IHOF: Maassluis Merchantmen - Page 27

MIJB#19 · 09-13-2006, 06:47 AM

The Month That Was: September 2012
Welcome back, Merchantmen fans. In contrast to past seasons, I won't be writing an article about the team after every week. In stead, I'll be doing a monthly review about what happened. As always, there will be a Player of the Year ranking. And some traditional musing on what's been and what's yet to come.

How did we do? The Maassluis Merchantmen cruised to a surrpsing 3-0 start this season. Nothing new compared to last year, but with games against the Bordeaux Vineyards, Georgia Gridlock (AOC's #1 seed last season) and at the Outer Banks Ospreys (NAC Atlantic Coast division champs), it was a pretty tough schedule. Behind us, the rest of Europe did their job well though and amazingly enough we're not te only unbeaten team in the division.

Standings
3-0-0 Maassluis
3-0-1 Paris
3-1-0 Bordeaux
1-2-1 Gothenburg

Individually, Alfredo Bass was a monster. The future hall of famer injected new life to our passing game. Correction, he created a passing game that we never had! Louie Flannery completed 80 percent of his passes for over 200 yards per game and 2 touchdowns per game. Mind you, Flannery sat out the second half of two of the three games we played!

In the Player of the Month race, the winner wasn't a big surprise. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass collected 24 passes for 392 yards and 3 touchdowns. Behind him, Louie Flannery took second place with his reliable passing. Quentin Hatchette ran for 218 yards so far, with a stellar 5.1 yards per carry average. Timothy Lacy made 10 key run blocks on 15 opportunities, making him the top blocker on the team. Jim Reiser completes the top five based on the longest catch in the league of the season so far.

Standings September 2012: 1. Alfredo Bass 10 points, 2. Louie Flannery 6 pt, 3. Quentin Hatchette and Timothy Lacy 5 pt, 5. Jim Reiser 4 pt, 6. Frank Bernard, Sammie Kennedy and Courtney Osgood 3 pt, 9. Bryce Ewald and Broderick Schultz 2 pt, 11. Albert Boggess and Brian Spears 1 point.

Upcoming in October are four games that could go either way. We kick off with a road game at the Syracuse Mohawks. The 2010 champions started the season 0-3 and are bound to want revenge. Then we'll have three home games. The first one will be Futility Bowl VIII against the Rochester Lake Monsters. The Lake Monsters are the defending Northeast champions and lead their division with a 3-1 record. The 2-2 Boston Rhinos are our week 6 opponents. Following a disappointing 6-10 season, the Rhinos are desperate to get wins out of the team now. We'll end the month with a much anticipated game against the Paris Musketeers. For them it will be the perfect opporunity to prove they are ready for their first division title.

Other things to note around the league? We, the Merchantmen, are one of only three teams left that won all their games. The Ann Arbor Anachronism recorded their second 4-0 start in league history. The first time they managed that was in the 2004 season, when they eventually posted a 13-3 record and lost the NAC Championship game. The Chesapeake Chitterlings are also on their second 4-0 start. In 2010 they also had a hot start, but in the end they lost the division in week 17 to the Fredrick Red Menace and crashed out in the wild card round, despite a 12-4 record.

For us, the previous two times we started the season 3-0, we had succesful years. As the die hard fans may remember, in 2007 we kicked off strong, ended up 13-3 and made it to the AOC Championship game. Last season we even posted a 4-0 start, won the European division at 11-5, yet crashed out in the wild card game against the Syracuse Mohawks. Our upcoming opponents. The team is ready for revenge. And so am I.

Kodos · 09-13-2006, 08:13 AM

Crush dem Mohawks!!! A couple more losses and they're done for the season!

MIJB#19 · 09-15-2006, 05:32 AM

Sweet Revenge For The Merchantmen
The Maassluis Merchantmen continue to win. With a 9-3 score, the Syracuse Mohawks were added to the list of beaten teams. It kind of made up for the 2011 playoffs exit. Louie Flannery struggled, but saw the defense bail him out. Veterans receiver Drew McConnell and tackle Chris Perdomo left the game with elbow injuries.

Four down, twelve to go. Granted, there are no serious expectations for a perfect season, but sitting at 4-0 the fans and players are slowly starting to dream about it. Beating the Syracuse Mohawks was a big step forward. The Merchantmen once again showed to be a strong team in defense dominated battles. While on offense, the running game proved to be very strong.

"These guys are amazing," Louie Flannery said. Posting just 88 yards passing and 3 interceptions, Flannery had one of his worst games to date. The 88 yards were his second worst of his career. Flannery said: "Oh well, I'm only human, I didn't really expect to complete 80 percent of my passes all year long. The running backs really made the day."

The Merchantmen posted 209 yards rushing for the day. For some IHOF teams 200 yards is pretty normal, but in Maassluis it happened only twice before. Courtney Osgood (110 yards) and Quentin Hatchette (80 yards) proved once again to be a great tandem. Both average 5 yards per carry. Osgood said: "Yes, we have the speed and versatility to make plays, but without a strong line, you're hopeless. And a strong line is what we've got here." It shows as four linemen are averaging more than 2 key run blocks per game.

Despite the running game, it was the defense that made a strong case for being the league's best once again. They allowed 196 total yards, while holding the Mohawks to 2.4 yards per carry and letting Brent Peterman complete only 13 of 32 passes. Especially the second half was impressive. The Merchantmen posted three conescutive three and outs, holding the Mohawks to -4 yards.

On the bad side of the news were a couple of new injuries. Wide receiver Drew McConnell, who had been replacing Bryce Ewald the past games, left the game with a strained elbow tendon. He's expected to need a month to fully recover. Offensive tackle Christopher Perdomo also left the game with an elbow injury. Perdomo had his first start for the Merchantmen in absence of Cornelius Rice. Perdomo is expected to be back in about three weeks. Fullback Quentin Malicki got a knock too, but should be able to play next week.

Next week is going to be another big game: Futility Bowl VIII. The Rochester Lake Monsters will visit Maassluis for in a somewhat historical edition of the game. The Lake Monsters won their first division title last season, meaning it will be the first Futility Bowl between two defending division champions. Arises a big question, after both teams made the playoffs three times in the past five seasons, is this game still futilty, at all?

Kodos · 09-15-2006, 07:50 AM

For my team, yes. We have the best regular season record of any team that has never appeared in the IHOF Bowl.

Floyd B. Boudreaux · 09-15-2006, 08:15 AM

Defense wins championships. 9-3 is like music to my ears. It's like I said on IHOF Radio, you guys are going to win it all. And Mr. Bass is going to have about 1,700 yards by the time it is all said and done.

MIJB#19 · 09-15-2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd B. Boudreaux

Defense wins championships. 9-3 is like music to my ears. It's like I said on IHOF Radio, you guys are going to win it all. And Mr. Bass is going to have about 1,700 yards by the time it is all said and done.

There's still a long road ahead with numerous teams that can beat us (like any team we face this season). Granted, I believe that this team has the players to go all the way, but like last season, we've also got a team capable of crashing out of the playoffs in the wild card round in a heart breaking loss. It would be really freaky if the Boston Rhinos would complete the Northeast playoffs sweep over us... :S

First Rochester. Man, Jackie Williamson is one heck of a quarterback. I hope we can Pretenderman him too...

Kodos · 09-16-2006, 08:53 PM

He's having a crappy season so far. Maybe a trip across the ocean will help.

MIJB#19 · 09-20-2006, 05:38 AM

Futilty Bowl Win Keeps Merchantmen Undefeated
The Maassluis Merchantmen remain undefeated. In a crazy fourth quarter comeback, the Rochester Lake Monsters were beaten 24-21. The Merchantmen are now the only remaining undefeated team in the Atlantic Ocean Conference. Alfredo Bass had another big game, keeping himself on pace to threaten all IHOF single season receiving records.

The fans love this rivalry. With 75,400 fans attending, Oranje Haven saw it's biggest attendance since week 17 of the 2005 season. The Rochester Lake Monsters bring along a lot of former Merchantmen players and the head to head series has been a close one. Never mind the humiliating playoff loss in the 2008 season, when the Lake Monsters left Oranje Haven devastated following a 27-3 defeat.

Futility Bowl VIII proved to be a classic, a game to remember. After a slow start in the first quarter, neither team managed to score (Rochester missed a 35-yard field goal), things started to get wild in the second term. Ray England opened the score for the visiting Lake Monsters. The Merchantmen immediately came back strong. Two big runs by Quentin Hatchette and a pass to Bass set up a 1-yard touchdown run for Courtney Osgood. In the remainder of the first half, neither team scored again. Cary Coles came close, missing a 56-yard field goal attempt.

In the second half a former Merchantmen player put the Lake Monsters up again. In a drive where the Monsters ran all over the Merchantmen defense, wide receiver Amos Collins scored on a 38-yard reception. It marked the only score of the quarter, meaning the Lake Monsters went into the fourth period leading 14-7. The Merchantmen got the ball back and knew there was a lot to do. But they were nailed at their own 4-yard line to start the final period.

First down! Jewell Simpson, repromoted to a starter with two other receivers out, made a big 33-yard catch to move his team up field. With another big pass to tight end Arnold Ramirez, Louie Flannery guided his men into Rochester territory. Consecutive running plays didn't move the team any closer than just into the red zone. A Cary Coles field goal narrowed the score down to 14-10. The Lake Monsters got the ball back at their own 13-yard line.

Interception! Sammie Kennedy had a perfect read on what quarterback Jackie Williamson was going to do. He didn't manage to run the ball back, but the Merchantmen had the ball back in Rochester territory. Louie Flannery didn't need much time. A quick pass to Bass on the first play immediately resulted in a touchdown. Merchantmen 17, Rochester 14, the stadium was about to explode. The Lake Monsters were stopped on their next drive and the Merchantmen looked ready to secure the win with 4:30 left.

But no such luck. Following a play were Courtney Osgood was stuffed, Louie Flannery made a horrible mistake. Flannery looked downfield and tried to do a medium long pass. Gene Troup intercepted the pass and found his way through the Merchantmen offense to run the ball 45 yards back for the touchdown. The Lake Monsters looked like the winning time again, leading 21-17. The Merchantmen needed a touchdown again to win the game, or even force overtime.

Amazingly enough, Louie Flannery didn't panic. Lead by Flannery the offense regrouped and did their trick. Run here, pass to Bass there, the Merchantmen marched up field and were facing third and three at the Rochester 42 yard line with 100 seconds left. Flannery called a weak formation, making it look like they were going to run. The Lake Monsters adjusted to it. And then Alfredo Bass escaped his receiver. Flannery threw a bomb into the endzone. Bass grabbed the ball and the stadium exploded again. Maassluis 24, Rochester 21.

In the final 91 seconds of the game, the Lake Monsters tried to get their act going again, but the Merchantmen pass rush avoided that. A sack by Charles Gomez and a hurry by Luther Hansen helped set up a fourth and four situation in Rochester territory. The Lake Monsters had no choice but to go for it. The Merchantmen sat back in dime personnel, but decided to let dimeback Winford Endicott blitz. Nobody saw the man coming and so didn't Jackie Williamson. Endicott made the sack and the game was over, Merchantmen win!

Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude knew there was nothing to complain about: "Well, it was a tight game, but our fourth quarter play really overshadowed Rochester's play in the first half. Louie Flannery made good decissions most of the time and Alfredo Bass once again showed why he's the IHOF's top receiver. We're blessed to have this guy on our team." Bass had 5 receptions for 127 yards and 2 scores.

By holding Rochester to 275 total yards on offense, the Merchantmen are keeping more than a winning streak alive. In five games this season, the Merchantmen defense held every opponent below 300 yards. And the offense takes full advantage of it. The 84 yards difference against Rochester was the slimmest of the season.

Upcoming is another home game against a Northeast team. The division leading Boston Rhinos have been pretty good this season so far. Last weekend they gave the Paris Musketeers their first loss with a dominant showing (403 versus 265 yards). If it wasn't for a big interception return for Paris, the score might have been more than just the tiny 3-point margin.

The Rhinos have posted three 400 yards performances already. Quarterback Robby Gonzalez has thrown 12 touchdowns (at least one in ever game) against only 4 interceptions (one each in the last four). But they are not invincible. In both their losses the Rhinos were held below 300 yards. Their defense took a big loss recently when middle linebacker Lloyd Dye went out for the season. And with Gonzalez plagued by a sore knee, the Merchantmen might stand a chance to win. And simultaneously tie the franchise record in consecutive victories at six.

Kodos · 09-20-2006, 07:47 AM

It was tough losing such a close game. Maybe next season we can host a futility bowl. Or maybe in the playoffs.

cthomer5000 · 09-20-2006, 09:15 AM

Thanks Maassluis!

Kodos · 09-20-2006, 11:33 AM

We are really no threat to NPL this season. Not that that is news.

MIJB#19 · 09-24-2006, 05:44 PM

Rhinos End Merchantmen Unbeaten Streak
The Maassluis Merchantmen won't post a perfect season. Despite a stellar performance, an 89-yard punt return turned the tide. The Boston Rhinos win 18-15 in Oranje Haven ended a five-game winning streak. The Merchantmen defense posted the second best showing in least yards allowed, bringing up memories to the Fumblin' Justin game.

And that was that. Just as the media hype about their unbeaten record started, the Merchantmen bounced back on earth. Well, not entirely, the Merchantmen outgained their opponents by over 200 yards. And there's no time to cry about it, an all-important game against the Paris Musketeers awaits.

Running back Courtney Osgood had a big day. With 115 yards on the ground, Osgood proved his former team wrong for not making him the feature back. Boston's Brian Patten struggled as he was held to just 21 yards on 8 carries. It marked Osgood's eight 100-yard game for the Merchantmen.

"Ignore that freak play and we win that game," Courtney Osgood said after the game, "I think I even warned the punting unit. I've seen Glen Acton (who returned a punt for 89 yards and te game winning touchdown) in practise on the punt return unit in my Boston days. 6-0 would have looked a lot cooler."

Defensive tackle Charles Gomez was furious after the game. The IHOF's most awarded player anchored a defense that allowed only 168 total yards, the second best game in Merchantmen history. "It was 2004 all over again." Back in week 9 of the 2004 season, the Merchantmen lost 17-17 to the Conyers Condors on two fumble return touchdowns. That day the Fumblin' Justin nickname was born.

Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude wasn't in Maassluis those years: "I don't remember that game as a head coach. A freak game, but we know what we're capable of. We're ready for Paris, possibly the weakest of the teams we face so far. Don't be mistaken, they're good, it's just that we had a tough schedule so far."

The Paris Musketeers will come to Maassluis being 3-2-1. With the Bordeaux Vineyards at 4-2, this game is a crucial one for both sides for the playoff race. Maassluis can use a win to strenghten their division title chances, while Paris pretty much needs a win to stay in the race. The Gothenburg Giants sit in last place at 1-5-1.

MIJB#19 · 09-29-2006, 10:08 AM

Musketeers Upset Merchantmen
The European Division lead is slipping through their fingers. The Maassluis Merchantmen dropped to 5-2 following a 19-6 defeat to the Paris Musketeers. The Merchantmen outgained their French rivals by 146 yards, but failed to turn yardage into points again. Quarterback Louie Flannery received the lionshare of the complaints from Merchantmen fans, players and staff members.

450 yards in the plus, 16 points in the negative. There isn't much room for stranger things, but this is what Maassluis looked the the last two games. First the Boston Rhinos overcame being outgained, now the Paris Musketeers managed it. The Merchantmen season is quickly going south.

"Just dreadful," linebacker 'Mickey' Kershner said, "we keep them away from our territory, but we still find a way to lose. I don't want to point fingers, but this offense has to stop making turnovers. Yeah, I'm pissed, this is not whatwas supposed to happen. Beat Paris and we're a shoe in for the division title, now it's going to be a long season."

Quarterback Louie Flannery after the game found the courage to give a short speech to the fans who didn't leave Oranje Haven mid-way the fourth quarter. Flannery appologized for the mistakes he made (2 interceptions) and promised the fans the team will be leading Europe when te team returns to Maassluis in week 12.

Upcoming is a tough road game at the North Plainfield Plague, who are likely to see star quarterback David Conti back. The Merchantmen defense haven't allowed a team to gain 300 or more yards yet, but the Plague have a history of beating the Merchantmen. Expectations are it will be a shootout, or at least a close game determined by a field goal.

MIJB#19 · 09-29-2006, 10:08 AM

The Month That Was: October 2012
Unbelievable. If we hadn't gone througha streak like this before, I'd say it's something that doesn't go hand in hand with this team. But it clearly does. In 2009 we lost two consecutive games where we outgained the opponent by 150 yards. We did it again. 5-2, not so bad going into the season, but right now it's just silly. I guess the undefeated talk stalled us.

Thankfully, the rest of the division isn't doing well either. The Bordeaux Vineyards lost two games at home, while the Paris Musketeers rebounded from a two-game losing streak against us. Only the Gothenburg Giants are looking bad right now. Charlie Vance may just be a rookie quarterback, but without him the Giants couldn't do anything good.

Standings
5-2-0 Maassluis
4-2-1 Paris
4-3-0 Bordeaux
1-7-1 Gothenburg

The month wasn't so bad afterall, it was pretty rough to leave some players out for the player of the month race, especially since I limit myself to only three credible players in lost games. Courtney osgood was the star of the team. With two 100-yard games, Osgood anchored the offense, totalling 328 yards and 2 scores in 4 games. Alfredo Bass didn't copy his monster numbers, but with 21 catches for 274 yards and 2 scores he was crucial. Charles Gomez was back in his old shape with 1.5 sacks, 2 blocks and 8 hurries.

Standings October 2012: 1. Courtney Osgood 8 points, 2. Alfredo Bass and Charles Gomez 5 pt, 4. Cody Cluff, J.J. Reilly, Jewell Simpson and Sean Smalley 4 pt, 8. Lonnie Badalyan, Lincoln Gilmore and Quentin Hatchette 2 pt, 11. Myron Stevens and Bernie Surry 1 pt.

Standings 2012 Season 1. Alfredo Bass 15 points, 2. Courtney Osgood 11 pt, 3. Quentin Hatchette 7 pt, 4. Louie Flannery 6 pt, 5. Charles Gomez and Timothy Lacy 5 pt, 7. Cody Cluff, J.J. Reilly, Jim Reiser, Jewell Simpson and Sean Smalley 4 pt, 12. Frank Bernard and Sammie Kennedy 3 pt, 14. Lonnie Badalyan, Bryce Ewald, Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz 2 pt, 18. Albert Boggess, Brian Spears, Myron Stevens and Bernie Surry 1 point.

November awaits with four games, with only the last one at home. We start with the North Plainfield Plague, who are also 5-2 by now. They are our top rivals for the playoff seedings right now, behind the Tucker Tigers (6-1) and above the Vicksburg Vipers (5-3). Then we continue with a trip through Europe with road games at Bordeaux and Gothenburg. Especially the game against Bordeaux is going to be crucial. We end the month with a home game against the Asheville Axemen. Not a gimme, since the Axemen are flirting with a division title at 6-1.

All in all, I think we have to go 3-1 in November to keep pace for the division title. Anything below 2-2 would be a major disappointment. We can't afford to lose many more games now if we want to continue to fight for the top AOC seeds. We've already lost 2 games in the conference. With games against the Plague and Vicksburg Vipers yet to come, these are crucial games for the seeding procedure. And the division could come down to a crucial week 15 game in Paris and their visit to Bordeaux in week 17. Things are getting too close again...

MIJB#19 · 09-29-2006, 10:09 AM

Comeback Conti Exposes Merchantmen
David Conti is back. The Maassluis Merchantmen noticed in their 23-17 defeat at the North Plainfield Plague. In a close game, Conti guided his offense to the first 300-yard performance against the Merchantmen defense. The Merchantmen failed to take advantage of a Conti injury, as Louie Flannery threw two costly interceptions.

Things are going from bad to worse in Maassluis. Following two unneeded losses to apparently weaker teams, the Merchantmen found their match in the North Plainfield Plague. Lead by David Conti and 'Aces' Glenn in the second half, the Plague offense took full advantage of Louie Flannery's mistake loaded passing.

But the Merchantmen didn't have much choice. Flannery had to pass, as the team was missing a running game all game long. Courtney Osgood left the game injured after just 9 carries for 32 yards, while Quentin Hatchette was held to 2.7 yards per carry for 49 yards. Alfredo Bass posted another century with 125 yards receiving, but couldn't score for his team.

The lack of a running game was two-fold. Yes, Osgood got hurt early on, but other injuries also hurt the team. Right guard Timothy Lacy is the team's top run blocker and Lacy has been missing in action with a knee injury. Against the Plague, star left tackle Ivan Jacques was also missing. His replacement Chris Perdomo left the game on a stretcher after just two plays with a knee injury that will likely sideline him until late November.

With a game at the Bordeaux Vineyard to come, it's going to be interesting to see what the Merchantmen can do. The defense is still considered the best in the league, but the offense is looking to old habits. The only bright light there is still Alfredo Bass. The future hall of famer is on pace to break the league record in receptions, while he should break all receiving record for the Merchantmen. The receiving yards and touchdowns record could be broken as early as next week. Bass needs only 59 yards and 2 scores to equal Bryce Ewald's 850 and 7 from last season.

MIJB#19 · 10-03-2006, 06:30 PM

Bordeaux Runs Over Merchantmen
The Maassluis Merchantmen lost their fourth game in a row. With a last minute field goal, the Bordeaux Vineyards were victorious: 23-20. The Merchantmen defense allowed over 300 yards for the second time this season. Quarterback Louie Flannery received more critic, following another game with multiple interception.

What a drive. The Bordeaux Vineyards saw their star runningback duo held to negative yards in week one at Maassluis. At home, Billy Jamerson and Casey Mercer ran all over the Merchantmen. In a 10-minute long drive, the Vineyards ran 16 times (and passed only once) to an early 7-0 lead.

The Merchantmen scored back and even took a 10-7 lead following an interception by Lincoln Gilmore, but it didn't hold up. The Vineyards kept running and bashed their way to victory. If it wasn't for a fumble return for a touchdown by defensive end Lonnie Badalyan, the Merchantmen wouldn't have been within a score.

Quarterback Louie Flannery fled to the visitors locker room following the game. Flannery completed 12 of 25 passes for only 113 yards and 2 interceptions. People almost forgot that he did throw a touchdown pass to put his team into a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter. But the die-hard Merchantmen fans had serious trouble supporting their quarterback.

Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude admitted that the offense struggled: "We don't like to pull the injury card, but apparently it's part of the loss. We were missing two wide receivers, Courtney Osgood and had to rush Ivan Jacques and Tim Lacy into action due to other injuries."

All in all, the Merchantmen have gone from one high to another. The game today was the third worst offensive production in team history with only 161 yards. A big contrast with week one of this season, when they set a new team record at 498 yards, ironically against the same Bordeaux team. The seven following games were all but one in the team's top 30 with 350 or more yards. The non-top30 was the 9-3 win over the Syracuse Mohawks.

Upcoming is a road game at the Gothenburg Giants. It's easy to see that the Giants are struggling all season long, hence their 1-7-1 record. Rookie quarterback Charles Vance had a couple of heartbreaking losses, seeing his team lose by a single score, while he threw multiple touchdowns. Cornerback Harley Gowan is ready for a big game, as he has 7 career interceptions against the Merchantmen in 16 games.

MIJB#19 · 10-03-2006, 06:31 PM

Gossip News: Louie Flannery Benched!
Stop the presses, there's news in Maassluis. Gossip News' European correspondent Isaac. M. Bogus reports that quarterback Louie Flannery will be benched for Sunday's game at the Gothenburg Giants. Flannery has thrown 2 interceptions in each of the last three games and is on pace for a career high in picked off passes.

Rumor has it that the Merchantmen have officially listed quarterback Richard Bell as their starter. An interesting move following a strong season start, in which the Merchantmen won five games in a row and lost two games by a bit of bad luck, most notably Flannery's interceptions.

The Merchantmen management wasn't willing to respond, but guard Daniel Decastro was willing to comment on the issue. Decastro said: "Flannery sucks. I've worked with 'The Donald', I can tell you, a guy like Flannery is a disaster for a team. Every time you think you're going to score or on a game tying drive, he's going to throw the ball to an opponent. He's been annoying to watch."

Richard Bell has reportedly made good progress in training camp and now the sixth year veteran looks ready to take over when Flannery struggles. Bell relieved Flannery in the first two games and came out of it well with a 102.8 quarterback rating. Especially his 81-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jim Reiser was an impressive play.

And if Bell falls out of favor too, the team can always rely on Justin McDavid.

MIJB#19 · 10-03-2006, 06:31 PM

Press Release: Flannery Will Play Sunday
The Maassluis Merchantmen would like to report that Louie Flannery is still the starting quarterback. The Merchantmen management wants to make clear that reports from Gossip News are false. Guard Daniel Decastro will be disciplined accordingly following his foul words towards Flannery.

General Manager M.IJ.B. states: "Louie Flannery is our franchise quarterback. He's a flamboyant player and throws more interceptions than one would like him too. But that's his style, he loves to throw it deep. There's no doubt that Flannery is our long term answer at quarterback. Don't be fooled, Flannery will play on Sunday."

About Decastro, M.IJ.B. said: "Daniel (Decastro) didn't use nice words about Flannery. We're going to talk with him about team spirit and he'll be accordingly disciplined. If he doesn't show remorse for his actions, we'll have no choice but to suspend him, or worse."

Reports that Richard Bell is listed as the starting quarterback right now are true. The management is taken some pressure off Flannery's shoulders and is giving Bell some time to work with te first team. Who the starter is in Gothenburg will be a game day decission.

MIJB#19 · 10-06-2006, 07:17 AM

Longest Losing Streak In 7 Years For Merchantmen
The Maassluis Merchantmen are falling apart. The Gothenburg Giants upset the Merchantmen with a 23-15 victory in Sweden. The Giants rookie quarterback Charles Vance guided his offense to 400 total yards, the biggest production against the Merchantmen so far this season. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass set a new franchise record.

The defense isn't what it used to be. After 13 regular season games of less than 300 yards allowed (in which they Merchantmen went 10-3, with 10 consecutive wins), the Merchantmen allowed their first 400-game since week one of 2011. Ironically, that came also at the Gothenburg Giants' Palace Of Ice And Frost.

Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude wasn't happy: "It's mind boggling how this is happening. Since the second half of the 2011 season, we've provided the best defense in league history. Yet, following two freak losses, the team decided to lose all faith and fall into a big hole. Now we've got five losses in a row. I'm clueless in how to get the ship sailing North again."

Some critics point to Van Der Woude himself. Despite his excellent play calling decissions, he's never been much of a motivational speaker. The Merchantmen have a trend to lose again after a loss. Coordinators J.T. Pulliam and Omar Carden have their hands full on strategic plans, which is hopeless when the coach can't avoid a collective depression.

Bad luck happens, but the loss in Sweden was the fifth in a row. The longest losing streak under Van Der Woude's guidance. Especially the chemistry with Louie Flannery seems over. Flannery got rid of interceptions againstthe Giants, yet completed only half of his passes for a depressing 151 yards.

Wide receiver Alfredo Bass didn't struggle. In what used to be his first IHOF home, Bass played two seasons for the Gothenburg Giants, he set a new single season receiving yards record. With 889 yards, Bass already did better than Bryce Ewald's 850 yards last season. With six games to go, Bass stands a good chance to break the remaining receiving records. Bass currently leads the league with 62 receptions and made 5 touchdowns.

The next Merchantmen game is in their own Oranje Haven. Their opponents are the Asheville Axemen. With an 8-2 record, the Axemen are leading the NAC Atlantic Coast division by a three-game margin. Their schedule so far has been relative easy, although they did beat both teams with a winning record they faced. Especially on defense, the Axemen are plagued by injuries. The only previous encounter with the Axemen resulted in a Merchantmen victory, a surprising 19-10 victory with Justin McDavid at quarterback in his first start after ACL Knee Surgery.

Alf · 10-06-2006, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

Bordeaux Runs Over Merchantmen

What a drive. The Bordeaux Vineyards saw their star runningback duo held to negative yards in week one at Maassluis. At home, Billy Jamerson and Casey Mercer ran all over the Merchantmen. In a 10-minute long drive, the Vineyards ran 16 times (and passed only once) to an early 7-0 lead.

/me liked that drive very much indeed. I hope we could have such drives on a more regular basis.

