Gridiron Gazette: Goal Line Stand (Week 1)

Everyone expected Darren McFadden to go to the expansion Islanders, but what kind of impact will the rookie running back have in Weymouth?








Goal Line Stand (Week 1)
Cam Pannalist, Gridiron Gazette




Darren McFadden was the most sought-after player this off-season, yet only 1 team really had a shot at him: the Weymouth Islanders, the sole expansion club amongst a plethora of established rosters in the FAC-10. The only way that Weymouth could capitalize on McFadden's skills was to surround itself with young talent.

And Athletic Director Nick Bruce did just that.

The Islanders capitalized on an abundance of youthful running backs, nabbing 21 year old Jonathan Stewart before any other team had a chance at him. Also added to the Weymouth 8-man off-season roster was WR Anthony Gonzalez, projected to reel in just over 80 receptions in 2008.

However, no receiver or running back core is valuable without a quarterback to lead it all. The Islanders nabbed young Aaron Rogers for the future, but also drafted wily veteran Brett Favre to lead them this year. Much has been speculated amongst Weymouth insiders, but most believe that the Favre-Rogers relationship is one of respect and understanding.

"I have no problem keeping this guy's seat warm for a while," said Favre. "As long as the little bastard doesn't touch my stuff."

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SU @ TCT
New name, same dominating roster. Twin City Tech has some of the best players in the league, and will make sure they're in championship form in Week 1 against the 2007 FBCS champ Crazy Horses. TCT dominated the regular season in 2007, but fell short in the playoffs (stud QB Tom Brady and WR Randy Moss were nearly non-existent in the Semi-Final matchup with U-Mex).

The Red Raiders' offense is just too good, and should set a tone in the opening week against a weak SUCH defense.



BHU @ AAM
Athol spent most of the 2007 season with the #1 ranking in the FBCS, only to falter late in the season and ultimately lose in the first round of the playoffs. The new and improved Alchys are built for the future, trading up to draft RB Matt Forte with the #3 overall pick only to have him sit on the bench as the team's #3 back.

The future is bright in Athol, but the present is a bit gloomy. The King should roll along in this Week 1 rivalry match.


DUBA @ BU
Like Twin City Tech, Busch University hopes that a change in name will result in a change of standing. After a FBCS Championship appearance in their first season in the conference, the Lattes' future looks just as bright. Their core roster is returning, and should prove a force in the FAC-10 for years.

Likewise, Dublin has quite the long-term roster. Unfortunately, DUBA's short-term solution involves forcing the ball down RB Brian Westbrook's throat, and as everyone knows, one man cannot carry an entire team. The new and improved Busch U. in a blowout.


WEY @ RAK
The QB situation in Rakeville is very exciting, with two gunslingers on the roster that cannot complete a pass if their life depended on it. JaMarcus Russell spent his rookie campaign as a benchwarmer to whatever quarterback Head Coach Drew Bledsoe fancied at the time. This year, Russell should get most of the snaps, but long-term project Matt Leinart will play the part of Clipboard Holder.

With expansion Weymouth looking to 2009 and beyond, don't expect much of a battle between these two rosters. If Rakeville and Weymouth don't get the two least points scored this week, it'll be a huge surprise.


GS @ UM
When the Mexico Wildcats are presented their 2007 FAC-10 rings, it'll be in front of 62,000 screaming fans, as well as a Gillespie State team that has slowly turned into its rival. The Black Diamonds have finished 3rd in 2 of the last 3 seasons, and its most in thanks to A.D. Brian Gillespie. Gillespie has built one of the best rosters in the league.... just not in the post-season.

Mexico has a huge target on their backs. The 2-time FBCS champions are poised to be knocked off their pedestal, with an aging receiving core and a revolving Quarterback door that is never safe. The Wildcats have yet to keep their end-of-the-season staring QB on their off-season roster, which puts added pressure on this year's slinger, Donovan McNabb. Regardless, Mexico will defend their title in Week 1's biggest blowout.


GU @ UAK
Arizona-Kickery had an atrocious season in 2007, and it's an amazement that the team stuck around for a third year. After finishing 2nd in 2006, A.D. Pat Renaud had high hopes for the Kickers, but the team was knocked out of the playoff race very early and decided to pack up shop before anyone remembered they were still in the league.

For this reason, as well as Golden's strong draft (according to EhSPN.com, the Gryphons had the most productive draft of all 12 teams), Kickery has quite the difficult start to their rebound season. RBs Stephen Jackson and Larry Johnson should put up a combined 300 yards, regardless of who is under center.

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Power Rankings
1. Mexico ( - )
2. Twin City Tech ( - )
3. Golden ( - )
4. Busch ( - )
5. Athol A&M ( - )
6. Gillespie State ( - )
7. Stardust ( - )
8. Dublin ( - )
9. Bud Heady ( - )
10. Arizona-Kickery ( - )
11. Rakeville ( - )
12. Weymouth ( - )

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League Notes
- Aaron Rogers was thrilled to see that his team's Week 1 matchup with Rakeville was on the road, rather than the water-dominated locale of Weymouth. "I've been so busy with training camp," said the Islander QB, "I haven't had time to buy a boat."

- In response to their Keg Bowl loss to Mexico, Anheuser-Busch University decided to shorten their school's official name. According to school officials, student fans are more excited to talk just about Busch.

- Lawrence Maroney had quite the successful off-season, winning on EhBC's "Dancing With Random Fantasy Athletes." Arizona-Kickery A.D. Pat Renaud cut the young RB when he found out about the show, stating that "knickers and Brittany Spears music have nothing to do with winning football games."