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The Stags Are Back!

Detroit Free Press The Stags Are Back! The Michigan Stags of the Spring Football League (SFL) have folded, had all its players drafted off in a dispersal draft, to re-launching with a new owner in about a three month span. In a surprising move the SFL has added two expansion franchises just four months before kickoff. The typical policy on expansion in the SFL is that there is a cutoff date, usually June 1st of the previous year for a team to make a bid for expansion. However circumstances within the league may have led to the late admission and quick approval for a return of the Stags. Joining the Stags will be the SFL’s first attempt at a developmental team to provide players the opportunity to continue their football careers and alleviate scheduling difficulties that comes with having 13 teams. The new Stags owner, Dan Lopez, who previously owned the Philadelphia Bulldogs from 2013 through halfway into the 2014 season before pursuing another venture, returns not only to re-launch the Stags but also take on the role of Lieutenant Commissioner. SFL insiders indicate that he will begin helping the current commissioner with the management and running of the league with the possibility of him taking an even more prominent role in the future. Although his previous run in the league was short and ended abruptly those involved in the process feel confident that his stay in the league will be much more permanent. The announcement of the Stags return came in a two-part event: a press conference exclusive to media members followed by a re-launch party at Ford Field that was open to fans and media. In attendance at the press conference was the Stags new coach head coach Chris Jones coming off a terrific season with the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL. Coach Jones will be installing and calling the defense leaving only the offensive coordinator spot needing to be filled which is expected to come before the end of the year. During the re-launch party the Stags allowed attendees the opportunity to meet players, coaches, purchase season tickets, and pick up new merchandise as the Stags will be forgoing the maroon of previous years and using a new dark green and gold color scheme. On hand there were twenty six players for fans to talk with, take pictures with, and of course get autographs. The Stags wasted no time assembling a team and quickly signed 26 players shortly after the expansion was approved. The two most recognizable names for Detroit football fans were cornerback Chris Houston and running back Mikel Leshoure, both former Detroit Lions who were cut this year. Speaking with head coach Chris Jones, a defensive stalwart of the CFL, about the quick signing of players he said, “We knew that coming into the fold this late we could not waste time in putting together a competitive team. The guys here today were high priority targets that our entire organization was ready to go after. We had anyone with a position in the organization help in making sure we were able to get in contact with these players and their agents: secretaries, equipment managers, etc. were ready to text, email, fax as soon as we had the green light from the league to start signing players. Without a rookie draft, free agency already going on in the league, and the season just a few months away we did not want waste any time and miss on players we believe can make us a competitive team right away. Being an expansion franchise is not a good enough excuse for poor performance on the field.” The Michigan Stags roster as of this press release:

Michigan Stags Roster QB Adrian McPherson QB Brock Jensen RB John White RB Mikel Leshoure WR Bakari Grant WR LaVon Brazill WR Marcus Henry OT Winston Justice OG Jon Halapio C/G Antoine Caldwell C Jon Gott DE Earl Okine DE/OLB Eric Norwood DE/OLB Greg Romeus DT Bryant Turner Jr. DT Eddie Steele DT Kyle Love LB Ian Wild LB Korey Williams LB Moise Fokou CB Chris Houston CB Jordan Love CB Josh Johnson CB Varmah Sonie S Shiloh Keo S Virgil Gray

Atlanta's slide continues

The hits keep coming and the Firebirds keep sliding. Atlanta lost another of what many thought was a very winnable game, 20-12 to Colorado. The loss drops Atlanta to 3-6 on the year. Recent weeks had brought new excuses that perhaps so many games on the road were to blame for the slide. Well, a return home didn't help. "I'm at a loss. What can I say? Right now we stink," said coach Rob Ryan. "We're an embarrassment to this city right now. But I promise you, we're going to keep plugging until we figure this out." An interesting story developed on both sides of the ball this week as well. Offensively there has been making a switch at quarterback and trying Dominique Davis over Jimmy Clausen. "I'll be the first to tell you, Jimmy has not been the problem. He's been real good," said Ryan. "At this point, we're just looking for a new spark. We invested a lot in Dom and we want to see if he's got what it takes." Defensively, Alex Hall must have heard the chatter loud and clear. Media talk swirled last week about his disappointing sackless campaign after a preseason filled with hype. Management echoed those sentiments, saying reevaluating where he stood in their contract extension priorities. All Hall did was go out and torment Colorado with four sacks. It will be interesting to see which Hall shows up down the stretch and if any bad blood might be lingering when it's time to talk money. "Alex is a guy we need to step up real bad," Ryan said. "He knows it. Everybody knows it. If we had more guys stepping up, we wouldn't have this garbage 3-6 record. Step up and you'll get paid. It's simple as that." Clausen was underwhelming against Colorado, completing 18 of 35 passes for 185 yards with one score and one interception. Jonathan Dwyer was even more disappointing, totaling just 39 yards on 12 carries. Mohamed Massaquoi continued his strong season with four catches for 55 yards and the team's lone touchdown. Atlanta will try to turn the momentum this week when they hit the road again to play a 5-4 San Antonio Marshalls squad.

