Retirements

Dion Castrejon Linebacker Coach - The former Head Coach of Denver, Castrejon has numerous years of success in the league but reached the big dance. He spent a year in Miami before padding out the cast of characters under Coach Joseph Reid. Complications with his health prevented him from returning this season.

Arron Heller LT - Heller played eleven total seasons in Football Moguls, two seasons in Arkansas and the remaining in Detroit.

Coaching News

Coach Lowell Finley joins the team as the new Linebackers Coach. He's previously coached in the same area for Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, and Oakland.

Early Free Agency

Although many contracts were offered, few have been accepted so far.

Charles Reese QB (re-signed) - Reese once again rejoins the Thrashers as the back-up to QB John Spartan for a one year minimum contract. Reese has debated retirement the last couple of years, but feels one more go with the team can't hurt anything. Reese led the team to a Super Bowl in 2024.

Nelson Esquivel LB (from Houston) - Esquivel spent four underwhelming seasons in Houston, but could help solidify the linebacking corps for the Thrashers. The veteran is speedy and strong and has displayed tremendous pass rushing and run stopping skills. His game lacks in man-to-man coverage, but he's serviceable in bump-and-run. He may play a few packages in EDGE as well to take advantage of that speed and pass rushing.

Maurice Adamek G/T (from Tasmania, nee Minnesota) - Adamek only accumulated 14 starts after 4 seasons, but has only given up 1 sack in that time. He'll serve as a primary backup on the offensive line is a nice value add to keep rostered for the next few years.

Allan Lawrence G/T (from Cincinnati) - Lawrence is another depth add for the offensive line. He's only started 12 games in his four year career, but has never given up a sack in a regular season game.

Phillip Graves RB/WR (from Wilmington) - Graves doesn't have a lot of game time experience. He's also slow and doesn't have much burst, but he does have good hands and route running. He'll never be expected to be more than WR4, but he could have some success as fellow WR-convertee, Dave Puryear, who has averaged approximately 30 catches for 300 yards and 3.5 TDs since joining the Thrashers.

Trade News

Timothy Thompson has been busy behind the scenes this offseason, making all kinds of deals. First, he contacted Arizona about moving up to the 13th overall spot in this years draft by giving up the 28th overall spot and next year's 1st round pick. Next, Arkansas gave up the 5-7th rounds to move to the fourth overall spot of the 5th round from the Ravens. Then, to move up to the 5th overall pick, the team gave up the 13th spot and its 2nd round pick to the Rapid Valley Shadow Dancers. Afterwards, the Thrashers sent long-time CB Elliot Spencer to Houston for a 4th round pick (and oddly wound up with an additional 5th and 6th that will be released prior to training camp). Finally, to move back to 2nd round, the team gave up a 3rd, 4th, and 5th round pick.

2030 Draft

As previously mentioned, the Thrashers went all out this year making trades to put them in chance of netting a spectacular player. Let's take a look at who the franchise settled on this season.

1 (5): Alonzo Harris - CB/SS/FS, Mississippi St., 6'0" 209lbs.
Harris came in as one of the top ranked defensive backs in this draft class. He's not the speediest, but he's quick, strong smart, and disciplined, and has the potential (and lack of volatility) to be a surefire starter--if not, star--for the next 8-10 years. For this year, he's expected to play out of the nickel and get some time in at safety as well. By next year, he could be the full-time full safety since long-time player, Antonio Chavez is not expected to return.

2 (59): Ron Hunter - G/T, Cincinnati, 6'4" 286lbs.
Oddly enough, the big man played a blocking tight end throughout college, but Coach Reid saw the tape on this kid and spotted some hidden talent that could yield a career starter on the O-line. He's currently undersized as a lineman, but he was always over-sized as a tight end, so the transition shouldn't be too difficult. Hunter is strong and has great potential at blocking. He's a bit of a wild card, however, so camp will determine his progress.

