2011 Team-by-Team Breakdown from the World Championships

 

 

Who will stake their claim to the 9v9 Ineligible World Championship title in 2012?

 

Team Name: Gladiators (NY)

Final Standing: 1st

Record: 21-13-2

Total Points: 2010 pts

Tournament Wins: 3 (Including the World Championships)

Status: Even

The Gladiators are the kings of New York and the champions of 9man Ineligible Pro.  They won one of the most balanced and toughest 9-Man tournaments in years with solid defense, steady QB play and a couple of explosive offensive play makers.  But the Gladiators, one of the circuits’ most controversial teams, are no longer hunters; but are the hunted which makes for a tough road back to the championship.  They also have lingering questions that could make or break them in 2011 – Do they stick with their QB Anthony Comer who won them their title or do they go after a marquee name?  Will Tournament MVP Jaime “Rocket” Bryant and 2009 Tournament MVP Anthony Crabtree both be mainstays or will they grace someone else’s sidelines next January?  If they can keep this team intact, this will be one tough team to beat with another year of playing together under their belts. 

 

Team Name: Packers (MD)

Final Standing: 3rd

Record: 18-5

Total Points: 1705 pts

Tournament Wins: 2

Status: Down

The 2-Time Defending Champs had either a wake-up call or a hard fall.  They finished the World Championships with a 1-3 record and 10th overall in the standings.  The emotional drain of the Hotboys’ game lingered too long and in a short weekend of competitive play, the inability to get over the loss cost them their next two games.  This team has to figure out if their issues are chemistry related or age, which is the consensus of the circuit.  QB “DJ” Johnson had one of his worst showings in years and the overall team swagger was not felt after the Saturday morning loss.  The Packers have to play with both an edge and swagger to be affective, without it they are a .500 team in tournament play.  Rebounding may have to come from going back to the basics, get DJ on the right track and start rebuilding with “Packer First” minded players.  Too many shared players are the reasons for the Packer’s inconsistency these days. 

 

Team Name: Main Event (NY)

Final Standing: 4th

Record: 23-5

Total Points: 1425 pts

Tournament Wins: 2

Status: Up

Main Event came into the 2010 season red hot winning the first two tournaments on the circuit before slowing a bit near the end.  With such a strong start, they were on cruise control after Atlantic City as they were assured a top 1-4 spot in the Top 16 in Florida.  Strong defense, great offensive weapons and a young QB makes them an early favorite for 2011.  M.E. lost a couple of key guy’s to injuries late in the season, which could’ve been the difference in a championship game appearance in the WCVI.  Just as with most top teams, rumors seem to always seem to follow Main Event regarding a QB change.  But every time the rumor emerges Henry Ford shows he is the man for Main Event with a big time performance.  Returning key players from injury, a young QB with another year of experience and a few more additions will have M.E. looking to take the Gladiator’s position as Kings of New York. 

 

Team Name: Blue Dogs (PA)

Final Standing: 5th

Record: 18-10-1

Total Points: 1180 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

Unlike with other teams, with the Blue Dogs there is absolutely no QB controversy.  Mike DeMartielere is the M.A.N. for the Blue Dogs.  The Kurt Warner look-a-like is also a Kurt Warner play-a-like.  Of all the top teams, the Blue Dogs are probably the most undersized in the trenches on both sides of the ball, but they can play with anyone as they have shown over the last two years and it starts and ends with their offense.  This is a very consistent team that believes they should win every game; and you never under estimate anyone who over estimate themselves.  To get better in 11’ they should look at adding a little more beef up front and possibly another game breaker on offense.  Great system, solid core and one of the better QB’s in the game.  Blue Dogs are good now and still have plenty of upside which could spell trouble for teams on the circuit.  The word out of Blue Dogs camp is practice, which means the offense can get even better, then who would need a defense? 

