So far the Summer 2014 season has been relatively quiet compared to the fall and spring seasons. Primarily, the games are less intense because there are significantly less teams playing right now. Moreover, some of the louder teams like LIGHTS OUT, BALLZ DEEP, and CHAOS are noticeably absent
from the PFFL atmosphere. Nevertheless, it’s time for the midseason report card.
EAGLES- Obviously 0-8 is not an impressive record; however, I have to cut this team some slack as their roster has been in flux all season. In Week 1, the EAGLES from last season did not show up which left All-Star Quarterback Dennis “Shor D” Wolford handcuffed in the passing game. Last week, referee-turned-player Jeremiah Davis was unavailable on Fathers’ Day which put more pressure on a receiving corps that was already thin. Although the Eagles showed up in Week 2, the players were unable to finish this season due to personal reasons. While the Eagles acquired All-Star Wide Receiver Branden Ballard in Week 3, his addition to the roster seems to be too little too late for the BIRDS to salvage their season. D –
BLACK KNIGHTS- All season I have gotten on this team for unraveling under pressure. One of many problems that I see with this squad is that they have not come to a consensus on who is the undisputed leader. Zack Bahr has tried multiple times to keep his team relaxed and loose to no avail. Guy Vines is a passionate player that is high risk/high reward as a defensive back. Unfortunately, he gets discouraged easily and at times his negativity can permeate the entire team’s psyche. One bright spot that the KNIGHTS have going for them is the underrated skills of their running back Leo Cabrera. The runner’s acceleration when he hits the hole is second to none. Cabrera just has to work on having better hands when he plays receiver. Basically, when a team’s only victory comes courtesy of a winless squad, a low grade is inevitable. All-Star Shawn McCallum has also been the KNIGHTS’ best two-way player this season. D –
WRENIS PINKLES- The PINKLES have several talented players on their team. For some strange reason they just can’t seem to translate their talent into wins. Wide Receiver Zack Follidore is having a breakout season with 42 receptions. Also Mike Galet is leading the team in tackles with 23. Despite their two wins, I cannot rank them favorably because the PINKLES only beat the KNIGHTS and the EAGLES (and given their current team records that is nothing to brag about.) D
SMOKE- Similarly to the PINKLES, SMOKE is underachieving despite its talented roster. While quarterback Fred Warrell is completing almost 61 percent of his passes, his seven interceptions are hurting the offense. While the receiving corps has potential no one has established himself as a number one receiver. Darnell Barnes has improved as a deep threat but he still has a way’s to go before he can be trusted in a big game. With four games remaining, we will learn a lot about SMOKE’s chances for
postseason success. C
PRIMETIME- At 3-3 the defending champs look rusty so far. The absence of one of the league’s premier playmakers All-Star Bruce Thornton is forcing the great Jason Scott to change up his play-calling. Also, CJ Baker and Tahir Jackson have been in and out of the lineup. Despite the mediocre record after six games, All-Star rusher Kory Vorum has assured me that he expects his team to win its final four games. C-
WRECKING CREW- Last week I threw the CREW under the bus after they struggled to beat the EAGLES. According to All-Star Joe Jacobs I was way off in my critique of his team because All-Star QB Jeff Bollinger was playing with an injured throwing hand and All-Star DB Brandon Morgan was playing with a foot injury in Week 2. In a season that will give teams on the rise a chance to upset the elite squads, I think that the WRECKING CREW’s 4-3 record is a good omen for their playoff expectations. A victory over MMG and a close loss to VAPOR in which they held their opponent to 14 points lets me know that the CREW is on the right track. B
MMG- Overall I haven’t been impressed with MMG as much as I normally am. All of their wins have come against sub-500 competition. When they play good teams they come up short. Steve “Doodles” Lewis is a quality addition to MMG’s running game; however, I think the loss of Dane Williams to WHITE OUT will hurt their secondary in the postseason. B-
CONQUEST- Although they only have five guys playing every week, I am pleasantly surprised to witness CONQUEST go 6-1 so far this season. Longtime BILLY GOATZ Jordan Fowler and Rick Douglas have a chemistry that is as good as any quarterback-receiver tandem in the league. Perhaps the best free agent acquisition of the season, All-Star LaRoi “Franchise” Johnson appears to be the Rasheed Wallace to CONQUEST’s 2004 Pistons. His 45 receptions and 10 touchdowns lead the league. Elliot Williams is also wreaking havoc against opposing QBs with his eight sacks. In my estimation, this squad is my sleeper pick to win it all this year. A
VAPOR- After losing in the conference championship game last season, VAPOR looks angry and hungry. All-Star Cornell Mack is playing at an MVP level this season extending drives with his legs and hitting his receivers with pinpoint accuracy. Standout WR Bryan Maldonado is performing well on offense and defense. One of my favorite BM moments was during a game against SMOKE when he broke up a pass by Fred Warrell and screamed “I KNOW THE PLAYS!!” Now that Aaron “AB” Brown and Shane Porter
are officially on the roster I have a hard time seeing anyone beating them in the playoffs. VAPOR’s only blemish is their loss to WHITE OUT. A-
WHITE OUT- All-time great Lance Brunsell is man amongst boys at times when he’s throwing against defenders. He has completed 72 percent of his passes for 20 TDs and just three picks. No signal-caller has been more effective than this guy. Brunsell’s fellow ex-VULTUREZ teammates All-Stars Jason Bialek and Ryan Lancia give the QB a familiar set of receivers. Also, ex-MMG player Dane Williams is playing lights out on defense. One of the best stories to come out of the WHITE OUT camp is the emergence of
Jeremy Molinaro. This receiver attributes his tremendous closing speed to his days as an outfielder in baseball. Being tied for first place with VAPOR is definitely an accomplishment to behold. A
