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Team Overview / Week 9 Preview: Chicago Marauders

The Chicago Marauders (3-3-1) bring forth a competitive team for the 2006 season. With a dynamic passing attack and excellent special teams, the team does have potential to be great. To this point, they have yet to put it all together, but remain in the driver's seat for a playoff bid by winning their division title.

Offense: The man, the myth, the legend. Shane Spain takes the helm of this team for the 2006 season, and he has for the past nine seasons. Spain is as competitive as you can get at the quarterback position, possesses incredible physical tools despite his age, and knows the offense as if it were tattooed on the inside of his helmet. He also still has a fair amount of mobility and his trademark no-fear, gunslinging style of play. He has quite a few weapons around him, including halfback Jason Hobbs and a deep receiving corps that is full of talent.

Defense: While there's no Shane Spain in this unit, they are good in their right. The top guy on this squad is coverman James Orr. Orr possesses fair speed, but has incredible direction-changing ability and can make uncanny breaks on even the best-thrown passes. He also has seen all the routes and has a good sense of what the offense may throw at him. With all the above in mind, opposing teams haven't tested Orr much this season, instead choosing to go at the rapidly improving but young Bobby Dutton. The front seven are all fairly average except for Freddie Engram, who had a wide range of pass rush moves.

Projection: The Marauders should win their division fairly easily. However, they aren't the best team all-around, and may struggle against tougher competition in the playoffs.

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Week 9 Preview: Waco Mavericks vs. Chicago Marauders

The Waco Mavericks (5-3) are coming off their worst loss of the season against the Denver Grizzlies, in which while the score was close they were physically dominated. They travel to Chicago to take on the Marauders, who they may be equal with on the whole, but do not match up well with.

Key Players: Waco

QB Tommy Player: Player is slowly learning the system and making better throws, but is still making mistakes. He needs to continue to work on minimizing his miscues for his team to pull out a W today.

WR Austin McAllister: Jason Tucker is the only proven receiving threat on the Mavs to this point in the season, and that is largely due to the disappointing play of McAllister. The eight year veteran has failed to get open with any consistency this season and has contributed to Player's struggles as a result. With Tucker being matched up with James Orr, McAllister must up his level of play this week.

Waco secondary: The entire unit has played rather inconsistently this season, and they face a daunting task in containing the Marauders' passing offense. If they leave any gaps in their coverage, Shane Spain will exploit them. As such, they

Key Players: Chicago

QB Shane Spain: Spain is always a key player for Marauders because he is the best player by far on the team. The passer needs to only perform how he typically does to give Chicago a great shot at a win, but he may be able to win this game single-handedly against the weak Mavericks' secondary.

WR Jeff Simpson: Rookie receiver Jeff Simpson has a favorable matchup with cornerback Cedric McFarland. Though he is inexperienced, he may be able to win this matchup on raw talent. It should be interesting to watch.

CB Jason Orr: Again, the top corner of a team facing the Mavs is a key player. Again, this is because Jason Tucker is seemingly the only receiver that can get open for Waco. And thus, again, Orr will have to try to clamp down Tucker in order to shut down the Waco offense.

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Week 8: Waco Mavericks (5-3) at Chicago Marauders (3-3-1)

The Waco Mavericks' hopes for the division title took quite a number of huge shots today as they fall fast and hard to the pass-happy Chicago Marauders.

The game opened up with the makings of being a shootout: quarterback Shane Spain marched the Marauders right down the field to score seven on the opening drive for his team, and rival passer Tommy Player did the same in his first opportunity on the field. However, with the score at 14 all, Player made the first of two crucial mistakes that would get the ball rolling for the Marauders, throwing an interception to young corner Bobby Dutton. Player was picked off twice by Dutton, but on the play of the second play he left the game with an injury as he fell awkwardly on his throwing shoulder after being hit.

Initial tests of Player's shoulder at the stadium were inconclusive, but postgame examining has shown that the rookie passer has suffered a broken right collarbone and will likely miss the rest of the season and playoffs.

The Mavericks were visibly deflated after the injury to their rookie passer, who despite his struggles had already garnered much support internally. Veteran backup Cade Rotolo assumed the reigns, but was unable to accomplish much against the Marauders' capitalizing defense, which intercepted him once for a touchdown.

