EXTRA! EXTRA!

The PFFL is pleased to announce the Spring 2016 IRON Conference All-Star team! While no one should be surprised to see that five VAPOR led the conference in All-Star selections with five players, there are a few underdogs whose breakout seasons earned them trips to the All-Star game. Without further ado, here are your IRON All-Stars!

QB: Cornell Mack, VAPOR

This season Cornell Mack added to his legendary career with the PFFL by having one of the best seasons in history. He completed 75 percent of his passes for 42 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Mack’s elusivity was a problem for opposing rushers all year as he was only sacked just twice.

RUSHER: Elliot Williams, VAPOR

When Elliot Williams was a member of the now-defunct STALLIONS team, he was pass-rushing force of nature. Unfortunately, his efforts were negated by the lack of postseason success that his team experienced. Now that Williams is on VAPOR his defensive pressure has contributed to several wins for his new team. Although he only registered seven sacks this season, Williams’s pressure on QBs forced them to throw several interceptions to VAPOR’s secondary.

WIDE RECEIVER: Josh Vermeulen, VAPOR

Josh followed up his MVP performance at the Fall 2015 Championship game with another impressive season. The quiet receiver caught 38 passes and a league-high 16 TDs. HIs familiarity with Mack will make the first team very formidable against the second team.

WIDE RECEIVER: Kenny Ashmore, ZIP ‘EM UP

In just eight games one of the league’s all-time great wideouts put on a show this year. Ashmore established a rapport with Jeff Bollinger that resulted in him leading all receivers in catches with 43. He also caught 12 TDs.

DEFENSIVE BACK: Steve Killius, BLUNT FORCE

I think that I have earned the right to say, “I told you so,” after I astutely predicted that Steve Killius would make the All-Star team this season. The previously underrated DB led the conference in tackles with 53. When he wasn’t pulling flags, Killius was picking off opposing QBs (for a total of four interceptions on the season).

DEFENSIVE BACK: Josh Linton, PUCK U

Josh Linton is one of the smoothest defensive backs playing our league. He is like the PFFL version of Bradley Cooper in “Silver Linings Playbook” (spectacular movie by the way). This season Linton amassed 33 tackles, six interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. Simply put, Linton can dance with any receiver in the game.

IRONMAN: Jeremy Molinaro, BLUNT FORCE

After All-Star Quarterback Steve Chockla went down with a season-ending injury BLUNT FORCE was in need of emergency leadership from one of the remaining players on the roster. Not only did Molinaro assert himself as the leader of his team, he also produced one of his most stellar seasons of his career with the PFFL. This season the multitalented athlete hauled in 27 receptions and 13 touchdowns on offense. On defense Molinaro snagged 26 tackles and four picks.

IRONMAN: Eric Jones, DARKWINGS

Even though Eric Jones has made the All-Star team before, this selection carries a higher significance. Previously Jones made the team as a rusher. For a long time Jones’s pass-rushing skills have overshadowed his ability as an IRONMAN-caliber player. This season the dynamic player shined on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Jones led his team 31 catches and eight TDs. On defense, he delivered 18 tackles, 11 sacks, and two interceptions.

QUARTERBACK: Adam Zyski, PUCK U

Adam Zyski is a player that Bollinger once called the most underrated passer in the league. His ability to make plays using his arm and his legs. He completed 76.7 percent of his passes for 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. Also, Zyski’s mobility allowed him to be sacked one time all season.

RUSHER: Michael Daverio, WRENIS PINCKLES

Mike is one the most consistent pass-rushers in our league. He is able to used his speed and agility to force quarterbacks into making awkward throws that usually get intercepted by one of his teammates. This season Mike led the PINCKLES with 24 tackles and four sacks.

WIDE RECEIVER: Marrio Poston, VAPOR

Marrio Poston is one of the most electrifying playmakers in the league. His ability to accelerate once he has the ball in his hands is a sight to behold. After a brief hiatus from the league, Marrio returned with a vengeance, catching 23 passes and 10 TDs.

WIDE RECEIVER: Jakob Martin, MEAN MACHINE

Although MEAN MACHINE didn’t win many games, Jakob Martin was a bright spot for the team. The big possession receiver made a name for himself this season as he caught 31 receptions and 11 TDs. Zyski will be looking for Martin repeatedly during the All-Star game.

DEFENSIVE BACK: James Fletcher, BLUNT FORCE

James Fletcher quietly put together one of the most impressive defensive seasons that we have seen in recent history. The unsung hero of BLUNT FORCE’s defense registered 41 tackles, one sack, and three interceptions.

DEFENSIVE BACK: Ryan Lancia, YGFT

Ryan Lancia is known for being  a prolific pass-rusher. His 12 sacks this season support that claim. What fans might not know about Lancia is that he is also a talented defensive back. This season, the DB collected 18 tackles as well.

IRONMAN: Ryan Church, PUCK U

Ryan Church has emerged this season as one of the best two-way players in the league. This season he put up 41 receptions and six touchdowns on offense and 23 tackles and two interceptions on defense. His height will play a major role for the second team.

IRONMAN: Bryan Maldonado, VAPOR

Like his teammate Marrio, Bryan returned to the PFFL from a brief hiatus this season. Initially rust was a factor in Maldonado’s production...for about two possessions. This season the veteran wideout has been VAPOR’s MVP. Offensively, Maldonado bounced back nicely with 30 receptions and six touchdowns. On defense, he showed off his cornerback skills by grabbing 23 tackles and two picks.

Players who were voted on to the All-Star teams must RSVP via email to marla@pghflagfootball.com by Wednesday May 4th 6:00pm. Players who do not RSVP will be replaced by honorable mention candidates for each position. The Adult League All-Star game will Sunday morning with an exact time and further details to be announced on Wednesday.