TC’s TAKE – Week 3
Here's my quick review of everything we saw in Week 3 of the 2010 FIFL season:
TC's Top 10
1. Mississippi (3-0) : The Firedogs are getting it done on both sides of the ball. The defense has only allowed 39 points in 3 games thus far and the offense is averaging close to 25 points per game.
2. Fort Wayne (3-0) : The Safari are out to prove that they are once again a force to be reckoned with in the American Conference and throughout the league. Are they playing with a ‘chip on their shoulder’ from last season’s loss in the conference championship game??
3. Fargo (2-1) : The Freeze have worked hard to improve each season and may now have the final pieces to make a push for the playoffs and their 2nd post season appearance.
4. Peoria (2-1) : Can their newfound ‘philosophy of evil’ and ‘take no prisoners’ attitude be the catalysts to propel the Pirates deep into the post season? At this point in the season, QB Aaron Garcia is clearly the captain of the ship.
5. Portland (2-1) : The Prowlers are aging but are still a contender. Higgs is a wily veteran and Mims has replaced Rettig to give Portland a (still) potent backfield.
6. Springfield (2-1) : The Slayers have played much better defensively this season but still have some work to do, especially on the offense. Can Springfield find some of their old ‘magic’ and make a huge turnaround from their 4-10 season?
7. Black Hills (2-1) : The Machine continue to roll on despite their curious trading of younger running backs. Dumas has stepped in and picked up where Cooper left off…albeit on the state of the art, Rascal “Old Fogey 2000’ model scooter.
8. Madison (2-1) : QB Shane Franzer is off to another fast start. The running game is struggling a little but HB Bacon has been nicked recently. The Mad Dogs are hungry for another shot at the playoffs and should be in the hunt all season.
9. Steel Valley (2-1) : Yes, once again I have the Smash in the Top 10 early in the season. One of these seasons (2010 even?) they are going to make me look like a pigskin prophet. Steel Valley could make things very interesting in the Eastern Division this season.
10. Colorado (1-2) : The Wildcats are playing their style of football – good defense and a powerful running attack. Blake is still one of the best backs in the league in his 8th season. Colorado will continue to put the ball in his hands and their chances on his shoulders.
Offensive Player of the Week
Coyotes QB Johnny Johnson – The QB that seems like he has played for almost every team in the league gets another shot in Connecticut. He doesn’t disappoint against one of his former teams (Louisiana) throwing for 3 TDs with a 144.4 QB Rating.
Defensive Player of the Week
Fort Wayne DE Antwan Harris – The Mad Dogs will be having nightmares about Harris all week. 4 tackles, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery for a TD that proved to be the difference in the game.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Portland WR Willis Jacox – Jacox had a punt return for 88 yards against Dayton to put the Prowlers up 17-7 over the Skyhawks. The return was huge as Portland’s offense did not find the end zone against Dayton.
Next week
The Hurricanes will try to avoid being iced in Fargo and get their second consecutive road win. The Beast and Seagulls renew their classic rivalry in Mobile. Colorado and Madison will fight like cats and dogs.
Game of the Week: Black Hills at Wichita – “PC Bowl I”