 

Team Name: Da Show (NC)

Final Standing: 6thRecord: 14-2

Total Points: 1175 pts

Tournament Wins: 2

Status: Even

Da Show has the size to compete all day in the Pro Division, which makes them a very solid team that competes well in tournament play.  However, they lack consistent big play potential and when their QB Meseo Bolin is forced to hold the ball, their success rate on offense drops tremendously.  Da Show needs to develop a short game and bring on another game breaker to take some of the attention off of Bolin.  Also the linemen seem to tire late in tournaments; which means they should look to add some additions to help with the rotation for more longevity.  Buying Bolin time and developing a quick hitting offense are the keys to their success on the circuit.  Not sure if they will be able to add enough depth from league play to get them stronger in 2011.  They maybe forced to look outside the North Carolina for help.  Very dangerous team in and around Charlotte, but the further they go to play, the more they struggle. 

 

Team Name: Real Deal (PA)

Final Standing: 7th

Record: 14-7

Total Points: 1065 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

Real Deal is a team that has flown under the radar all year due to their inability to win tournaments on the circuit.  They are consistently finishing 6th or better and every now then have an appearance in the final 4.  After losing their biggest playmaker on offense and their defensive captain, Real Deal appeared to be in a lot of trouble heading to Florida.  But there was a Go Go sighting in Florida that seemed to give Real Deal that spark they desperately needed.  Go Go energizes Lenny, which energizes the defense which makes Real Deal go.  They added some depth in key positions including at the LB spot that made plays all weekend long behind Go Go and Lenny’s pressure.  Real Deal has to find a big play WR to help out the solid core they already have and QB Nicky Lomonacco has to develop a consistent short game for the offense to take advantage of extra positions given to them by their defense.  Late in games, Lomonacco has a tendency to hold on to the ball too long looking for a big blow rather than taking what’s given.  Tinker with the offensive system, find a big play WR and keep Go Go out of hiding and Real Deal can be a championship team real soon.  

 

Team Name: Hotboys (TX)

Final Standing: 8th

Record: 13-2

Total Points: 950 pts

Tournament Wins: 1

Status: Up

2 seconds away from going to overtime and a shot at winning it all has the Hotboys hot…literally.  But they can look forward to this season with lots of optimism.  The defense was much improved with the additions up front and as usual, the Hotboys have talent at all skill positions.  Skill players are not needed, the QB is solid and defense is very good.  If not for the Rocket having a career championship game, we could be talking about the Hotboys as returning champions.  To be so close, but not taste the title will have the Hotboys ready to go in 2011.  The disappointment after the loss was evident, but they seemed to be focused on taking that last step this year.  Late game mental lapses seem to be the Hotboys down fall; if they can maintain a mental advantage over their opponents; their talent will take them the rest of the way.  Look for a few more additions next year and for the Hotboys to be considered an early favorite in Florida.  

 

Team Name: Young Guns (CT)

Final Standing: 9th

Record: 12-9

Total Points: 950 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

The Young Gunz are the Rodney Dangerfields of flag football; they don’t get any respect but they are a team you don’t want to face in a must win situation.  Though they did not finish where they expected, they made the cut for Sunday and lost to a very solid New England Connection team that was fighting for respect as well.  Quite possibly the best team in Connecticut, the YG’s have to start looking for some offensive game breakers to help their offense score more points.  QB play was very adequate all weekend and their young QB has the tools to win, he needs more time behind center in big tournaments to be affective when they need him.  The defense plays very strong; but they have to carry the team late in games way too often.  They can relieve pressure on the defense with big plays on offense.  Look for the YG to add more offensive depth, experience and take another step in 2011. 

 

Team Name: Paid In Full (NY)

Final Standing: 11th

Record: 10-13-2

Total Points: 850 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Down

Prior to the World Championships, Paid in Full made some key additions that had teams wondering if they would be a factor and had the team energized.  This all was short-lived when their new QB was a no-show, which led to a loss on Friday in a defensive battle with the Young Gunz (CT).  They followed Friday by flying in veteran QB Chris Depalma, but by then the drive of the team seemed to be all but lost.  Paid in Full has to have a total make over starting with the QB position; they need a QB and they need one in the worse way.  They have a scrappy core of guy’s, but without a QB and key players on offense, PIF will not make the Top 16 in 2011.  Don’t expect a quick fix to PIF, but stranger things have happened. 