MIJB#19 · 10-06-2006, 10:20 AM

Merchantmen Replace Decastro With Obryan
The Maassluis Merchantmen added a new player to their team. Guard Milton Obryan was signed right before the road game at the Gothenburg Giants. Obryan even joined the active roster for that game. Guard Daniel Decastro was released after one and a half seasons of service.

Milton Obryan had been a free agent since the end of the 2011 season. He signed with the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums that season to play the veteran backup role on one of the deepest teams at that position. Before that, Obryan played 70 games for the Vicksburg Vipers. As one of the blockers for all-time IHOF rushing leader Ronnie Kemp, Obryan was known as a member of the Crunch Bunch, as well as former Merchantmen tackle Wilson Grimaldo.

Daniel Decastro's release was a little bit unexpected. Decastro had been playing a backup role in Maassluis and had become unhappy about the situation. This move had been hanging in the air for a couple of weeks already, as Decastro was considered a locker room problem. Recent criticism of quarterback Louie Flannery made the decission easier. Decastro played in four games with the Merchantmen.

MIJB#19 · 10-09-2006, 06:35 AM

Irregular Interviewing: Justin's Comeback, Four Years Later
The losingest Merchantmen since 2004. Being at a respectable 5-5, that doesn't sound fair, but the reality is that the Merchantmen have lost five in a row. Five straight makes for the longest losing streak since the historic feat of 15 straight between week 4 of 2004 and week 1 of 2005. Today, we speak with a player who has been with the Merchantmen since day 1, the starting quarterback during that 15-game losing streak and an idol to a lot of fans: 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid.

Questioner (Q): The Merchantmen are sturggling on offense. Rumors were spread that Louie Flannery was going to be benched. Upcoming is a game against the Asheville Axemen, the last time the Merchantmen played them, the Merchantmen won with you at quarterback. Shouldn't you be starting, Justin?
Justin McDavid (JMcD): No. We're currently on the dim side of normal life cycle flows. People are quickly forgetting how great this team was at the end of 2011 and the first seven games of this season.

Q: Sure, but most of the success was the defense playing so well.
JMcD: Yes and no. Going strictly by statistics, we can even claim to have been the best defense in the league the past season and a half, but the defense is hopeless if the offense can't keep the chains moving.

Q: Flannery is struggling to make that happen.
JMcD: No. We work hard as a team to make plays on offense. There will always be good games and bad games. In the first seven games the offense gained 300 yards or more. Like I said, there will always be bad streaks. We've always had them. Any team faces them.

Q: In contrast to most teams, injuries are hard to blame.
JMcD: Injuries... They are so overrated. Look at the Axemen. They're missing half of their starters. Have you seen their record? 8-2. Yep, they are hurting, but tough it out and continue to win games. The last thing we should do know is underestimate our next opponent because of their injuries.

Q: Talking of injuries, the story with your knee troubles have been forgotten a bit.
JMcD: Yeah. Look, it's almost impossible to play without pain, but I haven't needed to skip practise ever since the surgery.

Q: That was one devastating injury. Did the return to the Palace Of Ice And Frost last week make you have flashbacks.
JMcD: Yes. I mean, we play there every season, but I will always remember it as the site that changed my career.

Q: How hard is it to play a backup role?
JMcD: It's not. I mean, back then, it was Leonard or me. We were completly different quarterbacks, but kind of equal as well. I may have gone a bit overboard in taking risks back then to fight for my starting role. I was young and eager.

Q: You're still young.
JMcD: (laughs) I'm in my thirties! You know you're old when your team management ask you to be a mentor to rookies. It was kind of freaky when it started, I was just back from injury. But it also made sense, I'm good in explaining stuff to others. Too bad neither of the guys really panned out to stick around.

Q: Maassluis is a bit of a Waterloo to quarterbacks. There are 16 on the list of former players.
JMcD: That's life in the IHOF. Besides, Louie (Flannery) has been the starter for his seventh straight season, without being replaced, aside from injuries. The management has spent a lot of time on finding a good number two guy. It's become my duty to mentor young guys to get them ready for that role. Of course, the management never expected Richard Bell to do so well.

Q: What's Bell for a kind of player?
JMcD: Well, let me start with saying that Richard (Bell) was a bit of a walk-on. He was signed right before training camp to fight for a roster spot. Somewhat surprising since we had five guys on roster back then. Richard showed what he was made of in training camp and rightfully claimed the #2 role.

Q: Wait a minute, six quarterbacks?
JMcD: Yeah. Back then we had two young guys for the future #2 role in Josh Webb and Harvey Nimmons. Of course, today, they are elsewhere, Josh retired, Harvey plays for the Georgia Gridlock. We also had Thad Pilkington, but the management had told me then that either Thad or I would get traded.

Q: Your name has been linked with trades a lot the past off-seasons. There were rumors you were close to a deal with the Rochester Lake Monsters the past off-season.
JMcD: (laughs) Rochester is a nice place to play football. You know there's still a good management relationship between Maassluis and Rochester. When the Lake Monsters drafted Bubba Raymond, the managements talked about me going there to tutor Raymond. In the end they chose for Dominic Lynch. A great choice. 'Domino' had a great resume as a mentor. He's some sort of quarterback coach. Raymond's first few plays looked really good. It's going to be interesting to see what the big work-out warrior can do next game.

Q: The Merchantmen's next game, Asheville at home. Don't tell me it doesn't do anything to you.
JMcD: It does. Randy Harris (former Merchantmen running back) gave me a phone call the other day. He said: "Justin, look at how times have changed. Half of the offense has been replaced since that day." He's right.

Q: What are your memories to that game?
JMcD: I was really nervous. I hadn't played a single down since the injury. But the stadium was going wild. Really, the crowd was making so much noise. And when Lincoln Gilmore made that interception, I knew this was it. He walked up to me and said: "That was for you. Do your thing, Justin. This is your moment of glory."

Q: What happened?
JMcD: We went into the huddle and I remember looking into Randy Harris' eyes. It was like I had never been gone. I called the play and it was just all like a dream. I passed to Rosenberry and ran for the first down on the next play. Bryce (Ewald) made a great third down conversion. And then came the touchdown. We went into the huddle again and Devin (Henson) said: Justin, I'll get open and get you your touchdown. He kept word. When I walked to the side line, everybody was crying. The Head Coach, Charles Gomez, Big Al (Albert Bernardo), Cody Cluff, Lincoln Gilmore...

Q: Wow.
JMcD: It was so bad, kicker Cary Coles was too emotional to score the extra point. He set things right on the next drive by converting his field goal attempt. We were leading 16-0 at half time, the Axemen had no idea where they were, the atmosphere was overwhelming. Of course, after the break, they came back strong and I remember thinking we were going to choke the lead when we kept failing to score.

Q: What's this game against the Axemen going to be like?
JMcD: Like any other the last couple of years. I'll be on the sideline, making notes to help Louie (Flannery) as best I can. Really, I'm only going to see the field if both Louie (Flannery) and Richard (Bell) get hurt.

Q: Will you guys snap the losing streak?
JMcD: We'd better! Some of the younger guys are losing their confidence, but with that defense, we should know that things will get back on track. Charles Gomez has been really pissed the last couple of days.

Q: Is that a good sign?
JMcD: Gomez is always like that. But when it gets this bad, you know somebody is going to pay for it. I think Gomez and Cluffy (Cody Cluff) have big plans to take the Axemen's running game out.

Q: Alright, Justin. Thanks for your time. Good luck to you guys.

MIJB#19 · 10-10-2006, 07:09 AM

Merchantmen Shutout Axemen
The Maassluis Merchantmen can still win. With an impressive 28-0 score, they beat the Asheville Axemen. With losses by both French rivals, the Bordeaux Vineyards and Paris Musketeers, the Merchantmen keep hopes on a second straight European title alive. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass added another Merchantmen receiving record to his resume.

At last. After five losses, with the last three being really bad, the Merchantmen avenged their own lack of success. The third shutout in franchise history gave more strenght to the win. Granted, the Axemen were depletted by injuries, but the Axemen had been serious contenders for the #1 seed position in the North American Conference.

Oranje Haven loves Louie Flannery again. With a completion percentage of 79.3 and 3 touchdown passes, Flannery was the effective leader of the team. In recent weeks, Flannery was the center of all negative media attention, but today his team silenced the critics.

The Merchantmen defense also returned to early season form. The Axemen came never closer than the Merchantmen 33-yard line. Star defensive tackle Charles Gomez said: "This is how we do it. Everybody worked hard and we kept them in check all day long." Special praise went to rookie linebacker Lee Burns, who was te biggest pass rush threat, coming out of a to him unfamiliar left defensive end position.

Wide receiver Alfredo Bass added a fifth Merchantmen receiving record to his resume. Bass hauled in two catches for touchdowns, adding up to 7 scores for the season. Injured receiver Bryce Ewald set the franchise high at 7 last season. Bass leads the league with 71 receptions, being 8 shy of tying the Merchantmen single-season record.

A good win, but there's no team to enjoy the win at all. Next is road game at the Vicksburg Vipers, the defending Atlantic Ocean Conference champions. At 8-3, the Vipers are competing for a bye week in the playoffs, providing they can hold the emerging Fort Worth Fury (7-4) off. The Vipers are running high on the back of Ronnie Kemp, who still holds the record most single-game rushing yards in a game against the Merchantmen.

MIJB#19 · 10-10-2006, 08:47 AM

The Month That Was: November 2012
Worst month ever. Okay, not entirely, but what the [beep] happened? After seven games of dominating every team we faced, the team had a total collapse and stunk up the joint at North Plainfield, at Bordeaux and at Gothenburg. In the end, you wonder how we even managed to stay within 8 points in all three games. Thankfully the team rebounded with a good shutout victory over the injury plagued Asheville Axemen.

While we were struggling, the Bordeaux Vineyards took full advantage. With a crucial 9-3 win at the Paris Musketeers, the Vineyards moved back to the top. Sadly for them, they lost quarterback Joe Johnson for possibly the rest of the regular season. The Paris Musketeers meanwhilst are starting their traditional collaps. A little bit early though, usually they wait until December. Last but not least, the Gothenburg Giants went 2-0 since their bye week and improved to .500 at home.

Standings
7-4-0 Bordeaux
6-4-1 Paris
6-5-0 Maassluis
3-7-1 Gothenburg

Alfredo Bass was once again the player of the month, for obvouis reasons. With 26 catches for 302 yards and 2 scores, Bass was a major factor in winning and not losing big. Bass broke the single season receiving yards (already upped it by 118 yards) and tied the touchdowns record. Louie Flannery's second placed was despite his 4 interceptions. He challenged those turnovers with 7 touchdown passes and 753 yards passing. Lincoln Gilmore was the top pass defender with 1 interception and 3 defended passes. Rookie Linebacker Lee Burns was also worth mentioning for his 1.5 sacks, 3 hurries and 1 blocked pass in two starts this month at defensive end.

Standings November 2012: 1. Alfredo Bass 10 points, 2. Louie Flannery and Lincoln Gilmore 5 pt, 4. Charles Gomez and Courtney Osgood 3 pt, 6. Quentin Hatchette and Jewell Simpson 2 pt, 8. Lee Burns, Cary Coles and Bernie Surry 1 point.

Standings 2012 Season: 1. Alfredo Bass 25 points, 2. Courtney Osgood 14 pt, 3. Louie Flannery 11 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 9 pt, 5. Charles Gomez 8 pt, 6. Lincoln Gilmore 7 pt, 7. Jewell Simpson 6 pt, 8. Timothy Lacy 5 pt, 9. Cody Cluff, J.J. Reilly, Jim Reiser and Sean Smalley 4 pt, 13. Frank Bernard and Sammie Kennedy 3 pt, 15. Lonnie Badalyan, Bryce Ewald, Broderick Schultz and Bernie Surry 2 pt, 19. Lee Burns, Albert Boggess, Cary Coles, Brian Spears and Myron Stevens 1 point.

December won't be easy. Leading up to the week 17 game against the Gothenburg Giants, we'll have a lot of must-win games. Well, the week 15 game at the Paris Musketeers clearly jumps out. If we lose there, we can forget about the playoffs. But first we're going to visit the Vicksburg Vipers (8-3, AOC champs) and host the Miami Sharks (2-9), who we thank for beating Paris last week. In week 16 awaits a road game at the Springfield Isotopes, one of three teams the Merchantmen never beat.

What makes the remaining five games all must-win games, is the current playoff situation. Our conference record is 4-5, meaning we're heavy underdogs for tie-breaker situations. Not to mention that we're a game behind the top three teams in the AOC wild cards race. Especially the Boston Rhinos (with their head to head win and a 6-3 conference record) are a team to fear. We're probably going to be stuck with either winning the division or getting into a three-way tie with Syracuse Mohawks and Georgia Gridlock, the teams we beat. It'll be an nerve-wrecking month.

Kodos · 10-11-2006, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Q: Your name has been linked with trades a lot the past off-seasons. There were rumors you were close to a deal with the Rochester Lake Monsters the past off-season.
JMcD: (laughs) Rochester is a nice place to play football. You know there's still a good management relationship between Maassluis and Rochester. When the Lake Monsters drafted Bubba Raymond, the managements talked about me going there to tutor Raymond. In the end they chose for Dominic Lynch. A great choice. 'Domino' had a great resume as a mentor. He's some sort of quarterback coach. Raymond's first few plays looked really good. It's going to be interesting to see what the big work-out warrior can do next game.

I think we can safely say the Raymond's second outing was not all that impressive. Jackie Williamson may well see the playing field in our next game.

MIJB#19 · 10-13-2006, 08:36 AM

Merchantmen Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
The Maassluis Merchantmen kept their goal for the 2012 in reach. With a convincing 17-3 win at the Vicksburg Vipers, the Merchantmen moved up to 7-5. They're back in the wild card race and European division title race, being only behind on tie-breakers. Louie Flannery continued a good streak of games with a nice showing. Rookie linebacker Lee Burns impressed again at defensive end.

Beating the Vipers was nice for team confidence. The Vipers were 8-3 going into the game and are the defending AOC champions. Thanks to losses by both the Bordeaux Vineyards (9-6 in overtime against the Tucker Tigers) and the Paris Musketeers (14-7 against the Conyers Condors), the Merchantmen are back in the division title race. It will require a Bordeaux mistake somewhere to win the division, as the Vineyards already clinched the tie-breakers over Maassluis.

All in all a good win. Granted, the offense continues to struggle with turning yardage into points, but the Vipers provided a stout defense. Keeping star running back Ronnie Kemp and his offense to 236 total yards and 3 points is a very good performance. Cody Cluff was a major factor in holding Kemp to 3.1 yards per carry, as Cluff racked up 9 tackles and 1 assist.

On the offensive side, Louie Flannery looked sharp again. Flannery had a good day in combining with his wide receivers Jewell Simpson (6 catches for 114 yards) and Alfredo Bass (5 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown). More importantly, Flannery stayed away from turnovers, marking his third straight game without interception. If he can do it again next week, Flannery would tie his personal best of four games without being picked off.

Rookie linebacker Lee Burns received more kudos. Burns recorded another sack in his third start. So far in three starts, Burns racked up 2.5 sacks, 3 hurried passes, 7 tackles and 3 assists. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez praised Burns: "He's getting the job done. Our regular starting ends have been struggling with injuries and Lee (Burns) has picked it up well. Pretty good for a linebacker."

Next game Burns might be pulled back to play at linebacker again. Albert Boggess (shoulder) and Mike Kershner (groin) are injured. Both could play, if need to, but the Merchantmen usually don't start injured players. But with injuries to star conrerback Tai Wayne (groin) and defensive end Omar Gougeon (groin), there will be more players shuffled around. Charles Gomez said: "No big deal, we got about 20 guys who can start on defense."

On the offensive side, left tackle Ivan Jacques re-injured his thumb. He was almost recovered from a torn thumb ligament, but he aggrevated the injury against the Vipers. Additionally, center Brant Heinrich suffered a strained calf muscle and will definately miss the next game against the Miami Sharks. Most likely it will be center Ned Cozart taking Heinrich's position, while just recovered Chris Perdomo will be placed in Jacques' role.

Upcoming is a game against the Miami Sharks. Being 3-9, the Sharks may look like an easy win, but it would be a horrible mistake to underestimate them. The Sharks have won their last two games against wild card hopefulls Paris and Anaheim. The Sharks tend to pass more than run and rank 28th in scoring. Their pass defense is decent while their run defense can be effecitve at times. It should be another low scoring affair in Oranje Haven.

Kodos · 10-13-2006, 08:52 AM

Good luck. Somebody must represent the Futility Bowl in the playoffs, and it ain't gonna be us this season.

MIJB#19 · 10-13-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodos

Good luck. Somebody must represent the Futility Bowl in the playoffs, and it ain't gonna be us this season.

Isn't it usually Maassluis that represents the Futility Bowl in the playoffs, while Rochester does their traditional 10-6 with worse tie-breakers trick?

All kidding aside, it's possible, but it's not a given that we'll make it. If this team keeps playing like they did in all but three games so far, we should be able to get knocked out in the wild card round while dominating our opponents 350 to 200 yards... :o

MIJB#19 · 10-19-2006, 08:51 AM

Merchantmen Succesfully Defend Their Harbor From Sharks Invasion
The Maassluis Merchantmen have improved to 8-5. With a 20-14 victory over the Miami Sharks, the Merchantmen kept pace with all of their playoff race rivals. The Merchantmen offense showed a good outing, although failed to run up the score. The Sharks rallied for a fourth quarter comeback, but came time short to complete it. Louie Flannery tied his own record of games without interception.

What a game. When the two-minute warning was called, the game looked over. The Merchantmen were leading 20-7, but despite about to punt, the Sharks had only one time out left. Sean Smalley nailed the ball at the Sharks' four-yard line, pretty much ending the game. The Merchantmen fans were already crying victory and started asking for results elsewhere across the globe. But things turned out a little bit different.

Young Sharks quarterback Clay Porter decided to go for it. With a 33-yard pass to Clyde Potter and a 47-yard bomb to Adrian Groff, the Sharks burst into the Merchantmen redzone. Time started running out as incomplete passes followed, but Porter found Groff again for a big gain and followed it up with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Scottie Handwerker. Less than 30 seconds left, there was only one thing left: the onside kick.

And yet it wasn't over. As the referees starting unwrapping the pile of players, it turned out Sharks' fullback Tommie Foley was holding the ball. Quarterback Clay Porter had two more plays. On his last chance, Porter connected with Adria Groff again. As Groff tried to escape his defender Sammie Kennedy, it was nickel back Brian Spears who helped Groff to the ground to end the game in Merchantmen territoty.

Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery received accolades for his performance. Flannery completed 18 of 25 passes for 172 yards, with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Granted, no all-world passing numbers, but it marked Flannery's fourth consecutive game without interception, a personal best.

Alfredo Bass has been a key in Flannery's recent success. With 70 or more yards receiving in each of those four games, pass to Bass has been Flannery's new motto. For the season, Bass has added up to a league-high 80 catches for 1,137 yards and 8 touchdowns. With that many catches, it means Bass has now taken his sixth Merchantmen receiving record, completing the sweep of all single-game and single-season records.

Running back Courtney Osgood also posted good numbers. Despite the absence of lead blockers Ivan Jacques and Brant Heinrich, Osgood ran for 104 yards on 22 carries, marking his third century of the season. Including the playoff game against the Syracuse Mohawks last season, Osgood has posted ten 100-yard games in just 29 games for the Merchantmen.

At 8-5, the Merchantmen are currently in a wild race for playoff tickets. In the European division they rank second behind the Bordeaux Vineyards (8-5). The Merchantmen can't win the division on tie-breakers, so they need the Vineyards to loss (or tie) at least one of their three remaining games. For the wild cards, the Merchantmen are in a healthy position thanks to victories over three of the five competitiors. However, the Merchantmen need the Fort Worth Fury to fall out of the race by either losing or passing the Vicksburg Vipers.

Next mission for the Merchantmen is a tough road game in Paris. The home playing Musketeers (6-6-1) have fallen far behind for the playoff tickets. With a victory over the Merchantmen, the French team can regain some of their pride following a four-game losing streak. The traditional chokers stamp has already been put back on them. The Musketeers are expected do their best at taking the Merchantmen down with them into missing the post-season.

MIJB#19 · 10-22-2006, 08:25 AM

Merchantmen Eliminate Musketeers
The Maassluis Merchantmen season continues to be exciting. With a 26-10 win at the Paris Musketeers, the Merchantmen improved to 9-5. With losses by rivals, the Merchantmen returned to a playoff ticket spot. Louie Flannery set a unqiue streak of games. Cornerback Brian Spears was unlucky again.

They needed some help across the Atlantic Ocean from other teams, but they're back in it. The Merchantmen improved to the second wild card spot in the AOC, being one of six teams at 9-5 or better. Especially the Fort Worth Fury's loss to their arch-rival San Antonio Volunteers was crucial.

But it didn't look like it would be an easy win. The Musketeers started young quarterback Kim Andrews over Edmundo Lumpkin and the kid had a hot start. A touchdown pass to Grady Richards after four minutes opened the score. A field goal seven minutes later gave the home team a strong 10-0 lead.

With the Musketeers you never know how long they hold on to their leads. The Merchantmen offense got rolling as they scored 16 unanswered points in the second quarter. The Musketeers offense saw running back Steve Stokes enmass 105 yards, but it turned out far from enough to make his team win.

At the end of the day, quarterback Kim Andrews didn't look quite ready. His 8 runs for 46 yards looked heroic, but with only 12 completed passes for 136 yards and 3 interceptions, Andrews couldn't get a passing game going. The Merchantmen scored another field goal and touchdown to post their third straight win in Paris.

Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery had similar troubles to get a passing game going. But as Flannery went 19 for 37, he did post 204 yards and a score, without interception. In fact, it marked his fifth straight game without interception, something he never did before. In those 5 games, Flannery completed 94 of 152 passes for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdows.

Cornerback Brian Spears was unlucky once again. The injury plagued nickelback ruptured an elbow tendon and is out for the rest of the season. The first analysis says that Spears is likely going to part of the 2013 as well, following recuperation. It continues a sad trend for Spears, as he ended the 2011 season on injured reserve as the team leader in interceptions as well.

Cornerback Tom Richmond was quickly signed in preperation for the next game. The 27-year old player joined the Merchantmen on a one-year contract. Iroically, Richmond joined the Merchantmen last season too after Brian Spears was placed on injured reserve. In contrast to last season, Richmond is expected to see action ths season as cornerbacks Tai Wayne and Winford Endicott are unlikely to play in week 16.

Week 16 will bring the Merchantmen to the Springfield Isotopes. The IHOF's all time most losing franchise is crippled by injuries, having lost their top two quarterbacks to season ending injuries. Ex-Merchantman passer Mel Atkins is expected to start again for the Isotopes following a stellar performance last week. A Merchantmen win would make the Isotopes the first franchise to lose to every other IHOF franchise. The Merchantmen would love to make that happen...

MIJB#19 · 10-26-2006, 07:17 AM

I've got some computer problems at home, meaning updating the dynasty is a little bit harder than usually. I'll try to get the week 16 recap, December review and week 17 recap and possible playoffs preview posted by the end of the weekend.

MIJB#19 · 10-30-2006, 08:39 AM

Merchantmen Secure Playoff Spot
The Maassluis Merchantmen season won't end next week. With a 22-14 win over the Springfield Isotopes, the Merchantmen did their part in clinching a playoff ticket. Losses by other teams across the Atlantic Ocean secured a playoff berth. The offense sturggled to score again, allowing the Isotopes to rally for a late comeback.

Five field goals. Kicker Cary Coles doesn't have trouble in doing his thing, but it would be a little bit safer if his team managed to score some touchdowns. The Maassluis Merchantmen are headed for the playoffs, but they seem to lack the ability to turn red zone visits into six-pointers. If they can't fix that problem, they'll be in for more late comebacks and nailbiting finishes.

The Springfield Isotopes showed another example. After three quarters of non-productivity, the Isotopes woke up and came only 13 yards and a two-point conversion short to tie the game. Something that shouldn't happen, given the Merchantmen's drive chart: the Merchantmen punted only once in nine possessions.

Quarterback Louie Flannery had saw a streak of games without interceptions end. The Merchantmen playcaller had gone five games without being picked off. Flanenery completed 22 of 33 passes for 215 yards and a score. Flannery connected with nine different players and was a big factor in the 431 total yards on offense.

Running back Quentin Hatchette was another big factor in the game. Hatchette posted his biggest game so far with 18 carries for 106 yards. The backup running back got more carries than starter Courtney Osgood, who ran 13 times for 91 yards and a 7.0 average per carry. For the game, the Merchantmen posted 221 yards rushing, a new team record.

Upcoming is a game at the Gothenburg Giants. Victory and a Bordeaux Vineyards loss to the Paris Musketeers will recrown the Merchantmen as European champions. If that happens, the Merchantmen will end up as third seeds for the playoffs. A loss will likely result in sixth seeds, barring a Boston Rhinos loss, which would move the Merchantmen up to fifth seeds.

MIJB#19 · 10-30-2006, 08:40 AM

Merchantmn Choke European Title
Abmyssal. Following 20-0 and 26-6 leads, the Maassluis Merchantmen managed to lose the last regular season game 27-26 to the Gothenburg Giants. The Merchantmen had already clinched a playoff berth, but by the loss minute loss gave away the European division title to the Bordeaux Vineyards. On the bright side, running back Quentin Hatchette had a big game and was a big factor in a new team rushing record. That record had been set only a week ago.

As Cary Coles converted his fourth field goal of the game, the game looked over. With a 26-6 lead, the Merchantmen had the game locked up. The Giants had gained roughly 200 yards on offense and there was no way they would score three touchdowns to win the game. Guess again. When the clock was blinking 36 seconds left, the scoreboard read Merchantmen 26, visitors 27.

After the game, the Merchantmen coaching staff questioned their decission to replace Louie Flannery at half time. Flannery had been a key player in the recent five-game winning streak. With 2 touchdown passes in the first quarter, Flannery had his hand in the early lead. Backup Richard Bell completed only 7 of 13 passes for 44 yards.

Granted, as the Merchantmen were leading, it made sense to run more and pass less. Running back Quentin Hatchette was given the starting role following his 100-yard game last week. With 137 yards with a 6.2 average, Hatchette proved his point. Hatchette finished the season only 40 yards short of the 1,000-mark. Staters Courtney Osgood gained 43 yards, which was enough to post his second 1,000-yard season in Maassluis.

Looking back, a loss like this should never happen. With a road game against the Bordeaux Vineyards forthcoming, there's no reason to expect that the team will take an early big lead. After the big debacle of week one where the Merchantmen held the Vineyards running backs to -4 yards, the Vineyards are running wild again and know they can shut down the Merchantmen offense and run all over that defense. With the game played in Bordeaux, the French are the favorites.

MIJB#19 · 10-30-2006, 08:40 AM

The Month That Was: December 2012
Blech. It was such a great start and we had so much success in the December games. Yet, a badly timed collaps cost us our chance to get level with Bordeaux in European titles. Instead they gained ground and doubled the gap to a 5-3 lead.

But really, it wasn't all misery. It started with an impressive 17-3 win over the Vicksburg Vipers, the defending AOC champions. The wins over the Miami Sharks (20-14), Paris Musketeers (26-10) and Springfield Isotopes (22-14) were to be expected, but as a Merchantmen fan you know not a single game is a guaranteed win. And to be honest, it's kinda cool for the Giants to beat us. Back in 2008, the Giants helped us into the playoffs and a European title by beating Bordeaux in week 17.

Final Standings
10-6-0 Bordeaux
10-6-0 Maassluis
7-8-1 Paris
6-9-1 Gothenburg

Life with Louie was great again. We all know that he's going to cost us games from time to time, but in December he won more than he lost. Flannery completed 61 percent of his passes for 941 yards, with 8 touchdowns and only 1 interception. A great way to bounce back from the five-game losing streak in October and November. Sure, Flannery isn't a flashy quarterback, but without much attention, Flannery moved up to 10th place on the all-time list in wins for quarterbacks. Not bad, huh?

December wasn't all about Flannery. It was also the month of Cody Cluff. With 9 tackles he played a major role in holding league star running back Ronnie Kemp to 3.2 yards per carry in the 17-3 win over Kemp's Vicksburg Vipers. Cluff also played a big role in the wins over Miami (8 tackles) and Springfield (1 interception). Courtney Osgood and Quentin Hatchette almost completed a double 1,000-yard season. In December they worked together in breaking the team single-game rushing record twice. Osgood gained 354 yards, Hatchette 335 yards. Broderick Schultz had 2 interceptions against the Paris Musketeers. Quentin Malicki made 10 key run blocks in December.

