Biggs’ View: APDFL Top Five, Week Two

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Entering Week Two, the APDFL begins to heat up. After a couple of mismatches and heartstoppers, the league starts to take shape. With not only seeding and momentum on the line, but the good teams will also eventually start to distance themselves from the great. As a result, each week becomes a vital brick on the road to the championship. Under those circumstances, the Top experience some shifting and movement.

1. Crescent City Kings (1-0)

Next Game: March 19 vs. Arkansas Punishers

Outlook: The champions will enjoy a weekend off, due to a reschedule. Meanwhile, they will still need to iron out the rough spots from their win vs. Pensacola. Granted, the team allowed just six points, issues arose. At points in the game, the Kings lacked their usual laser focus. Penalties and undisciplined play plagued the Kings. Look for them to rebound quickly. By the time you read this, Head Coach Frederick Washington probably expressed his extreme displeasure. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Linebacker Andre Randolph paced Crescent City with eight tackles and one sack. Defensive tackles Jerron Washington and Carlos Coler anchor the defense. Offensively, Jyron Walters needs to continue to find that form that helps the Kings hoist the title.

2. Georgia Thrashers (1-0)

Next Game: March 12 vs. Tuskegee Ayrmen

Outlook: The Thrashers held on to defeat the Georgia Cobras, 21-15. Jumping out to a 21-0 lead, the Thrashers appeared poised to a blowout victory. However, complacency and missed tackles helped the Cobras to storm back. While the Thrashers held on, to a man, they need to be disappointed in this outcome. Now, they welcome an Ayrmen team that continues to play lights out on defense and provides just enough offense to win. How will the Thrashers learn from their mistakes? ATH Marquavious Favors stole the show while sparking both sides of the ball. With clutch running and pass-rushing, Favors became the topic of league-wide praise. Now, the Thrashers need to put everything together and show the league why they are elite.

3. Mississippi Dynasty (1-0)

Next Game: March 12 @ Arkansas Punishers

Outlook: When the Dynasty fell in the 2021 Western Conference championship game, many falsely predicted their demise. Instead of listening, the organization retooled and embarked on another season. Last week, they pounded the Arkansas Sharks into submission, 48-0. Clicking on both sides of the ball the Dynasty reclaimed some of their former magic. The defense, led by Louis Ellis easily handled the Sharks. Now, they travel to Arkansas to face a Punishers team that many hold in high regard. The Dynasty look to continue their winning ways. LeSteven Jackson didn’t miss a beat, after missing parts of the 2021 season.

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4. Tuskegee Ayrmen (2-0)

Next Game: March 12 @ Georgia Thrashers

Outlook: By outscoring their first two opponents 82-12, Tuskegee’s defense looks formidable. First-year defensive coordinator Quinton Patrick brings a sense of calm resolve to his group. As a result, the defense buys in and Tuskegee finds itself one of the most-discussed teams early in the 2022 APDFL season. Saturday provides their toughest test of the season. Heading to Georgia to face a talented Thrashers team that wants to play a full sixty minutes. Tee Smith and Patrick Campbell will attempt to pressure Kivon Taylor all evening. The matchup in the trenches will be fun.

5. Georgia Cobras (1-1)

Next Game March 12 vs. South Alabama Dolphins

Outlook: In trailing by three scores to the Thrashers, the Cobras refused to fold. Instead, they scored fifteen with the opportunity to win late. That speaks to the character of the franchise. With that said, the Cobras need to improve the blocking upfront, in order to give their offense a chance to consistently move the ball. RB Jarod Lewis and QB Dion Graham can make plays with time and space. On the other side, the defense needs to cobble together a pass rush. Saturday, they face the returning South Alabama Dolphins. Known for their hard-nosed style of play, the Dolphins will provide a physical test for the Cobras all evening long. How will Georgia rebound from their last defeat?

Commentary

The season, while still young, will get early for many teams. Life in the APDFL is not always a smooth one. Teams that face mounting losses will need to gather their players and convince them to soldier on. While some teams will chase championships, others need to build the foundation that will allow them to join the hunt.