IHOF: Maassluis Merchantmen

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

General Manager Notes: What Will 2011 Bring?
In the USA, things are interesting as well. The San Antonio Volunteers (remember our nightmare 15-10 loss to them?) are a tie to their divisional nemisis Vicksburg Vipers away from clinching the division. But at 11-2, they have more to play for, like home field advantage throughout the playoffs in their defense of the Atlantic Ocean Conference title. Their competition for that consists of two teams, the North Plainfield Plague (no shock) and the Rochester Lake Monsters! Yes, the Futility Bowl VII winners are 11-2 and in fact leading the IHOF's strongest division.

We lost to Boston yesterday, but the Plague lost to Syracuse, so we're still atop the Northeast and still have a shot at the #1 seed. Go Lake Monsters!

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

We lost to Boston yesterday, but the Plague lost to Syracuse, so we're still atop the Northeast and still have a shot at the #1 seed. Go Lake Monsters!

I *was* going to mention it.
Eventually.
Or maybe not as early is my next update.
Which could actually have been written by now, but will be postponed until tomorrow.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Win Last Home Game Of Season
The Maassluis Merchantmen fans finally had to something to cheer about. In a defensive battle, the Merchantmen notched a 19-7 victory over the Boulder Blizzard. Defensive end Erwin Baranowski earned Defensive Player of the Week honors as tied the Merchantmen single-game sacks record. Moment of the game was the unexpected start of Louie Flannery, who had been on inactive for the previous game and was not listed on the depth chart going into the game.

The losing streak is over. After three unlucky losses and a disappointing performance against the Gothenburg Giants, a four-game losing streak has been snapped. The Merchantmen once again failed to impress on offense, but as Cary Coles converted four field goals and his Blizzard collegue Denagelo Royston missed two three-pointers, the game was decided. Devin Henson made the lonely touchdown, a two-yard catch after a pass from the critized quarterback, Louie Flannery.

Despite all the talk about Flannery sitting out the game, the Merchantmen surprised the fans and possibly their opponents when the starting lineup was announced. Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude explains: "Together with the management, we decided to put Flannery in there for the first half, to brush his reputation, despite being hurt. It worked out well and Thad Pilkington did well in relief." Flannery wrote down a decent performance and kept away from interceptions for the fourth time this season.

Center of attention after the game was defensive end Erwin Baranowski. The 34-year old veteran had been sitting most of the games so far this season, although he didn't perform much at all, given his total of just 0.5 sacks in 14 games. Baranowski was nevertheless given a starting role against the Blizzard and paid back with 3.0 sacks and 6 tackles. "Things don't always go as planned, but today we did what we could," said Baranowski, who guided a defense that made 6 sacks and allowed only 216 total yards, "Breaks went our way today and we're all happy. We're trying to prove we're one of the top defense in the game."

With the victory, the Merchantmen clinched third place in the division for the second year in succession. Upcoming is a road game at the Bordeaux Vineyards, who are sitting a top the European Division to claim their fourth title all-time, of which their previous one came four years ago. Running back Randy Harris said: "We'll go into their house and doing what we can to help the Paris Musketeers. No, we're no Musketeers' fans, but there's no way we're going to finish the season 5-11." If the Vineyards lose, the Paris Musketeers can still win the division, providing they beat the Gothenburg Giants at the same time. But the week 17 isn't what everybody in Maassluis thought it would be, a head-to-head game to determine the 2010 European Champion. Harris: "It's gonna be neither of us, that's what we're aiming for."

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: Sweetness, We Can Still Win
Finally.

Go figure, we went 1-8 since our post bye week victory that put us into the division lead. Now, we've won our fifth game of the season. Fifth. Oh well, maybe it's a set up of things to come. We're going to Bordeaux next week and I'm determined to instruct the guys to beat them in their house. If it's worth something, we only lost our week 17 game once before (in 2004) and have won our last three European road games. Our defense has been clicking and the offense is fixable. Let's do this!

European standings
8-7 Bordeaux
8-7 Paris
5-10 Maassluis
3-12 Gothenburg

As you can see, us beating Bordeaux would help the Paris Musketeers. The Musketeers go into Gothenburg's Palace of Ice and Frost to claim their first division title ever. It would mark a unique moment in IHOF history, with all four teams in the same division winning the division at least once. Looking around, chances are very slim any other division will come close to that. Only one other division, the NAC Atlantic Coast Division, had three different winners over time, while their fourth team, the Springfield Isotopes are currently 0-15.

Elsewhere in the AOC, the Northeast has three candidates to win the division. The Rochester Lake Monsters are in pole position, but have to beat the Syracuse Mohawks to win. If they lose, the Mohawks will move past them. And the North Plainfield Plague will then have a shot at winning the division for the seventh year in a row, providing they win, or else the Mohawks will complete one of the most unlikely comebacks in league history, with an amazing 10-1 finish. All three teams already clinched a playoff ticket, by the way.

The defending AOC champions, the San Antonio Volunteers, also clinched a playoff ticket, in fact, even claimed a bye week already. After a 10-0 start, they have slowed down a bit, losing three of their last five games, but they should be in playoff shape in time again. A potential opponent will be the AOC Southeast champion, which will be the winner of the week 17 game between the Conyers Condors and Orlando Knights.

Another division championship game will be played in the NAC. The reigning IHOF champions, the Frederick Red Menace will face off with their traditional nemesis, the Chesapeake Chitterlings, with the winner taking the division, the other team taking a wild card. The second wild card in the AOC will likely go to the Boulder Blizzard, who are second in the NAC West behind the Fairbanks NorthStars. The NorthStars have clinched a bye and are expecting to meet the Blizzard again, unless they lose and the Miami Sharks win. The Outer Banks Ospreys already clinched #3 seed in the AOC.

Another close finish will be seen in the NAC Midwest division. The Ann Arbor Anachronism go into week 17 leading at 7-8. Despite that, they need to win their last game to win the division. If they lose, all eyes will go to the game between the RayCo Raiders and Minnesota Miners, where the winner will then claim their first division title ever. Awaiting will be a home game against a 12-4 Frederick or Chesapeake team, so the odds to follow up with a playoff run seem to be very unlikely for this division winner, whom will have an 8-8 record at best.

Merchantmen Player of the Year
A win means five players will get points for the standings. Defensive player of the Week Erwin Baranowski gets the 5 points. Behind him, Cody Cluff (10 tackles, 1 interception), Frank Bernard (2 sacks), Cary Coles (4 field goals), Bryce Ewald (77 yards receiving), Randy Harris (67 yards rushing) and Tommie Canon (3 defended passes) battled for the remaining points. In order, Cluff, Canon, Bernard and Coles received my kudos.

Standings
1. Cody Cluff with 22 points, 2. Tommie Canon 17, 3. Charles Gomez 14, 4. Louie Flannery 11, 5. Lincoln Gilmore 7, 6. Bernie Surry, Ivan Jacques, Joseph Schoen and Tai Wayne 6, 10. Erwin Baranowski, Cary Coles and Randy Harris 5, 13. Jim Reiser and Jewell Simpson 3, 15. Frank Bernard, Omar Gougeon, Andrew Rasmussen, Cornelius Rice, Jamel Rosenberry, Broderick Schultz and Butch White 2, 22. Timothy Lacy, Thad Pilkington and Aaron Sherrill 1.

Bordeaux, you're going down!

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Lake Monsters Fight For Futility Bowl Tradition
As the Maassluis Merchantmen are leading the European division at 2-2, the Rochester Lake Monster know they're doing something wrong at 3-1. To keep the Futility Bowl rivalry alive, they need to win the Northeast division. So far the Lake Monsters had been failing, with a disappointing 3-1 record and in third place after four games. In week five, they played at the Syracuse Mohawks to keep their dreams alive.

A guy names Amos Collins scored two touchdowns as the Lake Monsters did a huge redecoration of the 'hawks stadium. With 511 total yards on offense, the so-called good defense from the Mohawks was humiliated. With a 35-21 score, the Lake Monsters even looked disappointed as they weren't allowed to run up the score by the head coach.

But as the North Plainfield Plague and Boston Rhinos posted wins over the Southeast's top two teams (Orlando Knights and Conyers Condors respectively), the 4-1 Lake Monsters still sit in third place and at the second wild card ticket spot. The Vicksburg Vipers are just 1/2 a game away at 3-1. A Merchantmen win next week could sweeten their playoff hopes, but no such luck.

Rochester Lake Monsters General Manager Kodos was quoted saying: "[Maassluis] can win the next Futility Bowl and we'll take the playoff spot with a big thank you sir!" Maassluis Merchantmen General Manager M.IJ.B. explains the words: "Right now we're rooting for Futility Bowl VIII to take place in the 2010 season. In the current standings, it would mean both teams will reach the AOC Championship game. Kodos is so generous to already tell us they'll give that game away and let us secure our first IHOF Bowl berth in our own Oranje Haven."

As it stand now, it's gonna require a 2011 playoff matchup between the Maassluis Merchantmen and Rochester Lake Monsters to continue the annual Futility Bowl tradition. Unless the Lake Monsters lose their week 17 game and the North Plainfield Plague don't, the tradition will not continue with a regular season game. If the two teams won't play head to head in 2011, there will be only one non-divisional matchup that has been played in every IHOF season. The Brooklyn Fightin' Bums and Springfield Isotopes have met in every regular season to date.

[Kodos]

Looks like the chain has been broken. And not in the best way for my Lake Monsters. Stupid fumblin' Ray England and a five seed...

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Looks like the chain has been broken. And not in the best way for my Lake Monsters. Stupid fumblin' Ray England and a five seed...

C'mon, Kodos, we fixed it before with a playoff game, we can do it again. See you in the 2011 playoffs!

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Beat European Champs
The Maassluis Merchantmen like their spoilers role. Last week they beat the wild card fighting Boulder Blizzard, this week they beat the Bordeaux Vineyards big in their own house. But where the Blizzard miss the playoffs due to that loss, the Vineyards were helped out by a Paris Musketeers loss in Gothenburg. The 31-13 score was meaningless to some, but the Merchantmen now even more wonder what could have been if-this and if-that.

"We did it!" Merchantmen running back Randy Harris screamed it out after the big victory in France. It marked the Merchantmen's third victorious divisional game on the road of the season. Harris said: "We knew we could win here, the defense has been amazing all season and if we [the offense] would step up, a victory could make this season a little bit less worrying."

Despite the win, the Merchantmen finish the season at 6-10, their second worst season ever in terms of wins. Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude had a hard time fighting it: "The numbers don't lie. We've been losing too much and too often by stupid mistakes. In a season with the number two defense in the strong Atlantic Ocean Conference, you'd think a playoff ticket would be a given."

Quarterback Louie Flannery once again took the MVP honors for the game, but praised the defense just as much as the rest of the offensive players: "With Indestructable Ivan [Jacuqes] sitting the game out, we didn't expect much of it. Louie [Bell] did a good job and it was a fun game. The defense came up big again, it's a shame we've been struggling to win games for them."

Cody Cluff was claimed to be the defensive player of the season for the team and he showed it with a big game. 15 tackles, 4 assists and a forced fumble. Cluff said: "I've had less productive games in the past. But I really wanted to keep [Billy] Jamerson below 100 yards. It failed and I'm disgusted about it. Charles [Gomez] told me to relax and enjoy the win. When we heard Bordeaux won the division afterall, we graduated Jamerson and went back to Maassluis. It's gonna be hard watching all those teams we played close games with in the post-season..."