Regardless of whether they had Player or not, the Mavs had little shot of winning this game with the way their defense played. The Mavs' defense allowed a season-high 549 yards of total offense to the Marauders. 387 of these yards can be directly attributed to the brilliant Shane Spain, who finished the game with four scores and tore apart the Waco secondary.

The Mavericks have a week off to decide how they wish to cope with the injury to their star rookie before hosting the Kansas City Crossfire.

Statistics: Waco (20) QB Player: 13/29, 197 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs QB Rotolo: 4/9, 61 yards, INT HB Hartley: 8 attempts, 71 yards HB Castle: 5 carries, 26 yards WR Tucker: 7 catches, 136 yards, TD FB Taylor: 4 catches, 40 yards SS Simpson: 7 tackles LB Rosario: 6 tackles, fumble forced DE Emanuel: 5 tackles FS Randle: 4 tackles, deflection

Statistics: Chicago (52) QB Spain: 12/20, 387 yards, 4 TDs HB Hobbs: 12 attempts, 78 yards HB McGee: 15 attempts, 75 yards, 2 TDs WR Simpson: 7 catches, 196 yards, 2 TDs WR Mosling: 3 catches, 105 yards, TD WR Foster: catch, 68 yards, TD CB Orr: 5 tackles FS Fuller: 4 tackles, INT, TD CB Dutton: 3 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 deflections LB Wooden 3 tackles

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GAME OF THE WEEK
Week 9: San Francisco Demons at Los Angeles Xtreme

The Los Angeles Xtreme and San Francisco Demons have been the feature match once already this season, but since their earlier encounter much has changed and both teams find themselves with 4-3 records fighting for a wild-card berth in the League playoffs.

San Francisco opened scoring with two field goals by kicker Mike Panasuk. Los Angeles offense returned fire in the second quarter when Tommy Maddox found Jermaine Copeland for six, but Jose Cortez baffled spectators and angered fans many by missing point after touchdown kick. To his credit, Cortez would make two other field goals in the contest, and the missed kick turned out to be negligible to the outcome.

The third quarter saw momentum swing back to the Demons, as quarterback Mike Pawlawski capitalized on an interception of a Tommy Maddox pass by throwing a touchdown of his own to receiver James Hundon. The two would hook up for another score in the fourth quarter, giving the Demons a commanding lead and securing the ball game.

Statistics: San Francisco (23) QB Pawlawski 18/35, 235 yards, 2 TDs HB Krause 28 carries, 126 yards WR Hundon 4 catches, 92 yards, 2 TDs WR Spalding 4 catches, 51 yards LB Powell 9 tackles, sack LB Haskins 9 tackles FS Kaesviharn 7 tackles DT Noah 5 tackles

Statistics: Los Angeles (12) QB Maddox 19/25, 172 yards, TD, INT HB Jefferson 21 carries, 34 yards WR Copeland 6 catches, 55 yards, TD TE Wilcox 5 catches, 27 yards LB Long 7 tackles, sack SS Vickers 7 tackles LB Mack 6 tackles, sack, fumble forced DT Keneley 5 tackles

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Week Nine Roundup

Dakota Comets - 14 -- 11 - Sanctuary Divots
Waco Mavericks - 20 -- 52 - Chicago Marauders
Orlando Rage - 34 -- 16 - Kansas City Crossfire
Denver Grizzles - 23 -- 20 - San Jose Armada
Birmingham Bolts - 17 -- 20 - New England Regulars
Chicago Enforcers - 19 -- 20 - Minnesota Reapers
Detroit Devils - 17 -- 13 - Santa Fe Unforgiven
San Diego Cyclones - 20 -- 7 - NY/NJ Hitmen
Potomic Vipers - 21 -- 24 - Carolina Copperheads
San Francisco Demons - 23 -- 12 - Los Angeles Xtreme
Washington Redhawks - 20 -- 13 - Las Vegas Aces
Cincinnati Crusaders - 13 -- 31 - Calgary Hitmen
New York Nightmare - 27 -- 3 - Orlando Hammerheads
Arizona Outlaws - 17 -- 20 - Baltimore Bearcats


The League Player Of The Week
QB Shane Spain, Chicago Marauders

Commentary and League News: Two winless teams finally got the proverbial monkeys off their backs, as the Carolina Copperheads finally got into the win column this week against the tough Potomic Vipers, and the Baltimore Bearcats downed the struggling Arizona Outlaws. For the Copperheads, rookie passer Grant Tanner showed a flash of potential brialliance as a player in The League, throwing three touchdown passes and completing over 70 percent of his passes. On the contrary, the Bearcats looked entirely unimpressive in their win, but a win is a win nevertheless.

