The League

**Hooe** · 02-12-2006, 10:36 PM

Re: The League

Teams of The League

American Conference

East: Baltimore Bearcats, Memphis Maniax, New England Regulars, New York - New Jersey Hitmen

South: Arizona Outlaws, Kansas City Crossfire, Orlando Rage, Waco Mavericks

West: Denver Grizzlies, Las Vegas Outlaws, San Diego Cyclones, San Jose Armada

North: Chicago Marauders, Cincinnati Crusaders, Dakota Comets, Sanctuary Divots

National Conference

East: Dallas Aztecs, New York Nightmare, Orlando Hammerheads, Washington Redhawks

South: Birmingham Bolts, Carolina Copperheads, Potomic Vipers, Santa Fe Unforgiven

West: Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Xtreme, San Francisco Demons, Seattle Reign

North: Calgary Hitmen, Chicago Enforcers, Detroit Devils, Minnesota Reapers

**Hooe** · 02-12-2006, 11:33 PM

Re: The League

Division-by-Division Preview

American Conference

East: The New England Regulars figure to be the favorites in this division by a slight margin. A stingy defense lead by volatile cornerback Vonnie Treonday was among the best in The League during last season, and with all the major players on the defense returning, they figure to do the same this year. The only real challenger to the Regulars in this division are the Memphis Maniax, who boast a skilled but inconsistent offense spearheaded by quarterback Jim Druckenmiller and receiver Charles Jordan. The NY-NJ Hitmen don't have enough talent at any of the skill positions to really expect to compete this season, and despite the presence of feared linebacker Bruno Battaglia, the Baltimore Bearcats will struggle to field an average team this season.

South: Again, two teams figure to vye for the this division's crown. Foremost of those teams is the Orlando Rage. The Rage is arguably the fastest team in The League, and if quarterback Jeff Brohm can remain healthy (a rather big if), their offense will be a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The Waco Mavericks also have a well-rounded offense, but with the reigns in the hands of rookie quarterback Tommy Player, they will only go as far as he can take them.

West: This division figures to be fairly competitive. The Denver Grizzlies are the only team that can claim to have a defense near the level of excellence demonstrated by the New York Nightmare. The most intruiging player on their team is defensive end Kevin Donaldson, who is returning from military service but recorded a record thirty sacks during his senior season. The Las Vegas Outlaws will struggle in the passing game as their receivers are mediocre and their quarterbacks simply aren't capable, but running back Rod Smart aka "He Hate Me" is too talented to be on a losing team. The San Jose Armada, despite being an expansion team, may do well thanks to very aggressive ownership who threw great amounts of their own money into the team to draw some of the best available prospects to their new club. The San Diego Cyclones certainly are good in their own right, as they boast many playmakers in their defensive backfield including cornerback Ezekial Freeman, but they aren't quite as talented as the other teams in the division. They may be the odd team out.

North: The clear frontrunner here is the Chicago Marauders. Their quarterback Shane Spain, while aging, is still among the best in The League and is as tough as they come. Cincinatti's success is dependent solely on how far running back Kwazi Mbutabe can carry them, and the Dakota Comets can't be expected to do well, being an expansion team. They are still better off than the Sanctuary Divots, however, as their only claim to fame is that their roster of players may be the worst ever assembled in a professional league in any sport. They very well could go winless this season.

National Conference

East: The only team you can immediately rule out of the division title race in this group is the Orlando Hammerheads. The Aztecs are the two-time defending League champions, and boast the best player in The League on their roster in quarterback Julius Williams. Williams is an tremendous athlete who also boasts a cannon of an arm with great accuracy. He is quite the competitor and leader as well. The New York Nightmare also deserve mention, as the talent they boast on the defensive side of the ball is unparalleled. Led by the face of The League, Quentin Sands, if a team is able to amass over 150 total yards against this group, they should consider it an accomplishment. Finally, the Washington Redhawks have the potential to be a surprise team. Notable players on their squad include defensive end Jacob Williams, an excellent pass-rusher with a number of effective moves, and quarterback Mike Mexico, who is the most amazing athlete that the quarterback position has ever seen, but to this point has struggled to keep his focus on the field.