 

Team Name: Main Event (NC)

Final Standing: 14th

Record: 7-6-2

Total Points: 750 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

Not sure which way Main Event will go in 2011.  They have the athletes and the size to compete with anyone, but their offense does not produce enough points to make them a true contender.  They pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the WCVI by defeating the defending champion Packers 7-6 and went on to the championship game in the consolation bracket.  So they have plenty to build on.  But offensively, they have to take more shots down field to open up the middle for their TE, RB and Slots.  They need to create a better offensive system that features some of the talent they have.  If they can get the ball into some of their playmakers hands sooner and more often, they should see better results.  On the other side of the ball, they will need to ad another DE to help with the pressure up front, which in turn will make the secondary play better and allow them to take more chances.  As with the Da Show, Main Event may have to bring in a little more fire power in 2011. 

 

Team Name: Baltimore Chiefs (MD)

Final Standing: 15th

Record: 12-5-1

Total Points: 745 pts

Tournament Wins: 2

Status: Up 

Possibly the best up and coming team on the circuit, the Baltimore Chiefs came out of the Pro Open division halfway through the season in Atlantic City and made the Top 16 with some strong performances down the stretch.  This team has earned a lot of respect on the circuit and has everyone believing they are the team to watch.  They have a veteran QB who is not flashy but makes plays, good receivers and a quick defense.  Their core is very young and many expect them to take over the reigns in the Maryland area following the Packers.  Though they did not make the Sunday cut, the Chiefs played some close games all weekend long and were a loss by New England Connection away from making the cut.  This team has plenty of upside and should look to develop their offensive system more and keep that D-line fresh and they can go a long way.  The more experience they get, the better they will be.  They are predicted to be a Top 16 finisher in 2011.   

 

Team Name: Chargers (CT)

Final Standing: 16th

Record: 5-17

Total Points: 660 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

Following one of their worst years in their history, the Chargers competed strong in the World Championships after barely hanging on to their spot in the 16.  Their circuit record was the worst in the 16 and that was due to inconsistent numbers at tournaments, no big play potential and an identity issue on both sides of the ball.  The Chargers should be much better with their leadership back in place.  Just as with most teams that struggle, they had inconsistency at the QB position all year.  With this being said, their young QB (Joey Edmonds) played well in the World Championships and had them very close to winning a couple more games, including leading them to an upset over a very impressive Blaze team.  If they can keep the team in Florida intact, and get more tournament games under their belt, the Chargers will be a respectable team on the circuit.  Their upside is positive, but it all depends on commitment. 

 

Team Name: Blaze (MD)

Final Standing: 18th

Record: 8-8-1

Total Points: 640 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up 

This is a team you have to like.  They have everything needed to be a true contender for the title.  Blaze has great speed on offense, a quick and punishing defense and a coach that is dedicated to winning and fielding a competitive team.  The only real issue is the team’s overall confidence in the QB, which could cause issues on the circuit.  After a loss, the QB position is the first to take the hit; but from the outside looking in QB play is not their issue.  Blaze has a very solid QB, but as a team they have too many mental lapses and coverage breakdowns at the wrong time; and they need to manage the game from the field better.  Their arrow is pointing up because if they play a full season as expected, they will be a Top 16 team for sure.  If the team rally’s behind their QB, watch out! 

 

Team Name: Texas 9Man All-Stars (TX)

Final Standing: 19th

Record: 6-6

Total Points: 535 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Down The Texas 9Man All-Stars had the furthest fall from grace.  After finishing 2nd in the 2009 World Championships, they barely made the Top 16 and got in by default; then promptly went 0-4.  To their credit, they lost a lot of talent including Anthony Crabtree to the World Champion Gladiators.  Crabtree was a spark plug for the All-Stars in the WCV in 2009 and by taking that away, along with some key players being unable to compete, it all led to a disappointing finish.  The upside is they compete in the largest, most competitive 9man league on the circuit and have tons of talent to pull from.  The issue is most of the talent is young, so they will have to get those guy’s on the same page and compete in more tournaments on the circuit to get them ready for Florida in 2012.  If they can get Crabtree back on board, that would be a huge lift in the right direction and it could spark resurgence. They just have to hope Crabtree has satisfied his WC itch and he is ready to return home to compete with TX.  But if he desires a repeat, TX 9man All-Stars could be in trouble.  The Gladiators have made it clear they want all hands back on deck for 2011. 