Two teams thus remain winless in the Orlando Hammerheads and Sanctuary Divots. The Divots' best players, left tackle L.J. Gore and tight end Evan Gross, are both nursing injuries, and the rest of the team has to this point been unable to pick up the slack. The Hammerheads haven't been bitten by the injury bug nearly as badly, but rather simply have never come close to producing on the field.

The Calgary Hitmen suffered a scare when running back Dontrelle Drayton's knee bent awkwardly during what should have been a routine off-tackle run. Remarkably, despite the graphic replay, Drayton sustained no harm to his knee and will be available for the Hitmen's game next week. He did however remain inactive for the rest of the Hitmen's win over Cincinnati.

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Good read, I'm also a sucker for the XFL stuff in here.

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Week 10: Waco Mavericks bye week

During the bye week, the Waco Mavericks made a number of moves in an effort to regroup the team. The adjustments primariliy were on the defensive side of the ball, where the most help is needed.

The most notable difference will be the return of rookie safety Chris Hooe to the field. Hooe has been practicing in non-contact drills for the past two weeks, but the team has held him out of contact drills until this past week. With his return, Hooe will be the most physically talented player in the secondary. The Mavs are expected to place Hooe in at the free safety position, however, as reserve safety Jared Simpson has performed admirably over the past few weeks in Hooe's place, whereas starting free safety Jeremy Randle has struggled.

The Mavericks also added another defensive back to their roster, cornerback Dennis Weathersby. Weathersby was a former NFL Draft pick, but never managed to catch on with an NFL team. His addition will give the team much-needed speed at the cornerback position, and team sources indicate that Weathersby will immediately assume the left starting cornerback spot ahead of the very inconsistent Cedric McFarland. McFarland has struggled to contain any receiver this season and has been burned on numerous occasions. The Mavericks have been able to cope with his struggling play for the most part up to this point, but his exceptionally poor performance last week was the breaking point for team officials. McFarland's future with the Mavericks is not looking to bright, as safety Jeremy Randle has been taking practice reps at nickel back spot, where one would assume McFarland would be demoted to.

Waco is also shuffling players in the defensive front seven. Last week, mike backer Shyrone Mitchell suffered a broken forearm. The team has chosen not to bring in a free agent, and rather is moving sam backer Nick Rosario to the mike position and moving reserve will backer Otis Langham to the starting sam position.

The most concerning situation for the Mavericks, obviously, is their quarterback situation. Rookie Tommy Player suffered a broken collarbone in the Mavs' previous contest against the Chicago Marauders, and backup Cade Rotolo has been unimpressive in relief effort. There are a number of talented options available in free agency, such as NFL veterans Vinny Testaverde, Shaun King, and Quincy Carter, but the Waco head coach Steve Wieslaw is unsure how any of these players can perform with but one week to learn the playbook. The team would also have to cut a player to make room for any new quarterback on the roster.

Waco matches up with the Kansas City Crossfire following this week off. The Crossfire have been an inconsistent ball club this season with the exception of their pass rush, headed by the talented but troubled defensive tackle Tyrell Price.

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Week Ten Roundup

San Jose Armada - 31 -- 6 - Memphis Maniax
Las Vegas Aces - 10 -- 40 - Detroit Devils
Los Angeles Xtreme - 29 -- 31 - Chicago Enforcers
Orlando Rage - 31 -- 28 - Arizona Outlaws
Sanctuary Divots - 10 -- 16 - Kansas City Crossfire
Baltimore Bearcats - 6 -- 21 - New England Regulars
Minnesota Reapers - 23 -- 20 - Washington Redhawks
Orlando Hammerheads - 3 -- 23 - Carolina Copperheads
NY/NJ Hitmen - 9 -- 16 - Potomic Vipers
Las Vegas Outlaws - 16 -OT- 13 - Denver Grizzlies
Calgary Hitmen - 6 -- 24 - Birmingham Bolts
Seattle Reign - 27 -OT- 24 - San Francisco Demons
Chicago Marauders - 21 -- 7 - Cincinnati Crusaders
Dallas Aztecs - 10 -- 20 - New York Nightmare