South: None of the teams seem good enough to be competiting for a division title. Quarterback Grant Tanner of the Carolina Copperheads can only be expected to do so much with the lack of talent around him, especially during his rookie campaign. The expansion Potomic Vipers acquired a pair of talented safeties in the expansion draft, Omar Steele and Kenny McPherson, but again talent at only one specific area of a team can only get a franchise so far. The also-expansion Santa Fe Unforgiven fared better in the formation of their franchise, acquiring capable veterans in quarterback Travis Robinson and his receiver Justin Randolph from free agency. The Bolts finished in last place in the XFL during its only season; that should accurately indicate how much hope for them there is this season.

West: Two rivals are expected to fight for this division: the Los Angeles Xtreme and the San Francisco Demons. The Xtreme are led by the only player ever to win the XFL Most Valuable Player award in quarterback Tommy Maddox, and he has plenty of targets to throw to, including receiver Jermaine Copeland. However, San Francisco's quarterback, Mike Pawlawski, is more than capable of putting a team on his back when need be, and given the Demons' focus on the passing game he is bound to put up gawdy numbers. The Seattle Reign's strength lies in the trenches, as defensive linemen Chad Longstreet and Bubba Stapleton both have a knack for getting to opposing quarterbacks, repeatedly. Their offense has a number of questions, however. The Las Vegas Aces have one player worth mentioning in running back Kelvin Diggs, who is very talented but very temperamental.

North: This division is a very tough one to call, as all the teams are very talented. The frontrunner by a hair is probably the Calgary Hitmen, as they have the strongest defense of the four and their quarterback, Bret Costanza, will not win games for them, but won't lose them either. The Chicago Enforcers rely on the production of one of the best backs in The League, John Avery. Avery is a shifty runner who, to quote former XFL commentator Jim Ross, "is not just quick, he is sudden". The Minnesota Reapers also has an excellent running back in Tony Forbes, who boast excellent running vision and superior durability. Finally the Detroit Devils are just above average in all facets of the game except for special teams, as receiver/kick returner Cookie Wallace has proven time and time again that those who let him touch the ball might as well be digging their own graves.

**Hooe** · 02-13-2006, 08:03 PM

Re: The League

Season Preview: Waco Mavericks

The Waco Mavericks enter The League as one of the seven expansion squads set to begin play in this ambitious season. The Mavericks should be able to field an interesting team to watch this year as wise moves in the expansion draft, smart pick-ups in free agency, and shrewd collegiate draft picks have put the team in a position to make some noise; potentially this year, but definitely in the long-term.

Quarterbacks: The Mavericks made good on their first draft choice in the offseason by acquiring dynamic quarterback Tommy Player from Texas Christian University. Player is a strong-armed, fiery player who has the athleticism to make plays with his feet should protection break down. Player's decision-making skills and throwing mechanics are both question marks coming into this season, and depending on his development this team could just as easily be in the playoff hunt as they could be in the bottom of the barrel. Behind Player is veteran signal-caller Cade Rotolo, who is a smart quarterback with good accuracy. He has been beaten up over the years, and last year struggled to stay on the field with his former squad in AFL2.

Running backs: Veteran tailback Anthony Castle has certainly seen better days, but he still is a reasonable talented player and certainly worthy of being a starter in The League. He's a few steps slower than he used to be, but has made up for his decline in physical skills with increases in both his patience and vision. He is backed up by third-year runner Stacey Hartley, who has blazing speed but lacks in size and doesn't have the durability to be an every-down back. Fullback Rashard Taylor is a capable receiving threat out of the backfield, but has problems in lead blocking and has issues fumbling the football.

