IHOF: Maassluis Merchantmen

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen GM's best players awards
I have decided to make my own team MVP player award this season. Every game we win I will hand out 15 points (5, 4, 3, 2 and 1) to the five best players. In losing games, the top three best will get points (3, 2 and 1). In case of a tied game, I will hand out 10 points (4, 3, 2 and 1) to the top four players.


Week seventeen stars
5 RB Randy Harris - 129 yards (5.3 average), 1 receiving touchdown
4 CB Dennis Preciado - 1 interception, 2 tackles, 3 assists, 2 catches allowed
3 CB Tai Wayne - 1 tackle, 1 catch allowed
2 OT Harold Hurtado - 2 key run blocks (40%), no sacks allowed
1 WR Devin Henson - 5 catches for 95 yards, 2 kickoff returns for 68 yards (22.6)
0 SS Lincoln Gilmore - 4 tackles, 4 assists, 1 pass defended, 1 catch allowed
0 K Cary Coles - 3 field goals (100%), 1 PAT scored
0 QB Leonard Lyon - 55% complete, 171 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
0 DT John Bryant - 1 sack, 4 tackles
0 DT Charles Gomez - 1 hurry, 6 tackles
0 DE Albert Bernardo - 1 sack, 1 tackle, 1 assist
0 CB Angel Tong - 1 sack, 6 tackles, 1 assist, 3 catches allowed
0 FB Mark Burger - 1 key run block (50%), 10 yards rushing, 4 catches for 29 yards

Final standings
1. RB Randy Harris 20 pt
2. DE Harold Wells 17 pt
3. DT Charles Gomez 16 pt
4. CB Dennis Preciado 12 pt
5. DE Albert Bernardo 9 pt
6. OT Wilson Grimaldo 9 pt
7. QB Leonard Lyon 8 pt
8. TE Jim Reiser 8 pt
9. OT Harold Hurtado 8 pt
10. LB Ellsworth Thelen 8 pt

Best newcomer
1. DE Albert Bernardo 9 pt
2. OT Wilson Grimaldo 9 pt
3. QB Leonard Lyon 8 pt
4. LB Ellsworth Thelen 8 pt
5. CB Tai Wayne 6 pt

Best rookie
1. QB Leonard Lyon 8 pt
2. CB Tai Wayne 6 pt
3. WR/RS Lonnie O'Reilley 4 pt

[MIJB#19]

All MIJB IHOF Selection 2005
After the season, Merchantmen general manager MIJB selects the best 53 players per team and from the league for the All MIJB IHOF Selection of the year. This year only one Merchantmen player (DT Charles Gomez) made the All MIJB selection, compared to two last season (TE Jerry Aubrey, LT Harold Hurtado). Of the 53 names, 15 are returning from the selection of 2004. Only one "starter" (punter Jon Middleton, North Plainfield) was denied a spot as the #2 punter was the only player from San Luis Obispo worth selecting.

*QB1 - Joey Allen - Fairbanks
QB2 - Jaime 'not Jamie' Canter - Chesapeake
QB3 - Everett 'Aces' Glenn - Conyers
*RB1 - Huey Gervais - Springfield
*RB2 - Israel Mars - Orlando
RB3 - Mark Halley - Fairbanks
FB1 - Joe Stewart - RayCo
*FB2 - Cole Coleman - Anaheim
TE1 - Brent Hickok - Conyers
*TE2 - Leroy Kirksey - Fairbanks
TE3 - Kenneth Smith - Telluride
WR1 - Douglas Arroyo - Ann Arbor
*WR2 - Seymour Barber - Telluride
WR3 - Alfredo Bass - Gothenburg
WR4 - Virgil Branum - Vicksburg
PR1 - Domingo Luevano - Boston
KR1 - Darius Logan - Tucker
*C1 - Brian Robichaud - Orlando
C2 - Matthew Walker - Columbus
*G1 - Gene Simmons - Rochester
G2 - Tony Howard - Fairbanks
G3 - Richard Osorio - Ann Arbor
*G4 - Charles Trout - San Antonio
T1 - Charles Singleton - Columbus
T2 - German Arena - Springfield
T3 - Mervin Pollock - Tucker
T4 - Jonathan Svoboda - Miami
P - Charles Cutright - San Luis Obispo
K - Fernando Ramsey - Bordeaux
DE1 - Curtis Dinsmore - Ann Arbor
DE2 - Bennett Ruano - Telluride
DE3 - Frank Kerrigan - Frederick
DE4 - Arthur Kennedy - Boulder
*DT1 - Myles Halliburton - Columbus
*DT2 - Barton Garcia - Conyers
DT3 - Albert Simone - Astoria
DT4 - Charles Gomez - Maassluis
*ILB1 - Joe Teeters - Syracuse
ILB2 - Scott Hansel - Fort Worth
ILB3 - Johnnie Braithwaite - Brooklyn
ILB4 - Jerrod McCluskey - Asheville
OLB1 - Louis Griggs - Springfield
*OLB2 - Jeffry Boggs - Fairbanks
OLB3 - Paul Dunkle - Paris
OLB4 - Daniel Hope - Minnesota
CB1 - Jimmie Strawn - North Plainfield
CB2 - Lindsey Lilies - Ann Arbor
CB3 - Josiah Ahrens - Orlando
*CB4 - Clarence Whyte - RayCo
S1 - Chance Hite - San Antonio
S2 - Jason Winkle - Ann Arbor
*S3 - Milo Epperson - Outer Banks
S4 - Gene Troup - Georgia

* = denotes players also named in the 2004 selection

[MIJB#19]

General Manager notes
The year is over and I am already concidering my options for the 2006 season in terms of free agency pickups. I am also starting up a draft scenario for what I will do when there will be an x number of y position players available.

We have a new controversy on the team as hot prospect Deon Chapa is not progressing fast enough in my eyes and has been overshadowed by backup and mentor Albert Bernardo. Now, Chapa is not so happy with his recent backup role, but the guy recorded just 1 sack in 9 starts.

Today, we hope to announce new contracts to two players who have recently emerged as starters, yet were backups at season start. Who they are is something that will be known later today if both players are interested in their new contracts.

Also today we will announce our trade block for the upcoming off-season to the other owners. There will be some unexpected names there, though other names will make sense due to their contracts weighing to much for a backup role. I can asure you that Leonard Lyon will not be on the list, he managed to get me more confident in him then before Justin McDavid's injury.

Things to concider are what to do if McDavid retires. He's really concidering it and, as much as the fans and I would hate that to happen, it's his decission. I am, of course, very worried about in what condition he will be abloe to return. Maybe it's good it's his knee damaged and not part of his arm or shoulder. Hopefully it will only limit his ability to run.

Our good friends from Rochester missed out on the playoffs, ending up only 9th in the AOC. A week 17 win would have put them at #4 seed, as you can see the AOC is very competitive. Maybe it's best shown by the NAC's #6 and #7 ranked teams, being Astoria (8-8) and Miami (7-9). Yes, we're as good as the #7 team in the NAC in wins and concidering we went 3-1 against NAC teams, it's almost legal to see that all the teams missing out in the AOC with 9, 8 or 7 wins could have been wild card takers in the NAC.


And now something to look forward to, the 2006 opponents, providing no teams will change ownership:

Inside the divison
Bordeaux, Gothenburg, Paris (all 2x)
By now, you all should know the big names of these teams. Bordeaux have QB Joe Johnson, who is currently severly injured (tore a muscle in his shoulder). Gothenburg have QB Duane Davis and RB Jerry McGee, if he doesn't retire. Paris field QB Mario Hudson and in 2006 will once again be a team in rebuilding as their cap room limits their ability to add stars.

Other AOC divison
Fort Worth, San Antonio, Telluride, Vicksburg
Telluride were the 2005 AOC champs and their star is QB Norm Rizzo, providing he doesn't retire. San Antonio have no real stars at QB and RB, though the Volunteers management disagree. Vicksburg are maybe the #1 underachieving IHOF team, though QB Caleb Dinger got hot in the last couple of weeks. Fort Worth are a bit like the Merchantmen, young and talented, with their big names being RB William 'Chunder' Woods, DT Joel Woodcock and the more name/less talent WR Mouse Tail Perry.

NAC division
Asheville, Miami, Outer Banks, Springfield
Arguably the IHOF's weakest division as of now, with no quality QBs. Asheville provides 4th quarter QB Thad Pilkington. Miami is an aging team relying on stopping the pass. Outer Banks rely on FS Milo Epperson. Springfield is basically the #1 RB in te IHOF Huey Gervais and sidekicks.

AOC ranking opponents
Orlando, Syracuse
Yes, Dutch Bowl II will be here next season, Orlando will be playing with star RB Israel Mars. Syracuse will be tough to play with QB Brent Peterman (who's the #1 underachieving player in the league) and monster LB Joe Teeters (153 tackles, 27.5 sacks).

[MIJB#19]

Season review
Well, I summed up pretty much most of what happened in the week 13 season stattistical review. Let's see if I can give a little recap of what happened of the course of the season, including the off-season.

After going 1-15 in the 2004 season, we were rewarded with the #1 pick in the 2005 draft. Before knowing who would be available in the draft, I decided to cash the pick quickly and get several picks for it through Astoria. Eventually, we went into the draft holding the #6 and #12 picks.

In the several trades, we acquired OLB Ellsworth Thelen to upgrade our front seven, super star RT Wilson Grimaldo to easy LT Harold Hurtado's back and LG Alvin Causey, who was expected to miss almost the complete 2005 season. Additionally we acquired SS Wiley McGhee and FS Richard Muller as free agents and picked up DE Albert Bernardo to mentor the young DL group.

Getting at #5, the only player worth the #6 was gone, being QB Mario Hudson, and we already had a deal ready in case Hudson would fall to that pick with another team. Eventually we traded the #6 to Astoria as we couldn't strike a deal with Rochester for G Gene Simmons.

We used the #12 overall on CB Tai Wayne and hoped to see C J.J. Burroughs drop deep enough to get him around pick #20 by trading up. It turned out to be almost impossible to trade up and eventually we traded our 2006 1st rounder (likely the #15) to get Burroughs at #28 overall. In the same time we struck a deal with Fairbanks to get pick #32 as well as the #31 we already had.

Burroughs got selected at #27 overall, yet I decided we'd still go for it, grabbing the second or third best options with G Butch White, C Brant Heinrich and making QB Leonard Lyon the #31 overall pick. This ment we upgraded the QB spot with two legimate future starters, still having our 2004 starter Justin McDavid.

The draft basically ended there for us, though we did acquire WR/KR Devin Henson and RB Kyle Montoya in the remaining rounds. We tried to deal away TE Jim Reiser and FB Mrk Burger, but interest never reached a high level.