The League Player Of The Week
HB Ed Peterson, Seattle Reign

Commentary and League News: The big news this week comes out of Washington, where quarterback Mike Mexico was benched in the second half of the team's contest the Minnesota Reapers. Backup passer Lance Irwin nearly delivered in spades, leading the 'Hawks to score 17 of their 20 points in the final two periods and just falling short on the scoreboard. Mexico seemed apparently unfazed by the coach pulling the plug on him, but he is in a contract year and he hasn't delivered at all.

Birmingham Bolts' quarterback Casey Weldon seems to finally be putting it all together as he led his team to a win over the Calgary Hitmen. Weldon threw for over 250 yards and two scores in the contest, both to highly-touted receiver Stepfret Williams.

The Dallas Aztecs left the city of Manhattan battered and bruised as they were thoroughly beaten physically by their rivals, the New York Nightmare, by the count of 20-10. Linebacker Quentin Sands led the charge for the Nightmare, as he recorded seven tackles, a forced fumble, and was directly involved in three plays that resulted in the injury of various Aztecs' players, including running back Jermaine Knight, who will miss the rest of the season with a fractured patella.

The Waco Mavericks ultimately decided to bring in a veteran quarterback as another potential option for filling the shoes of the injured Tommy Player. The Mavs brought in a quarterback with a similar play style and skill set in former Dallas Cowboys' passer. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed, but the deal is believed to for only the remainder of this season. However, Carter will not be available for the Mavs next game, as head coach Steve Wieslaw is mandating that Carter have time to learn the playbook before he can even take practice snaps with the first team offense. For now, struggling veteran Cade Rotolo and emergency quarterback Jeremy Lowe remain ahead of the new signing on the depth chart.

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Team Overview / Week 11 Preview: Kansas City Crossfire

The Kansas City Crossfire (4-5) bring to the table a fairly balanced team, with the exception of their defense's prolific pass-rushing abilities. While the front four of this line are plenty capable of providing pressure, the team relies on blitz-heavy schemes on defense in order to force the opposing offense into mistakes. To this point in the season, the Crossfire have faired okay overall, but are building a bit of momentum as they have won three of their last five games.

Offense: The Crossfire offense is equally proficient at both the running and passing game, but are not spectacular in either area. Leading the charge in the running game is feature back Mark Morris. Morris has good size for the running back position, measuring in at 6 feet and 220 pounds. He has the speed and evasiveness to run around tacklers, while also possessing the power to run through them. He struggles to perform at his peak level at all times, however, and sometimes is a bit indecisive in making his cuts or accelerating into the hole. In the passing game, average quarterback Sam Schmidt has had a fairly average season. His main target, receiver Nate Ross, isn't the most naturally talented receiver, but his hard work and dedication to the game shows up on the field each Sunday with each big performance he puts forth.

Defense: The Crossfire defense is led by the second-most feared player in The League (to Quentin Sands, of course), that being defensive end Tyrell Price. Price is a physical freak at the left end spot who often gets to the quarterback or ballcarrier on sheer will and power. He lacks in technique and overall understanding of pass rush moves, but with his physical talents he hasn't needed the smarts to this point in his career. Notables behind Price in the defense are brothers Keith and Harold Beasley, who play mike backer and strong safety respectively. Both have good wheels, can fair on their own in coverage, and, like their captain up front, excel when rushing the passer.

Projection: The Crossfire are a ways behind for the division title, and need a bit of help yet for a wild card berth in The League Playoffs. However, with the Mavs coming back down to earth a bit and being hit sorely by the injury bug, the Crossfire could yet surprise and make a playoff push.

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Week 11 Preview: Kansas City Crossfire vs. Waco Mavericks

Again, the Waco Mavericks (5-4) are coming off their worst loss of the season, this time to the Chicago Marauders. This week, however, they will have to manage without rookie quarterback Tommy Player, who up to his injury had proven to be the best passer on the team. Veteran backup Cade Rotolo will attempt to reverse his ill fortunes he has had so far this season.

Key Players: Waco

QB Cade Rotolo: An obvious choice for a key player, Rotolo has not performed well at all while he has played this season. He must end his struggles today, otherwise he may drag his team down with him.

