2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: Obi Wan Ganobi

Obi Wan Ganobi: "A team has no name" Forfeit playoff loss and subsequent nameless season

Coach Gardner holds the title of the most recent newcomer to the LOC - but this isn't the only unique title he holds. More on that in a bit - but after joining an experienced league in 2016, he hit the ground running with an 8-6 season in his first year, and a 6-8 season in his sophomore year. He was somewhat fortunate to hit those milestones, but to compete in the LOC at such an early stage is a feat in itself.

Also in 2016 - the league made the decision to once again re-purpose weeks 15 and 16 for non playoff teams - this time taking Coach Burdett's suggestion of having a "forfeit playoffs", where coaches face off against one another, and the loser must do a forfeit of some kind. As fate would have it, the Ollie's would clash in the forfeit playoffs in 2017. This clash would see the two face off over a 2 week stretch - with Burdettinators ultimately easily claiming victory with a 30 point winning margin in both weeks.

And this is where Coach Gardner's second unique title comes in - his forfeit was that he lost all rights to be called Ollie. As this was the Ollie bowl after all, they were competing to keep their name - and the loser was to be known as the nameless one for the next season.

So - for the 2018 season, Coach Gardner was not to be named by team or otherwise. And you know what? It didn't turn out too bad for him. He went 7-7, narrowly missing out on the playoffs, but had another strong year. Unfortunately for Ollie, Coach Burdett once again outshone him by winning the Corona Bowl, but....you know, you try not having a name for a year and see how you cope.

Before you ask - yep, that's it. That's all I was given to work with. If you want it in the Hall of Fame, well then that's your choice to make...it is the only nameless team and coach in LOC history after all.

2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: Forge Flyers

Forge Flyers - "The 10 year Titans" Tennessee Titans RBs for Forge Flyers 2009-2019

Now this is quite a unique nomination - the first of it's kind - which is exciting to write (but also at the exact same time a complete headache to write), so here we go....This year, Coach Leach is nominating every Tennessee Titans running back to play for Forge Flyers from 2009 to 2019. So I'm gonna take this year by year and see where we end up.

2009 is easy - we don't know sadly, as all history from this year is not available. But Coach Leach did not make playoffs, and likely didn't have a Titans player (I think Chris Johnson may have been on Bear Necessities that year). So to 2010 we go. A couple of Titans were drafted by Forge Flyers this season (Vince Young and Kenny Britt), but no RBs - and as far as I can tell Chris made only 1 roster addition that year (spoilers, it wasn't a Titans RB). No trades either, before you ask. 2011, Coach Leach still didn't draft a Titans RB, nor add one (though he had 4 roster additions that year, way to go Chris!), but no trades either.

2012 was the year however, as Coach Leach selected Chris Johnson in the first round with the 8th overall pick. And what a year it was as he rolled for 175 fantasy points. Sadly it wasn't an overly triumphant year for Forge Flyers as they went 6-8 - but Chris Johnson was a large part of that record not being worse. But fear not - for 2013 saw Chris Johnson star for the Forge Flyers again, after being made the 4th overall pick in the draft. And he saw an even better return, netting 198 points over the season and leading Forge Flyers to a 8-6 record. Agonisingly, Chris fell just short of the playoffs holding the 5th seed in 2013, but Chris Johnson's impact could certainly be felt.

Coach Leach did not draft Chris Johnson in 2014, but he did add Bishop Sankey to his team in Week 10 - and he would stick until the end of the season. Despite only scoring 78 points total on the year, he started straight away in week 10 scoring 7.4 points in a 103-90 point loss - but did enough to keep the job in Week 11 and scored 10.5 points...in a 108-100 point loss. Hoping to hit the well third time lucky, he scored 3.1 points in week 12 in another loss. A benching in a Week 13 loss gave Sankey a lot to think about - but he clearly didn't think about the right thing as he scored 2.7 points in another loss. Sankey may have had a lot to do with Chris's poor 2-12 season...

Moving swiftly on to 2015, Chris did not feature a Titans RB (perhaps a good thing after the Sankey season), but still sputtered to a 3-11 record. The only logical conclusion in 2016 was to draft DeMarco Murray - who had performed very well for the Cowboys in recent seasons. And it paid off - bringing Chris back up the ranks with a 6-8 record, with a very heavy reliance on DeMarco's 243 fantasy points for the year. He also added Derrick Henry in week 10 who finished the seasons with 93 points total - but was only there as insurance for DeMarco Murray and did not make a start.

In 2017 Coach Leach didn't attempt the double dip like before with CJ2K, nor did he add or trade for a Titan's RB throughout the season. In a hilarious twist of fate - Chris went 11-3 and won his first Corona Bowl in 2017 - go figure? His second best season in 2011 he also went 10-4 and made the playoffs - without a Titans RB. I hate to say it Chris, but I think you might possibly be better off without them...

