend."

Quarterback Justin McDavid, Lyon's rival, is going to watch the game from the side lines. McDavid said: "Every Merchantmen fan remembers the game where Lyon beat Super Mario in the last game of the 2005 season. It was our first win against Paris and Lyon lead the team well. I've ever really understood the decission to ship him off, given my injuries and unlikely return to my old level of play. But I can see that Springfield and Lyon said no to him coming back to Maassluis last off-season. The fans haven't been nice to him and there are too much hard feelings left behind."

With the game against Springfield, the cycle of opponents in the IHOF is finally complete. Some IHOF teams haven't visisted Oranje Haven yet, but the Merchantmen will at least have played each other IHOF team at least once after today's game. The most wins came against the Paris Musketeers (Merchantmen went 5-4 against them) and Gothenburg Giants (5-5), while the Orlando Knights (3-0) and Fort Worth Fury (3-0) are the most often beaten non-divisional opponents. The Bordeaux Vineyards (4-6) have given the Merchantmen the most losses, followed by Gothenburg and Paris. The North Plainfield Plague (0-4) and Georgia Gridlock (0-3) have been the toughest opponents overall. The most often played non-divisional opponent in regular season games have been the Rochester Lake Monsters (2-2). Additionally, the Merchantmen have gone 11-8 versus NAC opponents before today's game.

A win today over Springfield will basically secure at least second place in the divsion, but as defending champions, the goal is obviously higher than that. Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "We want to go to the AOC game again and beat the Plague this time around. The wild card is out of reach with all the non-divisional teams holding tie-breakers over us. And maybe the Axemen and Sharks can help a little bit by beating our rivals. It's possible, but we won't count on it. Week 17, at home versus Paris, the perfect game to finish the regular season and to clinch the division title."

MIJB#19

07-26-2005, 06:32 AM

Leonard Lyon Humiliates Merchantmen
Sweet revenge. Leonard Lyon earned Offensive Player of the Week honors as he guided his Springfield Isotopes to a 27-16 victory at the Maassluis Merchantmen. Oranje Haven was never more quiet than it was after the loss. Only a Gothenburg Giants' loss at home to the Miami Sharks keeps the Merchantmen's playoff dreams alive. In the meantime, Lyon is touted as the Merchantmen beater while setting three franchise records for the Isotopes.

With 46 pass attempts, 363 yards and 3 touchdowns, Leonard Lyon set new Springfield records for best performance in a single-game. The performance was surprising as the Isotopes are league-wide known for their tendency to run, but the team missed their league leader running back. Raymond Flowers has been missing two games this season, yet pretty much clinched the rushing title with 1,652 yards and having over 230-yard gaps to his main competitors Billy Jamerson (Bordeaux) and Ronnie Kemp (Vicksburg).

Merchantmen head coach Leroy Van Der Woude tried to explain the loss, but had little to say: "We missed Tai Wayne in the pass defense, while Winford Endicott got hurt early on. Today showed we can lose to any team when our corners are hurt. Maybe we should evaluate our secondary again, but then, they didn't play so bad afterall. I have to admit that Lyon played an awesome game. His performance today was way better than we ever expected from him."

Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery looked disappointed: "We had the division title in our hands and let it slip today. All we needed to do was beating two four-win teams. If we can't even do that, we don't deserve to go to the playoffs." Flannery's lack of passing touchdowns was also critized, but Flannery defends himself: "It doesn't matter who makes the score. One week we pass for them, the next we run the ball in. With guys like Randy Harris and Joseph Schoen in the backfield, it's best to have some variety."

In the last game of the season, the Maassluis Merchantmen need to beat the Paris Musketeers at home, but that alone will not be enough to win the European Division two years in a row. The Gothenburg Giants will have to beat the Bordeaux Vineyards in the Palace Of Ice And Frost to keep their playoff hopes alive. Gothenburg can still get the second wild card in a freak scenario that would involve a strength of victory tiebreakers against the Vicksburg Vipers. The Vineyards on the other hand miss the playoffs if they lose the game. And if Gothenburg wins and Maassluis doesn't, the Giants will take their first division crown.

MIJB#19

07-26-2005, 06:56 AM

General Manager Notes
Heard in Bordeaux: Vive Lyon!

I knew it, Lyon has a lion hearth and still has hard feelings against us. We tried to trade him back to Maassluis to be our #2 this off-season and maybe that made him remember how we shipped him off? We were warned by the Springfield Isotopes owner even, but wouldn't listen and dared to inactivate our best cornerback. Now, the craziness continues as we lose a must-win game, while the Giants lose in their first game without Duane Davis starting and the Vineyards are laughing their asses off. With these scores there are still three teams in the race for the division title. Oh, for those interested: Paris lost again and is on pace to be the #3 pick in the draft. Sadly for them, the Georgia Gridlock hold the Musketeers' pick.

Standings
9-6 Bordeaux
8-7 Maassluis
8-7 Gothenburg
4-11 Paris
* Maassluis holds tie-breakers on divisional record (4-1 vs 2-3)
In case of ties, the tie-breakers winners are:
* Maassluis, Gothenburg & Bordeaux: Maassluis on head-to-head-to-head (3-1 vs 2-2 vs 1-3)
* Gothenburg & Bordeaux: Gothenburg on common games (7-5 vs 6-6)

What an exciting weekend is coming up? Three teams battling for one division title and with Gothenburg also having a shot at the second AOC wild card. The winner of the division will play a home game against the Rochester Lake Monsters in the wild card round. That means that if we can win the division, Futility Bowl V will be played in Maassluis and in the playoffs. It's a longshot of course, as the Giants have to win and will likely play without iron man Duane Davis.

Player of the year race
Do I have to do this?
* Xavier Clyburn played amzingly well as he made 1 interception, 4 defended passes, 3 tackles and 1 assist
* Omar Gougeon had 2.5 sacks, 2 hurried passes, 2 tackles and 1 assist
* Louie Flannery completed 23 of 40 passes for 241 yards and added a 5-yard run

Standings:
22 points - Louie Flannery
20 points - Charles Gomez
16 points - Bernie Surry
13 points - Lincoln Gilmore
10 points - Cody Cluff
9 points - Xavier Clyburn, Devin Henson
7 points - Omar Gougeon, Jim Reiser, Tai Wayne
6 points - Erwin Baranowski, Joseph Schoen
5 points - Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald, Justin McDavid
2 points - Winford Endicott, Gregory Monti, Butch White
1 point - Mike Kershner

News around the league?
The playoffs scenarios are shaping up and some things can be said with certainity. The North Plainfield Plague are #1 seed in the AOC. The San Antonio Volunteers won the Deep South division and can still get a bye week. The Georgia Gridlock will go to the playoffs for the first time, but still have to not lose to the Conyers Condors to win the division and possibly get a bye week. The Condors can also get a bye week if they win and San Antonio loses, with a tie the Condors secure the second wild card behind the Rochester Lake Monsters and with a loss they can even miss the playoffs. The Vicksburg Vipers need a win and a Conyers loss to get into a strenght of victory tie-breaker with either Conyers or the Gothenburg Giants. The Vipers are likely to win those, but you never know.

In the NAC, the Fairbanks NorthStars and Frederick Red Menace have secure a bye week, yet a Fairbanks loss and Frederick win can give the latter the #1 seed. The Ann Arbor Anachronism have clinched the Mid-West division. The Asheville Axemen need to not lose to win the Atlantic Coast division, while the Outer Banks Ospreys need to beat Asheville to win the division. The Boulder Blizzard clinch a wild card with a tie or a win, while the Williamsburg Colonials need to win and also see the Asheville-Outer Banks game not end in a tie or see Boulder lose.