The absence of Ivan Jacques was officially due to a hyperextended knee, but it's a known fact that the Merchantmen management and Jacques agent have started talks for a new contract. Sources report that the Merchantmen only want to offer a flat four year contract with salary figured of around five million. Jacques is said to be wanting a five year contract with a twelve million dollar bonus and backloaded salaries. General Manager M.IJ.B. said: "We won't comment on it, but it should be known that right now we're far off, but the fans should know that re-signing Jacques has been one of our main priorities this season."

As soon as the contract talks with Jacques are finished, the Merchantmen will start looking to the 2011 season. Manager M.IJ.B. said: "It was a season of mixed feelings. We've lost games we shouldn't have, we've seen Louie Flannery throw more interceptions than we like, but also saw how bad we are without him. I'd love to stick this team together for a new attempt at a championship run, but it remains to be seen whether all players stick around, how bad 'Mickey' Kershner's knee injury is and whether we can resign Jacques and Ned Cozart. it's gonna busy off-season again."

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: So we beat Bordeaux...
Great.

Yeah, I've been bragging that we'd destroy Bordeaux in their house. It happened, don't get me wrong, 31-13 was their second biggest loss at their house ever. But despite that, we finished the season 6-10. Also, I was kind of rooting for Paris to complete the all teams win the division at least once option. But the failed. A disappointing 13-6 loss at the Gothenburg Giants tore their dreams apart. We spoiled, but the Giants spoiled it even more. Oh, so you know, we finished the season as the Atlantic Ocean Conference's best defense with 16.9 points per game allowed. The only previous time that happened, we made it to the AOC championship game...

Final European standings
8-8 Bordeaux
8-8 Paris
6-10 Maassluis
4-12 Gothenburg

The Bordeaux Vineyards win the division and will now represent Europe in the 2010 playoffs. Their next opponent are our friendly Futility Bowl rivals, the Rochester Lake Monsters. The Lake Monsters choked a division lead in week 17. Despite a loss by the North Plainfield Plague, the Monsters lost their game against the Syracuse Mohawks and the most hated team in the league after the renaming of the Astoria Heroes, the Mohawks win their first division title and end the Plague's supremacy in the Northeast division.

As I said, Rochester will be visiting Bordeaux in hopes to continue their dreams on the championship. Potential opponents can be the Mohawks, who are the AOC's second seeds, but the San Antonio Volunteers as first seeds are also an option. It all depends on the game in Orlando, between the homeplaying Knights and the visiting North Plainfield Plague. When victorious, the Knights will go to Syracuse, while the Plague will go to San Antonio.

In the North American Conference the Chesapeake Chitterlings were one unlucky 12-4 team. Despite hat record, a loss to the Frederick Red Menace ment that they will be the fifth seeds and visiting the Ann Arbor Anachronism (8-8 division champs). The Outer Banks Ospreys will host their bitter rivals, the Miami Sharks in the wild card round. The Fairbanks NorthStars are the NAC top seeds and will play Miami or the other game winner. The Frederick Red Menace are already preparing for a visit from the Chitterlings, although it is more likely to be Outer Banks' Ospreys.

Merchantmen Player of the Year
Another win means five players will get points. Cody Cluff (15 tackles, 4 assists, 1 forced fumble), Louie Flannery (3 td passes, 17/31 for 205 yards), Bryce Ewald (6 catches for 82 yards, 1 td), Charles Gomez (1 sack, 2 blocked passes, 3 tackles, 1 assist) and Broderick Schultz (1 interception, 1 defended pass, 1 tackle) were the candidates. In order they ranked (first to fifth) as: Cluff, Flannery, Schultz, Ewald and Gomez. Rookie Terrence White gets the honorary sixth place as he recorded a forced fumble on a crucial sack in his second start for the Merchantmen.

Final Standings
1. Cody Cluff with 27 points, 2. Tommie Canon 17, 3. Louie Flannery and Charles Gomez 15, 5. Lincoln Gilmore 7, 6. Bernie Surry, Ivan Jacques, Joseph Schoen and Tai Wayne 6, 10. Erwin Baranowski, Cary Coles, Randy Harris, and Broderick Schultz 5, 14. Jim Reiser and Jewell Simpson 3, 16. Frank Bernard, Bryce Ewald, Omar Gougeon, Andrew Rasmussen, Cornelius Rice, Jamel Rosenberry and Butch White 2, 23. Timothy Lacy, Thad Pilkington and Aaron Sherrill 1.

2011, It's got to be our year... Yeah, who am I kidding, we're the Merchantmen, the biggest fluke in IHOF history. Good luck Bordeaux in the playoffs, bring Europe it's first IHOF Bowl berth!

[MIJB#19]

Charles Gomez IHOF Most Awarded Player
Charles Gomez became the IHOF's most decorated player in terms of All IHOF honors. After a somewhat down year in production, Gomez was awarded All IHOF second team by the FOF commitee. Gomez made a career low 4.5 sacks, but compensated with 78 tackles, 26 assists, 21 quarterback hurries, 5 blocked passes, 1 defended pass and 2 forced fumbles (including 1 recovery). It marks Gomez' sixth All IHOF honors in as many seasons, making him the untied all time leader in All IHOF honors. Gomez was a first teamer in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

"A disappoint season, but apparently people think I played well," Gomez said in a first reaction, "I was rooting for Cody (Cluff) to make it, but apparently it's also based on reputation or something. I'll just say that it's been a team effort and we worked really hard to become the best defense in the A-O-C. We'll be back, bigger, better and badder than before in 2011."

In seven seasons with the Merchantmen, Gomez has been the foundation of one of the most fearsome defenses in the IHOF. With 524 tackles, 184 assists. 51 sacks, 150 quarterback hurries, 26 blocked passes and 17 forced fumbles, he's a career leader in every meaningful statistic for defensive tackles. Gomez is 36th in tackles, 13th in sacks, 6th in hurries and 2nd in forced fumbles in the IHOF.


Ivan Jacques Signs Five-Year Contract
Ivan Jacques will stay a little bit longer in Maassluis. The 30-year old left tackle today signed a new five-year contract, worth $36.5 million US dollars. The deal includes a $10 million dollar bonus and makes Jacques the best paid player of the team. The agreement comes after negotiations that had been going on since prior of the last regular season game in Bordeaux. Jacques missed the game with a sprained knee, but today looked like a happy man.

"It wasn't exactly what we aimed for, but it's a good compromise," Jacques said. "The management wanted a four-year deal, but we told them it was five or none. I guess that means I'll retire a Merchantmen player in 2015 or something."

It seems the Merchantmen effectively locked Jacques up through the 2014 season. But in the modern era, contracts tend to be back-loaded and the 2010 salary was basically an attempt to front load the contracta bit too. For now, Jacques is the best player on team, but as soon as the official 2011 off-season starts, there's no doubt the two sides will sit around the tables once again.

In four seasons with the Merchantmen, Jacques has proven to be a reliable player. Touted as the most talent pass blocker in the league playing left tackle, Jacques is a key element for the team. In 58 games for the Merchantmen, Jacques allowed only 11 sacks in 1944 passing plays. Jacques also added 96 key run blocks to make him a key support for the running game.

[MIJB#19]

2010 Merchantmen Player of the Year Poll
As a traditional gift to the readers, I present the 2010 Merchantmen Player of the Year Poll! Just like in past years, there have been nine players selected, while a tenth option is open for write in candidates. The more votes the better to make the results noteworthy. In alphabetical order, the selected candidates are: Erwin Baranowski, Cody Cluff, Tommie Canon, Bryce Ewald, Louie Flannery, Charles Gomez, Randy Harris, Ivan Jacques and Jamel Rosenberry.

[MIJB#19]

Deadlock Contract Talks Cozart And Merchantmen
Contract talks between the Maassluis Merchantmen and center Ned Cozart's agent once again stalled. Cozart turned down a three-year contract worth $12.5 million US dollars. Cozart's agent Louie Fulton called the offer "Below Cozart's standards, we're asking for a reasonable deal for a player with his skills." In 13 games, Cozart made 28 key run blocks and allowed 5 sacks. Additionally, Cozart has become a charismatic leader and seems to have good chemistry with star player Ivan Jacques.

General Manager M.IJ.B. wasn't amused: "We made Cozart a good offer. We're willing to show him the money, but right now we're $1.3 million per year apart. That's too big of a gap. We're not convinced Cozart will still be around in 2012." Cozart has been producing this season, but also started a fight with the management when he was benched during a period of injury. Brant Heinrich, starter from 2005 through 2008 took over and didn't play well.

Heinrich isn't happy with the current situation and demands more playing time. It wouldn't be too unrealistic to see Heinrich become a backup guard, or start again with Cozart moving outside one position. Left guard Butch White has missed an average of 6 games the past three seasons and has been a weaklink in the pass protection during those seasons. Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "There's always room to discuss about shifting players around on the line."

If the Merchantmen and Cozart do not come to agreement before IHOF Bowl VII, Cozart will become a free agent in the off-season. It's likely that the Merchantmen will use the franchise tag on Cozart if he doesn't retire since he's one of only two players on roster without a long-term contract. Cozart would then be signed to a one-year contract worth about $4.5 million dollars, which is lower than the $6.3 million he's requesting. With that contract, the Merchantmen would be more than $10 million over the salary cap and possibly would force the team to trade Cozart after just one season. Manager M.IJ.B. said: "Trade isn't very likely right now, but in a worst case scenario, that's definately an option."

[MIJB#19]

League News: Four Down, Seven To Go
The cream of the crop of the 2010 IHOF season continues to play. In the wild card round, four teams were eliminated from contention. In the Atlantic Ocean Conference, the Rochester Lake Monsters invaded the Bordeaux Vineyards and returned home victorious. In other games, the Outer Banks Ospreys, the North Plainfield Plague and the Ann Arbor Anachronism reached the elite eight. Four lost, seven others will join them on their journey to a 2010 IHOF championship.

In Bordeaux the Lake Monsters were unstoppable. Especially wide receiver Chris Jason had a fantastic day. In the absence of star receiver Amos Collins, Jason stepped up and had a career day. With four receiving touchdowns, Jason set a new playoff record in touchdowns scored to boost his team to a 35-27 win. Before this game, Jason had scored 3 touchdowns for the Lake Monsters in as many seasons. Apparently the playoffs are not like the regular season.

Over in Orlando, Florida, the home playing Knights had the tough mission to play the two-time IHOF champions North Plainfield Plague. In a bit of a shootout, the Knights looked like they were making it happen with 104 seconds left to play and leading 30-24. But the Plague have David Conti. With one time out left, Conti drove his team from their own 38-yard line into the red zone. With a shatering 18-yard pass to Dustin Tyson, the score flipped and the visitors left the Knights with 30 seconds left on the clock. The playoff inexperienced Knights looked lost and lost afterall.

In the North American Conference it was Ray Ray Lyle versus Ron Lyle. Ray Ray Lyle is the league's top running back and took his second rushing title in as many seasons with the Ann Arbor Anachronism. Ron Lyle is the Chesapeake Chitterlings quarterback and has been mentioned in a long list of MVP worthy quarterbacks. In the triple A's house, Ray Ray ran all over Ron's team. With 459 yards versus 228 yards, the Anachronism dominated the game and actually failed to run up the score. With a 27-17 scoreboard, the triple A's move on to the divisional round, in which round they have played four times before and never lost.

The fourth and last game of this round was a classic division rivalry. The Miami Sharks sneaked into the playoffs with a last weekend loss for the Boulder Blizzard and were scheduled to play their heated rivals, the Outer Banks Ospreys. In the regular season, the 'Dirty Birds' had won both head-to-head games and today they were once again the stronger team. The final score of 31-24 might make it look like a close game, but the Ospreys were leading 31-10 going into the last 8 minutes of the game. Crucial was probably the opening of the game, where the Ospreys turned 2 Woodrow Taylor thrown interceptions into a 10-0 lead to never look back.