In the preseason, QB McDavid excelled, but the main reason to pick between him and QB Lyon was the level of play by the offensive line. Lacking a decent right guard, we experimentred with RT Russell Malave at the position and it turned out to be a good line already, with LT Hurtado and RT Malave joined by newcomers C Heinrich, RT Grimaldo and LG White. It paved the way for QB Lyon.

We started with a dissapointing big loss at home against Gothenburg, in which QB Lyon suffered an injury an handed QB McDavid a shot at regaining the job. By miracle, we beat Frederick and a win over Fort Worth put us at 2-1 going into the open week. With Lyon still recovering, we started McDavid, but saw him struggle and we went back to 2-2 after losing to Tucker on a missed 21-yard field goal and a missed extra point kick.

Lyon got the nod again, but an overtime loss against Georgia and a big 3-31 beating at until then 0-5 Paris cost him the starting job. McDavid guided the team past the AOC's top playoff contenders Conyers and Orlando, while in between European leaders Bordeaux escaped on last second field goals on both halves. The team was 4-5 at that point and had to win in Gothenburg to keep into the division title race.

At Gothenburg, McDavid slipped at the end of the second quarter and tore the ACL of his knee. McDavid's career was said to be in danger after the game, in which Lyon relieved pretty well, though couldn't avoid a loss. In the next game, Lyon inspired the team to the biggest win in franchise history and his first in the IHOF, beating Brooklyn 24-9.

The next game against Rochester was lost, but on the road at Chesapeake, the defense kept the home team from scoring for most of the game to maintain an early lead for another upset victory. losses at home against Bordeaux and a big loss against Astoria almost put a negative tone to the season, but a close win at home over Paris ment a 7-9 end of the season.

It ain't much, but it does mean we've improved by 6 wins since the 2004 season, the runners-up in this table are teams with 3 victories added. I am not counting on becoming manager of the year, I think at 7-9 I don't deserve it, though the rumors were there at the midway point. If you ask me, based on playoff success, the managements from Bordeaux, Chesapeake, Conyers, Fairbanks, North Plainfield and Rochester deserve more credit.

For the playoffs, it would be cool to see our divisional foes Bordeaux advance to the Conference finals. But without their QB Joe Johnson it will be a longshot. Otherwise a league final between Chesapeake from the NAC and either Conyers or Orlando as AOC representatives would mean a game between teams we've beaten. That would make the taste of this season's end even sweeter.

Next up will be the start of the 2006 off-season period, for which the trading block will be set up to sit ready for the first minute after IHOF Bowl II. The 2006 season will be promising with all decent teams on the schedule, but also no real power house teams if Telluride's QB Norm Rizzo calls it quits.

Expect to say goodbye to up to five familiar faces on the team and welcome the addition of two or three impact players or high prospect rookies for the new season. And expect some active trading, as we have to maintain the name of Masters of Trading. But like I said earlier, this off-season, quality will go over quantity. The expected over/under for total trades will be set at ten for us and I doubt we'll go over it.

[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen News
The season is over, but preperation for 2006 has begun. Negotiations with Alvin Causey and Lincoln Gilmore failed. It means Causey will become a free agent next season (though the franchise tag is sitting ready for him). It also means Gilmore will not be given an extension until the 2007 season. We might want to negotiate with Gilmore again.

Also, a big number of players were put on our list of available players for trade:
QB Antoine Shepard (third quarterback)
RB Jonathan Smith (backup running back, too expensive to keep)
FB Vincent Lopez (too good to be a backup with us)
TE Jerry Aubrey (too good to be a backup with us)
C Tom Schwartz (unneeded run block specialist)
LG Alvin Causey (available if we keep Russell Malave)
RG Devin McDaniel (unneeded and complaining)
RT Russell Malave (available if we keep Alvin Causey)
DE Deon Chapa (complaining, underachieving, problems with Bernardo)
DT John Bryant (expensive, but has better stats then expected)
ILB Matt Sellers (unlucky to have Cody Cluff ahead, could play in 3-4)
WLB Sam Sasa (unlucky with Kershner ahead and our desire to hire better)
SLB Britt Silvan (available if there is interest)
SS Wiley McGhee (seems to be just as good as Lincoln Gilmore)
FS Percy Francis (lost the battle with Richard Muller, deserves better)

Further more, the IHOF league commishioner announced the 2006 schedule and it appears to be different then anticipated:
vs Bordeaux
@ San Luis Obispo (underachieving team)
vs Orlando (Dutch Bowl II)
open
@ Syracuse (Joe Teeters and Brant Peterman)
vs Rochester (Futility Bowl III)
vs Boston (strong team, unlucky in a strong division)
vs Paris
@ North Plainfield (two time division champs)
@ Bordeaux
@ Gothenburg
vs Anaheim (decent team in progress)
@ Fort Worth (8-8, we beat them in 2005)
vs Fairbanks (2004 champs, 15-1 in 2005)
@ Paris
@ Boulder (1-15 in 2005)
vs Gothenburg

This schedule means five games against playoff teams, nine games against winning teams and ten against teams at .500 percent or higher. Early expectations are that we should be able to win 3 in the division, 2 against the AOC division we play, 2 or 3 against the NAC division we play and 1 or 2 against equally ranked teams. That said, the goal for next season will be to become a winning team. Additionally we open the exhibition season with a road game at Fairbanks (15-1) and a home game against Ann Arbor (13-3). Last but not least, against the same opponents from the 2005 season, we went 3-6, only beating Orlando, Fort Worth and Paris once.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen want #2 pick in upcoming draft
The 2006 season is hardly begun, but there are signal that the #2 overall selection in the 2006 IHOF draft is up for grabs. The North Plainfield Plague can't afford the pick acquired in trade with Paris in the 2005 offseason and are openly advertising the selection. As trade-a-holic as the Merchantmen are, their management have claimed to be seeking for 2006 draft picks. An ironic message in the forum where the owners keep in touch with eachother hinted to the Merchantmen already being in negotiations.

But why would they want the pick? Sure, they can use help at 7-9, but their cap troubles have been often highlight by your favorite football gossip magazine. It would take some serious cutting and dealing to get the cap space for a #2 pick overall. BUt if they get that pick, where should they head?

Quarterback is a non-issue, the management loves Justin McDavid, who missed the 2006 season. Leonard Lyon has recently emerged as a better passer and went 3-3 in the last six weeks of the season. Sure, the Merchantmen need a new quarterback to backup Lyon, but a rookie?

Wide receiver could be interesting as Gregory Monti and Bryce Ewald have been suffering injuries that limited their skills. The rookies Lonnie O'Reilley and Devin Henson played well, but getting a fifth receiver could be a need.

Offensive line help is always welcome, but do they still need it? Wilson Grimaldo an Harold Hurtado are good tackles, Butch White and especially Brant Heinrich have turned out to be good draft picks. Add either Russell Malave or Alvin Causey and you see five good starters.

Defensive linemen are not needed, but the tackle position could use an upgrade for John Bryant's position. Behind then line, the linebacking team is lacking a good backup, but backups are not taken #2 overall.

In the secondary, the Merchantmen could want a good cornerback to accompany Tai Wayne and Dennis Preciado to shut down the receivers. With the safeties also not sure about their jobs, this could be the #1 position group to upgrade.

Or the Merchantmen are just playing a game to get a high value pick and will trade down with it to get more value out of the pick. Thet pulled that trick in 2005 with the #6 overall pick, even though they defend with the "Mario Hudson could fall there" excuse. Having good contact with Paris, they knew Paris would grab him at #4 overall.

Our take is that the Merchantmen general manager has lost his mind once again, manager M.IJ.B. is a trade-a-holic. He needs treatment for this addiction. Looking back to the bad deals he made to trade up from #14 to #6, the deal to use the 2006 first rounder as a 2005 #28 overall and then trading three picks in the top two rounds of 2006 for Columbus' 2007 one-two-three. This guy makes bad moves. As soon as he does it again, Gossip News will be there to rub it in.

[MIJB#19]

General manager notes
Yesterday evening, I decided to look at other teams' roster to see which teams could use our valuable unneeded starters. This is to use some sort of new strategy to contact other teams with good offers. It might have been a waste of time, but I found some interesting teams who could use several of our guys. Maybe dumb to give away this strategy, but it won't harm, because we're going to negotiate a lot anyway.

[MIJB#19]

League News: playoffs advancing
The playoffs for the 2005 IHOF championship have started and there hasn't been an upset as of yet. Some of the Merchantmen 2005 opponents are still in the race, but those playing in the wild card round all went out. Tucker lost 13-16 at last year's AOC champions Telluride, then named Stillwater. Orlando lost on the road to North Plainfield, last season's AOC runners-up. Astoria got totalled out played by hometeam Ann Arbor. In the fourth game, Columbus was victorious at Outer Banks with a small margin.

In the next round, Bordeaux hosts North Plainfield and Conyers host Telluride in the AOC semi finals. For the NAC championship, defending champs Fairbanks host Columbus, while Chesapeake are getting Ann Arbor in town. Merchantmen fans should be amazed to see Maassluis went 2-2 against these eight teams this season and a Conyers versus Chespeake final would really make it a good feeling.

In other news, the trading period should not start until the championship game is played, but the negotiations same to have started and five or six teams out of the playoffs race already sent out their names of available players or draft picks. The waiting is for the first trade to be accomplished, league pundits expect the first deal to be completed by trade-a-holics Maassluis and North Plainfield.

General manager notes
Recent calculations show to me that with expected loss of players by trades or cuts and free agent signings, the team has room for eigh new players, excluding the seven pre-season additional names and ten training camp players. This includes the expected loss of 14 players currently on the roster, of which we don't give away names. If things go as planned, we'll have about 4M dollars for free agents and draft picks. Yup, about 500K per player, good luck with getting a high draft pick this year...

Oh well, the roster is set, we have about two question marks and going on with the same players only means cohesion will be very good. I am shopping around a few expensive underachievers or potential backups, who could be starters elsewhere, so I can get some value out of them. It won't hurt to get future draft picks in return, right? Anyway, cap reality is stepping in and I expected to have to work with 10M of lost cap room in a cap around 82M. If the cap turns out to be higher, that would be great, a lower cap means we have to say good bye to one or two additional expensive players. It might also mean we will be a just below .500 team again, which would really hurt our good progress. At least it makes a great challenge!

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen expect Fumblin Justin retirement
With Justin McDavid expected out for all of the 2006 season, the Maassluis Merchantmen are clear on the issue. The management and PR department have already created a statement in case McDavid hangs up his jersey and calls it a game after just two season as IHOF quarterback. Good preperation or not, it seems the Merchantmen are expecting it to happen.