Coming off his momentous title season in 2018, Chris apparently made the same realisation I just did and did not draft a Titans RB. He did add Derrick Henry for $27 in Week 13 though, a somewhat surprising name on the free agency pool as he finished the year with 186 points. He started in Week 13 for Chris, scoring 10.5 points in a win - but Chris probably wishes he started him again, as he scored 47.8 points on his bench in a 90-81 point loss...leaving Forge Flyers at 7-7 for the year.

So - there you have it - the esteemed tenure of every Tennessee Titans running back to ever feature for Forge Flyers. Perhaps they didn't always yield the desired results or seasons - but Coach Leach sure did hit on a few of them, and they have been foundation players for multiple Forge Flyers teams. Do they deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? You tell me when you vote.

2019 Hall of Fame Nomination: Tom's Tyrants

Tom's Tyrants: "The Merger" - The first team from the Rookie Division to reach and win the Corona Bowl

Now we've given you a blast from the past on some nominations before - but this one's really taking us back - all the way back to 2011 no less. For some of you, I'm going to have to explain how things were back then as you won't even know.

So, to paint a picture from 2009....The league started as 10 teams, 4 of which were managed by Coach Stubbs and Coach Burdett. There were two divisions of 5 teams (the "Veterans" division and the "Rookies" division), with the two division winners advancing to playoffs and 2 wildcard teams with the next best record. There was also a promotion/relegation aspect between the Veteran and Rookie division. We also had 3 wide receiver spots instead of two, plus an ADDITIONAL WR/TE flex. The formative years of any league are certainly experimental, and the LOC was no different.

But that doesn't take away from the competition - the early days still saw close playoff races and competitive games...but like the early days of the NFL and the AFL, most of the winning and competition came from the Veterans division, with the first two Corona Bowls only featuring Veterans division teams. That was until 2011.

Coach Barnes had a humbling start to his fantasy career (one that you would look back at and not match to the recent achievements of Coach Barnes). But, this was early days - he was learning the ropes of the NFL, let alone NFL fantasy. After going 5-9 and 6-8 in their first two years, Tom's Tyrants were firmly a Rookie Division team. But - as is the case in the minor leagues, there is always opportunity to spring forward (in part because those around you may also not be quite as good as divisions above). Coach Barnes shared a division with three newcomers in 2011, Coach Nathwani, Coach Fugard, and Coach Wells. Coach Burdett was the other in the division, having been a founding team like Tom's Tyrants - except they were coming off a relegation in 2010.

With a few years under his belt, Coach Barnes was ready to step up.  A stellar draft that consisted of Chris Johnson, Tom Brady, Jeremy Maclin, Jermichael Finley and Ahmad Bradshaw was further bolstered throughout the year with the additions of DeAngelo Williams, Nate Burleson, and Victor Cruz. This group would propel Coach Barnes to a 9-5 record, his first winning season, division title, and playoff appearance - and a Coach of the Year award.

In the first round of the playoffs Tom's Tyrants faced The Tuckfards - a team that was no stranger to success in their first couple of years, having made playoffs in 2010. Remember this was also a time where the dye was not cast on the chances of The Tuckfards in the playoffs, so there was a lot at stake. But Tom's Tyrants did come out triumphant, having brushed aside the Veteran Division team 106-92. This game marked the first time a Rookie Division team had won in the playoffs. Tom Brady lead the charge (31 points), with a solid supporting cast behind him.

Week 16, Corona Bowl III, marked the first ever appearance in a Corona Bowl for a Rookie Division team. On the face of it, it would not be an easy game, as Tom's Tyrants faced the current champion Gridiron Gang. It was a case of experience versus fresh ideas - and as is usually the case, the new overcame the old. Tom's Tyrants were not daunted by being a Rookie Division team, and thumped Gridiron Gang 141-92, a record amount of points at the time in the Corona Bowl, for not only Coach Barnes first Stubbs trophy, but for the first ever Stubbs trophy to be hoisted by a Rookie Division team. This was on the back of Brady scoring another 32 points, Bradshaw 18, Williams 20, Maclin 13, and perhaps most important of all - Victor Cruz with a 99 yard touchdown and a total of 22 points.

Little did we know at the time - but Coach Barnes would actually be a trend setter. The next 2 Corona Bowls saw Rookie Division teams hoisting the Stubbs trophy. One could say that he blazed the path for those that followed. And indeed, after that the promotion/relegation system was removed from the league as the competition and talent had narrowed. I don't think it's out of the realm to say Tom's Tyrants were a large part of that shift - and it's for you to decide whether this pivotal moment in history should be enshrined in the LOC Hall of Fame.

2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: IKSAN

IKSAN: Week 13 2015, the highest scoring week in LOC history in a 12 team format (The Baker's dozen)

Coach Sherwood has had a stellar career in the LOC. In the early days, he (rightfully) earned a reputation as a coach that knows nothing, and did not change his team, but he has now morphed into  a coach that knows how to draft and not change his team - a momentous evolution.