RT Neal Hejl: Hejl is matched up with Crossfire defensive end Tyrell Price. Price has far superior tools to any other defensive lineman Hejl has gone up against thus far in the season. He must be able to adapt quickly to Price's talents and not make any mistakes in protection.

FS Chris Hooe: Hooe is likely to return from injury this week, and will do so at the free safety position. Though he is a rookie, he can't afford to play like one.

Key Players: Kansas City

HB Mark Morris: The Mavericks are likely to be taking measures to cover up their weaknesses in the secondary, which was completely exposed last week by Marauders' quarterback Shane Spain. With that in mind, lanes may open up for Morris to have a huge day.

WR Doug Coyle: Coyle matches up against cornerback Dennis Weathersby, who will be playing in his first football in over two years. Coyle should be able to exploit this rust and have a rather productive day.

DE Tyrell Price: Price is always a key player for the Crossfire, and even moreso in today's contest. If Price and the Crossfire front seven can consistently keep pressure on Cade Rotolo, he will more than likely make many mistakes, as he has done on previous occasions this season.

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Week 11: Kansas City Crossfire (4-5) at Waco Mavericks (5-4)

The Waco Mavericks struggles continued this week as they fell to the erratic Kansas City Crossfire by the count of 52-41.

The Mavs were behind for the entirety of the game, as the passing game was non-existent in the first half. Quarterback Cade Rotolo completed no passes on six attempts with two three interceptions before being yanked by coach Steve Wieslaw for emergency backup Jeremy Lowe. The Crossfire took full advantage, scoring 35 points in the first two periods of play. Aiding the Crossfire was the fact that safety Chris Hooe left the game after the first play having reaggravated his previous injury, and backup safety Todd Myers also came out of the game with an injury. This left a revolving door at the safety position all day for the Mavs, with former starter and now-cornerback Jeremy Randle, nickel back Ken Nickerson, reserve receiver Justin Jonas, and running back Anthony Castle all logging plays in the defensive backfield.

The Crossfire defense, which allowed but seven points to Waco in the first half, apparently did not bother to return to the contest for the final two periods of play. The now run-heavy Mavericks' offense put up huge numbers. Halfbacks Stacey Hartley and Bob Lowe combined for over 350 yards on the ground and five touchdowns, nearly creating a most improbable comeback. Turnovers would prove to be the team's undoing, however, as reserve quarterback Jeremy Lowe tossed two interceptions in the second period, sealing the game for Kansas City.

The Mavs will once try to figure out how to correct their numerous issues next week as they take on the surprising Las Vegas Aces. Quarterback Cade Rotolo will not be around to contribute to such efforts, however, as immediately following the game he was handed his walking papers by club officials. The move leaves two active quartebacks, Jeremy Lowe and Quincy Carter, on the Mavericks' roster, and the starter between the two will be determined this week in the team's various practice sessions.

Statistics: Waco (41) QB Rotolo: 0/6, 0 yards, 3 INTs QB J.Lowe: 10/18. 104 yards, TD, 2 INTs HB Hartley: 16 carries, 252 yards, 3 TDs HB B.Lowe: 7 carries, 121 yards, 2 TDs WR Tucker: 4 catches, 32 yards WR Sylvester: 2 catches, 42 yards DE Emanuel: 7 tackles CB/FS McFarland: 5 tackles LB Rosario: 4 tackles SS Simpson: 4 tackles

Statistics: Kansas City (52) QB Schmidt 10/18, 275 yards, 4 TDs HB Morris: 23 carries, 175 yards, 2 TDs WR Coyle: 4 catches, 164 yards, 2 TDs WR Dockett: catch, 69 yards, TD WR Fisher: catch, 65 yards, TD WR Ross: catch, 16 yards SS Beasley: 7 tackles, INT FS Fletcher: 4 tackles, 2 INTs CB Floyd: 4 tackles, INT LB Nelson: 4 tackles, INT