#alexhall

Six-Shooters introduce 2014 Territorial Draft Class

It may only be week ten in the SFL, but the Dallas Six-Shooters got the offseason underway by making their selections for the 2014 Territorial Draft official. The team selected cornerback Kenneth Acker (SMU), tackle James Dunbar (TCU), and quarterback Casey Pachall (TCU). The three player class marked the first time since 2011 the franchise chose fewer than the four maximum number of prospects allowed. Pachall becomes the first quarterback selected by Dallas since Texas Christian's Tye Gunn in 2006.

CB Kenneth Acker, SMU

A three year-starter who recorded seven interceptions during his career. Acker has shown some impressive play making, recording 29 deflections during his junior and senior year and earning second team all-conference honors. Acker fits Dallas' biggest need at corner and comes at an affordable price after being drafted in the 6th round of the NFL's college draft. The biggest question mark regarding the former Mustang will be his play in press coverage. Acker was not challenged by many elite receivers throughout his career and gave up eight receptions for 180 yards to Texas A&M's Mike Evans in two career match-ups.

T James Dunbar, TCU

Dunbar started 12 games for the Hornfrogs in 2013 - seven at tackle and five at guard. He also offers some added versatility in the fact he began his career as a defensive tackle - reminding some within the organization of long time veteran Patrick Kabongo. Dunbar will be a real long shot to make the team but after going undrafted in the NFL, is a low-risk selection that could put up a fight for a roster spot.

QB Casey Pachall, TCU

Pachall was considered one of the more interesting pro prospects at the quarterback position after an impressive sophomore campaign in which he led the Hornfrogs to an 11-2 finish. He became his junior season fire but would only play in four games after being arrested for DWI and checking into a rehab facility. The quarterback failed to impress after returning to the lineup for his senior year, throwing only six touchdowns to ten interceptions and leading the team to a 2-5 record. Pachall does not fit Dallas' offensive scheme but is an interesting developmental option who could catch on as the third string quarterback with a low price tag. The Six-Shooters elected not to select Southern Methodist quarterback Tyler Gilbert, although the former Longhorn completed 87 out of 88 in his pro day performance. Dallas officials cited Gilbert's salary demands as a NFL 6th round pick as well as their commitment to Tim Tebow as the franchise's long term option at quarterback. Former Dallas territorial draft selections include former All-Pro players such as linebacker LaMarcus McDonald, cornerback Jason Goss, tight end Matt School, Seattle Seahawk Michael Bennett and NFL Pro Bowlers Dante Hall and LaDainian Tomlinson.