I jest, but the early days did not bring a great deal of success for Coach Sherwood - but he was by no means bad, having posted no worse than a 6-8 record in his career - and that was on one occasion, the rest have been 7-7 or better. But truly, it is the recent years that have defined Coach Sherwood's career - a Corona Bowl appearance in 2015, followed by a Corona Bowl victory in 2016, and he currently sits in 5th for the most wins in LOC history, ahead of 2 founding teams and on the heels of a couple more - despite joining in the league's second year.

But today's nomination marks the step change in Coach Sherwood's career - or at least the highlight of the season the step change took place. 2015 was the first year that Coach Sherwood upped his draft game, and unveiled his new money ball style of drafting. It wasn't immediately apparent that this was the case, because of another step change that took place in 2015 - the league expanding to 12 teams. It was not known what impact this change would have, although we now know in hind sight that scoring on a per team basis was lower - not a surprise, given the same pool of players now having to be stretched to 2 other teams.

But despite that change, Coach Sherwood not only matched his win total from the year previous (8-6), he also exceeded his point total by over 120 points. This nomination is a large reason why - but only a part of a body of work.

It was Week 13 - IKSAN were firmly in the race for a playoff spot with a 6-6 record, and they faced a 3-9 Forge Flyers side in the well renowned Friendship Bowl. Realistically, IKSAN had to keep winning to stay alive. And boy did they. The game started on a fairly even keel, after the 6pm games on Sunday the game was tied at roughly 70 points each. But that's where IKSAN took off, absolutely steam rolling Forge Flyers to the tune of 160-64-90.44. Some great performances from Cam Newton (46.14), Richard Rodgers (yes - that Richard Rodgers from Green Bay at the time, can you believe it? 20.60), Antonio Brown (29.80), and the Broncos defence (27). This game brought IKSAN to 7-6, giving them the division title lead over Gridiron Gang on points scored - and they didn't surrender it, eventually going on to appear in Corona Bowl VII.

But this particular week holds its own special place in LOC History, not just IKSAN history. This week was the highest scoring week in a 12 team format (to date). A few have come close to the score, but none have exceeded it.

Given the boldness of Coach Sherwood's draft strategy, the walking into the unknown of a 12 team season, this is a very impressive week for any coach. Is it a hall of fame worthy week? You decide.

2018 Hall of Fame Induction: Commissioner Naithan Stubbs

By Chris Leach, LoC League Ombudsman

Inductee: The Career Commissionership of Naithan Stubbs, 2009-present. (Committee Induction)

Well, welcome. This is alien territory for me, not just because I’m stepping away the microphone to write one of these for the first time, but I’ve also been given some fancy title that allows me to do more of this as the season progresses. I’m not too sure what this title is, neither do I care for titles or acronyms that nobody really understands that much (does anyone really know what EDITLOCCA stands for?) – so just Chris will do just fine. Let me also say that contrary to previous opinion, THIS is the easiest Hall of Fame induction Naith had to write, because he didn’t have to write it at all, though he does know what it’s about, as it’s entirely about him!

So, without further ado, let us delve back into the murky shroud of time, back to a simpler time, back to the summer of 2009…

Now, the summer of 2009 is prominent for absolutely no reason at all, nothing really happened in the world, the astoundingly terrible ‘Evacuate the Dancefloor’ by Cascada was at number one for a whole two weeks in July, the USA somehow got to the final of the Confederations Cup (which nobody cared about) and nearly won, Usain Bolt pissed on the opposition to set the 100m world record in a non-event that this writer stayed up until 1am Cyprus time to watch. All that effort for less than 10 seconds, never again. Most memorably though, Phil was roaming the streets of Priory Park, proclaiming his tank-ness for all to hear. Most of us were about to embark on Year 11, the so called ‘most important year of our lives’ (except you Dave and Nige – though I’m sure whatever you were doing was important too). Yet, in the midst of all this obscurity, change and, erm, tank-ness came an event that altered the course of our combined history – the formation of the LoC.

Now, I will be the first to say that when Naithan approached me all those years ago, I hadn’t a clue what I was doing. I had only really had a passing interest in the NFL from visiting the USA a few times and thought it was just a simple case of picking a team and seeing how they did each week. WRONG! This is where the Naithan appreciation starts – and I’m sure many of you will have similar stories about his attempts to convert you like an evangelical NFL missionary – but without his at first constant badgering about how good American Football was to get us into the sport and secondly, his knowledge and support when we began to actually try to compete in fantasy – many of us would not have been exposed to it and wouldn’t have developed the passion, or certainly the interest for it that we hold today. Nobody would have been forced to get better at it either, and that’s why the league is now as open as it’s ever been – I think literally anyone in it can win it.

Competition has also been a key factor in this league. It’s always been regarded as an event, always been regarded as serious and always been regarded as fun and that direction comes from the top. It’s probably testament to why almost everyone from the early days is still active today.

