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#1 | ||
College Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: South Florida
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Spring Football League
The SFL is now four weeks into its fourth season link .
I founded the league and served as commissioner for the first three seasons. This year, I'm running the Oklahoma Hawks -- the team that I established when the league began. I gave the team up to avoid any conflicts of interest (been in too many leagues where that has happened). The original owners of the SFL met on a forum hosted by a USFL site during the summer of 1999. We were all fans of that league, and we began a discussion about how a spring football league would fare now (mind you, this was BEFORE the XFL was a glimmer in Vinny Mac's eye). One thing led to another, and viola, the SFL was born. The league began with teams in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Washington, Orlando, Pontiac, Chicago, Birmingham, Columbus, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Denver, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Seattle, Phoenix and Sacramento. During our inaugural 2000 season, the league was divided into an Eastern and Western Conference with two five-team divisions. EAST - Atlantic Division Boston Centurions Carolina Chivalry New York Red Raiders Philadelphia Bulldogs Washington Wave EAST - Central Division Birmingham Predators Chicago Mob Columbus Explorers Michigan Stags (Pontiac) Orlando Rockets WEST - Midwest Division Colorado Scramblers (Denver) Dallas Six-Shooters Memphis Bombers Oklahoma Hawks (Norman) Texas Marshals (San Antonio) WEST - Pacific Arizona Ambush Honolulu Volcanoes Los Angeles Stars Sacramento Bandits Seattle Orcas For our player pool, we "raided" the CFL, NFL Europe, the Arena League and even landed several NFL "castoffs" and "second-stringers." The Dallas Six Shooters lured QB Mark Rypien out of retirement (two years before he made a real-life comeback as a back-up with the Indianapolis Colts). The Michigan Stags were able to interest Barry Sanders in football again (this was before we realized that he was contractually tied to Lions even though he had retired -- ah well). Colorado's owner (a Broncos fan) brought John Elway aboard as a part owner (interesting to note that he is now an owner in the AFL) along with a vast array of Arena league stars on offense: QB Clint Dolezel, WR Gary Compton, WR Cory Fleming, and WR Curtis Caesar. Bad boy Jeff George landed in Sacramento, QB Eric Zeier tried to resurrect his career in Phoenix, Trent Dilfer went to Honolulu after being dumped by the NFL's Tampa Bay Bucs (the next fall, he would subsequently jump back to the competitor's league and help guide the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory), Neil O'Donnell went to Boston with the promise of being a starter again. Seattle lured CFL stars QB Dave Dickensen and DE Joe Montford. Philadelphia became the SFL's version of the "Over-the-Hill" gang. QB Jeff Hostetler signed with the team, and former Eagle RB Vaughn Hebron handled the bulk of the running chores. In Birmingham, former Auburn QB (and long-time Carolina Panther back-up) Dameyune Craig became the trigger man. In DC, it was long-time CFL vet Danny McManus. The Orlando Rockets signed Cowboy's backup Jason Garrett to drive the ship. Memphis signed injury-prone NFL bust Heath Shuler, hoping a return to the Volunteer state would rejuvanate his career. As for coaches... New York hired Bill Belichick during the summer of 1999; Boston hired Charlie Weis; Carolina hired Mike Daily Philadelphia hired long-time CFL coach Don Matthews; Washington hired Mike Hohensee after flirting with both Joe Gibbs and Marty Schottenheimer; Birmingham hired Terry Bowden; Columbus hired Ray Rhodes; Michigan hired former Eagles LB John Bunting; Orlando hired former Northwestern miracle-man Gary Barnett (who would become the first coach to lose his job during the tumultous first season); Chicago gave the reigns to Mike Ditka (fresh from his hasty departure from New Orleans); Dallas hired Jack Pardee (he became the first man to coach in five leagues -- WFL, NFL, USFL, CFL, and now the SFL); Colorado hired Arena guru Tim Marcum; Texas snatched former Cowboys' coach Chan Gailey; Memphis lured Bill Arnsparger back to the gridiron; Oklahoma hired Barry Switzer; Los Angeles hired Ken O'Brien; Arizona hired Jerry Glanville, but he resigned after the final preseason game. They then threw a ton of money at Jimmy Johnson, who joined the soon to be sinking Ambush ship just days before the start of regular season. Seattle hired Jim Zorn; Sacramento hired Turner Gil (Sacramento was originally slated to play in Lincoln, Nebraska, but was "sold" to a new owner and was moved out to the West coast prior to our first season); and Honolulu hired June Jones. Part of the challenge for each owner was not only to manage his team's performance on the field, but