#pachall

SFL Weekly - May 18th, 2014

SFL WEEK TEN POWER RANKINGS 1. Minnesota Freeze(8-1) Last Week: 1 - McCown's legendary season continues with a record breaking seven touchdown performance as the Freeze smash Miami 56-3. 2. Orlando Rockets(8-1) Last Week: 2 - Riley Cooper continues to pull through for Orlando in the clutch with a 20-yard game winning touchdown reception with 27 seconds left to play in the Spacemen's 31-28 win over Michigan. 3. Philadelphia Bulldogs(7-2) Last Week: 3 - Harrison Brown celebrates his debut as owner with a win. The Bulldogs put up 42 points as Philly has their most complete offensive performance of the year. 4. Columbus Explorers(6-3) Last Week: 4 – The Explorers overcome a 17-0 fourth quarter deficit in overtime thanks to the play of their underdog performers - Nate Kmic and Trent Steelman. 5. Seattle Orcas(6-3) Last Week: 7 – Jim Zorn and his offensive minds throw in some adjustments to offense and it pays off dividends with Troy Smith having his best game in over a month. Terrell Owens continues to be the ageless wonder while the ground game picked up 167 yards and two scores in the win. 6. Michigan Stags(5-4) Last Week: 5 - Two heartbreaking losses in consecutive weeks. At this point, it's difficult to see Michigan gaining ground on either Columbus or Philadelphia and sneaking into the playoffs. 7. Nashville Renegades(5-4) Last Week: 10 - A couple of last minute victories in back-to-back weeks and suddenly this team is back in the thick of things. Even John Skelton can look good when he has Denarius Moore making six receptions for 191 yards and a pair of scores. 8. San Antonio Marshalls(5-4) Last Week: 6 – Poor clock management by the Marshalls' offense kept them from making a serious game winning touchdown drive in a five point loss to Nashville. The defense hasn't been making many plays this year and was shredded by John Skelton for 357 yards. 9. Dallas Six-Shooters(5-4) Last Week: 9 - A tough fought win over Portland. The Six-Shooters seem to have a different star in every victory, this week it was Chevon Walker with 111 yards from scrimmage a pair of touchdowns. 10. New Orleans Nightmare(4-5) Last Week: 8 – The past four weeks has been a complete disaster for the Nightmare offense - which started out about as hot as you could get. Expect Ryan Lindley or Nick Davila to get called into the starting lineup sooner than later in a last ditch attempt to salvage the season. 11. Colorado Scramblers(3-6) Last Week: 13 - This has to be the toughest team of overachievers in league history. Seriously, 3-6 is a major accomplishment for a team with 43 active players on roster. 12. Atlanta Firebirds(3-6) Last Week: 11 - Major let down by the Firebirds. Falling to a couple of the weakest teams in the league in consecutive weeks does not bode well for head coach Rob Ryan. 13. New York Marauders(3-6) Last Week: 12 - The Horde blow a 17-0 fourth quarter lead in overtime that could have put them in the playoff race. Kick Lawrence Hunter had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation with a 41-yard field goal, but it sailed right. 14. Portland Rogues(2-7) Last Week: 14 - A near win for Portland. Their new style of offense does look to give them more opportunities to be competitive down the stretch. 15. Chicago Crusaders(1-8) Last Week: 16 - They didn't get the win but a 31-point performance vs. the league's no. 1 defense and 66 points in the last two weeks has us thinking this team might score a couple of upsets as the season winds down. 16. Miami Sharks(1-8) Last Week: 15 - The Sharks allowed an opposing quarterback to break the SFL record for passing touchdowns in a game in consecutive weeks. The run game, which was projected to be one of the best in the league, continues to flounder. Many are left wondering - "has this team already packed it in?" AWARDS OPW: Josh McCown, Freeze - 28/38 for 370 yards and seven touchdowns, 25 yards rushing DPW: Alex Hall, Firebirds - Eight tackles, four sacks LEADERS Passing Yards 1. Josh McCown 2626 2. Ricky Ray 2394 3. Vince Young 2161 4. Matt Moore 2126 5. Case Keenum 2123 Passing TDs 1. Josh McCown 31 2. Ricky Ray 17 3. Graham Harrell 16 4. Kirk Cousins 15 5a. Kellen Moore 13 5b. John Skelton 13 Rushing Yards 1. Michael Turner 1066 2. Jamaal Charles 883 3. LeGarrette Blount 877 4. Chris Ivory 820 5. Beanie Wells 708 Rushing TDs 1. Alfred Morrs 12 2. LeGarrette Blount 10 3a. Jamaal Charles 8 3b. Michael Turner 8 5a. Chris Ivory 7 5b. Brandon Bolden 7 Receptions 1. Jacquizz Rodgers 72 2. Andre Ellington 65 3. Austin Collie 61 4. Rod Streater 56 5. Jon Cornish 53 Receiving Yards 1. Denarius Moore 802 2. Terrell Owens 785 3. Rod Streater 774 4. Fred Stamps 734 5. Riley Cooper 724 Receiving TDs 1a. Tony Scheffler 9 1b. Rod Streater 9 3. Denarius Moore 8 4a. Mohammad Massaquoi 7 4b. Randy Moss 7 Big Hole Blocks 1. Andrew Whitworth 21 2. Brandon Keith 17 3. Jeremy Bridges 16 4a. J'Marcus Webb 15 4b. Eric Winston 15 Tackles 1. Nick Barnett 82 2. Danny Travathan 76 3. Quincy Butler 64 4. AJ Jefferson 62 5. Jamar Chaney 61 Sacks 1. Anwan Barnes 10 2. Jon Fanene 8 3a. Brandon Deaderick 7 3b. Mark Anderson 7 5. several players tied with 6 INTs 1. Justin King 6 2a. Jason McCourty 4 2b. Quentin Demps 4 4. several players tied with three PUNT RETURN FOR TD 1. Trindon Holliday 3 2. Marc Mariani 2 3a. Louis Mario 1 3b. Julien Edelman 1 KICK RETURN FOR TD 1a. Julien Edelman 1 1b. Antonio Brown 1 1c. Danny Amendola 1 1d. Jamaal Charles 1 SFL Short-Shorts After a short week, the SFL has found a new owner for the Philadelphia Bulldogs in Harrison Brown, the new owner quickly made his presence known by firing a number of the current coaches currently on staff and hiring several of his own hand chosen picks including Doug Plank (defensive coordinator) and Kevin O'Hanlon (offensive coordinatr)........the Bulldogs also announced a relocation of their training camp facilities from South Carolina to nearby Leigh Valley, PA..........the league's trade deadline came and went without any major transactions occurring.................after week nine, three of the league's top three leaders in receptions are running backs.........Josh