Well because of the scrimage games its hard to put out rankings not knowing how teams will preform and they also give us all a few more days of recruiting so hopefully I will be able to adjust the rankings again before the start of the actual season but after the scrimage games if I have time.
Again these are very preliminary and strictly my opinion, I know there are a few teams who did quite well last season that are going to feel snubbed by me. Elephant Conference was particularly hard because in looking at the rosters I felt there were 10 or so playoff calibur teams and another 2 or 3 that could slip in. You dont like my rankings prove me wrong during the season as many of you did last year.
Thanks,
-Keller
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Lion Conference
1. Somalia Wasps (0-0): The season is new but the bitter taste from their playoff loss still lingers. The Wasps are back for at least another season but they will bring the same tenacity as they did in season 3.
2. Zimbabwe Beavers (0-0): Recently promoted the Beavers are looking to make a splash, and they certainly have the talent to match up against the other top teams. But the question remains, will they be able to step it up against tougher competition week in and week out?
3. Kalahari Night Riders (0-0): Didn’t live up to playoff expectations but still gave a good showing against the eventual champions. The Night Riders have spent the off season bringing in a few new faces who should make some immediate impacts while returning most if not all of their 13-3 squad from season 3.
4. Etheopian Starvin Marvins (0-0): The leagues #1 offense from last season has added a few new pieces and is geared up to make a strong push for the top. Their defense still leaves a little to be desired but its hard to lose when your offense can put up 35+ each game. But in a conference that is top loaded can these guys continue to have success?
5. Zimbabwe Bush Squirrel Rebellion (0-0): The Squirrels managed to pull of two huge playoff upsets in route to their conference championship appearance. Solid coaching and excellent management keep this team relevant but no one will be underestimating them this season. Will star receiver I M Open be able to keep these guys near the top?
6. Nigeria Nightmare (0-0): This is the other team that was recently promoted and they are looking to come out and have a strong season to show that they belong. I don’t see this team having any problems and expect to see them in the playoffs after 16 games.
7. Egypt Empire (0-0): Didn’t impress anyone in their first season of play, however the Empire have had a strong offseason adding quite a bit of talent. Like Angola last season, this team is loaded with depth which will allow them to stay fresh against the top teams… could this be our Cinderella?
8. Sahara Shadow Chasers (0-0): Had a few offseason acquisitions, but nothing major. Im not sure this squad did enough to stay competitive with the other teams around them. None the less I think they will be in the playoff picture at seasons end.
9. African Killer Frogs (0-0): I made the mistake of ranking these guys high last season and the let me down. Looking at their roster I feel that they have a playoff caliber team, however they must learn to win games against other bubble teams if they hope to make it in.
10. Uganda Silverbacks (0-0): Squeaked into the playoffs in season 3 and have the potential to do it again, however the Silverbacks are going to be in a much fiercer competition for the bottom spots this season.
11. Minnesota Mafia (0-0): The Mafia are welcoming back star HB James Golling who spent the first half of the season in Africa AAA#1 last year. After a strong start the Mafia collapsed under poor chemistry and saw their season go down the drain. If they cant resolve those issues this season they will once again be on the outside looking in… but should they get their act together they have the talent to be a very competitive team.
12. Fort Wayne Generals (0-0): Once again im not quite sure what to make of these guys. They have a few holes on their roster but they have plenty of young talent to grow with the team. In season 3 they beat two playoff bound teams and put up impressive showings in a few of their losses, but were completely unheard of in other weeks. If this team can become consistent slipping into the playoffs isn’t out of the question.
13. Madagascar Outlaws (0-0): I expect much of the same from this team as I did in season 3, which is very little. However I also must admit this isn’t a team to be overlooked as they do field a solid roster they just lack the levels that the top teams have. This team could be the source of a few upsets this season.
14. South African Bulls (0-0): These final 3 teams were hard to rank as I feel that all three are about even… but I decided to give the Bulls the nod because I know their fan support is fairly good thanks to the Heat and they had the best chemistry of the three teams. Hopefully the new management doesn’t display the same quality as those of the Heat did, but this team like the Outlaws could steal a few games this season from unexpecting opponents.
