IHOF: Maassluis Merchantmen - Page 16

MIJB#19 · 03-03-2005, 03:51 PM

Gossip News: Fumblin' Justin Starting Versus Gothenburg!
Breaking news from Maassluis, as the latest rumors are that Justin McDavid, better known as Fumblin' Justin, will be starting in the upcoming crucial road game at the Gothenburg Giants. We hear the management want to provide McDavid an opportunity to pay back for the big knee injury he picked up in Gothenburg mid-way the 2005 season.

Knowing the Merchanmen management a bit better, they will put all their aces in this crucial game. A win versus Gothenburg would pretty much secure tie-breakers inside the division and help the Merchantmen into a virtual 2 1/2-win lead. Not putting Louie Flannery into the starting lineup would seem silly. But there've been tricks played this season in the IHOF by other teams with quarterbacks.

"The Tucker Tigers played a two-quarterback system," says one league pundit, "they let one guy do start and let they other take over after half time." This suggests the Merchantmen would start Justin McDavid and let Louie Flannery finish it off. And knowing the Merchantmen it wouldn't be a first. They pulled the exact same trick with their defensive ends in the 14-6 win at the Paris Musketeers.

Given the success at Paris and the success the Tucker Tigers have had, it's not making sense to ket Justin McDavid play. His pre-season stats were amazing but do not guarantee he will not fumbles once or twice. And with Flannery's interceptions, it would only cause more turnovers. But it doesn't matter whether it makes sense, it's a plan we hear has been trained on and it could be the ultimate trick.

MIJB#19 · 03-03-2005, 06:36 PM

Press Release: Justin McDavid Will Not Play Versus Gothenburg
The Maassluis Merchantmen management want to let the fans and media know that the spreaded story of Justin McDavid being the starting quarterback in the crucial road game at the Gothenburg Giants is false. The article from Gossip News is based on misplaced sentiments. The game against the Gothenburg Giants is crucial in this stage of the season and could be the difference between winning te European Division and watching the playoff on the television.

Despite the rumors being false, the management wants to aknowlegde that Justin McDavid will join the team on the flight to Gothenburg. McDavid will be part of fair play related pre-game events. Even though it's unlikely he will play, there's always a chance McDavid will be activated for the crucial game. Especially given the location of the game, the stadium where McDavid picked up the knee injury that sidelined him for one and a half seasons, he could be activated for sentimental values.

Last, but not least, the Merchantmen management want to thank all the fans for following the team so closely. We think the support is paying of and helping the team to win close games. This season, six of the seven wins were by a margin of eight or less points, showing how close it has been so far. We wish all the fans a fun second half of the season and hope to provide some cool football in the four consecutive home games against the RayCo Raiders, Georgia Gridlock, Minnesota Miners and Gothenburg Giants in weeks 11 through 14.

Alf · 03-04-2005, 04:43 AM

Congrats on the win Matthijs. Just seems I can't win the close games.... And indeed, a loss vs Paris, and I am out. I might need to sweep the rest of the season to get a shot at the title (and playoffs).

Darkiller · 03-04-2005, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alf

Congrats on the win Matthijs. Just seems I can't win the close games.... And indeed, a loss vs Paris, and I am out. I might need to sweep the rest of the season to get a shot at the title (and playoffs).

Paris is on a roll right now...to the bottom.
3 straight losses after the promising 4-2 start. I don't see how can finally beat the Vineyards, especially with the game being played in Bordeaux.

MIJB#19 · 03-04-2005, 01:07 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, 10:20 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, 10:33 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, 05:52 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, 05:52 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, 05:53 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, 02:35 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, 11:16 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, 01:59 PM

Charles Gomez for Kevin 'Chief' Wiggins?

VPI97 · 03-09-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

Charles Gomez for Kevin 'Chief' Wiggins?

The curse of Joe Boulware rears it's ugly head.

Kodos · 03-09-2005, 04:43 PM

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

MIJB#19 · 03-10-2005, 06:19 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, 03:54 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, 03:58 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, 04:21 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, 05:53 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, 06:28 PM

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

MIJB#19 · 03-17-2005, 07:31 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, 07:32 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, 07:41 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, 07:53 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, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

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

Happy now?

KWhit · 03-17-2005, 09:18 AM

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

Kodos · 03-18-2005, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Happy now?

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

MIJB#19 · 03-18-2005, 01:46 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, 02:49 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, 02:51 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, 02:51 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, 04:20 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, 07:27 PM

Congratulations on your first European Division championship!

MIJB#19 · 03-22-2005, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

Congratulations on your first European Division championship!

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).

MIJB#19 · 03-22-2005, 07:35 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, 07:38 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, 08:39 AM

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

Alf · 03-22-2005, 12:36 PM

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

3ric · 03-22-2005, 01:53 PM

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

Darkiller · 03-23-2005, 05:49 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, 06:00 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, 06:00 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, 06:01 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, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

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, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

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, 06:20 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 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, 06:24 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, 06:25 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, 06:26 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)