MIJB#19

07-28-2005, 05:09 AM

Merchantmen Sign Punter Smalley, Put Tackle Rice On IR
In preperation for the final and decisive regular season game, the Maassluis Merchantmen finally signed rookie punter Sean Smalley. Smalley had been holding out in training camp and pre-season, causing the Merchantmen to stick with charter member Roscoe Corrales. Corrales' popularity with the fans and good performance throughout the season kept him active all season long. But as the players-signing deadline was coming up (IHOF teams are not allowed to sign players after their last game), the management offered Smalley a three-year contract.

To make room for Sean Smalley, the Maassluis Merchantmen put offensive tackle Cornelius Rice on injured reserve. Rice got hurt in the first regular season game and was expected to return during the playoffs. Rice was recently upgraded to 'questionable' my the medical staff, however, he was expected to not be fully recovered in time for IHOF Bowl V. Rice reacted a little bit disappointed, but could understand the situation and the team's policy to not risk injured players when recovering from serious injuries.

Roscoe Corrales was not amuzed, but was happy to hear he would not be released this season. Owner M.IJ.B. said: "Corrales has been part of this team from the start and had his share in our success last season. It's only fair to him to let him finish the 2008 season on roster." But the siging of Smalley does seem to indicate that the Smalley punting era will begin against the Paris Musketeers. "I cannot comment on that," M.IJ.B. said, "but you can understand that Smalley's lack of practise won't help."

MIJB#19

07-28-2005, 06:44 AM

Preview Of Exciting 2008 IHOF Regular Season End
The 2008 IHOF regular season is about to end and several playoff tickets and division titles have not been awarded yet. In the NAC Atlantic Coast Division, the Asheville Axemen and Outer Banks Ospreys play head to head for the division title. In the AOC Southeast Division, the Conyers Condors play the Georgia Gridlock for the title. And the the AOC European Division, the Gothenburg Giants host the Bordeaux Vineyards with the winner hoping to win the division. But a third team is also in the running there: the Maassluis Merchantmen.

The Merchantmen have been struggling all season long. One week they managed to surprise the league with defensive supremacy and a big win, the other week they lose to a team they should be able to beat and fall back in the division. But as the Gothenburg Giants and Bordeaux Vineyards had similair seasons, the division is still a three-horse race. The Merchantmen have the tie-breakers to win a three-way tie, while the Giants hold tie-breakers over the Vineyards. But the Vineyards go into the last round of games with a win one advantage.

The Merchantmen need to win to keep their hopes alive and have to beat the Paris Musketeers at home. With a four-game winning streak over Paris and having won twelve of their last thirteen European games, the Merchantmen are confident they can win this game. "If all goes as normal," Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude said, "we will win that game. But we've seen the Giants lose to Paris and have lost to Springfield last week. There are no guarantees in the IHOF."

The Paris Musketeers are having serious injury woes on offense and the Merchantmen defense is expected all around to keep Paris to 250 yards total offense and 10 points at best. All IHOF bound defensive tackle Charles Gomez said: "The Musketeers could playe without six of teir offensive starters, including (running back) Joe Boulware, (wide receiver) Tyrus Shaye and (quarterback) Lumpkin. But we won't underestimate them. We did that once and were totally humiliated into a 40-20 beating. We did it last week and Leonard Lyon burnt us down. We got to stay focussed."

On defense the Muskeeters have another six injured starters. And like Gomez, quarterback Louie Flannery warned for optimism: "The Musketeers are eager to keep us out of the playoffs. And with reason, they can tie the all-time series again." But if all goes as normal, Flannery should see his team do good things. with 706 yards, a 59.6 completion percentage and only 1 interception in the last three games, Flannery looks better than ever after nursing a minor knee injury. Flannery: "We have no time to waste, we want to repeat as division champs and played Russian roulette too often this season. And now it's out of our hands. All we can do is win our game and hope for Gothenburg to beat Bordeaux. I hope for them they take the second wild card with it."

What kind of team the Musketeers will turn up with is a big questionmark, but it seems logical they will miss a lot of their stars. But with cornerback Steven Randall busy in his best season even (3 interceptions, 21 defended passes, 70 tackles), the Musketeers defense still has their cornerstone standing. Supported by linebacker Foster Sokol and safety Edward Boatwright, the Paris defense might be able to keep Flannery in control. The absence of defensive tackles Charles Conaway and Parker Jones looks terrible, but the Musketeers have amazing depth at the position. Rookie Joseph Battle was a sixth round steal and hopes to play up to his potential. Joined by another run stopper in Albert Buxton, it will mean the Merchantmen runners won't have an easy game. And with the ex-Merchantmen Scot Dick wanting to prove his former team wrong for dumping him, the game might not be in the pocket yet.

MIJB#19

07-28-2005, 04:54 PM

Merchantmen Sneak Into European Title
They needed a miracle. They required some help in week 17, but in the end it came true. The Maassluis Merchantmen sneaked into their second consecutive European Division title. The 17-10 victory over the Paris Musketeers alone wasn't enough, but the waiting was worth it when the news arrived that the Gothenburg Giants had beaten the Bordeaux Vineyards. It marked a fitting end to an incredible exciting season, with three teams fighting for the European crown until the end. But the Merchantmen ended up as the luckiest 9-7 team.

Against the Musketeers, the Merchantmen were lucky to be only 3-0 down when Louie Flannery threw an interception early in the second quarter. Up to that point, the Musketeers had dominated the game and had seen Keith Horne first miss a 35-yard field goal and then see him score a 42-yarder. The Musketeers kept their dominace and only saw tit end as Charles Gomez blocked a punt by again Horne. Quarterback Louie Flannery found the Merchantmen's top touchdown scorer Joseph Schoen for the 7-3 lead on the first play after the two-minute warning.

At the start of the second half, the Merchantmen fans started making noise and demanding some good football. Louie Flannery seemed vulneralbe to the chants and completed six straight passes for a total of 48 yards. His seventh pass wasn't caught, but with Cary Coles scoring a three-pointer from 37-yards away, the lead was up to seven points.

The Musketeers tried to work their way back to the endzone, but on only the second play of the drive, running back Joe Boulware fumbled the ball. Merchantmen rookie linebacker Bernie Surry came out of the pile of players holding the ball and ran it 24 yards upfield for the touchdown. The 17-3 lead was there and the game looked in the pocket with very little effort on offense so far.

On their next drive the Muskteers scored back. Substitute quarterback Cory Peters connected with Henry Gayle for the touchdown to shorten the Merchantmen lead. But the remaining 20 minutes of the second half neither offense managed to get near the red zone and the clocked kept ticking. Well times timeouts by the Paris coaching staff resulted in a final possession for the visitors, but Cory Peters failed to find an open receiver.

After the news of the Gothenburg win, Oranje Haven burst into joy for the achievement of another European title. With four wins less than last season, the title was hard fought and never in the pocket. The news of hearing that the next game would be against the Rochester Lake Monsters added to the join. Fans and the team management were happy to hear of a Futility Bowl V on home soil. What awaits after that is yet to be seen, but for the Merchantmen getting into the post-season looks like a miracle.

MIJB#19

07-28-2005, 05:38 PM

General Manager Notes
Repeat!