We’ve had 5 seasons without a team dropping out. The draft is a highlight of my year, and there have been very few auto-drafted teams. Rules are changed up often, explained and voted on democratically. This fantasy league has had more elections than most African nations combined even if its leader hasn’t changed – the commissioner has ploughed down any opposition that stands in his way (yes, that’s you Phil). There has been the advent of various socials that happen across the year as people have moved away, I think anticipation of the division aligning event is now on par with the draft. Let’s not forget the countless articles, power rankings, podcasts and more that back it all up. All this really has been the brainchild of the commissioner and his passion for the league, organisational skills and efforts to continue to evolve it deserve huge credit.

Granted, not everything’s caught on – the keeper league turned out to be like communism and the forfeits didn’t work, he may have given himself one too many GM of the Year awards and put himself in the Hall of Fame that he created but ultimately, who cares? The league is in a great shape and it would be difficult to imagine a league not run by comrade Stubbs.

So, here’s to the commissioner, to another 10 years and more of the LoC – and, just think, what would you have done with your Sunday evenings without the LoC? Who wouldn’t you have met? Would you even have watched the NFL? If the answer to the last question there is no, then you have a lot to thank Naithan Stubbs for and why he deserves his place in the Hall of Fame.

Afterword – huge credit and thanks to Dave who has opened his home up to the LoC for years and obviously did a good job of imparting his passion onto Naithan, who has passed it onto us. So really, there is a case for Dave being inducted too as the LoC’s ‘Genesis’, but that’s for another day…

2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: The Dream Team

Nominee: Robert Griffin III, 9th round draft pick number 83 overall in 2012

Coach Nathwani joined the league in 2011. It was a tough first season, as is usually the case for newcomers to the LOC, but The Dream Team came through it quite well, going 6-8 in their first year. 2012 would be the sophomore leap for Coach Nathwani though, as he lead The Dream Team to a 10-4 record, a division title and a playoff appearance. A large part of that is their hall of fame nominee.

Robert Griffin III was a rookie in 2012. The dynamic dual threat QB was drafted second overall in the NFL draft behind Andrew Luck. In the LOC, he was a 9th round draft pick, 83rd overall. He didn’t start Week 1 for The Dream Team, as there was another dynamic QB by the name of Mike Vick who was the starter for Coach Nathwani, who scored 20 points. They would lose their first game against Touchdown Syndrome 102-126. Robert Griffin III would not have changed this result, but he did have a great game, netting 29 points.

This was enough to start a QB controversy for The Dream Team, as in Week 2 RGIII got the nod over Mike Vick, and it was the right call. Mike Vick got 24, but RGIII put up a terrific 32. Sadly it was not enough to bring home the W, as The Dream Team fell 140-130 against Bear Necessities, starting the year 0-2. The Dream Team would only lose 2 more games across the rest of the regular season.

In Week 3 RGIII started again, leading Coach Nathwani to their first win of the season over Forge Flyers. He got 27, and they won 120-82. The next week he scored 23 and brought home a close win against ADRZ, 117-116. Week 5 RGIII did not play well, only scoring 4 points, but The Dream Team still won against Burdettinators, 78-71. He would bounce back the next week with 37, helping down IKNAN 125-95.

Entering week 7 Coach Nathwani pulled the team back to 4-2. They’d lose that week 94-90, despite RGIII getting 27. After that week, RGIII headed back to the bench in a coaching decision for none other than Andrew Luck, who was added in Week 6. He helped lead them to a 117-69 victory over Gridiron Gang with 19 points, but RGIII still got 14 on the bench. The next week he would reclaim his starting role, again scoring 14 points and leading The Dream Team to a 121-114 victory over Touchdown Syndrome. The next week he was on a bye, The Dream Team won.

RGIII would not return to the bench for the rest of the regular season. Coming off his bye in Week 11 he posted a terrific 40 points en route to a 129-103 victory over The Tuckfards. He had an equally good outing in Week 12, scoring 37 and helping The Dream Team to a 142-96 victory over ADRZ. in Week 13 he scored 20 and again aided Coach Nathwani in a win over Burdettinators, 121-104, and in the final week of the season scored 19 in a 118-79 loss to Forge Flyers.

An injury sustained in Week 14 would cause him to miss the playoff match up against The Tuckfards, in which Colin Kaepernick started in his stead. He posted 34 points in a 107-90 loss for Coach Nathwani.

Overall, RGIII had an 8-3 record as a starter for The Dream Team, and scored 358 points for The Dream Team that season. Not bad for a 9th round draft pick. Unfortunately for RGIII, not only did an injury keep him out of The Dream Team’s playoff game, but an injury in a playoff game for the Redskins also knocked him out of the game and changed his career forever. He was never the same after that. The Dream Team has also since not been able to win a Corona Bowl, though they have made 3 playoff appearances since, including one Corona Bowl appearance in Corona Bowl VI.

