[MIJB#19]

Week 6 Early Preview
Maassluis versus Rochester, before the season start marked as a game between the main rivals to finish with the worst record in the Atlantic Ocean Conference. After five weeks of play, the Lake Monsters have moved up to a playoff position at 3-2, while the Merchantmen have won just 1 of 5 games. The friendship between the teams has been shown by the preseason trade of offensive line leader Harold Hurtado for the best wide receiver of the other team. But next Thursday, gloves are burried and the long before battle for the first pick in the draft is whiped from the players minds, it's time to show which team is not the weakest. The Lake Monsters are early favourites in some power rankings by 10 points, where other systems show a marginal advantage for the home team. Key element for the Merchantmen is how many turnovers on offense will cost the team there chances. Key for the Lake Monsters offense is how they will cope with the talented defense from Maassluis and how effective they will be in the red zone. The Maassluis Merchantmen put their team in the underdog position, especially after last week's beating at Bordeaux, where Rochester surprised the Vineyards earlier this season. Crucial for the Maassluis offense is the absence of veteran fullback Vincent Lopez. The staff has faith in future star Mark Burger, yet Lopez seems to be doing a great job keeping the younger kids quiet. Lopez: "Mark can get it done, he's 100% fit again, he'll lead Randy (Harris) and Justin (McDavid) the way." Harold Hurtado, the other offensive anchorman: "I've seen the Lake Monsters system. We can beat it, though it will be tough." Amos Collins was unavailable for comments, his disloyalty to the Merchantmen caused him to reply "No comment" on any question from a Dutch reporter.