McCown set the SFL record with seven touchdown passes in a game, eclipsing Graham Harrell's record, set a week ago (also against Miami)............despite guarantees by Chicago management last month, it appears the Crusader franchise will not be returning for the 2015 season..........the San Antonio Marshalls have also yet to confirm their return for 2015......the New Orleans Nightmare confirmed their return for 2015, they are the 11th franchise to do do so with only two weeks until the fiscal deadline.........SFL veteran and current Dallas Six-Shooter offensive lineman Patrick Kabongo declared his intention to retire at the end of the 2014 season, Kabongo was a former Iron Man Award winner...........the Portland Rogues signed tight end and former NFL first round pick Dustin Keller and NFL veteran linebacker Pat Angerer this week.......the Columbus Explorers added NFL, SFL and CFL veteran receiver and returner Brandon Banks........the Bulldogs cut ways with SFL veterans Kevin Smith and Phillip Hunt in order to sign AFL veterans Tiger Jones and Teddy Jennings........the San Antonio Marshalls signed the AFL's leading receiver in Marco Thomas........the Marauders signed a pair of defensive ends in former NFL first round pick Lawrence Jackson and SFL, NFL and CFL veteran John Chick. Top Free Agents 1. HB Felix Jones 2. HB Cedric Benson 3. DT Terrance Taylor 4. QB Matt Leinart 5. C Jason Spitz 6. QB Brady Quinn 7. OT Tony Washington 8. S Virgil Gray 9. QB Mike Reilly 10. OL Justin Wells 11. S Diamond Ferri 12. DE Derrick Summers 13. WR Greg Carr 14. DE James Ruffin 15. QB Kevin Glenn 16. WR Michael Lindsay 17. S Chris Smith (Northern Illinois) 18. S Marrio Norman 19. DE Mike Alston 20. QB Bernard Morris 21. QB JaMarcus Russell 22. WR Sammie Stroughter 23. QB Drew Tate 24. CB Kelvin Rodgers 25. DT Richard Clebert 26. OL Dominic Alford 27. G-C Jon Gott 28. QB Drew Willy 29. S Otha Foster 30. WR London Crawford 31. DL Terrance Carter 32. DE Jake Killeen 33. G Matt O'Donnell 34. WR Raymond Radway 35. QB Aaron Garcia 36. DB Bryce Peila 37. K Sean Whyte 38. K-P Grant Shaw 39. P Swayze Waters 40. DL Trevor Guyton Mel Kiper Jr.'s 2014 SFL Mock Draft 1. New York Marauders select DE Chris Smith, Arkansas. - The Horde are really a piece or two away from being a championship contender. That piece belongs somewhere in the trenches. This isn't a great year to go looking for a 4-3 defensive end, but Chris Smith might be their best bet. The franchise could also look at trading down. 3. Atlanta Firebirds select QB AJ McCarron, Alabama. - Sure, Jimmy Clausen hasn't played terrible, they already have a young guy in Dominque Davis, and they will probably take Aaron Murray in the territorial draft. However, passing up McCarron at this spot might be too tough for Chris Dunn, who once made a similar move in the 2002 draft. 4. New Orleans Nightmare select QB Tom Savage, Pittsburgh. - The way Vince Young has struggled in recent weeks, there is a good chance the Nightmare may look to the draft for their next face of the franchise. 5. Dallas Six-Shooters select CB Keith McGill, Utah. - He isn't a Husker but the Six-Shooters in desperate need of help at their cornerback position. They lack depth, talent and youth. 6. Nashville Renegades select OT Dakota Dozier, Furman - Has great versatility along the offensive line - something the Gades desperately need. Dozier could help this team at tackle, guard or center. 7. San Antonio Marshalls select WR Shaq Evans, UCLA. Despite needing help at offensive and defensive line, the Marshalls could really help out Graham Harrell by adding another weapon to the mix. 8. Seattle Orcas select LB Telvin Smith, Florida St. - It's a big IF, but if the Rockets pass on Smith the Orcas would be wise to bolster their linebacker corps with a dynamic young player who has the potential to become a All-Pro for over a decade. 9. Columbus Explorers select HB Andre Williams, Boston College. - Whether or not to let Michael Turner walk will be a tough decision this offseason. Either way, the Explorers are in desperate need of a young runner to the replace Turner upon his impending retirement. Williams is a similar player to Turner and could step up and produce immediately. 10. Philadelphia Bulldogs select WR Bruce Ellington, South Carolina. Matt Moore seems to have finally found a reliable target in rookie Kenbrell Thompkins but this shouldn't stop Philly from looking for another legit starter to step onto the field on the other side. Playoff Picture EAST Columbus Explorers (4) at Orlando Rockets (1) Philadelphia Bulldogs (3) at Minnesota Freeze (2) WEST Dallas Six-Shooters (4) at Seattle Orcas (1) San Antonio Marshalls (3) at Nashville Renegades (2) Week Nine Spreads MIA (+7) @ CHI - The Sharks have allowed a SFL record 13 passing touchdowns in the last two weeks. The Crusaders have had 716 yards passing and seven touchdowns in the same time frame. This could get ugly. ORL @ CBS (+3) - Don't be surprised if the Explorers walk away with the upset at the Horseshoe. The key to victory will be trying to find a way to stop rookie Andre Ellington, who currently leads the league with 65 receptions. PHI @ MIC (+2) - Alfred Morris actually looked a bit like himself last week. Running over Michigan's old, immobile front three might allow him to regain form in week ten. NY (+11) @ MIN - The Horde are a terrific team on paper, but the Freeze look like a unstoppable force right now. COL (+6) @ DAL - Despite the 5-4 record, Dallas better watch out. This Scrambler team is the exact type that could give them trouble. ATL (+7) @ SA - The Marshalls look to re-gain form after a tough week nine loss. The Firebirds may not have much left after a couple of embarrassing losses to Colorado and Chicago. NO @ POR (+3) - We could see Ryan Lindley or Nick Davila's first start of the year in-front of a lowly Portland crowd. The Nightmare really need a spark if they want any hope of getting into the playoffs. NAS (+4) @ SEA - Troy Smith had a bounce back week this past weekend but will have to square off against one of the best defenses in the league and a red hot Renegade offense that has helped the team win two in a row.