RGIII will likely never have a shot at entering the NFL hall of fame, but he does have a chance of making the LOC Hall of fame. 2012 was a great season for him, in which he lead The Dream Team to the playoffs and a division title.

2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: Burdettinators

Burdettinators: The perfect stretch (winning out to make the playoffs and claim Corona Bowl X)

Burdettinators had graced the Corona Bowl with his presence a couple of times in his career. In the inaugural season, they faced Bear Necessities in Corona Bowl I, but were rightfully seen off by a team that was in a different league to everyone else. It wouldn't be until 2013 that they would make the playoffs again - but in this season they did hoist Corona Bowl V, in a historic game where they beat long time rival Coach Merritt - who they had never beaten before. But that's sadly where Burdettinators LOC story ends, as outside of this, there hasn't been a lot to speak about.

...Until 2018. Or more specifically, from Week 11 of 2018. The 2018 season was shaping up to be another disappointing one for Burdettinators. Since their glorious 2013 season, they had some ok years, never falling below 5-9 or climbing above 8-6, but also never reaching the playoffs. 2018 looked to be no different, as despite a stellar draft of Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Stefon Diggs, Tarik Cohen, and Deshaun Watson (which at the time was deemed as high risk but proved to be stable), Burdettinators would start the season with a 4-6 records, perilously close to missing the playoffs for yet another year.

But a trade for Alshon Jeffery, an add of Phillip Lindsay during the season would aid them in changing their fortunes. Multiple games behind in the race for a wildcard, they faced Bear Necessities in Week 11, a game they narrowly won 100-95 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Saquon Barkley did most of the heavy lifting, gaining 33 points. Little did Burdettinators know, but this would be the lowest point total they would score in the remaining weeks of the season.

Week 12 saw them take on long time rival The Tuckfards. These two have had many historic games between each other over the years, most notably Corona Bowl V where Burdettinators erased the pain of never having beaten Coach Merritt by hoisting the trophy himself. And this one, as it turned out, would prove no different. Coach Merritt was firmly in the driving seat for the wild card spot heading into the last few weeks of the season, owning a 7-4 record. But once again it would be Burdettinators who would play spoilers, as he spanked him 138 - 92.

Back at 6-6, now only a game behind coach Merritt and in the thick of it with everyone else - it was all to play for. But Coach Burdett still couldn't afford to lose. Week 13 saw a pivotal match up against division rival Tom's Tyrants, who had already locked up the division with a 9-3 record to date. Burdettinators weren't phased by that however, and churned out another win to the tune of 124 - 100. But in the not too distant future, these two would meet again....

Entering the final week of the regular season, Coach Merritt had lost another game, and it was all to play for with multiple teams sitting on 7 wins. Burdettinators faced another playoff hopeful in IKSAN. But it was clear which team deserved to win the game, and indeed advance to the playoffs. Burdettinators won 128-83 on the back of impressive performances from Jameis Winston, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Phillip Lindsay - a truly strong nucleus. But not only this, every other playoff hopeful team lost bar Burdettinators. Obi Wan Ganobi, Forge Flyers, IKSAN, The Tuckfards, and Bear Necessities were all in with a shot, and all lost - leaving Burdettinators to claim the wildcard.

Week 15 pitted them against a team who had many a strong season in recent years, The Dream Team. Burdettinators won the game with relative ease - but an absolutely heroic play of Mike Williams boosted the side by 30 points, leading to a 122-92 point victory. The Dream Team's playoff woes continued, but Coach Burdett advanced to his 3rd Corona Bowl appearance in his career. Every time he has made the playoffs, he made the Corona Bowl.

But, in Week 16, Corona Bowl X, he faced another team no stranger to a Corona Bowl. Tom's Tyrants. The same Tom's Tyrants that had also now appeared in 3 Corona Bowl's, but had won 2 out of 2 of them. Corona Bowl X marked the 10th anniversary season of the league, with Tom having won Corona Bowl's III and VI, another victory could have cemented the Tom's Tyrants dynasty in the first decade of the league. But a loss...a loss would mean Burdettinators would become the only other team than Tom's Tyrants to win 2 Corona Bowl's, working against Coach Barnes legacy.

Let me tell you now - the dramatic backstory to this game only enhanced what we were about to witness. The closest, perhaps greatest, Corona Bowl in LOC history. In a close fought affair, from the Saturday night games through to the end of the 6pm Sunday games there were 6 lead changes - the game was tight as tight can be. Burdettinators managed to build a bit of a buffer however, entering the 9pm games with a roughly 119.56-106.96 point lead, with both teams having 1 player remaining in the Sunday night and Monday night games respectively.

Despite a 10+ point deficit Sunday night game saw another lead change, however. Tom's Tyrants, boosted by his own key waiver add Damien Williams, finished the Sunday night game which a championship calibre 18 points to give Tom's Tyrants a 124.96-119.56 lead. It was down to Phillip Lindsay in the Monday night game, a player Burdettinators was no stranger to leaning on in the season.