 

Team Name: Back in Black (MO)

Final Standing: 20th

Record: 5-6

Total Points: 535 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

The conversation with head coach Bart Bonds leading up to the WC was interesting.  He wanted to take the spot in the 16 because he knows his team can compete, but at the same time did not know if this was his year.  In the conversation, he was told that if he could happen to punch one of the top teams in the mouth he can put Missouri on the map – hence they caught their rival Hotboys with a left hook and sent shockwaves through the WC.  The best move by BNB was made prior to the WC, when they opted for a veteran QB over their young, speedy QB.  This on the field leadership helped BNB finish the pool play rounds at 2-1 and gave them a high seed going into Sunday.  Though they lost to the Blue Dogs, Back in Black has a lot to look forward to.  They know they can play with anyone, and like the Texas teams has a plethora of talent to pull from in their 15 team plus league.  Look for BNB to finish around the 15th seed this year. 

 

Team Name: New England Connection (RI)

Final Standing: 21th

Record: 6-6

Total Points: 490 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

Another team with a late start on the circuit that had them literally days from kickoff not knowing if they had made the Top 16 cut or not.  But when they got there, they quickly made everyone take notice.  Just looking at them does not serve them any justice – you really have to watch them play.  They won 2 close battles against the Young Guns, including a must win on Saturday afternoon that had the Baltimore Chiefs watching and needing a loss to make the single elimination round on Sunday.  Their veteran QB Norm Plamondon had everyone in awe!  He does not hold the ball long, knows exactly where he is going with it and can read a defense in seconds.  He may look like someone’s father but when he plays he can be your Daddy if you are not careful.  But the team is led by Jimmy Wilson (MLB), who has some of the greatest pre-game speeches in the game!  If Jimmy can’t get you excited then you’re not a football player.  If this team plays enough they will definitely make the Top 16.  All NEC needs is more time on the circuit and a couple more skill players with speed; great veteran team. 

 

Team Name: DMV Eagles (MD)

Final Standing: 22th

Record: 5-9

Total Points: 470 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Even

The DMV Eagles are a feisty bunch that will compete with anyone.  They finished 4th in the Pro Open falling to Lights Out (NY) in the semi’s.  They had former NFL player Lamont Jordon behind center, but the question for the Eagles is will this be a long time move or was this just for the tournament?  The Eagles need to solidify the QB position and create a passing game on top of a very effective run game.  If they develop than explosive passing game, it will only make the running game better.  Their current offense will struggle to come from behind against top-tier teams because it’s run-oriented, but they have the core of players to build a strong Pro caliber team in the near future.  Not expected to crack the Top 16 but could easily challenge for the Pro Open title in 2012. 

 

Team Name: Ryde Out (VA)

Final Standing: 23th

Record: 4-7

Total Points: 380 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Even

Ryde Out, just as with the DMV Eagles have plenty of potential to win the Pro Open in 2012.  Not a Pro caliber team at the present time, but Ryde Out is capable of winning the Pro Open and beating some of the Pro ranked teams.  Their issue comes down to depth and size on both sides of the ball.  Not an very explosive team, but a very consistent team that can move the ball and play solid defense.  If they are to take the next step, they will need to produce more big plays on offense and gain a little more size for the battles in the trenches. 

 

Team Name: Steelers (CT)

Final Standing: 25th

Record: 8-6

Total Points: 350 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Down

Not sure what teams the Steelers will bring from tournament to tournament.  In league play they compete with WCVI MVP Jaime Bryant (aka Rocket), but in national competition, they lose the Rocket to more competitive teams leaving them without that key playmaker.  Rocket makes a huge difference to the Steelers in tournament play.  Now if they want to be more successful this year, they will have to build without the Rocket in the blueprints.  This way, should Rocket decide to play it would be a huge bonus; but until then the Steelers will have to find more offensive fire power through the passing game and pick-up more size on both sides of the ball to be able to compete in Pro Open.  They are not a Pro team at this time and they will need lots of additions and experience if they are seriously shooting for the Top 16.  Expect the Steelers to finish around the mid-20’s again, but also expect them to have a much stronger showing in the Pro Open in 2012. 

