2016 Phantoms: What's the (anti) Situation???

[JesterBlaze]

by Spark Wonup
Lawrence Sun Times

Spark Wonup here with Phantoms owner/GM, Jester Blaze, to clue all you Phantom Phans in on the latest and greatest in Lawtown going into 2016. Let's get to it!!

Jester, is the difference between the 2015 and 2016 squads the biggest we've yet to see in Lawrence?

"I think so. When you lose a HOF Head Coach and Quarterback in the same off-season you're going to have a different face to your team the next season. Add to that the losses of Travis Atkins (RG), Joe Martin (CB), and others and there are a lot of unknowns going into this season. Exciting times I tell ya!"

What about the Anti-Phantoms: Newark, Orlando, and Vermont?

"Our division is very diligent. The owners/GMs of those teams don't stop looking for an edge. Both Vermont and Orlando have been spoon fed some bad luck in recent seasons which has offset some really nice moves on the part of both teams. Again, this could be the season the luck goes in either of their favor and 12 wins is not out of the question.

Newark brought in Gary "The BitchWhoAteOne" Jamison to try to rekindle the Crespo flames of glories' past but there's a Hoss of a Mike 'backer on every NC East defensive squad. If he's got the talent then I guess it won't matter who he plays but this could end up being a case of bringing the mouse directly to the mouse trap."

So what are the expectations for the 2016 Phantoms?

"Division title, Conference title, IFL Bowl Victory! That's just the perpetual mindset that we have here and nothing's going to change that.

Surely there's some questions to be answered as the season goes on and this season might see some rare trading by myself to bring in a little more talent at certain spots but the goal is once again another IFL Trophy.

As you know, I'd love to sit here and talk IFL with you all day, Spark, but I've got a game to watch so I've got to go now. You ain't gonna hit the rest of that blunt are you...?"

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Jester's Note: I tried to get something out there for you guys to read but time fell short so this is all there is.

[Matt]

hahaha

Looking forward to some great battles

[Pirates]

Good ole Spark Wonup. Man I love that guy!!

[JesterBlaze]

Catching up with...

by Spark Wonup
Lawrence Sun Times

Spark Wonup here again with Phantoms owner/GM, Jester Blaze. Last we talked the season was about to kick-off. Here we are headed into Week #13 and this season is well into taking shape.

Jester, last we talked about the jump from 2015 to 2016 being the most drastic as far as changes to the team's roster yet Our Beloved sit at 9-2 and ready to host a powerful SLC squad on Sunday. How has the team maintained it's winning ways while boasting the league's 2nd toughest schedule at the moment?

"hahaha Well, you know what they say: 'The more things change the more the Phantoms win games! lol hahahaha"

Have you been drinking?

"I'm not drunk!" (turns to respond to PR consultant "Plastered is not drunk! You stand corrected, thank you! Belligerent asshole!")

So life post-Stanfield doesn't seem so bad thus far?

"Really? Were you there for week 3 against Tulsa?

There's a very real chance that we can't beat them this season and an even more probable chance that the road to represent the NC in the IFL Bowl goes through Tulsa this season!!

We also beat up on a beat up Penn squad. We have no idea what it's like to play them with a fully operational Hamiltion!!!

I'm sorry. I'm just emotional and always thinking of the big prize. Yes, if I step back and look at the big picture then this has been a successful season thus far. I've just got tunnel vision on those two teams right now... and don't think I don't see the stage being set for a potential WV Threepeat!!!"

Are you overlooking Newark?

"Spark, you ignorant fool. I love you. The fans love you... but you're just a simpleton at times... dumber than a doorknob.

Newark is the Bizzaro to our Superman! I don't have to "look" at them. I feel their putrid motives and poison intentions in my veins!!

Truth be told though I don't know that the bones show Newark v. Lawrence in the 2016 post-season. I feel Tulsa and Penn will be the top seeds and the rest of us will have to go through them to face each other. A showdown with Newark this post-season would be a dream come true since I feel that means we're both a mere game or two away from the Big Dance!"

Which off-season loss has hurt the most?

"Well on a week to week basis we really miss the coverage and veteran leadership of CB Joe Martin. However, Travis Atkins went to Tulsa. When you have two fairly equal teams and you take a quality piece from one and put him on another the result can be drastic. It wouldn't surprise me to see Tulsa's pick-up of Atkins be THE move of 2016 when all's said and done."

What's the deal with Orlando and Vermont? No 12 win seasons in 2016 either.

"Orlando keeps hitting on draft choices (both early and late) but it hasn't translated into victories yet. There's a leak somewhere and when Kurt figures it out Orlando's going to be a consistent winner.

Vermont is a mystery. Here's an organization that won a Trophy on the back of Virgil and some serious defensive gameplanning. Things have gone downhill since and I have no idea why. I do know that Vermont with Virgil at the helm can beat any team in the league on any given day.

Let me say it's also no easy feat for some of the up-and-coming NC teams to make the jump to the next level. Sometimes these records are misleading. There's some very talented NC organizations posting sub-500 records due to some old dogs like ourselves who are holding on passionately to the spots we've earned. When the NC revolution comes it will be televised and SWIFT! 5-11 teams will have 11+ wins the next season WITH AUTHORITY.

Of course it won't be the Phantoms' spot that they take"

[Matt]

nice one spark.

Can't wait for the season to unfold. It's pretty intruiging to say the lease

[tarcone]

The pick up of Atkins has been huge for us. He has done a great job helping out our line. We havent felt the loss of G Aaron Taxin at all.

[Pirates]

I swear we will have a lot of talent. Just no wins damnit. I think our QB is a stinker. I really hung my hat on Mueller and I just think he is Jeff George in disguise.