In the next round, the four best teams of the regular season join the mix. The 13-3 defending IHOF champions, the Frederick Red Menace will host the Outer Banks Ospreys. Two years ago the Ospreys upset the Red Menace in this round and stadium with a 10-0 victory. The Menace are out for revenge and will do anything to get rid of he bad taste that game left behind.

The other NAC game is between the 13-3 Fairbanks NorthStars and the Ann Arbor Anachronism. These two former IHOF champions played twice before in the playoffs, both times in the NAC championship game. Both times the visiting team won, but it seems unlikely that history will repeat. Unless the Anachronism keep their name up and continue their unbeaten record in divisional round games.

In the AOC, the Rochester Lake Monsters visit the Syracuse Mohawks in a game of inexperienced playoff teams. The Mohawks never won a playoff game to date, while the Lake Monsters have been in this round once before and lost 45-12 to the North Plainfield Plague back then. In the regular season the Lake Monsters won in at the Mohawks, but the home team could be conciered favorites after winning the division title in a week 17 game at the Lake Monsters house. Whatever happen, the winner will be the only team this season to play in a conference final for the first time.

Last by not least is a clash between the defending AOC champions, the San Antonio Volunteers, and the team they unseated after three consecutive conference titles, the North Plainfield Plague. The Vol's play at home, but have a black and blue offensive line and the regular season game between these two doesn't bode well. The Plague defended their house in a brilliant fashion, humiliating the AOC champions with a 37-0 score. But for the Plague, only a playoff win can make up for the loss in the 2009 playoffs to San Antonio.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Will Franchise Cozart
There's no doubt about it anymore. After Ned Cozart turned down a lucrative four-year contract, the Merchantmen have decided to stop trying to luck the center op long-term. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "There's no use to continue talking. Cozart wants too much money for our liking. We'll try again when the 2011 off-season officially starts, but not until after we've designated him as our franchise player."

Ned Cozart was unavailable for comment, but his agent Louie Fulton is furious about the Merchantmen's decission: "They've never tried to come up with a serious bid. They acquired Ned in a trade and never dared to make him a serious offer. They apparently don't know what the market is these days." Fulton is also the player agent of star linebacker Cody Cluff, which could have serious implications for Cluff's willingness to stay around in Maassluis.

Meanwhilst backup center Brant Heinrich continues to criticize the situation. Heinrich's agent Josh Zukolwski said: "Heinrich has always been loyal to the team, but the current situation isn't good for his future. Brant wants to play football and has proven to be a starting calibre lineman. We're willing to see Cozart's talent, but the way he's acting, it's not good for team chemistry and we're seriously option to ask for trade." Heinrich was a first round pick for the Merchantmen in 2005 and played 72 games in five season before Cozart took his role. With 34 key run blocks in the Merchantmen's 2007 success season, Heinrich holds the single-season franchise record.

General Manager M.IJ.B. added: "We'd like to keep Cozart, but his attitude is driving me nuts. We know Heinrich can play and the situation should be resolved or else we're going to have two unhappy centers going into the 2011 season. I realize that Heinrich could still be around five years from now, while Cozart will most likely be retired by then. Right now, I'm seriously discussion with the coaching staff to move Cozart to guard next season. It might pay off."

[MIJB#19]

Rochester Knocked Out Despite Signing Harold Hurtado
Eight teams were left and only four would be able to reach a conference final. In the Atlantic Ocean Conference, the Rochester Lake Monsters played on the road at the Syracuse Mohawks. Days before the game, the Lake Monsters signed their former first round pick in the innaugural draft, Harold Hurtado. Hurtado was traded to the Maassluis Merchantmen for wide receiver Amos Collins and played his games in Maassluis from 2004 through 2009. In the 2010 pre-season, Hurtado was released. Hurtado started, but couldn't help the Lake Monsters survive, the Mohawks dominated and with a 24-14 victory, the Mohawks move on.


In Texas, the San Antonio Volunteers defended their AOC title against the North Plainfield Plague. For the Plague, quarterback David Conti was wild again and thre for 5 touchdown passes in a 42-35 victory. The Plague now will invade the Mohawks house to end a two-game losing streak against their Northeast division rivals. The Plague play their fifth consecutive AOC championship game.

The defending IHOF champions fought out a barnburner. The Frederick Red Meance were hosting the Outer Banks Ospreys and had a hard time defending their lead. But as the Ospreys' kicker Kyle Everett missed three field goal attempts, the game went into overtime and the defending champs defended their house well. With a 20-17 score, the clinched their tickets to their defense of the NAC Championship.

The Fairbanks NorthStars had become the favorites to represent the NAC in IHOF Bowl VII. With a defensive seprememacy of the Ann Arbor Anachronism offense, the NorthStars held ground and can start preparing for another home game. Potential league MVP Joey Allen hopes to set a couple of things straight as the last two games against the Frederick Red Menace were lost. But it won't be easy leading his offense against what has turned into the league's best defense.

[Kodos]

Hurtado sucked ass.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Hurtado sucked ass.

I noticed. 0 for 3 in key run blocks, 1 sack allowed. I still wonder why I let him play a few seasons ago in the conference final and left Cornelius Rice on the bench...

[MIJB#19]

IHOF Media Rewards Gomez, Cluff, Canon
Following a disappointing season, three players were rewarded for the defense's strong play. Charles Gomez, Cody Cluff and Tommie Canon were all selected as All-Pro Second Teamers. The Associated Vulture All-Pros was held for the first time. Gomez received 21 points, Cluff 22 and Canon 21. Cluff received one first place vote, Canon two. Big winners in the honorary selections were running back Ray Ray Lyle (Ann Arbor Anachronism) and defensive tackle Thomas Whitehouse (Boulder Blizzard), whom both received the maximum of 35 points and 7 first place votes.

[MIJB#19]

IHOF Bowl VII: Frederick Versus Syracuse
Thirty down, one to go. That's what the players of the Frederick Red Menace are thinking in their attempt to become repeat IHOF champions. After a nailbiting 23-17 victory at the Fairbanks NorthStars, the Red Menace go forward to their second IHOF Bowl. Their opponents in San Diego, California will be the 2010 surprise team: the Syracuse Mohawks. In their almost sold-out stadium, the Mohawks completed a three-game seasons sweep over their bitter rivals, the North Plainfield Plague. It was a close game, but a crucial fumble by Ronald Reinke turned the tide and set up the Mohawks conference winning touchdown: 20-17.

[MIJB#19]

Syracuse Mohawks 2010 IHOF Champions
The greatest game in league history. The Syracuse Mohawks and the Frederick Red Menace laid down one heck of a game in IHOF Bowl VII. With a 54-yard filed goal by Bill Vickers, the Mohawks beat the defending IHOF champions 34-31 in overtime. The Mohawks choked an early 21-13 lead and came back strong after trailing 31-24 with 100 seconds left to play. The next 43 seconds will forever be remembered as 'The Drive' as the Mohawks went upfield from their own 3-yard line to tie the score. Brent Peterman took the MVP honors with a playoff game league record 402 passing yards.

[MIJB#19]

Retirement Day Hits Home, No More Randy Harris
The day after the IHOF Bowl is traditionally a big day in the league. Players have one day to fill their retirement papers. At the start of the 2011 season, the Merchantmen lost two stars and saw other former Merchantmen players call it quits. Randy Harris was most notable to the Merchantmen as the franchise leader in games played, rushing yards and total touchdowns hang up his running boots. One year stop gap Tommie Canon joined him after a season that made him Associates Vultures All Pro Second Teamer. Who retired and what did they do?

Randy Harris. Rumblin' Randy. 112 games, 7,151 yards rushing, 224 receptions, 46 touchdowns, 276 points. Harris was a fan favorite in Maassluis after having ran for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. His best season was in 2007 when he ran for 1,306 yards and 8 touchdowns in his help to guide the Merchantmen into their first divison title. After the championship dreams collaps in the AOC Championship game, Harris never managed to live up to it. The last three seasons Harris shared carries with Joseph Schoen. Despite that, last season Harris fought back with 930 yards and an amazing 4.58 yards per carry average, but he couldn't overcome the downfall of the team. Harris never missed a game in his seven seasons and is likely to be franchise leader for a long time in rushing yards and touchdowns scored. Harris retires as the 9th leading runner in IHOF history.

Tommie Canon leaves the Merchantmen after just one season. Despite that he played only 16 games for the team, Canon was an achorman to the best pass defense in team history. With 5 interceptions and 12 defended passes, Canon had a career year and everybody expected him to comeback for another season. Canon leaves the IHOF with one championship ring as a member of the 2004 Fairbanks NorthStars.

Harold Hurtado won't return to Maassluis anymore. The franchise leader in key run blocks called it quits after being released by the Rochester Lake Monsters on IHOF Bowl day. Hurtado was originally drafted by the Lake Monsters, but was quickly traded to the Merchantmen to become their anchorman. In six seasons in Maassluis, Hurtado made 115 key run blocks. Becoming older and older, in 2010 Hurtado was released after pre-season by the Merchantmen. Hurtado was signed by the Lake Monsters for the divisional round game at the Syracuse Mohawks, but it turned out to be his first and only game for his original team. He retires with All IHOF second team honors from the 2004 season.

Roscoe Corrales hung up his kicking boots after a season of non-activity. Corrales was a popular player in Oranje Haven as he did punting duties from the 2004 through 2008 seasons. His best season cam in 2007 when he averaged 40.6 yards per punt and put 33 of 81 punts inside the 20. At the end of the 2008 season, Corrales was replaced with rookie Sean Smalley. Corrales was traded to the Syracuse Mohawks for he 2009 season, but left them after just one season.

Other notable retirees are cornerback Dennis Preciado, single game record holder in defended passes (with 7 in the Merchantmen's first ever victory). Preciado started 27 games for the Merchantmen in 2004 and 2005, making 4 interceptions and 16 defended passes. Preciado cycled through four other teams in backup roles before he called it quits.

Safety Wiley McGhee played only one season in Maassluis, being the big turnaround 2005 season. McGhee played all 16 games, but was traded in the following off-season to the Georgia Gridlock. Defensive end Scot Dick played the 2006 season in Maassluis and never impressed. Dick was sent to Paris in the following off-season, marking his third European team after Bordeaux and Maassluis. Dick was suspended for the 2009 season and following a position switch to defensive tackle played an anonymus role for the Fairbanks NorthStars in 2010.

Seventeen others who have had short stints in Maassluis retired. On alphabetical order they are: defensive tackle Andre Cofield, linebacker Randal Davison, left tackle Edgar Dunkin, center Heath Ferebee, guard Jorge Hutton, running back Ernie Johnstone, left tackle Alfonso King, cornerback Andy Mathews, guard Vernon Meier, running back Shane Neufeld, linebacker Terrence 'Terror' Norris, left tackle Darrin Olive, punter Antonio Rasnic, fullback Charles Reuter, linebacker Blaine Toppe, defensive end Daryl Webster and cornerback Adrian Wynn.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: 2011 Plans
At last!

Finally, the horrendous 2010 saga has been closed and a new story begins. It's called 2011 and it's gonna be a whole new story. We've lost Randy Harris and Tommie Canon, two of the best performers last season. It leaves a huge gap at running back and a smaller gap at cornerback. We are currently almost $10 million over the cap, not including the expected $4.68M for Ned Cozart's franchise tag. We have 52 players signed, so basically we only need to sign Cozart, clear some room and we're set! Well, not entirely. We have four draft picks (#97, #141, #173 and #192) and could use them here or there. Let me run down the roster.