Receivers: Arguably the biggest splash by any expansion team was made by the Mavericks when Jason Tucker announced his decision to play for his hometown squad. Tucker had a very successful stint in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos, and before his time up north he had played with the Dallas Cowboys as a kick returner and reserve receiver. Behind Tucker is a bit of depth in sure-handed Austin McAllister and speedster Mo Sylvester. Veteran Justin Jonas may also be able to provide a catch or two if need be, but his better days are very far behind him. At tight end, Lennox Bridges is adequate as both a blocker and a receiver, but there isn't much depth behind him.

Offensive line: The line is strongest on the left side, where experienced vets Al Taylor and Brandon Brady will line up at tackle and guard, respectively. Neither is a great physical specimen, but both have good technique and make few mistakes. Kwame Vann lines up at center; he knows how to play the position well but lacks the good feet and drive desired for interior linemen. At right guard and right tackle are Marty Watts and Neal Hejl; Hejl is an unspectacular player, while Watts is a holding penalty waiting to happen.

Defensive line: Defensive end Freddie Emanuel leads this group with his veteran presence. He won't win a footrace with other players at his position, but is more than capable of taking on double team blocks and is a sure tackler. On the right side is rookie James James; an interesting name for an interesting player, he has a similar playing style to Emanual but with slightly better quickness. The interior linemen are Melvin Redding and Cory Van, neither of whom are very talented.

Linebackers: Sam backer Nick Rosario is the best linebacker on the team, which doesn't require having too terribly much skill with this group. Regardless, Rosario may be the 'diamond in the rough' if you will, as he has great instincts and pass rushing skills for his age. Shyrone Mitchell is the top Mike backer on the depth chart, but struggles too much in coverage to be a full-time starter in The League. Will backer Jarvis Greer has decent speed and strength, but this makes him nothing more than a decent player.

Defensive backs: The cornerback positions are currently held by Casey Black and Cedric McFarland. Both are similar in that they both have sub-par physical ability, but Black has a far better understanding of playing the position than McFarland, and excels playing zone coverage. Nickel back Ken Nickerson is rather raw and needs more game time experience. The safeties are Jeremy Randle, who has decent coverage skills but is a poor tackler, and rookie Chris Hooe (yes, I put myself on my own team... -ed), who has a good blend of speed and strength for the position but played linebacker in college and will have to adapt to playing in a greater amount of space.

Special teams: Reserve running back Stacey Hartley handles all kick and punt return duties, and can potentially be a great returner with his athleticism, but isn't quite a natural at fielding the high kicks and finding the wedge. Kicker Doug Dudley has a relatively strong leg with decent accuracy to go with it, and punter Derrick Gilbert is rather proficient at his craft.

Coaching: The Mavericks are coached by Steve Wieslaw, a young coach who is known for his hard-nosed, never-quit mentality that rubs off on his players. His playcalling sometimes is questionable and the knowledge that only comes with experience is lacking, but he has an energy and passion for the game that few can match.

Complete Roster (POS, NAME, OVR)

Skill Players: Offense

QB Tommy Player 79
QB Cade Rotolo 78
QB Johnny Lowe 67
HB Anthony Castle 83
HB Stacey Hartley 77
HB Bob Lowe 72
FB Rashard Taylor 74
FB Jonathan Dillon 67
WR Jason Tucker 87
WR Austin McAllister 81
WR Mo Sylvester 75
WR Justin Jonas 72
WR Bill Bridges 70
WR Shane Schaffer 70
TE Lennox Bridges 74
TE Zack Burns 67
TE Roland Eaton 66

Linemen

LT Al Taylor 86
LT Dantonio Taylor 71
LG Brandon Brady 84
LG Leeland Nelson 69
C Kwame Vann 80
C Paul Smith 61
RG Marty Watts 74
RG Edward Pleasant 73
RG Colby Knight 61
RT Neal Hejl 79
RT Jason Dorsey 66