to do well on the bottom line as well. I would have loved to use FOF to sim the league, but it didn't me the flexibility I needed. We ended up using Action PC. FIRST SEASON NOTES OF INTEREST: We played an 18-game schedule like the USFL. Chicago and Arizona were involved in a massive 23 player trade at the conclusion of the preseason. It was reminiscent of when the owners of the USFL's Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers essentially swapped franchises prior to the 84 season. Since the trade seemed to unfairly benefit Chicago (and the Arizona and Chicago owners were friends), most of the other owners protested with cries of "foul" and "collusion." Because of the trade, Jerry Glanville walked off the team in disgust, and was replaced by former Dolphins' and Cowboys' coach Jimmy Johnson (after the Arizona owner through a huge wad of cash his way). The Philadelphia Bulldogs terrorized the league during the first half of the season, racing out to a 9-1 record. However, the "Over the Hill Gang" ran out of gas down the stretch, dropping 7 of their last 8. They watched Boston and Washington catch and then pass them to claim playoff spots during the final week of the season. The Dogs (10-8) finished out of the playoffs. Barry Switzer installed what he called "pro-bone" offense for the Oklahoma Hawks. Mobile QB Nealon Greene was the pivot in this option-style attack. NM State stand-out Denvis Manns emerged as the Hawks' most dangerous tailback, leading the team in rushing. Rookie RB Devin West (Univ. of MO) shared the SFL's Rookie of the Year Award with Oklahoma's Denvis Manns. Eric Zeier of Arizona, playing behind a pourous line of journey-men and semi-pro players was sacked an amazing 105 times during the season. Barry Sanders won the SFL rushing crown with 2,169 yards and a gaudy 6.4 YPC (Unfortunately for Barry, the Stags finished 7-11). Clint Dolezel was the SFL's Kurt Warner and led the league with a 104.6 rating (271-454-4095, 37TDs, 13 INT) The Dallas Six-Shooters won the Midwest Division crown on the final week of the season by winning a 37-35 shoot-out with the Colorado Scramblers at the Cotton Bowl. After starting the season 0-3, the Washington Wave, minus starting QB Danny McManus (out with an injury), won a week 18 contest against Western powerhouse Seattle to sneak into the 2000 postseason. Colorado Scramblers won the league attendance mark. The Chicago Mob finished out of the playoffs and deep in debt. It is rumored that the team finished nearly $20 million in the hole. Only a last minute emergency loan from the league office kept Chicago's players from staging a mutiny and walking off the job. In the East: Boston won the East with a 11-7 record; Birmingham won the Central with a 11-7 record; Columbus (11-7) and Washington (11-7) were the wild-cards. In the West: Dallas won the Midwest with a 12-6 record; Honolulu won the Pacific with a 13-5 record; Colorado (11-7) and Seattle (11-7) were the wildcards. PLAYOFFS: EAST Columbus went to Alumni Field in Boston and spanked the Cents 20-10. Boston's Neil O'Donnell, who has been a quietly effective component in the Boston attack during the season, reverted to the form he displayed during Super Bowl XXX and tossed five interceptions. At Legion Field in Birmingham, the Predators rattled the Washington Wave 26-17 behind the passing of Dameyune Craig. WEST After defeating the Scramblers 37-35 in week 18 to clinch the Division, the Shooters had to win another barnburner with Colorado, this time 49-42, to advance to the semi-finals. Dallas QB Mark Rypien tossed five TD passes. Seattle ambushed Pacific Division champ Honolulu 27-10 at Aloha Stadium. SEMI-FINALS Birmingham clipped divisional rival Columbus 27-13 at Legion Field. Dallas manhandled Seattle 41-21 at the Cotton Bowl CHAMPIONSHIP Mark Rypien won MVP award (for throwing five TDs) as the Six-Shooters downed the Predators 44-21 to win the first SFL Championship Game. The Preds couldn't overcome a terrible start by QB Dameyune Craig and gave up big plays on defense consistently. You can review the 2000 season in detail on the old league website link . NEXT: 2001 Season Last edited by SFL Cat : 04-14-2003 at 09:53 PM. |
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#2 |
College Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: South Florida
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2000 Season Leading Passers
Code:
2000 Season Leading Receivers Code:
2000 Season Leading Rushers Code:
2000 Team Offense Code:
2000 Team Defense Code:
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#3 |
College Starter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Norman, OK
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Just to let everyone know, I was the Hawks owner during the first three seasons. Barry Switzer resigned just over halfway through the first year due to his marriage and the teams lack of success with the Pro-Bone. Mike Stoops was hired in his place.