Standings December 2012: 1. Louie Flannery 12 pt, 2. Cody Cluff 9 points, 3. Courtney Osgood 8 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 6 pt, 5. Quentin Malicki and Broderick Schultz 5 pt, 7. Charles Gomez 4 pt, 8. Sammie Kennedy, Brian Spears and Tai Wayne 3 pt, 11. Alfredo Bass, J.J. Reilly, Jewell Simpson and Myron Stevens 2 points.

Standings 2012 Season: 1. Alfredo Bass 27 points, 2. Louie Flannery 23 pt, 3. Courtney Osgood 22 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 15 pt, 5. Cody Cluff 13 pt, 6. Charles Gomez 12 pt, 7. Jewell Simpson 8 pt, 8. Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz 7 pt, 10. Sammie Kennedy and J.J. Reilly 6 pt, 12. Timothy Lacy and Quentin Malicki 5 pt, 14. Jim Reiser, Sean Smalley and Brian Spears 4 pt, 17. Frank Bernard, Myron Stevens and Tai Wayne 3 pt, 20. Lonnie Badalyan, Bryce Ewald and Bernie Surry 2 pt, 23. Lee Burns, Albert Boggess and Cary Coles 1 point.

With the playoffs to come, the player of the year rankings isn't complete yet. Alfredo Bass has a strong lead and should win it. Louie Flannery and Courtney Osgood could challenge him if we managed to win a couple of games. Hatchette is a bit of a surprise at fourth. Cluff and Gomez struggled a bit, meaning the finish behind the running backs, despite that they are probably more important to the team. J.J. Reilly ranks only tied for 10th, but the second year guard has moved up on my favorite players list. He was our top run blocker and allowed only one sack all season.

So, Bordeaux now. Again. It won't be easy, I'm sure of that. Our offensive line is banged up, which is pointed out by the recent signing of tackle Joseph Fitch. Funny story, Fitch played games for all three European rivals. Our linebackers are all but one back. Terrence White was placed on injured reserve with a season ending injury. Former Bordeaux Vineyards draft pick Ross Nunes was signed and already saw action against Gothenburg. It's going to be easy: stop the run and we win. Don't and we're in for a long game...

MIJB#19 · 10-31-2006, 07:55 AM

Merchantmen Notch Win In All European Playoff Game
The league championship dreams stayed alive. The Maassluis Merchantmen came home following a 27-23 win at the Bordeaux Vineyards. The Merchantmen defense shut down the feared Vineyards running game. Yet three badly timed Merchantmen turnovers almost handed the Vineyards the victory. The 15-1 Tucker Tigers are the next opponent for the orange-white-and-blue.

"We did it!" Maassluis Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery screamed it out after he had planted his knee on the Bordeaux turf to end the game. Flannery had a big game, yet saw his offense go in suicide mode and almost fumble the victory away. He said: "It was painful. We took an easy 24-7 lead at half time and things looked over. And then, we do like the past weeks, almost choke."

The Merchantmen committed three turnovers against Bordeaux' zero. Usually it's a recipee for defeat, but today the defense held their ground and kept the Vineyards to just one touchdown on offense. Of course, those who made the turnovers had their share in the in too. Fumbling running backs Courtney Osgood and Tracy Winslett each ran the ball into the endzone. And quarterback Flannery played almost perfect, aside from the interception, completing 22 of 28 passes for 250 yards and a score.

Aside from the turnovers, the Bordeaux Vineyards looked very weak. The Maassluis Merchantmen defense shut down the Bordeaux running game. Billy Jamerson carried 14 times for 37 yards, while change of pace back Casey Mercer was held to 3 yards on 5 carries. It forced an all pass offense in the second half, which didn't do so bad. Joe Johnson completed 14 of 31 passes for 197 yards and 1 touchdown. But it wasn't enough to win.

The Merchantmen advance and will now face the most impressive team of the season. Better yet, with their 15-1 record, the Tucker Tigers tied the all-time IHOF best regular season record. The Tigers had the most productive team, with almost 30 points per game. That performance comes with league best yards per run and yards per pass attempt figures on offense.

Luckily, the Merchantmen have proven to have a strong defense. In fact, it's fair to say the Merchantmen have the best defense in the entire Atlantic Ocean Conference. With them facing the Tigers' offense, true football fans should be looking forward to this game. And when the Merchantmen have the ball, all eyes should be on Alfredo Bass, the IHOF's career leader in recetions and receiving yards. The Tigers' defense is beatable and that's food for optimism. With a bit of luck and their best play, the Merchantmen could mark the upset of the season.

MIJB#19 · 10-31-2006, 08:38 AM

General Manager Notes: Tucker, Here We Come!
Woohoo!

It's here, it's finally here. After the Tigers and us (the Merchanmen) started out as the two hottest teams in the Atlantic Ocean Conference, people were talking about this being the AOC final. Then, while the Tigers kept winning and moved on and posted a still going 12-game winning streak, we returned to earth with a 5-game losing streak. But look again, here we are now, facing the Tigers in the conference semifinals!

What a game to advance, by the way. First we allow a kickoff return touchdown (must be a result of Al Bettis' injured knee, forcing him to be more careful with his kicks), but then we followed up with an amazing first half, to take a 24-7 half time lead. Sure, turnovers almost killed us, but that's what makes the win so much sweeter, we managed to win despite turnovers. In the past we would have lost such a game.

Let's take a quick look at the Tucker Tigers. The star of their team is the third year quarterback Shaun Duncan. The kid passed for 3,566 yards, 44 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions in the regular season. That's really impressive. His favorite target is wide receiver Tyrus Shaye, who totalled 1,034 yards and 17 touchdowns in just 12 games. He's back from injury and will keep our Tai Wayne busy all day.

On defense, the Tigers haven't been impressive, but shouldn't be underestimated. The stars of their unit are cornerback Jimmie Strawn and linebacker Leland Moorehead. Strawn used to be the best shutdown corner in the league, back when the North Plainfield Plague were his team. Today, he's a cornerstone of the Tigers defense. Starwn made 5 interceptions and 13 defended passes as he allowed 31 catches in 13 games. Moorehead is the all-time IHOF leader in tackles and returned to old form a bit with 89 tackles and 29 assists.

Elsewhere around the United States of America, six other teams hope to keep their championship dreams alive. The Fairbanks NorthStars are visiting the Ann Arbor Anachronism in a classic matchup. The NorthStars saw quarterback Joey Allen return from injury to knock out the IHOF champions, Frederick Red Menace with a 29-11 score. The triple A's are the top seeds in the NAC, following a 13-3 season in which their defense showed one of the most dominant seasons in league history. The NorthStars won 20-17 at home in the regular season, plus have a 2-1 record at Ann Arbor's Weena Eloi Memorial Park.

Also in the North American Conference is a rematch of the 2007 NAC final. The Outer Banks Ospreys are the underdogs in this game after a 10-6 season. Following a 3-5 start, the Ospreys bounced back and eventually took advantage of a collaps from the Asheville Axemen. In the wild card round, the Ospreys beat their division rivals again. They now visit the Chesapeake Chitterlings, who went 12-4 in the regular season. The Chits are coming of a 16-0 loss to the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums and are out for revenge. Having beaten the Ospreys 51-7 in the regular season, the Chitterlings are heavy favorites.

Last, but not least is a game between the North Plainfield Plague and the Vicksburg Vipers. The Plague bounced back from an 0-2 start to go 13-3 in the regular season. They claimed back the Northeast division after having missed the division crown the past two seasons. The Plague are in great shape, averaging 39 points in their last 5 games and allowing 7 per game in their last four. The Vipers, however, are the defending AOC champions. The Vipers lost 3 of their last 5 regular season games, but are not to be underestimated as they defeated both conferences' top seeded teams, the Tucker Tigers and Ann Arbor Anachronism.

As you can see, no cupcakes at all. Funny enough, of the teams remaining, we beat two of them (Vicksburg, Outer Banks) and lost to just one of them (North Plainfield). We're 6-3 against the NAC representation, with none of them having a winning record against us. Historically we lead the series against the Tigers and Vipers, 2-1 each. Only the Plague are historically owning us, with their 5-1 record. Our road to the final will go through road games, given our 6th seed status. Tucker's Venable Field comes first, a stadium where we've never played before. We'll probably lose, but I know my team has what it takes to upset the Tigers. Go Merchantmen!

MIJB#19 · 11-02-2006, 08:34 AM

Merchantmen Crash Out In Old Fashioned Fumblefest
No return to the Atlantic Ocean Conference championship game. The Maassluis Merchantmen showed an old fashioned turnover loaded performance. The Tucker Tigers knew their way with it and marched on with a 37-12 victory. Tigers' Running back R.J. Ellard had a career game, with 214 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns.

"Inexplicable." was the quick game summary of Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude, "Excuse my speechlessness, but I think I'm going to my office, cry for an hour and send the team on a vacation until May." Merchantmen General Manager M.IJ.B. was more elaborate: "Unbelievable, it's a returning phenomenon. Come playoff time, this team finds a way to totally vanish and be night and day different compared to 3/4th of the regular season games."

Die-hard Merchantmen fans had flashbacks to the AOC Final in January 2007. A road game at the North Plainfield Plague, where the Merchantmen were trailing 30-0 before the first quarter was over. Former Merchantmen wide receiver Gregory Monti was in the stands of Venable Field and concurred: "Amazing how quickly this game was over. And everytime the team showed flashes of life, something freaky happened to end the drive and see that Ellard guy pound the ball in for another score."

The Tucker Tigers drive chart tells the full story. Three of their first six possessions started in Merchantmen territory following a fumble or interception. Add in a 49-yard pass from Shaun Duncan to Forrest Pruett and you've summarized the first quarter of the game. Well, if you're omitting R.J Ellard's stellar running in the game.

With a 24-0 lead, the Tigers did nothing else aside from running to get the game done with as quickly as possible. In return, the Merchantmen had no choice but to abandon their usual run-heavy playing style and pass a lot. Quarterback Louie Flannery added another interception on a hail mary pass early in the game to pretty much lock the game up. In the remainder of the game, the Merchantmen kept pace, but never managed to make it look like a contest.

The Tucker Tigers advance and will play their second playoffs home game in team history. Their oppoents will be the defending AOC champions, the Vicksburg Vipers. With a fourth quarter comeback victory over the North Plainfield Plague, the Vipers showed they can get it done. Important detail: the Tigers only loss this season came against the Vicksburg Vipers.

For the Merchantmen the long off-season started today. Contract negotiations with a handful of players will start. Talks with star Alfredo Bass were supposed to start as well, but it appears that Bass' demands are too big to work with right now, pretty much forcing the Merchantmen to use the franchise tag on Bass.

The Merchantmen are getting old and a drastic rebuilding plan seems to be arising. Young players have been added to the team in recent seasons, but the core of the team has remainded the same and is getting old. Especially the backbone of the defense of Charles Gomez (33), Cody Cluf (31) and Lincoln Gilmore (31) jumps out. By the start of the 2013 season, every starter on defense will be at least 29 years old. With the offensive line in a similar state, 2013 will most likely be this generation's last chance to go all the way. But as long as this team can't stay away from turnovers, this team will never win silverware.

MIJB#19 · 11-07-2006, 03:06 PM

The Month That Was: January 2013
It's a wrap. The 2012 season has finished, following the exciting IHOF Bowl IX. The Vicksburg Vipers avenged their IHOF Bowl XIII loss with a brilliant come back from behind win. With 27-23 score they held the Ann Arbor Anachronism from their second league title. The Anachronism were the IHOF Bowl II winners. For the Merchantmen, the season ended with a place in the conference semi finals.

What a horrible way to end our season. After beating the Bordeaux Vineyards in the wild card round, despite turnovers, I thought we'd stand a chance against what was arguably the best offense in league history. We even managed to shutdown Tigers' quarterback Shaun Duncan, who had passed for 44 touchdowns in the regular season. But no. 24-0 down within 18 minutes. Game, set and match.

ALfredo Bass was once again my player of the month. With a century performance against the Bordeaux Vineyards, he won the game for us. Pretty good for the league's leading recever in his his first playoffs appearance. Bass totalled 11 catches for 164 yards and 1 touchdown in two playoff games. Behind him, Louie Flannery (67% completed passes, 394 yards) and Cary Coles (4 for 4 in field goals, incuding a 51-yarder) were the other top performers.

January 2013 standings: 1. Alfredo Bass 5 points, 2. Louie Flannery 4 pt, 3. Cary Coles and Quentin Hatchette 3 pt, 5. Cody Cluff and Winford Endicott 2 pt, 7. Ivan Jacques and Tai Wayne 1 point.

Final Standings 2012 Season: 1. Alfredo Bass 32 points, 2. Louie Flannery 27 pt, 3. Courtney Osgood 22 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 18 pt, 5. Cody Cluff 15 pt, 6. Charles Gomez 12 pt, 7. Jewell Simpson 8 pt, 8. Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz 7 pt, 10. Sammie Kennedy and J.J. Reilly 6 pt, 12. Timothy Lacy and Quentin Malicki 5 pt, 14. Cary Coles, Jim Reiser, Sean Smalley, Brian Spears and Tai Wayne 4 pt, 19. Frank Bernard and Myron Stevens 3 pt, 21. Lonnie Badalyan, Winford Endicott, Bryce Ewald and Bernie Surry 2 pt, 25. Albert Boggess, Lee Burns and Ivan Jacques 1 point.

Alfredo Bass saved our face in the league wide honors. Bass was chosen All-IHOF Second team wide receiver by the FOF committee. Bass was our third offensive player selected since tight end Jerry Aubrey and left tackle Harold Hurtado follwing the 2004 season.

In the individual statistics categories, some of our players did well too. Louie Flannery finished fifth in completion percentage (61.7%) amongst qualifiers and eight in passing touchdowns (24). Quentin Hatchette ranked sixth in yards per carry (4.70) amongst qualifiers. Alfredo Bass was second in receptions (92), fourth in receiving yards (1,271) and tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns (9). Cary Coles was tied for fourth in field goals made (28) and tied for nineth in field goal percentage (80.0%). Sean Smalley was nineth in punting average (43.2) and tied for fourth in In20's (34). Cody Cluff tied for fifth in tackles (112) and was nineth in tackle percentage (18.8%). J.J. Reilly was one of few linemen with only 1 sack allowed in 16 starts (one player had 0 in 16 starts). Lonnie Badalyan was tied for fourth in recovered fumbled (3).

Before and after our loss to the Tucker Tigers, contract negotiations took some time. Ten players signed a new long-term contract with us. Guard J.J. Riley and linebacker Albert Boggess signed a 5-year contract. Cornerback Sammie Kennedy put his name under a new 4-year deal. Running back Quentin Hatchette, linemen Brant Heinrich and Christopher Perdomo, and safeties Lincoln Gilmore and Eddie Cole signed a new 3-year deal. Linebacker Carl Meier and center Todd Serra extended their stay with at least the 2013 season.

That leaves seven players of the current roster unsigned. Six of them, linemen Joseph Fitch and Milton Obryan, cornerback Tom Richmond, linebacker Ross Nunes, and return specialists Brady Pascal and Jimmy Stavrinos, were signed this season to one-year deals. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass wasn't offered a new contract. That means we'll used the franchise tag on him in the off-season, providing he doesn't call it a game. Given his first taste with the playoffs, I doubt he's going to want to quit already.

While Bass may not retire, others may do so. Center Ned Cozart turned 36 during the playoffs and is considering it following two seasons in a backup role. Cornerback Winford Endicott is 35, yet in the playoffs made his first interception since the 2008 season. Left tackle Christoper Perdomo played incredibly well for us, yet may find himself too old to keep playing at the age of 35. Others who have turned 34 by the start of the season are linebacker Carl Meier, safety Emile William and defensive tackle Charles Gomez. Especially the latter would be a monumental loss.

As we await the new season, we're also looking out for the recovery of the injured. Wide receiver Bryce Ewald is expected to return to the team in March following recovery from ACL damage to his knee. Cornerback Brian Spears' elbow injury may require more time to heal, possibly all the way through the entre 2013 season. That would be very sad for him after a season in which he ranked as the league's best pass defender.

As you can see, a lot of cliff hangers as we enter a two month break in the IHOF. I hope to bring the Merchantmen back for another playoff run in the 2013 season. We've built the defense for it, while the offense had franchise record breaking seasons. In the past three seasons only four defenses allowed less than 300 yards per game. The Ann Arbor Anachronism and Muscatrine Mosquitoes did it both this season. The Maassluis Merchantmen each of the last two. We've got a reputation to withold next season.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, we end the season with a 73-71 regular season team record. Not bad after that 1-15 start, don't you think? And that all thanks to Louie Flannery? Not really, Flannery ranks fifth all-time in interceptions. But on the bright side, Flannery notched win 65 against the Vineyards in the playoffs. That puts him in 10th place on the all-time list. And with a 21-11 regular season record in the past two seasons, we're tied for 6th in the league. 2007 was awesome, but these could be our golden ages...

MIJB#19 · 12-07-2006, 05:56 AM

Merchantmen Memories - 2004: Rookies With Growing Pains
Weeks have gone by since the day of IHOF Bowl IX. Since then the International House of Football has been on a small hiatus. Still, the tenth season of the league is on the horizon, it's only a matter of weeks until things will continue. As will the reports about the Maassluis Merchantmen. For the time being, we'll do a season by season flashback on past events. We'll kick off with the 2004 season.

Rookies with growing pains. That sums up the Maassluis Merchantmen's 2004 season well. A rookie general manager for a team loaded with rookie players. Including some crucial positions as quarterback, wide receiver, middle linebacker, strong safety and all over the offensive line. Well, if you could even call that an offensive line...

The 2004 began in a special way. As the International House of Football was formed, the 32 teams' lead scouts joined together for a 53-round draft. The Maassluis Merchantmen sent their scout away with the mission to build an offensive line, a secondary and get a top-notch quarterback. By doing so, he was pressed to go for young prospects first. Well, things turned out a little bit different than planned.

As the draft unfolded, it became clear that the Merchantmen scout had received different orders. Yes, he was working on putting a young team together, but the preferences on positions had been communicated in some sort of reverse language. Instead of a strong offensive line and secondary, the Merchantmen loaded on defensive linemen and wide receivers. It became clear that Oranje Haven would see a ship stocked with trade ware.

Finger pointing was easy. It was clear that Merchantmen General Manager M.IJ.B. had been making rookie mistakes. After all, he was a rookie, but should have prepared better. As a true inexperienced manager, M.IJ.B. panicked. The Merchantmen put promising wide receiver Amos Collins and defensive tackle Robert Duong on a plane back to the USA, as they were traded to the Rochester Lake Monsters and Fairbanks NorthStars respectively. Both went on to start for their new teams, with Duong even winning IHOF Bowl I.

Coming back where two veterans. Cornerback Dennis Preciado was the first arrival from Fairbanks. Left tackle Harold Hurtado arrived mid-way the pre-season from Rochester. Both players became prominent figures in the locker room to put some hierarchy in the young team. Hurtado did that successfully. With 31 key run blocks and only 5 sacks allowed, he played admirably well. He went on to receive accolades for his role, earning All-IHOF second team honors.

Dennis Preciado had much less success. In a historic first home game of the Merchantmen against the Gothenburg Giants, Preciado had his greatest moment. Preciado deflected 7 passes of rookie Duane Davis. A record that to date hasn't been tied, let alone broken. However, in the rest of the season, Preciado would manage only 4 more defended passes and 2 interceptions. Not really a text book example of a shutdown corner.

The Merchantmen's first game ever was one that received an asterisk. General Manager M.IJ.B., who was responsible for making orders about the depth charts, managed to get private issues in the way. M.IJ.B. was missing in action when the team arrived in New York for their first IHOF game. Freaky enough, shortly before kickoff, the team still had to trim the roster down from 60 to 53 names and the scouting staff decided to exterminate contracts of a couple of projected starters.

With time coming short to practice in the planned starting lineups, the coaching staff decided to make a strange decision. Instead of fielding the best players, they figured that for cohesion reasons, it was best to start the same players as in the last pre-season game. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez and middle linebacker Cody Cluff were amazingly held to backup roles, as were the veterans Harold Hurtado and Dennis Preciado.

Thankfully, not everything that day went wrong. The Merchantmen played respectably well against the North Plainfield Plague. With a 13-10 loss, the Merchantmen kept it close to a team that went on to record a league best 13-3 record. Of course, there was little praise for Calvin Snider. The rookie quarterback went on to complete only 12 of 35 passes for 114 yards, with 3 interceptions and 3 sacks. It turned out to be Snider's first and last IHOF game at the same time.

For the second game of the season, the Maassluis Merchantmen travelled to France. At the Paris Musketeers, the Merchantmen would play their first divisional game. This time the depth chart was set as supposed to be and the Merchantmen played better football. Rookie quarterback Justin McDavid completed only 47 percent of his passes, yet stayed away from turnovers and wrote down a touchdown pass. It was the only score of the game though, as the Merchantmen lost 10-7.

Hope for a good season was still there. After two 3-point losses, the Merchantmen were shaking off an early indication that they would be front runners for having the worst record. In their first home game ever, they would meet the then winless Gothenburg Giants. It would turn out to be a historical game.

The Dutch fans were presented with a great game of football. Both teams were motivated to do well and in points scored it would become the most productive game of that season in Maassluis. Scoring happened left and right, but neither team managed to take a big lead. The Merchantmen went into half time leading 14-10, result of two rushing touchdowns by Randy Harris.

In the second half, the Merchantmen defense kept the Giants offense in check. In return, the Merchantmen offense showed their first signs of what would become their style of play. Good plays were mixed with terribly timed turnovers. The Giants saw their stars cornerback Harley Gowan and defensive tackle Chris Nagel convert it into scores. The Merchantmen saw themselves down 27-24 late in the fourth quarter.

No problem, quarterback Justin McDavid went on to initiate a great drive. With a bomb to wide receiver Bryce Ewald (43 yards) and a go-to pass to Gregory Monti (13 yards), the Merchantmen burst into the red zone. Running back Randy Harris came out with a great run again, hauling the ball in from 19 yards out. It was Harris’ third score of the game, a league-wide single-game record that would only by tied in the following seven years. 31-27 Merchantmen, that should lock it up.

Not quite, the Giants were far from beaten. Quarterback Duane Davis showed his own ability to lead his team to success. However, another feature of the Merchantmen's way of winning was exposed there. The Merchantmen defense came up big, this time with two interceptions in the final two minutes. Strong safety Lincoln Gilmore ended the game by picking off a Hail Mary pass, intended for running back Jerry McGee, at the Merchantmen 4-yard line.

Sadly, the victory over the Giants turned out to be a fluke. In the following two games, the Merchantmen looked green. Despite holding the Columbus Architects to 25 yards rushing, the team lost the turnover battle 3-0 and the game 13-3 with that. Their first game against the Bordeaux Vineyards pointed out how far from competitive they were. The Vineyards won the game 28-7.

Week six saw the start of the Futility Bowl rivalry. Visiting Maassluis were the Rochester Lake Monsters, whom were told to have made the same communication mistake at the day of the inaugural draft. Before the season, the game was dubbed Futility Bowl and both teams wore the tag in pride ever since. Though unlike the Merchantmen, the Lake Monsters were winning games and at 3-2 were flirting with a playoff position.

Lead by quarterback Jackie Williamson, the Lake Monsters started the game well. After both teams had scored a single field goal in the first quarter, the second quarter saw Williamson's unit wake up. He marched his men up field and connected with fullback Nick Nightingale for 22 yards to set up the first touchdown of the game. League legend Joe Boulware made the catch in the end zone to take the lead.

The rest of the second quarter, the game turned into a turnover disaster. But where the Lake Monsters recovered two of their own fumbles, the Merchantmen were less lucky. Quarterback Justin McDavid added two interceptions to his early first quarter mistake, setting up another Rochester touchdown and a field goal in the dying seconds.

In the second half, the Merchantmen bounced back. On the first drive, Justin McDavid found tight end Jerry Aubrey for a 28-yard score to come closer. However, the Lake Monsters scored back and held the Merchantmen to a 46-yard field goal from Cary Coles, to hold a 27-13 lead going into the fourth quarter.

It wasn't over yet. The Merchantmen defense came up big. With two fumble recoveries, the field was made short for the offense and both times it resulted in a field goal. After a bunch of punts, the Merchantmen had just over 2 minutes left to score 8 points and tie the game.

Justin McDavid tried to spread the ball around, but nobody looked able to make a catch. Still, wide receiver Bryce Ewald made a big play on 4th and 13, to keep things going. Fredric Vargas then converted a 4th and 10 and overtime was looming. McDavid found Gregory Monti for 7 yards and a two-point conversion was keeping the team away from a tied score. Sadly, Randy Harris failed to run the ball in and the on side kick wasn't recovered. Rochester wins, 27-25.

From there on, the Merchantmen sailed from disaster to disaster. The Minnesota Miners trashed them 33-13, followed by a Boston Rhinos 24-17 close win. It was the lead up to another marquee moment in team history, the home game against the Conyers Condors.

In week 9 of the 2004 season, the career of quarterback Justin McDavid would make its first big turn. That day, the Merchantmen defense would go on to hold the Condors to 163 total yards, but it didn't suffice. The Merchantmen fumbled the ball 6 times, resulting in 3 turnovers. To make things worse, the Condors defenders would return two of these 62 and 73 yards for touchdowns. Justin McDavid fumbled four times and a nickname was born: Fumblin' Justin.

Despite a bye week following that defeat, Justin McDavid's spirit looked broken. The Paris Musketeers were victorious in Oranje Haven in week 11 with a 23-14 score. That game McDavid threw 2 interceptions to nullify his teams' more productive offense. A week later, the Ann Arbor Anachronism would win 20-16 in Oranje Haven, scoring their winning touchdown with 90 seconds left to play. McDavid threw 3 more interceptions, posting a passer rating of 8.0.

In week 13, the Merchantmen once again found themselves trapped in turnover woes at the Gothenburg Giants. McDavid added two more interceptions, to basically destroy his own 294-yard game. The Merchantmen lost 37-24, despite outscoring the Giants by 124 yards.

Things hardly got better after that. In week 14, the Bordeaux Vineyards win 10-7, as both sides miss two field goals. Cary Coles missed a 22-yarder in Oranje Haven. In week 15, the Syracuse Mohawks leave Maassluis victorious, 20-10. Three McDavid turnovers set up for another outscoring yardage loss. In the last two road games, the scores were closer than it really was. Both the San Antonio Volunteers (22-14) and RayCo Raiders (34-24) won.

The 2004 season ended with a 1-15 record. The Merchantmen ended the season with a 13-game losing streak and 5 games behind the Gothenburg Giants. The Bordeaux Vineyards won the division at 9-7, thanks to the Giants' upset win over the Paris Musketeers. Paris finished the season 8-8, Gothenburg 6-10.

In all the unlucky losses, the Merchantmen did see bright spots. The team, especially the defense, showed an ability to keep it close and to compete with most teams. Middle linebacker Cody Cluff received defensive rookie of the year for his 99 tackles and 33 assists. Tight end Jerry Aubrey received All-IHOF first team honors with his 67 catches for 760 yards and 6 scores.

Justin McDavid posted a league high 13 fumbles, yet he did lead all rookie quarterbacks with 19 touchdowns and 2,904 yards. All in all, no terrible numbers, especially given that the offensive line was by far the league's worst in talent. Still, the Merchantmen had posted the league's worst record and 'clinched' the top pick in the 2005 amateur draft. Around the league, there was no doubt: Maassluis will pick a quarterback #1 overall.

MIJB#19 · 12-07-2006, 09:37 AM

Merchantmen Memories - 2005: Masters Of Trading
Weeks have gone by since the day of IHOF Bowl IX. Since then the International House of Football has been on a small hiatus. Still, the tenth season of the league is on the horizon, it's only a matter of weeks until things will continue. As will the reports about the Maassluis Merchantmen. For the time being, we'll do a season by season flashback on past events. Let's take a look at the 2005 season.

Masters of trading, the slogan used by and about the Maassluis Merchantmen. Trading is one of the means to build a roster. The Merchantmen over time have lived up to their franchise nickname and to date traded more than any other team. Although the first two trades were during the 2004 pre-season, the 2005 off-season was were the management lived up to the team slogan.