Quarterbacks - 4 signed - 1 FA in 2011
We're in decent shape here, we're not having the worst starter and backup situation, but Louie Flannery isn't going to win a lot of games for us. He's always been a guy in need of having the defense set him up for good things. Thad Pilkington is getting older and I'm not sure how much longer he can be our #2 guy. Josh Webb got some time last season against a then winless team to prove his abilty. He failed. He's got to step it up to be a long-term #2. And Justin McDavid is our mentor guy. If for some reason I decided to ditch both Thad and Webb, Justin will stick around to mentor the new potential #2 for a year or three. Thad is up for a new deal after 2011, so we'll likely offer him a new contract through the 2012 season.

Backfield - 5 signed - 0 FA in 2012
And then we lost our all-time leader rusher. Bye Rumblin' Randy, we had fun with you around! It's time for Joseph Schoen to step up. Well, to be honest, he's 29 and not going to be the long term solution. With Scott Bagley, we have an elusive backup, but nothing more. It should be obvious that running back is our #1 need right now. Maybe our #2 need as well. At fullback Jamel Rosenberry could get a double role. I'm opting to put him into a more run based role and give Quentin Malicki the run blocking duties. Henry Poston is still around, but chances are slim he'll make our 2011 regular season. Unless he gets hurt again. All in all, it's very likely that I'll bring in two (three?) running backs to become our new ball carriers.

Receivers - 9 signed - 1 FA in 2012
Alright Jewell Simpson, it's time to step up. We paid a lot to get him, but with 38 catches for 635 yards he didn't even beat his own records set on a run-heavy offense. I hope he'll be used to our system a bit more now and be a great guy opposite Bryce Ewald. Jesse Vielma and Jerry Beyer are fighting it out for the #3 duties as Gregory Monti is very unlikely to stick around. The long time starter Monti is destroyed by knee injuries. Devin Henson is a special teamer and will likely have #4 duties in most games. At tight end we're still in excellent shape. Jim Reiser still serves the role as safe throw for Flannery well. Arnold Ramirez is a great team player and should stick around as our #2 and potential backup fullback. Winston Van Pelt has been longsnapping well and will be signed to a new contract as he's due free agency in 2012. Even though we can go the restricted free agent route with him.

Offensive Line - 8 of 9 signed - 2 FA in 2012
People, we've got work to do! No, not in terms of stepping up production. The line is decent and should be kept together. Therefor, we could definately use the return of Ned Cozart. At the age of 34, he's still one of the IHOF's best run blockers and helped improve the running game last season. left tackle Ivan Jacques and guard Timothy Lacy are locked up long-term. The trouble is there at right tackle as I'm still not sure whether Cornelius Rice or left tackl Louis Bell should play there. And at guard Butch White has been disappointing lately. I'm opting to put Cozart there and let Brant Heinrich return as our center. of the 2012 free agent candidates guard Wesley Howard deserves an extension, while tackle Norman Holliday is still a project.

Defensive Line - 9 signed - 1 FA in 2012
A great unit that doesn't need fixing. Charles Gomez is the best defensive tackle in the league and we're happy to have him. Around him, newby Frank Bernard played well and made the signing a good decission, however, he's due a new deal as it ends after the season. With Andy Weliczka and Shaun Shiroma we can go the good old time-sharing route, while Andrew Rasmussen is slowly turning into a potential starter. At defensive end we're good to go with Omar Gougeon, Wally Mattingly and good old Erwin Baranowski. And Aaron Sherrill is still a servicable pass rusher in a rotation system, if one the others is down.

Linebackers - 6/7 signed - 2 FA in 2012
Mike Kershner's back. Following a devastating knee injury, 'Mickey' hopes to come back strong. As it looks now, there's no reason to write him off yet, he's still a skilled 'backer, but not in the top3 anymore. The top three are now Bernie Surry on the string side, Cody Cluff up the middle and Albert Boggess on the weakside. Carl Meier should stick around as a emergency starter, while Terrance White has the looks of a potential future starter. Nicholas Seymour is a free agent and unlikely to return. Note that Boggess and Kershner are free to go after 2011, so we'll sit around the table with both for new deals.

Secondary - 8 signed - 0 FA in 2012
Canon out, new guy in? It's quite possible, although we have the guys to step in. Winford Endicott and Myron Stevens played very well before Tommie Canon took over from them. Sammie Kennedy has been making good progress too and looks ready to start opposite Tai Wayne in 2011. Between those two, Lincoln Gilmore and 'Broodje' Schultz will be the safeties again. With Emile William as the super sub, we're good to go there. And if we need to, John Cole can be a very good replacement. Chances are that I'll bring in two young corners to fight it out for one roster spot.

Speacial Teams - 3 signed - 0 FA in 2012
Okay, that figure of 3 signed only includes kickers, but it should obviosuly go beyond that. With Sean Smalley we're set at punter for the next four seasons. With Al Bettis we don't even need to think about hiring a new kickoff guy. Cary Coles has been shaky from time to time as our points kicker, but last season he was perfect on PATs (finally!) and posted his fifth conescutive 80%+ field goals season. Coles' success is part based on us hiring lon snapper Winston Van Pelt and good holders. We can use any of Louie Flannery, Josh Webb or Sean Smalley there. For return duties, we're in good shape, but I'm willing to invest in a new guy. Devin Henson and Scott Bagley are a very good kickoff return duo. Joseph Schoen is a good enough punt returner, but it's not smart to keep using our main runner there. Jerry Beyer and Sammie Kennedy don't seem to cut it, so I'm opting to acquire a couple of running backs for this role as well.

[MIJB#19]

Pulliam New Merchantmen Offensive Coordinator
The Maassluis Merchantmen have a new offensive coordinator. J.T. Pulliam was yesterday hired as the replacement of Antonio Francis. With this move, the Merchantmen hope to improve on the somewhat disappointing performance of the offense in the past three seasons.

Pulliam is young and unexperienced, but the Merchantmen nevertheless decided to give him a big five-year contract. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "J.T. knows a lot about every position group on offense. He's good with youngsters and as we know he could be a head coach in the future, we thought he'd make a great fit as our OC." Pulliam was surprized about the contract he was offered, but siad he was happy to sign: "I had one other standing offer, but in the end Maassluis looked like a great challenge."

Antonio Francis looked disappointed as he wasn't hired by another team. Rumors are that teams are afraid of his age (61), but Francis' resume isn't one of the worst. After two seasons with the Rochester Lake Monsters, where he made Joe Boulware a big name running back, he managed to tutor quarterback Louie Flannery very well and was part of the staff in the amazing 2007 season. General Manager M.IJ.B. said: "The last three seasons were a farce. I know these guys can do better, but Francis couldn't get it out of these guys. It's sad, but he was end of contract and we went with a younger guy."

[albionmoonlight]

In case I have never said it before--what a great read.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Where's The New Merchantmen Running Back?
Randy Reagor. Raymond Flowers. Mark Halley. Just a selection of the league's best running backs. And all three of them have been placed on the trading block by their respective team managements. After the retirement of Randy Harris, you'd think the Maassluis Merchantmen, self proclaimed Masters of Trading, would have struck a deal by now. The truth is different, despite a reasonable healthy cap situation they haven't even started talks. or have they?

When Randy Harris retired 'Oh's and 'Ah's were heard all around the Netherlands. The iron man of the team, Rumblin' Randy, he called it quits shortly after his 31st birthday. With Harris gone, the Merchantmen have only one running back left. Scott Bagley doesn't count since he's only used as a special teamer, while fullback Jamel Rosenberry lacks the breakaway speed to play tailback. Leaves Joseph Schoen, who played three seasons in Maassluis, but never topped the 4.0 yards per carry mark and scored only 8 rushing touchdowns. No way 'The Shoe' will carry the load and the entire offensive with it.

Thus arises the opportunity for an unwanted big name running back to cross the big pond and revive his career with the Merchantmen. Home games for a crowd of 75K, an offensive line with run blocking guards, top ten all time blocker Ned Cozart up the middle and one of the best left tackle in the game. But without a trade offer, there's nowhere to start!

Rumor has it that the Merchantmen have sent out a message to other owners that they want a running back. Need a running back. They won't pay the franchise, but they sounded pretty desperate. Forget the $13 million of being over the cap. Everybody knows about the cap magic they can do. It's a matter of days before they're $10 million under the cap. So what are they still waiting for?

Our inside reports found out the Merchantmen have been talking, but are holding the boat off. Especially 2008 league leading rusher Raymond Flowers could be interesting, but as he's a Springfield Isotopes player, the Merchantmen are clearly afraid to overpay for a 'tope once again. Remember, last season they sacrificed a draft pick for wide receiver Jewell Simpson. 38 receptions and 8 dropped passes later, Simpson is on the pile of failed receivers, while the 'topes are carrying the 9th overall draft pick.

Randy Reagor then? One the top pick of the 2006 draft, today concidered one of the big busts in league history. In four seasons with the Conyers Condors, Reagor topped the 1,000 yard mark only once. Last season was the worst year in his short career so far. After 450 yards with a 3.06 average, Reagor is on the block. If only the Merchantmen had 3 million to spare and they'd be all over Reagor. Rumor has it that Reagor is bitching about the lack of confidence and the offense being geared towards the pass. But after a disappointing 8-8 campaign, that can't be all there is.

Remains Mark Halley, who started the 2010 season as a backup to Dana Stenstrom. Of all people, Dana 'Dynamite' Stenstrom! 'Dynamite' had a huge training camp and came out of the pre-season to run for 870 yards with a 6.05 yard per carry. A career ending knee injury for 'Dynamite' put Halley back in charge and he ended the season with 1,263 yards and 9 scores on the ground. Rumors have it that the Merchantmen don't like Halley's $3.7 million salary, despite his willingness to tone down to about $1.5 million.

No trade, means searching for a different kind of running back. North Plainfield Plague's leading rusher Ronald Reinke became a free agent, despite having been a starter the past three seasons. The Merchantmen are not too fond on Reagor's player agent, Louis Fulton, but Gossip News' insiders report that the Merchantmen are already talking about a two-year, $5 million contract. Reagor's demands are on the streets and at $22 million for five years exceeding what the Merchantmen can afford.

On to Plan D: the draft. Or not, the Merchantmen's best pick is the first pick of the fourth round. Top prospects Will Davidson, Floyd Walton and Harry Welch are by no means first round caliber backs, but when the Merchantmen are on the clock, both will be long gone. There's no way they will find a starting caliber runner in the lower rounds. Unless they're going to gamble on volatile backs like fumblers Floyd Cummings and Herb Williams, or the smart C.J. Stone.

Either way, the Merchantmen will be paying through their nose or will be forced to trade another future first round pick away to get a new starting running back. Or they should be willing to go with Joseph Schoen and yak up the passing game even more. And we know that isn't the answer. Louie Flannery is a one hot wonder. So far things are looking dark in Maassluis. The 6-10 campaign last season was a trend setting season, not a fluke. Prepare for doom, Maassluis.

[Kodos]

Prepare for doom, Maassluis.

I like the way you think!

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Prepare for doom, Maassluis.

I like the way you think!

Just make sure you make the playoffs so we can keep the Futility Bowl tradition alive okay?

Originally Posted by albionmoonlight

In case I have never said it before--what a great read.

Thanks!

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Memories: "Maassluis Is For Real"
In Merchantmen Memories we'll go back in time and relive one of the highlights in Merchantmen history, or other interesting events. In today's episode we go back to mid December 2007. The IHOF Times headlined in big letters "Maassluis wins their first Europe Title". But what was going on was translated best by the words of one other IHOF owner: "I was amazed by that score. Maassluis is for real." We go back to one of the most impressive wins in Merchantmen history.