Atlanta outgunned in shootout

#atl

SFL Weekly - May 12th, 2014

SFL thinking about LA

Asked about the commissioner's statement, the SFL's only committed west coast owner, Seattle's Chuck McBrearty also chimed in, "Good. We need a true west coast division rival and we're tired of three hour plus flights for every single road game. This past week it was a twelve hour round trip to Orlando just to get our asses handed to us, said McBearty. "Jim had to give everybody Monday off, that's not something you do after such an embarrassment but even I had jet lag. Anyway, I'll believe it when i see it. After that train wreck in Portland gets put out of its misery that'll make a full half dozen teams out west that have folded since I've been around. The Orcas ARE the Western Conference."

#socal

Atlanta falls to Orlando

SFL Inside the Huddle - May 5th, 2014

#freeze #patricktanis #joshmccown

SFL Weekly - May 4th, 2014

SFL WEEK EIGHT POWER RANKINGS

1. Minnesota Freeze(6-1) Last Week: 1 - Josh McCown is on pace to perhaps shatter some records this year. Can Patrick Tanis become the first owner to capture three Trey Harrington trophies?

2. Orlando Rockets(6-1) Last Week: 2 - This week it was the Rocket ground game finally coming through for Orlando with Andre Ellington and Kory Sheets combining for 116 yards in a win over Atlanta.

3. Philadelphia Bulldogs(5-2) Last Week: 4 - The Bulldogs continue to nibble on the heels of Orlando and Minnesota but they have to be concerned about Alfred Morris. A league leading seven touchdowns but he's averaging under three yards per carry.

4. Michigan Stags(5-2) Last Week: 5 - 376 yards of total offense while holding Graham Harrell to under 100 yards passing. Dom Caper's exotic 3-4 continues to impress with less than ideal talent and depth.

5. Seattle Orcas(5-2) Last Week: 6 – Beanie Wells goes over the century mark and continues to surprise many across the league. However, management continues to ponder whether or not to pull the plug with Troy Smith.

6. New Orleans Nightmare(4-3) Last Week: 3 – The Nightmare offense was straight up owned by the Marauder defense - allowing three turnovers and converting only a third of their third down conversions.

7. San Antonio Marshalls(4-3) Last Week: 7 – Graham Harrell and the Marshall passing game has really lacked muster in recent weeks.

8. Columbus Explorers(4-3) Last Week: 8 – The Explorers steamrolled Portland as Kellen Moore passed for a career high 358 yards.