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Week Eleven Roundup

Copperheads - 14 -- Bolts - 29
Vipers - 15 -- 10 - Devils
AZ Outlaws - 26 -- 12 - Comets
Regulars - 13 -- 7 - Marauders
Enforcers - 28 -- 38 - Aztecs
Unforgiven - 13 --17 - Bearcats
Nightmare - 10 -- 24 - Redhawks
Xtreme - 24 -- 14 - Reign
Crossfire - 52 -- 41 - Mavericks
Grizzlies - 29 -- 3 - Hammerheads
Demons - 7 -- Aces - 39
Crusaders - 38 -- 0 - Divots
NY/NJ Hitmen - 12 -OT- 9 - LV Outlaws
Maniax - 3 -- 12 - Cyclones
Armada - 3 -- 37 - Rage
Reapers - 23 -- 11 - Cal. Hitmen

The League Player Of The Week
HB Kwazi Mbutabe, Cincinnati Crusaders

Commentary and League News: As we approach the stretch run in the 2006 League season, clear contenders have emerged from the pack, but with six games left for most teams, no playoff spot is a lock for any team yet.

With Lance Irwin at quarterback, the Washington Redhawks soundly and surprisingly defeated a superior New York Nightmare squad. Irwin played more efficiently than the man he replaced, the prolific Mike Mexico, completing 20 of 28 for 176 yards, a score, and most importantly no picks. While at 4-6 the Redhawks are not likely for the playoffs, if Irwin can keep up his play at quarterback this team may have some hope next season.

The Waco Mavericks coaching staff pulled what many view as a highly unprofessional move by cutting quarterback Cade Rotolo immediately following a 52-41 loss to the Kansas City Crossfire. While Rotolo no doubt contributed more than his part to the losing effort, going 0 for 6 with three interceptions, many still feel that he is a capable quarterback in The League and undoubtedly deserves better treatment. At 34, Rotolo's playing future beyond this season is somewhat cloudy.

In the National Football League, the players' strike is still ongoing, and rumors are starting to circulate about current NFL players jumping ship to The League should the work stoppage continue through the beginning of next season. The NFL has currently missed the entire preseason and eleven of seventeen scheduled weeks of matchups, and no progress has been made in negotiations between team owners and the NFLPA. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue remains confident that a deal can be reached, potentially in time for an abbreviated season and playoffs. "We've definitely made some progress, but there is still work to be done; I'm confident however that we can reach a resolution on our various issues within the current agreement with the Players Association and give our fans back the product they expect," he said. Tagliabue refused to comment in any manner when asked about the current success of The League.

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Team Overview / Week 12 Preview: Las Vegas Aces

The Las Vegas Aces (7-3) have been a surprising this team thus far in the 2006 season, leading the western division of the National Conference over both the San Francisco Demons and the Los Angeles Xtreme, each of whom was the favorite depending on who one asked. The Aces pride themselves on a strong ball-control offense and a ferocious, aggressive defensive style.

Offense: The running game is obviously the focal point of the Aces' attack, and with players like halfbacks Kelvin Diggs and Terrance Greer, as well as fullback (or lead blocker if you prefer) Randy McNamara, one shouldn't question the philosophy. Diggs is a workhorse running back who will get his 20 to 30 carries and his 100+ yards every game, regardless what defense is put in front of him. Greer gives the offense a nice change of pace from Diggs' bruising style and is a nice option at receiver, and McNamara plows lanes for either back into the second and third level of the defense. Despite the obvious ball-control scheme, quarterback Germaine Miles has been a pleasant surprise for the team this season, and is on pace to crack the 3,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career.

Defense: The Aces have an aggressive, swarming defensive scheme which features some pretty good players. Implementing the en vogue 3-4 alignment, the feature players of this unit are linebackers Dwayne Rose and Lamar Jones. Both have combined for over 160 tackles thus far this year and both boast tremendous physical abilities and compliment each other well. Cornerback John Fong has performed surprisingly well this season too, so far having totaled 40 tackles, five interceptions, and ten deflections.

Projection: The Aces appear at this point to be in the driver's seat for their division's automatic playoff berth. However, they can't afford to slip up, as San Francisco and Los Angeles both have enough talent to rebound and catch Las Vegas.

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Week 12 Preview: Las Vegas Aces vs. Waco Mavericks

Once more, the Waco Mavericks (5-5) are coming off of an embarrasing loss, and once more are looking to bounce back. They are breaking in their fourth quarterback this season in this week's matchup in former NFL veteran Quincy Carter; many have questioned whether Carter has had enough time to learn the playbook, but with the release of Cade Rotolo, the Mavs have limited their options.

