The LOC Report

Wednesday 29 July 2015

2015: Best draft picks of 2015

With training camps starting today, Commissioner Stubbs thought this would be a good opportunity to look back at the best draft picks of all time in the LOC. He and Coach Viv Nathwani highlight and analyse the best of the best.

Tuesday 28 July 2015

Bracketology: Greatest game in LOC history (round 3, part II)

(10) Corona Bowl II Vs. (29) 175 Destruction
'Corona Bowl II' was one of the greats, father vs. son, champion versus up and comer, Gridiron a Gang winning 7 out of 8 to bring it home. Its had a tough go of it so far, facing 'Holy Moly' in the first round which was a high scoring 142-131 showdown between Bear Necessities and Forge Flyers in week 2 2014, and in round 2 'Gridiron Gang prevents the perfect season' which was of course the upset of Bear Necessities in the midst of their title season - and the only loss of the year.

'175 Destruction' was in week 5 of 2012 where The Tuckfards just decimated Forge Flyers to the tune of 175 points. Its faced two very close games, 'Cutting it close II' in round 1, where ADRZ won a 96-95 thriller against Tom's Tyrants in week 4 of 2011, and 'Cutting it close III' in round 2, which was also a thriller, The Tuckfards bested Bear Necessities in a 111-110 shoot out. (You see what I did there with the two very 'close' games?)

Winner: Corona Bowl II
Reason: Gridiron Gangs run was immense, and the story behind it historic


(45) Corona Bowl V Vs. (60) #200Club
We all know about 'Corona Bowl V', Burdettinators Vs. The Tuckfards, a historic match up dominated by Coach Merritt, except in this one, where Burdettinators set a record amount of points for a Corona Bowl and won. It faced 'Does anyone want to win?' Which, being polite, was a tough game to watch (and the lowest total scoring game in LOC history), where Ashley's Steelers and Forge Flyers combined for 94.2 points. It also faced 'Corona Bowl I' in round 2, the very first title game won by Bear Necessities.

'#200Club' is simply the most incredible performance in LOC history (and before the following week, by a long way). Tom's Tyrants just put up a demoralising 200 points, a score that could never be matched again. It faced 'Got a point II?' In round 1, which is one of the closest games in history, 105.86 - 105.22, Burdettinators over ADRZ. In round 2 it faced 'Start how you wish to finish', a huge week 1 game in 2013 between Tom's Tyrants and The Dream Team, which Coach Barnes won 160-137.

Winner: Corona Bowl V
Reason: Make no mistake, the points are seventy shades of impressive, but to win a title, in the way Burdettinators did, against an arch rival they've never beaten, is storybook


(64) Corona Bowl VI Vs. (2) The Tie
'Corona Bowl VI', the game very much still fresh in our memories, the one where Coach Barnes conceded defeat only to win in dramatic fashion, was astounding. Its opponents haven't been too shabby either, facing 'Corona Bowl IV rematch' in round one, where sophomore champion TRQB faced The Tuckfards, where coach Merritt righted a wrong 111-106, and 'Penalty on the play' where a field goal wiped off the board by a defensive penalty led to Gridiron Gang losing to IKNAN by, you guessed it, less than a field goal.

'The Tie' still keeps plugging along. A 2009 game with no history on record between Gridiron Gang and English Football is Better (now The Romosexuals), in all likelihood the only tie we'll ever see. It's caused some upsets so far, taking out 'Defensive battle in the playoffs' in round 1 was a 77-75 gritty playoff win by The Dream Team in 2014, and 'The Ollie and Phil montage' in round 2, another instalment of the famous match up that The Tuckfards continued to dominate.

Winner: Corona Bowl VI
Reason: the upset stops here, make way for the superior game


(63) James Milner Bowl I Vs. (57) The lowest score
'James Milner Bowl I', the only 2 week long game (and actually quite an encapsulating one) to decide the 2014 loser, and ultimately doom Forge Flyers in donning a James Milner logo. It has really been a giant killer so far, kicking out 'Relentless' in round 1, which was brutal 154 - 71 victory for Burdettinators in 2013, and 'It's not quite 200 but...' Which was a stunner to go out of the bracket, a game that saw Tom's Tyrants put up nearly 200 points.

'The Lowest Score' as it suggests, is the lowest score by a team in history. 24 points no less, a score established by Jeff's Seals last year (and hopefully never to be repeated). It faced 'Catch me if you can' in round 1, a 172-101 screamer where ADRZ just couldn't catch Burdettinators, and 'The Miracle II' in round 2 which was the first game in Tom's Tyrants impressive 8 out of 9 win stretch to bring home title number 2. 