Gossip News tried to interview the president of the Fumblin Justin Fan Club, but sadly he was too busy and impossible to contact as of now. We suspect he's setting up festivities as he's also expecting the sort of forced retirement from the popular quarterback.

Gossip on who the one year or longterm replacement will be is yet a mystery. Sources claim that Victor Whyte is an option. Whyte was recently cut by the San Luis Obispo Burn, yet got amazingly picked up by the Bordeaux Vineyards for the playoffs. The Vineyards lost Joe Johnson for the rest of the season and got a go ahead from the league office to acquire Whyte. Still, Whyte will be a free agent and could be an option.

Other rumours spread are the name of Jaime Canter from Chespeake Chitterlings. The Midwest division champions have Ron Lyle sitting ready to take over and Canter's days look counted as soon as he's declining in talent. Getting a first round draft pick for him now from a team outside of the NAC could be interesting.

Other names mentioned are Shane Brewer, who the Merchantmen wanted to sing last year, only to see him end up as Julius Irvine's backup for the Astoria Heroes. Wayne Christopherson from Orlando was also mentioned, as the former "First Knight" is losing his job to rookie Scottie Hanson. With the good relations between the Dutch Bowl teams, it could be serious.

Amazingly, the name of Gene Simmons has not been linked with the Merchantmen. Perhaps they are giving up on him, although they are advertising both Alvin Causey and Russell Malave, which keeps the right guard spot up for grabs for a new guy. As other teams are advertising right guards, the Merchantmen could be jumping in to get one.

The latest rumors on Jerry Aubrey's retirement seem false. Aubrey is still happy with his role in Maassluis, yet league pundits expect the guy to move along. Aubrey seems to be a good option as a starter for one fourth of the teams in the IHOF. Fact is that Leonard Lyon is not hot on Aubrey and has discovered Jim Reiser as a better alternative. And Lyon is the star of the offense now, Aubrey's days are counted.

Last but not least, the Merchantmen management have declared that the team will be looking to get involved in the 2006 IHOF draft. Of course, they lack the draft picks to do so and have no cap room to afford first round selections. Second is the question whether the Merchantmen are seeking upgrades at all, yet as a 7-9 team, they should. The Merchantmen management is known as believers in cohesion, so don't expect much turnover in starters. When they do change, Gossip News will be first to tell you.

[MIJB#19]

Player analysis: class of 2005 quarterbacks
As the 2005 season is almost ended, it's time to look back on the first year as a pro for the hottest players at the hottest position in football. In the 2005 IHOF draft, 21 quarterbacks were selected. Some with the hopes to see them become the second coming of Joey Allen and Donald Woods, others to fight for the third string job in training camp. Top talent or not, it seems most teams wanted to give their drafted quarterbacks some playing time to prove their skills. Of the 21 drafted quarterbacks, we selected the first rounders and those others who got significant playing time. For each player, we reviewed the season and made a quick look to the future.

name: Mario Hudson
team: Paris Musketeers
picked: #4 overall, round 1
record: won 2, lost 13
stat line: 15 starts, 57%, 2550 yd, 15 td, 14 int
good game: never tossed more then 2 interceptions in one game
bad game: less then 150 yards in 60% of his starts
his story: Paris traded decent starter Fabian Parker and other stars to get him. Hudson got the nod as starter from day 1. Hudson had a promising start with 284 yards and 2 touchdowns in his debut at archrivals Bordeaux, but the rest of the year went up and down from not so good to better then average.

name: Ron Lyle
team: Chesapeake Chitterlings
picked: #18 overall, round 1
record: won 1, lost 1
stat line: 2 starts 57%, 561 yd, 4 td, 6 int
good game: Lyle averaged 270 yards in started games
bad game: Lyle averaged almost 1 interception per 15 passes
his story: Lyle is the Chitterlings' quarterback of the future. Today, Jaime Canter rules the day. Canter played good all year and Lyle only got his shot due to injuries by the starter early in the year. The Chitterlings went without a championship again with Canter. Lyle could be starting soon.

name: Leonard Lyon
team: Maassluis Merchantmen
picked: #31 overall, round 1
record: won 3, lost 6
stat line: 9 starts, 53%, 1814 yd, 9 td, 13 int
good game: had over 150 yd in each start, won 3 of last 6 games
bad game: started in franchise's 3 biggest losses of season
his story: Drafted to backup McDavid, came out of camp as the best guy. Lyon won the job as the projected franchise quarterback, but injury and 3 losses pulled him out. An injury to McDavid brought Lyon back and he ended the year going 3-3, with wins over Chesapeake and rival Mario Hudson.

name: Mel Atkins
team: Springfield Isotopes
picked: #44 overall, round 2
record: won 3, lost 5
stat line: 8 starts, 41%, 835 yd, 1 td, 13 int
good game: his job is not to turnover, he did only 14 times
bad game: Atkins' stats are aweful to look at
his story: Springfield reached for Atkins as the future starter. The Isotopes immediately gave him the starting job, but Atkins struggled. Atkins was twice benched, but also returned twice. The last time for a game with just 1 pass attempt. Overall Atkins' future looks not so bright with his bad stats.

name: Scottie Hanson
team: Orlando Knights
picked: #84 overall, round 3
record: won 4, lost 4
stat line: 8 starts, 57%, 1158yd, 5 td, 3 int
good game: never tossed more then 1 interception
bad game: went under 150 yards in 75% of his starts
his story: Hanson was drafted to backup star Wayne Christopherson. Christopherson started to struggled and the Knights gave Hanson a few games to show his skill, and he did. Later in the year he struggled, as the team did and Hanson was benched for the lost wild card round game.

name: Tim Wilkes
team: Georgia Gridlock
picked: #108, round 4
record: won 4, lost 7
stat line: 11 starts, 52%, 2117 yd, 9 td, 6 int
good game: was first intercepted on his 160th career pass
bad game: had just 2 td and 5 int in his last 5 games
his story: No way Wilkes was going to see much action with Corey Peters ahead. Things went different, as Peters got pulled during the first game. Wilkes lost the job after an amazing overtime win against Maassluis, but returned for the last 6 games. Wilkes' future looks good after 4 wins in 11 games.

name: Curtis Corbett
team: San Luis Obispo Burn
picked: #177 overall, round 6
record: won 2, lost 5
stat line: 7 starts, 53%, 1249 yd, 10 td, 9 int
good game: recorded touchdowns in all but one start
bad game: recorded only one game without interception
his story: Corbett was drafted in the sixth round as a potential backup. In training camp Corbett excelled and became a contender for the starting role. Corbett got the nod for the second half of the year. Starter Victor Whyte got released at season's end, paving the way for Corbett in 2006.

[MIJB#19]

League news
The playoffs have advanced into the conference championships games after today's semifinals. In four games, all four winners were the Vegas favorites to win, yet one of them was sort of an upset afterall. Here's a quick recap.

In Fairbanks the home playing Northstars saw their quarterback Joey Allen excel with 4 touchdown passes to lead his team all the way to a big 38-13 win. The losing Columbus Architects looked good, but had no answer to the excellent passing play from the defending IHOF champions, who play their next game at home.

The Conyers Condors saw Geoffrey Trinidad score on an overtime field goal to pull off a great fourth quarter comeback. The visiting AOC champions Telluride Outlaws gave up a 21-3 lead to be washed away by the #1 seeds, as Everett 'Aces' Glenn passed for 389 yards and ran for 24 as well. The Condors stay at home for the AOC title game.

The Bordeaux Vineyards missed Joe Johnson at quarterback, but in a defensive game, kicker Fernando Ramsey was the hero once again for the home team. The North Plainfield Plague again miss the AOC title after last year's championship game loss, as they lose 6-9 on the road.

In Chespeake, the second half of the game of the week was lethal for the home town Chtterlings. The Ann Arbor Anachronism defended a half time 7-3 lead very well, out yarding the opponent 3 to 2. With 4 touchdown passes Donald Woods was the big man in the 31-16 victory, that extends the triple A's winning streak to 13 games.

With the matchups Bordeaux at Conyers and Ann Arbor at Fairbanks, it's clear that the NAC champions (Ann Arbor or Fairbanks) will be the favorites to win it all. The NAC title game will be another Donald Woods versus Joey Allen showdown, the big name quarterbacks in the IHOF. In the AOC game, the Condors are warned after a week 7 loss in France on a last-second 56-yard field goal from Fernando Ramsey.

[Darkiller]

dola :

just for the record, Mario Hudson won two games, not just one
He went 2-13 as a starter (Eugene Westcott lost a game) and not 1-14 as said.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Darkiller

dola :

just for the record, Mario Hudson won two games, not just one
He went 2-13 as a starter (Eugene Westcott lost a game) and not 1-14 as said.

Got rid of that, nitpick.

[MIJB#19]

Press release: Merchantmen honor fans with meet-and-eat
As the 2005 IHOF season is nearing it's end, the Maassluis Merchantmen want to thank the loyal fans for their continued support to the team. During the eight games of the 7-9 campaign the attendance averaged 76,100 fans per game, meaning a 99.9% full Oranje Haven in every home game.

To honor our loyal fans, the management decided to write out a slogan competition for the start of the 2006 season. In the first exhibition home game of the season, the winning slogan will be honored. The winning fan will get a special meet-and-eat with his or her favorite player. To be competing in the game, fans have to sent an email to the Merchantmen office as per the official league email address. Winners will be notified by email by the end of the late free agency period.

For this competition, the league management is proud to announce the twenty players available for the special meet-and-eat slogan competition:
DE Albert Bernardo, FB Mark Burger, LB Cody Cluff, SS Lincoln Gilmore, DT Charles Gomez, RT Wilson Grimaldo, RB Randy Harris, C Brant Heinrich, LT Harold Hurtado, LB Mike Kershner, QB Leonard Lyon, QB Justin McDavid, WR Gregory Monti, WR Lonnie O'Reilley, CB Dennis Preciado, TE Jim Reiser, LB Ellsworth Thelen, CB Tai Wayne, DE Harold Wells and LG Butch White.

Disclaimer: if the fan with the winning slogan want a meet-and-eat with a different player then those listed, or the chosen player is not on the Merchantmen roster at the time of the meet-and-eat, the Merchantmen slogan competition organisers are free to force the fan to have a meet-and-eat with a different player, probably the fourth string quarterback.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen not getting what they want
The reputation of the Merchantmen management as good traders has been seriously hurt as our anonymus source claim they are unable to get deals done. It seems teams are not interesting in old starters like Jerry Aubrey and Vincent Lopez, while other deals seem to be impossible to strike as the Merchantmen have no cap room for new players. Deon Chapa seems to be the biggest casualty of the situation. We managed to get some words from the defensive end.