Thanks go to Gothenburg for winning today, but the blame could be on us as well for keeping it close all season. With reason I blame ourselves for losses against Gothenburg, San Antonio ans Springfield in the second half of the season, in which we allowed only 100 points in eight games.

Standings
9-7 Maassluis
9-7 Bordeaux
9-7 Gothenburg
4-12 Paris
* Maassluis holds head-to-head-to-head tie-breakers (3-1 vs 2-2 vs 1-3)
* Gothenburg holds common games tie-breakers (7-5 vs 6-6)

Next up? Futility Bowl V! Rochester is coming to town! From the old mill trough the new 25-story appartment towers, Maassluis should get ready for another playoff game. We're still unbeaten in playoff games at home, so who knows what will happen? The schedule in the playoffs as as follows:
AOC
#1 North Plainfield Plague (14-2), #2 Conyers Condors (10-6) bye
#6 Georgia Gridlock (10-6) at #3 San Antonio Volunteers (10-6)
#5 Rochester Lake Monsters (10-6) at #4 Maassluis Merchantmen (9-7)
NAC
#1 Fairbanks NorthStars (12-4), #2 Frederick Red Menace (11-5) bye
#6 Williamsburg Colonials (9-7) at #3 Outer Banks Ospreys (10-6)
#5 Boulder Blizzard (10-6) at #4 Ann Arbor Anachronism (9-7)

Player of the year race
A win, so five guys with the kudos, here goes:
* Charles Gomez blocked a punt, had a blocked pass, 3 hurried passes, 1 tackle and 3 assists.
* Tai Wayne defended 1 pass, allowed 1 catch, made 1 tackle and 1 assist.
* Bernie Surry had 6 tackles and recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
* Joseph Schoen ran for 46 yards, returned 1 punt for 41 yards and had 2 catches for 5 yards and a score.
* Jamel Rosenberry had 2 key run blocks and 4 catches for 17 yards.
* Louie Flannery was game MVP with 19 of 27 passes completed for 120 yards and a score, but is my #6 guy.

Standings:
25 points - Charles Gomez
22 points - Louie Flannery
19 points - Bernie Surry
13 points - Lincoln Gilmore
11 points - Tai Wayne
10 points - Cody Cluff
9 points - Xavier Clyburn, Devin Henson
8 points - Joseph Schoen
7 points - Omar Gougeon, Jim Reiser
6 points - Erwin Baranowski
5 points - Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald, Justin McDavid
2 points - Winford Endicott, Gregory Monti, Butch White
1 point - Mike Kershner, Jamel Rosenberry

Statistics?
Louie Flannery passed for 2,990 yards (18th), 21 touchdowns (9th) and 14 interceptions

Randy Harris ran for 732 yards and 3 scores, but also had 31 catches for 240 yards and 1 score; Joseph Schoen ran for 548 yards and 4 scores, but also had 35 catches for 243 yards and 4 scores

Jim Reiser had a time high 50 receptions, which resulted into 570 yards and 4 scores; Bryce Ewald had a team high 574 yards on 38 catches for 2 scores; Devin Henson had a team high 6 scores on 29 catches for 396 yards; Devin Henson was fourth in the league with 28.2 yard per kickoff return and als had 1 score

Ivan Jacques had 22 key run blocks while allowing 4 sacks in 541 plays; Brant Heinrich 21 key run blocks and allowed 5 sacks in 527 plays; four others had 12 or 13 key run blocks while allowing 4, 5 or 6 sacks.

Cary Coles was a top kicker with 27 field goals out of 31 attempts and 33 of 34 extra points converted

Charles Gomez made 78 tackles, 34 assists, 7.0 sacks, 28 hurries and 3 forced fumbles ; Omar Gougeon had 8.5 sacks, 25 tackles, 20 assists, 18 hurries and 3 fumble recoveries; Erwin Baranowski had 8.0 sacks, 30 tackles and 16 hurries

Cody Cluff made 99 tackles, 29 assists, 1 sack, 2 interceptions and 8 defended passes; Bernie Surry made 72 tackles, 24 assists, 4 interceptions 10 defended passes, 3 recovered fumbles and 2 touchdowns

Xavier Clyburn made 4 interceptions and 6 defended passes versus 24 catches; Tai Wayne made 13 defended passes and 2 interceptions versus 24 catches; Winford Endicott had 15 defended passes and 1 interception versus 39 catches; Lincoln Gilmore had 4 interceptions and 11 defended passes versus 28 catches

Oh, team stats?
Well, forget it, we ended up 30th on yards gained and 26th on yards allowed. How good is that? But with 23 interceptions and 11 fumbles (supported by 34 sacks), we did force the most turnovers on defense. But how important are stats when you reach the playoffs? We're still alive for the championship and that's all that counts right now. And having the entire roster of 54 men signed for the 2009 season, we have the team ready for a third European title and more success. Those are the stats I like!

Kodos

07-29-2005, 09:19 AM

http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01185a.jpghttp://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01185b.jpg
http://www.fof-ihof.com/player/images/01185c.jpg

Benny Hughes looks forward to renewing his acquaintance with Louie Flannery in IHOF Bowl V. :D

MIJB#19

07-29-2005, 01:34 PM

I'm expecting Flan' to be sacked four times, so I can really see that happening. :)

Kodos

07-29-2005, 02:08 PM

How many picks are you expecting him to throw? :)

MIJB#19

07-29-2005, 02:15 PM

Not enough to lose the game. I may have hyped Flannery's interceptions too much, but he's thrown 46 touchdowns versus 33 interceptions over the past 2 seasons (30 starts).

Kodos

07-29-2005, 02:42 PM

Just having fun with you. You were the last team I wanted to face out of the European division.

wade moore

07-29-2005, 02:48 PM

Now now children.... It doesn't matter since the Colonials are going to win it all!

Ok, maybe not...

MIJB#19

07-29-2005, 02:54 PM

2008 All MIJB Selection Includes Gomez And Surry
As usual, the Maassluis Merchantmen owner/general manager M.IJ.B. has made his own list of 53 stand-out players of the 2009 IHOF season. As per the traditional rules, all 32 teams are represented. Probably injected with optimism about his own team, M.IJ.B. selected Charles Gomez for the fourth time and rookie Bernie Surry for the first time. M.IJ.B. said: "Gomez was once again our anchorman on defense. Surry played an amazing season and gets the kudos for his 7 turnovers and 2 touchdowns on top of his tackles and defended passes." The entire list of 53 players, with in brackets the team name and the years of previous selections.