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#4 |
College Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: South Florida
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Hey sooner...
The Hawks are 4-1 so far and are leading in the Midwest. We've got a big game in Norman against the Shooters this weekend. Mike Stoops has the D purrin'. |
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#5 |
Pro Rookie
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Chicago, Ill
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I was actually the owner of the Washington Wave, although I don't remember in which season. I was kind of overwhelmed however, and so I doubt anyone even knew I left.
My favorite part of the league was the artwork done to make it look like our teams were actually on the field. Whomever did those, deserves much praise, they looked 100% authentic. Neuqua
__________________
Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? Last edited by Neuqua : 04-16-2003 at 12:36 AM. |
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#6 |
College Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: South Florida
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Thanks for the compliment! At one point I had considered switching over to graphics from Madden, but despite all the improvements in this area, the images still look video-gamish to me. So as long as the SFL continues I'll probably contribute retouched photos.
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#7 |
College Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: South Florida
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2000 ALL-SFL Selections
QB - Clint Dolezel, Colorado Scramblers RB - Barry Sanders, Michigan Stags FB - Tony Burse, Sacramento Bandits WR - Brian Finneran, Dallas Six-Shooters WR - Muhsin Muhammad, Texas Marshals TE - Cameron Quayle, Seattle Orcas LT - Reuben Brown, Boston Centurions LG - Jon Zatechka, Birmingham Predators C - Jason McEndoo, Seattle Orcas RG - Matt Elliott, Michigan Stags RT - Fred Childress, Dallas Six-Shooters DE - Simeon Rice, Texas Marshals DE - Dan Footman, Philadelphia Bulldogs DT - Winfield Garnett, Dallas Six-Shooters DT - Tim Beauchamp, Los Angeles Stars LB - Ben Hanks, Dallas Six-Shooters LB - Derek Strey, Seattle Orcas LB - Tedy Bruschi, Boston Centurions CB - Antonio Banks, Honolulu Volcanoes CB - Derek Stingley, Columbus Explorers S - Martavius Houston, Oklahoma Hawks S - Charles Emanuel, Carolina Chivalry KR - Gizmo Williams, Philadelphia Bulldogs PR - Billy Davis, Carolina Chivalry K - Carlos Huerta, Washington Wave P - Travis Colquitt, Los Angeles Stars ALL SFL - Second Team QB - Dameyune Craig, Birmingham Predators RB - Errict Rhett, Dallas Six-Shooters FB - Jamie Kimbrough, Honolulu Volcanoes WR - Isaiah Mustafa, Honolulu Volcanoes WR - Andy McCullough, Memphis Bombers TE - Ben Coates, Boston Centurions LT - Tony Berti, Washington Wave LG - LeShun Daniels, Sacramento Bandits C - John Himebaugh, Birmingham Predators RG - Rob Murphy, Orlando Rockets RT - Kevin Sargent, Los Angeles Stars DE - Joe Montford, Seattle Orcas DT - Paul Garasmanis, Colorado Scramblers DT - Gary Holmes, Los Angeles Stars DE - Kendrick Gholston, Dalls Six-Shooters LB - Terry Houzah, New York Red Raiders LB - Tony McCombs, Memphis Bombers LB - JoJuan Armour, Sacramento Bandits CB - Deion Figures, Washington Wave CB - Perry Carter, Philadelphia Bulldogs S - Reggie Tongue, Honolulu Volcanoes S - Eddie Anderson, Philadelphia Bulldgos KR - Jimmy "Jet" Cunningham, Dallas Six-Shooters PR - Desmond Howard, Boston Centurions K - Lui Passaglia, Honolulu Volcanoes P - Aaron Langley, Seattle Orcas SFL Most Valuable Player - Clint Dolezel, Colorado SFL Offensive Player of the Year - Barry Sanders, Michigan SFL Defensive Player of the Year - Antononio Banks, Honolulu SFL Offensive Lineman of the Year - Reuben Brown, Boston SFL Defensive Lineman of the Year - Dan Footman, Philadelphia SFL Offensive Rookie of the Year - (tie) Devin West, Los Angeles; Denvis Manns, Oklahoma SFL Denfensive Rookie of the Year - Terry Houzah, New York SFL Coach of the Year - June Jones, Honolulu Last edited by SFL Cat : 04-19-2003 at 08:28 PM. |
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