[MIJB#19]

Pre season news
In the first home game ever, the Maassluis Merchantmen thrashed the San Antonio Volunteers in an exhibition game 41-24. Jerrold Sipes threw for 2 tounchdowns, but the man of the game was tight end Jim Reiser, who caught 6 passes for 85 yards and 1 score. The game was marked by San Antonio quarterback Donaldson, who tossed 5 of his teams' 6 interceptions.

Pre season news
In a game of low rated teams, the Merchantmen sent the Boulder Bulldogs home as losers. Free agent pickup Junior McKeehan made the day as MVP, sacking the Bulldog quarterbacks 4 times. With a pass from Justim McDavid to Mark Burger and a run from Jonathan Smith, the Merchantmen beat the 'dogs 14-7.

Final Exhibition Standings
After 5 weeks of exhibition games, the Maassluis Merchantmen finished fourth in their division with a 2-2 record, marking the European Division as one of only two division with all teams at .500 or better.

Roster cut down day
With the absence of the general manager, the scouting staff of the Maassluis Merchantmen surprised with the the 7 names of unlucky players.
FS Jose Haggard, signed as a free agent as a prospect
LCB Johnnie Stidham, signed as a free agent ment to play as nickelback
RCB David Armstead, a 31st round draft pick with little potential
WLB Oren Lashley, a 47th round draft pick whse arguments with DL Andrew King were the main problem
LT Seth Hirsch, who became unneeded after the signing of Harold Hurtado
C R.J. Miller, signed to a 1-year deal to play as starting center, yet lost the battle and has moved on to the Bordeaux Vineyard
Jerrold Sipes, who was expected to become the #2 quarterback

Week 1 review
In a fourth quarter comeback game, the Maassluis Merchantmen lost 10-13 at the North Plainfield Plague, despite a 10-0 lead at half time. At the absence of the general manager, the scouting and coaching staff had a hard time making the depth chart up, marking Calvin Snider the starting quarterback. Snider went 12 for 35 with 114 yards, 1 score and 3 interceptions. Outstanding performances were shown by Randy Harris, who ran for 83 yards on 16 attempts. With the return of the GM to town, the hopes for better results are here, as the Merchantmen go to Paris next week to play their first European matchup. The Merchantmen now rank second in the division over bigger losses by Paris against Bordeaux and Gothenburg against Vicksburg.

Statistical leaders
RB Randy Harris put up fine numbers against the Plague, rushing for 83 yards to take 6th place in the league.
FS Randall Smith had 1 interception and 1 pass defended in 22 passing plays, leading to a 27.7 pass defense percentage, making him fourth in the league amongst players who played at least 10 passing plays on defense.
The Merchantmen backfield ranks eight in the league in rushing yards, with 137 yards on 29 attempts, while the average of 4.7 per play is fifth in the league.
The defense against the run is amongst the worst in the league, with 210 yards and an average of 5.7 per run, the Merchantmen rank first and third respectively.
The passing game is terrible at the moment, with a completion percentage of .342 and 3.3 yards per attempt, the Merchantmen rank last in the league. The 114 yards make the Merchantmen single-to-last in the league.
The pass defense ranks fourth in the league with 132 yards allowed. Averages of 8.8 per completion and 4.1 per attempt rank the Merchantmen sixth leaguewide. Amazingly the talented defensive line failed to make a single sack.
With just 2 penalties for 10 yards, the Merchantmen are the least penalised team in the league.
The Merchantmen red zone defense leads the league in points per visit, allowing just a fieldgoal in two visits.

Gossip news
Guard Albert Young was caught yelling at the coaching staff in the game at North Plainfield. The 6 foot 5, 343 pounds lineman was not pleased with his backup role for the season opening weekend. Young has competition from Devin McDaniel, who seems to fit better in at right guard for now.

Injury Report
DE Cecil Doney will miss the first half of the season. A severe hamstring injury has him sidelined. Doney is a key member on the line on rushing plays, yet for pass rush purpose he makes space for teammates.
FB Mark Burger suffers from an abdominal strain, making him questionable for the game in Paris. Burger is a talented backup fullback.
RG Devin McDaniel sprained his ankle, making him probable for sunday. If he's found not fit by the staff, Albert Young might take his place as right guard.