The 2005 off-season started very early for the Maassluis Merchantmen. Some say it even started before the 2004 playoffs were finished, but reality is that it wasn't. Still, far before free agency kicked off, the Merchantmen announced their first big trade. After their 1-15 record in 2004 they 'clinched' the #1 overall draft pick. They didn't keep it very long.

The Merchantmen management had evaluated their roster and one thing was clear: we don't need a quarterback. Some claimed it on the love affection of Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. for 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid, but his reasoning was slightly different. "We had so many holes to fill, quarterback just wasn't one of them." And it showed, the #1 draft pick was on the trade block.

Days before the official list of draft eligible players was revealed, the Merchantmen struck a deal with the Astoria Heroes. Overall picks #12, #31, #44 and #63 were swapped for the #33 and the top pick. Not to mention that linebacker Ellsworth Thelen was added in the traded to fill a glaring hole at the strong side of the defense. Believe it or not, it was only the start of the trading spree.

Before the amateur draft started, the Merchantmen had swapped around more and more picks. They had added the #6 pick from the Springfield Isotopes, right tackle Wilson Grimaldo from the Paris Musketeers and guard Alvin Causey from the Orlando Knights. The latter was one of the best players at his position, yet still recovering from a torn deltoid muscle. Causey eventually played in the last two games of the regular season, showing he hadn't lost much of his ability.

The free agency period didn't fly by without activity either. The Merchantmen signed defensive end Albert Bernardo away from the Springfield Isotopes. Later on, the Merchantmen completed a double signing. Having negotiated contracts with two safeties, the team ended up signing both Richard Muller and Wiley McGhee, despite wanting only one of them. Eventually both started a lot of games, at the expense of Lincoln Gilmore. Gilmore was dubbed 'the comeback kid' when he moved back into a starting role late in the season.

On draft day, the Merchantmen made a couple more deals. The #6 overall pick was sent to the Astoria Heroes for future picks, but it didn't stop the Merchantmen from ending the day holding four first round picks. At #12 overall, cornerback Tai Wayne became the franchise’s first draft day addition. Guard Butch Wilson and center Brant Heinrich were selected to complete the offensive line with veteran left tackle Harold Hurtado. With Causey still out, right tackle Russell Malave was designated to play the fifth starting role.

The fourth first round addition was quarterback Leonard Lyon. Despite all the talk about not needing a quarterback with Justin McDavid around, the Merchantmen sent their 2006 first round pick for the #28 overall pick to make the addition of Lyon possible. A quarterback controversy was born. One that would keep the fans and media busy throughout most of the season.

In pre-season, Justin McDavid and Leonard Lyon shared playing time as much as possible. Lyon clearly struggled with the play book, whereas McDavid used the 2004 starter experience to his advantage. With a completion percentage of 57.5, and 4:1 touchdown-interception-ratio, McDavid beat Lyon's 48.6% and 1:1. It wasn't enough, the Merchantmen management made clear that first round picks should always start.

In week one the Gothenburg Giants were the Merchantmen's first opponents. In 2004 the Giants were the only opponent whom they beat. The game was in Maassluis' Oranje Haven, setting up for perfect scenario to give Leonard Lyon an easy start. Guess again. Behind a revamped offensive line, Lyon had little to fear. The line protected their quarterback well, yet failed to give him a running game to fall back on. As the game progressed, the Merchantmen slowly lost control of a game they were leading 12-7. Leonard Lyon completed only 16 of 37 passes for 150 yards with 2 interceptions. The Merchantmen choked and ended up losing 27-12.

An interesting discussion arose. Leonard Lyon hadn't played well at all and coincidentally got injured. Rumor had it that Lyon faked the injury to get replaced during the game, but team doctors made clear that Lyon did pull a groin. Lyon was listed as questionable and the Merchantmen decided not to get their expensive first round pick hurt long-term in only his second game. All eyes were back on Fumblin' Justin.

Week two saw a tough road game at the Frederick Red Menace, defending Mid-Atlantic division champions. It didn't matter to McDavid. On their first drive, the Merchantmen offense showed what they were made of and they took an early lead through an impressive drive. McDavid took his team 75 yards forward, finishing it off with a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Bryce Ewald.

From there on, McDavid's play started to decline fast. A 68-yard interception return by Cody Cluff and a 54-yard field goal by Cary Coles gave the Merchantmen a 17-7 half time lead, but it couldn't stop McDavid from being unimpressive. McDavid ended the day 16 for 29 with 161 yards and 1 interception. Granted, he didn't fumble, but that was the only good news. Amazingly, the Red Menace struggled through the game as well and came time short to avoid the 27-24 loss.

With Lyon still hurting, McDavid started again in week three, a road game at the Fort Worth Fury. McDavid's play was familiar, going 16 for 33, with 160 yards and 2 interceptions. With great effort from the defense, the Merchantmen did bounce back from 14-0 behind, scoring 10 points in the last 35 seconds of the first half. Randy Harris' second touchdown of the day set up for the 20-14 win.

The Merchantmen had achieved a winning record for the first time ever. After their bye week, Leonard Lyon was expected to return in week five, but he wasn't 100% fit yet. Against all odds it was Justin McDavid again against the Tucker Tigers. It wasn't his day. Before the first half was over, his interception total was two. With help from turnovers on the other end, the Merchantmen were still in it. Cary Coles even missed a 27-yard field goal when the score was 0-0.

The Tigers got better and better and took advantage of McDavid's terrible play. McDavid completed only 12 of 28 passes for 120 yards, again without scores. But with his admirable runs, he kept the fans cheering for his team. With two minutes left, the Merchantmen scored a touchdown to potentially tie the score at 10-10. Potentially, as Cary Coles missed the extra point, pushing Maassluis to .500 again at 2-2.

With Leonard Lyon fit again, it seemed obvious he was going to start again. There were rumors going around that Lyon, who was also the team's kick holder back then, was responsible for the missed kicks in the last game. Lyon was eager to prove his critics wrong and came out strong in his second start, a game at the Georgia Gridlock.

Lyon lead his offense well and was a blessing compared to Justin McDavid's play. Lyon completed 21 of 33 passes for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, Lyon also had 2 interceptions. Both times the Gridlock turned it into a touchdown. The first one with a 50-yard pass, the second one with the game tying touchdown. Combined with a 78-yard touchdown pass, the defense didn't do much to help Lyon at all.

But Lyon still got a chance to set something right. With 40 seconds left, Cary Coles lined up for a 49-yard field goal attempt. Lyon's hold looked good, but Coles missed it, keeping the score 24-24 and forcing overtime. In overtime, the Merchantmen had first possession, but they failed. The Gridlock needed only one big play from wide receiver Tyrus Shaye to get into field goal range. And the win, Georgia 27, Maassluis 24.

Everybody in the league expected that Leonard Lyon had solidified his position in that game. But the worst was yet to come. In a game at the Paris Musketeers, Lyon threw 4 interceptions, paving the way to a franchise worst 31-3 defeat. Lyon's numbers were still better, but his record was 0-3, McDavid's 2-1. The Merchantmen management looked at that and threw McDavid back in.

Justin McDavid got a perfect match up to steal the Merchantmen fans' hearts. A home game against the Conyers Condors, the team that made him fumble four times in the 2004 season. McDavid hardly impressed, yet anchored by an amazing 96-yard interception return from Dennis Preciado, the Merchantmen managed to win the game 21-17. McDavid fumbled again, yet this time his team won, despite being outscored 479 to 261 yards. The Condors would bounce back and eventually lose IHOF Bowl II to the Ann Arbor Anachronism.

Justin McDavid was dubbed the lucky charm, despite being able to get a completion percentage above 50, pass for more than 160 yards, or make less than 2 turnovers. In the following game at the Bordeaux Vineyards, McDavid just continued his tenure. 141 yards and 2 fumbles later, his team was in tied game late in the fourth quarter. Fernando Ramsey converted a 42-yard field goal with 22 seconds left to make his Vineyards win 16-13.

League pundits felt that the Merchantmen management was making a mistake, holding onto the lucky charm. Week ten's road game at the Orlando Knights ended McDavid's turnover streak. With touchdown passes to tight end Jim Reiser and wide receiver Bryce Ewald, the Merchantmen took a 14-0 lead at half time. From there on, the team just ran the ball, resulting in Randy Harris' first 100-yard game. The Merchantmen held on to the lead and won the game 17-10.

But then came the darkest day in Justin McDavid's career. At the Gothenburg Giants' Palace of Ice and Frost, McDavid blew out his knee. His season was over. Even worse, doctors feared for McDavid's career and already ruled out a return in the 2006 season. During the game, the Merchantmen were visibly shocked by the injury and let a close game slip to a 19-9 loss.

In a way, the Merchantmen were liberated as well, the quarterback controversy was over and so the continuing media attention about internal issues. Despite a shaky performance by Leonard Lyon, the Merchantmen won their next game 24-9 against the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums.

Week 13 marked Futility Bowl II. The Rochester Lake Monsters were back in Maassluis to extend their reign of this inter-divisional rivalry. Leonard Lyon had a good game, completing 18 of 32 passes for 214 yards and 1 touchdown, but lack of third down efficiency eventually cost them the game. The Lake Monsters won 15-10.

The next opponent for the Maassluis Merchantmen were the Chesapeake Chitterlings. Given the form of the home team, there was little hope for the Merchantmen to win there. But against all odds, the Merchantmen played a good game there, albeit helped by three first half turnovers from the Chitterlings. For a long time, the Merchantmen looked like posting a shutout win. A late touchdown pass from Jaime Canter to Darrell Spears made the final score 17-7 in Merchantmen advantage.

Between all the talk about quarterbacks, people were quickly missing the good season the Merchantmen were having. The win over the Chitterlings put the Merchantmen at 6-7 and still in the playoff race. Home games against the Bordeaux Vineyards, Astoria Heroes and Paris Musketeers were awaiting to give the Merchantmen a shot at going from 1-15 to a winning season.

Hopes for that ended pretty quickly. Despite holding the Vineyards out of the end zone, the Merchantmen looked awful on offense and saw Leonard Lyon unable to post a fourth quarter comeback. The Vineyards won 12-10 and extended the head-to-head series to a 4-game winning streak. The Astoria Heroes then posted a 20-7 win in Oranje Haven to 'clinch' a losing season for the Merchantmen.

Week 17 then marked a perfect opportunity to finish the season in a good way. The Paris Musketeers were 2-13 and had humiliated the Merchantmen in Paris. Both sides kept it close, but this time Leonard Lyon played it well. Supported by Randy Harris' 129 rushing yards, Lyon guided the Merchantmen to a 16-13 victory.

At the conclusion of the 2005 season, the Merchantmen had a 7-9 record. They finished the two games behind the Gothenburg Giants, four games behind the Bordeaux Vineyards. Compared to the 2004 season, the Merchantmen were, by far, the most improved team in the IHOF.

Individually, the Merchantmen defensive line jumped out in performance. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez (70 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and defensive end Harold Wells (13 sacks, 43 tackles) both earned All-IHOF second team honors. Defensive end Albert Bernardo (6.0 sacks) and defensive tackle John Bryant (7.0 sacks) supported the stars well. On offense, running back Randy Harris flew under the radar. With 1,114 yards on the ground and 10 total touchdowns (fifth in the league), he made a huge contribution to the team.

Leonard Lyon finished the season with a passer rating of 61.6, having a 6:13 touchdown-interception-ratio. No stellar numbers, but good enough to be considered the franchise quarterback from there on, with a good offensive line in front of him. With the age of the team taken into account, it had to be a matter of time to break into the playoffs. Maybe as early as the 2006 season.

MIJB#19 · 12-12-2006, 11:58 AM

Merchantmen Memories - 2006: The Year Of Charles Gomez
Weeks have gone by since the day of IHOF Bowl IX. Since then the International House of Football has been on a small hiatus. Still, the tenth season of the league is on the horizon, it's only a matter of weeks until things will continue. As will the reports about the Maassluis Merchantmen. For the time being, we'll do a season by season flashback on past events. Let's take a look at the 2006 season.

The year of Charles Gomez. When Maassluis Merchantmen fans think back to the 2006 season, the performance of defensive tackle Gomez immediately comes to mind. A season that boosted Gomez' hall of fame chances from likely to very likely. A season that saw more questionable trades and more progress towards a potential division champion.

The 2006 off-season kicked off with arguably the worst trade in Merchantmen history. Following a 7-9 season, the Merchantmen management wasn't confident in the quarterback situation. 2004 starter Justin McDavid had been terrible in 2005 and was diagnosed out until the start of the 2007 season with a knee injury. Second year pro Leonard Lyon had played admirably well in 2005, but didn't have the faith of the management.

And thus Lyon was traded. Days before the official list of draft eligible players was published, Lyon was packing his bags. He was traded to the Springfield Isotopes for quarterback Mel Atkins and a slightly improvement in draft picks. A questionable trade, that also aggravated the cap situation. A situation that lead to more big trades.

Defensive end Harold Wells was coming off an All IHOF second team year (13 sacks, 60 total tackles). His cap cost was very large and the Merchantmen decided to go with new defensive ends. Wells was sent to the Bordeaux Vineyards for a first round pick and veteran end Scot Dick. Also traded was Deon Chapa, who didn't produce in his Merchantmen years. Chapa moved to the Rochester Lake Monsters.

The Merchantmen made more mind-boggling trades. Former All IHOF Tight end Jerry Aubrey was sent to the Rochester Lake Monsters to pave the way for Jim Reiser to start. At fullback, the Merchantmen dealt away both Mark Burger (to Fort Worth Fury) and Vincent Lopez (to Boulder Blizzard), filling the void with Syracuse Mohawks' Jamel Rosenberry. Cornerback Dennis Preciado moved to back to the Fairbanks NorthStars. Safety Wiley McGhee to the Georgia Gridlock. Guard Alvin Causey left the team for the Bordeaux Vineyards.

When the draft class was revealed, the Merchantmen were obviously looking at the top quarterbacks. Air Force's Seth Dwight was the top prospect and talks to move up in the draft for the #1 pick were started. Sadly, the Merchantmen couldn't agree terms with the Boulder Blizzard franchise and decided to settle with the through trade acquired #10 overall pick. The new top prospect was Middle Tennessee State's Louie Flannery.

As the top picks unfolded, the Merchantmen started getting anxious. When Louie Flannery was still at the 4th overall pick, trade talks started with the Georgia Gridlock holding that selection. A complicated three-team trade resulted in Georgia trading down to #5, but Flannery was still available. The Merchantmen pulled the trigger and moved up from #10 to #5 to get the strong-armed quarterback.

With their fourth and seventh round pick, the Merchantmen added defensive end Omar Gougeon and defensive tackle Andy Weliczka, who would turn out to be decent contributors to the team. The team also added rookie free agent cornerback Myron Stevens and kicker Al Bettis, who was picked up to handle kickoffs to get some pressure off Cary Coles.

The team also added some players through trade. Cornerbacks Gus Stoffers and Johnnie Stidham came over from the Orlando Knights to fill the open spot left by Preciado. Fort Worth Fury guard Timothy Lacy was acquired to replace the expensive veteran Alvin Causey. Linebacker Carl Meier came over from the Boston Rhinos and wide receiver David Henkel from the Vicksburg Vipers. Quarterback Dominic Lynch arrived from the Rochester Lake Monsters to backup and mentor Louie Flannery.

As much as the management had tried to improve the team, expectations took a huge hit before the regular season started. Safety Richard Muller took a big blow to his head in pre-season. Muller was diagnosed with repetitive concussion syndrome and out for the season. Cornerback Tai Wayne's season ended after 13 plays on defense. 2005 #12 pick Wayne severely hurt his ankle and was placed on injured reserve.

In that first game of the regular season a Merchantmen trend continued. For the third season in a row they had a rookie starting at quarterback. The Merchantmen running game (36 yards) and defense (375 yards) struggled, but quarterback Louie Flannery countered it admirably well. Flannery passed for 199 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, with 1 interception. The Bordeaux Vineyards showed they were still stronger (27-21 win), but the Merchantmen fans had something to look forward to.

In week two it was Charles Gomez time. Although his defense allowed no less than 547 total yards to the San Luis Obispo Burn, it was Charles Gomez who forced, recovered and returned a fumble for 8 yards and the touchdown. Gomez' score was the game winner in overtime for a 36-30 final score. Quarterback Louie Flannery impressed again with a 99.4 quarterback rating for his 264 yards day with a score and no interception.

Of course, around the league there was no doubt that Flannery's rookie mistakes would soon start kicking in. In week three against the Orlando Knights it did. Flannery threw 2 interceptions, but also added 235 yards and a score to counter his mistakes. Especially the improved running game paid off, as Randy Harris' 115 yards on the ground were crucial to the 24-13 comeback win.

As the trading deadline was nearing, the Merchantmen then said goodbye to a popular figure amongst the players. Tackle Russell Malave had fallen to a backup role and was unhappy. Malave was traded to the Telluride Outlaws. With his departure, the Merchantmen had none of their initial 10 offensive linemen left.

Following the bye week, the Merchantmen's season was taking shape. The defense struggled all game long, allowing 381 total yards to the Syracuse Mohawks. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez and linebackers Cody Cluff and Ellsworth Thelen showed to be a good run stopping trio, but the pass defense was heavily struggling. And as Louie Flannery had his worst game of the season (15 for 35, 182 yards), two fourth quarter field goals gave the Mohawks a 20-14 win.

Then Futility Bowl III arrived. Sitting at 2-2, the Merchantmen were underdogs against the 4-1 Rochester Lake Monsters. Running back Randy Harris took the team on his shoulders with 159 yards on the ground. Louie Flannery converted Harris' big runs into touchdowns, completing scores to Harris himself and Gregory Monti. For a change, the Merchantmen had shown signs of a pass defense, holding quarterback Jackie Williamson to a 39.4 quarterback rating.

A week later, the Merchantmen offense struggled one again. Randy Harris was held to 2.1 yards per carry by the Boston Rhinos. Louie Flannery was held to 174 yards and 1 score against 1 interception. The defense, however, forced enough turnovers to defend an early taken 14-0 lead. The Rhinos almost tied the score in the last minute, but a failed two-point conversion attempt gave the Merchantmen a 21-19 win.

Sitting 4-2, the Merchantmen were surprising people. Of course, everybody could see how often the defense was struggling with big gains, yet turnovers kept the team in the game a lot. A home game against the Paris Musketeers proved that. The Musketeers were not much worse, yet the Merchantmen secondary converted two interceptions in touchdowns to anchor the 24-14 win. Desmond Craig and especially Johnnie Stidham, with his 83-yard return, won the game.

The overall standings in the league were getting interesting in Maassluis. The season was almost halfway done and the 5-2 record was pretty impressive. Sadly for the Merchantmen, they weren't the only good team in Europe. The Gothenburg Giants were leading the division at 6-2 and the Bordeaux Vineyards were at the top wild card spot with a 5-2 record. The second wild card position was for the Merchantmen though, being a full game ahead of all other Atlantic Ocean Conference teams not in a division lead.

Louie Flannery was falling back to earth though. With 3 interceptions and no touchdown passes, he was coming off his worst game. With his team going to the North Plainfield Plague, it was a perfect game to get exposed as pretenders. Flannery didn't stand a chance all day, being held to 12 completed passes for 119 yards with 3 interceptions. A humiliating 9.5 passer rating was the result. The Plague marched to a 40-14 win and put the Merchantmen down to earth. The Plague would eventually lose only one more game from there on, en route to IHOF Bowl III victory.

The drama was far from over. In the road game at the Bordeaux Vineyards, things didn't get better. Flannery was throwing a lot and 3 of his 41 passes were picked off. Three consecutive games with three interceptions surely had to take its toll. The Vineyards overcame an aggressive pass rush (5 sacks) to win the game 24-17.

Just as he thought the worst had been over, Louie Flannery got his share of a nightmare at Gothenburg's Palace of Ice and Frost. Flannery sprained his knee and was picked off four times en route to a 20-10 loss. It was easy to see that the turnovers that day cost the Merchantmen the game.

In contrast to the previous season, the Merchantmen decided to stick with their first round quarterback. Yes, Flannery was hurt, but the team already needed him as their leader. Sadly, he couldn't show it in the home game against the Anaheim Matterhorns. Scared to injure his knee, Flannery threw only 16 passes for 61 yards. At least his streak of games with interceptions ended. Late in the game, Shane Bower took over for Flannery, but he proved to be unable to avoid the 24-13 loss.

Flannery had his confidence back. That was the best thing from the game against the Matterhorns. He knew he could be mistake free again and showed it at the Forth Worth Fury. By Flannery two touchdown passes, the Merchantmen looked strong and took a 20-0 half time lead.

In the second half, the Fury bounced back. With three touchdown drives, they fought back and al of a sudden were leading 21-20. There were only four minutes left and Flannery had to step up again. It resulted in an impressive drive by the Merchantmen offense. En route to the Fury end zone, three third and longs were converted. With only 6 seconds left, a time out was called to set up a 29-yard field goal. Cary Coles made it and the 23-21 win was there.

With the losing streak snapped, the Merchantmen had a lot of confidence going into the week 14 game against the Fairbanks NorthStars. With their quarterback Joey Allen unable to play due to back injury, surely the Merchantmen would stand a chance in their own house. Players all over the team were eager to show what they were made off.

Defensive tackle Charles Gomez was once again the master on defense. Gomez lead all players in total tackles and proved to be a strong leader. By Gomez' inspiration, Myron Stevens and Devin Henson scored on big plays. Stevens had a 47-yard interception return, while Henson had a 86-yard kickoff return. Louie Flannery threw for 208 yards, Randy Harris ran for 114 yards and fullback Jamel Rosenberry scored two touchdowns. Final score 36-10, then the largest defeat in NorthStars.

At 7-6, the Merchantmen were back at a winning record, but reaching the playoffs was getting tougher. The wild cards at that point were held by two 9-4 teams. The European division was tough in itself with the Gothenburg Giants at 10-3 and the Bordeaux Vineyards at 8-5. A three-game winning streak would probably be required to get into the post season. With the next game on the road at the 3-10 Paris Musketeers, missing their quarterback Mario Hudson, the playoff hopes were bound to stay alive.

Guess again. The Merchantmen defense struggled all game long and allowed no less than 580 total yards in four quarters. Quarterback Eugene 'Westcoast' Wescott threw for 419 yards, running back Joe Boulware gained 173 yards on the ground. Freaky enough, the Merchantmen stayed turnover free in the 40-20 loss. Merchantmen wide receiver Devin Henson scored twice with a 89-yard kickoff return and a 56-yard fumble return. Amazingly enough, the Merchantmen defense made 6 sacks, 1.5 by Charles Gomez.

Following the loss at Paris, the season was basically over. The Merchantmen management announced that big changes would be made. The game plan was remodeled, especially on defense. A historic moment was there as the team decided to switch to a zone only pass defense system. The management also decided to bench a couple of older players and start some youngsters who could be starters in the near future.

Their next opponent was the Boulder Blizzard. The weather at the Boulder Stadium was living up to the team name. The Maassluis-Boulder game there marked the first snow game in IHOF history. The home team had prepared well to the weather. The Merchantmen had not. The Blizzard walked all over the Merchantmen, gaining 399 yards on offense against Maassluis' 184 yards. Freaky enough, the Blizzard were forced to attempt field goals a lot. Blizzard kicker Deangelo Royston missed four times, yet did convert a 45-yarder in the last second of the game to avoid overtime: 13-10.

The last game of the season then was a home game against the Gothenburg Giants. The Swedish already gave the division lead away to the Bordeaux Vineyards. Fighting for their playoff hopes, the Giants felt the couldn't allow to lose. The Merchantmen showed no mercy and came out of the gates pretty strong. When safety Emile William returned an interception 60 yards back for a touchdown, the Merchantmen were leading 17-0 before the first quarter was over.

The Giants fought back hard, but time after time found themselves pushed back by big defense plays from the Merchantmen. Especially Charles Gomez with 3 sacks, a forced a fumble, 9 tackles and 2 assists. Linebackers Ellsworth Thelen and Cody Cluff also bolstered their tackle totals, adding 12 and 9 solo tackles respectively. Thelen also added an interception. As did cornerback Johnnie Stidham. All together it was enough to give the Merchantmen a 20-16 win.

The Merchantmen season ended at 8-8, marking the first non-losing season in team history. The Bordeaux Vineyards won the division at 11-5, while the Gothenburg Giants made the playoffs at 10-6 on common games tie-breaker against the Rochester Lake Monsters. The Paris Musketeers ended the season as the AOC's worst team at 4-12.

Individually the team saw some franchise records broken. Louie Flannery wasn't all that spectacular, but did post the best single-season quarterback rating. Randy Harris ran for 1,203 yards, a new franchise record. Harris scored 10 touchdowns, which was on par with his 2005 production. Tight end Jim Reiser was Flannery's favorite target with 79 receptions. Cornerback Johnnie Stidham made 7 interceptions. Cody Cluff 120 tackles.

But as said earlier, 2006 was mostly Charles Gomez' year. Gomez earned All IHOF first team honors with his impressive statistics. Gomez made 99 tackles, 34 assists, 12.5 sacks and forced 3 fumbles, of which he return one for a game winning touchdown. Gomez' name was made. Despite his play, the rest of the defense struggled. That was disappointing giving the two earlier seasons when it was the offense that struggled. Of course, the loss of cornerback Tai Wayne had been a major factor in the collapse of the pass defense.

The most important thing was that Charles Gomez proved to be a legitimate star player. Gomez' showed he was well worth being the best paid player on the team. With him the core of a strong defense was there. Gomez was surrounded by the still improving middle linebacker Cody Cluff, safety Lincoln Gilmore and from injury returning cornerback Tai Wayne. And then there were others like safety Emile William, linebackers Mike Kershner, Ellsworth Thelen and Carl Meier, defensive end Albert Bernardo and the rookies Omar Gougeon, Andy Weliczka and Myron Stevens. Could 2007 be the first winning season...

MIJB#19 · 12-21-2006, 12:17 PM

Retirement Day 2013: Merchantmen Lose Nine
A big hit. A grand total of nine players from the Maassluis Merchantmen filled their retirement papers. With the International House Of Football (IHOF) having adopted a better retirment fund, older players are more and more thinking twice before they play on for another season. The IHOF saw a total of 165 players retire. Not including players who were free agents. Who of those who called it quits had played with the Merchantmen?

Wide receiver Gregory Monti played 82 regular season games between 2004 and 2009. Spent 2010 on injured reserve, went through the 2011 and 2012 seasons as a free agent. In the Merchantmen record book he ranks 5th in receptions (219), 3rd in receiving yards (3,235) and tied for 3rd in receiving touchdowns (16).

Defensive end Albert "Big Al" Bernardo was the first free agency period signing for the Merchantmen. After a year with the Springfield Isotopes, Bernardo played 5 seasons in Maassluis. Bernardo then spent two years with the Vicksburg Vipers, with which he reached IHOF Bowl VIII. Bernardo ranks 3rd in sacks (25.5) for the Merchantmen and scored 2 fumble return touchdowns.

Safety Emile William played 7 seasons with the Maassluis Merchantmen. After backup role years with the Tucker Tigers and Orlando Knights, William settled in Maassluis. William was a starter in the succesful 2007 season, but played a backup role in the year prior and years following that season. He played 96 regular season games for the Merchantmen, in which he defended 25 passes and made 6 interceptions.

Cornerback Winford Endicott is yet another player who started during the 2007 season. Endicott bounced around the league, before he became a permanent member of the Merchantmen roster. "Endi" played with the North Plainfield Plague, Georgia Gridlock and Outer Banks Ospreys. In 6 seasons with the Merchantmen he worked his way up to franchise's 4th all-time in defended passes with 42 deflections.

Defensive tackle Frank Bernard started his career with the Columbus Architects, where he played 66 regular seasons games. In Maassluis, Bernard started in every game in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Last season he lost his starting role. In 3 seasons, Bernard racked up 109 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hurries.

Center Ned Cozart had his best days outside of Maassluis. In six seasons with the Outer Banks Ospreys, Cozart recorded 189 key run blocks, ranking him second for that franchises. In Maassluis he made 51 key run blocks in 40 regular season games.

Linebacker Albert Boggess leaves Maassluis after just three seasons. Following six years with the Fort Worth Fury, Boggess signed with the Merchantmen as a free agent. He saw his first two seasons end on injured reserve with season ending injuries. In 2012 he was demoted to a rotation backup role. Boggess played 34 regular season games for Maassluis, in which he made 124 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 4 interceptions.

