Tweet
I just found out today that Aaron wasn't planning on writing his normal season preview articles. So, I'm going to throw one together fast. Not sure I will get all the teams/divisions in, but I will try. Also, I am planning on writing a weekly wrap-up column throughout the season.
AC North
Kalispel – The team that won their first AC North title in 2010 is poised to repeat. The Stags return 19 of 22 starters, and those three new faces were significant backups last season. The defense is equipped with the best group of defensive backs in the division, three solid linebackers and All-League DT Lionel Vance. Even though Kalispel has the best receivers in TE Buddy Offord, SE Shane Wilkerson, and FL Toby Richard, it didn't stop them from using their 2nd round pick on FL Jason Reid out of Virginia, a former target of starting QB Herb Nikolaus.
Anchorage – Year one of the QB Jay Nori era finished just short of the playoffs in 2010. I don't expect a repeat in 2011. The Gladiators should be able to challenge the Stags for the AC North title if Jay Nori lives up to the hype. He has a solid RB in Lamar McAfee and the best trio of wide receivers in the division. The defensive line is lead by a very deep group that anchors the defense.
Washington – For the fifth straight year the Washington Bombers failed to reach the post-season. But, after a 9-7 season the team has high expectations. The Bombers have a very talented defense, arguably the best in the division in terms of talent. The problem is offensively, this team has struggled. RB Randy Richardson had a huge bounce back season in 2010, rushing for 1,200 yards. After they traded for the “missing piece” in QB Warren Poland from Dakota, he came in and was mediocre, like the long string of Washington quarterbacks before him. The Bombers have a ton of questions on the offensive line. It might be the worst in the entire OSFL. It will be their downfall.
Portland – The Phantoms finished in dead last in 2010. Gone is WR Sammy Slade. Gone is DE Monty Reavis. Three year starters QB Henry Andrews and RB Craig Price have been moved to the bench. This is a completely new team. The offense will now be lead by journeyman QB Damon Bishop. His championship ring from 2006 has already impressed this young offense. Although lacking talent at the skill positions, the offensive line is much revamped especially after selecting RT Orlando Bell first overall. Two rookies will start on defense with two others seeing significant playing time. Nowhere to go but up for this squad.
Division Prediction
1. Kalispel - 11-5
2. Anchorage - 10-6
3. Washington - 7-9
4. Portland - 4-12
AC North
Kalispel – The team that won their first AC North title in 2010 is poised to repeat. The Stags return 19 of 22 starters, and those three new faces were significant backups last season. The defense is equipped with the best group of defensive backs in the division, three solid linebackers and All-League DT Lionel Vance. Even though Kalispel has the best receivers in TE Buddy Offord, SE Shane Wilkerson, and FL Toby Richard, it didn't stop them from using their 2nd round pick on FL Jason Reid out of Virginia, a former target of starting QB Herb Nikolaus.
Anchorage – Year one of the QB Jay Nori era finished just short of the playoffs in 2010. I don't expect a repeat in 2011. The Gladiators should be able to challenge the Stags for the AC North title if Jay Nori lives up to the hype. He has a solid RB in Lamar McAfee and the best trio of wide receivers in the division. The defensive line is lead by a very deep group that anchors the defense.
Washington – For the fifth straight year the Washington Bombers failed to reach the post-season. But, after a 9-7 season the team has high expectations. The Bombers have a very talented defense, arguably the best in the division in terms of talent. The problem is offensively, this team has struggled. RB Randy Richardson had a huge bounce back season in 2010, rushing for 1,200 yards. After they traded for the “missing piece” in QB Warren Poland from Dakota, he came in and was mediocre, like the long string of Washington quarterbacks before him. The Bombers have a ton of questions on the offensive line. It might be the worst in the entire OSFL. It will be their downfall.
Portland – The Phantoms finished in dead last in 2010. Gone is WR Sammy Slade. Gone is DE Monty Reavis. Three year starters QB Henry Andrews and RB Craig Price have been moved to the bench. This is a completely new team. The offense will now be lead by journeyman QB Damon Bishop. His championship ring from 2006 has already impressed this young offense. Although lacking talent at the skill positions, the offensive line is much revamped especially after selecting RT Orlando Bell first overall. Two rookies will start on defense with two others seeing significant playing time. Nowhere to go but up for this squad.
Division Prediction
1. Kalispel - 11-5
2. Anchorage - 10-6
3. Washington - 7-9
4. Portland - 4-12
Comment