Winner: James Milner Bowl I
Reason: It slightly pains me that one of these has to go to the quarter finals with some other great games already out, but James Milner Bowl I was actually a great event


Wednesday 22 July 2015

2015: The LOC's Biggest Blunders

The original lineup has reunited for another show. Co-host Chris Leach and Coach Viv Nathwani have rejoined Commissioner Stubbs for another stellar episode of the LOC Report. The topic today? The LOC's Biggest Blunders (and believe me, there are many).

Oh, and if you want to check out Phil the Tank, see below:

Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVl5SLHX7lQ

Remix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbNGVCapzWQ

Monday 20 July 2015

Bracketology: Greatest game in LOC history (round 3, part I)

The league story is going to go in a bit of a different direction for round 3. We've had a flavour of each game in the first 2 rounds, but round 3 will focus more on what game defeated what other game to get to where they are. And without further delay...

(7) Got a Point? Vs. (44) Passing is overrated
'Got a point?' albeit not the strongest contender, has definitely progressed through the bracket on the back of easy match ups. In the first round it faced 'Colin Kaepernick who?', which was more of an important note in LOC history than an impressive game, and 'Corona Bowl II rematch' in the second round, which too was considered more for the status of being the rematch of Corona Bowl II than the merit for the game. Be that as it may, 'Got a point?' was still a fine game.

'Passing is overrated' again, hasn't faced the strongest of match ups, but the game was far superior in quality (in no small part because of Jamaal Charles 50 points). It faced '2 in a row' in the first round which had some story to it, being the 2 games played between IKNAN and Gridiron Gang in weeks 14 and 15 of the 2010 season, where Coach Stubbs would beat his opponent twice, and in the second round 'Wrong end of the stick' where ADRZ lost by less than 3 points two games in a row.

Winner: Passing is overrated
Reason: Just a superior game


(21) Chiquitos Vs. (53) The Underdog
The story behind 'Chiquitos' is infamous. It's opponent in the first round 'Stopping the rot' didn't stand a chance, which was Forge Flyers first win of the season over Jeff's Seals. It's opponent in round 2 'Down to the wire' was a much tougher opponent, was a 117-115 nail biter between sophomore coaches ADRZ and The Dream Team, but ultimately not good enough to see off 'Chiquitos' story.

'The Underdog' has done well to progress this far, as it's had a tough time to this point. It faced 'Cutting it close' in round one which (as it suggests) was a close game. A 132-129 barnstormer between Tom's Tyrants and Burdettinators in fact. Round 2 saw 'Corona Bowl IV' get knocked out, which was rookie coach Simpsons triumph over The Tuckfards - while an incredible feat, it wasn't the most engaging title game.

Winner: Chiquitos
Reason: The Underdog has a case for the better game, but lacks the storyline behind Chiquitos


(42) Playoffs Baby! Vs. (19) Even my backups nearly beat you
'Playoffs Baby!' Was the game where The Tuckfards broke the record for playoff appearances, both all time and in a row. It's had it tough so far, facing 'Cutting it close V' in the first round, which was a 121-120 thriller between Touchdown Syndrome and Burdettinators, and 'The rookie has landed' in round 2, which was the game where Tom's Tyrants secured the first spot in a Corona Bowl by a Rookie division team.

'Even my backups nearly beat you' had a boat load of points, Burdettinators 179-117 Bear Necessities, with another 113 on the bench for Coach Burdett, making it the highest scoring week for a single team in history. It too has had a hard path to the third round, facing 'Starting with a bang' in round 1, which was an explosive 133-131 season opening game between Touchdown Syndrome and Tom's Tyrants, and 'The Manning effect' which was Burdettinators insane week 1 match up in 2013 where Peyton Manning put up 60 points, the highest single player score in LOC history.

Winner: Even my backups nearly beat you
Reason: Both were good games, and The Tuckfards record continues, but what Burdettinators managed to do was superb


(36) Wembley woes Vs. (41) Stat change-gate
If you missed the 'Wembley Woes' story - go back and check it out, it's hilarious (and features a career day from a 37 year old TE). It faced 'BOOM!' In round 1, which was a high scoring 151-110 game between The Dream Team and The Tuckfards. In round 2, it faced 3rd year leap, which marked ADRZ's first appearance in the playoffs, where they would lose to eventual champions Burdettinators. Suffice to say 'Wembley Woes' breezed past the competition.

Finally, 'Stat change-gate' is without a doubt the most controversial game in LOC history. Some leagues don't observe stat changes - unfortunately for Bear Necessities, the LOC isn't one of them (but Forge Flyers aren't complaining). It faced 'Tough break' in the 1st round, the game where IKNAN had to win and put up 50 more points than Gridiron Gang in their game to make playoffs (a tough opening draw for that game), and 'Bad Coaching' where Gridiron Gang lost, and their bench scored over 100 points, which was more than opponent The Tuckfards (not so tough).

Winner: Stat change-gate
Reason: The toughest decision yet. While I don't think the greatest game should be marred by controversy, this game is hard to keep down



Thursday 16 July 2015

2015: What LOC team is which NFL team?