He was not playing well, however. Through half time, Burdettinators still did not have a lead. but a 3rd quarter surge saw Burdettinators just pull ahead - with Lindsay going down injured on the play that gave him the lead, and ultimately, Corona Bowl X - final score 125.26-124.96. You can point to any moment in this game where either team won or lost it - the most notable of which were Deshaun Watson scoring 40.46 points for Burdettinators, and Damien Williams fumbling the ball for Tom's Tyrants.

But when the dust settled, none of that mattered. Burdettinators won 6 straight games to win their 2nd Corona Bowl, a fitting bookend to the first decade of the league after they appeared in Corona Bowl X. Was this a mythical, Hall of Fame run? Well my friends, that's for all of you to decide.

2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: ADRZ

ADRZ - The Trifecta (3 consecutive Corona Bowls)

Coach Wells had a humble start to his LOC career. After rocketing out of the gates in the first half of their inaugural season in 2011, they crumbled and finished 7-7, going on to have a 4-10 season the following year. They would notch their first playoff season in 2013 by going 8-6, but would lose to eventual Champions Burdettinators in the first round of the playoffs. They would regress the following season to 5-9. But this is one half of ADRZ's career that is completely unlike the other - the other part is in fact being nominated for the Hall of Fame.

The 2015 season marked a new chapter - or perhaps even an entirely new book - in Coach Wells' career - but it started in a remarkably similar way to the start of the first book. Coach Well's drafted Jamaal Charles in the 1st round of both the 2011 draft (his first season) and the 2015 draft. Both years Charles would be lost to injured reserve. But helped by coach favourite A.J. Green, with a stellar cast of Frank Gore, Todd Gurley, Russell Wilson, Steve Smith, and Delanie Walker, ADRZ would notch their first division championship, first league championship, and 2nd playoff appearance in their career with a mightily impressive 11-3 record. They would win in the first round of the playoffs, going on to make their first ever appearance in a Corona Bowl - Corona Bowl VII. Here, they added another first in their 2015 season - their first Corona Bowl title. seeing off IKNAN 117-63.

At this time, this was the pinnacle of Coach Wells' LOC career - little did we know, this was actually just the start of a dominant period in the LOC. ADRZ would win their division again in 2016, but not as impressively this time by way of an 8-6 record. It wasn't the crushing force of 2015, but they still made the playoffs, where they once again faced The Dream Team in the first round, and once again came out on top. ADRZ were going to another Corona Bowl, but two years in a row is not as uncommon as you might think - Gridiron Gang, The Tuckfards, and Bear Necessities had all gone to the Corona Bowl 2 years straight. To take away from this even more - ADRZ's Corona Bowl VIII opponent was the same as the previous year also - IKNAN, the first ever, and to date only, Corona Bowl rematch to happen in LOC history - let alone in consecutive years. ADRZ had a shot at differentiating themselves however, as they could become the first team to win 2 in a row. But it was not meant to be, as they lost 118-99.

ADRZ had missed their shot at writing their own unique story into the LOC history books...for the time being. In 2017, Coach Wells' would lead his team to yet another division title with a 9-5 record, becoming the first team ever to win 3 division titles in a row, and tied only with Bear Necessities for division titles. This of course, also represented their 3rd playoff appearance in a row, as well as their first highest scoring team of the season. They didn't face The Dream Team in the first round of the playoffs this season, but they did face playoff newcomer Patistan, who they saw off 90-77. That would mean Coach Wells' was going to the Corona Bowl again, Corona Bowl IX. If you're paying attention, that's their 3rd Corona Bowl appearance, a record at the time (which was tied a year later), but they are the only ever team to appear in 3 Corona Bowl's in a row.

Just fathom that for a second - 3 Corona Bowl appearances in a row. Some coaches have still never made it, most haven't made it more than twice, but ADRZ appeared there 3 years straight. Sadly, they couldn't mark the occasion with another Corona Bowl win as they fell to Forge Flyers 136-77, but it was still an immense achievement.

The following year, Tom's Tyrants and Burdettinators would face off in Corona Bowl 10, marking their 3rd appearance each in a Corona Bowl - but it's not quite the same as doing it consecutively. ADRZ were also in the playoffs yet again as well, extending their division title record to 4 years in a row, and tying the most ever division title wins. They are now also 1 playoff appearance behind from tying The Tuckfards consecutive playoff appearances record.

It would be remiss of me to not mention a criticism of this era in ADRZ history - that they routinely conceded the least amount of points compared to any other team in those 3 years. Now, I am not saying this to besmirch Coach Wells' achievement, because 3 straight winning seasons, division titles, and Corona Bowl appearance does not happen by accident, nor does it happen by just conceding the least amount of points - but it does help.

There is no taking away from the immense amount of skill, smarts, and tactics it takes to accomplish what ADRZ did though. It would not surprise me if we never saw a team appear in 3 straight Corona Bowl's again. The question all of you need to answer is this though - do you think this incredible feat is worthy of the LOC Hall of Fame?