Defensive end Lonnie Badalyan retired after just one season with the Merchantmen. Badalyan had been a backup in his first eight years in the IHOF. He started with the ROchester Lake Monsters and then played 7 seasons for the Paris Musketeers. Yet the majority of his career starts (4 of 7) and sacks (2.5 of 4.5) came in one year with the Merchantmen.

Linebacker Ellsworth Thelen played five seasons with the Maassluis Merchantmen. Back in 2005 "Elly" was acquired in the big #1 overall draft pick trade from the Astoria Heroes. After two years as a full time starter, Thelen became more and more a backup player and was traded to the North Plainfield Plague. Thelen played 76 regular season games for the Merchantmen, racking up 355 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 22 defended passes.

Defensive tackle Shaun Shiroma, like many others, had his best Merchantmen days in the 2007 season. As a second round pick, expectations were always high with Shiroma. IN his rookie season he won player of the game honors in the Merchantmen's first ever playoff game. After that things went downhill. Shiroma played only 45 regular season games and spent 2012 as a free agent following a year on injured reserve with a minor injury.

Defensive end Aaron Sherrill ranks 7th all-time for the Merchantmen in sacks. Despite that, his retirement came a bit early. As a sixth round draft pick, Sherrill surprizingly burst into a starting role in 2007. After that he fell to a rotation backup role, even missing the 2009 season on injured reserve with a minor injury. After a year out of football, Sherrill made his retirement official.

Quarterback Thad Pilkington hang up his helmet indefinately after nine IHOF seasons. Thad bounced around from the North Plainfield Plague to the Asheville Axemen, were he had his best years as a starter. He spent the 2008 to 2010 seasons in Maassluis, before he moved back to North Plainfield in 2011 and to retire after the 2012 season in Asheville. Thad played in 10 games for the Merchantmen, with 3 starts, with 560 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

Other retiring who were with the Merchantmen in 2012 are running back Marquis Ong, guard Milton Obryan and tackle Joseph Fitch. Ong was two seasons in Maassluis, sitting out 2011 on injured reserve and playing in 6 games in 2012. Obryan was a member of the Vickburg Vipers' Ronnie Kemp blockers, called the Crunch Bunch. Obryan spent just a prt of the 2012 season in Maassluis in a backup role. Fitch played just 1 playoff game in Maassluis, yet became the first player to play for all four European IHOF franchises.

Six more former Merchantmen retired this off-season. Guard Brian Hammond (2007-2009) played 22 regular season games for Maassluis. Cornerback Xavier Clyburn (2008-2009) had 4 intercepions and 12 defended passes in 27 regular season games for Maassluis. Defensive tackle Andrew King (2004-2005) played 7 regular season games in Maassluis. Running back Cedric Rubio (2006) played 12 regular season games for the Merchantmen. Quarterback Dominic Lynch (2006) spent a season in Maassluis to mentor Louie Flannery. Kicker Paul Fabrizio (2011) spent a playoff game on the roster.

Last is a list of nine players who never spent a full week on the Maassluis Merchantmen roster. Still, they did spend some time in Maassluis during training camp or as a signing for a workout. They are running back Jimmy Arbuckle, kickers Dwayne Calfee and Myron George, tackle Steven Stanislaw, linebackers Karl Flannery, B.J. Monroe and Michael Penton, cornerback Bubba Lesky and safety Gene Dewit.

MIJB#19 · 01-05-2007, 04:39 PM

Merchantmen Tag Bass, Burns To Summer League
The Maassluis Merchantmen started their 2013 campaign with a no-brainer decission. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass was given the franchise tag. Bass had been acquired through trade from the Minnesota Miners last season holding just a one-year contract. Since there was no cap room to extend the contract last season, the Merchantmen decided to tag Bass.

Linebacker Lee Burns became the first Merchantmen player assigned to the IHOF's summer league. As a second-year pro, Burns was eliglible to be sent to the special summer camp at the Ligue Solecismique. Burns role could be improved in 2013 following the retirment of defensive end Lonnie Badalyan and linebacker Albert Boggess. Last season, Burns played in 10 regular season games, making 7 starts.

MIJB#19 · 01-05-2007, 04:43 PM

Merchantmen Lock Up Osgood, Add New Faces
And away they go! The 2013 free agency period started and the Maassluis Merchantmen were part of the early winners. Safety/punt returner Louis Farr and cornerback Trent Orchard joined the team one a two-year contract. Meanwhilst renegotiations have locked up most of the roster through the 2014 season.

Running back Courtney Osgood was the center of attention. Osgood's contract was scheduled to end after the 2013 season. Following his two 1,000 yard seasons in Maassluis, it was clear he was worthy contract extension. Osgood signed a new four-year deal worth over $10 million.

Louis Farr was the first free agent signing of the season. Farr was initially a 4th round pick with the Telluride Outlaws. He played three seasons with them, then one year with the North Plainfield Plague. After having been the primairy punt returner for the Tucker Tigers last season, Farr was given the freedom to continue his career elsewhere. Farr played five seasons in the IHOF, averaging 7.7 yards per punt return with 1 career touchdown.

Another free agent signing, Trent Orchard comes over from the Muscatine Mosquitoes. Selected in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft, Orchard was expected to be a starter some day. Sadly, he never lived up to the hype. Orchard played 51 games in Muscatine with only 4 starts. His best season was 2010, when he defended 6 passes. Orchard fits in the zone defense specialists tradition in Maassluis, but also has experience in bump and run coverage.

Also signed to contract extentions are linebacker Mike Kershner, wide receiver Drew McConnell and long snapper/tight end Winston Van Pelt. All three signed a deal through the 2014 season. Quarterback Richard Bell turned down a two-year contract. If he doesn't sign an extention, Bell will become a free agent after the upcoming season. The same applies to linebacker Carl Meier and offensive linemen Todd Serra and Louis Bell.

The Maassluis Merchantmen roster currently counts 47 players. That including cornerback Brian Spears, who is likely to miss the entire 2013 season with an elbow injury. The team hold eight draft picks for the upcoming draft: one in the second and third round, three each in the fourth and fifth round. The team is actively seeking a trade to move down from the #47 overall pick to the top of the 3rd round. The team already traded their fourth fifth round pick for a 2015 fifth round pick.

Earlier on this off-season, the Merchantmen renegotiated contracts with a majority of the players. Most notable was the two-year contract for franchise player Alfredo Bass. Also on the list of contract extensions were cornerback Tai Wayne, left tackle Ivan Jacques, defensive tackle Charles Gomez, safety Lincoln Gilmore and defensive ends Wally Mattingly and Omar Gougeon.

Other news around the league included some stories from former Merchantmen players. Wide receiver Jesse Vielma signed a new one-year deal with the San Luis Obispo Burn. Vielma started 6 games for them last season. Defensive end Britt Bycroft left the Williamsburg Colonials for the Fort Worth Fury. Bycroft will be reunited with Harold Wells. They never played together in Maassluis, yet were teammates at the Bordeaux Vineyards from 2007 to 2010.

MIJB#19 · 01-09-2007, 07:27 AM

Merchantmen Sign Three Players, Trade Down
The Maassluis Merchantmen seem to be very busy. With the signing of three free agents and their second trade, activity in the front office is at their off-season peak. Defensive end John Claxton, cornerback Steven Brookshire and offensive tackle Tommie Burns join the team. For the upcoming draft, they traded from #47 overall to #66 overall.

Adding John Claxton gives the defensive line more pass rush options. He's got good pass rush technique and has the experience to mentor second-year pro Luther Hansen. Claxton has been in the IHOF since the 2004 season. His best years were with the RayCo Raiders, where he played 36 games with 12 starts between 2004 and 2007. After that he became a backup role player in the IHOF. He bounced around with stays at the Fort Worth Fury (2008), Williamsburg Colonials (2010, 2011) and San Luis Obispo Burn (2012). Claxton sat out the 2009 season as a free agent, but now hopes to get some action on the respected Merchantmen defense.

Cornerback Steven Brookshire moves over from the Knoxville Rebels. Brookshire's career started as an undrafted free agent signing with the Asheville Axemen. In two seasons there he played in 21 games. During the following 2011 season he started with the Orlndo Knights. After two games he was released, but then quickly got signed by the Fort Worth Fury. Last season he played wih the Springfield Isotopes (now named Knoxville Rebels), where he also made his first career interception. Brookshire is expected to use his intuition for turnovers to battle for a roster spot.

Tommie Burns was a bit of a surprise signing. The Merchantmen already had four tackles on roster. However, with the retirement of Ned Cozart and Milton Obryan, there were some roster spots open on the offensive line. Burns is a former top third round pick of the Orlando Knights. Sadly he never lived up to expectations, seeing action in only 10 games between 2009 and 2011. Last season he moved on, signing with the Anaheim Visigoths. Burns got to see some action there (12 games, 4 starts), yet decided to not stick around after the team's name change to Oakland Black Panthers. Burns is expected to be in the mix for the 10 offensive line roster spots and potentially for a starting role.

Despite all the signings, the Merchantmen made more noise with their second trade of the off-season. The Merchantmen had been advertising their #47 overall draft pick and found themselves in an overload of interested teams. In the end the Telluride Outlaws made the best offer, sending their #66 overall pick, as well as a third round pick in 2015 and a fifth round pick in 2014.

Last but not least were some career moves by former Merchantmen players. Defensive tackle John Bryant played three years in Maassluis (2004-2006) and had been an occasional starter for the Georgia Gridlock. After six seasons there, he decided to move on and sign a one-year deal with the San Antonio Volunteers. Running back Scott Bagley accepted a two-year deal with the Minnesota Miners. Bagley had been sign late in the 2012 season and the management there is happy to keep him as a return specialist and backup runner. Bagley played 62 regular seasons games for Maassluis between 2008 and 2011.

MIJB#19 · 01-10-2007, 09:04 AM

More New Players For Merchantmen
The Maassluis Merchantmen are quickly stepping over the off-season retirement spree. With three new signings, the number of new faces has been upped to eight this off-season. Center Lance Blackwell and cornerbacks Marco Gonzalez and Ross Greene are the new players on the team.

Lance Blackwell made a bold move. Blackwell's last team in the IHOF had been the Gothenburg Giants. Despite his history being quite injury free, Blackwell's is one of a career backup. The Anaheim Visigoths took him in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. He stayed around for fur seasons, yet never played in more than 6 games. The past three seasons he bounced around, playing with the Muscatine Mosquitoes (2010), Boston Rhinos (2011) and Gothenburg (2012). Blackwell is expected to fight for a roster spot during the upcoming training camp.

Marco Gonzalez had been followed closely by the Merchantmen for years. Despite being an undrafted free agent, Gonzalez has bounced around the league a bit. Initially signed with the Chesapeake Chitterlings, his first IHOF action came in his rookie year for the Vicksburg Vipers. After being backup throughout the 2010 season, Gonzalez got traded in the 2011 pre-season to the Tucker Tigers. Gonzalez saw a lot of action there due to his bump and run pass defense experience, yet didn't hang around much longer than that season. Last year he saw action in two games for the Springfield Isotopes. Now, he hopes to be part of the revamped Merchantmen defense.

Ross Greene was a surprisingly quick signing. Green had only recently been released by the Syracuse Mohawks. Green played five and a half seasons with the Mohawks, the last two in a pretty big role. He also won an IHOF championship there in the 2010 season. Before his tenure with the Mohawks, Greene signed as an undrafted free agent ewith the Ann Arbor Anachronism. He hung around for two full seasons, yet got released midway the 2008 seasons. After being unemployed for about a month he signed with the Mohawks.

Running back Hugh Sipe, who the Merchantmen had been talking to, decided to stay with the Tucker Tigers. Sipe signed a new one-year contract there. Sipe was joined by former Merchantmen quarterback Mel Atkins. Former Boulder Blizzard fullback Jose Gwinn turned down the Merchantmen, signing a two-year deal with the Outer Banks Ospreys. Guard Carl Clarkson left the Minnesota Miners, signing a one-year deal with the San Antonio Volunteers.

MIJB#19 · 01-16-2007, 08:50 AM

Merchantmen Add Eight Through Draft
It's a wrap. Well, almost. With the seventh round going, another IHOF draft is soon to be in the books. Then, 214 players have been taken by the 32 IHOF franchises. 30 of them will be heading to Europe, eight of them to the Maassluis Merchantmen, who have no selections left. Who did the Merchantmen pick and what should the fans expect from them?

Melvin Galloway was the Merchantmen's first selection. Taken 66th overall, the defensive tackle won't be taken for granted, he'll likely be hrown into the starters rotation. The Arizona graduate ranked 10th amongst his position, yet the Merchantmen scouting staff found him to be underrated. Galloway has all what it takes to be a Merchantmen defensive tackle: abilty to stop the run and the much needed pass rush technique.

Linebacker Renaldo Dunlap was taken 77th overall. The Purdue graduate was assesed closely by the Merchantmen scouts and they believe tht Dunlap is a hot rospect. He'll probably come in a little bit raw, but the 22-year old is said to be a good run stopper and pass rusher. Dunlap might be moved from MLB to OLB, which seems to be a position of need in Maassluis after the retirement of Albert Boggess.

Brenden Boone bolsters the Merchantmen backfield. The 99th overall taken running back was regarded as one of the better backs in a relative weak class. Boone graduated from Louisville and is expected to immediately become the #3 rusher. He might even break into the 3rd down role.

With the 111th overall pick, the Merchantmen took Johnnie Griffin. The young guard from Temple left behind a good impression after the private interviews. Griffin isn't expected to break into a starting role right away, but he is regarded as a very talented player with the potential to become a very good starter some day.

Jessie Rhem was the second lineman taken. The smart center is expected to battle for the backup right away. Rhem was taken 120th overall and comes over from Indiana University, Pennsylvania.

At 129th overall, Lester Henson could be a steal for the Merchantmen. The former Kentucky defensive end ranked eight overall on the IHOF scouts' consensus list, in what is said to be the biggest class in defensive ends. The Merchantmen management believe that Henson is experienced enough to make an immediate impact.

Lorenzo Webster went off the board as 144th overall. The running back looked pretty good after additional scouting and might be able to fight for playing time. The Mississipi graduate is fairly developed and saided to have the hole recognition to fit into the Merchantmen game plan.

Daniel Linder was a bit of a surprise pick. The Oklahoma fullback hadn't been interviewed by the Merchantmen scouting staff. Linder is pure run blocker and worth the gamble at 157th overall.

With these eight added to the roster, the Merchantmen will sit at 61 players. That includes cornerback Brian Spears, who is likely to miss the entire 2013 season with an elbow injury. He's likely to be placed on injured reserve after training camp, right before pre-season starts.

MIJB#19 · 01-22-2007, 09:27 AM

Gossip News: Breaking News: Cody Cluff Starts Hold Out
Panic in the Maassluis Merchantmen front office! Middle linebacker Cody Cluff has decided to take a stand and demand a contract extention. Cluff is still signed through the 2014 season, but rumors are that he wants a big singing bonus to stay with the team. Reportedly teams around the league have been calling to Maassluis 24/7 to talk trade. The non-retirment of Carl Meier, drafting of Renaldo Dunlap in the third round and contract extension for Terrance White made the Merchantmen four deep at middle linebacker.

Cluff ranks third on the all-time tackles list and was expected to take an attempt to gain the all-time lead. Cluff has 897 tackles, while Leland Moorehead (964 tackles) and Frank Judson (945 tackles) recently retired. A hold out would jeopardize Cluff's chances, as Emanuel Keever (887 tackles) and Johnnie Braithwaite (873 tackles) are close behind him. Keever even recently changed teams to take a chance at the all-time lead, being traded from the Conyers Condors to th Fort Worth Fury. There were no further details on the situation at the current time, but Gossip News will keep you updated.

MIJB#19 · 01-23-2007, 09:45 AM

Cluff Problems Solved, All Rookies Signed
Peace has restored. Cody Cluff is no longer holding out. Far before the situation could escalate, the Merchantmen management and star linebacker Cody Cluff agreed on a new three-year contract. This means an extension of a year, as well as a signing bonus of around 5 million US dollars.

"I'm just happy to be here," Cody Cluff said, "I wasn't sure we would be a good team this year, but management convinced me." Cluff denied that it was a money issue: "I just want to play football. That's what I love to do." The new deal means that Cluff is likely to retire a Merchantmen player. "We still have a great defense: Charles Gomez, Lincoln Gilmore, Tai Wayne. We'll be a force again in 2013. And that tackle record is too good to pass on."

Meanwhilst, the Merchantmen agreed terms with all eight of their rookies. Defensive tackle Melvin Galloway, linebakcer Renaldo Dunlap, running back Brenden Boone and offensive linemen Johnnie Griffin and Jessie Rhem all signed four-year deals. Defensive end Lester Henson and running backs Lorenzo Webster and Daniel Linder signed three-year deals.

Additionally, the Merchantmen signed an undrafted rookie free agent. Linebacker Clifton Farlow had been on the Merchantmen shortlist for the draft and signed a one-year deal. Farlow spent his college time at Georgia Tech, the same school that linebacker Mike Kershner, safety Borderick Schultz and long snapper Winston Van Pelt attended.

Negotiations with quarterback Richard Bell once again stalled. The Merchantmen management have been talking with Bell's agent a couple of times. General manager M.IJ.B. said: "We like Bell. Clearly, he's not going to be our #1, but any team needs a good backup plan and we really like Bell to stick around as our #2." Bell is still under contract for the 2013 season.

MIJB#19 · 01-26-2007, 05:45 AM

Merchantmen Fill Up Training Camp Roster
And then there were 69. Players signed that is. The Maassluis Merchantmen signed six free agents to one-year contracts to pretty much fill thei entire training camp roster. The limit is 70 players, meaning there's one spot open. The new players are three running backs, a fullback, a guard and a cornerback.

Kenneth Pratt is the biggest name of the bunch. Sure, the 31-year old running back hasn't ran for 1,000 yards in a single season yet, but he's been around in the IHOF since the league inception. Pratt played football for the Boulder Blizzard (2004-2009) and Springfield Isotopes (2011-2012). In 2010 he spent the season on injured reserve with the Wiliamsburg Colonials.

Fullback Juan Shields joins the Merchantmen seven years late. Shields had been scouted as the future fullback of the team, but management decided to pick Doug Nelson. Nelson was released during his rookie season and today is retired. Shields kept playing, spending time with the Boston Rhinos (2006-2009), Georgia Gridlock (2010) and Springfield Isotopes (2011-2012). Shields has 0 career rushing attempts, yet has 26 receptions and 9 key run blocks.

Chester Capers is also a running back. Capers' elusiveness is phenomenal, while he's also a good kickoff returner. Capers played 7 games for the North Plainfield Plague as a rookie last season. He joined that team halfway the season after having been a roster cut day casualty with the Gothenburg Giants. Capers returns to Europe to prove his first IHOF team wrong by winning a roster spot with their rivals.

Yet another running back. Rookie Jermaine Stanton is joining a now overcrowded backfield. The Georgia graduate didn't overwhelm the Merchantmen scouts before the draft, but with his hole recognition, Stanton makes a good candidate to at least make the pre-season squad. And after that, anything can happen.

The signing of guard Kevin Shepard was't a big surprise. The Purdue graduate had surprised the Merchantmen staff in preperation for the draft. On draft day the team went with Johnnie Griffin, but it's not unlikely Shepard will beat the 4th round pick for a roster spot.

Last but not least, cornerback Teddy Rackers perfectly fits in Merchantmen tradition. Rackers is a fast, smart and volatile player. Rackers' has gained his experience in a zone defense system and brings play diagnosis and interception ability with him. Worst case, Rackers will be used for his special teams skills.

09-13-2006, 06:47 AM	#1301
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	The Month That Was: September 2012 Welcome back, Merchantmen fans. In contrast to past seasons, I won't be writing an article about the team after every week. In stead, I'll be doing a monthly review about what happened. As always, there will be a Player of the Year ranking. And some traditional musing on what's been and what's yet to come. How did we do? The Maassluis Merchantmen cruised to a surrpsing 3-0 start this season. Nothing new compared to last year, but with games against the Bordeaux Vineyards, Georgia Gridlock (AOC's #1 seed last season) and at the Outer Banks Ospreys (NAC Atlantic Coast division champs), it was a pretty tough schedule. Behind us, the rest of Europe did their job well though and amazingly enough we're not te only unbeaten team in the division. Standings 3-0-0 Maassluis 3-0-1 Paris 3-1-0 Bordeaux 1-2-1 Gothenburg Individually, Alfredo Bass was a monster. The future hall of famer injected new life to our passing game. Correction, he created a passing game that we never had! Louie Flannery completed 80 percent of his passes for over 200 yards per game and 2 touchdowns per game. Mind you, Flannery sat out the second half of two of the three games we played! In the Player of the Month race, the winner wasn't a big surprise. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass collected 24 passes for 392 yards and 3 touchdowns. Behind him, Louie Flannery took second place with his reliable passing. Quentin Hatchette ran for 218 yards so far, with a stellar 5.1 yards per carry average. Timothy Lacy made 10 key run blocks on 15 opportunities, making him the top blocker on the team. Jim Reiser completes the top five based on the longest catch in the league of the season so far. Standings September 2012: 1. Alfredo Bass 10 points, 2. Louie Flannery 6 pt, 3. Quentin Hatchette and Timothy Lacy 5 pt, 5. Jim Reiser 4 pt, 6. Frank Bernard, Sammie Kennedy and Courtney Osgood 3 pt, 9. Bryce Ewald and Broderick Schultz 2 pt, 11. Albert Boggess and Brian Spears 1 point. Upcoming in October are four games that could go either way. We kick off with a road game at the Syracuse Mohawks. The 2010 champions started the season 0-3 and are bound to want revenge. Then we'll have three home games. The first one will be Futility Bowl VIII against the Rochester Lake Monsters. The Lake Monsters are the defending Northeast champions and lead their division with a 3-1 record. The 2-2 Boston Rhinos are our week 6 opponents. Following a disappointing 6-10 season, the Rhinos are desperate to get wins out of the team now. We'll end the month with a much anticipated game against the Paris Musketeers. For them it will be the perfect opporunity to prove they are ready for their first division title. Other things to note around the league? We, the Merchantmen, are one of only three teams left that won all their games. The Ann Arbor Anachronism recorded their second 4-0 start in league history. The first time they managed that was in the 2004 season, when they eventually posted a 13-3 record and lost the NAC Championship game. The Chesapeake Chitterlings are also on their second 4-0 start. In 2010 they also had a hot start, but in the end they lost the division in week 17 to the Fredrick Red Menace and crashed out in the wild card round, despite a 12-4 record. For us, the previous two times we started the season 3-0, we had succesful years. As the die hard fans may remember, in 2007 we kicked off strong, ended up 13-3 and made it to the AOC Championship game. Last season we even posted a 4-0 start, won the European division at 11-5, yet crashed out in the wild card game against the Syracuse Mohawks. Our upcoming opponents. The team is ready for revenge. And so am I. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

09-15-2006, 05:32 AM	#1303
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Sweet Revenge For The Merchantmen The Maassluis Merchantmen continue to win. With a 9-3 score, the Syracuse Mohawks were added to the list of beaten teams. It kind of made up for the 2011 playoffs exit. Louie Flannery struggled, but saw the defense bail him out. Veterans receiver Drew McConnell and tackle Chris Perdomo left the game with elbow injuries. Four down, twelve to go. Granted, there are no serious expectations for a perfect season, but sitting at 4-0 the fans and players are slowly starting to dream about it. Beating the Syracuse Mohawks was a big step forward. The Merchantmen once again showed to be a strong team in defense dominated battles. While on offense, the running game proved to be very strong. "These guys are amazing," Louie Flannery said. Posting just 88 yards passing and 3 interceptions, Flannery had one of his worst games to date. The 88 yards were his second worst of his career. Flannery said: "Oh well, I'm only human, I didn't really expect to complete 80 percent of my passes all year long. The running backs really made the day." The Merchantmen posted 209 yards rushing for the day. For some IHOF teams 200 yards is pretty normal, but in Maassluis it happened only twice before. Courtney Osgood (110 yards) and Quentin Hatchette (80 yards) proved once again to be a great tandem. Both average 5 yards per carry. Osgood said: "Yes, we have the speed and versatility to make plays, but without a strong line, you're hopeless. And a strong line is what we've got here." It shows as four linemen are averaging more than 2 key run blocks per game. Despite the running game, it was the defense that made a strong case for being the league's best once again. They allowed 196 total yards, while holding the Mohawks to 2.4 yards per carry and letting Brent Peterman complete only 13 of 32 passes. Especially the second half was impressive. The Merchantmen posted three conescutive three and outs, holding the Mohawks to -4 yards. On the bad side of the news were a couple of new injuries. Wide receiver Drew McConnell, who had been replacing Bryce Ewald the past games, left the game with a strained elbow tendon. He's expected to need a month to fully recover. Offensive tackle Christopher Perdomo also left the game with an elbow injury. Perdomo had his first start for the Merchantmen in absence of Cornelius Rice. Perdomo is expected to be back in about three weeks. Fullback Quentin Malicki got a knock too, but should be able to play next week. Next week is going to be another big game: Futility Bowl VIII. The Rochester Lake Monsters will visit Maassluis for in a somewhat historical edition of the game. The Lake Monsters won their first division title last season, meaning it will be the first Futility Bowl between two defending division champions. Arises a big question, after both teams made the playoffs three times in the past five seasons, is this game still futilty, at all? __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

09-16-2006, 08:53 PM	#1307
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	He's having a crappy season so far. Maybe a trip across the ocean will help. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

09-20-2006, 05:38 AM	#1308
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Futilty Bowl Win Keeps Merchantmen Undefeated The Maassluis Merchantmen remain undefeated. In a crazy fourth quarter comeback, the Rochester Lake Monsters were beaten 24-21. The Merchantmen are now the only remaining undefeated team in the Atlantic Ocean Conference. Alfredo Bass had another big game, keeping himself on pace to threaten all IHOF single season receiving records. The fans love this rivalry. With 75,400 fans attending, Oranje Haven saw it's biggest attendance since week 17 of the 2005 season. The Rochester Lake Monsters bring along a lot of former Merchantmen players and the head to head series has been a close one. Never mind the humiliating playoff loss in the 2008 season, when the Lake Monsters left Oranje Haven devastated following a 27-3 defeat. Futility Bowl VIII proved to be a classic, a game to remember. After a slow start in the first quarter, neither team managed to score (Rochester missed a 35-yard field goal), things started to get wild in the second term. Ray England opened the score for the visiting Lake Monsters. The Merchantmen immediately came back strong. Two big runs by Quentin Hatchette and a pass to Bass set up a 1-yard touchdown run for Courtney Osgood. In the remainder of the first half, neither team scored again. Cary Coles came close, missing a 56-yard field goal attempt. In the second half a former Merchantmen player put the Lake Monsters up again. In a drive where the Monsters ran all over the Merchantmen defense, wide receiver Amos Collins scored on a 38-yard reception. It marked the only score of the quarter, meaning the Lake Monsters went into the fourth period leading 14-7. The Merchantmen got the ball back and knew there was a lot to do. But they were nailed at their own 4-yard line to start the final period. First down! Jewell Simpson, repromoted to a starter with two other receivers out, made a big 33-yard catch to move his team up field. With another big pass to tight end Arnold Ramirez, Louie Flannery guided his men into Rochester territory. Consecutive running plays didn't move the team any closer than just into the red zone. A Cary Coles field goal narrowed the score down to 14-10. The Lake Monsters got the ball back at their own 13-yard line. Interception! Sammie Kennedy had a perfect read on what quarterback Jackie Williamson was going to do. He didn't manage to run the ball back, but the Merchantmen had the ball back in Rochester territory. Louie Flannery didn't need much time. A quick pass to Bass on the first play immediately resulted in a touchdown. Merchantmen 17, Rochester 14, the stadium was about to explode. The Lake Monsters were stopped on their next drive and the Merchantmen looked ready to secure the win with 4:30 left. But no such luck. Following a play were Courtney Osgood was stuffed, Louie Flannery made a horrible mistake. Flannery looked downfield and tried to do a medium long pass. Gene Troup intercepted the pass and found his way through the Merchantmen offense to run the ball 45 yards back for the touchdown. The Lake Monsters looked like the winning time again, leading 21-17. The Merchantmen needed a touchdown again to win the game, or even force overtime. Amazingly enough, Louie Flannery didn't panic. Lead by Flannery the offense regrouped and did their trick. Run here, pass to Bass there, the Merchantmen marched up field and were facing third and three at the Rochester 42 yard line with 100 seconds left. Flannery called a weak formation, making it look like they were going to run. The Lake Monsters adjusted to it. And then Alfredo Bass escaped his receiver. Flannery threw a bomb into the endzone. Bass grabbed the ball and the stadium exploded again. Maassluis 24, Rochester 21. In the final 91 seconds of the game, the Lake Monsters tried to get their act going again, but the Merchantmen pass rush avoided that. A sack by Charles Gomez and a hurry by Luther Hansen helped set up a fourth and four situation in Rochester territory. The Lake Monsters had no choice but to go for it. The Merchantmen sat back in dime personnel, but decided to let dimeback Winford Endicott blitz. Nobody saw the man coming and so didn't Jackie Williamson. Endicott made the sack and the game was over, Merchantmen win! Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude knew there was nothing to complain about: "Well, it was a tight game, but our fourth quarter play really overshadowed Rochester's play in the first half. Louie Flannery made good decissions most of the time and Alfredo Bass once again showed why he's the IHOF's top receiver. We're blessed to have this guy on our team." Bass had 5 receptions for 127 yards and 2 scores. By holding Rochester to 275 total yards on offense, the Merchantmen are keeping more than a winning streak alive. In five games this season, the Merchantmen defense held every opponent below 300 yards. And the offense takes full advantage of it. The 84 yards difference against Rochester was the slimmest of the season. Upcoming is another home game against a Northeast team. The division leading Boston Rhinos have been pretty good this season so far. Last weekend they gave the Paris Musketeers their first loss with a dominant showing (403 versus 265 yards). If it wasn't for a big interception return for Paris, the score might have been more than just the tiny 3-point margin. The Rhinos have posted three 400 yards performances already. Quarterback Robby Gonzalez has thrown 12 touchdowns (at least one in ever game) against only 4 interceptions (one each in the last four). But they are not invincible. In both their losses the Rhinos were held below 300 yards. Their defense took a big loss recently when middle linebacker Lloyd Dye went out for the season. And with Gonzalez plagued by a sore knee, the Merchantmen might stand a chance to win. And simultaneously tie the franchise record in consecutive victories at six. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

09-20-2006, 11:33 AM	#1311
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	We are really no threat to NPL this season. Not that that is news. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

09-13-2006, 08:13 AM	#1302
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Crush dem Mohawks!!! A couple more losses and they're done for the season!