Commissioner Stubbs is rejoined by Coach Nathwani and former Exec. Director of the LOCCA Coach Burdett once again to determine the LOC's NFL doppelganger! The criteria for this was we each picked who we thought the LOC teams NFL equivalent was, gave our reasoning, and voted (or went with a simple majority). Let us know what you think, @LOCfantasy or LOCfilms@gmail.com

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Bracketology: Greatest game in LOC history (round 2, part IV)

(13) Penalty on the play Vs. (64) Corona Bowl VI
'Penalty on the play' is among the most controversial games in LOC history. It was Week 3 in the 2011 season, IKNAN took on Gridiron Gang. It looked like it would be a lopsided game as Coach Stubbs jumped out to a big early lead. IKNAN caught up again and took a small lead, before losing it again. Right at the end of the 9pm games Gridiron Gang's kicker kicked a field goal. However, there was an offsides on the field goal, the kicking team accepted, wiping the FG off the board. This made Gridiron Gang lost 82-81.

'Corona Bowl VI' saw a white hot Tom's Tyrants steam to their second Corona Bowl appearance, while early season juggernaut The Dream Team struggled to their first Corona Bowl appearance. The Dream Team were having one of their most impressive performances of the season, holding a lead literally the whole game. Tom's Tyrants were never far behind though. Tom's Tyrants were down about 15 points entering the Monday Night game with only CJ Anderson to play, while The Dream Team had AJ Green and Julius Thomas. Tom's Tyrants pulled off one of the most unprecedented comebacks in LOC history. Anderson got them 20 points, while The Dream Team got a combined 3.3. Final score, 103-101.

Winner: Corona Bowl VI
Reason: Penalty on the play got a tough draw, Corona Bowl VI was just better


(58) The Ollie and Phil montage Vs. (2) The Tie
'The Ollie and Phil montage' We all know the story, The Tuckfards has dominated the match up throughout the years, all except the one that mattered. The game never disappoints, and this one is no different. The Tuckfards jumped out, Burdettinators caught up, but then Coach Merritt left Coach Burdett's side in the dust, in a 172-124 crushing.

'The Tie' is the only game from 2009 still left standing. It took place between Gridiron Gang and English Football is Better. We don't know how this game shook down, but we obviously know it was a close one - and if memory serves I believe it was 86-86. To this day the only tie in LOC History. If the league keeps fractional point scoring, this probably won't change, which really makes this game special.

Winner: The Tie
Reason: You've got to love a tie, officially the closest game in LOC history


(61) It's not quite 200, but... Vs. (63) James Milner Bowl I
'It's not quite 200, but...' was the week following the foundation of the #200Club. Tom's Tyrants, coming off a momentous week, faced The Dream Team. This game actually started really close (and explosively), it was 125-105 in Tom's Tyrants favour - after the 6pm games! The Dream Team would stop, while Tom's Tyrants would keep going and eventually win 199 - 116. This marks the highest 2 week scoring period by a team in LOC history.

'James Milner Bowl I' took place between the leagues worst of 2014, Jeff's Seals and Forge Flyers. They would square off in the LOC's first (and likely only) 2-week long game. Forge Flyers put up 93 points in the first leg, while Jeff's Seals only got 82. In the second week Forge Flyers put up 83, giving them a total of 176. Jeff's Seals needed 94 to win. They got 98, giving them a total of 180. A close game, and a fitting end. As an added sweetener, Coach Leach's team will now play with a logo of James Milner for at least one year (due to a lost bet with Coach Burdett).

Winner: James Milner Bowl I
Reason: A close game, the only 2-legged game in history, and a lost best resulting in utter humiliation. Had Tom's Tyrants not done 2000 the week before, their game would have been a shoe in to win.


(56) The Miracle II Vs. (57) The Lowest Score
'The Miracle II' marked the first game in Tom's Tyrants mythical run of winning 8 of 9 games en route to hoisting the Stubbs Trophy for a second time. At 2-5 entering week 8, they took on a strong Bear Necessities side. Tom's Tyrants played uncharacteristically, just dismantling their opponent and leading the game the whole way with a 150-103 point victory. The rest, as they say, is history.

'The Lowest Score' took place in Week 10 of the 2014 season, between Jeff's Seals and Bear Necessities. Jeff's Seals weren't on to a good start (they had a TE and a K on a bye in the starting lineup). It went from bad to worse, their QB (Andy Dalton) put up -1.76 points. Yes, negative 1.76 points. They only had 2 players score more than 2.4 points (Joique Bell with 8.1 and the Lions D with 12). That was good enough for the lowest score in history, in a 132-24 non-contest. What makes this funnier? Their back up QB (Tony Romo) scored 27.84 points, outscoring the whole team.