Key Players: Waco

QB Quincy Carter: The former Dallas Cowboy gets his chance to turn the Mavericks' ill fortunes around this week. Carter more than likely has not learned the entire offense and will more than likely have to rely on his physical tools to keep the Mavericks in the ballgame.

LB Nick Rosario: Rosario and his teammates at linebacker will have the unenviable duty of containing the Aces' potent ground attack. They have to shut down Diggs and co. early, otherwise the Aces will be more than happy to grind it out and will wear down the Mavericks' defense.

TE Lennox Bridges: With Carter's inexperience in the offense, he would be well served to have a safety valve on every passing play that the Mavericks run. Bridges is not known for his pass-catching abilities, but he has the size and the lack of a reputation to give Carter a big target to go to should plays break down.

Key Players: Las Vegas

HB Kelvin Diggs: And the trend continues, a halfback being a key player for a Mavericks' opponent. The Aces need to establish Diggs' superiority early in this match and control the tempo; if they can do so, they will wear down the Mavericks and ultimately come away with a win.

LBs Dwayne Rose and Lamar Jones: The two teammates will have to put forth one of their better efforts to slow down the Mavericks' rushing attack, which has been near the tops in The League all season long and has been the sole strong point for Waco. Jones and Rose must play disciplined, yet aggressive to contained the three-headed attack of Stacey Hartley, Anthony Castle, and Bob Lowe.

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Week 12: Las Vegas Aces (7-3) at Waco Mavericks (5-5)

The Waco Mavericks were leading their matchup with the Las Vegas Aces at the end of the third quarter by the count of 17-14. However, during the final period, the tenuous three point lead fell fast and hard, as the Mavs allowed 28 fourth quarter points, surrendering the game in rather embarrassing fashion.

The Mavs played decently up until the disasterous fourth quarter; quarterback Quincy Carter was playing relatively efficient football, completing just over 50% of his passes for just over 125 yards, a score, and a pick, running back Stacey Hartley had over 150 all-purpose yards and a touchdown that came at the end of a 63-yard run after a screen pass, and the defense had contained the Aces' powerful ball-control offense, holding Kelvin Diggs to under 100 yards rushing and not allowing the Aces to control the tempo of the game.

The fourth quarter changed everything about the game, however, starting when receiver Justin Jonas muffed a punt. This gave the Aces great field position and they capitalized with a touchdown pass from quarterback Germaine Miles to receiver Clarence Howard, giving the Aces the lead, 21-17. The next three Mavericks' possessions would be turnovers, all of which would result in touchdowns, either directly or eventually. All of the turnovers came at the expense of Quincy Carter, who threw two picks and lost a fumble in the Mavs' failed comeback attempt.

The Mavericks will try to end their four-game slide when they take on the Arizona Outlaws next week.

Statistics: Waco (17) QB Carter: 9/21, 148 yards, TD, 3 INTs HB Hartley: 17 total touches, 147 total yards, TD HB Castle: 4 carries, 26 yards WR Tucker: catch, 10 yards WR Sylvester: 3 catches, 42 yards LB Langham: 7 tackles, 2 sacks LB Greer: 6 tackles LB Rosario: 5 tackles DE Emanuel: 4 tackles, sack

Statistics: Las Vegas (42) QB Miles: 7/11, 82 yards, TD, INT HB Diggs: 22 carries, 210 yards, 2 TDs HB Greer: 5 carries, 19 yards WR Neal: catch, 36 yards, TD WR Howard: 3 catches, 34 yards, TD LB Donaldson: 7 tackles LB Rose: 4 tackles, sack, fumble recovery, TD LB Jones: 4 tackles, INT CB Fong: tackle, 2 INTs, TD

[Hooe]