09-15-2006, 07:50 AM	#1304
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	For my team, yes. We have the best regular season record of any team that has never appeared in the IHOF Bowl.

09-15-2006, 08:15 AM	#1305
Floyd B. Boudreaux n00b Join Date: Sep 2006	Defense wins championships. 9-3 is like music to my ears. It's like I said on IHOF Radio, you guys are going to win it all. And Mr. Bass is going to have about 1,700 yards by the time it is all said and done.

09-20-2006, 07:47 AM	#1309
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	It was tough losing such a close game. Maybe next season we can host a futility bowl. Or maybe in the playoffs.

09-24-2006, 05:44 PM	#1312
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Rhinos End Merchantmen Unbeaten Streak The Maassluis Merchantmen won't post a perfect season. Despite a stellar performance, an 89-yard punt return turned the tide. The Boston Rhinos win 18-15 in Oranje Haven ended a five-game winning streak. The Merchantmen defense posted the second best showing in least yards allowed, bringing up memories to the Fumblin' Justin game. And that was that. Just as the media hype about their unbeaten record started, the Merchantmen bounced back on earth. Well, not entirely, the Merchantmen outgained their opponents by over 200 yards. And there's no time to cry about it, an all-important game against the Paris Musketeers awaits. Running back Courtney Osgood had a big day. With 115 yards on the ground, Osgood proved his former team wrong for not making him the feature back. Boston's Brian Patten struggled as he was held to just 21 yards on 8 carries. It marked Osgood's eight 100-yard game for the Merchantmen. "Ignore that freak play and we win that game," Courtney Osgood said after the game, "I think I even warned the punting unit. I've seen Glen Acton (who returned a punt for 89 yards and te game winning touchdown) in practise on the punt return unit in my Boston days. 6-0 would have looked a lot cooler." Defensive tackle Charles Gomez was furious after the game. The IHOF's most awarded player anchored a defense that allowed only 168 total yards, the second best game in Merchantmen history. "It was 2004 all over again." Back in week 9 of the 2004 season, the Merchantmen lost 17-17 to the Conyers Condors on two fumble return touchdowns. That day the Fumblin' Justin nickname was born. Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude wasn't in Maassluis those years: "I don't remember that game as a head coach. A freak game, but we know what we're capable of. We're ready for Paris, possibly the weakest of the teams we face so far. Don't be mistaken, they're good, it's just that we had a tough schedule so far." The Paris Musketeers will come to Maassluis being 3-2-1. With the Bordeaux Vineyards at 4-2, this game is a crucial one for both sides for the playoff race. Maassluis can use a win to strenghten their division title chances, while Paris pretty much needs a win to stay in the race. The Gothenburg Giants sit in last place at 1-5-1. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

09-29-2006, 10:08 AM	#1313
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Musketeers Upset Merchantmen The European Division lead is slipping through their fingers. The Maassluis Merchantmen dropped to 5-2 following a 19-6 defeat to the Paris Musketeers. The Merchantmen outgained their French rivals by 146 yards, but failed to turn yardage into points again. Quarterback Louie Flannery received the lionshare of the complaints from Merchantmen fans, players and staff members. 450 yards in the plus, 16 points in the negative. There isn't much room for stranger things, but this is what Maassluis looked the the last two games. First the Boston Rhinos overcame being outgained, now the Paris Musketeers managed it. The Merchantmen season is quickly going south. "Just dreadful," linebacker 'Mickey' Kershner said, "we keep them away from our territory, but we still find a way to lose. I don't want to point fingers, but this offense has to stop making turnovers. Yeah, I'm pissed, this is not whatwas supposed to happen. Beat Paris and we're a shoe in for the division title, now it's going to be a long season." Quarterback Louie Flannery after the game found the courage to give a short speech to the fans who didn't leave Oranje Haven mid-way the fourth quarter. Flannery appologized for the mistakes he made (2 interceptions) and promised the fans the team will be leading Europe when te team returns to Maassluis in week 12. Upcoming is a tough road game at the North Plainfield Plague, who are likely to see star quarterback David Conti back. The Merchantmen defense haven't allowed a team to gain 300 or more yards yet, but the Plague have a history of beating the Merchantmen. Expectations are it will be a shootout, or at least a close game determined by a field goal. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

09-29-2006, 10:08 AM	#1314
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	The Month That Was: October 2012 Unbelievable. If we hadn't gone througha streak like this before, I'd say it's something that doesn't go hand in hand with this team. But it clearly does. In 2009 we lost two consecutive games where we outgained the opponent by 150 yards. We did it again. 5-2, not so bad going into the season, but right now it's just silly. I guess the undefeated talk stalled us. Thankfully, the rest of the division isn't doing well either. The Bordeaux Vineyards lost two games at home, while the Paris Musketeers rebounded from a two-game losing streak against us. Only the Gothenburg Giants are looking bad right now. Charlie Vance may just be a rookie quarterback, but without him the Giants couldn't do anything good. Standings 5-2-0 Maassluis 4-2-1 Paris 4-3-0 Bordeaux 1-7-1 Gothenburg The month wasn't so bad afterall, it was pretty rough to leave some players out for the player of the month race, especially since I limit myself to only three credible players in lost games. Courtney osgood was the star of the team. With two 100-yard games, Osgood anchored the offense, totalling 328 yards and 2 scores in 4 games. Alfredo Bass didn't copy his monster numbers, but with 21 catches for 274 yards and 2 scores he was crucial. Charles Gomez was back in his old shape with 1.5 sacks, 2 blocks and 8 hurries. Standings October 2012: 1. Courtney Osgood 8 points, 2. Alfredo Bass and Charles Gomez 5 pt, 4. Cody Cluff, J.J. Reilly, Jewell Simpson and Sean Smalley 4 pt, 8. Lonnie Badalyan, Lincoln Gilmore and Quentin Hatchette 2 pt, 11. Myron Stevens and Bernie Surry 1 pt. Standings 2012 Season 1. Alfredo Bass 15 points, 2. Courtney Osgood 11 pt, 3. Quentin Hatchette 7 pt, 4. Louie Flannery 6 pt, 5. Charles Gomez and Timothy Lacy 5 pt, 7. Cody Cluff, J.J. Reilly, Jim Reiser, Jewell Simpson and Sean Smalley 4 pt, 12. Frank Bernard and Sammie Kennedy 3 pt, 14. Lonnie Badalyan, Bryce Ewald, Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz 2 pt, 18. Albert Boggess, Brian Spears, Myron Stevens and Bernie Surry 1 point. November awaits with four games, with only the last one at home. We start with the North Plainfield Plague, who are also 5-2 by now. They are our top rivals for the playoff seedings right now, behind the Tucker Tigers (6-1) and above the Vicksburg Vipers (5-3). Then we continue with a trip through Europe with road games at Bordeaux and Gothenburg. Especially the game against Bordeaux is going to be crucial. We end the month with a home game against the Asheville Axemen. Not a gimme, since the Axemen are flirting with a division title at 6-1. All in all, I think we have to go 3-1 in November to keep pace for the division title. Anything below 2-2 would be a major disappointment. We can't afford to lose many more games now if we want to continue to fight for the top AOC seeds. We've already lost 2 games in the conference. With games against the Plague and Vicksburg Vipers yet to come, these are crucial games for the seeding procedure. And the division could come down to a crucial week 15 game in Paris and their visit to Bordeaux in week 17. Things are getting too close again... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

09-29-2006, 10:09 AM	#1315
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Comeback Conti Exposes Merchantmen David Conti is back. The Maassluis Merchantmen noticed in their 23-17 defeat at the North Plainfield Plague. In a close game, Conti guided his offense to the first 300-yard performance against the Merchantmen defense. The Merchantmen failed to take advantage of a Conti injury, as Louie Flannery threw two costly interceptions. Things are going from bad to worse in Maassluis. Following two unneeded losses to apparently weaker teams, the Merchantmen found their match in the North Plainfield Plague. Lead by David Conti and 'Aces' Glenn in the second half, the Plague offense took full advantage of Louie Flannery's mistake loaded passing. But the Merchantmen didn't have much choice. Flannery had to pass, as the team was missing a running game all game long. Courtney Osgood left the game injured after just 9 carries for 32 yards, while Quentin Hatchette was held to 2.7 yards per carry for 49 yards. Alfredo Bass posted another century with 125 yards receiving, but couldn't score for his team. The lack of a running game was two-fold. Yes, Osgood got hurt early on, but other injuries also hurt the team. Right guard Timothy Lacy is the team's top run blocker and Lacy has been missing in action with a knee injury. Against the Plague, star left tackle Ivan Jacques was also missing. His replacement Chris Perdomo left the game on a stretcher after just two plays with a knee injury that will likely sideline him until late November. With a game at the Bordeaux Vineyard to come, it's going to be interesting to see what the Merchantmen can do. The defense is still considered the best in the league, but the offense is looking to old habits. The only bright light there is still Alfredo Bass. The future hall of famer is on pace to break the league record in receptions, while he should break all receiving record for the Merchantmen. The receiving yards and touchdowns record could be broken as early as next week. Bass needs only 59 yards and 2 scores to equal Bryce Ewald's 850 and 7 from last season. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-03-2006, 06:30 PM	#1316
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Bordeaux Runs Over Merchantmen The Maassluis Merchantmen lost their fourth game in a row. With a last minute field goal, the Bordeaux Vineyards were victorious: 23-20. The Merchantmen defense allowed over 300 yards for the second time this season. Quarterback Louie Flannery received more critic, following another game with multiple interception. What a drive. The Bordeaux Vineyards saw their star runningback duo held to negative yards in week one at Maassluis. At home, Billy Jamerson and Casey Mercer ran all over the Merchantmen. In a 10-minute long drive, the Vineyards ran 16 times (and passed only once) to an early 7-0 lead. The Merchantmen scored back and even took a 10-7 lead following an interception by Lincoln Gilmore, but it didn't hold up. The Vineyards kept running and bashed their way to victory. If it wasn't for a fumble return for a touchdown by defensive end Lonnie Badalyan, the Merchantmen wouldn't have been within a score. Quarterback Louie Flannery fled to the visitors locker room following the game. Flannery completed 12 of 25 passes for only 113 yards and 2 interceptions. People almost forgot that he did throw a touchdown pass to put his team into a 10-7 lead early in the second quarter. But the die-hard Merchantmen fans had serious trouble supporting their quarterback. Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude admitted that the offense struggled: "We don't like to pull the injury card, but apparently it's part of the loss. We were missing two wide receivers, Courtney Osgood and had to rush Ivan Jacques and Tim Lacy into action due to other injuries." All in all, the Merchantmen have gone from one high to another. The game today was the third worst offensive production in team history with only 161 yards. A big contrast with week one of this season, when they set a new team record at 498 yards, ironically against the same Bordeaux team. The seven following games were all but one in the team's top 30 with 350 or more yards. The non-top30 was the 9-3 win over the Syracuse Mohawks. Upcoming is a road game at the Gothenburg Giants. It's easy to see that the Giants are struggling all season long, hence their 1-7-1 record. Rookie quarterback Charles Vance had a couple of heartbreaking losses, seeing his team lose by a single score, while he threw multiple touchdowns. Cornerback Harley Gowan is ready for a big game, as he has 7 career interceptions against the Merchantmen in 16 games. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-03-2006, 06:31 PM	#1317
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Gossip News: Louie Flannery Benched! Stop the presses, there's news in Maassluis. Gossip News' European correspondent Isaac. M. Bogus reports that quarterback Louie Flannery will be benched for Sunday's game at the Gothenburg Giants. Flannery has thrown 2 interceptions in each of the last three games and is on pace for a career high in picked off passes. Rumor has it that the Merchantmen have officially listed quarterback Richard Bell as their starter. An interesting move following a strong season start, in which the Merchantmen won five games in a row and lost two games by a bit of bad luck, most notably Flannery's interceptions. The Merchantmen management wasn't willing to respond, but guard Daniel Decastro was willing to comment on the issue. Decastro said: "Flannery sucks. I've worked with 'The Donald', I can tell you, a guy like Flannery is a disaster for a team. Every time you think you're going to score or on a game tying drive, he's going to throw the ball to an opponent. He's been annoying to watch." Richard Bell has reportedly made good progress in training camp and now the sixth year veteran looks ready to take over when Flannery struggles. Bell relieved Flannery in the first two games and came out of it well with a 102.8 quarterback rating. Especially his 81-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jim Reiser was an impressive play. And if Bell falls out of favor too, the team can always rely on Justin McDavid. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-03-2006, 06:31 PM	#1318
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Press Release: Flannery Will Play Sunday The Maassluis Merchantmen would like to report that Louie Flannery is still the starting quarterback. The Merchantmen management wants to make clear that reports from Gossip News are false. Guard Daniel Decastro will be disciplined accordingly following his foul words towards Flannery. General Manager M.IJ.B. states: "Louie Flannery is our franchise quarterback. He's a flamboyant player and throws more interceptions than one would like him too. But that's his style, he loves to throw it deep. There's no doubt that Flannery is our long term answer at quarterback. Don't be fooled, Flannery will play on Sunday." About Decastro, M.IJ.B. said: "Daniel (Decastro) didn't use nice words about Flannery. We're going to talk with him about team spirit and he'll be accordingly disciplined. If he doesn't show remorse for his actions, we'll have no choice but to suspend him, or worse." Reports that Richard Bell is listed as the starting quarterback right now are true. The management is taken some pressure off Flannery's shoulders and is giving Bell some time to work with te first team. Who the starter is in Gothenburg will be a game day decission. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-06-2006, 07:17 AM	#1319
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Longest Losing Streak In 7 Years For Merchantmen The Maassluis Merchantmen are falling apart. The Gothenburg Giants upset the Merchantmen with a 23-15 victory in Sweden. The Giants rookie quarterback Charles Vance guided his offense to 400 total yards, the biggest production against the Merchantmen so far this season. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass set a new franchise record. The defense isn't what it used to be. After 13 regular season games of less than 300 yards allowed (in which they Merchantmen went 10-3, with 10 consecutive wins), the Merchantmen allowed their first 400-game since week one of 2011. Ironically, that came also at the Gothenburg Giants' Palace Of Ice And Frost. Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude wasn't happy: "It's mind boggling how this is happening. Since the second half of the 2011 season, we've provided the best defense in league history. Yet, following two freak losses, the team decided to lose all faith and fall into a big hole. Now we've got five losses in a row. I'm clueless in how to get the ship sailing North again." Some critics point to Van Der Woude himself. Despite his excellent play calling decissions, he's never been much of a motivational speaker. The Merchantmen have a trend to lose again after a loss. Coordinators J.T. Pulliam and Omar Carden have their hands full on strategic plans, which is hopeless when the coach can't avoid a collective depression. Bad luck happens, but the loss in Sweden was the fifth in a row. The longest losing streak under Van Der Woude's guidance. Especially the chemistry with Louie Flannery seems over. Flannery got rid of interceptions againstthe Giants, yet completed only half of his passes for a depressing 151 yards. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass didn't struggle. In what used to be his first IHOF home, Bass played two seasons for the Gothenburg Giants, he set a new single season receiving yards record. With 889 yards, Bass already did better than Bryce Ewald's 850 yards last season. With six games to go, Bass stands a good chance to break the remaining receiving records. Bass currently leads the league with 62 receptions and made 5 touchdowns. The next Merchantmen game is in their own Oranje Haven. Their opponents are the Asheville Axemen. With an 8-2 record, the Axemen are leading the NAC Atlantic Coast division by a three-game margin. Their schedule so far has been relative easy, although they did beat both teams with a winning record they faced. Especially on defense, the Axemen are plagued by injuries. The only previous encounter with the Axemen resulted in a Merchantmen victory, a surprising 19-10 victory with Justin McDavid at quarterback in his first start after ACL Knee Surgery. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 10-06-2006 at 10:23 AM. Reason: effin' elitists typos...

10-06-2006, 10:20 AM	#1321
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Replace Decastro With Obryan The Maassluis Merchantmen added a new player to their team. Guard Milton Obryan was signed right before the road game at the Gothenburg Giants. Obryan even joined the active roster for that game. Guard Daniel Decastro was released after one and a half seasons of service. Milton Obryan had been a free agent since the end of the 2011 season. He signed with the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums that season to play the veteran backup role on one of the deepest teams at that position. Before that, Obryan played 70 games for the Vicksburg Vipers. As one of the blockers for all-time IHOF rushing leader Ronnie Kemp, Obryan was known as a member of the Crunch Bunch, as well as former Merchantmen tackle Wilson Grimaldo. Daniel Decastro's release was a little bit unexpected. Decastro had been playing a backup role in Maassluis and had become unhappy about the situation. This move had been hanging in the air for a couple of weeks already, as Decastro was considered a locker room problem. Recent criticism of quarterback Louie Flannery made the decission easier. Decastro played in four games with the Merchantmen. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-09-2006, 06:35 AM	#1322
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Irregular Interviewing: Justin's Comeback, Four Years Later The losingest Merchantmen since 2004. Being at a respectable 5-5, that doesn't sound fair, but the reality is that the Merchantmen have lost five in a row. Five straight makes for the longest losing streak since the historic feat of 15 straight between week 4 of 2004 and week 1 of 2005. Today, we speak with a player who has been with the Merchantmen since day 1, the starting quarterback during that 15-game losing streak and an idol to a lot of fans: 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid. Questioner (Q): The Merchantmen are sturggling on offense. Rumors were spread that Louie Flannery was going to be benched. Upcoming is a game against the Asheville Axemen, the last time the Merchantmen played them, the Merchantmen won with you at quarterback. Shouldn't you be starting, Justin? Justin McDavid (JMcD): No. We're currently on the dim side of normal life cycle flows. People are quickly forgetting how great this team was at the end of 2011 and the first seven games of this season. Q: Sure, but most of the success was the defense playing so well. JMcD: Yes and no. Going strictly by statistics, we can even claim to have been the best defense in the league the past season and a half, but the defense is hopeless if the offense can't keep the chains moving. Q: Flannery is struggling to make that happen. JMcD: No. We work hard as a team to make plays on offense. There will always be good games and bad games. In the first seven games the offense gained 300 yards or more. Like I said, there will always be bad streaks. We've always had them. Any team faces them. Q: In contrast to most teams, injuries are hard to blame. JMcD: Injuries... They are so overrated. Look at the Axemen. They're missing half of their starters. Have you seen their record? 8-2. Yep, they are hurting, but tough it out and continue to win games. The last thing we should do know is underestimate our next opponent because of their injuries. Q: Talking of injuries, the story with your knee troubles have been forgotten a bit. JMcD: Yeah. Look, it's almost impossible to play without pain, but I haven't needed to skip practise ever since the surgery. Q: That was one devastating injury. Did the return to the Palace Of Ice And Frost last week make you have flashbacks. JMcD: Yes. I mean, we play there every season, but I will always remember it as the site that changed my career. Q: How hard is it to play a backup role? JMcD: It's not. I mean, back then, it was Leonard or me. We were completly different quarterbacks, but kind of equal as well. I may have gone a bit overboard in taking risks back then to fight for my starting role. I was young and eager. Q: You're still young. JMcD: (laughs) I'm in my thirties! You know you're old when your team management ask you to be a mentor to rookies. It was kind of freaky when it started, I was just back from injury. But it also made sense, I'm good in explaining stuff to others. Too bad neither of the guys really panned out to stick around. Q: Maassluis is a bit of a Waterloo to quarterbacks. There are 16 on the list of former players. JMcD: That's life in the IHOF. Besides, Louie (Flannery) has been the starter for his seventh straight season, without being replaced, aside from injuries. The management has spent a lot of time on finding a good number two guy. It's become my duty to mentor young guys to get them ready for that role. Of course, the management never expected Richard Bell to do so well. Q: What's Bell for a kind of player? JMcD: Well, let me start with saying that Richard (Bell) was a bit of a walk-on. He was signed right before training camp to fight for a roster spot. Somewhat surprising since we had five guys on roster back then. Richard showed what he was made of in training camp and rightfully claimed the #2 role. Q: Wait a minute, six quarterbacks? JMcD: Yeah. Back then we had two young guys for the future #2 role in Josh Webb and Harvey Nimmons. Of course, today, they are elsewhere, Josh retired, Harvey plays for the Georgia Gridlock. We also had Thad Pilkington, but the management had told me then that either Thad or I would get traded. Q: Your name has been linked with trades a lot the past off-seasons. There were rumors you were close to a deal with the Rochester Lake Monsters the past off-season. JMcD: (laughs) Rochester is a nice place to play football. You know there's still a good management relationship between Maassluis and Rochester. When the Lake Monsters drafted Bubba Raymond, the managements talked about me going there to tutor Raymond. In the end they chose for Dominic Lynch. A great choice. 'Domino' had a great resume as a mentor. He's some sort of quarterback coach. Raymond's first few plays looked really good. It's going to be interesting to see what the big work-out warrior can do next game. Q: The Merchantmen's next game, Asheville at home. Don't tell me it doesn't do anything to you. JMcD: It does. Randy Harris (former Merchantmen running back) gave me a phone call the other day. He said: "Justin, look at how times have changed. Half of the offense has been replaced since that day." He's right. Q: What are your memories to that game? JMcD: I was really nervous. I hadn't played a single down since the injury. But the stadium was going wild. Really, the crowd was making so much noise. And when Lincoln Gilmore made that interception, I knew this was it. He walked up to me and said: "That was for you. Do your thing, Justin. This is your moment of glory." Q: What happened? JMcD: We went into the huddle and I remember looking into Randy Harris' eyes. It was like I had never been gone. I called the play and it was just all like a dream. I passed to Rosenberry and ran for the first down on the next play. Bryce (Ewald) made a great third down conversion. And then came the touchdown. We went into the huddle again and Devin (Henson) said: Justin, I'll get open and get you your touchdown. He kept word. When I walked to the side line, everybody was crying. The Head Coach, Charles Gomez, Big Al (Albert Bernardo), Cody Cluff, Lincoln Gilmore... Q: Wow. JMcD: It was so bad, kicker Cary Coles was too emotional to score the extra point. He set things right on the next drive by converting his field goal attempt. We were leading 16-0 at half time, the Axemen had no idea where they were, the atmosphere was overwhelming. Of course, after the break, they came back strong and I remember thinking we were going to choke the lead when we kept failing to score. Q: What's this game against the Axemen going to be like? JMcD: Like any other the last couple of years. I'll be on the sideline, making notes to help Louie (Flannery) as best I can. Really, I'm only going to see the field if both Louie (Flannery) and Richard (Bell) get hurt. Q: Will you guys snap the losing streak? JMcD: We'd better! Some of the younger guys are losing their confidence, but with that defense, we should know that things will get back on track. Charles Gomez has been really pissed the last couple of days. Q: Is that a good sign? JMcD: Gomez is always like that. But when it gets this bad, you know somebody is going to pay for it. I think Gomez and Cluffy (Cody Cluff) have big plans to take the Axemen's running game out. Q: Alright, Justin. Thanks for your time. Good luck to you guys. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-10-2006, 07:09 AM	#1323
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Shutout Axemen The Maassluis Merchantmen can still win. With an impressive 28-0 score, they beat the Asheville Axemen. With losses by both French rivals, the Bordeaux Vineyards and Paris Musketeers, the Merchantmen keep hopes on a second straight European title alive. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass added another Merchantmen receiving record to his resume. At last. After five losses, with the last three being really bad, the Merchantmen avenged their own lack of success. The third shutout in franchise history gave more strenght to the win. Granted, the Axemen were depletted by injuries, but the Axemen had been serious contenders for the #1 seed position in the North American Conference. Oranje Haven loves Louie Flannery again. With a completion percentage of 79.3 and 3 touchdown passes, Flannery was the effective leader of the team. In recent weeks, Flannery was the center of all negative media attention, but today his team silenced the critics. The Merchantmen defense also returned to early season form. The Axemen came never closer than the Merchantmen 33-yard line. Star defensive tackle Charles Gomez said: "This is how we do it. Everybody worked hard and we kept them in check all day long." Special praise went to rookie linebacker Lee Burns, who was te biggest pass rush threat, coming out of a to him unfamiliar left defensive end position. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass added a fifth Merchantmen receiving record to his resume. Bass hauled in two catches for touchdowns, adding up to 7 scores for the season. Injured receiver Bryce Ewald set the franchise high at 7 last season. Bass leads the league with 71 receptions, being 8 shy of tying the Merchantmen single-season record. A good win, but there's no team to enjoy the win at all. Next is road game at the Vicksburg Vipers, the defending Atlantic Ocean Conference champions. At 8-3, the Vipers are competing for a bye week in the playoffs, providing they can hold the emerging Fort Worth Fury (7-4) off. The Vipers are running high on the back of Ronnie Kemp, who still holds the record most single-game rushing yards in a game against the Merchantmen. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-10-2006, 08:47 AM	#1324
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	The Month That Was: November 2012 Worst month ever. Okay, not entirely, but what the [beep] happened? After seven games of dominating every team we faced, the team had a total collapse and stunk up the joint at North Plainfield, at Bordeaux and at Gothenburg. In the end, you wonder how we even managed to stay within 8 points in all three games. Thankfully the team rebounded with a good shutout victory over the injury plagued Asheville Axemen. While we were struggling, the Bordeaux Vineyards took full advantage. With a crucial 9-3 win at the Paris Musketeers, the Vineyards moved back to the top. Sadly for them, they lost quarterback Joe Johnson for possibly the rest of the regular season. The Paris Musketeers meanwhilst are starting their traditional collaps. A little bit early though, usually they wait until December. Last but not least, the Gothenburg Giants went 2-0 since their bye week and improved to .500 at home. Standings 7-4-0 Bordeaux 6-4-1 Paris 6-5-0 Maassluis 3-7-1 Gothenburg Alfredo Bass was once again the player of the month, for obvouis reasons. With 26 catches for 302 yards and 2 scores, Bass was a major factor in winning and not losing big. Bass broke the single season receiving yards (already upped it by 118 yards) and tied the touchdowns record. Louie Flannery's second placed was despite his 4 interceptions. He challenged those turnovers with 7 touchdown passes and 753 yards passing. Lincoln Gilmore was the top pass defender with 1 interception and 3 defended passes. Rookie Linebacker Lee Burns was also worth mentioning for his 1.5 sacks, 3 hurries and 1 blocked pass in two starts this month at defensive end. Standings November 2012: 1. Alfredo Bass 10 points, 2. Louie Flannery and Lincoln Gilmore 5 pt, 4. Charles Gomez and Courtney Osgood 3 pt, 6. Quentin Hatchette and Jewell Simpson 2 pt, 8. Lee Burns, Cary Coles and Bernie Surry 1 point. Standings 2012 Season: 1. Alfredo Bass 25 points, 2. Courtney Osgood 14 pt, 3. Louie Flannery 11 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 9 pt, 5. Charles Gomez 8 pt, 6. Lincoln Gilmore 7 pt, 7. Jewell Simpson 6 pt, 8. Timothy Lacy 5 pt, 9. Cody Cluff, J.J. Reilly, Jim Reiser and Sean Smalley 4 pt, 13. Frank Bernard and Sammie Kennedy 3 pt, 15. Lonnie Badalyan, Bryce Ewald, Broderick Schultz and Bernie Surry 2 pt, 19. Lee Burns, Albert Boggess, Cary Coles, Brian Spears and Myron Stevens 1 point. December won't be easy. Leading up to the week 17 game against the Gothenburg Giants, we'll have a lot of must-win games. Well, the week 15 game at the Paris Musketeers clearly jumps out. If we lose there, we can forget about the playoffs. But first we're going to visit the Vicksburg Vipers (8-3, AOC champs) and host the Miami Sharks (2-9), who we thank for beating Paris last week. In week 16 awaits a road game at the Springfield Isotopes, one of three teams the Merchantmen never beat. What makes the remaining five games all must-win games, is the current playoff situation. Our conference record is 4-5, meaning we're heavy underdogs for tie-breaker situations. Not to mention that we're a game behind the top three teams in the AOC wild cards race. Especially the Boston Rhinos (with their head to head win and a 6-3 conference record) are a team to fear. We're probably going to be stuck with either winning the division or getting into a three-way tie with Syracuse Mohawks and Georgia Gridlock, the teams we beat. It'll be an nerve-wrecking month. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 10-10-2006 at 08:49 AM. Reason: I made a stupid mistake...