QB1 Jackie Williamson (Rochester Lake Monsters)
QB2 Seth Dwight (Williamsburg Colonials)
QB3 Joey Allen (Fairbanks NorthStars; 2007, 2005, 2004)
RB1 Raymond Flowers (Springfield Isotopes; 2007, 2006)
RB2 Ronnie Kemp (Vicksburg Vipers; 2007)
RB3 Kurt Basso (Syracuse Mohawks)
FB1 Aldo Stubbs (Fairbanks NorthStars)
FB2 Benjamin Edelstein (Minnesota Miners)
TE1 Brendon Drumm (Williamsburg Colonials; 2007, 2006)
TE2 Brian Spradlin (Paris Musketeers)
TE3 Peter Dostoyevski (RayCo Raiders)
WR1 Forrest Cape (Brooklyn Fightin' Bums)
WR2 Jim Bell (San Luis Obispo Burn)
WR3 Fernando Weaver (Georgia Gridlock)
WR4 Reggie Norris (Orlando Knights; 2006, 2004)
KR Darius Logan (Rochester Lake Monsters; 2005)
C1 Rocky Schramm (Gothenburg Giants)
C2 Keenan Arguello (Anaheim Visigoths; 2006)
G1 Eric Church (Vicksburg Vipers; 2007)
G2 Andre Badgett (Frederick Red Menace)
G3 Ron Peraza (Tucker Tigers)
G4 Marvin Williams (Asheville Axemen)
T1 Wilson Grimaldo (Vicksburg Vipers; 2006)
T2 Daniel Ouellette (Bordeaux Vineyards)
T3 Jonathan Svoboda (Miami Sharks; 2005)
T4 Ray Moritz (RayCo Raiders)
P Michael Helgeson (Rochester Lake Monsters; 2007, 2004)
K Paul Fabrizio (Bordeaux Vineyards)
DE1 Cris Richardson (Conyers Condors; 2007)
DE2 Daniel Moore (RayCo Raiders)
DE3 Charles Newell (RayCo Raiders)
DE4 Harold Wells (Bordeaux Vineyards; 2006)
DT1 Thomas Gomez (Telluride Outlaws)
DT2 Charles Gomez (Maassluis Merchantmen; 2007, 2006, 2005)
DT3 Barton Garcia (Boston Rhinos; 2005, 2004)
DT4 Thomas Whitehouse (Boulder Blizzard)
ILB1 Johnnie Braithwaite (Brooklyn Fightin' Bums; 2007, 2006, 2005)
ILB2 Ben 'Furby' Tompkins (North Plainfield Plague; 2007)
ILB3 Scot Hansel (Fort Worth Fury; 2007, 2005)
ILB4 Dalton Fang (Columbus Architects)
OLB1 Andrew McDaniel (Gothenburg Giants; 2007, 2005)
OLB2 Bernie Surry (Maassluis Merchantmen)
OLB3 Stephen McNamara (Ann Arbor Anachronism)
OLB4 Myles Sam (Chesapeake Chitterlings; 2006)
CB1 Jimmie Strawn (North Plainfield Plague; 2005)
CB2 Clarence Whyte (RayCo Raiders; 2006, 2005, 2004)
CB3 Ben Greer (Fairbanks NorthStars)
CB4 Douglas Oakley (Outer Banks Ospreys)
PR R.J. Zimmerman (Ann Arbor Anachronism)
S1 Joshua Finlay (Asheville Axemen; 2007)
S2 Shaun Steven (North Plainfield Plague; 2004(at KR))
S3 Brian Fernando (Conyers Condors)
S4 Chance Hite (San Antonio Volunteers; 2006, 2005)

MIJB#19

07-29-2005, 03:19 PM

Just having fun with you. You were the last team I wanted to face out of the European division.Well, I've been hoping on Rochester from the minute the schedule was announced. But playing with only half an offensive line, I doubt we can make a fist against your team.

By the way, this dynasty definately needs more :rolleyes: .

Kodos

07-29-2005, 03:22 PM

:rolleyes: Indeed it does, my friend. Indeed it does. :rolleyes:

MIJB#19

07-30-2005, 06:42 AM

General Manager Notes: Early Look To 2009
The playoffs have yet to come and we, the Maassluis Merchantmen, are still in contention after winning the European Division for the second time. Still, it's never too early to look forward and thus to the 2009 season. What are the expected roles of all the players for the 2009 season?

Quarterbacks
QB Louie Flannery will most likely be our starting quarterback again. The plan is to lock him up for two additional season either in this post-season or next pre-season. Given that we are about to get to the point of spending the full salary cap on players, I may wait until we lock up other players first. QB Thad Pilkington should be the fulltime #2 guy next season. I hope he just needed a season to addept to the system and we even changed the offensive game plan to his likings. QB 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid has once again earned the rights to be our #3 guy with the incredible comeback game victory. Whether we hire a fourth quarterback depends on how things go at other positions, but we always keeps our eyes open.

Running Backs
RB Randy Harris looks over the top, while the same aged RB Joseph Schoen looks to be at hims peak. Schoen played was as a punt returner, but not great. Their combined salary will have to get lower for sure to keep them both and retain other players on the team. RB Scott Bagley will challenge the two next season, or so I hope. His kickoff return skills are good enough to sta around. RB Kyle Montoya may be done again next season, even though I know he can be a good #3 guy. FB Jamel Rosenberry should be our fullback for years to come. FB Henry Poston has hardly progressed and will only stay if we can't upgrade the #2 fullback role significantly. Poston has been inactive for most of the season and I see little promiss of him become a starter here.

Receivers
WR Bryce Ewald and WR Gregory Monti were the starting receivers again and played well. WR Jerry Beyer has made a lot of starts, but hasn't lived up to the hype of a top 2nd round pick at all. I know he was a reach, but if low 3rd round pick WR Devin Henson can perform, Berry should be able to too, especially since Henson mainly focusses on kickoff return duties. Berry was supposed to be our punt returner, but has yet to show he can do it very well. TE Jim Reiser is always a nice safe receiver for the quarterbacks, but we'll have to re-do his contract to make him a long time Merchantmen player. TE Arnold Ramirez has been amazing when he played and should stay. The same counts for TE Charlie Martins, who I hope will be our long snapper for years to come.

Offensive Linemen
LT Ivan Jacques has been hurt a lot this season, but played through the pains. It resulted in a slightly higher sacks allowed total, but not bad enough to warrant replacement. My fear is that we can't afford him in the near future, being as early as the 2010 season. LT Harold Hurtado might retire, so we will be looking for a new tackle anyway. Especially given the injury to RT Cornelius Rice, it became clear we need a 3rd good tackle. RT Norman Holliday may be that guy, but he's still got a lot to learn. LG Butch White and RG Timothy Lacy have both been hurt more often than not in 2008, but they should be our run blockers for years to come. RG Brian Hammond has been a nice backup and should stay. RG James Cull might retire, and honestly, his lack of pass protection ability showed up. C Brant Heinrich and C Heath Ferebee are two good centers and should stick around.

Defensive Linemen
DT Charles Gomez is our monster in the middle and irreplacable. Sure, we have DT Andrew Rasmussen sitting ready, but he's still green and needs playing time to develope, which he isn't getting as the #4 guy behind run defender DT Andy Weliczka and pass rusher DT Shaun Shiroma. DE Erwin Baranowski and DE Omar Gougeon were top sack machines with 8.5 and 8.0 sacks respectively. DE Albert Bernardo might retire, but has helped a lot, while we know that DE Aaron Sherrill can make the sacks if he's starting.

Linebackers
MLB Cody Cluff was once again our tackles leader with his fifth consecutive 90+ tackles season. OLB Ellsworth Thelen plays well at the weak-side, while OLB Bernie Surry proved to be a perfect fit for the strong side. With guys like ILB Carl Meier and OLB Mike Kershner on the bench, we don't have to fear injuries. OLB Josh Weisberg may retire, so if he does, we'll have to weigh our options.

Secondary
CB Tai Wayne turned out to be irreplacable this season. The turnover in players at the secondary destryed the cohesion, but I hope it restores next season when all these guys stay around. CB Winford Endicott was a good starter once again, but I fear he'll sink to a backup role next season. CB Xavier Clyburn was perfect nickel back with 4 interceptions and played decent enough at Wayne's spot. CB Sammie Kennedy hopes to become that right-side corner in the future and I think we need to give him some faith. Besides, with a guy like CB Myron Stevens sitting on the bench, we should have enough depth. At safety, I am faithful in SS Lincoln Gilmore and FS Broderick Schultz as starters, with SS Emile William as their backup. Schultz hasn't lived up to the hype yet, but should do in his second season here. FS John Cole is still a nice backup player at either the safety or dime back roles. SS Lamar Singleton's future is probably outside of Maassluis, yet his potential is still looking good enough to stick around.