"Fort Worth, Orlando, Vicksburg, North Plainfield, Outer Banks, Rochester and San Antonio are just a couple of teams I heard they are talking with." Chapa seems not so happy. "I know the teams is trying to get rid of me, they like Albert (Bernardo) a lot more. He's a great guy to work with, but I want to play, where doesn't matter much." The Merchantmen are thinking they can get a first round pick for Chapa, yet our sources tell us the best they could get was a third round pick and a player. Chapa adds "I'm wondering what keeps them holding up. Do they really need to wait for the official go ahead from te league office to strike a deal?"

Other rumors are that Alvin Causey, known as the strongest man in the league is not getting interest from other teams. Why is a mystery, but apparently teams are afraid of the injury he had. Vincent Lopez' situation is even tougher as league pundits claim that 31 of the 32 teams are settled at fullback. Only the Minnesota Miners could use a better fullback, yet they have two decent options there. Other players seem to draw no interest at all.

Gossip News thinks the Merchantmen management has lost he skill of negotiating well, or probably a better explanation is they got lucky early on in the 2005 off season. There is reason to believe that the Merchantmen won't be improving much the next season and they will stay exactly where they are, around 8-8. Maybe it's good that they players seem to go nowhere, as it means cohesion will improve, yet the team could use one or two upgrades on the team. At least the latets news is they have withdrawn all the interest and are now only interested in getting one or two 2006 first round picks. We doubt they can get them, but you never know for sure with the Merchantmen. Last season, they ended up with four first round picks, they might try to end up with a bunch once again.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen getting first round pick?
The stories are not yet confirmed and trades cannot be officially announced for another five or six days, but the latest rumors from our correspondents in the Netherlands are pretty interesting. The Merchantmen management has claimed to be interested in only one thing: first round picks.

Maybe a bit farfetched, but we heard they are in the market for a first round pick. Who the other team would be is still a mystery, but history tells there are a few teams who the Merchantmen negotiate a lot with. Astoria, Fairbanks, North Plainfield and Rochester are the usual suspects, but don't count out Outer Banks and Fort Worth as they have been in more failed negotiations then succeeded trades.

The latest news on Jerry Aubrey is that teams are calling him old and don't want to give anything for him. Aubrey is still happy in his role in Maassluis, yet his payroll is pretty high for a backup at a minor position like tight end. Aubrey was an All IHOF selection in 2005, the Merchantmen feel he doesn't deserve playing his last two or three years in a backup role.

On Deon Chapa, we heard the Merchantmen have put a no new interest allowed stamp on him. Reportedly six teams have been involved in negotiations and the management has now decided to call it a game in negotiating. Those teams involved in talks have a shot, those not involved are out of the race. Rumors are they already cancelled a great deal that could have solved one of te biggest gaps on the starting lineups.

For those who missed it the first time, the Merchantmen were said to be looking for a cornerback, a backup quarterback, a left tackle and a right guard. Keep it in mind duringthe draft, because that's where they will likely go in the draft, if they really got a first round pick. And you all know them, they have done it before, it's just a matter of time and giving up enough to persuade other owners. Gossip News will keep you updated.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Merchantmen traded Deon Chapa
Well, the words are not official yet, but Gossip News caught a conversation between IHOF owners which suggests the Merchantmen traded a player. The suspension is all on Deon Chapa. What they'll get is unsure, but there are rumors the Merchantmen have also given up a future first and second round pick. Adding up the talent, this sounds like a top ten pick and something extra.

We also hear that the Outer Banks Osprey are partners in negotiations with the Merchantmen. Apparently, the Osprey missed out on Chapa, but are still in negotiations with the Merchantmen for other players. Based on their needs, it seems that Alvin Causey is finally getting a new home after all the rumors about him getting franchises and traded.

In other news, the Rochester Lake Monsters and Astoria Heroes are openly proclaiming they have been getting great deals done. As these teams have been trading partners in the past, it wouldn't surprise us if either of the two teams is the next victim of the Merchantmen's trading desire.

Trading or not, the four proclaimed needs at backup quarterback, cornerback, backup left tackle and starting right guard are not filled. We have reason to beleive the Merchantmen have been talking with Syracuse (Maxwell Vice), Fort Worth (Timothy Lacy), Orlando (Alphonse Gale), Vicksburg (Eric Dietrich, Ike Schwartz) and Rochester (Isaac Bailey) to fill the voids at the offensive line. For the other two positions, free agency and the draft seem to be the place they are looking for.

We also have reason to believe that the Merchantmen are going to deal Jerry Aubrey as low as a sixth round pick pretty soon. The suspense that he's going to be dealt as exchange money has been confirmed by unanimous league sources. The Merchantmen management has arguably come to senses and understands that a 34-year old won't get much attention and especially isn't worth a second round pick. They might be starting to believe that trading him last offseason for a third round wouldn't have been a better scenario afterall.

What's expected to happen next? We are not sure, but we heard that the Merchantmen are tryingto package players and picks in hopes to get first or second round selections for them. Of course it's nonsense to expect it to happen, but you never know for sure. Especially with the Merchantmen.

[MIJB#19]

League News: Ann Arbor versus Conyers in IHOF Bowl II
The cards are shuffled, the clock has ran out, the two teams meating eachoter next Monday in the second IHOF Bowl are known. The Conyers Condors will represent the Atlantic Ocean Conference, while the North American Conference will be represented by the Ann Arbor Anachronism.

The Anachronism pulled a big surprise to get there. Even though the team was on a thirteen game winning streak, they were playing on the road at the Fairbanks Northstarts. The defending champions from Alaska had lost just one game all season, but today looked lost. Donald Woods guided his offense to a 34-21 victory with 338 yards passing. Woods passed and ran for a touchdown to make himself the well-deserved most valuable player.

The Conyers Condors held off the Bordeaux Vineyards with a close 20-16 victory. Bordeaux settled for a field goal late in the fourth quarter, which basically ended their game as the Condors consumed the last minutes like a small can of popcorn. Maximo Chastain enmassed 162 yards with a score on the ground to make the absence of Cecil Maxwell look unintersting.

On Monday, the double C's and the triple A's will play eachother in Santa Rosa, California. The NAC champions from Ann Arbor are the heavily favored team, yet the Condors have had a rollercoaster season. It will be crucial to see whether the Condors can end Donald Woods' strong passing game that lead to fourteen straight wins. The triple A's know that Everett 'Aces' Glenn and his Condors could have a better team based on positional matchups. It gives all the ingredients for an exciting matchup. Joe Allen is out, but with Woods and Glenn, two of the top three passers are playing head-to-head for the ultimate goal: to win the IHOF Bowl.

[Kodos]

In other news, the Rochester Lake Monsters and Astoria Heroes are openly proclaiming they have been getting great deals done

We've gotten deals done, but who knows if they were great?

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

In other news, the Rochester Lake Monsters and Astoria Heroes are openly proclaiming they have been getting great deals done

We've gotten deals done, but who knows if they were great?

C'mon, Kodos, you should know how Gossip News works by now.

[MIJB#19]

Homage to the readers: Player of the Year poll
To give the readers of this dynasty a little bit more power, I decided to create a poll in the dynasty poll section. There are nine candidate, while the tenth slot is reserved for write in candidates. Please not that running back Shelton Troutman plays for Bordeaux and not for Maassluis. The poll can be found here: Merchantmen 2005 Player of the Year.

[MIJB#19]

Gossip News: Harold Hurtado getting traded?
Our correspondents in the world harbour have spotted associates to Terrell Dunlap's player agency at Oranje Haven. The story is not sure, but it is rumored that the Merchantmen are negotiating with Harold Hurtado on a new contract or either notified his agent he's up for trade. Or maybe the Merchantmen have notified one of their young starters, guard Butch White, tackle Russell Malave or cornerback Tai Wayne about theim being traded, they have the same agent. Still, we think there's something going on with Hurtado as he was reported to be missing from a team meeting at the same time.

Other agents spotted were a represenatative of Joe Biru and Cory Schiavi. Biru's agency represents Randy Harris, Charles Gomez and Alvin Causey. Causey has been subject of a lot of rumors lately, but reportedly the Merchantmen are trying to get a deal done with him to avoid using the franchise tag on him as league wide announced.

Cory Sciavi's agency is representing the rights of Bryce Ewald, Ellsworth Thelen, Lincoln Gilmore and Richard Muller. Gilmore was recently in the news because he denied a new contract that would keep him in orange through the 2007 season. It migh have to do with the rumors of the Merchantmen wanting to deal journeyman Wiley McGhee after just one season. The secondary is said to have played better when Gilmore was playing, yet the reality could be McGhee's big salary figure of three million dollars. Gossip News will keep you up to date with what's going on.

[Kodos]

Trade Hurtado?!? Only a fool would do that!

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Trade Hurtado?!? Only a fool would do that!

Amos who?

Yes, Hurtado made the All IHOF selections, but I'd call it John Dixon syndrome, a great guy on a terrible line, racking up good key run block numbers, allowing not so much sacks and being lucky that 4 or 5 legimate candidates missed 4 or more games.

So how did Amos do in Rochester, I expected him to be the receiving leader, but some guy named Poole is listed in you IHOF profile...

[Kodos]

Yeah, Collins got hurt and missed 4 or 5 games. But he played well in limited action, and almost surpassed Poole in total yardage by the end of the season.

[MIJB#19]

General manager notes
Well, we tried again and failed, again. Alvin Causey doesn't want to sign any contract we offer him. It looks like he will become our franchise player afterall and we hope to get a deal dome with him by then. We also tried to get Lincoln Gilmore, our strong safety, to sign a deal keeping him around until 2007, but he denied the deal. Harold Hurtado said "no" to a contract that would give him 1 million more as of now and a 3M signing bonus, but for some reason he'd rather get it spread out over the future seasons.

In deed we struck three deals of trades, but as they are not official until IHOF Bowl II is played, we won't announce them yet. I can tell you that two expensive backups were dealt and we also did something about our draft situation in 2006 and 2007. There are still some negotiations going on and after that we hope to be able to present five new players to the fans and press, as well as showing an improved situation for the 2006 draft.

[MIJB#19]

Divisional Reviews: Northeast Division
A strong division where the rushing game seems to rule, despite that this division has some of the most talented quarterbacks.