9. Dallas Six-Shooters(4-3) Last Week: 9 - That's three and a row for Dallas. Tim Tebow continues to play his type of football while Dallas continues to rack up yardage on the ground with the last man standing approach.

10. Atlanta Firebirds(3-4) Last Week: 10 - Jon Dwyer and Jimmy Clausen go down for the count in the team's loss to Orlando. Dom Davis played admirabley in a game that was closer than the final score made it look.

11. New York Marauders(3-4) Last Week: 12 - Say hello the Horde defense that picked off Vince Young three times, including a 51-yard return by Tanard Jackson to the house.

12. Nashville Renegades(3-4) Last Week: 11 - Three losses in a row for a Nashville team that can't seem to find up from down.

13. Colorado Scramblers(2-5) Last Week: 13 - Let's be honest. Playing the Freeze to a 28-14 loss could be called a moral victory in Denver.

14. Portland Rogues(1-6) Last Week: 14 - Portland is a fairly talented team that just can't seem to find its identity.

15. Miami Sharks(1-6) Last Week: 15 - The Sharks fell nine yard short of upsetting Dallas at Lockhart Stadium. Miami's ground game continues to fail to live up to expectations.

Mel Kiper Jr.'s 2014 SFL Mock Draft 1. Chicago Crusaders select QB Tom Savage, Pittsburgh. - If Savage falls to the SFL, he's the consensus first overall pick. He's the exact type of player Chicago would need to begin rebuilding this once prominent franchise. 2. New York Marauders select DT Dominique Easley, Florida. - The Horde look like a great team on most fronts but could use a really boost in the trenches. Easley looks to fall in the NFL draft due to his knee injuries. The real question is whether or not Orlando will pass on him during the territorial draft due to other pressing needs. 3. Atlanta Firebirds select CB Antone Exum, Virginia Tech. - The lesser half of the Hokie's outstanding corner duo. Exum is another player the league look's to benefit off of due to injury. The Firebirds could use an exciting young player like this to add to what is already an outstanding defense in their front seven. 4. Nashville Renegades select OT Billy Turner, North Dakota St. - The Gades could lose the strong part of their team this offseason (their pass rush) but can't overlook their poor offensive line. Their badly in need of help at offensive tackle should look to a diamond in the rough like Turner, a small school project who shined against elite opposition. 5. Dallas Six-Shooters select QB Taylor Martinez, Nebraska. - The Six-Shooters love Huskers. While the team already has Tebow it's tough to see them passing up on a someone perfectly suited for Scott Frost's offense. 6. Columbus Explorers select HB Tyler Gaffney, Stanford - Whether or not to let Michael Turner walk will be a tough decision this offseason. Either way, the Explorers are in desperate need of a young runner to the replace Turner opon his impending retirement. 7. Philadelphia Bulldogs select WR Jarred Abbrederis, Wisconsin. - The Bulldogs have struggle to find a week-in-week out consistent wide receiver since they traded away Antonio Bryant. This is a strong year for receiver where Philly could go in multiple directions. Abbrederis fits the mold for a go-to SFL receiver.

#sfl #sflweekly #justinking

Just testing if this works

For sho.

Atlanta tops Portland in OT

It took free football, but the Atlanta Firebirds got what they came for in a road win over the Portland Rogues 20-14. Four quarters wasn't enough to decide a winner. Thankfully the Firebirds have a big black Jonathan Dwyer to grind out the key yards. Dwyer heated up in overtime and capped off the game with the winning 28 yard touchdown. "Jon is a helluva back," said Atlanta coach Rob Ryan. "You could tell those defenders didn't want him bearing down on them by the end of the game. I think I saw a corner wet himself." Dwyer piled up 58 of his 79 yards in overtime, along with his one score. Jimmy Clausen was sharp again under center, completing 20 of 28 passes for two scores and no turnovers. Austin Collie (44 yards), Chad Owens (39 yards), and Chase Coffman (43 yards) each hauled in four passes. Mohamed Massaquoi only caught two balls, but he made them both count in a big way. One went for a 22 yard score and the other for a 12 yard touchdown. After a scoreless first quarter, Portland go on the board with a 14 yard pass from Case Keenum to CJ Gable. Clausen and Massaquoi's 22 yard hookup would make it a 7-7 game heading into the half. The second score would make it 14-7 midway through the third. Portland answered with another Keenum-Gable connection with four minutes left in regulation. Alex Hall led the defense with 10 tackles and two forced fumbles. Joe Burnett tallied eight tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Winston Guy notched two sacks with Everson Griffen getting one of his own. Atlanta has another tough test this week as they travel to play the 5-1 Orlando Rockets.