Special Teams
K Cary Coles has proven to be a top5-10 kicker in this league. With only 4 missed field goals in 31 attemtps, he's been very reliable. And with K Al Bettis doing the kickoff duties very well, Coles can focus on the point-kicks. P Sean Smalley is most likely going to be our punter next season. P Roscoe Corrales has been a nice punter, but nothing better than nice. Corrales is slowly dropping in performance, while Smalley has a bright looking future. Corrales' potential departure will bring us down to 53 players signed, which would seem perfect.

What's new in 2009?
Well, the places we are going to look for new players are multiple. I will keep my eyes open for a fourth quarterback, a fifth wide receiver, a new backup fullback, a new backup tackle and a new backup guard. A new punt returner may be an option, but isn't required with Schoen, Berry and Kennedy all being skilled to do it. Everywhere else we're in very good shape and I plan to keep all the defensive players on the team. With just a mid third round pick in the upcoming draft, we don't have the power to draft a promissing rookie, but with the young team we have, I don't think we need draft picks until 2011, when we may get into rebuilding mode. With many 2010 mid round picks, we have the ability to grab a player or two in this draft anyway, if I feel the need to. The biggest issue next season will be extending contract and making sure we have the same roster in 2010. And that will start soon enough, with contract renegotiations as soon as we've played our last game or are preparing for the IHOF Bowl.

MIJB#19

08-01-2005, 06:25 AM

Futility Bowl V: The Playoff Edition
The regular season in the 2008 IHOF season concluded and the twelve best teams are preparing for the playoffs. The Maassluis Merchantmen became repeat European Champions and are getting ready for their second playoff game in Oranje Haven in franchise history. Coming to the Netherlands are the Rochester Lake Monsters. Maassluis versus Rochester, an inter-divisional rivalry with an edition in every other previous season. Futility Bowl V is here!

The name of the rivalry should be known by fans around the IHOF by now, but for reference here's the short explanation. When the International House Of Football had just held their inaugural draft, the Merchantmen and Lake Monsters were the early favorites to clinch the first #1 overall draft as the worst team of the league. With a head-to-head game schedule, it needed a nickname and the game was quickly named after the lack of importance for the championship race. The 2004 and 2005 editions were nailbers and won by the Lake Monsters, but in the past two seasons the Merchantmen tied the series with convincing wins.

In the 2008 season, the Lake Monsters have been playing great football, especially in the first four games of the season when the averaged 35-14 scores. Leading up to the two recent losses, when they had basically nothing to play for, the Lake Monsters went 6-4 and played good enough to reach the playoffs. With a great running game (152 yards per game, 4.45 yards per carry) and a very efficient passing game.

Quarterback Jackie Williamson has been the logical center of the efficient offense. In a monster season with a quarterback rating of 108.1, 11.6 points better than the runner-up, Williamson proved to be back and better than before. That rating makes sense given a completion percentage of 62.6, a league best 9.1 yards per attempt and an amazing touchdown-interception ratio at 22:4. With these stats, Williamson could be a candidate for both the MVP award and the Offensive Player of the Year title.

For the Merchantmen, it seems there are two things to do to be able to beat their friendly rivals. Shutting down Williamson is one thing and that may be in their powers. With 34 sacks and 23 interceptions, the Merchantmen have been top ten in both stats. On offense they'll have to take advantage of Rochester only seemingly weaker spot: the pass defense. But looking at the talent of players, the quartet of Tommie Canon, Antoine Hall, Gene Troup and Carl Cancel may be the best in the entire league. Factor in nickelback Deion Ingram's interception ability and you realize their pass defense is looking bad due to their early leads and thus forcing teams to throw the ball.

For both teams, this matchup brings up an interesting scenario. The Merchantmen and Lake Monsters both went 0-5 against other playoff teams in the regular season and thus make eye browses raise over their appearance. But Merchantmen head coach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "We've beaten Asheville, Gothenburg and Bordeaux twice. That's three wins against 9-7 teams. We've shown we can beat winning teams. And with our newer game plan, we've been dominant on defense. Which comes in handy, because I expect to see the early season Lake Monsters."

Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery isn't happy with the matchup. "Rochester is a great team, but it's simple, you don't get weak teams in the playoffs. The injuries on the offensive line worry me, especially the absence of Ivan Jacques. I can only hope we can play our normal game and put on a fight. Besides, with the support of our fans, we might be able to defend our unbeaten record at home in playoff games."

Defensive tackle Charles Gomez, arguably the only Merchantmen to be an All IHOF selection is motivated. "Rochester has become of our favorite opponents. Last time, when I was unable to play we were much stronger on the road but almost choked that dominance. With Jackie Williamson back, they've been on fire and went 18-7 with him back, but I'm back too. I'm looking forward to playing Jackie again."

Running back Joseph Schoen joined the Merchantmen the past pre-season and was amazed by the joy the players are getting out of the preperation for the next game. "A lot of the guys seem to think this game os more important than any other game so far. To me this game is special just for being my first playoff game, but to others the opponent is just as important. I hope to help out as usual and make a touchdown to help the team."

Rookie linebacker Bernie Surry has been the centerpiece of attention after the fumble recovery touchdown versus the Paris Musketeers in a rollercoaster season. Surry said "It's been a fun season, but everybody knows that this part of the season is what we've been working for. Most of the guys keep bringing up their memories to last season's win over the Volunteers. We realise the fans expect a similiar type of game. We'll work hard and do as we always do and then I think we have a shot."

The Merchantmen are looking ready, but the abensce of several players worries the coaching staff. Both offensive tackles Ivan Jacques and Cornelius Rice are coming back from injuries that warrant cautiousness. Guard Timothy Lacy is also hurt and expected to be a third stringer, while Harold Hurtado will be limited due to his ongoing bruised ribcase. On defense, cornerback Winford Endicott is ruled out with a neck injury, while Tai Wayne might be limited in his playing time with a broken hand. But the absence of last year's playoff hero defensive tackle Shaun Shiroma may be the saddest story. Shiroma is almost ready to play again, but the team is afraid o see Shiroma aggravate his injury.

But in preperation of the game, there's no time to complain about injuries. The Merchantmen have survived so far with many injuries and hope to survive them once again. The Lake Mosters have been playing well so far and can't be underestimated. But in recent the late 2007 defensive supremacy was copied and with Flannery making less mistakes than in te past, the hopes are there for another playoff run. Oranje Haven will be ready for the second playoff game played in the stadium and will be almost sold out. Maassluis is getting ready for Futility Bowl V: The Playoff Edition. Get it on!

MIJB#19

08-02-2005, 07:12 AM

Merchantmen crash out off the playoffs
Oranje Haven was quiet when the last play was over in Futility Bowl V. Thad Pilkington had just seen a last second hail mary pass end up in the hands of Deion Ingram. The backup quarterback for the Maassluis Merchantmen guided the team through the fourth quarter to shorten the Rochester Lake Monsters' lead. With three points on a field goal it worked, but couldn't overcome a dishearting loss. The Merchantmen crashed out of the playoffs with a 27-3 loss.