"Flan' flames the flabbergasted phantoms once again: touchdown Maassluis! There's no reason to doubt it anymore, these guys are the rightful European champions." These were the words of Roy Kesler. He used to be a pro football player. The 29-year old former running back had a short stint with the Merchantmen, but following his release after training camp, he found out there was too little interest from the IHOF in him. Kesler hung up his running shoes and was asked by the Merchantmen to become the co-announcer during home games.

"They used to call me 'Dutchy' in camp." Kesler takes a nip from his coffee and continues how he got the new job. "Somehow the management wanted to keep in touch with me. They wanted to return me for 2006 camp, but I didn't expect to make the roster. When I told that, the management figured that a guy with a Dutch name like me would fit well into the greater picture of expanding the fan base. It's a great job to do. And if I'm lucky, I get a chance to play some 'ball with the guys."

Kesler has been working for the Merchantmen for three seasons, but in February 2009 he decided to move back to the States. But one game he'll never forget, that game in mid-December the last home game of the 2007 regular season. It was a cold and rainy day. Everybody knew that a victory would clinch unseating the Bordeaux Vineyards as the dictators of European football. And the big rivals from up North came to Oranje Haven.

"The Giants won the toss, but the Merchantmen didn't fear them. Their defense was so strong that season and quarterbacks feared the pass rush. The first play of the game set the tone of the game. The Merchantmen had been swapping cornerbacks in and out all season opposite Tai Wayne and that day Desmond Craig was the nickelback. In a pass-heavy game that would mean playing a lot and it was one of those games. I remember Craig well from the 2005 training camp and it's a shame the Merchantmen shipped him off for Clyburn and Kennedy, guys who never lived up to their hype."

First and ten at the Gothenburg 22-yard line, Duane Davis picks up the ball and looks downfield. The number 89 Saul Delgado looks open and Davis fires the ball. Incomplete! Desmond Craig saw it coming and batted the ball down. Three plays later, the Merchantmen are in a good position to open the score after one of Rodger Mowery's big punt returns. Louie Flannery and his offensive tools enter the field and the crowd gets louder.

"Flannery had a rough time in Maassluis at first," Kesler explains, "People around the league have a hard time to believe it, but Justin McDavid was and still is a living legend. They adore his heroic efforts and the disastrous knee injury only strengthened it. For Flannery it wasn't easy to live up to it, but after a strong start in his first few games, the fans were sold. His popularity peaked in 2007, despite that the team had lost three home games going into that crucial game."

Flannery went four out of four on his first drive and after five minutes of game time the score was seven to nothing. After the defense did their job, the Merchantmen offense was placed in a tough spot. They had to start at their own 4-yard line, but that season Flannery could do everything. Supported by two big runs by Rodger Mowery, Flannery guided his men up field and the 14-0 score was around the corner. On a brilliant third down pass to Jim Reiser the score was there and things looked great for 'Oranje'.

"At that point the crowd started to realize that the European title was close," Kesler says, "the team gave the impression that they were unbeatable that day.You have to see, they came off a huge 32-0 victory and were disgusted by the tone in their home land. These are all American guys, but until that season these guys were fighting a lost battle to get recognition."

The Giants got the ball back, but instead of moving forward, they once again failed. The Merchantmen defense came up strong again and the offense looked ready to finish the Giants off, just minutes into the second quarter. Snap, handoff, Fumble! Rodger Mowery, the punt return hero, led te ball drop after a big tackle by Hubert Cox. Mowery was acquired in a big trade during the pre-season and the player who accompanied him in the trade, Jules Benedict picked up the loose ball and dodge tackler after tackler. 81 yards later it was 20-0. The extra point was missed, but the game was wrapped up.

Kesler: "Benedict's run is a play I'll never forget. Just like with Craig, I'm still shocked the Merchantmen traded him away. Jerry Beyer never lived up to the expectations and should have been released in stead. After Benedict's run, at that point the first half was pretty much dead. Both teams added field goals, but you could feel that the game was over. Well, until the start of the second half."

The Giants defense had woken up and managed to stop the Merchantmen train. Despite trailing 23-3, the Giants decided to run the ball and it turned out to be a successful tactic. The visitors burst into the Merchantmen half of the field on a run by Claude Maxwell. Or not, Cecil Maxwell fumbled the ball and 'Big Al' Bernardo got out of the pile of bodies as the ball carrier. Flannery moved his men and with his third touchdown pass of the game extended te lead to 27 points.

Kesler: "What people will never remember is how big Brian Hammond was that day. No, I don't mean his 357 pounds frame, I mean his brilliant run blocking that day to keep the offense unpredictable. Anyway, at that point the partying broke loose in Oranje Haven. The Giants needed four scores in 20 minutes, an almost impossible task. At that point, the fans hadn't gone through the most one-sided 14 minutes of football in IHOF history. Pretty shocking to realize that the best Merchantmen team to date was ter one to go through the 30 unanswered points in the conference final, only a month later..."

The Giants hadn't given up hope and Duane Davis guided his men to their first touchdown of the game. Looking now it was the only touchdown the Merchantmen allowed in the last four games of the season, an amazing achievement. The Merchantmen replied with a field goal and a big three and out that was clinched by a Charles Gomez sack on third down. Flannery moved his men up field again and saw Gregory Monti run one of his passes in for the score from 23 yards out. The Giants would add another field goal, but at 40-13, the first 40-pointer in team history was on the scoreboard.

Kesler: "That day the Merchantmen proved to be serious contenders. The playoff exit was humiliating, but they got over it and won another division title the next season. It was awesome to hear the Giants fought for their lives. They needed that week 17 win and us to lose, while we needed them to win and needed to win on our own. It's still pretty amazing to see that the Merchantmen won tat last game with only 195 yards on offense and 315 yards allowed. I guess it was a trend setting event."

The last two seasons this team went from big games to terrible games. The constant line of the 2007 season that peaked into the huge win that day in December wasn't continued. With an 8-8 record in 2009 the team lived up to the hype a little bit, but the recently finished 2010 season was a total disaster. Role players with big performances that day have been long gone. Jules Benedict plays for the Georgia Gridlock, Desmonds Craig has been a San Luis Obispo Burn starter for two seasons. Brian Hammond has been a backup with the Conyers Condors last season, following a year in which he played only 2 game for Maassluis.

Kesler: "Maybe the Merchantmen should go back to their roots, give role players a chance and maybe they'll relive the big day in mid December 2007 again." And that could be right. The retirement of Randy Harris has been an eye opener, the team is aging and sooner or later the core of the team will fall apart. The guys who think they're stars will leave in the coming years. Don't trade for a big name running back and give Scott Bagley a chance next season. It were guys like Benedict, Craig and Hammond who made the difference four years ago, not the big mouth, big bucks star players.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Acquire RB Osgood, CB Spears
The Maassluis Merchantmen are back at it. With a big trade announced yesterday, the Merchantmen have filled two roster spots. Coming over from the Boston Rhinos are running back Courtney Osgood and cornerback Brian Spears. Both had been important backups there, but hoped to get a chance to start somewhere. In Maassluis they will get that chance.

The Merchantmen management today revealed that both players have been on a shortlist of potential off-season acquisitions for a couple of years. The retirement of Randy Harris and Tommie Canon were decisive to pull it through. The Merchantmen gave up four future draft picks, most notable their 2012 first round pick. Also trade were a 2013 second round pick and 2012 third and fourth round picks that belonged to other teams.

Courtney Osgood leaves the Rhinos after just one season. Osgood averaged 5.12 yards per carry as he ran for 553 yards and 5 touchdowns last season in a backup role to Brian Patten. Osgood was originally drafted by the Fairbanks NorthStars to be the successor of Mark Halley. In three seasons, Osgood ran for 1722 yards and 13 touchdowns there. Rhinos general manager Primelord said of Osgood: "I'll be shocked if he doesn't run for 1,500 yards." Osgood should be expected to become the primairy runner in Maassluis, with Joseph Schoen and Jamel Rosenberry in relief.

Brian Spears joins an already strong secondary. But as the Merchantmen secondary lacked a ballhawker, Spears brings along pass intercepting skills. In almost four seasons, Spears played 68 games for the Rhinos. The past three seasons he had a pass defense percentage of 20 or above. Before the Rhinos, Spears played two seasons and the first two weeks of the 2007 season with the San Luis Obispo Burn, following the inaugural 2004 season with the Rochester Lake Monsters. To date, Spears played two games in Oranje Haven and was on the winning side in both of them. Let's hope he continues that trend.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Acquire Veteran Running Back Marquis Ong
The Maassluis Merchantmen continue to revamp their running game. Today the team announced the acquisition of running back Marquis Ong. The 31-year old left the Frederick Red Menace after seven season, including an IHOF Bowl championship two years ago and a second IHOF Bowl berth last season. The Merchantmen gave up a 2012 sixth round pick to get Ong. The Merchantmen sees a major role for Ong as he's got a strong locker room presence. Plus, he's expected to mentor the younger running backs on team.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Trade John Cole To Draft Two New Players
The Maassluis Merchantmen are back at it. In two draft day trades, the Merchantmen moved into and up to the third round. End result being the selection of safety Eddie Cole out if Indiana at #70 overall and guard J.J. Reilly from Arizona State at #75 overall. In the moves, the Merchantmen sent safety John Cole to the Williamsburg Colonials and gave the Georgia Gridlock the 4.1 pick while the team also traded a 5th round pick in 2012 away to get one in 2013.

John Cole joined the Merchantmen in the 2005 season. After going undrafted in the innaugural draft, Cole stuck around and was picked up by the Merchantmen late in the 2005 season. A season later he became a starter, but was put down on te depth chart after the worst pass defense season in team history. The last four season, Cole was a backup and had been having a bit of trouble to remain motivated. The Williamsburg Colonials liked Cole and hope he'll be able to mentor their recent first round pick Keith Collins.

Eddie Cole was drafted minutes before John Cole was traded as his replacement. Eddie ranked as a top ten safety in the draft. Ha he good scores in the running events and the Solecismic test, making Merchantmen management think he'll be a potential starter over time. The scouting staff reports that Eddie is a perfect fit for the Merchantmen defense and is very experienced for a player out of college.

J.J. Reilly was a bit of an unexpected pickup. The Merchantmen had only three guards on roster and are likely to let Wesley Howard go after the 2011 season, but Reilly is known as a pass blocking expert. Reilly had the 7th best agility test time amongst offensive linemen and the 10th best 40-yard time. Reilly isn't known as a good run blocker, but the Merchantmen think he'll surprise some people there. The scouting staff also reported that Reilly is the second most developed guard coming out of college this year.

The Merchantmen still hold the 5.13, 6.13 and 6.32 picks and hope to address a couple of needs and pre-season roster spots there. The team currently counts 57 players, not including John Cole and including Eddie Cole and J.J. Reilly. The team still hopes to sign a couple of free agents, including wide receiver Drew McConnell and one of two linebackers being Johnathon Wenger or Matt Sellers. Sellers played 30 games in two seasons in Maassluis before (2004 and 2005).

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Draft Class 2011
Below is the assemsment of the Maassluis Merchantmen management about the 2011 class of rookies. In the end, the team traded away safety John Cole, traded away a 2013 6th round pick and traded a 5ht round pick in 2012 for one in 2013 to get these players. Well, of course they 2011 picks (4.01, 5.13, 6.13 and 6.32) were used too.

3.06 FS Eddie Cole
Cole wasn't on our list of draft day targets as we didn't need a safety at all. Until the Williamsburg Colonials approached with their interest for John Cole. J.Cole was a locker room problem and E.Cole could develop into a future starter. And if he doesn't, we just wasted a 3rd round pick on a career backup like we always do.

3.11 LG J.J. Reilly
Okay, I like my guards to be able to block for the runners. "Hi, I'm Jayjay and can't run block." Great... Then I realised that Reilly is very developed and with his good combine might surprise us in training camp. He should be our #3 guard pretty soon anyway.