Winner: The Lowest Score
Reason: It's just stunning, Romo outscoring the whole team just tops it off.


Wednesday 8 July 2015

2015: Things to look forward to in 2015

In the 5th episode of the season, Commissioner Stubbs and Co-host Chris Leach chat about the things to look forward to in 2015 - league wide and for individual teams. Let us know what you think by tweeting us @LOCfantasy

Tuesday 7 July 2015

Bracketology: Greatest game in LOC history (round 2, part III)

(1) Gridiron Gang prevents the perfect season Vs. (10) Corona Bowl II
Unfortunately as we all know, there is no recorded history of the 2009 season. But there are a few moments that will go down in LOC history forever despite this. This game was one of them. As you may have guessed, this game pitted Gridiron Gang against at the time undefeated Bear Necessities. Bear Necessities would go on to win Corona Bowl I, but it's got to sting knowing they were just one mid season game from perfection (courtesy of Gridiron Gang). I think they're ok with this considering they won it all.

'Corona Bowl II' was also Gridiron Gang against Bear Necessities, but this time in the 2010 season. There was so much story behind this game, Bear Necessities the reigning champions, looking to retain the title and win it for a second time in a row. It was a Stubbs bowl for the ages, Coach D Stubbs Vs. Coach N Stubbs of Gridiron Gang, who had won 6 of the last 7 games just to get to the title game. The game itself was relatively close, 113-97 and it was a tight one all game long.

Winner: Corona Bowl II
Reason: Really a great story line to this game, and the magic of a title


(29) 175 Destruction Vs. (14) Cutting it close II
'175 Destruction' was a week 5 match up in 2012 between The Tuckfards and Forge Flyers. In a season where The Tuckfards appeared in their first Corona Bowl, they were a truly dominant team during the regular season. Forge Flyers didn't stand a chance, even though they put up a respectable 91 points, The Tuckfards simply outclassed them with 175 points.

'Cutting it close II' took place in Week 4 2011, between Tom's Tyrants and ADRZ. This game got out to a roaring start, By the end of the 9pm games they were both over 90 points. ADRZ sprung out to a lead, but Tom's Tyrants hunger in there and took a small lead at the end of the 9pm games. ADRZ would (literally) crawl to a victory in the Sunday night game however, beating Coach Barnes by the slim margin of 95.76 - 94.84, yep not even a point.
Winner: 175 Destruction
Reason: One of the highest scoring weeks in LOC History


(3) Corona Bowl I Vs. (45) Corona Bowl V
'Corona Bowl I' is another game we sadly won't know the history of. All we know is Bear Necessities were entering the title game with just one loss in their first season, and Burdettinators were looking to knock them off the pedestal. They weren't able to though, and Bear Necessities were a worthy champion in the leagues first year. These two would then not have a lot of success, until....

'Corona Bowl V' where Burdettinators took on nemesis The Tuckfards. Entering this game, Burdettinators had never beaten The Tuckfards, NEVER. It looked like history would repeat, as The Tuckfards sprung out to an early lead, and had been impressive all season. They started to stumble, and Burdettinators recovered, they were tied at the end of the 6pm games. Burdettinators had enough of Coach Merritt by this point, and proceeded to embarrass him by scoring a record amount of points in a Corona Bowl. 161.50 - 97.64.

Winner: Corona Bowl V
Reason: No history of the game really hurt Corona Bowl I here


(35) Start how you wish to finish Vs. (60) #200Club
'Start how you wish to finish' was just an explosive game. Week 1 of 2013, Tom's Tyrants took on The Dream Team, and it did not disappoint. If the teams had been tested for PED's prior to this game, it's likely they would have all been suspended for the season. Both teams just exploded out of the game, putting up 100 by the end of the 9pm games. But scoring didn't stop there, The Dream Team would put up another 36, and Tom's Tyrants would put up another 60! final score, 159.90 - 136.96.

'#200Club' has to be the favourite at this point. Fresh in the memory, Week 13 of 2014, Tom's Tyrants took on The Tuckfards. The two winningest coaches in history would produce a game for the ages. By the end of the 6pm games, Tom's tyrants had already eclipsed 160 points! Over the same time span, The Tuckfards had barely cleared 60. Tom's Tyrants had players score 40, 31, 24, 34, and 36! Not to mention another 50 points on their bench. Probably the highest scoring game in LOC history, Tom's Tyrants smashed Coach Merritt 205.88 - 121.02.

Winner: #200 Club
Reason: On the game chart Coach Barnes' team's point ascension is literally vertical 

Wednesday 1 July 2015

2015: Schedule Reveal Extravaganza!

The Co-Host returns after his brief absence for what is truly an exciting time in the LOC, the Schedule Reveal! Coach Sherwood of IKNAN also made a long anticipated return as well. You don't want to miss this one folks, a great episode in more ways than one!