2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: The Tuckfards

The Tuckfards - The Buffalo Tuckfards (5 consecutive playoff appearances)

Coach Merritt has had probably the most curious career of any coach in the LOC. They've had a lot of high moments, a lot of low moments, and everything in between. They've been the pinnacle of the league, and also the laughing stock. They've had some incredible, unique and historic achievements - but perplexingly at the same time have also not achieved much - namely winning a title.

One of the founding teams, The Tuckfards were good out of the gate. They went 6-8 in their first season, a reasonable season - but this was just the starting point of some great things to come. From 2010 to 2014, they only experienced winning - achieving a winning season in each year.

2010 The Tuckfards went 8-6, achieving the 2nd wildcard spot (these were the days of 2 divisions). It was a hotly contested season, with 4 out of 5 teams in the veterans division finishing on an 8-6 record. The Tuckfards had the points to secure the 2nd wildcard, despite starting the season 0-3, they would win their final 4 games to secure a playoff berth. They would fall to current champions Bear Necessities in the first round of the playoffs, but the season was a success.

Looking to build off of that in 2011, they upped their point total but remained at 8 wins - but once again securing a wildcard spot - this time the first wildcard spot. However once again, they would lose in the first round of the playoffs to eventual champions Tom's Tyrants. We all know in hindsight Coach Merritt's track record in the playoffs - but at the time, you could hardly fault them - having lost to current and eventual champions in consecutive seasons.

What would 2013 hold in store? Another improvement. Coach Merritt not only boosted his point total for another year in a row, but he also boosted his win total - going 9-5. This still was not enough to secure a division title - but it was more than enough to secure their 3rd wildcard in a row, and their 3rd trip to the playoffs in a row. But would the playoffs be different this time around? They would indeed - as Coach Merritt saw off The Dream Team (another team with a historically bad record in the playoffs) to advance to their first ever Corona Bowl, Corona Bowl IV. And Coach Merritt must have been confident - they faced a Touchdown Syndrome team who had a change in management mid-season, and only went 3-5 in the regular season games they coached. The Tuckfards were the firm favourite in the Corona Bowl, but in an upset they lost to Coach Simpson.

After 3 good, but ultimately disappointing seasons, 2013 would be the year The Tuckfards emphatically stamped their legacy on the last few seasons. In a retribution game in Week 1, they beat Coach Simpson, and proceeded to storm the rest of the league for an 11-3 record, notching the first division title of their career, and only missing out on the league title on points. a 4th year of consecutive improvement, no mean feat - and the first time they would make the playoffs by way of a division win and not the wildcard. Coach Merritt was determined to make this the year, drubbing IKNAN in the first round of the playoffs 161-114. The stars were aligning - they faced Coach Burdett in Corona Bowl V, a coach The Tuckfards absolutely owned to this point in their history, having never lost a game to them. But Burdettinators were the team that pipped them for the league title - and would indeed be the team to pip them in Corona Bowl V, securing Coach Merritt's second consecutive Corona Bowl loss - despite making the playoffs 4 straight years.

Long running success is a rarity in the LOC - something only few coaches have ever managed. 2014 would be yet another year in the amazing run The Tuckfards had at the start of their career. Improving once again, not by way of wins (they were 10-4), but by achieving their first ever league title, securing their 5th consecutive playoff berth. But unfortunately, they would regress in the area that mattered - the playoffs, falling to Tom's Tyrants in the first round.

2014 would be the final year in The Tuckfards mythical consecutive years playoff run - a feat that has not since been matched (however Coach Wells is currently on a 4 year streak). It would also be the last year they have made the playoffs to date sadly, as the years have not been kind since. And indeed, with all that success, they never managed to win the game that would have resoundingly marked those years as a dynasty - a Corona Bowl. Much like the Buffalo Bills of the early nineties, they had many opportunities - but always fell at the final hurdle.

That however, should definitely not take away from the other amazing achievements they had during this time period. 5 consecutive playoff appearances, a record that stands today. The first team to get to 5 playoff appearances - only last season did any other team reach that figure. Appearing in 5 of the first 6 playoffs. The winningest coach in LOC history for a long time. 2 Corona Bowl appearance. 2 division titles. 1 league title. 1 Coach of the year award. An immensely decorated period in LOC history, and one that certainly would not look out of place in the LOC Hall of Fame.

2019 Hall of Fame Nominations: Gridiron Gang

Gridiron Gang - The man of the people (2017 season General Manager)

Coach Stubbs Jr has won a number of awards over his career in the LOC, with many coming from the GM of the season category. But one stands out that may be worthy of the hall of fame.

