History was made last weekend in the vaunted SPFL, as Ryan’s Yesterday’s Corn franchise moved into solo second place on the all time titles list, picking up their third Farley Trophy.
It was a weird, challenging year in the SPFL (and my life as a whole, but I won’t chase that rabbit today). The Corn picked up that third ring in fairly easy fashion over last year’s champion, the Turf Turtles, which nearly pulled off a very rare back to back feat. Meanwhile, in the Consolation Bowl, the Bright 1s recouped their entry fees with a close victory over this season’s regular season juggernaut, the Piranha Brothers. The hardest pill to swallow for those 3rd and 4th place teams is that both outscored our Super Bowl contestants. Nevertheless, as we’ve all learned over the years, that’s fantasy football at its finest and it makes those ultimate victories all the more sweet.
To recap, Yesterday’s Corn cruised to the title, 132-114 over the Turf Turtles, and it was all based on roster balance. Justin Fields (26) led the Corn’s scoring, but there was a quartet of 15+ point scorers (DK Metcalf, Nico Collins, Sam LaPorta, and Tyreek Hill) and all but one starter posted a double figure score. On the other hand, the Turf Turtles were much more top-shell heavy, with only three double figure scorers, led by Kyren Williams (32) and Breece Hall (28). And mention must be made of that third DF scorer, Jake Browning (21), a late season waiver wire pickup who nearly quarterbacked an SPFL champion! Kudos to him and the Turtles’ savvy ownership. It’s not an obvious choice, but Justice Hill (32) in a flex position over Antonio Gibson would have shifted this outcome.
In the consolation bowl, the Bright 1s claimed the bronze 150-143 over the Piranha Brothers, thanks to a Texans D (36) and Devon Achane (25). The Brothers almost finished in the money, led by DJ Moore (30) and Travis Etienne (29), but leaving the inactive Raheem Mostert at a flex position was the deciding factor. Not having interviewed the Brother’s GM/Coach, I can imagine some disappointment at a magical season being derailed in the semifinals weighed into that “opting out of the bowl game moment”.
And so, with that, another SPFL season is in the books. I’m a little disappointed in my blog performance this year, but I have been fairly distracted with work stuff and my mom’s health and ultimate passing. I will strive to be a little more creative next season and there’s always the chance that I’ll get inspired and post something in the off season. If I do, I will try to post a notification on our Yahoo chat. Until then, enjoy the NFL playoffs and CFB championship. I will be sending out prize winnings tomorrow or this weekend. Be on the lookout this summer for a post with a list of potential keepers for each of your squads. I sincerely hope that all of you will return for next season, you’re a great bunch of owners. But if you’re not going to, let me know as soon as you’re certain, so we’re not scrambling for a replacement in August (although we did hit a home run this year with our new owner…).
Thanks, and best wishes for a wonderful 2024,
The Commish