Boston Rhinos
Wins: 6
Rank: 4
Star Player: QB Fabian Parker, more a name then a talent player, tossed 2922 yd, 19 td and 24 int.
Offensive Hero: TE Manuel Erickson, performed on every down, had 46 catches, 5 td and 6 key run blocks in 12 starts.
Defensive Hero: OLB Stephen McNamara, helps out where he can, made 92 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 int.
Top Rookie: LT Jake Griffith, #15 pick, started 10 games and allowed just 4 sacks, but harldy improved his skill.
Bummer: DE James Lederman, again got injured and has now played just 13 games in 2 seasons. So much for being a stud.
Storyline: The Rhinos had two losing streaks that wasted the season. The team changed quarterback and seemed to struggle a bit.
2006: The Rhinos have an expensive roster, yet their stars all seem to struggle or get injured. Maybe 2006 will be better.

North Plainfield Plague
Wins: 11
Rank: 1
Star Player: QB David Conti, a young and promising guy, who had 3078 yd and 12 td vs 11 int.
Offensive Hero: RB Shannon Fitzhume, traded in from Astoria, fitted into the system, ran for 1374 yd and 9 td.
Defensive Hero: CB Jimmie Strawn, a terrific man marker, had 54 tackles, 9 int, 21 defended passes and allowed 24 catches.
Top Rookie: ILB Ben 'Furby' Tompkins, #43 pick, had a good year with 62 tackles and 3 sacks.
Bummer: TE Brendon Drumm, the star receiver of the team, went out injured after 9 games, replaced well by Robert Cox.
Storyline: The Plague defended their division title with success, but lost a defensive battle in the AOC semi finals to Bordeaux.
2006: The Plague are young and should be expected to fight for a third consecutive title, yet salary cap woes are coming forward.

Rochester Lake Monsters
Wins: 9
Rank: 2
Star Player: G Gene Simmons, an all round good blocker, made 35 key run blocks and allowed 1 sack in 13 games.
Offensive Hero: WR Amos Collins, missed 5 games but still managed to score a team high 5 td, had 40 catches for 588 yd.
Defensive Hero: WLB Truman Hudson, both rushed and covered receivers, made 8.5 sacks and 2 int.
Top Rookie: DE Earnest Sanford, #10 pick, emerged as a defensive rookie of the year, had 13 sacks and 43 tackles.
Bummer: CB Antoine Hall, key man marker, went out after 11 games and will miss most of 2006.
Storyline: The Lake Monsters had a good start, like in 2004, but again choked. They lost out on tiebreakers for the playoffs.
2006: The Lake Monsters improved 3 wins from 2004 to 2005 and look capable of making a playoff appearance in the coming season.

Syracuse Mohawks
Wins: 9
Rank: 3
Star Player: ILB Joe Teeters, the linebacker enmassed 28.5 sacks and 153 tackles to stop offenses on his own.
Offensive Hero: RB Arthur Curran, traded in after 3 weeks to improve the offense, totalled 1368 yd and 9 td.
Defensive Hero: S Ralph Koziol, played again on a high level, made 81 tackles, 4 int and defended 9 passes.
Top Rookie: FB Alfred Dingle, #13 pick, struggled and never won the starting job, will start in 2006 for salary cap reasons.
Bummer: QB Brent Peterman, hyped as a top prospect, yet doesn't show the numbers to prove it. 16 td versus 17 int, ouch.
Storyline: The defense rocks, the passing game sucks. As top talent Brent Peterman plays so-so, Joe Teeters steps in.
2006: The Mohawks hardly improved in 2005 and Teeters can't do it alone. If Peterman finally breaks out, this could be a top team.

[MIJB#19]

Divisional Reviews: Deep South Division
A division with old teams based on player ages, with Fort Worth being the misfit in the division with a young and talented group.

Fort Worth Fury
Wins: 8
Rank: 3
Star Player: WR Mouse Tail Perry, a rookie with a funny name, yet proved to be an unstoppable receiver with 635 yd in 14 games.
Offensive Hero: RB William 'Chunder' Wood, pretty much copied his 2004 stats, ran for 1436 yd and 7 td.
Defensive Hero: CB Preston Quezeda, reamins as the best coverman of the team ,made 5 int and 64 tackles.
Top Rookie: DT Joel Woodcock, #9 pick, played good all year, made 48 tackles and 5 sacks.
Bummer: QB Kendall Green, drafted to be a possible future starter, yet looked not good enough yet, despite winning 1 of 3 starts.
Storyline: The Fury flirted all year with reaching .500 poercent for the first time ever and succeeded. Kept pace inm 7 of 8 losses.
2006: With the top players signed long term, the Fury have a brigh future. Success depends on the aging Outlaws and Volunteers.

San Antonio Volunteers
Wins: 9
Rank: 2
Star Player: G Charles Trout, has a funny name but also adds stats with 47 key run blocks.
Offensive Hero: RB Bud Pitts, not so much his 1242 yd and 8 td are good, but his 4.7 yards per carry is amazing.
Defensive Hero: CB Steven Carter, translates marking into stats, made 61 tackls and 4 int for 2 td and defended 18 passes.
Top Rookie: DE Bryce Bourgeois, #50 pick, never was a starter, but had some opportunities to make 3.5 sacks.
Bummer: QB John McMasters struggled all year with injuries, leading to 15 td versus 19 int.
Storyline: The Volunteers were good until they beat the IHOF champs Fairbanks. After that they went 1-4 and missed the playoffs.
2006: The Volunteers will field pretty much the same team. If McMasters stays healthy for a change, the playoffs are nearby.


Telluride Outlaws
Wins: 11
Rank: 1
Star Player: Norm Rizzo, aged veteran, still gets thing sgoing with 4553 yd, 22 td and 18 int.
Offensive Hero: RB Robbie Meader, has limited talent, yet ran for 12 td in 13 games.
Defensive Hero: DT Thomas Gomez, made 54 tackles and 5.5 sacks to prove he's an elite defensive tackle.
Top Rookie: DT Zack Druckenmiller, undrafted, played not a single down yet is the Outlwas' only rookie on roster.
Bummer: DE Donte Muller tore an ACL in his knee late in the season, could be a career threatening injury.
Storyline: The AOC champs lost their title, yet had an amazing passing game to get them past most opponents. Norm Rizzo rules.
2006: It all depends on Norm Rizzo. If Rizzo retires, expect rebuilding mode, otherwise expect another hunt for the division.

Vicksburg Vipers
Wins: 6
Rank: 4
Star Player: QB Caleb Dinger, alternates big games with bad games, tossed for 437 yd in one game to oull of 4038 for the year.
Offensive Hero: LT Randall Dunkin, 21 key run blocks aint much, but an LT allowing 3 sacks is a top player indeed.
Defensive Hero: DT Frank Bell, aging veteran who pulls his last tricks, made 50 tackles and 7 sacks.
Top Rookie: RT Cornelius Rice, #37 pick, played to a good level in 8 starts, compensated 6 sacks allowed with 6 key run blocks.
Bummer: MLB John Brundage, played one good game and then went out for two and a half years. The Vipers expect retirement.
Storyline: Top players MLB Brundage and RB Edward Stelley missed most of the year. The Vipers only played well in a late 5-1 streak.
2006: Based on 2004 and talent, the Vipers were major underachivers. Brundage won't return, but Dinger stays. They could be a surprise.

[MIJB#19]

little note, these two divisions above I've written about, others will have to follow at a later stage. For two divisions one team is involved in the IHOF Bowl II, making a divisional review a little bit premature.

Edit: and the formatting isn't quite as wanted, yet it seems to depend on screen resolution.

[Alf]

Good review Matthijs !

[Kodos]

Nice work. We did choke, but not as badly as we did the first year. Still, we had a respectable season with one of the least-talented teams in the league.

[MIJB#19]

Editor's note
I will be writing season reviews for the other divisions, it's not much work and I'll need some fingers warming up tomorrow anyway for some volleyball club related press release writing (yes, official press release, not some made up stuff).

General manager notes
As of now, we struck six deals in trade negotiations, where one is still conditional based on player retirements, as are the others, yet this one seems realistic while the others don't. Not revealing the names yet, as trading is still not official, but it will mean the addition of five new players. To get there, we'll be saying goodbye to three well know faces on the team. In addition, we upgraded our 2006 draft situation by giving up some 2007 draft depth and quality. All will be official in a few days and then we'll give details on the deals done by then. In the mean time there are still some invitations out on negotiations.

[MIJB#19]

Divisional Reviews: European Division
The weakest AOC division, the division of three young quarterbacks getting ready for the future behind Bordeaux's Joe Johnson.

Bordeaux Vineyards
Wins: 11
Rank: 1
Star Player: QB Joe Johnson, missed some games and the playoffs, passed for 2997 yd, 12 td and 9 int in 14 games.
Offensive Hero: WR Toby Williams, former Snowbomb lived up to expectations, had 69 catches for 1100 yd and 4 td.
Defensive Hero: S Charles Partain, more stats then talent, stepped up with McIver out, made 5 int, 62 tackles and defended 9 passes.
Top Rookie: C Bubby 'Gump' Kerney, #180 pick, was a backup all year, started in the playoffs, made 3 key run blocks and allowed no sacks.
Bummer: S Cecil McIver, the best player on the team, missed 8 games due to injury, luckily returned in time for the playoffs.
Storyline: Were the top AOC team all year in record, until the hit a late 2-game losing streak. Reached the AOC title game.
2006: QB Joe Johnson could miss the season start. If they can keep Toby Williams, the Vineyards are the in for a third division title.

Gothenburg Giants
Wins: 9
Rank: 2
Star Player: RB Jerry McGee, with people expecting retirement McGee stayed around, had 1180 yd and 7 td rushing, 3 td receiving.
Offensive Hero: QB Duane Davis, his progress has started, stats wise broke out with 3311 yd, 20 td and 8 int, also ran for 1 td.
Defensive Hero: DT Chris Nagel, had a little drop in stats, still managed 35 tackles and 8 sacks as the pass rush threat in the middle.
Top Rookie: G Luke Hayes, #11 pick, looked like a bust, proved otherwise with 18 key run blocks and 4 sacks allowed in 16 starts.
Bummer: G Lionel Casillas, went down after 7 starts, had ACL knee surgery to see his career in danger, is at least lost for 2006 season.
Storyline: The Giants remain as team that wins big one week and loses big the other. With a late run almost sneaked into the playoffs.
2006: The fear for Jerry McGee's retirement is big. Only if McGee stays, this team looks like a true contender for the division title.