The fans, players and people running the show hoped for an epic battle between two teams built to be underdogs that worked their way up in the IHOF. The Lake Monsters looked at quarterback Jackie Williamson and he did what he had to do. Williamson completed 20 of 27 passes for 226 yards. With two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown he deserved the game MVP honors. Motivated by the Merchantmen spread rumors he can't win big games, Williamson proved he can and guided his team to victory in their first playoff game.

For the Merchantmen, things seemed to click on offense all day, except for the passprotection. Louie Flannery was sacked five times and seemed to struggle through the pass rush. With two bad timed interceptions, the game went into Lake Monsters' advantage. Flannery said: "The day before the game, the management decided to go back to an old game plan. The team was okay with it, but in the end it wasn't a good idea. Our defense looked pathetic, while the only good thing was our running game. But with two interceptions, I let the team down personally..."

Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude defended Flannery: "Flannery is a pocket passer and we know that. He won't run when he's pressured. With injuries to Ivan Jacques and Cornelius Rice, we couldn't protect him. I know where I am going to ask for upgrades for next season." Rice was only active in the first game of the season. Jacques didn't miss a regular season game, but played through several injuries and saw the four other starting names change every week. Van Der Woude: "It's hard to blame our backups, but it's only fair to say they can't provide the protection 'Incredible Ivan' does."

Wide receiver Devin Henson escaped the missery and did his old tricks. With four receptions for 84 yards and 44 kickoff return yards, Henson finished the season in style. Henson was disappointed never the less: "This just wasn't our day. We were expecting the pass rush, but knew their defense was invincible. The defense had an off-day too and was unable to balance out the turnover battle. At -4, you know you're gonna lose the game."

The Rochester Lake Monsters advance to the elite eight to play their divisional nemisis the North Plainfield Plague. The other Atlantic Ocean Conference semi final game features the Conyers Condors against the San Antonio Volunteers, who beat the Georgia Gridlock in overtime. In the North American Conference the defending champions Outer Banks Ospreys beat the Williamsburg Colonials on a last minute touchdown. The Ospreys now go to the Frederick Red Menace. In the other game, the Fairbanks NorthStars host their division rivals Boulder Blizzard, who managed to beat the Ann Arbor Anachronism on the road.

MIJB#19

08-02-2005, 07:35 AM

General Manager Notes
Sigh.

It wasn't ment to be. Going up to the game, I knew we could and maybe should beat the Lake Monsters. We had gone 8-7 in the past two seasons against winning teams, the Lake Monsters went 1-9, not including 3 losses when Jackie Williamson was unavaiable due to injury. Lesson of the day: never grab the wrong old game plan that your team got humiliated with before. Double check whether you picked the right game plan. Oh well, maybe in 2009 we'll have our shot. We still know how to beat our divisional foes, but it won't be easy. Research already shows we'll face the IHOF's toughest schedule with 10 games against winning teams.

The schedule in the playoffs for the next round:
AOC
#5 Rochester Lake Monsters (11-6) at #1 North Plainfield Plague (14-2)
#3 San Antonio Volunteers (10-6) at #2 Conyers Condors (10-6)
NAC
#5 Boulder Blizzard (10-6) at #1 Fairbanks NorthStars (12-4)
#3 Outer Banks Ospreys (10-6) at #2 Frederick Red Menace (11-5)

Player of the year race
A loss and thus three heroes. I looked and looked and looked and was lucky to find three guys who didn't play look tackle dummies:
* Devin Henson made 4 receptions for 84 yards and returned 2 kickoffs for 44 yards
* Lincoln Gilmore defended 1 pass, made 4 tackles and 2 assists, while not allowing any catches
* Tai Wayne didn't allow a single catch, despite playing in all passing plays on defense

Final Standings:
25 points - Charles Gomez
22 points - Louie Flannery
19 points - Bernie Surry
15 points - Lincoln Gilmore
12 points - Devin Henson, Tai Wayne
10 points - Cody Cluff
9 points - Xavier Clyburn
8 points - Joseph Schoen
7 points - Omar Gougeon, Jim Reiser
6 points - Erwin Baranowski
5 points - Broderick Schultz
4 points - Cary Coles, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques
3 points - Bryce Ewald, Justin McDavid
2 points - Winford Endicott, Gregory Monti, Butch White
1 point - Mike Kershner, Jamel Rosenberry

So, that means Charles Gomez has beaten Louie Flannery and Bernie Surry in the player of the year race. Gomez was player of the year in 2006 already and finished in third place last year behind Randy Harris and Louie Flannery. Obivously that means that Flannery finished in second place for the second year in a row. Tht also means Gomez was the best defensive player, Flannery was the best offensive player and Surry was both the best newcomer and best rookie. The last battle wasn't tough to win as we had only three rookies on roster and neither Scott Bagley or Sean Smalley earned points.

Okay, I'm slowly getting over the loss and am getting ready for the 2009 season. Today I hope to present a couple of players to the press for having signed a new long-term contract to extend their deals from two to threee years. Other goals for the next season?
1. Get under the cap (we're going to be between 3 and 5 million over the cap
2. Lock up all the players through at least the 2010 season
3. Get a backup offensive tackle who can protect Flannery
4. Replace potentially retired players
5. Improve the roster where we can
6. Win Futility Bowl VI in week six of the IHOF's sixth season

That reminds me, our (IHOF's toughest) schedule will most likely look like this:
week01 - at Bordeaux Vineyards (9-7)
week02 - vs. Fredrick Red Menace (11-5)
week03 - vs. San Antonio Volunteers (10-6)
week04 - open
week05 - at Syracuse Mohawks (7-9)
week06 - vs. Rochester Lake Monsters (10-6)
week07 - vs. Boston Rhinos (6-10)
week08 - at Paris Musketeers (4-12)
week09 - at North Plainfield Plague (14-2)
week10 - vs. Bordeaux Vineyards (9-7)
week11 - vs. Gothenburg Giants (9-7)
week12 - at Brooklyn Fightin' Bums (8-8)
week13 - at Conyers Condors (10-6)
week14 - vs. Chesapeake Chitterlings (7-9)
week15 - vs. Paris Musketeers (4-12)
week16 - at Williamsburg Colonials (9-7)
week17 - at Gothenburg Giants (9-7)

Kodos

08-02-2005, 08:25 AM

Wow. I didn't know our record was so crappy against teams with winning records. Does that include the final two games of the regular season where I started all scrubs?

Anyhow, good game. Lotta breaks went our way. Gonna need more of the same to beat North Plainfield. :)

MIJB#19

08-02-2005, 10:49 AM

2008 Merchantmen Player of the Year Poll Opened
To all the fans of the dynasty, it's time to make your vote count! The new Merchantmen player of the year poll has been posted in the FOFC Dynasty Polls Section (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?p=854303#post854303). The nine players selected for the poll are as always diverse and all around. And as always there's the write-in candidtae option. The nine selected candidates are: Cody Cluff, Louie Flannery, Lincoln Gilmore, Charles Gomez, Omar Gougeon, Devin Henson, Joseph Schoen, Bernie Surry and Tai Wayne.

MIJB#19

08-02-2005, 01:59 PM

Merchantmen Extend Contracts Of Five Players
Just a day after exiting the playoffs, the Maassluis Merchantmen presented five players today who extended their contracts. Erwin Baranowski, Omar Gougeon, Norman Holliday, Henry Poston and Andrew Rasmussen. All five had contracts through the 2009 season and put their names under a deal that will keep them in Maassluis through the 2010 season. In contrast to these five, contract negotiations with Carl Meier and Brian Hammond collapsed on salary cap issues.