2017 - long had it been since Gridiron Gang hoisted the Corona Bowl in 2010. There had been some very dark seasons since, but the recent few had been promising. 2017 would appear to be a continuation of that after the draft. Gridiron Gang was widely recognised to have had a good draft day. A strong group made up of Le’Veon Bell, Dee Bryant, Brandin Cooks and Demaryius Thomas. Greg Olsen, Danny Woodhead,  Rex Burkhead, Wendell Smallwood, Matt Stafford and Carson Palmer. 

After the draft, Coach Stubbs Jr added Chris Carson - an addition that would chip in. But calamity would soon unfold.

Week 1 started in a classic Gridiron Gang way - that is, by losing. But it wasn’t the loss that stung so much as the other loss. In Week 1 Gridiron Gang lost Danny Woodhead to IR. Week 2 was also a tough pill to swallow, losing the game, and losing Greg Olsen and Rex Burkhead to IR. A few key additions would help plug the gap in week 3, leading to their first win - but not getting out of the week without losing star Kicker Cairo Santos to IR. However, a skillful trade sending injured Greg Olsen to The Tuckfards for health Charles Clay would reap big dividends, as would trading a couple of free agent additions for additional depth. 

Despite all that, Gridiron Gang won in week 4 to get to 2-2 - but lost yet another play in Carson Palmer to IR. Jerick McKinnon was added to ease the pain, and would provide much needed assistance as the season went on. Another win in week 5 brought them to 3-2, but lost star free agent addition Chris Carson to IR. Devin Funchess, another player who would provide key contributions, was added to fill the vacant role. 

If you’re keeping count, that’s 6 players lost to IR in 5 weeks. Despite all the injuries, Gridiron Gang wheeled and dealed, and made enough adds to stay afloat. But Coach Stubbs Jr. Wasn’t done. Through the rest of the season, Coach Stubbs Jr would add further key contributors Orleans Darkwa, Jared Goff, George Kittle, Adam Vinatieri, and even Aaron Rodgers - whilst also spinning Darren McFadden to the suspended Ezekiel Elliott owner for Tyrod Taylor. 

Incredibly, after all of that Gridiron Gang went 6-3 in the final 9 weeks of the season with a patch work team and sealed their first playoff berth since 2011. Although they fell in the first hurdle of the playoffs, just getting to the playoffs with all the injuries is a feat in itself.

Coach Stubbs Jr is no stranger to the top of the leader board when it comes to making the most roster moves in a season (60 in 2017 if you were wondering), but he needed every single one of them in 2017 just to keep the team competitive, as well as 4 trades in one season - which I’m pretty sure is an LOC record. But he didn’t just make them competitive, because of his potentially hall of fame worth heroics as a general manager, he made them a playoff team.

2019 Hall of Fame nominations: Bear Necessities

Bear Necessities - 2015 comeback kings, 1 game from glory

While Bear Necessities was the rightful king of the now Hall of Fame inducted 2009 season, they were more like a pauper in the 2015 season - to begin with anyway. After that glorious opening season, Bear Necessities would only have 2 winning seasons in the next 5, and 2015 looked like it would end up being 2 in 6.

The 2015 season started inauspiciously, losing to a coach who had been retired since Bear Necessities Corona Bowl win - Coach Nunn. It was a competitive game, one in which Bear Necessities was pipped at the line with a Monday nightcomeback, 123-114. Week 2 would be an equally bitter pill to swallow, despite posting over 100 points again (106), Coach Stubbs Sr lost to IKNAN’s 120. The same was true for Week 3, and in Week 4 a highly respectable 97 was not enough against Burdettinators 107 either. 

If you’re keeping count, that’s an 0-4 start. After Week 3, they also lost signal caller Andrew Luck to injury. This could have gotten ugly very quickly, but a timely first win against Patistan 91-71 stopped the rot. Week 6 saw the return of Luck, buoying a 104-94 victory over Tom’s Tyrants to get to 2-4. The bad start was a distant memory by week 8, as another two great performances brought them to 4-4. 

As with all teams, sometimes when you get back to the status quo you tend to ease up a bit, and unfortunately that’s what happened in Week 9, as Bear Necessities fell to Jeff’s Seals 108-94. But they nipped that in the bud fast with a 123-93 win over The Dream Team. But another disappointing week against Tom’s Tyrants saw Bear Necessities fall to 5-6 at a critical juncture of the season. Once again Luck was lost to injury, as well as Emmanuel Sanders and Dion Lewis.

The final 3 weeks Bear Necessities posted a military precision 103, 106 and 107 points to win their final 3 games and secure the 2nd seed for the playoffs. This set up a rematch against IKNAN, who they lost to in their opening 4 game losing run. Unfortunately for Coach Stubbs Sr, the result was the same, and they were downed 149-113. This was a culmination of the losses of Luck, Stewart, Yeldon and Lewis. 

IKNAN would go on to be the king that season, but the comeback king title belonged to Bear Necessities, who started 0-4 and finished 8-2, securing the second seed. They’d lose in the first round of the playoffs, but averaged the highest score per game on the season, and had the highest score in week 16.