15. Sierra Leon Thunder Bolts (0-0): They had a lot of promise entering season 3 but they never lived up to expectations. The Bolts enter this season with less of a burden than last season, but they have also had to downgrade at a few positions.
16. Sahara Death Stalkers (0-0): Well at least these guys have a stronger roster than the Enri… “crazy spider team”… but I predict they will be meeting the same results that they had in Africa Pro. If they can fill a few holes they will be able field a team that is competitive with the lower part of Lion Conference.
Elephant Conference
1. Morocco Camels (0-0): No DA KING should equate to a strong start. The Camels have the talent to be Elephants best but will they be able to survive the competition to come out on top at seasons end?
2. Russian Tractor (0-0): After an 0-2 start last season the Tractor didn’t lose another game until the conference finals… can the repeat that feat again this season? They have solid players all across the board but the top of Lion conference is going to be very competitive.
3. Los Angeles Xtreme (0-0): The Xtreme had the #1 rated defense in season 3 and they long to retain that title in season 4. Offensively they have added some new talent that should help to make them a multidimensional team. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this team finished on top, but I had to give other teams the nod as Elephant Conference is loaded with talent this year.
4. Somalia Wildcats (0-0): These are the new kids on the block but they definitely aren’t at the bottom of the food chain. The Wildcats field a solid well balanced team that should be very successful in their new conference.
5. Gold coast Corsairs (0-0): The other new team to Elephant Conference, the Corsairs, field a very strong offensive unit that should match up quite nicely with the staunch defenses in the conference, however will their defense be strong enough to allow them to beat the other top teams?
6. Mozambique Lions (0-0): The Lions started off season 3 strong but had a poor finish, however after developing some of their talent I expect them to last the season. The only question mark on this team is whether their offensive line will allow their offense to get anything done, but if they can move the ball the Lions will be a force to be reckoned with.
7. San Dimas Saints (0-0): This was a team that I counted out early last season and they proved me wrong. This season their roster is in much better shape than it was last year, and they proved that they can hang with Elephants best. Their playoff fate ultimately will boil down to whether or not their passing offense continues to roll or if opposing defenses find a way to shut them down.
8. African Killer Bee’s (0-0): The Bee’s return a stout defense that only allowed 20+ points four times last season. Defensively they can match up with anyone in the league but their offense can leave much to be desired.
9. Eaton Beavers (0-0): It pains me to put these guys in the 9th slot to start the season, but I honestly feel that they have the 9th best squad in Elephant Conference entering the season. Last season they shut out 34% of their opponents and only allowed 20+ points twice including their playoff loss… but will they be able to produce similar results against much improved offenses this season?
10. River Styx Jinx (0-0): The Jinx had a fairly good year in season 3 but just missed the playoffs. This is a team that very well could be in the playoff picture a month from now but to be there they need to not only win the close games, but especially the games against the other middle of the pack teams.
11. New Jersey Blaze (0-0): This is another bubble team that could be making some noise this season. Defensively they are on par with the rest of the conference however their offense has its holes. They will be in contention once again for the playoffs, but like last season I expect they will fall just short… but don’t sleep on them because they are more than capable of pulling out an upset.
12. High Plains Drifters (0-0): This team has a few holes left that they need to fill, but with three or four upgrades they could be a title contender. I don’t expect their record to be much improved but they are now a threat week in and week out.
13. Congo Death (0-0): Have a few scattered holes across the board but like the Drifters have some solid pieces in place as well. I expect this team to improve slightly upon their record from season 3 but the Death will probably still fall short of the playoffs. Definitely not the team you want to overlook.
14. Mogadishu Malice (0-0): The Malice have an offense that can keep them in games, but it might be asking a lot for their defense to keep them in the hunt. They had their flashes in season 3 but could never execute to get the job done, will season 4 bring success?
15. Chicago Wheelhouse (0-0): This team has a roster that could be competitive, however they also have a few scattered holes and lack depth at certain positions. Not a team to overlook but I just don’t see them making a big splash in the standings this season.
16. Lake M’Zumba Cannibals (0-0): Like their Lion conference counterparts, the Death Stalkers, the Cannibals are recently relegated from Africa Pro. Right now I would say they are the favorites to once again finish last and move down once again, but they have 16 games to prove me wrong.