10-13-2006, 08:36 AM	#1326
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Keep Playoff Hopes Alive The Maassluis Merchantmen kept their goal for the 2012 in reach. With a convincing 17-3 win at the Vicksburg Vipers, the Merchantmen moved up to 7-5. They're back in the wild card race and European division title race, being only behind on tie-breakers. Louie Flannery continued a good streak of games with a nice showing. Rookie linebacker Lee Burns impressed again at defensive end. Beating the Vipers was nice for team confidence. The Vipers were 8-3 going into the game and are the defending AOC champions. Thanks to losses by both the Bordeaux Vineyards (9-6 in overtime against the Tucker Tigers) and the Paris Musketeers (14-7 against the Conyers Condors), the Merchantmen are back in the division title race. It will require a Bordeaux mistake somewhere to win the division, as the Vineyards already clinched the tie-breakers over Maassluis. All in all a good win. Granted, the offense continues to struggle with turning yardage into points, but the Vipers provided a stout defense. Keeping star running back Ronnie Kemp and his offense to 236 total yards and 3 points is a very good performance. Cody Cluff was a major factor in holding Kemp to 3.1 yards per carry, as Cluff racked up 9 tackles and 1 assist. On the offensive side, Louie Flannery looked sharp again. Flannery had a good day in combining with his wide receivers Jewell Simpson (6 catches for 114 yards) and Alfredo Bass (5 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown). More importantly, Flannery stayed away from turnovers, marking his third straight game without interception. If he can do it again next week, Flannery would tie his personal best of four games without being picked off. Rookie linebacker Lee Burns received more kudos. Burns recorded another sack in his third start. So far in three starts, Burns racked up 2.5 sacks, 3 hurried passes, 7 tackles and 3 assists. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez praised Burns: "He's getting the job done. Our regular starting ends have been struggling with injuries and Lee (Burns) has picked it up well. Pretty good for a linebacker." Next game Burns might be pulled back to play at linebacker again. Albert Boggess (shoulder) and Mike Kershner (groin) are injured. Both could play, if need to, but the Merchantmen usually don't start injured players. But with injuries to star conrerback Tai Wayne (groin) and defensive end Omar Gougeon (groin), there will be more players shuffled around. Charles Gomez said: "No big deal, we got about 20 guys who can start on defense." On the offensive side, left tackle Ivan Jacques re-injured his thumb. He was almost recovered from a torn thumb ligament, but he aggrevated the injury against the Vipers. Additionally, center Brant Heinrich suffered a strained calf muscle and will definately miss the next game against the Miami Sharks. Most likely it will be center Ned Cozart taking Heinrich's position, while just recovered Chris Perdomo will be placed in Jacques' role. Upcoming is a game against the Miami Sharks. Being 3-9, the Sharks may look like an easy win, but it would be a horrible mistake to underestimate them. The Sharks have won their last two games against wild card hopefulls Paris and Anaheim. The Sharks tend to pass more than run and rank 28th in scoring. Their pass defense is decent while their run defense can be effecitve at times. It should be another low scoring affair in Oranje Haven. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-13-2006, 08:52 AM	#1327
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	Good luck. Somebody must represent the Futility Bowl in the playoffs, and it ain't gonna be us this season. __________________ Author of The Bill Gates Challenge, as well as other groundbreaking dynasties.

10-19-2006, 08:51 AM	#1329
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Succesfully Defend Their Harbor From Sharks Invasion The Maassluis Merchantmen have improved to 8-5. With a 20-14 victory over the Miami Sharks, the Merchantmen kept pace with all of their playoff race rivals. The Merchantmen offense showed a good outing, although failed to run up the score. The Sharks rallied for a fourth quarter comeback, but came time short to complete it. Louie Flannery tied his own record of games without interception. What a game. When the two-minute warning was called, the game looked over. The Merchantmen were leading 20-7, but despite about to punt, the Sharks had only one time out left. Sean Smalley nailed the ball at the Sharks' four-yard line, pretty much ending the game. The Merchantmen fans were already crying victory and started asking for results elsewhere across the globe. But things turned out a little bit different. Young Sharks quarterback Clay Porter decided to go for it. With a 33-yard pass to Clyde Potter and a 47-yard bomb to Adrian Groff, the Sharks burst into the Merchantmen redzone. Time started running out as incomplete passes followed, but Porter found Groff again for a big gain and followed it up with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Scottie Handwerker. Less than 30 seconds left, there was only one thing left: the onside kick. And yet it wasn't over. As the referees starting unwrapping the pile of players, it turned out Sharks' fullback Tommie Foley was holding the ball. Quarterback Clay Porter had two more plays. On his last chance, Porter connected with Adria Groff again. As Groff tried to escape his defender Sammie Kennedy, it was nickel back Brian Spears who helped Groff to the ground to end the game in Merchantmen territoty. Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery received accolades for his performance. Flannery completed 18 of 25 passes for 172 yards, with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Granted, no all-world passing numbers, but it marked Flannery's fourth consecutive game without interception, a personal best. Alfredo Bass has been a key in Flannery's recent success. With 70 or more yards receiving in each of those four games, pass to Bass has been Flannery's new motto. For the season, Bass has added up to a league-high 80 catches for 1,137 yards and 8 touchdowns. With that many catches, it means Bass has now taken his sixth Merchantmen receiving record, completing the sweep of all single-game and single-season records. Running back Courtney Osgood also posted good numbers. Despite the absence of lead blockers Ivan Jacques and Brant Heinrich, Osgood ran for 104 yards on 22 carries, marking his third century of the season. Including the playoff game against the Syracuse Mohawks last season, Osgood has posted ten 100-yard games in just 29 games for the Merchantmen. At 8-5, the Merchantmen are currently in a wild race for playoff tickets. In the European division they rank second behind the Bordeaux Vineyards (8-5). The Merchantmen can't win the division on tie-breakers, so they need the Vineyards to loss (or tie) at least one of their three remaining games. For the wild cards, the Merchantmen are in a healthy position thanks to victories over three of the five competitiors. However, the Merchantmen need the Fort Worth Fury to fall out of the race by either losing or passing the Vicksburg Vipers. Next mission for the Merchantmen is a tough road game in Paris. The home playing Musketeers (6-6-1) have fallen far behind for the playoff tickets. With a victory over the Merchantmen, the French team can regain some of their pride following a four-game losing streak. The traditional chokers stamp has already been put back on them. The Musketeers are expected do their best at taking the Merchantmen down with them into missing the post-season. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-22-2006, 08:25 AM	#1330
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Eliminate Musketeers The Maassluis Merchantmen season continues to be exciting. With a 26-10 win at the Paris Musketeers, the Merchantmen improved to 9-5. With losses by rivals, the Merchantmen returned to a playoff ticket spot. Louie Flannery set a unqiue streak of games. Cornerback Brian Spears was unlucky again. They needed some help across the Atlantic Ocean from other teams, but they're back in it. The Merchantmen improved to the second wild card spot in the AOC, being one of six teams at 9-5 or better. Especially the Fort Worth Fury's loss to their arch-rival San Antonio Volunteers was crucial. But it didn't look like it would be an easy win. The Musketeers started young quarterback Kim Andrews over Edmundo Lumpkin and the kid had a hot start. A touchdown pass to Grady Richards after four minutes opened the score. A field goal seven minutes later gave the home team a strong 10-0 lead. With the Musketeers you never know how long they hold on to their leads. The Merchantmen offense got rolling as they scored 16 unanswered points in the second quarter. The Musketeers offense saw running back Steve Stokes enmass 105 yards, but it turned out far from enough to make his team win. At the end of the day, quarterback Kim Andrews didn't look quite ready. His 8 runs for 46 yards looked heroic, but with only 12 completed passes for 136 yards and 3 interceptions, Andrews couldn't get a passing game going. The Merchantmen scored another field goal and touchdown to post their third straight win in Paris. Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery had similar troubles to get a passing game going. But as Flannery went 19 for 37, he did post 204 yards and a score, without interception. In fact, it marked his fifth straight game without interception, something he never did before. In those 5 games, Flannery completed 94 of 152 passes for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdows. Cornerback Brian Spears was unlucky once again. The injury plagued nickelback ruptured an elbow tendon and is out for the rest of the season. The first analysis says that Spears is likely going to part of the 2013 as well, following recuperation. It continues a sad trend for Spears, as he ended the 2011 season on injured reserve as the team leader in interceptions as well. Cornerback Tom Richmond was quickly signed in preperation for the next game. The 27-year old player joined the Merchantmen on a one-year contract. Iroically, Richmond joined the Merchantmen last season too after Brian Spears was placed on injured reserve. In contrast to last season, Richmond is expected to see action ths season as cornerbacks Tai Wayne and Winford Endicott are unlikely to play in week 16. Week 16 will bring the Merchantmen to the Springfield Isotopes. The IHOF's all time most losing franchise is crippled by injuries, having lost their top two quarterbacks to season ending injuries. Ex-Merchantman passer Mel Atkins is expected to start again for the Isotopes following a stellar performance last week. A Merchantmen win would make the Isotopes the first franchise to lose to every other IHOF franchise. The Merchantmen would love to make that happen... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-26-2006, 07:17 AM	#1331
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	I've got some computer problems at home, meaning updating the dynasty is a little bit harder than usually. I'll try to get the week 16 recap, December review and week 17 recap and possible playoffs preview posted by the end of the weekend. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-30-2006, 08:39 AM	#1332
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Secure Playoff Spot The Maassluis Merchantmen season won't end next week. With a 22-14 win over the Springfield Isotopes, the Merchantmen did their part in clinching a playoff ticket. Losses by other teams across the Atlantic Ocean secured a playoff berth. The offense sturggled to score again, allowing the Isotopes to rally for a late comeback. Five field goals. Kicker Cary Coles doesn't have trouble in doing his thing, but it would be a little bit safer if his team managed to score some touchdowns. The Maassluis Merchantmen are headed for the playoffs, but they seem to lack the ability to turn red zone visits into six-pointers. If they can't fix that problem, they'll be in for more late comebacks and nailbiting finishes. The Springfield Isotopes showed another example. After three quarters of non-productivity, the Isotopes woke up and came only 13 yards and a two-point conversion short to tie the game. Something that shouldn't happen, given the Merchantmen's drive chart: the Merchantmen punted only once in nine possessions. Quarterback Louie Flannery had saw a streak of games without interceptions end. The Merchantmen playcaller had gone five games without being picked off. Flanenery completed 22 of 33 passes for 215 yards and a score. Flannery connected with nine different players and was a big factor in the 431 total yards on offense. Running back Quentin Hatchette was another big factor in the game. Hatchette posted his biggest game so far with 18 carries for 106 yards. The backup running back got more carries than starter Courtney Osgood, who ran 13 times for 91 yards and a 7.0 average per carry. For the game, the Merchantmen posted 221 yards rushing, a new team record. Upcoming is a game at the Gothenburg Giants. Victory and a Bordeaux Vineyards loss to the Paris Musketeers will recrown the Merchantmen as European champions. If that happens, the Merchantmen will end up as third seeds for the playoffs. A loss will likely result in sixth seeds, barring a Boston Rhinos loss, which would move the Merchantmen up to fifth seeds. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-30-2006, 08:40 AM	#1333
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmn Choke European Title Abmyssal. Following 20-0 and 26-6 leads, the Maassluis Merchantmen managed to lose the last regular season game 27-26 to the Gothenburg Giants. The Merchantmen had already clinched a playoff berth, but by the loss minute loss gave away the European division title to the Bordeaux Vineyards. On the bright side, running back Quentin Hatchette had a big game and was a big factor in a new team rushing record. That record had been set only a week ago. As Cary Coles converted his fourth field goal of the game, the game looked over. With a 26-6 lead, the Merchantmen had the game locked up. The Giants had gained roughly 200 yards on offense and there was no way they would score three touchdowns to win the game. Guess again. When the clock was blinking 36 seconds left, the scoreboard read Merchantmen 26, visitors 27. After the game, the Merchantmen coaching staff questioned their decission to replace Louie Flannery at half time. Flannery had been a key player in the recent five-game winning streak. With 2 touchdown passes in the first quarter, Flannery had his hand in the early lead. Backup Richard Bell completed only 7 of 13 passes for 44 yards. Granted, as the Merchantmen were leading, it made sense to run more and pass less. Running back Quentin Hatchette was given the starting role following his 100-yard game last week. With 137 yards with a 6.2 average, Hatchette proved his point. Hatchette finished the season only 40 yards short of the 1,000-mark. Staters Courtney Osgood gained 43 yards, which was enough to post his second 1,000-yard season in Maassluis. Looking back, a loss like this should never happen. With a road game against the Bordeaux Vineyards forthcoming, there's no reason to expect that the team will take an early big lead. After the big debacle of week one where the Merchantmen held the Vineyards running backs to -4 yards, the Vineyards are running wild again and know they can shut down the Merchantmen offense and run all over that defense. With the game played in Bordeaux, the French are the favorites. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-30-2006, 08:40 AM	#1334
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	The Month That Was: December 2012 Blech. It was such a great start and we had so much success in the December games. Yet, a badly timed collaps cost us our chance to get level with Bordeaux in European titles. Instead they gained ground and doubled the gap to a 5-3 lead. But really, it wasn't all misery. It started with an impressive 17-3 win over the Vicksburg Vipers, the defending AOC champions. The wins over the Miami Sharks (20-14), Paris Musketeers (26-10) and Springfield Isotopes (22-14) were to be expected, but as a Merchantmen fan you know not a single game is a guaranteed win. And to be honest, it's kinda cool for the Giants to beat us. Back in 2008, the Giants helped us into the playoffs and a European title by beating Bordeaux in week 17. Final Standings 10-6-0 Bordeaux 10-6-0 Maassluis 7-8-1 Paris 6-9-1 Gothenburg Life with Louie was great again. We all know that he's going to cost us games from time to time, but in December he won more than he lost. Flannery completed 61 percent of his passes for 941 yards, with 8 touchdowns and only 1 interception. A great way to bounce back from the five-game losing streak in October and November. Sure, Flannery isn't a flashy quarterback, but without much attention, Flannery moved up to 10th place on the all-time list in wins for quarterbacks. Not bad, huh? December wasn't all about Flannery. It was also the month of Cody Cluff. With 9 tackles he played a major role in holding league star running back Ronnie Kemp to 3.2 yards per carry in the 17-3 win over Kemp's Vicksburg Vipers. Cluff also played a big role in the wins over Miami (8 tackles) and Springfield (1 interception). Courtney Osgood and Quentin Hatchette almost completed a double 1,000-yard season. In December they worked together in breaking the team single-game rushing record twice. Osgood gained 354 yards, Hatchette 335 yards. Broderick Schultz had 2 interceptions against the Paris Musketeers. Quentin Malicki made 10 key run blocks in December. Standings December 2012: 1. Louie Flannery 12 pt, 2. Cody Cluff 9 points, 3. Courtney Osgood 8 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 6 pt, 5. Quentin Malicki and Broderick Schultz 5 pt, 7. Charles Gomez 4 pt, 8. Sammie Kennedy, Brian Spears and Tai Wayne 3 pt, 11. Alfredo Bass, J.J. Reilly, Jewell Simpson and Myron Stevens 2 points. Standings 2012 Season: 1. Alfredo Bass 27 points, 2. Louie Flannery 23 pt, 3. Courtney Osgood 22 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 15 pt, 5. Cody Cluff 13 pt, 6. Charles Gomez 12 pt, 7. Jewell Simpson 8 pt, 8. Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz 7 pt, 10. Sammie Kennedy and J.J. Reilly 6 pt, 12. Timothy Lacy and Quentin Malicki 5 pt, 14. Jim Reiser, Sean Smalley and Brian Spears 4 pt, 17. Frank Bernard, Myron Stevens and Tai Wayne 3 pt, 20. Lonnie Badalyan, Bryce Ewald and Bernie Surry 2 pt, 23. Lee Burns, Albert Boggess and Cary Coles 1 point. With the playoffs to come, the player of the year rankings isn't complete yet. Alfredo Bass has a strong lead and should win it. Louie Flannery and Courtney Osgood could challenge him if we managed to win a couple of games. Hatchette is a bit of a surprise at fourth. Cluff and Gomez struggled a bit, meaning the finish behind the running backs, despite that they are probably more important to the team. J.J. Reilly ranks only tied for 10th, but the second year guard has moved up on my favorite players list. He was our top run blocker and allowed only one sack all season. So, Bordeaux now. Again. It won't be easy, I'm sure of that. Our offensive line is banged up, which is pointed out by the recent signing of tackle Joseph Fitch. Funny story, Fitch played games for all three European rivals. Our linebackers are all but one back. Terrence White was placed on injured reserve with a season ending injury. Former Bordeaux Vineyards draft pick Ross Nunes was signed and already saw action against Gothenburg. It's going to be easy: stop the run and we win. Don't and we're in for a long game... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

10-31-2006, 07:55 AM	#1335
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Notch Win In All European Playoff Game The league championship dreams stayed alive. The Maassluis Merchantmen came home following a 27-23 win at the Bordeaux Vineyards. The Merchantmen defense shut down the feared Vineyards running game. Yet three badly timed Merchantmen turnovers almost handed the Vineyards the victory. The 15-1 Tucker Tigers are the next opponent for the orange-white-and-blue. "We did it!" Maassluis Merchantmen quarterback Louie Flannery screamed it out after he had planted his knee on the Bordeaux turf to end the game. Flannery had a big game, yet saw his offense go in suicide mode and almost fumble the victory away. He said: "It was painful. We took an easy 24-7 lead at half time and things looked over. And then, we do like the past weeks, almost choke." The Merchantmen committed three turnovers against Bordeaux' zero. Usually it's a recipee for defeat, but today the defense held their ground and kept the Vineyards to just one touchdown on offense. Of course, those who made the turnovers had their share in the in too. Fumbling running backs Courtney Osgood and Tracy Winslett each ran the ball into the endzone. And quarterback Flannery played almost perfect, aside from the interception, completing 22 of 28 passes for 250 yards and a score. Aside from the turnovers, the Bordeaux Vineyards looked very weak. The Maassluis Merchantmen defense shut down the Bordeaux running game. Billy Jamerson carried 14 times for 37 yards, while change of pace back Casey Mercer was held to 3 yards on 5 carries. It forced an all pass offense in the second half, which didn't do so bad. Joe Johnson completed 14 of 31 passes for 197 yards and 1 touchdown. But it wasn't enough to win. The Merchantmen advance and will now face the most impressive team of the season. Better yet, with their 15-1 record, the Tucker Tigers tied the all-time IHOF best regular season record. The Tigers had the most productive team, with almost 30 points per game. That performance comes with league best yards per run and yards per pass attempt figures on offense. Luckily, the Merchantmen have proven to have a strong defense. In fact, it's fair to say the Merchantmen have the best defense in the entire Atlantic Ocean Conference. With them facing the Tigers' offense, true football fans should be looking forward to this game. And when the Merchantmen have the ball, all eyes should be on Alfredo Bass, the IHOF's career leader in recetions and receiving yards. The Tigers' defense is beatable and that's food for optimism. With a bit of luck and their best play, the Merchantmen could mark the upset of the season. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 10-31-2006 at 07:56 AM.

10-31-2006, 08:38 AM	#1336
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	General Manager Notes: Tucker, Here We Come! Woohoo! It's here, it's finally here. After the Tigers and us (the Merchanmen) started out as the two hottest teams in the Atlantic Ocean Conference, people were talking about this being the AOC final. Then, while the Tigers kept winning and moved on and posted a still going 12-game winning streak, we returned to earth with a 5-game losing streak. But look again, here we are now, facing the Tigers in the conference semifinals! What a game to advance, by the way. First we allow a kickoff return touchdown (must be a result of Al Bettis' injured knee, forcing him to be more careful with his kicks), but then we followed up with an amazing first half, to take a 24-7 half time lead. Sure, turnovers almost killed us, but that's what makes the win so much sweeter, we managed to win despite turnovers. In the past we would have lost such a game. Let's take a quick look at the Tucker Tigers. The star of their team is the third year quarterback Shaun Duncan. The kid passed for 3,566 yards, 44 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions in the regular season. That's really impressive. His favorite target is wide receiver Tyrus Shaye, who totalled 1,034 yards and 17 touchdowns in just 12 games. He's back from injury and will keep our Tai Wayne busy all day. On defense, the Tigers haven't been impressive, but shouldn't be underestimated. The stars of their unit are cornerback Jimmie Strawn and linebacker Leland Moorehead. Strawn used to be the best shutdown corner in the league, back when the North Plainfield Plague were his team. Today, he's a cornerstone of the Tigers defense. Starwn made 5 interceptions and 13 defended passes as he allowed 31 catches in 13 games. Moorehead is the all-time IHOF leader in tackles and returned to old form a bit with 89 tackles and 29 assists. Elsewhere around the United States of America, six other teams hope to keep their championship dreams alive. The Fairbanks NorthStars are visiting the Ann Arbor Anachronism in a classic matchup. The NorthStars saw quarterback Joey Allen return from injury to knock out the IHOF champions, Frederick Red Menace with a 29-11 score. The triple A's are the top seeds in the NAC, following a 13-3 season in which their defense showed one of the most dominant seasons in league history. The NorthStars won 20-17 at home in the regular season, plus have a 2-1 record at Ann Arbor's Weena Eloi Memorial Park. Also in the North American Conference is a rematch of the 2007 NAC final. The Outer Banks Ospreys are the underdogs in this game after a 10-6 season. Following a 3-5 start, the Ospreys bounced back and eventually took advantage of a collaps from the Asheville Axemen. In the wild card round, the Ospreys beat their division rivals again. They now visit the Chesapeake Chitterlings, who went 12-4 in the regular season. The Chits are coming of a 16-0 loss to the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums and are out for revenge. Having beaten the Ospreys 51-7 in the regular season, the Chitterlings are heavy favorites. Last, but not least is a game between the North Plainfield Plague and the Vicksburg Vipers. The Plague bounced back from an 0-2 start to go 13-3 in the regular season. They claimed back the Northeast division after having missed the division crown the past two seasons. The Plague are in great shape, averaging 39 points in their last 5 games and allowing 7 per game in their last four. The Vipers, however, are the defending AOC champions. The Vipers lost 3 of their last 5 regular season games, but are not to be underestimated as they defeated both conferences' top seeded teams, the Tucker Tigers and Ann Arbor Anachronism. As you can see, no cupcakes at all. Funny enough, of the teams remaining, we beat two of them (Vicksburg, Outer Banks) and lost to just one of them (North Plainfield). We're 6-3 against the NAC representation, with none of them having a winning record against us. Historically we lead the series against the Tigers and Vipers, 2-1 each. Only the Plague are historically owning us, with their 5-1 record. Our road to the final will go through road games, given our 6th seed status. Tucker's Venable Field comes first, a stadium where we've never played before. We'll probably lose, but I know my team has what it takes to upset the Tigers. Go Merchantmen! __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 10-31-2006 at 08:41 AM.