5.13 QB Harvey Nimmons
Instead of wasting a 2nd round pick on a quarterback, this time it's only a 5th round pick. Nimmons will go into camp as Josh Webb's challenger for the #3 role during the season. If Nimmons has a decent camp, he'll likely make it.

6.13 RB Hunter Stelmack
Okay, he can return kickoffs, but then what? Stelmack was an emergency name on our draft list and I must have been sleeping when we picked him. But then, if he can challenge Scott Bagley as our kickoff return backup guy, he might even survive the pre-season roster cuts.

6.32 DE Edward Wolflick
What was I thinking? Wolflick is smart and could challenge for a pre-season roster spot. Or maybe not. All I can hope for is that he'll end up being better than advertised. Which is like a 1 in a 100 shot.

7.08 RB Herb Williams
So, we finish a crappy draft and decide to cash a future pick for another running back... Herbie looks like a short guy (5'6"!) who can surprise as a #3 back. Breakaway speed, hole recognition, elusiveness, he's got it all. Well, at least he's got it a bit more than last season's #3 named Scott Bagley.

Let's wait and see what they'll be able to do for us in pre-season...

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Sign Paris Receiver Drew McConnell
The Maassluis Merchantmen once again hired a new wide receiver. Drew McConnell joins the receivers corps filling that group up to seven roster spots. McConnell was signed as a free agent after having spent the last two seasons with the Paris Musketeers. It isn't McConnell's first intra-division move in the IHOF, in the 2008 off-season he signed with the Chesapeake Chitterlings following four seasons with the Frederick Red Menace.

McConnell has only 56 receptions for 721 yards and 3 touchdowns in 63 career games, but he's mainly hired to have a leadership role. Starting receivers Jewell Simpson and Bryce Ewald seem to have some issues and the team was looking for a new strong leader in the locker room. Gregory Monti used to be that strong leader, but there is a modest posibility he'll be leaving the team after pre-season. This signing likely means the departure of Jerry Beyer as well on the 53-men roster cut day, or maybe even earlier.

McConnell is 28 years old and his best trait is gaining yardage after the catch, an ability that's not seen much, if at all, on the Merchantmen roster. Head coach Leroy Van Der Woude said: "We've been struggling in the passing game due to a lack of guys who can break tackles are are willing to go for the extra yardage. Jerry Beyer played a decent role, but he's by no means a good receiver. McConnell will likely take over that role." McConnell is the fourth new player on the team, not counting the six incoming rookies.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: Thad Is On The Block


The drafting of Harvey Nimmons in the fifth round might have a major impact to our quarterback situation. Granted, he's not going to be our long-term starter, but in the challenge for the #2 role, he'll be in the mix with Josh Webb and Thad Pilkington. When we acquired Thad, it was a two-fold reason: his skills to be a #2 quarterback and his ability to mentor younger quarterbacks.

After Justin McDavid in 2008 joined Thad in the ranks of quarterback mentors, I realized I had two players able to help young quarterbacks to learn the game and had good trade value with both guys. Sadly (for me) the past off-seasons the market for mentors collapsed. The initial 2nd round pick price plummeted and now I'm stuck with the same situation for the third off-season in a row: potentially going into the season with 4 quarterbacks and not a good enough offer for either of them.

Well, time changes. In three seasons time, at least a third of the league has sent a feeler out about acquiring either Thad or Fumblin' Justin. As you can see, no offer ever appealed to me enough to give up my #2 quarterback or the fans' idol. After last season, I feel that Thad failed in our system and I think that we're not going to win when Louie Flannery is out, with or without Thad. Nimmons might end up being a bust like Josh Webb, but I'll always be looking for a #2 quarterback and Justin is the younger guy, who will stick around for 5 more years to mentor that new guy.

I understand that as mentor, Fumblin' Justin is more appealing given his age and salary (half of Thad's). I assure you, that's the exact reason why I'd prefer keeping him and would demand more for him. I value him as much as trade value as Thad, but the sentimental value drives the price up. Teams are free to offer something for Justin instead, but they shouldn't count on that going through.

Right now, I am not willing to hurry things and that this trade goes through after training camp, not before. Afterall, it's not a "must go" situation, I'm fine with giving Thad a contract extention at season's end.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Sign Guard Daniel Decastro
In an attempt to improve depth on the offensive line, the Maassluis Merchantmen signed free agent Daniel Decastro. The 31-year old from over the Outer Banks Ospreys and signed a one-year contract. Decastro was originally drafted by the Ann Arbor Anachronism, but following the innaugural IHOF season he moved on to the Ospreys. There he was a starter for four seasons, until a torn ligament sidelined him at the end of the 2009 season. Decastro struggled to get to his old form and spent the 2010 season on injured reserve with a torn calf muscle. In 2011, Decastro is expected to challenge Wesley Howard for the backup duties and will be asked to mentor incoming rookie J.J. Reilly.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Hire Seven Free Agents
The Maassluis Merchantmen signed seven free agents to a contract right before the drafted rookies report for mini-camps. They are quarterback Richard Bell, fullback Desmond Reeves, center Todd Serra, defensive end Jose Carrington, linebackers Nicholas Seymour and B.J. Monroe, and safety Gene Dewit. Seymour played 11 games for the Merchantmen last season, but the rest are new to the roster.

Richard Bell was originally a first round pick for the Boston Rhinos in 2006. After four seasons and only 141 pass attempts, the Rhinos traded Bell to the Georgia Gridlock. There, he played in only one game during the 2010 seasons. This off-season Bell moved to the Outer Banks Ospreys in a cap saving trade, however he was traded by the Ospreys soon after. In Maassluis, Bell will battle with five others for the three or four quarterback spots for the 2011 campaign.

Desmond Reeves was originally a third round pick for the Anaheim Matterhorns in the 2007 IHOF draft. He had to wait for the 2009 season to get significant playing time. In the past two seasons, Reeves was a blocker for Gerald Harris as he started in 16 of 31 games played.

Todd Serra moved around the NAC West a lot. In seven seasons, he played for the Boulder Bulldogs (2004), Boulder Blizzard (2005), San Luis Obispo Burn (2009) and Anaheim Visigoths (2010). In between, Serra spent three seasons with the Tucker Tigers, although he sat out the 2006 season on injured reserve. Serra never saw significant playing time and in Maassluis it will be tough enough to make the 60-men pre-season roster.

Jose Carrington is another former Boston Rhinos first round pick. Carrington was the Rhinos' top pick in the innaugural draft. After four game he got badly injured on his knee and had to spent the rest of the 2004 and the entire 2005 season on injured reserve. He played a total of 53 games for the Rhinos, but for the 2010 season he was again put on injured reserve with a minor injury. This off-season he got released and he'll fight with 5 other defensive ends for a roster spot in Maassluis.

B.J. Monroe is a second year pro. He went undrafted, but the Merchantmen management have always had their eyes on him. He signed with the North Plainfield Plague after the draft, but failed to make the 53-men roster. The Georgia Gridlock signed him for their week 13 game, after which he was released again. He's got a training camp and maybe a pre-season to show he's good enough for the Merchantmen roster.

Gene Dewit is not new to Maassluis, but he wasn't a member of the team last season. After the 2009 draft, the Merchantmen signed Dewit as a rookie free agent and gave him a training camp to prove his skills. After camp he was traded to the Conyers Condors, who released him on the 53-men roster cut day. The Ann Arbor Anachronism signed him mid-season and let him see action in 6 games. Before the 2010 season he was traded to the Georgia Gridlock, but he failed to make the 53-men roster. In 2011 he hopes to set things right in Maassluis.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Fans Say: Cody Cluff Player Of The Year 2010
The polls are closed, results are in. Middle linebacker Cody Cluff won the Merchantmen fans player of the year 2010 poll. Merchantmen fans were given a month to cast their votes and Cluff won with a grand total of 50% of votes. 'Cluffy' was honored: "We had a disappointing season, but it's always good to see the fans appreciate your work." Charles Gomez and recently retired Tommie Canon ended up tied for second in the vote. The internet poll had a record low turnout. The Merchantmen management thinks the disappointing 6-10 campaign is the main reason for the fans staying away from honoring their players. It's Cluff's first Merchantmen fans' player of the year title.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen Management Blunders Again
Zero rookies signed. On the first day of rookies contract talks, the Maassluis Merchantmen got none of their six picks to sign with the team. One way a surprise, the other way not. The Merchantmen management failed to send the players the contract offers, so there was nothing to sign. More signs of the Merchantmen going into the tank, or a small incident?

Gossip News reporter F. Antasy reports that the Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. has been applying for a job at other teams. There were reports of him working in California lately for the Huntington Beach Capitals of the Continental Football League (CFL). Other rumors are that M.IJ.B. has been applying for a role in the North Plainfield Plague management. Either way, it calls for research.

Our correspondent with the CFL, C. Rap reports that M.IJ.B. has been spotted in California, but that was in the 2010 off-season, not this year. Rap reports that he was there to serve as a draft manager, however foul tongues report he's picked bad players in an attempt to weaken a division rival of his favorite team. But what his favorite CFL team has been undisclosed.

Rumors about applying for a job in the Plague management got bigger as M.IJ.B. was rumored to be working with the Plague scouting staff in the days after the draft. Our reporter Antasy claims that he was so busy there that he forgot there was a team overseas to run. A bad precedent we think. However, since the Plague management was recently found guilty to unsportsmanlike behaviour, maybe M.IJ.B. thinks he can take over the GM role there soon?

Despite that the Merchantmen have plenty of time left to sign their rookies in time for training camp, we serisouly doubt things will be fixed. The recent signing of seven veterans shows that they're not interested in the new kids. If all drafties are signed, the Merchantmen roster will count up to 70 names, 10 more than the pre-season roster limitations. Knowing them, they'll attepmt to trade some bodies back to the USA, but we say: no chane, buddies! Gossip News will keep you updated on the situation.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Rumors about applying for a job in the Plague management got bigger as M.IJ.B. was rumored to be working with the Plague scouting staff in the days after the draft. Our reporter Antasy claims that he was so busy there that he forgot there was a team overseas to run. A bad precedent we think. However, since the Plague management was recently found guilty to unsportsmanlike behaviour, maybe M.IJ.B. thinks he can take over the GM role there soon?

We've got to watch our every move now.

[MIJB#19]

Five Of Six Merchantmen Rookies Report For Camp
The Maassluis Merchantmen today saw five new faces reportfor mini-camps. Guard J.J. Reilly and safety Eddie Cole were the most prominent names, but also reporting were defensive end Edward Wolflick and the running backs 'Herbie' Williams and Hunter Stelmack. Quarterback Harvey Nimmons turned down a contract offer and was reported to be 'not welcome' in the Merchantmen training facilities until the hold-out situation is resolved.

The Merchantmen management was happy with what J.J. Reilly put down. Headcoach Leroy Van Der Woude was optimitic: "J.J. showed some great promise in his pass blocking talent. He's pretty small at 6'2", but the defensive linemen reported that J.J. is already better than our veteran guards." Left tackle Ivan Jacques reported: "J.J. is gonna be a big one. Most linemen coming out of college are pretty raw, but J.J. is already good enough to play a pass protection role for us."

Free safety Eddie Cole also surprised people. With his ballhawking skills, he was pretty equal to the starters Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz. Defensive coordinator Thomas Dotson said: "Cole is a bit raw. He's got to improve his run stopping and pass defense skills, but we're thinking we have a future starter with him." Veteran cornerback Winford Endicott confired: "Eddie is a good addition. I think he'll start in a year or two."