#sfl #firebirds #ericwinston

Insider: Seattle's Sad History of Drafting Quarterbacks

The Orcas struck gold when they pulled Hall of Famer Dave Dickenson out of the CFL, having the franchise QB position locked down for eight solid seasons. Since he was inexplicably allowed to walk in 2008, six different men have started multiple games for the team but none of them have stuck. You would think winning league MVP and the Grand Finale would have been enough for Josh McCown but that's a story for another day. Over the years the Orcas have drafted four QBs in the first and second rounds, three in the later rounds and three as territorial selections. There is still time for the three youngsters currently on the roster behind Troy Smith but other than 2002 1st Rounder Bart Hendricks, none of them ever managed to make a meaningful contribution. A few could be argued as victims of shoddy ownership but for the most part, they were all just absolutely terrible picks.

Bart Hendricks, 2002 1st Round, 22nd Overall One has to wonder why the Orcas wanted to grab a QB in the first round during the peak of Dickenson's career but regardless, he has been the only one to even come close to having a career in the SFL, albeit mostly with other teams. Hendricks spent three seasons in two stints as Dickenson's main backup and three more as a sometimes starter in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Outside of the S, he tried his hand briefly in NFL Europe and the CFL with little fanfare. He failed as a 1st rounder but did develop into the prototypical game-manager backup, not a guy to lead you to the promised land but one you can still count on to hold down the fort for a game or two. SFL Career: 269/479 3649 yds 25 TD 20 INT

Paul Pinegar, 2006 1st Round, 16th Overall There was a bit of buzz around Pinegar heading into the later rounds of the NFL Draft but nothing ever materialized. Instead he went in the SFL's first round but nothing ever really materialized from that either. Pinegar spent just two seasons as a backup and only one with the Orcas. Since then, this dude's been a ghost. SFL Career: 18/41 269 yds 2 TD 1 INT

[B]John David Booty, 2008 1st Round, 9th Overall[/B] Is the third time a charm? Not so much. Booty never played as an Orca but did return some years later for a two year stint with San Antonio. Other than that, he bounced around various NFL practice squads before fading into obscurity. SFL Career: 6/10 40 yds 0 TD 1 INT

Isaiah Stanback, 2008 Territorial Pick As a local favorite out of Washington, Stanback was given more of a chance than anyone else in this parade of missed opportunities and mediocrity. He spent a full three seasons as the team's primary backup before becoming a cap casualty When Casey Printers was brought in with his infamously overpriced deal. Outside of the SFL he bounced around as a scrub WR/TE for various NFL teams. SFL Career: 32/77 440 yds 3 TD 3 INT

Nate Davis, 2009 5th Round, 65th Overall Davis actually had some potential but became one of many victims of a disastrous ownership group. He made one very brief appearance as a rookie before being thrown in the trash heap without a thought by a general manager who notoriously placed little value on draft picks. After that he spent two seasons holding a clipboard in the NFL and had a short unremarkable season in the AFL before finally finding a home in the various other indoor leagues. He is still quite young and his release remains near the top of owner Chuck McBrearty's list of appalling boneheaded moves made by his predecessors. "I looked at who had been on this team before I got here, the old transactions reports and it was things like this that just disgusted me. This is why I bring in so many young QBs year after year, you never know what you had until it's gone." SFL Career: 1/3 11 yds 0 TD 0 INT

Matt Nichols, 2010 Territorial Pick "I'm not one to name names but I swear they hated rookies back then. I never got a chance to develop anybody and it's a shame because that is kind of my specialty," stated long-time Head Coach Jim Zorn. With Josh McCown, Casey Printers and Adrian McPherson all making big bucks, Matt Nichols hardly even got a look. Cut in training camp, he tried to catch on in the CFL spending two years on the practice squad with Edmonton before finally seeing some decent playing time in 2012 only to have his career derailed by a series of leg injuries. SFL Career: nada

Chandler Harnish, 2012 2nd Round, 32nd Overall The team was determined to take a QB high in 2012 and Harnish was simply the best guy available when the Orcas' first pick finally hit the clock. That's not to say they weren't high on the kid but in two years he has not been able to rise above third string and has yet to see any playing time. Some speculate that his relatively high draft status is the only reason he made the team again this year but the truth is that Jim Zorn and Chuck McBrearty still believe in his potential. Should Troy Smith go down with an injury again, it's still expected that Harnish will get the start despite his third string status. Rumor has it that Harnish may have been activated for the very first time this week though he has not officially moved up the depth chart. It could be smoke and mirrors or it could be that he finally makes his debut late in the game this week if Chicago continues to be downright atrocious.