LE Freddie Emanuel 81
LE Antrel Barry 50
RE James James 73
RE Patrick Henson 61
DT Melvin Redding 75
DT Cory Van 74
DT Terry McCullum 72
DT Marty Swanson 68

Skill Players: Defense

LOLB Nick Rosario 79
LOLB Lawrence Williams 64
MLB Shyrone Mitchell 71
MLB David Harris 54
MLB J.J. Ortiz 53
ROLB Jarvis Greer 73
ROLB Otis Langham 67
CB Casey Black 79
CB Cedric McFarland 70
CB Ken Nickerson 68
CB Adam Beck 56
CB Troy Lott 55
FS Jeremy Randle 71
FS Todd Myers 66
SS Chris Hooe 80
SS Jared Simpson 69
SS Clyde Newman 55

Specialists

K Doug Dudley 82
P Derrick Gilbert 87

**The GIGGAS** · 02-13-2006, 08:06 PM

Re: The League

Yay Maniax!

Go Druck!

**billmatic** · 02-13-2006, 08:20 PM

Re: The League

looks tight man.

LA Xtreme running things!

**Hooe** · 02-13-2006, 08:23 PM

Re: The League

Season Schedule: Waco Mavericks

Note: the preseason has already been simulated before I started this thread, results are inconsequential as previous OVR values already had progression factored in

vs. Cincinnati Crusaders
at Sanctuary Divots
vs. Seattle Reign
vs. Arizona Outlaws
at Orlando Rage
vs. Dakota Comets
at Los Angeles Xtreme
vs Denver Grizzlies
at Chicago Marauders
(bye week)
vs. Kansas City Crossfire
vs. Las Vegas Aces
at Arizona Outlaws
vs. Orlando Rage
vs. San Francisco Demons
at New England Regulars
at Kansas City Crossfire

Outlook: The schedule starts out easy for the Mavericks with underpowered teams such as Cincinnati, Sanctuary, and Dakota all within the first six weeks. This should give the expansion club ample time to gel and allow rookie quarterback Tommy Player to get much-needed experience. The back end of the schedule is notably tougher, however, with Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, and New England all being more than worthy opponents. The key will be how well the team fares against the teams towards the middle of the pack, such as Arizona, Las Vegas, and Kansas City. The five games those three opponents make up will determine the Mavericks' season.

**Innocent** · 02-13-2006, 08:27 PM

Re: The League

I like it, are these all custom rosters, and are all the players real or just a few?

**Hooe** · 02-13-2006, 08:34 PM

Re: The League

Originally posted by Innocent

I like it, are these all custom rosters, and are all the players real or just a few?

The XFL teams all have "up-to-date" rosters; that is, their rosters are as current as I could determine up through the end of that league's only season of existence.

The teams from Blitz: The League all at the very least have their team captain; I'm working on making the rest of their rosters as accurate as possible, but will only be able to do so in terms of player names only, as my copy of that game got stolen (part of the reason I'm doing this, haha).

The Sanctuary Divots are a custom team I've "borrowed" from a rather famous franchise log at Maddenmania, run by a poster named Bismarck-II in the PC version of Madden 2004. The roster is as identical as I could make it to his original roster, which means the team is beyond bad. All credit for the Divots goes to Bismarck-II.

The other six expansion teams all have Madden-generated rosters. I have modified them all, though, because otherwise there is way too much sameness (originally all of the expansion teams had rookie starting defensive ends, tight ends, and halfbacks). Except on my team, my receiver Jason Tucker actually exists. My motivation for putting him in here was at one point I had developed him into my top receiver in a franchise in Madden NFL 2002 (he started at like a 68 OVR), but hasn't been in a Madden game since.

**Innocent** · 02-13-2006, 08:41 PM

Re: The League

Originally posted by Krioniq

The XFL teams all have "up-to-date" rosters; that is, their rosters are as current as I could determine up through the end of that league's only season of existence.