General manager M.IJ.B. explains the movement: "I had the feeling we need to 'lock up' the players we have. By offering them a lucurative deal with a signing bonus, the players get their money's worth. We tried to give them a salary raise for the current season as well."

But M.IJ.B. had a tougher time to explain the timing and the choice of players. Norman Holliday allowed 3 sacks and made no key run blocks in the playoff game against the Merchantmen. M.IJ.B. "Holliday has been a prospect for the future. He wasn't supposed to be rushed into the lineup and to not have either Ivan Jacques or Cornelius Rice playing on the other end of the line. His numbers don't look good, but we are hopeful he will breakout next season."

Apparently the same thought is alive for Andrew Rasmussen and Henry Poston, who just like Holliday are third year pros. M.IJ.B.: "Poston has been a project player, as they call it. He's got great potential as a receiver and run blocker. But right now we'd prefer to hide him on the inactive roster and see where he is at in 2009. His stats (1 rush for 7 yards, 2 key run blocks on 3 opportunities) do look promissing." And on Rasmussen: "Andrew is Charles Gomez' apprentice. He's unlucky to be on the same team as Weliczka and Shiroma. Maybe we should have allowed him to find a starting job elsewhere. A good pre-season could change a lot, though."

Last, but not least, the contract extensions to Omar Gougeon and Erwin Baranowski did make sense. The two defensive ends took the starting roles away from 2007 starters Albert Bernardo and Aaron Sherrill and produced with 8.5 and 8.0 sacks respectively. M.IJ.B.: "Both players have been acquired for fairly cheap and I think both have proven to have been worth the time and money we invested in them. I hope Bernardo, Sherrill and the two others will make a great quartet in the 2009 season again."

MIJB#19

08-03-2005, 07:09 AM

Gossip News: Gomez Headed Out Of Maassluis
The marriage between Charles Gomez and the Maassluis Merchantmen seems to be over. The four-time All IHOF defensive tackle Gomez was today rumored to be advertised as 'available for trade' by the Merchantmen management. For once, they don't even deny the rumors, but the Merchantmen management doesn't want to make an official statement for Gossip News. But we did get the inside info behind the rumors. So, what's up?

Gomez. Charles Gomez. Arguably the best defensive tackle in the IHOF. A four-time IHOF selection. A guy who made 99 tackles and 12.5 sacks in the same season. The anchorman of the Merchantmen defense and their first draft pick in the inaugarral draft. That Gomez is put on the trading block. Gomez is expensive and the Merchantmen are expecting cap woes. Andrew Rasmussen has been drafted in may 2007 to replace Gomez, but Gomez never left the team.

With recent renegotaitions, the Merchantmen are expected to be alomst 5 million dollars over the 2009 salary cap with, mind you, 54 players signed. Gomez has an annual salary cap figure of 10 million dollars and his departure could resolve the whole cap issue. The team could work their cpa magic like in the past, but there's more to it as the Merchantmen are expecting to need more money to lock up quarterback Louie Flannery and left tackle Ivan Jacques for a longer period of time. And with Rasmussen in the wings, while Andy Weliczka and Shaun Shiroma played well as time-sharers, the pice of the puzzle is another trade.

The expectations for what to get for Gomez are high. Gomez has proven to be the league's best defensive tackle in the past three seasons with two All IHOF first team selections and an All IHOF second team selection in 2007, when he missed 4 games. One could expect the Merchantmen to demand a first round pick, but with no real needs other than offensive tackle and maybe a wide receiver, does that make sense? Getting back a player might be a better option.

Or they should trade Andrew Rasmussen. But Rasmussen signed a new three-year deal the other day and won't be as appealing as Gomez will be. And trading Rasmussen won't help solving salary cap issues. But Rasmussen isn't playing as the fourth guy on the team, despite being scouted with the potential to be Gomez succesor. In the end the Merchantmen might not want to trade, but we knoe what they are best at doing and that's trading players. Expect the Merchantmen to trade one of the two and don't believe the story they will tell you about not going to be active this off-season. It would be too un-Merchantmen-like...

MIJB#19

08-04-2005, 06:18 AM

IHOF League News
The championship race has gone down from eight to four candidates. In the Atlantic Ocean Conference, as the top seeds and two-time defending champions, the North Plainfield Plague brought the Rochester Lake Monsters back to earth after their first every playoff game and win. The Plague won 45-12 and will now host the Conyers Condors. The Condors beat the San Antonio Volunteers 34-20 win. In the North American Conference the defending champions are the Outer Banks Ospreys. The Ospreys stayed alive after a 10-0 win at the Frederick Red Menace. They will now visit the 2004 IHOF champions as the Fairbanks NorthStars beat their division rival Boulder Blizzard in a close 31-28 win.

MIJB#19

08-07-2005, 02:42 PM

IHOF League News
The International House Of Football will get a dream matchup for the 2008 season final in Los Angeles: IHOF Bowl V. The Atlantic Ocean Conference will be represented by the two-time defending IHOF champions, the North Plainfield Plague. In an exciting game, the Plague beat the Conyers Condors 30-26. Their opponents from the North American Conference are the other power house of the league. The first franchise to win a championship, the Fairbanks NorthStars, beat the defending NAC champions 37-10. It marks the first IHOF Bowl matchup between the two winningest teams in the IHOF.

MIJB#19

08-09-2005, 06:29 AM

Fairbanks NorthStars 2008 Champions
In what some called the best game in league history, the Fairbanks NorthStars beat the North Plainfield Plague 19-17 in IHOF Bowl V. Fairbanks' quarterback Joey Allen took the MVP honors as he guided his team to victory. With 257 yards passing and a touchdown pass (the only touchdown of the NorthStars), Allen had a big role in the win. It marks the second IHOF Bowl victory for the NorthStars after their win in IHOF Bowl I. That day they beat the Stillwater Dynamite (today Telluride Outlaws) 23-7. The first IHOF Bowl MVP, linebacker Jeffry Boggs played his last career game. He won his second title after making the last tackle of the game.

MIJB#19

08-09-2005, 07:50 AM

No Retirements For Merchantmen
Every IHOF Bowl season traditionally starts with a list of names. It's a list of players who filed the papers for their retirement as a player. All of the Maassluis Merchantmen players decided to stick around and return in the 2009 season. All around the league the names of prolific players were in the news. Fairbanks NorthStars linebacker Jeffrey Boggs, Chesapeake Chitterlings quarterback Jaime Canter, Telluride Outlaws quarterback Norm Rizzo, Asheville Axemen linebacker Jerrod McCluskey, Syracuse Mohawks safety Edward Merida and Conyers Condors kicker Louie McConnell were the biggest names on the list. Wide receiver Douglas Arroyo retired as a free agent after being without a contract during the 2008 season. Aside from these players, several former Merchantmen players retired into anonimity after being a free agent.

Most notable former Merchantmen retirement is center Tom Schwartz'. Schwartz had two stints with the Merchantmen. His first included starting all 16 games in the 2004 season and 5 starts in the 2005 season. After a season with the Astoria Heroes, Schwartz returned as a free agent in the team's succesful 2007 season. In total, Schwartz played 24 games for the Merchantmen, in which he made 25 key run blocks and allowed 10 sacks.