 

Team Name: Alabama (AL)

Final Standing: 26th

Record: 1-5

Total Points: 350 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Down

The Alabama All-Stars simply do not travel and compete enough to develop their talent and chemistry.  They have plenty of speed, size, athletes and a great young QB.  Their issue is playing together in tournament play and not having a system on offense.  Coming together once or twice a year and expecting to be a contender on any level is not realistic.  AL will have to seek out major events such as Atlanta, St. Louis and possibly Texas so that they can advance their level of play, build more team chemistry and develop their young QB.  Until then, they will have the athletes, but not the results. 

 

Team Name: Bulldogs (CT)

Final Standing: 27th

Record: 4-5

Total Points: 335 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Even

Coach Steve Gonzalez was impressed with the overall speed he competed against in Florida, especially from the Florida teams, which has him looking to increase his own.  The Bulldogs have the size and the speed to compete for the Pro Open title, but key losses prior to the WC including the loss of Calvin Harris (SS/WR) made it very difficult for them to match up versus the quicker teams.  On the lines, they have the size but need to become a little more physical.  Lastly, the Bulldogs will need to gain more experience in winning close games in tournament play.  Look for the Bulldogs to finish in the low 20’s but make a strong push for a shot at the Championship in the Pro Open next year. 

 

Team Name: New Era/Tampa Bad Boys (FL)

Final Standing: 30th

Record: 2-2

Total Points: 250 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

This is a Pro team waiting to happen.  They have the speed, the size, the power and the game management to compete with anyone in 9man.  Can they win a Pro Championship?  I wouldn’t go that far, but I would say they can beat any team in the Pro Division and will be a force should they make it.  The only issue with New Era is a geographical one, meaning by living in Tampa, FL the closest tournament is the Atlanta National Championships, followed by Charlotte.  Everything else is more than driving distance which hurts when trying to qualify.  But should they make Atlanta and Charlotte with a solid team, then finish up at home in the Tampa NIT they will be in position to qualify for the Pro Division.  Once they are in, their speed will be tough to match.  They have one of the best secondary’s that can go man-to-man while on offense, they can make the big plays.  This is an exciting team to watch and could be the story of 2012. 

 

Team Name: Lights Out (NY)

Final Standing: 32th

Record: 5-3

Total Points: 245 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

This is a Pro team without a doubt.  They also have the size, the speed and a sharp QB that can make the necessary throws.  Unfortunately for Lights Out, they lost their QB just as New Era did in the Championship game and came up short in the battle of the back-ups 7-0.  But this team was the early and late favorites, and a team that if they earn the points can make the 16.  They would be predicted to finish around the 15-16 seed, but that’s enough to get in.  What they do between now and July in regards to competing will say a lot.  If they don’t qualify, you can just about pencil them in to the Pro Open Championship game if they bring this team back.   

 

Team Name: WAC Rebels (VA)

Final Standing: 63th

Record: 2-3

Total Points: 80 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: EvenThe WAC Rebels are a legit Pro Open team from top to bottom; not enough size and speed to compete in the Pro Division at this time, however they definitely have enough talent to win the Pro Open.  A little more big-play making ability on offense and more upfront size and pressure on defense is needed by the Rebels; along with more competition versus top tier teams to prepare for the World Championships.  This will have them right where they need to be heading into the Championships next year.  Competing against more Pro caliber teams throughout the year outside of their area will get them prepared to challenge for the Pro Open title in 2012. 

 

Team Name: Bangkok (FL)

Final Standing: NR

Record: 0-0

Total Points: 0 pts

Tournament Wins: 0

Status: Up

From a distance they look like a bunch of high school kids running around, but when they line up they have speed, speed and more speed – flat out explosive!  This is not a Pro team due their lack of size, but this is one of the fastest teams in 9man from top to bottom.  They can make plays on both sides of the ball and when they get their hands on the ball, they are looking for the enzone and they usually find fairly quickly.  This is a team that if you are not careful with, the score can get out of hand really fast. They don’t miss flags and they each have the ability to make you miss without breaking stride.  Look for them to compete for the Pro Open title in 2012 and bring more firepower! 

 

Jey Jones - MCFFU

 

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