03-03-2005, 03:51 PM	#751
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Gossip News: Fumblin' Justin Starting Versus Gothenburg! Breaking news from Maassluis, as the latest rumors are that Justin McDavid, better known as Fumblin' Justin, will be starting in the upcoming crucial road game at the Gothenburg Giants. We hear the management want to provide McDavid an opportunity to pay back for the big knee injury he picked up in Gothenburg mid-way the 2005 season. Knowing the Merchanmen management a bit better, they will put all their aces in this crucial game. A win versus Gothenburg would pretty much secure tie-breakers inside the division and help the Merchantmen into a virtual 2 1/2-win lead. Not putting Louie Flannery into the starting lineup would seem silly. But there've been tricks played this season in the IHOF by other teams with quarterbacks. "The Tucker Tigers played a two-quarterback system," says one league pundit, "they let one guy do start and let they other take over after half time." This suggests the Merchantmen would start Justin McDavid and let Louie Flannery finish it off. And knowing the Merchantmen it wouldn't be a first. They pulled the exact same trick with their defensive ends in the 14-6 win at the Paris Musketeers. Given the success at Paris and the success the Tucker Tigers have had, it's not making sense to ket Justin McDavid play. His pre-season stats were amazing but do not guarantee he will not fumbles once or twice. And with Flannery's interceptions, it would only cause more turnovers. But it doesn't matter whether it makes sense, it's a plan we hear has been trained on and it could be the ultimate trick. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 03-03-2005 at 06:38 PM.

03-03-2005, 06:36 PM	#752
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Press Release: Justin McDavid Will Not Play Versus Gothenburg The Maassluis Merchantmen management want to let the fans and media know that the spreaded story of Justin McDavid being the starting quarterback in the crucial road game at the Gothenburg Giants is false. The article from Gossip News is based on misplaced sentiments. The game against the Gothenburg Giants is crucial in this stage of the season and could be the difference between winning te European Division and watching the playoff on the television. Despite the rumors being false, the management wants to aknowlegde that Justin McDavid will join the team on the flight to Gothenburg. McDavid will be part of fair play related pre-game events. Even though it's unlikely he will play, there's always a chance McDavid will be activated for the crucial game. Especially given the location of the game, the stadium where McDavid picked up the knee injury that sidelined him for one and a half seasons, he could be activated for sentimental values. Last, but not least, the Merchantmen management want to thank all the fans for following the team so closely. We think the support is paying of and helping the team to win close games. This season, six of the seven wins were by a margin of eight or less points, showing how close it has been so far. We wish all the fans a fun second half of the season and hope to provide some cool football in the four consecutive home games against the RayCo Raiders, Georgia Gridlock, Minnesota Miners and Gothenburg Giants in weeks 11 through 14. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 03-03-2005 at 06:38 PM.

03-04-2005, 04:43 AM	#753
Alf Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Rennes, France	Congrats on the win Matthijs. Just seems I can't win the close games.... And indeed, a loss vs Paris, and I am out. I might need to sweep the rest of the season to get a shot at the title (and playoffs). __________________ FOFL - GML - IHOF - FranceStats

03-04-2005, 01:07 PM	#755
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 03-04-2005 at 01:07 PM.

03-05-2005, 10:20 AM	#756
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-07-2005, 10:33 AM	#757
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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." __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-08-2005, 05:52 AM	#758
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-08-2005, 05:52 AM	#759
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-08-2005, 05:53 AM	#760
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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? __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-08-2005, 02:35 PM	#761
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-09-2005, 11:16 AM	#762
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-09-2005, 01:59 PM	#763
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Charles Gomez for Kevin 'Chief' Wiggins?

03-09-2005, 04:43 PM	#765
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	You damned Joe Boulware fanatic! Get over it!!!

03-10-2005, 06:19 AM	#766
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-10-2005, 03:54 PM	#767
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-10-2005, 03:58 PM	#768
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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 __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-10-2005, 04:21 PM	#769
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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 __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-11-2005, 05:53 AM	#770
Alf Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Rennes, France	I can't see how you can't win the division, with Paris and Bordeaux sucking so much and Gothenburg being beaten by injuries..... __________________ FOFL - GML - IHOF - FranceStats

03-15-2005, 06:28 PM	#771
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Oh sure - he wins a Golden Scribe and then gets lazy. Where are the updates?

03-17-2005, 07:31 AM	#772
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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). __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-17-2005, 07:32 AM	#773
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-17-2005, 07:41 AM	#774
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-17-2005, 07:53 AM	#775
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-17-2005, 09:18 AM	#777
KWhit Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Conyers GA	Why oh why couldn't you beat Georgia?!?!?!

03-18-2005, 01:46 PM	#779
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	New articles have been written already. All I need is a little bit more internet access time to be able to post them... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-20-2005, 02:49 PM	#780
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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? __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-20-2005, 02:51 PM	#781
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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 __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-20-2005, 02:51 PM	#782
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-20-2005, 04:20 PM	#783
3ric College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Sweden	Very good preview - I had actually missed out on the fact that Millard is leading the league in sacks. Should be an exciting game... __________________ San Diego Chargers (HFL) - Lappland Reindeers (WOOF) - Gothenburg Giants (IHOF) Indiana: A TCY VC - year 2044 - the longest running dynasty ever on FOFC!

03-21-2005, 07:27 PM	#784
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Congratulations on your first European Division championship!

03-22-2005, 07:35 AM	#786
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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? __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-22-2005, 07:38 AM	#787
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	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 __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

03-22-2005, 08:39 AM	#788
KWhit Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Conyers GA	Congrats on your division title. Hopefully, I'll be able to join you next week.

03-22-2005, 12:36 PM	#789
Alf Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Rennes, France	Hoping that both your #2 seed opponents lose so that I have an easy week 17 vs you __________________ FOFL - GML - IHOF - FranceStats

03-22-2005, 01:53 PM	#790
3ric College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Sweden	Congratulations to the division title, MIJB - you've deserved it! __________________ San Diego Chargers (HFL) - Lappland Reindeers (WOOF) - Gothenburg Giants (IHOF) Indiana: A TCY VC - year 2044 - the longest running dynasty ever on FOFC!