7 JAN 07 POWER RANKINGS

1. "Maddawgs"----Possibly the largest surprise in novaffl, this team showed some stifling defense, as the only team delivering consecutive shutouts, behind the arm of Shakn’Bake Ron and several capable receivers. Though they started to a rocky offense, Nardo, TJ, Levon, and Grim the “Grimmace” grimmison showed that this team is overflowing in potential. Throw in Yangster and Wi, as a wicked tandem and a above average receiver core is established. On the defense, this squad showed its rabid form with a line akin to a starved pack of dogs chasing its quarry through the Nova turf. Madcap (the mastiff) showed unrelenting pressure on opposing quarterbacks while Nick provided bull charges and Evan towered into opposing lines altering the QB’s direction. An unsung hero of this core goes to AndyQB for several midfield catches as well, and Kofi (the leagues’ most underrated defensive player). Grover continued to show offensive leadership as well. Some may argue that this was too much of a jump for the Maddawgs in light of the shoulder-dislocation of the Black mastiff. Logic shows otherwise as the Maddawgs bench may be the deepest in the league, with Nick, 2-tall Evan, Grover, Andy and grimace as capable substitutes. Questions do remain however on whether this team will continue its league best special teams defense as well in light of the injured bulldog.

2. “Conquest”---Little does the league know that the Conquest has brought some secret weapons in the form of two evil twins. At first glance, I glumly looked at these two, unshaven scrappers, yeah “put a fuckin’ blade in the razor twins”…as average players. Well, after seeing their QB and WR skills I was sorely mistaken. Apparently, they bring some organization to the roughneck conquest and showed this with one of their first 50 yard touchdowns. Although Conquest has lost Schor to Los Angeles and some bean counting job, the team is still fully of capable receivers. An injured WB hurts their offense, but even in a mitigated form he requires the corner of any safety’s eye. A mention has to be made regarding Al-Gi Crumpler and Traci Morgan “Ty” as a phenomenal duo on the line. Apparently their pressure in the form of 10 cumulative sacks outmatched their opponents and sent the hapless cutters to their doom in the initial game. Although Redrum slowed their “Grizzly Rush,” the Cutters Line is starting to get outweighed. More to follow on this. Either or, as the teamwork continues with their line play, Nova may have a couple new bears who will claim the top of the mountain when the trench warfare continues.

3. "Sixteen Candles"------Much has to be said about the Sixteen Candles and their ability to come back from a deficit last week. Correct me if Im wrong, but they beat the Field Generals even after facing a deficit, from either arriving late or falling behind. The more we want to attack and barrage the smacktalkin scrapper Laron, we all need to step back and think—“How are we going to disrupt” this experienced beast? Not to mention he has a core group of receivers and cornerbacks that are dangerous, especially in regards to “interception-touchdowns.” In sum, sixteen candles, though a wholly gay name, has shown up with some strength this week and proved their mettle with a rallying defeat of the Field Generals. An honorable mention has to the 16 candles secretary and one of their bulky receivers who can double as a lineman or a TE.

4. "Field generals" -----Granted, this team was the most comedic this week, especially in lieu of of their 20+ players on the sidelines. If you recall the Mystic madcap predicted the Lucian revolt weeks ago, as his goodwill to keep pickup alive would force his resignation from the Field generals. What makes this issue even more humorous is Billy’s token post asking Lucian if he left the team due to his failure to pickup the “Alzheimer Name Recognition” player we all love known as Big Luc. Regardless of this fact, Field Generals may be sporting some of the most dangerous receivers in the league, thus pushing for the “exceptional WR core” rather than above average. Lets take a look here: Roger Ramjet, the marathon runner, that neither Sixteen Candles nor the Nonamers had the sense to double team ---DUH, The “Gad-man” Mitchell, and that Coast Guard dude who can also double as a secret weapon quarterback “Sean-I aint going to add you to my myspace cuz you aint a friend.” Throw Billy into the mix and you have some hands of horse jelly. All in all their line may be sufficient because of their Qbs scrambling allowing for additional time. In fact, the dude was only 5’7 and could definitely challenge Jason mathers for the vicesque award. Finally, we will end the FG summary, with a clear rule: All cuts have to be posted on the blog or forum. We know they are coming and you either cut them motherfuckers, or the collective captain are going to call you on the roster and the breaches thereof. Its part of the drama, you cant avoid it.

5. “Cutters”---A sad state of affairs for the cutters, losing to conquest this week. These former champs have some rumors circulating that half the team is getting drunk on Friday Nights, thus decreasing their athleticism. In fact, apparently the “Gun” was throwing passes shit-faced against the Conquest, severely under-estimating their improvement. Don’t underestimate the cutters, but also keep in mind they are underestimating the cataclysmic recruitment and improvements made by the other teams. At the current level of competition it should be understood that these power players are vicious at their peak, but Straw better re-compose these dudes or Madcap predicts an upset even from the hapless Extraordinaires. After all, is said and done lets not forget about their thorough skunking of the Brisco Hawks. The cutters seemed to sober up and act as a well-oiled machine as they wrecked the newbies with their wicked Latino “Felipe” and 4 cutthroat touchdowns from the “Hangover-ridden” Tommy the Gun. This team like the Nonamers has sever potential for movement in the rankings.

6. “Nonamers”—Like the cutters this team has a lot of potential to move back and forth in the rankings. Part of the problem is poor camaraderie and a lack of team organization. Not to mention the team may be missing half its players. Either way, B.Hidd showed some early signs of life this week with an interception touchdown and several catches. Mean Gene continues to bring the heat, but his uncertainty on availability, as always hurts this team. We can quash the rumor now that he’s leaving the Nonamers as he failed to post his resignation in time. Jason mathers, showed some good scrambles, however why he did not run more against the Field Generals is still an issue. Overall, expect this team to come back with a ferocity next week or the week after with a bitter taste for revenge. Their collective potential for power cannot be ignored, once their star receiver returns.

7. Upper Deckers----This team, though organized well is not being given enough credit on defense. An athletic secondary and a decent line has proven that they can stunt the ferocity of any team, by providing a skunk of their own, and holding the mighty dogs to only two touchdowns. The quarterback had scramble skills and even Coach D was tearing up some ints. One thing of interest however, is the fact that their lineman---seemed to go after quarterbacks with reckless abandon and then proceeded to hurl insults at the neutral referee even after hitting a QB in the neck. The league should settle to remove this lineman either to set a precedent or on principle alone. Hopefully coach D can police his troops or a league decision will become paramount. Finally, I didn’t get the recap, but it seems Upper Deckers underused their WR lesser this past week, to their detriment. More time is needed however for this team to improve in the rankings to see how they fold out.

8. Briscoe High Hawks------The Brisco hawks put an end to any rumors about their disappearance. On the outside, this team looked intimidating with several athletic players. However this may be true, their lack of conditioning was apparent in their actions. Either way, they were able to get a Win from the hapless extraordinaires in the form of a skunk.

9. The Merks---A new team with a struggling offense, they should be back with power next week.

10. The “Hapless” Extraordinaires----The team failed to register a score all day, severely raising questions if their offense suffers from developmental disabilities.