Maassluis Merchantmen
Wins: 7
Rank: 3
Star Player: DT Charles Gomez, carried on as the key defensive lineman on a good run defense, made 70 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
Offensive Hero: RB Randy Harris, made up for a somewhat dissapointing 2004, ran for 1114 yd and 6 td, had 36 catches for 297 yd and 4 td.
Defensive Hero: DE Harold Wells, broke out with a fine season as a big pass rusher, made 36 tackles and 13 sacks.
Top Rookie: CB Tai Wayne, #12 pick, had a hard learning year, allowed 51 catches, made up with 66 tackles, 1 sack and 13 defended passes.
Bummer: QB Justin McDavid, looked like a winner with a 4-2 record. Tore the ACL in his knee, will miss all of 2006 if he doesn't retire.
Storyline: In a year of quarterback controversy, QB Leonard Lyon took the job. Were the IHOF most improved team with a 6-win improvement.
2006: The Merchantmen are heading for a step beyond .500 land, yet have cap troubles to work with. Dark horses for a playoff ticket.

Paris Musketeers
Wins: 2
Rank: 4
Star Player: G Adam Greer, experienced inspiring leader on the offensive line, dissapointed with 26 key run blocks and 8 sacks allowed.
Offensive Hero: RB Kevin Wiggins, missed 4 games but still managed to run for 811 yd and 3 td, will be traded going into the 2006 season.
Defensive Hero: OLB Paul Dunkle, doesn't look like a top linebacker but stats say otherwise, had 103 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 1 int.
Top Rookie: QB Mario Hudson, #4 pick, the Musketeers wanted him badly and traded QB Fabian Parker, passed for 2550 yd, 15 td and 14 int.
Bummer: Cap situation, in a year dominated by losses after trading away stars like LB Joe Teeters, the cap hell in 2006 is worrying.
Storyline: The season was totally focused on QB Mario Hudson's first steps in the IHOF. The team lost a lot, but that was accounted for.
2006: Having cap woes, the Musketeers hope to be contenders going into the 2007 season. They expected to lose more stars and get younger.

[MIJB#19]

Divisional Reviews: Atlantic Coast Division
A competitive division, not so much in the league, but all NAC four teams seem to be able to beat eachother.

Asheville Axemen
Wins: 6
Rank: 3
Star Player: QB Thad Pilkington, compensates his limited talent with fourth quarter comebacks, passed for 2288 yd, 13 td and 7 int.
Offensive Hero: RB Ben Erb, intelligent leader who is overlooked by the fans, ran for 1041 yd and 5 td with a 4.4 yd per carry figure.
Defensive Hero: MLB Jerrod McCluskey, loyal guy who's popular with the fans and other players, made 126 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 1 int.
Top Rookie: DE B.J. Ingram, #26 pick, struggled all year and lost his starting job after 10 games, made only 12 tackles and 1 sack.
Bummer: LT Vince Taylor, the best player on the team, again got injured, has a damaged knee and fear for a wasted career is there.
Storyline: The surprise team of 2004 dropped back and struggled all year except wo big victories. The hype of Thad seems to be over.
2006: As a team with very good players all around the team, Thad and his Axemen should be back in the division title race for 2006.

Miami Sharks
Wins: 7
Rank: 2
Star Player: LT Jonathan Svoboda, popular with the fans, not living up to his reputation, made 29 key run blocks and allowed 8 sacks.
Offensive Hero: RB Ellis Layman, started just 11 games but scored the most points, ran for 685 yd and 7 td, caught for 148 yd and 1 td.
Defensive Hero: MLB Leland Moorehead, intelligent pass rusher and run stopper, a bit weaker pass defender, made 129 tackles and 1 int.
Top Rookie: S Duane Kolb, #16 pick, got the starting job from the start and looked good, made 2 int, defended 4 passes and made 47 tackles.
Bummer: DT Ronald Bell, came back from an injury plagued 2004 and still struggled, started 10 games and made 32 tackles and 3 sacks.
Storyline: Lead the division at 7-4 and looked like a lock for the playoffs, dropped the last four in close games and missed the playoffs.
2006: The core of the team stays together and the Sharks have shown they are of division title calibre. If only they had a better passer.

Outer Banks Osprey
Wins: 10
Rank: 1
Star Player: DE Joe 'Mad Cow' Holstein, couldn't live up to his 2004 stats, made only 44 tackles and a dissapointing 5.5 sack in 16 games.
Offensive Hero: OT Justin Washington, improved a lot compared to a year earlier, made 42 key run blocks and allowed 6 sacks.
Defensive Hero: FS Milo Epperson, a popular player and a key member of the secondary, made 81 tackles, 4 int and defended 14 passes.
Top Rookie: LT Neal Cheever, #21 pick, got severly injured and couldn't live up to expectations, never played a single down in 2005.
Bummer: C Ned Cozart, was tagged as the Osprey's franchise player, didn't sign a long term contract and is a free agent again in 2006.
Storyline: The Osprey struggled, but then won 4 straight with QB E.G. 'The Great' Lumpkin. Winning in the playoffs was too much to ask.
2006: The Osprey look good enough to repeat, especially with Lumpkim looking like the sure thing. Perhaps they can become a top NAC team.

Springfield Isotopes
Wins: 4
Rank: 4
Star Player: RB Huey Gervais, again missed the 2000 yd barrier by a slim margin, ran for 1965 yd and 7 td, caught 33 for 296 yd and 2 td.
Offensive Hero: OT German Arena, started just 11 games but still racked up good stats, made 29 key run blocks and allowed just 1 sack.
Defensive Hero: OLB Louis Griggs, on an offensive minded team is the best palyer of the defense, made 96 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 4 int.
Top Rookie: CB Rod Huffman, #14 pick, a promising cornerback, played pretty well, made 39 tackles, 2 int and defended 5 passes.
Bummer: QB Mel Atkins, the 'topes probably reached for this rookie at #44 overall, passed for 835 yd, 1 td and 13 int with 8 starts.
Storyline: A team focused on only the running offense, this team looked lost again. Highlight was the playoff spoiling win at Miami.
2006: Huey Gervais isn't getting younger and this team needs a quarterback badly. They lose a lot again, without Gervais even more.

[Alf]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Paris Musketeers
Wins: 6

Not true, those other frenchmen only got 2 (undeserved) wins.

[MIJB#19]

Editor's notes
The divisional reviews of the Southeast and the Midwest division are already done, yet the result of the IHOF Bowl II, played today, makes it impossible to make it official yet. The last two divisions, the Mid-Atlantic and the West are still not reviewed.

General manager notes
As people are awaiting today's IHOF Bowl game between Ann Arbor and Conyers, it became apparant that people in the AOC are seeing Ann Arbor as favorites, yet would rather see Conyers tie the conference versus conference score at 1-1. After a year of dominance head-to-head (38-26), seeing the NAC win it all would really hurt and look undeserved. On the other hand, the NAC provided the three teams with the best records league wide (Fairbanks 15-1, Ann Arbor 13-3, Chesapeake 13-3), it would make sense if one of those three would win it all.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Alf

Not true, those other frenchmen only got 2 (undeserved) wins.

Thanks for correcting me.

[MIJB#19]

League news: Ann Arbor Anachronism 2005 champions
In an exciting game, the Ann Arbor Anachronism took home IHOF Bowl II after a 30-14 victory over the Conyers Condors. In a game dominated by Ann Arbor's passing game, quarterback Donald Woods passed for 359 yards and added 84 yards rushing and a score for the game MVP honors. The Condors kept pace until the two minute warning. Down 30-14, the Conyers players kept making false start penalties and eventually the team came short to even close te gap. The Anachronism are deserves champions after beating the defending champions Fairbanks Norhtstars in the NAC championship game and completing a 15-game winning streak with the bowl game victory.

Defensive linemen Gomez and Wells awarded
As the season ended, two Merchantmen players were honored as All IHOF second team players. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez and defensive end Harold Wells were both written in as the fourth best player at their position to sneak into the awards ceremonies. Wells tied for sixht in the league with 13 sacks, while Gomez made 70 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Both players weren't honored before. The other six honored defensive linemen play for six different teams. Additionally, guard Alvin Causey was awarded the League's Strongest Man award after 48 bench presses in the preseason.

[MIJB#19]

Divisional reviews: Southeast Division
A competitive division where Georgia seems to be a minor misfit. This team produced 3 playoff teams in 2005, showing the AOC dominance.

Conyers Condors
Wins: 12
Rank: 1
Star Player: QB Everett 'Aces' Glenn, mobile and an elite passer as well, tossed for 4140 yd, 23 td and 10 int, ran for 507 yd and 3 td.
Offensive Hero: TE Brent Hickok, an elite run blocker and also a good receiver, made a league high 90 catches for 856 yd and 4 td.
Defensive Hero: DT Barton Garcia, big and strong lineman who produces on every down, made 72 tackles and 7 sacks.
Top Rookie: LT Patrick Weber, #17 pick, didn't win the starting job, started 3 games and allowed 3 sacks.
Bummer: RB Cecil Maxwell, a good rusher on a pass oriented team, was replaced very well in the playoffs by RB Maximo Chastain.
Storyline: The Condors were on the roll all season, except two streaks of two lost road games. Eventually lost 30-14 in the IHOF Bowl.
2006: The Condors cap situation is good and it's unlikely there will be departure of important starters. The AOC title can be defended.

Georgia Gridlock
Wins: 4
Rank: 4
Star Player: G Rex Snyder, acquired in a trade with Astoria, played just 5 games but didn't allow a single sack.
Offensive Hero: QB Tim Wilkes, rookie fourth round pick, played well with a 4-7 record, almost 200 yards per game, 9 td and 6 int.
Defensive Hero: ILB John Culpepper, made 104 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 int and defended 10 passes, only producer on a strong 3-4 front.
Top Rookie: WR Tyrus Shaye, #1 pick, lived somewhat up to expectations, yet didn't score a single point, had 55 catches for 650 yd.
Bummer: DE Alonzo Millet, payed 3 games and then went to injured reserve, acquired in a trade before the season and is out of contract.
Storyline: Plagued by injuries, there was little good news. The Gridlock carried on where they left off, they lost most of their games.
2006: With a healthy Rex Snyder and Alonzo Millet, plus improved Tim Wilkes and Tyrus Shaye, the Gridlock could become competitive.

Orlando Knights
Wins: 9
Rank: 3
Star Player: LT Alphonso Gant, again missed some games to injury, yet his career total of 4 sacks allowed in 19 starts is impressive.
Offensive Hero: RB Israel Mars, improved and racked up better stats then in 2004, ran for 1752 yd and 13 td.
Defensive Hero: CB Josiah Ahrens, had a good 2004 year, yet doubled his int figure, had 12 int and 70 tackles for the year.
Top Rookie: CB Donald 'Duck' Lewis, #24 pick, teamed up with Ahrens and was not so impressive, had 1 int and 50 tackles.
Bummer: TE Arthur Blakey, important receiver with his leadership, missed 7 games due to injury, his backup Vern Mathews also got hurt.
Storyline: Started strong, but dropped the last three before losing in the wild card round. Other story was the quarterback controversy.
2006: Rookie Scottie Hanson made 3000 yd passer Wayne Christopherson look bad. Core of the team stays, so they'll be on par with 2005.

