The Season 21 Preview
I know many of you have been waiting for this, and it's a bit late but here we go.
Big 8
The Clutch Ballers: Predicted as the favorites at the start of the season, but had a humiliating season opening loss against the now bot Agawam Lunarflys. Coach Chewy takes full responsibility for the loss blaming aggressive tactics, and tell his team to "take the game a lightly." The Ballers are undefeated since and with their star players Kwon Tong Quang (KTQ) and Pierpaolo Lagioni at the helm, the Ballers look to have another successful year.
Lightning_: Newly promoted but no foreigner to Division IV. One of the last 2 undefeated teams in the League. Look to have a breakout season, much like last years Norfolk Dolphins. Their success may just be their lack of competition thus far, but their last 3 games of Intra-division play will show if this young team (average age is 22) has the talent to back the hype.
New York Ballers: In their second official season, the "other" Ballers managed to qualify for the play-offs as the second seed directly out of promotion. They dominated the league and barely lost in the Quarter-finals to League Runner-ups the Clutch Ballers. They look to be a driving force yet again, and are expected to be a top 3 finish. 23-year old István Gere looks to lead the team to hopefully their first Division 4 play-off win.
500 hackers Having a horrible start to the season, but if last year is any indication they can still rebound, and be successful in the play-offs. Lost in the Semi-finals to the Clutch Ballers last year (first play-off loss to the Ballers). Their stellar, seasoned roster, is starting having trouble keeping up with the younger players of other teams, but Ruciński, Faulkner, Lafferte, Orupõld, and Meyermann still make up a dynamic starting 5. However the hackers are quickly becoming irrelevant as the Clutch Ballers, New York Ballers, and Lightning_ appear as the younger more vibrant teams to beat. The hackers always manage to make it to the play-offs, and are the team that has been in this Division the longest but if the follow their pattern of League ending positions (6,4,3,2,2,3,4...) we would be look for a 6th play finish this year. The Eskimos, and Natures Creatures may be the 4th and 5th finishers, but we'll see.
Texas Eskimos
The Texas Eskimos have been in League IV.62 for 5 seasons. They fought relegation the first year, made the play-offs for the next two, but most recently have missed out on two play-offs with 5th place finishes. The look to compete for the fourth place spot with Natures Creatures, and urbandub much like the old Cleveland Crazys, Diaper Dandies, Big Boy Team fights in the Great 8. Returning stars include Francisco Vargas, Scott Peterson, and Piter Frijns.
Natures Creatures
Remain an example to teams on how to develop one's own team. 14/16 of the players on their roster have never worn another jersey in their life, and the other two are Paulo Porto who was bought, but never played for another team in his carreer, and Vicente Garaycochea who was bought in Season 10 at 19 by N.C. after playin 25 games with his first club. He has since played 12 season with N.C. It seems that this year the Creatures may have a shot at the playoffs as they contest for the 4th finishing spot with many other teams. Youngster Clayton Graf returns along with team leader Santiago Castilla. Will be fun to watch this team play this year.
Jermaines nyc
Team was newly created on August 28th, may struggle this year, we will see. Currently have one win as the Lunarflies (old club) upset the Clutch Ballers in the season-opener.
urbandub
Newly promoted, 1st time Division IV team. The selling of the teams best player Antonio Ribadeneyra(homegrown) could end up as the best or worst move this club will make, the 22 year old is the best player on the club, but salary could be the issue. Look for 3r