The teams from Blitz: The League all at the very least have their team captain; I'm working on making the rest of their rosters as accurate as possible, but will only be able to do so in terms of player names only, as my copy of that game got stolen (part of the reason I'm doing this, haha).

The Sanctuary Divots are a custom team I've "borrowed" from a rather famous franchise log at Maddenmania, run by a poster named Bismarck-II in the PC version of Madden 2004. The roster is as identical as I could make it to his original roster, which means the team is beyond bad. All credit for the Divots goes to Bismarck-II.

The other six expansion teams all have Madden-generated rosters. I have modified them all, though, because otherwise there is way too much sameness (originally all of the expansion teams had rookie starting defensive ends, tight ends, and halfbacks). Except on my team, my receiver Jason Tucker actually exists. My motivation for putting him in here was at one point I had developed him into my top receiver in a franchise in Madden NFL 2002 (he started at like a 68 OVR), but hasn't been in a Madden game since.

Very nice, I'm far more traditional in my football tastes, but I'm looking forward to this one.

**Hooe** · 02-13-2006, 10:09 PM

Re: The League

Preview, Week 1: Waco Mavericks at Cincinnati Crusaders

The first-ever game for the Waco Mavericks pits them against the Cincinnati Crusaders. Cincinnati relies on running back Kwazi Mbutabe for many of their wins, and in prior years this strategy was effective; The League used to be structured in a tiered system that matched Cincinnati up with opponents of similar talent level. Since the reformation of The League into one unit, however, the Crusaders' plan of attack has been proven ineffective at times, as teams key in on Mbutabe and force quarterback Brennan Riley to make plays; to this point he has proved to be all but incapable of doing such. While Mbutabe will still break off a few runs here and there regardless how little help he gets from the passing game, by no means will he be able to do it alone against this deceptively talented Mavericks squad.

Key Players: Waco

QB Tommy Player: The rookie quarterback will start the first game of his career; it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure.

RB Anthony Castle: Player cannot be expected to win this game by himself. The Mavericks must establish the run with this veteran runner and open up passing lanes for Player, easening the burden on his a bit.

DE Freddie Emanual: The veteran defensive end has a favorable matchup against Crusaders' right tackle Devon Colton; he must exploit it and put pressure on quarterback Brennan Riley, forcing him to make bad plays.

Key Players: Cincinnati

RB Kwazi Mbutabe: This should come as a surprise to no one. Mbutabe must be able to run the football and carry much of the burden of the offense; Brennan Riley at this point does not have the talent to win the football game and will make mistakes.

WR/KR/PR Tyrone Amaris: The Crusaders' most dynamic player can be counted on for at least one big play a game. In this game, he may need to break off more than one to give his team a chance.

FS Caesar Val: The most talented player in the Crusaders' secondary, Val will be responsible for playing center field against Tommy Player's passes. If any passes from Player get tipped in Val's vicinity or become jump ball situations around Val, he must be able to capitalize.

**The GIGGAS** · 02-13-2006, 10:11 PM

Re: The League

Go Mavs!

Is it structured in Madden's franchise mode?

**elicoleman** · 02-13-2006, 10:19 PM

Re: The League

Wow, Memphis Maniax.

Good luck man.

**Hooe** · 02-13-2006, 10:21 PM

Re: The League

Originally posted by The GIGGAS

Go Mavs!

Is it structured in Madden's franchise mode?

Yeah, I'm using Madden's franchise mode to run this. For the PC version of Madden there are all sorts of nifty little doo-dads you can download, including one that lets you use custom teams in franchise mode (you can't normally do that).

**The GIGGAS** · 02-13-2006, 10:30 PM

Re: The League

Sounds awesome. Are you going to post a week recap, with all of the teams scores?

I'd like to follow the Maniax. Hey, do you know where Ken Oxendine is? I know he was in the XFL, but I can't remember which team. Might be the Ax.

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