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Week Twelve Roundup

Birmingham Bolts - 31 -- 21 - Chicago Enforcers
Las Vegas Outlaws - 19 -- 17 - Dallas Aztecs
Potomic Vipers - 31 -OT- 29 - Memphis Maniax
Sanctuary Divots - 14 -- 15 - Dakota Comets
Seattle Reign - 13 -- 45 - Orlando Rage
Baltimore Bearcats - 10 -- 31 - San Jose Armada
Chicago Marauders - 9 -- 34 - Minnesota Reapers
Detroit Devils - 28 -- 3 - Carolina Copperheads
Las Vegas Aces - 42 -- 17 - Waco Mavericks
San Diego Cyclones - 15 -- 7 - Orlando Hammerheads
Kansas City Crossfire - 24 -- 9 - Los Angeles Xtreme
New England Regulars - 16 -- 26 - Denver Grizzlies
Calgary Hitmen - 6 -- 17 - New York Nightmare
Washington Redhawks - 10 -- 34 - San Francisco Demons
Santa Fe Unforgiven - 14 -- 17 - NY/NJ Hitmen
Cincinnati Crusaders - 30 -- 9 - Arizona Outlaws

The League Player Of The Week
HB Kwazi Mbutabe, Cincinnati Crusaders (again)

Standings

American Conference North: Chicago Marauders, 5-5-1 Cincinnati Crusaders, 4-7-0 Dakota Comets, 4-7-0 Sanctuary Divots, 0-11-0 South: Orlando Rage, 9-2-0 Kansas City Crossfire, 6-5-0 Waco Mavericks, 5-6-0 Arizona Outlaws, 2-9-0 East: New England Regulars, 7-4-0 Memphis Maniax, 6-5-0 NY/NJ Hitmen, 5-6-0 Baltimore Bearcats, 2-9-0 West: Denver Grizzlies, 9-2-0 Las Vegas Outlaws, 8-3-0 San Diego Cyclones, 8-3-0 San Jose Armada, 5-6-0

National Conference North: Minnesota Reapers, 9-2-0 Chicago Enforcers, 7-4-0 Detroit Devils, 7-4-0 Calgary Hitmen, 5-5-1 South: Potomic Vipers, 8-3-0 Birmingham Bolts, 6-5-0 Santa Fe Unforgiven, 4-7-0 Carolina Copperheads, 2-9-0 East: New York Nightmare, 8-3-0 Dallas Aztecs, 6-5-0 Washington Redhawks, 4-7-0 Orlando Hammerheads, 0-11-0 West: Las Vegas Aces, 8-3-0 San Francisco Demons, 6-5-0 Los Angeles Xtreme, 5-6-0 Seattle Reign, 5-6-0

Coming Up: League Statistical Leaders, through Week 12
Coming Up: League Power Rankings, through Week 12

[Hooe]

Re: The League

STATISTICS: Waco Mavericks

Passing
Tommy Player 132/229, 1770 yards, 10 TDs, 12 INTs
Johnny Lowe 10/18, 104 yards, TD, 3 INTs
Quincy Carter 9/21, 148 yards, TD, 3 INTs
Anthony Castle 1/1, 7 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs

Rushing
Stacey Hartley 114 attempts, 1091 yards, 12 TDs, 0 fumbles
Anthony Castle 110 attempts, 601 yards, 9 TDs, 3 fumbles
Bob Lowe 12 attempts, 170 yards, 3 TD, 0 fumbles
Tommy Player 15 attempts, 101 yards, 2 TDs, 3 fumbles
Rashard Taylor 13 attempts, 38 yards, 1 TD, 0 fumbles

Receiving
Jason Tucker 59 catches, 926 yards, 6 TDs
Mo Sylvester 25 catches, 448 yards, 2 TDs
Austin McAllister 19 catches, 203 yards
Lennox Bridges 12 catches, 148 yards
Rashard Taylor 15 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD
Stacey Hartley 9 catches, 143 yards, 2 TDs
Anthony Castle 20 catches, 78 yards, 2 TDs
Justin Jonas 5 catches, 82 yards

Defense
Nick Rosario 45 tackles, sack
Jared Simpson 40 tackles, 2 INTs
Jarvis Greer 36 tackles
Freddie Emanuel 33 tackles, 6 sacks, fumble recovery TD
Jeremy Randle 31 tackles, 2 INTs, 3 deflections
Cedric McFarland 24 tackles, 4 deflections
James James 22 tackles, 3 sacks
Cory Van 22 tackles, 3 sacks
Shyrone Mitchell 20 tackles, sack, INT
Chris Hooe 20 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INTs
Casey Black 19 tackles, INT, 8 deflections
Otis Langham 16 tackles, 3 sacks

[gtm]

Re: The League

Do you play all your games or sim. Just curious because the write ups takes up time in itself. Plus the stats. I'm enjoying it.