Case Keenum, 2012 6th Round, 97th Overall At the time Keenum was thought to be a luxury pick. "We had some extra picks in the later rounds and when we looked at our board, we just couldn't believe Keenum was still there," says Zorn. He had a phenomenal camp but didn't show a whole heck of a lot in preseason and when final cuts came do he was reluctantly traded to Portland. This year of course Keenum had an explosive camp and rocketed his way into a starting job. "At least we got our pick back," says owner Chuck McBrearty while shaking his head in disgust.

Jeff Tuel, 2013 Territorial Pick The Orcas have been really high on Tuel from the moment they saw him at their annual territorial draft workouts. His biggest advantage is probably his age; at just twenty-two he is one of the youngest players on the team. "He's a little raw but we feel like he will have plenty of time to develop his skills. We're going to be patient with him," says new offensive coordinator Sherman Smith. Tuel currently occupies the unheard of 4th string position.

Ryan Griffin, 2013 7th Round, 104th Overall While he is far from the more mobile QBs the Orcas prefer, there was something in Griffin's pure pocket-passer style that reminded them of Mark Grieb last season. "The pocket guys change our whole offensive dynamic but that's not necessarily a bad thing," says Zorn. As a luxury pick in the seventh round, the Orcas simply intended to give Griffin a look with no feelings of being obligated to keep him. But Griffin took his opportunity and ran with it, developing a quick rapport with latecomer Terrell Owens to light up the preseason. Griffin didn't just force the team to find a way to squeeze him onto the roster, he soundly defeated Jeff Tuel, Chandler Harnish and even JaMarcus Russell on his way to earning the #2 position.

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SFL Inside the Huddle - April 28th, 2014

#sfl #marshalls

SFL Weekly - April 27th, 2014

SFL WEEK SEVEN POWER RANKINGS 1. Minnesota Freeze(5-1) Last Week: 2 - The Freeze move to the top of the power rankings with a 51-24 win over the defending champs. 2. Orlando Rockets(5-1) Last Week: 1 - The Rockets had no answer for Minnesota in a rematch of the Eastern Conference title, allowing Minnesota to put up 464 yards of total offense. 3. New Orleans Nightmare(4-2) Last Week: 7 – Vince Young continues to thrive under the tutelage of Pete Carmichael Jr., passing for 305 yards and a pair of scores in the win over San Antonio. 4. Philadelphia Bulldogs(4-2) Last Week: 8 - Alfred Morris comes up big in short yardage situations but continues to average under three yards per carry in a sophomore slump. 5. Michigan Stags(4-2) Last Week: 6 - Three Stags went over 100 yard receiving with a touchdown. Strange enough, Antonio Brown was only targeted once. 6. Seattle Orcas(4-2) Last Week: 3 – Despite standing at 4-2, the Orcas are entering a bit of a panic mode after a 14-7 loss to Dallas. Troy Smith's nine interceptions to six touchdowns also have critics calling him out. 7. San Antonio Marshalls(4-2) Last Week: 4 – The Marshall offense couldn't rally in the fourth quarter behind an ineffective passing game. 8. Columbus Explorers(3-3) Last Week: 5 – Michael Turner becomes the league's all-time leading rusher but the Explorers drop their second straight contest. 9. Dallas Six-Shooters(3-3) Last Week: 10 - The Six-Shooters score their second straight win but have to be concerned with all the injuries striking their team mid-season. 10. Atlanta Firebirds(3-3) Last Week: 11 - Jon Dwyer saves his best for last, getting 58 of his 79 rush yards in overtime - including a 28-yard game winning score. 11. Nashville Renegades(3-3) Last Week: 9 - Two losses in a row for Nashville, this time to a lowly Colorado squad. 12. New York Marauders(2-4) Last Week: 12 - Thad Lewis and rookie Marlon Brown are becoming one of the best duos in the league. This week they hooked up 11 times for 164 yards and a pair of scores. 13. Colorado Scramblers(2-4) Last Week: 14 - Somehow, someway the Scrams continue to play competitive football - earning their second win over a solid Nashville team. 14. Portland Rogues(1-5) Last Week: 13 - Despite the amount of talent on Portland's roster, the Rogue have failed to live up to even the minimal expectations this season. 15. Miami Sharks(1-5) Last Week: 15 - The Sharks failed to put it together again this week but finally got a solid performance out of VIck Ballard - 73 yards and a pair of scores. 16. Chicago Crusaders(0-6) Last Week: 16 - Chicago made some front office moves to try and bolster their roster this week but they couldn't stop the Horde from running wild with a 41-10 victory. This isn't an overnight fix.

#sfl #tonyscheffler

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