Defensive end Edward Wolflick showed a somewhat disappointing performance. 'Wolfie' tried to show what he's got, but the Virginia graduate seems very unlikely to make the 53-men roster in September. Veteran sack machine Erwin Baranowski said: "Wolfie's gonna need a great training camp. He's got potential, but right now he's not even close to what we've got here. Wally Mattingly, 'Goug' (Omar Gougeon), (Aaron) Sherrill and Jose Carrington are much better in providing pass rush pressure."

The two rookie running backs are also having trouble to show their promise. 'Herbie' Williams showed some skill with his ability to find holes in the defense and his pure speed, but he had trouble holding on to the ball and is very unlikely to unseat Scott Bagley as the #3 behind Joe Schoen and the new starter, Courtney Osgood. Veternam Marquis Ong said: "He's fast, but still needs a lot to learn. He's much greener than management reported he would be. I'll take him under my wings, but he's gonna work hard to make the team."

Hunter Stelmack is a Virginia Tech graduate and was reported to be a potential special teams standout. Marquis Ong was not impressed: "We've got a lot to do with Hunter. He's got the promise of a good special teamer, but he's far from being there already." Stelmack is battling with Williams for a pre-season roster spot.

Quarterback Harvey Nimmons turned into a persona non grata very quickly. The fifth round quarterback reported for mini-camps out of shape and was quickly sent back to his hotel due to his unwillingness to sign the offered three-year contract. General manager M.IJ.B. explained: "Harvey is a smart guy, but he's not showing us that. With five others challenging him for roster spots, with at quarterback only four, five at best, he's got to show up as fast as he can." Expectations are still that Nimmons will outperform Webb in training camp, while Richard Bell should be the new #2 quarterback and Thad Pilkington is reported to be traded after training camp. M.IJB.: "It's up to Harvey: Report for training camp or sit out the season until injuries hurt. I hope he realizes we've done it before."

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Release Monti, Trade Thad
Shortly after training camp, the Maassluis Merchantmen said goodbye to nine players. In their attempt to get down to 60 players signed, the Merchantmen released eight players and traded one. Most notable was the release of receiver Gregory Monti, who had been with the team since the innaugural 2004 season. Quarterback Thad Pilkington was sent to his first IHOF team, the North Plainfield Plague.

Gregory Monti had a tough career. After 82 games, excluding 3 in the playoffs, Monti was released by the Merchantmen. Monti used to form a starting receivers duo with Bryce Ewald since the start of the IHOF. Last season Monti spent the season on injured reserve after a second ACL knee injury pretty much destroyed the rest of his already scarred career.

Monti leaves the franchise ranked fifth in receptions (219), third in receiving yards (3,235) and third in receiving touchdowns (16). He's the second long time member of the team who's not returning for 2011 following Randy Harris. Only three players of the initial Merchantmen backfield and receivers remain (Justin McDavid, Jim Reiser and Bryce Ewald).

Thad Pilkington was sent back to his old team. The Merchantmen took a trade of draft picks, getting a 2012 second round pick from Bordeaux over a good offer from Bordeaux. Pilkington played only 10 regular season games with the Merchantmen, with three starts last season due to Louie Flannery's injury woes.

Fullbacks Henry Poston and Desmond Reeves were both released from a crowded backfield battle. Poston had been with the Merchantmen the last four seasons and was part of the 2007 and 2008 European Championships. In 2010 he sat out the year on injured reserve. Poston lost out to Quentin Malicki once again for the backup role. Reeves lost the same battle.

Guard Wesley Howard leaves the Merchantmen after just one season. Despite 4 starts in 9 games in 2011, Howard wasn't happy with his role on the team. The management acquired rookie J.J. Reilly and free agents Todd Serra and Daniel Decastro to make Howard expendable.

Gene Dewit failed to win a pre-season roster spot with the Merchantmen for the second time in his career. In 2009 off-season he lost the battle for the first time. The coaching staff still sees Dewit as a potential fit to the team system, but he turned out being too unexperienced compared to rookie Eddie Cole and the cornerbacks on roster.

Hunter Stelmack was the Merchantmen's early sixth round pick. In an attempt to give Devin Henson and Scott Bagley some competition for the kickoff return duties, Stelmack was drafted. His lack of ball control and experience in the special teams roles cost him a pre-season spot.

Edward Wolflick was the Merchantmen's other sixth round pick. Wolflick joined a crowded defensive linemen corps with 10 other names, of whom nine had been with the Merchantmen last season. Wolflick turned out to be too raw to challenge the veterans for a 53-men roster spot.

B.J. Monroe was a somewhat regretted release. Monroe is regarded as a linebacker with enough potential to become a good backup someday, but he couldn't outdo Terrance White for the backup role behind Cody Cluff. To save players elsewhere, Monroe was released as being the eight linebacker on the team.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Change Tailbacks: Hatchette In, Schoen Out
The Maassluis Merchantmen today announced a surprising trade. The Merchantmen decided to switch running backs with their division rivals, ther Gothenburg Giants. Second year pro and second round pick Quentin Hatchette joins the Merchantmen, Joseph Schoen goes up North to the Giants. The Merchantmen also receive a fourth round pick in 2012 as compensation.

Schoen played three seasons in Maassluis. He was acquired in a trade from the Georgia Gridlock minutes before the 53-men roster cut day in the summer of 2008. Schoen went on to become the #2 runner and primairy punt returner for three seasons. Schoen played 42 games for the Merchantmen, starting 18 times, to run for 1,438 yards and score 18 touchdowns. Schoen was part of the 2008 team that won the European division in a three-way tie with the Bordeaux Vineyards and his new team, the Giants. Most interesting is that Schoen will be reunited with his Georgia Gridlock fullback Cole Dean.

Quentin Hatchette is a second year pro. He was drafted 57th overall last season and went on to become the Giants #2 runner. He played in all 16 games, accumalating 487 yards and 5 touchdowns. In two games against the Merchantmen he averaged 5.8 and 5.9 yards per carry with 118 yards on the ground. Hatchette is expected to become the #2 running back and a reserve option for kick off return duties. Hatchette was reported to have some locker room problems with fullback Cole Dean and the management seemed determined to find a solution.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: Pre-Season Roster Overview
First Harris, then Thad and Monti, now Schoen; who's next?

With the 2011 pre-season on the horizon, I felt it was time to write down how the roster is looking compared to last season and what will likely be our opening day depth chart and roster. As you might have noticed, we've said goodbye to several long time members the past few weeks. Randy Harris retired, as did one-year signing Tommie Canon. Gregory Monti was released after his career had been destroyed by knee problems. And more recently we decided to send away Thad Pilkington and Joseph Schoen. Busy times again in Maassluis!

Quarterbacks
Nothing new on the horizon? Not at all, it was time for a change. Louie Flannery remains as our clear cut starter, but the backup roles got reshuffled. Thad Pilkington wanted a raise in salary for his #2 role and I decided that it was time to shop him around to become a mentoring #2 or #3 elsewhere. The signing of Richard Bell gives us a good enough #2, while Justin McDavid will be the full time mentor for Josh Webb or Harvey Nimmons. The latter is still holding out for a better contract, but the way it looks now we'll keep him unsigned until we can afford the roster spot.
Joining: QB Bell, QB Nimmons
Leaving: QB Pilkington

Backfield
Welcome to the new Merchantmen backfield! Seriously, the retirment of Randy Harris made us aware that running backs age a little bit faster than players at other positions. In an attempt to get younger, we acquired Courtney Osgood as our new starter. In relief, we picked up Marquis Ong to mentor a #2 guy. Rookies Hunter Stelmack (already released) and Herbie Williams didn't look like the solution, so we decided to acquire Quentin Hatchette as our change of pace back, in return for Joseph Schoen. At fullback, we'll be looking more and more to Quentin Malicki as Jamel Rosenberry seems to slow down as he gets older. Henry Poston was finally released after four seasons of vulturing our bank account.
Joining: RB Osgood, RB Hatchette, RB Ong, RB Williams
Leaving: RB Harris, RB Schoen, FB Poston

Receivers
Not much of a change of faces, except one. Gregory Monti reported for camp and clearly turned out to be a whole different player than he once was. Drew McConnell was picked up as our new leader of the group to avoid a locker room fight between Jewell Simpson and Bryce Ewald, our projected starters. Behind them, Jesse Vielma, Devin Henson and Jerry Beyer try to get the #3 and #4 roles. Beyer will once again be on the bubble for departure on roster cut day. At tight end there was no change at all as Jim Reiser, Arnold Ramirez and Winston Van Pelt will remains as the clear #1, #2 and #3 respectively.
Joining: WR McConnell
Leaving: WR Monti

Offensive Line
With the signing of Ivan Jacques long term and the non-retriement of Ned Cozart, I think we've got a good line to make some noise. With the addition of Todd Serra we have another starting caliber player. Jacques is the clear left tackle. Louis Bell and Cornelius Rice fight for the right tackle role. Timonty Lacy is the obvious right guard. Butch White is slowly losing it and I'm opting to bench him in favor of either Cozart or Serra at left guard. Brant Heinrich could play center if we play Cozart at guard. And Norman Holliday will get one more pre-season to show he's worth keeping. His time is coming as we drafted J.J. Reilly as our future left guard and we even hired a mentor for him in Daniel Decastro. Wesley Howard is outta here after complaining about his playing time.
Joining: C Serra, G Dacastro, G Reilly
Leaving: G Howard

Defensive Line
Nothing new here, except the addition of Jose Carrington. The veteran defensive end is here to see whether one of our linemen gets hurt, or else he'll be a free agent again soon enough. Charles Gomez and Frank Bernard are a super duo up the middle. In relief, Andrew Rasmussen will be backing them up again. Andy Weliczka and Shaun Shiroma are servicable, but won't be on our initial active roster. At the outside, Omar Gougeon, Wally Mattingly and Erwin Baranowski will rotate again. Aaron Sherrill should be our #4 for another season.
Joining: DE Carrington
Leaving: -

Linebackers
More of the same in the middle of the defense. Cody Cluff is clearly our middle linebacker. Bernie Surry is once again the strong side 'backer, leaving only one starting role undetermined. Mike Kershner missed most of 2010 due to injury, but came back strong enough to hold Albert Boggess out of the lineup for now. If needed, we can put young Terrance White or old Carl Meier there. Nicholas Seymour is once again our emergency linebacker, but will clearly only make the 53-men team if injuries hit hard.
Joining: -
Leaving: -

Secondary
With Tommie Canon gone, I was afraid we were going to have a slight drop in performance. But that ended after we saw how well Sammie Kennedy developed and how good the new addition Brian Spears is. With Myron Stevens and Winford Endicott as proven starting caliber backups, Tai Wayne should feel good about whom his new partner is. In betwee the corners, Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz seem to be the logical starters. Eddie Cole turned out to be better than we hoped and he might grow into the backup role this season. If not, Emile William has proven for years he's a great fit on this defense.
Joining: CB Spears, S E.Cole
Leaving: CB Canon, S J.Cole

Special Teams
Not much new in the special teams area. Sean Smalley as punter, Cary Coles for the points, Al Bettis for the kickoffs. Louie Flannery is our holder again, while Winston Van Pelt will be long snapping. The returning duties are a bit different though. Devin Henson will be the top kickoff returner, but it's not clear who will be his partner-in-crime yet. Scott Bagley should be, but with active roster spots being thin, Quentin Hatchette could be the new #2, or Jesse Vielma could be. At punt returning, Joseph Schoen has left, so Jewell Simpson will have to take over. Behind him, Sammie Kennedy and Jerry Beyer will be the backups.
Joining: -
Leaving: PR Schoen

This should be the roster for pre-season. I find it very unlikely that we'll make some trades or signings the coming weeks. One player on roster is potentially traded heading into roster cut day, but it depends on injuries to the rest of the unit he's part of. All in all, we got younger at some areas where we need to get younger, while at other areas we kept the players who played so well in the past. The defense doesn't need a fix, the offense clearly did. I hope the moves we made will suffice and we'll be able to get that third European Championship and return to the AOC Championship Game.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Lose First Pre-Season Game
The 2011 season is really getting closer. The Maassluis Merchantmen kicked off their pre-season with a home game against the Williamsburg Colonials. In front of almost 70 thousand fans, the Merchantmen had the more productive offense, but came up short for a victory. The Colonials took the win with a 7-6 score. In the stands, the fans were able to get autographs from the team's biggest stars, who were inactivated for the game to do promotional stuff.