Again these are very preliminary and strictly my opinion, I know there are a few teams who did quite well last season that are going to feel snubbed by me. Elephant Conference was particularly hard because in looking at the rosters I felt there were 10 or so playoff calibur teams and another 2 or 3 that could slip in. You dont like my rankings prove me wrong during the season as many of you did last year.
Thanks,
-Keller
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lion Conference
1. Somalia Wasps (0-0): The season is new but the bitter taste from their playoff loss still lingers. The Wasps are back for at least another season but they will bring the same tenacity as they did in season 3.
2. Zimbabwe Beavers (0-0): Recently promoted the Beavers are looking to make a splash, and they certainly have the talent to match up against the other top teams. But the question remains, will they be able to step it up against tougher competition week in and week out?
3. Kalahari Night Riders (0-0): Didn’t live up to playoff expectations but still gave a good showing against the eventual champions. The Night Riders have spent the off season bringing in a few new faces who should make some immediate impacts while returning most if not all of their 13-3 squad from season 3.
4. Etheopian Starvin Marvins (0-0): The leagues #1 offense from last season has added a few new pieces and is geared up to make a strong push for the top. Their defense still leaves a little to be desired but its hard to lose when your offense can put up 35+ each game. But in a conference that is top loaded can these guys continue to have success?
5. Zimbabwe Bush Squirrel Rebellion (0-0): The Squirrels managed to pull of two huge playoff upsets in route to their conference championship appearance. Solid coaching and excellent management keep this team relevant but no one will be underestimating them this season. Will star receiver I M Open be able to keep these guys near the top?
6. Nigeria Nightmare (0-0): This is the other team that was recently promoted and they are looking to come out and have a strong season to show that they belong. I don’t see this team having any problems and expect to see them in the playoffs after 16 games.
7. Egypt Empire (0-0): Didn’t impress anyone in their first season of play, however the Empire have had a strong offseason adding quite a bit of talent. Like Angola last season, this team is loaded with depth which will allow them to stay fresh against the top teams… could this be our Cinderella?
8. Sahara Shadow Chasers (0-0): Had a few offseason acquisitions, but nothing major. Im not sure this squad did enough to stay competitive with the other teams around them. None the less I think they will be in the playoff picture at seasons end.
9. African Killer Frogs (0-0): I made the mistake of ranking these guys high last season and the let me down. Looking at their roster I feel that they have a playoff caliber team, however they must learn to win games against other bubble teams if they hope to make it in.
10. Uganda Silverbacks (0-0): Squeaked into the playoffs in season 3 and have the potential to do it again, however the Silverbacks are going to be in a much fiercer competition for the bottom spots this season.
11. Minnesota Mafia (0-0): The Mafia are welcoming back star HB James Golling who spent the first half of the season in Africa AAA#1 last year. After a strong start the Mafia collapsed under poor chemistry and saw their season go down the drain. If they cant resolve those issues this season they will once again be on the outside looking in… but should they get their act together they have the talent to be a very competitive team.
12. Fort Wayne Generals (0-0): Once again im not quite sure what to make of these guys. They have a few holes on their roster but they have plenty of young talent to grow with the team. In season 3 they beat two playoff bound teams and put up impressive showings in a few of their losses, but were completely unheard of in other weeks. If this team can become consistent slipping into the playoffs isn’t out of the question.
13. Madagascar Outlaws (0-0): I expect much of the same from this team as I did in season 3, which is very little. However I also must admit this isn’t a team to be overlooked as they do field a solid roster they just lack the levels that the top teams have. This team could be the source of a few upsets this season.
14. South African Bulls (0-0): These final 3 teams were hard to rank as I feel that all three are about even… but I decided to give the Bulls the nod because I know their fan support is fairly good thanks to the Heat and they had the best chemistry of the three teams. Hopefully the new management doesn’t display the same quality as those of the Heat did, but this team like the Outlaws could steal a few games this season from unexpecting opponents.
15. Sierra Leon Thunder Bolts (0-0): They had a lot of promise entering season 3 but they never lived up to expectations. The Bolts enter this season with less of a burden than last season, but they have also had to downgrade at a few positions.