Tucker Tigers
Wins: 10
Rank: 2
Star Player: LT Mervin Pollock, the top drafted player in the 2004 league draft, made 34 key run blocks and allowed just 2 sacks.
Offensive Hero: TE Alvaro Mortenson, was the best receiver on a run oriented team, had 66 catches, 558 yd and a team leading 4 td.
Defensive Hero: ILB Lloyd Dye, proved to be an excellent pass defender with 3 int, yet also managed to make 8.5 sacks and 105 tackles.
Top Rookie: DE Terrell Rodgers, #19 pick, didn't win the starting job, started 5 of 8 games, made just 7 tackles and 1 sack.
Bummer: OLB Mike Litchfield, the young pass rusher wasted his knee and could miss all of the 2006 season as well.
Storyline: Had a 5-game winning streak early, dropped to 6-6 and came back with a 4-game winning streak. Lost in the wild card round.
2006: A good cap situation and little fear for retirements or free agency departure, the Tigers are in for a third playoff appearance.

[MIJB#19]

Divisional reviews: Midwest Division
A division based on defensive reputations, as a group the Midwest teams are arguably in the most competitive of NAC divisions.

Ann Arbor Anachronism
Wins: 13
Rank: 1
Star Player: QB Donald Woods, the obivous leader of the team, saw his rival for the job get traded, passed for 3987 yd, 25 td and 9 int.
Offensive Hero: WR Douglas Arroyo, a guy with limited talent, compensates with big plays, had 70 catches for 1026 yd and 9 td in 14 games.
Defensive Hero: CB Lindsay Liles, on a strong secondary had the most impressive stats, had 4 int and 21 passes defended vs 25 catches.
Top Rookie: RT Nolan Bradford, #30 pick, was called a minor bust, played 3 games with 2 starts, made 1 key run block and allowed 1 sack.
Bummer: Cap situation, the season was pretty much injury free, for 2006 awaits a tough cap situation to work with.
Storyline: After a slow start, the Anachronism motor warmed up and steamrolled to a 15-game winning streak, including IHOF Bowl II.
2006: With the expected cap hell, expectations are that some players are forced out. Rebuilding ain't fun, unless you have the title.

Columbus Architects
Wins: 10
Rank: 2
Star Player: RB Gerald Harris, could live up to his 1668 yd in 2004, ran for 1225 yd and 8 td, had 57 catches for 434 yd and 2 td.
Offensive Hero: LT Charles Singleton, a great linemane to have on your team, made 30 key run blocks and allowed only 1 sack in 16 starts.
Defensive Hero: DT Myles Halliburton, excelled on all downs as he's capable of, made 75 tackles and 9.5 sacks.
Top Rookie: WR Fernando Weaver, #25 pick, emerged as a hot big play receiver on offense, racked up 45 catches for 710 yd and 5 td.
Bummer: RT Billy Carrigan, damaged his knee after 5 games and his career is in danger, his play will probably be affected a lot.
Storyline: Started out strong with an 8-2 record. After losing 4 of the last 6, the Architects still managed to reach the NAC semifinals.
2006: With some good players out of contract, 5 picks in the top 2 rounds in the draft can help. Should be contenders for the division.

Minnesota Miners
Wins: 6
Rank: 4
Star Player: DT Walt Spangler, is the anchorman on the team's amazing run defense, missed 5 games leading to only 35 tackles and 3 sacks.
Offensive Hero: WR Jesse Dirks, plagued by injuries the receivers group was haunted, played well with 72 catches for 906 yd in 13 games.
Defensive Hero: DT Ron McClinton, stepped up as a great sidekick to Spangler, totalled 60 tackles and 6 sacks.
Top Rookie: LT Earl Zeigler, #3 pick, as most rookies do, Ziegler struggled all year, made 15 key run blocks and allowed 13 sacks.
Bummer: OLB Daron Gonzalez, played 7 games with 4 starts, went out with a serious injury and might miss the start of the 2006 season.
Storyline: Locked in a tough division, the Miners went 6-4 outside the division, yet their strong defense can't do it inside the division.
2006: If they can finally find a better quarterback, the Miners could get somewhere. If not, they'll be just competitive in the Midwest.

RayCo Raiders
Wins: 6
Rank: 3
Star Player: QB Brian Hartsock, top quarterback if healthy, but missed 7 games with injuries, passed for 1784 yd, 13 td and only 3 int.
Offensive Hero: FB Joe Stewart, offensive bright light on a team focused on defense, had 68 catches for 468 yd, also had 16 key run blocks.
Defensive Hero: S Harold Strom, the true leader of the secondary, made 80 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 int and defended 14 passes.
Top Rookie: WR Stan Butler, #22 pick, emerged as an excellent starter from day one, had 41 catches for 594 yd and a league high 7 td.
Bummer: RB Rodger Mowery, ran for 1337 yd in 2004, missed 7 games in 2005, totalled just 497 yd and 3 td for the year.
Storyline: The Raiders started very well with a 5-2 record. Then injuries to Hartsock and Mowery hit and they lost 8 of the last 9 games.
2006: The Raiders defense is capable of stopping the opposition, but he offense still won't make a fist. Especially if Hartsock retires.

[Alf]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

K - Fernando Bryant - Bordeaux

Sorry, didn't notice before, but this guy is actually Fernando Ramsey.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Alf

Sorry, didn't notice before, but this guy is actually Fernando Ramsey.

I know that.
That guy wasted a good chance for the Merchantmen to win, twice.

Darn it, if I keep up with these mistakes, I'll lose my credibility in record time...

[MIJB#19]

Divisional reviews: Mid-Atlantic Division
The NAC division dominated with pass oriented teams where the best weapons seem to be their running backs.

Astoria Heroes
Wins: 8
Rank: 2
Star Player: RB Billy 'Bam Bam' Jamerson, missed some games but did excel, ran for 1003 yd and 3 td, caught 53 passes for 454 yd and 4 td.
Offensive Hero: QB Julius Irvine, played very well early in the year, dropped back a bit later on, passed for 3720 yd, 21 td and 18 int.
Defensive Hero: DT Albert Simone, moved in through a trade and immediatly played well, totalled 61 tackles and 11.5 sacks.
Top Rookie: DT Grant Major, #6 pick, struggled with injuries, still managed to start 9 games, made 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Bummer: DE Cris Richardson, traded in with a big move, missed 5 games due to injuries, still managed to make 30 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
Storyline: The Heroes went up and down like a true 8-8 team. Eventually ended up 8-8, sneaked into the playoffs, but had no chance there.
2006: QB Julius Irvine is out of contract, it could be time for a better passer. If they finally beat Chesapeake, they can be contenders.

Brooklyn Fightin' Bums
Wins: 6
Rank: 4
Star Player: RB Monty Avent, promising running back where the franchise loves to build on, ran for 993 yd and 3 td.
Offensive Hero: G Erick Vermillion, maved in from Telluride after 2 games, made 22 key run blocks and allowed 4 sacks in 12 starts.
Defensive Hero: CB Merle Chumley, lived up to his reputation, had 3 int and 12 defended passes versus 27 catches, also made 60 tackles.
Top Rookie: C Max Warren, #23 pick, drafted to play a key role on the line, got hurt late in the season, allowed 2 sacks in 11 starts.
Bummer: S Lacy Lorr, very promising defender, went out long term after three games, ACL damage to his knee seems to be very slim.
Storyline: The Fightin' Bums hoped for progress, got it with two wins more then 2004 with a 3-1 end. Cycled through three quarterbacks.
2006: The Bums have beaten all three divisional rivals in their history. If this young teams keeps improving, they could surprise in 2006.

Chesapeake Chitterlings
Wins: 13
Rank: 1
Star Player: QB Jaime Canter, often misspelled as Jamie, lead his team like a true leader, passed for 3901 yd, 28 td and 11 int.
Offensive Hero: RB Phillip Hough, made his name as a scorer, ran for 1025 yd but also 12 td, added 67 catches for 540 yd and 1 td.
Defensive Hero: OLB Sam Myles, missed 3 games, still lead the team with 90 tackles, also made 4 sacks and 3 int.
Top Rookie: QB Ron Lyle, #18 pick, acquired to be Canter's future replacement, proved his skill in 2 starts with 561 yd, 4 td and 6 int.
Bummer: S Edward Merida, All IHOF in 2004, left the team after 3 games with ACL knee surgery, hopes to get back at a respecable level.
Storyline: The Chitterlings were strong all year with Canter, except against the best and worst teams from 2004. Lost in the NAC semi's.
2006: Much relies on Canter's possible retirement. Ron Lyle is already in the house to quick start rebuilding. Could be dominant again.

Frederick Red Menace
Wins: 6
Rank: 3
Star Player: CB Harold Worsham, argualby the best cornerback in the league, missed 5 games, still had 4 int and 15 defended passes.
Offensive Hero: RB James Cull, is the absolute star player on the offense, ran for 1027 yd and 9 td, also had 4 td receiving.
Defensive Hero: ILB Barney Pascoe, lives up to his big contract, made 119 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 int.
Top Rookie: C J.J. Burroughs, #27 pick, steal of the draft and the Menace grabbed him, played all over the line in 16 games, allowed 9 sacks.
Bummer: LT Christopher Perdome, went to injured reserve after just 2 games, plagued by injuries before, looks burned out very early.
Storyline: Win one, lose one, week in, week out. After a bad second half of the year dropped out of the playoffs race fast.
2006: CB Worsham and QB Peters are out of contract, keeping both seems very unlikely. They look far from being the 2004 division winners.

[MIJB#19]

Divisional reviews: West Division
Fairbanks versus the rest, the IHOF champion dominates this division with ease. All the other teams have promising players.

Anaheim Matterhorns
Wins: 7
Rank: 2
Star Player: FB Cole Coleman, elite player at a position with a lot of talent, caught 84 balls for 602 yd and totalled 7 td.
Offensive Hero: LT Aaron Dean, a prototypical great left tackle, allowed just 2 sacks in 15 starts, added 25 key run blocks to his resume.
Defensive Hero: MLB Joseph Flaherty, has learned only one trick in stopped the running back, made 115 tackles and 2 int in 15 games.
Top Rookie: RB Kurt Basso, #7 pick, immediatly stepped up as a reliable rusher, ran for 806 yd and 6 td in 14 games.
Bummer: CB Kenneth Bullock, young rookie picked in the third round, went down with MCL damage to his knee and looks scarred forever.
Storyline: The Matterhorns had an up and down season, yet beat all weaker teams and lost to stronger teams. it can't be easier.
2006: QB Richard Mahon's time looks up, aged 39 he's near retirement. Without him, a winning season looks not in the options next year.