Some of the newly acquired faces got their first snaps in the orange-white-and-blue outfits. Running back Quentin Hatchette ran for 31 yards and looked good behind the second string offensive line. Wide receiver Drew McConnell grabbed 3 catches for 22 yards to help quarterback Josh Webb complete 14 of 25 pass attempts. On the defensive side, defensive end Jose Carrington made an interception, while Eddie Cole wrote down 1 tackle, 4 assists and half a sack.

All in all, the backups of the Merchantmen didn't quit produce with the somewhat new game plan. Aside from the two opening drives, which both resulted in field goals, the offense looked hopeless. With seven three and outs in 13 possessions, the Merchantmen had a hard time moving the ball. On the defensive side, the team looked stronger, allowing only one drive for more than 31 yards, which ended in the game winning touchdown.

Defensive end Wally Mattingly was regarded as the team's best player of the day. With 6 tackles and 3 sacks he ran havoc on the Colonials offense and showed why he's seen as a starter. Next to him, Andrew Rasmussen wrote down 5 tackles and 1 sack from the middle.

The rookies had mixed results. Running back Herb Williams didn't get any carries, which should be a bad sign for the upcoming roster cuts. Guard J.J. Reilly played a lot of downs, but didn't create many opportunities for run blocks and allowed one of the two team's sacks. Safety Eddie Cole was the bright light, as said earlier, with decent stats for a rookie.

The rest of the pre-season has three interesting matchups. Next week the Merchantmen travel to USA to play the Asheville Axemen in the opening game of the Axemen's new stadium. A week later, the team visists the two-time defending NAC champions, the Frederick Red Menace. The last warm up game will be in Oranje Haven, when the Outer Banks Ospreys come to town. Come all and you might be able to get the autographs of Charles Gomez, Louie Flannery, Cody Cluff, Tai Wayne or any other of the team's top player!

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Win Game, Lose Players, Trade Holliday
The Maassluis Merchantmen notched win number one. In their second pre-season game, the Asheville Axemen were a welcome victim in their own new stadium. With a 26-18 score, the victory was for the visiting team. Injuries were the story of the game as the Merchantmen secondary saw part-time starters Broderick Schultz, Emile William and Brian Spears get hurt. After the game came the announcement that tackle Norman Holliday will immediately move to the Paris Musketeers for a fourth and fifth round pick.

[MIJB#19]

Rookie Quarterback Nimmons Stops Hold-Out
Rookie quarterback Harvey Nimmons today signed a three-year contract with the Maassluis Merchantmen. After months of holding out, Nimmons was offered another shot and he signed the same contract he turned down twice before. The Merchantmen had an open roster spot after they trade tackle Norman Holliday to the Paris Musketeers. Nimmons, a fifth round pick, decided to report for camp after he heard the team was giving him a last chance. Nimmons is expected to fight for one of four quarterback spots on the final 53-men roster, with Josh Webb and Richard Bell being his contenders as Louie Flannery and Justin McDavid look safe for the final list.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Beat NAC Champs In Pre-Season
The Maassluis Merchantmen are on a winning streak. The tradehappy sailors notched a 23-6 victory at the Frederick Red Menace in the next to last pre-season week. Harvey Nimmons and Josh Webb battled for the #3 role like their lives depend on it. Jerry Beyer took most advantage with 7 catches for 107 yards, including a brilliant 50-yard reception. Sadly, injuries hit again as tackle Cornelius Rice, running back Marquis Ong and defensive tackles Shaun Shiroma and Andrew Rasmussen got hurt. Ong, Rice and Shiroma are likely to miss the seasons start, with Ong and Shiroma even potential Injured Resever targets.

[MIJB#19]

General Manager Notes: Prepare For Doom, Roster Cuts Loom
Oh goody, that rhymes!

Pre-season is about to end and after today's game we'll be given less than 24 hours to figure out which 53 players will make our 2011 roster on active or inactive status. Some players might hit injured reserve, some others will be released. But as injuries have piled up, the number of releases might be pretty low. I'll quickly list those who are a lock to make our roster and then run down the potential casualties and injured-reserve targets.

Making the final 53:
QB Louie Flannery, QB Justin McDavid, RB Courtney Osgood, RB Quentin Hatchette, FB Jamel Rosenberry, TE Jim Reiser, TE Arnold Ramirez, TE Winston Van Pelt, WR Bryce Ewald, WR Jewell Simpson, WR Devin Henson, C Ned Cozart, C Brant Heinrich, G Timothy Lacy, G Butch White, G J.J. Reilly, LT Ivan Jacques, LT Louis Bell, RT Cornelius Rice, K Cary Coles, K Al Bettis, P Sean Smalley, DE Omar Gouegeon, DE Wally Mattingly, DE Erwin Baranowski, DT Charles Gomez, DT Frank Bernard, DT Andrew Rasmussen, LB Cocy Cluff, LB Carl Meier, LB Terrance White, LB Bernie Surry, LB Mike Kershner, LB Albert Boggess, CB Tai Wayne, CB Brian Spears, CB Sammie Kennedy, CB Myron Stevens, CB Winford Endicott, S Lincoln Gilmore, S Broderick Schultz, S Emile William, S Eddie Cole

Well, that was an easy list of 43 names, leaving 17 names for the final 10 spots. QB Richard Bell, QB Josh Webb and QB Harvey Nimmons are fighting for the #2 and #3 roles behind Flannery and in fron of mentor McDavid. Bell should be our new #2, but the choice between Webb and Nimmons is gonna be made after Nimmons' second pre-season game. It doesn't help that Nimmons missed training camp. In the end, Webb or Nimmons will stay as a project player. I'll be picking between the winner of the two and Bell as our #2 for 2011. I'd love to make McDavid our #2, but he's lost the ability to throw the ball. He's our #3 at best.

At running back we're crowded. RB Marquis Ong is currently injured, which could mean an IR status to save players elsewhere. Ong could be a mentor to Hatchette or rookie RB Herb Williams, but 'Herbie' is not likely to make our final roster. I didn't mention RB Scott Bagley as a lock, but he's nine-and-a-half toes in. FB Quentin Malicki is less safe, but as I still have good hopes he'll turn into our future run blocking fullback, he'll likely hang around.

From the six wide receivers, one will go. WR Jerry Beyer is the likely candidate since we've already got a team interested in his services. That said, if WR Jesse Vielma or WR Drew McConnell picks up a minor injury, that guy will end up on IR and Beyer will stay as our #5.

On the offensive line C Todd Serra and G Daniel Decastro are new and are not safe yet. I'll probably want to go into the season with ten o-linemen, but if we don't, one of these two will be cut. Decastro should mentor Reilly, however we'll probably lack the active roster spots to make both Decastro and Reilly active at all. Serra has a lot of talent and could be a long-term replacement for Ned Cozart.

On the denfensive line at least two players won't make the final 53-men list. DE Jose Carrington is likely to be released. DT Shaun Shiroma is currently hurt and would be our #5 tackle anyway. Don't be shocked if he ends up on IR. DE Aaron Sherrill and DT Andy Weliczka are guys I'd like to keep, but if injuries at linebacker run havoc, it'll be LB Nicholas Seymour making the final roster and one of the 2007 starters Sherrill or Weliczka being the out of Maassluis.

As it looks now, the likeliest turn of events will be: RB Ong on IR, DT Shiroma on IR, DE Carrington cut, LB Seymour cut, WR Beyer traded, QB Webb/QB Nimmons cut, RB Williams cut. The Webb vs. Nimmons case is still up in the air, but Webb is the more likely casualty.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Shutout Last Pre-Season Opponent
The Maassluis Merchantmen ended pre-season with an impressive win. Harvey Nimmons threw touchdown passes to Drew McConnell and Jerry Beyer to set up a 28-0 victory. Interceptions by Winford Endicott, Tai Wayne and Nicholas Seymour set the offense up for a shorter route to the endzone. Aaron Sherrill and Wally Mattingly ended pre-season with 5.0 sacks each, making them the only two players with that many sacks in the league. Guard Timothy Lacy got hurtto has neck, meaning his injury could change the roster moves to get the team down to 53 players.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Release Webb And Beyer, IR Shiroma
The Maassluis Merchantmen announced their 53-men roster for 2011 today. The team had to get down from 60 players on roster. Running back Marquis Ong and defensive tackle Shaun Shiroma were played on injured reserve. Quarterback Josh Webb and wide receiver Jerry Beyer were notable releases. Others released were running back 'Herbie' Williams, defensive end Jose Carrington and linebacker Nicholas Seymour.

Jerry Beyer was the most notable release. The former #35 overall selected wide receiver had been flirting with becoming the Merchantmen's new starting wide receiver for years, but never panned out. In his first three seasons, Beyer never missed a game and got to start in 20 of those games. Last season Beyer just barely made the final roster, due to a career ending injury to receiver Gregory Monti. Now, after 53 games with 79 catches for 1,130 yards and 6 touchdowns, Beyer's time to leave was here after all. The Merchantmen management expect Beyer to move on to a different team pretty soon and wish him the best there.

Quarterback Josh Webb was once tagged the future #2. After spending the 2009 learning from the uber-backup Thad Pilkington, Webb got a chance to prove his skills in the 2010 season a bit. In limited action he completed 5 of 13 passes for 35 yards, with 1 interception. Some say Webb never got a serious chance, but the past pre-season he was outplayed by rookie Harvey Nimmons. Webb is still young and has enough potential to become a good #3 quarterback somewhere, just not in Maassluis.

Defensive tackle Shaun Shiroma was a somewhat surprizing injured reserve placement. Shiroma was selected 48th overall in the 2007 draft. During the following succesful season, Shiroma was the pass rush specialist sharing time with Andy Weliczka. But as the years passed, it became clear that Andrew Rasmussen, also selected in 2007, had more upside. Shiroma wasn't allowed to be released due to his minor knee injury, but his injured reserve status should be a sign of what could happened.

Running back Marquis Ong was acquired to mentor the incoming rookie running backs. But after first Hunter Stelmack and later on Herb Williams failed to impress, Ong's role was somewhat done. The Merchantmen management decided to put Ong on injured reserve with a pretty minor injury.

Linebacker Nicholas Seymour was added to the Merchantmen roster in the 2010 season. Seymour was acquired as the replacement for Mike Kershner, who got a severe knee injury. After Kershner's recovery, Seymour became the seventh linebacker.

Defensive end Jose Carrington made a good impression during pre-season, when he played a lot at the linebacker positions. But in a crowded defensive line unit, he was clearly not going to get a roster spot over Aaron Sherrill, who lead the IHOF with 5.0 sacks.

Rookie running back Herb Williams was a popular figure in Maassluis. The 5'6" 214 pounds back quickly received the nickname 'Herbie' after the small, but fast car from the movies. In three games, Williams ran for 145 yards and a 4.3 average per carry in pre-season, making him arguably the best runner of the team. In the end, the management decided to go with Quentin Hatchette, Scott Bagley and fullback Jamel Rosenberry as the depth behind Courtney Osgood.