Wide receiver David Henkel retired with a resume including 1,545 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. Most of those yards and all those scores came as a member of the Vicksburg Vipers. Henkel joined the Merchantmen through trade for the 2006 season. As the number three receiver, Henkel didn't impress with only 23 catches for 320 yards in 16 games. In 2007 he sat on injured reserve as he was injured at the start of the season and the Merchantmen had drafted Jerry Beyer to replace Henkel. At the start of the 2008 pre-season, Henkel was released again and wasn't signed by any team after that.

Cornerback Laurence Gerry didn't play much for the Merchantmen, but did have a big role on the team in the 2006 season. On the day of the home game against the Orlando Knights, Gerry joined the team to become the secondary leader for a season, but was replace in 2007 by Winford Endicott and left the team as a free agent. Gerry's highlights came with the Astoria Heroes, where he started all 16 games in the 2004 season. Gerry eventually played 38 games in the IHOF.

Kicker Alvin Ladner never played in a regular season game for the Merchantmen, but never the less set his name around the league. Ladner was drafted in the fifth round of the 2007 draft to challenge Cary Coles and Al Bettis fir the kicking duties. But in stead of winning a roster spot, Ladner lost and got lucky to be traded to the Chesapeake Chitterlings, who had cut ties with their kicker Ike Settles after three missed field goals in IHOF Bowl III. Ladner set a rookie record in points scored, but never impressed the Chitterlings management. In 2008, Ladner was released on the 53-men roster cut day and decided to pursue a different career.

The last two notable retirements are two defensive linemen who only spent a little bit of time withthe Merchantmen in the 2008 pre-season. Defensive end Bubba Bush and defensive tackle Eric Griffin were high on the list of players to sign for the 2009 pre-season and to battle for a roster spot, but neither decided to stick around. Bush was drafted by the Gothenburg Giants in 2006. He played 12 games, but never impressed. In Maassluis he made 2 sacks, 1 defended pass and 8 total tackles in 3 games, but it wasn't enough to unseat the 2007 starters. Griffin was a charter member of the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums and always high on the Merchantmen's want list. Griffin played 46 games for the Bums, but never made enough progress to reach his potential.

MIJB#19

08-09-2005, 08:41 AM

General Manager Notes
Fumblin Justin is a mentor now!

The 2009 season has started and the good news is in: no retirements and two players became mentors. I kept Justin McDavid around in hopes he would become a mentor one day and now it happens pretty early. Justin is in his sixth season and still only 28 years old. The entire IHOF expect him to be an excellent mentor in how-to-fumble, and granted, Flannery learned the trick last season. It also means we have two mentors now and that center of the quarterback mentor market could be in Maassluis this off-season. Maybe we should pick up a quarterback project?

The salary cap has risen, but so did the salaries do. We are rated at $5.07 million over the cap, which is reasonable. Talks with Charles Gomez ($11.4M), Randy Harris ($5.7M), Jim Reiser ($4.2M) and Joseph Schoen ($3.0M) to clear the room will start soon, though. In contrast, I hope to be able to extend the deals to Louie Flannery (contract end 2010), Tai Wayne (contract end 2010), Ivan Jacques (contract end 2010), Carl Meier (contract end 2009), Brian Hammond (contract end 2009), Josh Weisberg (contract end 2009), Charlie Martins (contract end 2009) and Lamar Singleton (contract end 2009). The only players end of contract after 2009 who I didn't mention are Heath Ferebee and Jasper Call, but I haven't decided on their futures in Maassluis yet.

Currently there are several players on the trade block for different reasons. QB Justin McDavid and QB Thad Pilkington are mentioned for their mentorship and I am trying to figure out what either of the two could be worth. In the past a mentor quarterback was worth around a second round pick, I think both are worth more because McDavid will still be around in the IHOF 7 years from now, while Thad has his passing skills to show for.

Punter Roscoe Corrales is going to leave the team after Sean Smalley convinced me of his skills in the last two games of the 2008 season. If nobody wants him through trade, then he's going to be around until the of pre-season as the injury insurance guy. Maybe the popular punter will survive another season in Maassluis that way?

Fullback Henry Poston looks like a potential super star receiver, but he's only paying fullback and is on the depth chart sitting behind Jamel Rosenberry. We got the cap room and roster spot for Poston, but I'm tempted to give a new fullback a shot at being our backup guy. Rosenberry has been hurt a couple of times and we really missed him in those games.

Linebacker Ellsworth Thelen is listed. Yes, our starter for the past four seasons is on the list. I doubt he'll leave town, but with some depth at linebacker, I can afford to trade him for depth elsewhere. We have Mike Kershner ready to take his place and Carl Meier to do the backup duties. If Thelen goes, expect me to hire a young outside linebacker as a development project.

Guard Jasper Call is on the list despite becoming a mentor. With no youngsters at the position and Brian Hammond also a mentor, we won't need that extra mentorship. The former All-IHOF second teamer has been placed on the trade block because I'm planning to go into the 2009 season with 5 tackles and 3 guards. The tackle has yet to be acquired, but it will happen, no doubt about that. We've started talks with two teams for some familiar faces already.

Last but not least, I spread the rumors that the Merchantmen will do five trades this off-season, at best. One trade could involve either Charles Gomez or Andrew Rasmussen. Gomez is expensive, but right now I realize that we can't use the dead cap space in 2010 and might sink into a pathetic defense without him. If I can't find cap room for him, he might be out though. Rasmussen is promising, but didn't get the playing time to develop his skills here. I'd like to see him succeed, but it might have to be elsewhere in the league.

Four other trades left and one will involve our last draft pick for the 2009 draft. We still hold the 79th overall selection and i don't see a reason to use it. I migh like to pickup a couple of late round picks for project players, but I doubt it will happen. The project players might get released after pre-season anyway. The remaining trades are expected to be to get an offensive tackle, to trade away the 70 to 60 men post training camp roster cuts casualties and to trade away the 60 to 53 men roster cuts casualties.

2009, it will be our chance to show we were well-deserved European champions the past two seasons. I don't doubt we were, but the image is there. In 2007 we won 13 games, in 2008 we were near the bottom tables in both offensive and defensive yardage. Don't mention our revival after the game plan change, nobody is interested in that. Oh well, we're going to have the toughest scehdule in the league and going 9-7 again with that would be good, going 11-5 and defending the European title would be great. And last but not least, we're the first team to face the defending IHOF champions in 2009.

The full schedule (in brackets the 2008 records):
pre-s01 - vs. Ann Arbor Anachronism (9-7)
pre-s02 - at Fairbanks NorthStars (12-4, IHOF Champions)
pre-s03 - open
pre-s04 - vs. San Luis Obispo Burn (8-8)
pre-s05 - at Minnesota Miners (8-8)
week01 - at Bordeaux Vineyards (9-7)
week02 - vs. Fredrick Red Menace (11-5)
week03 - at Conyers Condors (10-6)
week04 - open
week05 - at Syracuse Mohawks (7-9)
week06 - vs. Rochester Lake Monsters (10-6, Futility Bowl VI)
week07 - vs. Boston Rhinos (6-10)
week08 - at Paris Musketeers (4-12)
week09 - at North Plainfield Plague (14-2, AOC Champions)
week10 - vs. Bordeaux Vineyards (9-7)
week11 - vs. Gothenburg Giants (9-7)
week12 - at Brooklyn Fightin' Bums (8-8)
week13 - vs. San Antonio Volunteers (10-6)
week14 - vs. Chesapeake Chitterlings (7-9)
week15 - vs. Paris Musketeers (4-12)
week16 - at Williamsburg Colonials (9-7)
week17 - at Gothenburg Giants (9-7)