Boulder Blizzard
Wins: 1
Rank: 4
Star Player: DT Thomas Whitehouse, history repeated as he missed a lot of games due to injury, made 24 tackles and 2 sacks in 8 games.
Offensive Hero: G Michael Toner, the least talented starter, sent a post card if you know someone who did play well on this offense.
Defensive Hero: DE Arthur Kennedy, 2004 All IHOF selection, was again a key run stopper, made 65 tackles and 6 sacks.
Top Rookie: S Derrick Villagomez, #5 pick, helped out everywhere on the field where he could, totalled 78 tackles, 1 sack and 1 int.
Bummer: RB Heath Barber, was drafted to be a key offensive player, got injured in week 2 and was never seen back on the active roster.
Storyline: A name change to get rid of the bad 2-14 repuation failed, the Blizzard had half the win total of the Bulldogs.
2006: League pundits expect another name change, the draft will be used again to get some future talent on the team. 5 wins is possible.

Fairbanks Northstars
Wins: 15
Rank: 1
Star Player: QB Joey Allen, pure talent or project of the system, he does rack up stats, had a 103.9 rating with 3511 yd, 36 td and 7 int.
Offensive Hero: G Tony Howard, limited talent is not true, made no less then 30 key run blocks and allowed only 1 sack in 14 starts.
Defensive Hero: OLB Jeffrey Boggs, moved to the outside, stats remained likewise, made 79 tackles, an amazing 22.5 sacks and 1 int.
Top Rookie: C Lamar Stamper, #29 pick, rumors are they picked him to have a trade to succeed, stamper played just 1 game all year.
Bummer: DT Brett 'Irrelevant' Boyer, last pick of the draft, came out of camp as a possible starter, got injured and never started.
Storyline: With less impressive stats, the Northstars kept winning game after game. Were overshadowed in the NAC title game by Ann Arbor.
2006: With a tough salary cap and the possible retirement or departure of starters, they could become a rebuilding division winner.

San Luis Obispo Burn
Wins: 5
Rank: 3
Star Player: P Charles Cutright, can make up with his foot what his offense gives away and the defense can't defend.
Offensive Hero: QB Curtis Corbett, a breakout rookie, replaced Victor Whyte in the last 7 games, passed for 1249 yd, 10 td and 9 int.
Defensive Hero: DT Bryan Smith, at least someone played above par, made 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
Top Rookie: DE Peter Hutton, #2 pick, hyped as a sack machine, didn't do it 2005, made 24 tackles and just 3.5 sacks in 14 starts.
Bummer: C Michael Moore, damaged his knee and went out after just 8 games, his play could be affected, will be out of contract.
Storyline: The Burn started 2-1 and then dropped to their old form. The change in quarterback hardly helped, but a clear signal was given.
2006: The temper of the GM is the biggest enemy of the team. With Corbett developing, this team could be improving another win.

[MIJB#19]

Editor's note
Seasonal divisional reviews are done. I did add some text to the Weirdos division, I mean Northeast division review to make that review look similair to the others.

General manager notes
We're in a lot of excitement going into the 2006 season. We're awaiting announcements from Justin McDavid and Jerry Aubrey on their future as football players. Together with them, some other key players in the IHOF are possibly hanging up their helmets. Most notable are Telluride quarterback Norm Rizzo, Chesapeake quarterback Jaime Canter, Springfield running back Huey Gervais and Gothenburg running back Jerry McGee.

[Chief Rum]

Great work, Matthijs.

You have it pegged with Mahon. Even if he doesn't retire, he wanted too much to return, so he's walking regardless. We're going to have to find another solution at QB (and, no, I don't think it's time to throw 2004 4th round pick Claude Maxwell out there ).

CR

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Great work, Matthijs.

You have it pegged with Mahon. Even if he doesn't retire, he wanted too much to return, so he's walking regardless. We're going to have to find another solution at QB (and, no, I don't think it's time to throw 2004 4th round pick Claude Maxwell out there ).

CR

Hey, I know what I am doing, research is the lionshare of the work, but thanks for the compliments!
It was immediately disappointing to see there are still a lot of typos in the reviews. Will be taken care of, my source file is up to date, but the posted text won't be very soon.

Sadly I didn't figure out about Mahon earlier on, he could have been the perfect 1-year backup solution for the Merchantmen... (If he'd be willing to sign at 1.5M or lower, I understand he won't.)

The last division was the most fun to write, Anaheim, Boulder and San Luis Obispo have so little good news to write about, I had to be creative to name stars and heroes (Cole Coleman, Michael Toner and Charles Cutright).

[MIJB#19]

Press release: Merchantmen announce seven trades
Going into the 2006 season, the Maassluis Merchantmen management is happy to announce the conclusion of seven trades. The management agreed terms with six other teams to bring in six new players and also provide new homes to four players too expensive for their depth chart role. Additionally, the team upgraded the 2006 draft situation.

The four leaving players are all players with a two year history in Maassluis. Tight end Jerry Aubrey earned All IHOF honors in 2004 and moves to the Rochester Lake Monsters. He's joined by defensive end Deon Chapa, who lost his starting job mid-way the 2005 campaign. Popular starting fullback Mark Burger is going to block, run and catch passes for the Forth Worth Fury. Safety Percy Francis hopes to have a prominent backup role to Outer Banks Osprey star player Milo Epperson.

Coming to Maassluis are mainly offensive linemen. Right guard Timothy Lacy is acquired from Forth Worth Fury to battle for the starting right guard position. Right guard Eric Dietrich is coming in from Vicksburg to be Lacy's backup. Also coming from Vicksburg is big-play flanker David Henkel. Left tackle Edgar Dunkin comes over from Rochester Lake Monster to backup Harold Hurtado. Moving in from the Orlando Knights are cornerbacks Gus Stoffers and Johnnie Stidham. They both will battle for a roster spot the upcoming training camp.

Concerning the 2006 draft situation, the Merchantmen now hold seven draft selections devided over the top five rounds. The top pick is the #12 overall, the second pick is a second rounder at #41 overall. After that come two third rounders, two fourth rounders and a fifth rounder. Additionally, we have draft picks in all rounds in 2007 except the fourth round, but did add a sixth rounder for 2008.

General manager M.IJ.B. explains the moves: "Burger was a starter, he will be missed, but we are on the phones for a comparable replacement. Chapa and Aubrey were expensive backups, together with Burger accounting for 9.5 million dollars of our cap room. Percy Francis doesn't fit in our new plans for the secondary as the fifth option at safety. We freed up about 6 million of cap space, got ourselves a normal 2007 draft situation and added some valuable picks in 2006. We also acquired six good backups who are upgrades to our former reserves."

[MIJB#19]

General manager notes
I think the press release says all about our trading spree. Not so much quality in, but the players we give up are replacable. Burger is an elite player at a position which is represented very well in the league. We have a replacement in the talks, all it takes is a "done deal" word and some hand shaking. We also acquired a good draft position on this year's draft with picks in the top five rounds and a fourth rounder to spare. The other third is reserved for a fullback replacement. We're also negotiating for one more player who should replace an expensive backup. Not speciafically at the same position, but on the 53-men roster.

Our preseason schedule has become more interesting with the IHOF Bowl II victory for Ann Arbor Anachronism. The triple A's will be coming to Maassluis in the third week of the preseason. In week two, we visit the 2004 champions Fairbanks Northstars. Our other two opponents are San Luis Obispo, on the road in week four, and RayCo Raiders, in Maassluis in week five.

Our home games schedule in the regular season has several exciting matchups. The European champions Bordeaux Vineyards come to town in week one, Orlando Knights for Dutch Bowl II in week three and in week five Futility Bowl III is played against Rochester Lake Monsters. Following in week seven and eight are Boston Rhinos and Paris Musketeers. In week twelve the Anaheim Matterhorns are the opponents in Matt Bowl I. Week fourteen, the Fairbanks Northstars visit and in week seventeen, the season finale is a game against the Gothenburg Giants.

Some other news tells us that Jerry McGee, the Giants running back called it quits. With him out, the Giants are in a terrible cap situation with 2.9 million cap room and just 39 players signed. The Paris Musketeers are 15 million over the cap, but have 47 players signed. The Bordeaux Vineyards are in better shape with 9.9 million free and 39 players signed.

Other news, some players have turned into the news season in better shape then before. Dennis Preciado, who was about to be traded, showed some leadership skills and was mentoring Tai Wayne. He's immediately withdrawn from trade negotiations. Still, his playing time could get hurt with an expected changed in the pass defense strategy, but he's made himself more useful then before.

There are still a lot of players on the trade block, yet the desire to trade them has waded with the opening up of cap room with the mentioned departure of Jerry Aubrey, Mark Burger and Deon Chapa. With Percy Francis left, the alphabetics amongst us have written down Bryce Ewald as the next victim. Leaves only one problem, we have no players with a last name starting with the letter 'D'. Enjoy the new season!

[HornedFrog Purple]

Divisional Reviews: Deep South Division
A division with old teams based on player ages, with Fort Worth being the misfit in the division with a young and talented group.

Fort Worth Fury
Wins: 8
Rank: 3
Star Player: WR Mouse Tail Perry, a rookie with a funny name, yet proved to be an unstoppable receiver with 635 yd in 14 games.
Offensive Hero: RB William 'Chunder' Wood, pretty much copied his 2004 stats, ran for 1436 yd and 7 td.
Defensive Hero: CB Preston Quezeda, reamins as the best coverman of the team ,made 5 int and 64 tackles.
Top Rookie: DT Joel Woodcock, #9 pick, played good all year, made 48 tackles and 5 sacks.
Bummer: QB Kendall Green, drafted to be a possible future starter, yet looked not good enough yet, despite winning 1 of 3 starts.
Storyline: The Fury flirted all year with reaching .500 poercent for the first time ever and succeeded. Kept pace inm 7 of 8 losses.
2006: With the top players signed long term, the Fury have a brigh future. Success depends on the aging Outlaws and Volunteers.

That is pretty much it in a nutshell. My hope is that there is a gap where they have to retool. I have managed to compile a decent 2007 draft even with trading one of my 2nd rounders back to you.

I haven't given up on Kendall Green, but Hanks and the receiving corps seemed to get some chemistry going which was surprising. Kendall showed enough to give another long look at him as I decide if Hanks is going to get a contract extension.

My other main concern is sealing up Chunder long term, though I will franchise him without a second thought if I have to.