16. Sahara Death Stalkers (0-0): Well at least these guys have a stronger roster than the Enri… “crazy spider team”… but I predict they will be meeting the same results that they had in Africa Pro. If they can fill a few holes they will be able field a team that is competitive with the lower part of Lion Conference.
Elephant Conference
1. Morocco Camels (0-0): No DA KING should equate to a strong start. The Camels have the talent to be Elephants best but will they be able to survive the competition to come out on top at seasons end?
2. Russian Tractor (0-0): After an 0-2 start last season the Tractor didn’t lose another game until the conference finals… can the repeat that feat again this season? They have solid players all across the board but the top of Lion conference is going to be very competitive.
3. Los Angeles Xtreme (0-0): The Xtreme had the #1 rated defense in season 3 and they long to retain that title in season 4. Offensively they have added some new talent that should help to make them a multidimensional team. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this team finished on top, but I had to give other teams the nod as Elephant Conference is loaded with talent this year.
4. Somalia Wildcats (0-0): These are the new kids on the block but they definitely aren’t at the bottom of the food chain. The Wildcats field a solid well balanced team that should be very successful in their new conference.
5. Gold coast Corsairs (0-0): The other new team to Elephant Conference, the Corsairs, field a very strong offensive unit that should match up quite nicely with the staunch defenses in the conference, however will their defense be strong enough to allow them to beat the other top teams?
6. Mozambique Lions (0-0): The Lions started off season 3 strong but had a poor finish, however after developing some of their talent I expect them to last the season. The only question mark on this team is whether their offensive line will allow their offense to get anything done, but if they can move the ball the Lions will be a force to be reckoned with.
7. San Dimas Saints (0-0): This was a team that I counted out early last season and they proved me wrong. This season their roster is in much better shape than it was last year, and they proved that they can hang with Elephants best. Their playoff fate ultimately will boil down to whether or not their passing offense continues to roll or if opposing defenses find a way to shut them down.
8. African Killer Bee’s (0-0): The Bee’s return a stout defense that only allowed 20+ points four times last season. Defensively they can match up with anyone in the league but their offense can leave much to be desired.
9. Eaton Beavers (0-0): It pains me to put these guys in the 9th slot to start the season, but I honestly feel that they have the 9th best squad in Elephant Conference entering the season. Last season they shut out 34% of their opponents and only allowed 20+ points twice including their playoff loss… but will they be able to produce similar results against much improved offenses this season?
10. River Styx Jinx (0-0): The Jinx had a fairly good year in season 3 but just missed the playoffs. This is a team that very well could be in the playoff picture a month from now but to be there they need to not only win the close games, but especially the games against the other middle of the pack teams.
11. New Jersey Blaze (0-0): This is another bubble team that could be making some noise this season. Defensively they are on par with the rest of the conference however their offense has its holes. They will be in contention once again for the playoffs, but like last season I expect they will fall just short… but don’t sleep on them because they are more than capable of pulling out an upset.
12. High Plains Drifters (0-0): This team has a few holes left that they need to fill, but with three or four upgrades they could be a title contender. I don’t expect their record to be much improved but they are now a threat week in and week out.
13. Congo Death (0-0): Have a few scattered holes across the board but like the Drifters have some solid pieces in place as well. I expect this team to improve slightly upon their record from season 3 but the Death will probably still fall short of the playoffs. Definitely not the team you want to overlook.
14. Mogadishu Malice (0-0): The Malice have an offense that can keep them in games, but it might be asking a lot for their defense to keep them in the hunt. They had their flashes in season 3 but could never execute to get the job done, will season 4 bring success?
15. Chicago Wheelhouse (0-0): This team has a roster that could be competitive, however they also have a few scattered holes and lack depth at certain positions. Not a team to overlook but I just don’t see them making a big splash in the standings this season.
16. Lake M’Zumba Cannibals (0-0): Like their Lion conference counterparts, the Death Stalkers, the Cannibals are recently relegated from Africa Pro. Right now I would say they are the favorites to once again finish last and move down once again, but they have 16 games to prove me wrong.