11-02-2006, 08:34 AM	#1337
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Crash Out In Old Fashioned Fumblefest No return to the Atlantic Ocean Conference championship game. The Maassluis Merchantmen showed an old fashioned turnover loaded performance. The Tucker Tigers knew their way with it and marched on with a 37-12 victory. Tigers' Running back R.J. Ellard had a career game, with 214 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns. "Inexplicable." was the quick game summary of Head Coach Leroy Van Der Woude, "Excuse my speechlessness, but I think I'm going to my office, cry for an hour and send the team on a vacation until May." Merchantmen General Manager M.IJ.B. was more elaborate: "Unbelievable, it's a returning phenomenon. Come playoff time, this team finds a way to totally vanish and be night and day different compared to 3/4th of the regular season games." Die-hard Merchantmen fans had flashbacks to the AOC Final in January 2007. A road game at the North Plainfield Plague, where the Merchantmen were trailing 30-0 before the first quarter was over. Former Merchantmen wide receiver Gregory Monti was in the stands of Venable Field and concurred: "Amazing how quickly this game was over. And everytime the team showed flashes of life, something freaky happened to end the drive and see that Ellard guy pound the ball in for another score." The Tucker Tigers drive chart tells the full story. Three of their first six possessions started in Merchantmen territory following a fumble or interception. Add in a 49-yard pass from Shaun Duncan to Forrest Pruett and you've summarized the first quarter of the game. Well, if you're omitting R.J Ellard's stellar running in the game. With a 24-0 lead, the Tigers did nothing else aside from running to get the game done with as quickly as possible. In return, the Merchantmen had no choice but to abandon their usual run-heavy playing style and pass a lot. Quarterback Louie Flannery added another interception on a hail mary pass early in the game to pretty much lock the game up. In the remainder of the game, the Merchantmen kept pace, but never managed to make it look like a contest. The Tucker Tigers advance and will play their second playoffs home game in team history. Their oppoents will be the defending AOC champions, the Vicksburg Vipers. With a fourth quarter comeback victory over the North Plainfield Plague, the Vipers showed they can get it done. Important detail: the Tigers only loss this season came against the Vicksburg Vipers. For the Merchantmen the long off-season started today. Contract negotiations with a handful of players will start. Talks with star Alfredo Bass were supposed to start as well, but it appears that Bass' demands are too big to work with right now, pretty much forcing the Merchantmen to use the franchise tag on Bass. The Merchantmen are getting old and a drastic rebuilding plan seems to be arising. Young players have been added to the team in recent seasons, but the core of the team has remainded the same and is getting old. Especially the backbone of the defense of Charles Gomez (33), Cody Cluf (31) and Lincoln Gilmore (31) jumps out. By the start of the 2013 season, every starter on defense will be at least 29 years old. With the offensive line in a similar state, 2013 will most likely be this generation's last chance to go all the way. But as long as this team can't stay away from turnovers, this team will never win silverware. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

11-07-2006, 03:06 PM	#1338
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	The Month That Was: January 2013 It's a wrap. The 2012 season has finished, following the exciting IHOF Bowl IX. The Vicksburg Vipers avenged their IHOF Bowl XIII loss with a brilliant come back from behind win. With 27-23 score they held the Ann Arbor Anachronism from their second league title. The Anachronism were the IHOF Bowl II winners. For the Merchantmen, the season ended with a place in the conference semi finals. What a horrible way to end our season. After beating the Bordeaux Vineyards in the wild card round, despite turnovers, I thought we'd stand a chance against what was arguably the best offense in league history. We even managed to shutdown Tigers' quarterback Shaun Duncan, who had passed for 44 touchdowns in the regular season. But no. 24-0 down within 18 minutes. Game, set and match. ALfredo Bass was once again my player of the month. With a century performance against the Bordeaux Vineyards, he won the game for us. Pretty good for the league's leading recever in his his first playoffs appearance. Bass totalled 11 catches for 164 yards and 1 touchdown in two playoff games. Behind him, Louie Flannery (67% completed passes, 394 yards) and Cary Coles (4 for 4 in field goals, incuding a 51-yarder) were the other top performers. January 2013 standings: 1. Alfredo Bass 5 points, 2. Louie Flannery 4 pt, 3. Cary Coles and Quentin Hatchette 3 pt, 5. Cody Cluff and Winford Endicott 2 pt, 7. Ivan Jacques and Tai Wayne 1 point. Final Standings 2012 Season: 1. Alfredo Bass 32 points, 2. Louie Flannery 27 pt, 3. Courtney Osgood 22 pt, 4. Quentin Hatchette 18 pt, 5. Cody Cluff 15 pt, 6. Charles Gomez 12 pt, 7. Jewell Simpson 8 pt, 8. Lincoln Gilmore and Broderick Schultz 7 pt, 10. Sammie Kennedy and J.J. Reilly 6 pt, 12. Timothy Lacy and Quentin Malicki 5 pt, 14. Cary Coles, Jim Reiser, Sean Smalley, Brian Spears and Tai Wayne 4 pt, 19. Frank Bernard and Myron Stevens 3 pt, 21. Lonnie Badalyan, Winford Endicott, Bryce Ewald and Bernie Surry 2 pt, 25. Albert Boggess, Lee Burns and Ivan Jacques 1 point. Alfredo Bass saved our face in the league wide honors. Bass was chosen All-IHOF Second team wide receiver by the FOF committee. Bass was our third offensive player selected since tight end Jerry Aubrey and left tackle Harold Hurtado follwing the 2004 season. In the individual statistics categories, some of our players did well too. Louie Flannery finished fifth in completion percentage (61.7%) amongst qualifiers and eight in passing touchdowns (24). Quentin Hatchette ranked sixth in yards per carry (4.70) amongst qualifiers. Alfredo Bass was second in receptions (92), fourth in receiving yards (1,271) and tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns (9). Cary Coles was tied for fourth in field goals made (28) and tied for nineth in field goal percentage (80.0%). Sean Smalley was nineth in punting average (43.2) and tied for fourth in In20's (34). Cody Cluff tied for fifth in tackles (112) and was nineth in tackle percentage (18.8%). J.J. Reilly was one of few linemen with only 1 sack allowed in 16 starts (one player had 0 in 16 starts). Lonnie Badalyan was tied for fourth in recovered fumbled (3). Before and after our loss to the Tucker Tigers, contract negotiations took some time. Ten players signed a new long-term contract with us. Guard J.J. Riley and linebacker Albert Boggess signed a 5-year contract. Cornerback Sammie Kennedy put his name under a new 4-year deal. Running back Quentin Hatchette, linemen Brant Heinrich and Christopher Perdomo, and safeties Lincoln Gilmore and Eddie Cole signed a new 3-year deal. Linebacker Carl Meier and center Todd Serra extended their stay with at least the 2013 season. That leaves seven players of the current roster unsigned. Six of them, linemen Joseph Fitch and Milton Obryan, cornerback Tom Richmond, linebacker Ross Nunes, and return specialists Brady Pascal and Jimmy Stavrinos, were signed this season to one-year deals. Wide receiver Alfredo Bass wasn't offered a new contract. That means we'll used the franchise tag on him in the off-season, providing he doesn't call it a game. Given his first taste with the playoffs, I doubt he's going to want to quit already. While Bass may not retire, others may do so. Center Ned Cozart turned 36 during the playoffs and is considering it following two seasons in a backup role. Cornerback Winford Endicott is 35, yet in the playoffs made his first interception since the 2008 season. Left tackle Christoper Perdomo played incredibly well for us, yet may find himself too old to keep playing at the age of 35. Others who have turned 34 by the start of the season are linebacker Carl Meier, safety Emile William and defensive tackle Charles Gomez. Especially the latter would be a monumental loss. As we await the new season, we're also looking out for the recovery of the injured. Wide receiver Bryce Ewald is expected to return to the team in March following recovery from ACL damage to his knee. Cornerback Brian Spears' elbow injury may require more time to heal, possibly all the way through the entre 2013 season. That would be very sad for him after a season in which he ranked as the league's best pass defender. As you can see, a lot of cliff hangers as we enter a two month break in the IHOF. I hope to bring the Merchantmen back for another playoff run in the 2013 season. We've built the defense for it, while the offense had franchise record breaking seasons. In the past three seasons only four defenses allowed less than 300 yards per game. The Ann Arbor Anachronism and Muscatrine Mosquitoes did it both this season. The Maassluis Merchantmen each of the last two. We've got a reputation to withold next season. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, we end the season with a 73-71 regular season team record. Not bad after that 1-15 start, don't you think? And that all thanks to Louie Flannery? Not really, Flannery ranks fifth all-time in interceptions. But on the bright side, Flannery notched win 65 against the Vineyards in the playoffs. That puts him in 10th place on the all-time list. And with a 21-11 regular season record in the past two seasons, we're tied for 6th in the league. 2007 was awesome, but these could be our golden ages... __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail

12-07-2006, 05:56 AM	#1339
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Memories - 2004: Rookies With Growing Pains Weeks have gone by since the day of IHOF Bowl IX. Since then the International House of Football has been on a small hiatus. Still, the tenth season of the league is on the horizon, it's only a matter of weeks until things will continue. As will the reports about the Maassluis Merchantmen. For the time being, we'll do a season by season flashback on past events. We'll kick off with the 2004 season. Rookies with growing pains. That sums up the Maassluis Merchantmen's 2004 season well. A rookie general manager for a team loaded with rookie players. Including some crucial positions as quarterback, wide receiver, middle linebacker, strong safety and all over the offensive line. Well, if you could even call that an offensive line... The 2004 began in a special way. As the International House of Football was formed, the 32 teams' lead scouts joined together for a 53-round draft. The Maassluis Merchantmen sent their scout away with the mission to build an offensive line, a secondary and get a top-notch quarterback. By doing so, he was pressed to go for young prospects first. Well, things turned out a little bit different than planned. As the draft unfolded, it became clear that the Merchantmen scout had received different orders. Yes, he was working on putting a young team together, but the preferences on positions had been communicated in some sort of reverse language. Instead of a strong offensive line and secondary, the Merchantmen loaded on defensive linemen and wide receivers. It became clear that Oranje Haven would see a ship stocked with trade ware. Finger pointing was easy. It was clear that Merchantmen General Manager M.IJ.B. had been making rookie mistakes. After all, he was a rookie, but should have prepared better. As a true inexperienced manager, M.IJ.B. panicked. The Merchantmen put promising wide receiver Amos Collins and defensive tackle Robert Duong on a plane back to the USA, as they were traded to the Rochester Lake Monsters and Fairbanks NorthStars respectively. Both went on to start for their new teams, with Duong even winning IHOF Bowl I. Coming back where two veterans. Cornerback Dennis Preciado was the first arrival from Fairbanks. Left tackle Harold Hurtado arrived mid-way the pre-season from Rochester. Both players became prominent figures in the locker room to put some hierarchy in the young team. Hurtado did that successfully. With 31 key run blocks and only 5 sacks allowed, he played admirably well. He went on to receive accolades for his role, earning All-IHOF second team honors. Dennis Preciado had much less success. In a historic first home game of the Merchantmen against the Gothenburg Giants, Preciado had his greatest moment. Preciado deflected 7 passes of rookie Duane Davis. A record that to date hasn't been tied, let alone broken. However, in the rest of the season, Preciado would manage only 4 more defended passes and 2 interceptions. Not really a text book example of a shutdown corner. The Merchantmen's first game ever was one that received an asterisk. General Manager M.IJ.B., who was responsible for making orders about the depth charts, managed to get private issues in the way. M.IJ.B. was missing in action when the team arrived in New York for their first IHOF game. Freaky enough, shortly before kickoff, the team still had to trim the roster down from 60 to 53 names and the scouting staff decided to exterminate contracts of a couple of projected starters. With time coming short to practice in the planned starting lineups, the coaching staff decided to make a strange decision. Instead of fielding the best players, they figured that for cohesion reasons, it was best to start the same players as in the last pre-season game. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez and middle linebacker Cody Cluff were amazingly held to backup roles, as were the veterans Harold Hurtado and Dennis Preciado. Thankfully, not everything that day went wrong. The Merchantmen played respectably well against the North Plainfield Plague. With a 13-10 loss, the Merchantmen kept it close to a team that went on to record a league best 13-3 record. Of course, there was little praise for Calvin Snider. The rookie quarterback went on to complete only 12 of 35 passes for 114 yards, with 3 interceptions and 3 sacks. It turned out to be Snider's first and last IHOF game at the same time. For the second game of the season, the Maassluis Merchantmen travelled to France. At the Paris Musketeers, the Merchantmen would play their first divisional game. This time the depth chart was set as supposed to be and the Merchantmen played better football. Rookie quarterback Justin McDavid completed only 47 percent of his passes, yet stayed away from turnovers and wrote down a touchdown pass. It was the only score of the game though, as the Merchantmen lost 10-7. Hope for a good season was still there. After two 3-point losses, the Merchantmen were shaking off an early indication that they would be front runners for having the worst record. In their first home game ever, they would meet the then winless Gothenburg Giants. It would turn out to be a historical game. The Dutch fans were presented with a great game of football. Both teams were motivated to do well and in points scored it would become the most productive game of that season in Maassluis. Scoring happened left and right, but neither team managed to take a big lead. The Merchantmen went into half time leading 14-10, result of two rushing touchdowns by Randy Harris. In the second half, the Merchantmen defense kept the Giants offense in check. In return, the Merchantmen offense showed their first signs of what would become their style of play. Good plays were mixed with terribly timed turnovers. The Giants saw their stars cornerback Harley Gowan and defensive tackle Chris Nagel convert it into scores. The Merchantmen saw themselves down 27-24 late in the fourth quarter. No problem, quarterback Justin McDavid went on to initiate a great drive. With a bomb to wide receiver Bryce Ewald (43 yards) and a go-to pass to Gregory Monti (13 yards), the Merchantmen burst into the red zone. Running back Randy Harris came out with a great run again, hauling the ball in from 19 yards out. It was Harris’ third score of the game, a league-wide single-game record that would only by tied in the following seven years. 31-27 Merchantmen, that should lock it up. Not quite, the Giants were far from beaten. Quarterback Duane Davis showed his own ability to lead his team to success. However, another feature of the Merchantmen's way of winning was exposed there. The Merchantmen defense came up big, this time with two interceptions in the final two minutes. Strong safety Lincoln Gilmore ended the game by picking off a Hail Mary pass, intended for running back Jerry McGee, at the Merchantmen 4-yard line. Sadly, the victory over the Giants turned out to be a fluke. In the following two games, the Merchantmen looked green. Despite holding the Columbus Architects to 25 yards rushing, the team lost the turnover battle 3-0 and the game 13-3 with that. Their first game against the Bordeaux Vineyards pointed out how far from competitive they were. The Vineyards won the game 28-7. Week six saw the start of the Futility Bowl rivalry. Visiting Maassluis were the Rochester Lake Monsters, whom were told to have made the same communication mistake at the day of the inaugural draft. Before the season, the game was dubbed Futility Bowl and both teams wore the tag in pride ever since. Though unlike the Merchantmen, the Lake Monsters were winning games and at 3-2 were flirting with a playoff position. Lead by quarterback Jackie Williamson, the Lake Monsters started the game well. After both teams had scored a single field goal in the first quarter, the second quarter saw Williamson's unit wake up. He marched his men up field and connected with fullback Nick Nightingale for 22 yards to set up the first touchdown of the game. League legend Joe Boulware made the catch in the end zone to take the lead. The rest of the second quarter, the game turned into a turnover disaster. But where the Lake Monsters recovered two of their own fumbles, the Merchantmen were less lucky. Quarterback Justin McDavid added two interceptions to his early first quarter mistake, setting up another Rochester touchdown and a field goal in the dying seconds. In the second half, the Merchantmen bounced back. On the first drive, Justin McDavid found tight end Jerry Aubrey for a 28-yard score to come closer. However, the Lake Monsters scored back and held the Merchantmen to a 46-yard field goal from Cary Coles, to hold a 27-13 lead going into the fourth quarter. It wasn't over yet. The Merchantmen defense came up big. With two fumble recoveries, the field was made short for the offense and both times it resulted in a field goal. After a bunch of punts, the Merchantmen had just over 2 minutes left to score 8 points and tie the game. Justin McDavid tried to spread the ball around, but nobody looked able to make a catch. Still, wide receiver Bryce Ewald made a big play on 4th and 13, to keep things going. Fredric Vargas then converted a 4th and 10 and overtime was looming. McDavid found Gregory Monti for 7 yards and a two-point conversion was keeping the team away from a tied score. Sadly, Randy Harris failed to run the ball in and the on side kick wasn't recovered. Rochester wins, 27-25. From there on, the Merchantmen sailed from disaster to disaster. The Minnesota Miners trashed them 33-13, followed by a Boston Rhinos 24-17 close win. It was the lead up to another marquee moment in team history, the home game against the Conyers Condors. In week 9 of the 2004 season, the career of quarterback Justin McDavid would make its first big turn. That day, the Merchantmen defense would go on to hold the Condors to 163 total yards, but it didn't suffice. The Merchantmen fumbled the ball 6 times, resulting in 3 turnovers. To make things worse, the Condors defenders would return two of these 62 and 73 yards for touchdowns. Justin McDavid fumbled four times and a nickname was born: Fumblin' Justin. Despite a bye week following that defeat, Justin McDavid's spirit looked broken. The Paris Musketeers were victorious in Oranje Haven in week 11 with a 23-14 score. That game McDavid threw 2 interceptions to nullify his teams' more productive offense. A week later, the Ann Arbor Anachronism would win 20-16 in Oranje Haven, scoring their winning touchdown with 90 seconds left to play. McDavid threw 3 more interceptions, posting a passer rating of 8.0. In week 13, the Merchantmen once again found themselves trapped in turnover woes at the Gothenburg Giants. McDavid added two more interceptions, to basically destroy his own 294-yard game. The Merchantmen lost 37-24, despite outscoring the Giants by 124 yards. Things hardly got better after that. In week 14, the Bordeaux Vineyards win 10-7, as both sides miss two field goals. Cary Coles missed a 22-yarder in Oranje Haven. In week 15, the Syracuse Mohawks leave Maassluis victorious, 20-10. Three McDavid turnovers set up for another outscoring yardage loss. In the last two road games, the scores were closer than it really was. Both the San Antonio Volunteers (22-14) and RayCo Raiders (34-24) won. The 2004 season ended with a 1-15 record. The Merchantmen ended the season with a 13-game losing streak and 5 games behind the Gothenburg Giants. The Bordeaux Vineyards won the division at 9-7, thanks to the Giants' upset win over the Paris Musketeers. Paris finished the season 8-8, Gothenburg 6-10. In all the unlucky losses, the Merchantmen did see bright spots. The team, especially the defense, showed an ability to keep it close and to compete with most teams. Middle linebacker Cody Cluff received defensive rookie of the year for his 99 tackles and 33 assists. Tight end Jerry Aubrey received All-IHOF first team honors with his 67 catches for 760 yards and 6 scores. Justin McDavid posted a league high 13 fumbles, yet he did lead all rookie quarterbacks with 19 touchdowns and 2,904 yards. All in all, no terrible numbers, especially given that the offensive line was by far the league's worst in talent. Still, the Merchantmen had posted the league's worst record and 'clinched' the top pick in the 2005 amateur draft. Around the league, there was no doubt: Maassluis will pick a quarterback #1 overall. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail Last edited by MIJB#19 : 12-07-2006 at 06:18 AM. Reason: some cosmetic changes

12-07-2006, 09:37 AM	#1340
MIJB#19 Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Maassluis, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands	Merchantmen Memories - 2005: Masters Of Trading Weeks have gone by since the day of IHOF Bowl IX. Since then the International House of Football has been on a small hiatus. Still, the tenth season of the league is on the horizon, it's only a matter of weeks until things will continue. As will the reports about the Maassluis Merchantmen. For the time being, we'll do a season by season flashback on past events. Let's take a look at the 2005 season. Masters of trading, the slogan used by and about the Maassluis Merchantmen. Trading is one of the means to build a roster. The Merchantmen over time have lived up to their franchise nickname and to date traded more than any other team. Although the first two trades were during the 2004 pre-season, the 2005 off-season was were the management lived up to the team slogan. The 2005 off-season started very early for the Maassluis Merchantmen. Some say it even started before the 2004 playoffs were finished, but reality is that it wasn't. Still, far before free agency kicked off, the Merchantmen announced their first big trade. After their 1-15 record in 2004 they 'clinched' the #1 overall draft pick. They didn't keep it very long. The Merchantmen management had evaluated their roster and one thing was clear: we don't need a quarterback. Some claimed it on the love affection of Merchantmen general manager M.IJ.B. for 'Fumblin' Justin McDavid, but his reasoning was slightly different. "We had so many holes to fill, quarterback just wasn't one of them." And it showed, the #1 draft pick was on the trade block. Days before the official list of draft eligible players was revealed, the Merchantmen struck a deal with the Astoria Heroes. Overall picks #12, #31, #44 and #63 were swapped for the #33 and the top pick. Not to mention that linebacker Ellsworth Thelen was added in the traded to fill a glaring hole at the strong side of the defense. Believe it or not, it was only the start of the trading spree. Before the amateur draft started, the Merchantmen had swapped around more and more picks. They had added the #6 pick from the Springfield Isotopes, right tackle Wilson Grimaldo from the Paris Musketeers and guard Alvin Causey from the Orlando Knights. The latter was one of the best players at his position, yet still recovering from a torn deltoid muscle. Causey eventually played in the last two games of the regular season, showing he hadn't lost much of his ability. The free agency period didn't fly by without activity either. The Merchantmen signed defensive end Albert Bernardo away from the Springfield Isotopes. Later on, the Merchantmen completed a double signing. Having negotiated contracts with two safeties, the team ended up signing both Richard Muller and Wiley McGhee, despite wanting only one of them. Eventually both started a lot of games, at the expense of Lincoln Gilmore. Gilmore was dubbed 'the comeback kid' when he moved back into a starting role late in the season. On draft day, the Merchantmen made a couple more deals. The #6 overall pick was sent to the Astoria Heroes for future picks, but it didn't stop the Merchantmen from ending the day holding four first round picks. At #12 overall, cornerback Tai Wayne became the franchise’s first draft day addition. Guard Butch Wilson and center Brant Heinrich were selected to complete the offensive line with veteran left tackle Harold Hurtado. With Causey still out, right tackle Russell Malave was designated to play the fifth starting role. The fourth first round addition was quarterback Leonard Lyon. Despite all the talk about not needing a quarterback with Justin McDavid around, the Merchantmen sent their 2006 first round pick for the #28 overall pick to make the addition of Lyon possible. A quarterback controversy was born. One that would keep the fans and media busy throughout most of the season. In pre-season, Justin McDavid and Leonard Lyon shared playing time as much as possible. Lyon clearly struggled with the play book, whereas McDavid used the 2004 starter experience to his advantage. With a completion percentage of 57.5, and 4:1 touchdown-interception-ratio, McDavid beat Lyon's 48.6% and 1:1. It wasn't enough, the Merchantmen management made clear that first round picks should always start. In week one the Gothenburg Giants were the Merchantmen's first opponents. In 2004 the Giants were the only opponent whom they beat. The game was in Maassluis' Oranje Haven, setting up for perfect scenario to give Leonard Lyon an easy start. Guess again. Behind a revamped offensive line, Lyon had little to fear. The line protected their quarterback well, yet failed to give him a running game to fall back on. As the game progressed, the Merchantmen slowly lost control of a game they were leading 12-7. Leonard Lyon completed only 16 of 37 passes for 150 yards with 2 interceptions. The Merchantmen choked and ended up losing 27-12. An interesting discussion arose. Leonard Lyon hadn't played well at all and coincidentally got injured. Rumor had it that Lyon faked the injury to get replaced during the game, but team doctors made clear that Lyon did pull a groin. Lyon was listed as questionable and the Merchantmen decided not to get their expensive first round pick hurt long-term in only his second game. All eyes were back on Fumblin' Justin. Week two saw a tough road game at the Frederick Red Menace, defending Mid-Atlantic division champions. It didn't matter to McDavid. On their first drive, the Merchantmen offense showed what they were made of and they took an early lead through an impressive drive. McDavid took his team 75 yards forward, finishing it off with a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Bryce Ewald. From there on, McDavid's play started to decline fast. A 68-yard interception return by Cody Cluff and a 54-yard field goal by Cary Coles gave the Merchantmen a 17-7 half time lead, but it couldn't stop McDavid from being unimpressive. McDavid ended the day 16 for 29 with 161 yards and 1 interception. Granted, he didn't fumble, but that was the only good news. Amazingly, the Red Menace struggled through the game as well and came time short to avoid the 27-24 loss. With Lyon still hurting, McDavid started again in week three, a road game at the Fort Worth Fury. McDavid's play was familiar, going 16 for 33, with 160 yards and 2 interceptions. With great effort from the defense, the Merchantmen did bounce back from 14-0 behind, scoring 10 points in the last 35 seconds of the first half. Randy Harris' second touchdown of the day set up for the 20-14 win. The Merchantmen had achieved a winning record for the first time ever. After their bye week, Leonard Lyon was expected to return in week five, but he wasn't 100% fit yet. Against all odds it was Justin McDavid again against the Tucker Tigers. It wasn't his day. Before the first half was over, his interception total was two. With help from turnovers on the other end, the Merchantmen were still in it. Cary Coles even missed a 27-yard field goal when the score was 0-0. The Tigers got better and better and took advantage of McDavid's terrible play. McDavid completed only 12 of 28 passes for 120 yards, again without scores. But with his admirable runs, he kept the fans cheering for his team. With two minutes left, the Merchantmen scored a touchdown to potentially tie the score at 10-10. Potentially, as Cary Coles missed the extra point, pushing Maassluis to .500 again at 2-2. With Leonard Lyon fit again, it seemed obvious he was going to start again. There were rumors going around that Lyon, who was also the team's kick holder back then, was responsible for the missed kicks in the last game. Lyon was eager to prove his critics wrong and came out strong in his second start, a game at the Georgia Gridlock. Lyon lead his offense well and was a blessing compared to Justin McDavid's play. Lyon completed 21 of 33 passes for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, Lyon also had 2 interceptions. Both times the Gridlock turned it into a touchdown. The first one with a 50-yard pass, the second one with the game tying touchdown. Combined with a 78-yard touchdown pass, the defense didn't do much to help Lyon at all. But Lyon still got a chance to set something right. With 40 seconds left, Cary Coles lined up for a 49-yard field goal attempt. Lyon's hold looked good, but Coles missed it, keeping the score 24-24 and forcing overtime. In overtime, the Merchantmen had first possession, but they failed. The Gridlock needed only one big play from wide receiver Tyrus Shaye to get into field goal range. And the win, Georgia 27, Maassluis 24. Everybody in the league expected that Leonard Lyon had solidified his position in that game. But the worst was yet to come. In a game at the Paris Musketeers, Lyon threw 4 interceptions, paving the way to a franchise worst 31-3 defeat. Lyon's numbers were still better, but his record was 0-3, McDavid's 2-1. The Merchantmen management looked at that and threw McDavid back in. Justin McDavid got a perfect match up to steal the Merchantmen fans' hearts. A home game against the Conyers Condors, the team that made him fumble four times in the 2004 season. McDavid hardly impressed, yet anchored by an amazing 96-yard interception return from Dennis Preciado, the Merchantmen managed to win the game 21-17. McDavid fumbled again, yet this time his team won, despite being outscored 479 to 261 yards. The Condors would bounce back and eventually lose IHOF Bowl II to the Ann Arbor Anachronism. Justin McDavid was dubbed the lucky charm, despite being able to get a completion percentage above 50, pass for more than 160 yards, or make less than 2 turnovers. In the following game at the Bordeaux Vineyards, McDavid just continued his tenure. 141 yards and 2 fumbles later, his team was in tied game late in the fourth quarter. Fernando Ramsey converted a 42-yard field goal with 22 seconds left to make his Vineyards win 16-13. League pundits felt that the Merchantmen management was making a mistake, holding onto the lucky charm. Week ten's road game at the Orlando Knights ended McDavid's turnover streak. With touchdown passes to tight end Jim Reiser and wide receiver Bryce Ewald, the Merchantmen took a 14-0 lead at half time. From there on, the team just ran the ball, resulting in Randy Harris' first 100-yard game. The Merchantmen held on to the lead and won the game 17-10. But then came the darkest day in Justin McDavid's career. At the Gothenburg Giants' Palace of Ice and Frost, McDavid blew out his knee. His season was over. Even worse, doctors feared for McDavid's career and already ruled out a return in the 2006 season. During the game, the Merchantmen were visibly shocked by the injury and let a close game slip to a 19-9 loss. In a way, the Merchantmen were liberated as well, the quarterback controversy was over and so the continuing media attention about internal issues. Despite a shaky performance by Leonard Lyon, the Merchantmen won their next game 24-9 against the Brooklyn Fightin' Bums. Week 13 marked Futility Bowl II. The Rochester Lake Monsters were back in Maassluis to extend their reign of this inter-divisional rivalry. Leonard Lyon had a good game, completing 18 of 32 passes for 214 yards and 1 touchdown, but lack of third down efficiency eventually cost them the game. The Lake Monsters won 15-10. The next opponent for the Maassluis Merchantmen were the Chesapeake Chitterlings. Given the form of the home team, there was little hope for the Merchantmen to win there. But against all odds, the Merchantmen played a good game there, albeit helped by three first half turnovers from the Chitterlings. For a long time, the Merchantmen looked like posting a shutout win. A late touchdown pass from Jaime Canter to Darrell Spears made the final score 17-7 in Merchantmen advantage. Between all the talk about quarterbacks, people were quickly missing the good season the Merchantmen were having. The win over the Chitterlings put the Merchantmen at 6-7 and still in the playoff race. Home games against the Bordeaux Vineyards, Astoria Heroes and Paris Musketeers were awaiting to give the Merchantmen a shot at going from 1-15 to a winning season. Hopes for that ended pretty quickly. Despite holding the Vineyards out of the end zone, the Merchantmen looked awful on offense and saw Leonard Lyon unable to post a fourth quarter comeback. The Vineyards won 12-10 and extended the head-to-head series to a 4-game winning streak. The Astoria Heroes then posted a 20-7 win in Oranje Haven to 'clinch' a losing season for the Merchantmen. Week 17 then marked a perfect opportunity to finish the season in a good way. The Paris Musketeers were 2-13 and had humiliated the Merchantmen in Paris. Both sides kept it close, but this time Leonard Lyon played it well. Supported by Randy Harris' 129 rushing yards, Lyon guided the Merchantmen to a 16-13 victory. At the conclusion of the 2005 season, the Merchantmen had a 7-9 record. They finished the two games behind the Gothenburg Giants, four games behind the Bordeaux Vineyards. Compared to the 2004 season, the Merchantmen were, by far, the most improved team in the IHOF. Individually, the Merchantmen defensive line jumped out in performance. Defensive tackle Charles Gomez (70 tackles, 6.5 sacks) and defensive end Harold Wells (13 sacks, 43 tackles) both earned All-IHOF second team honors. Defensive end Albert Bernardo (6.0 sacks) and defensive tackle John Bryant (7.0 sacks) supported the stars well. On offense, running back Randy Harris flew under the radar. With 1,114 yards on the ground and 10 total touchdowns (fifth in the league), he made a huge contribution to the team. Leonard Lyon finished the season with a passer rating of 61.6, having a 6:13 touchdown-interception-ratio. No stellar numbers, but good enough to be considered the franchise quarterback from there on, with a good offensive line in front of him. With the age of the team taken into account, it had to be a matter of time to break into the playoffs. Maybe as early as the 2006 season. __________________ * 2005 Golden Scribe winner for best FOF Dynasty about IHOF's Maassluis Merchantmen * Former GM of GEFL's Houston Oilers and WOOF's Curacao Cocktail