4 (104): John W. Creasy - TE, UCLA, 6'3" 280lbs.
Creasy fills a need at TE as Winston Wolfe enters into his 9th season. Dennis Payne also remains on the roster as well, but if Creasy can drop weight, he'll have a number of tools at his disposal at the TE position and can clearly take the #2 spot from Payne.

Check back after Training Camp to see how things shake out.

2030 Training Camp

Although there were only three rookies at camp, the results were mixed, but acceptable.

Alonzo Harris (no change) was an intentionally low risk pick, and it paid off for the team to just be himself with such a high floor. Harris worked out at Nickel, Strong Safety and Full Safety throughout camp, and will play at each during the season. He trimmed up a little to come in at 204 lbs. The expectation is that Harris will slide over to full-time starter at FS by the beginning of next season.

Ron Hunter (-6) would typically be labeled as a bust here, but the reality is that he will be very serviceable. His pass blocking skills especially shone through camp, and there's a very good chance that Hunter could be a long-term solution on the left side of the line.

John W. Creasy (+2) may never be a blocking tight end, but he could have some use in the passing game as a compliment to Winston Wolfe. It's likely the team will keep 3-4 TEs on the team this season, so he's a shoe-in to make the roster and get some play.

Late Free Agency

Barry Ziegler, TE (from London) - This journeyman player will serve as a blocking tight end on running plays and is currently playing on a one year contract.

Sergio Jobe MLB (from Minnesota) - Jobe will add some depth to the linebacking corps but is not expected to have much of a role at the time.

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Preseason Report

The Thrashers finished up the preseason with a solid performance all around. Here are the highlights:

-DB Alonzo Harris has settled in nicely, and it looks as though will probably become the corner back of the future for the team. The plan originally was to play Harris at nickel and safety this year and move him to become the starter at full safety next year. However, his adaptability has already made him a standout at corner. During the preseason, he snagged 3 interceptions, 4 knockdowns, 21 tackles, and 1 sack--all on a 37% catch rate. I'd say that already constitutes success.

-The starting defense also appears to be pretty stout. When the starters were in only 2 TDs and 1 FG were allowed in 4 preseason games. The pass rush has been weak, but turnovers and a good pass defense has been helping.

-The running game looks fierce. All three starting-caliber running backs (Lusher, Erwin, Krause) averaged over 5.0 yards per carry during the preseason (min. 20 carries). The trio also combined for 24 catches for 274 yards receiving as well.

-QB John Spartan looks efficient in limited play (6 total quarters). Spartan completed 73% of passes and over 8 yards per attempt for a QB Rating of 103. However, he only scored a single TD in Week 3, but did not throw a single INT.

-Rookie TE John W. Creasy made waves during camp, snagging 3 TDs. He trimmed up to 257 lbs by the end of the preseason and looks to be a steady contributor this season.

-K George Miles who has flirted with retirement for the last two years was perfect from the field, including 3 from 50+ yards.

Waiver Wire

DT Alan Woods, a longtime Viking, was signed to give the team some depth at the position, due to the injuries of both, Steve Austin and John Minor. Woods is a nice veteran presence. He does come at a hefty salary cost with no incentives should he need to be released.

Releases

The team parted ways with SLB Clifford Kelley, MLB Billy Sole, and TE Dennis Payne to get the team down to the 53-man roster.

Week 1 Preview

Now, the Thrashers open the regular season home to the Memphis Hound Dogs in a rare back-to-back game (having just played them in week 4 of the preseason in Memphis). It's a new season in Thrashernation and we can't wait!

Quarterly Report

CURRENT RECORD: 3-1

The Thrashers have held up well through the first quarter of the season, only giving one loss to division rivals, Independence Pirates. Even in that loss, the teams still moved the ball up the field and scored 21, but the defense--that had held together nicely through the first three wins--was eviscerated by the run game of the Pirates.

QB John Spartan is playing good ball with a 7:2 TD:INT ratio. He leads the league in yards per attempt. The rest of the offense is doing well in spite of a myriad of injuries, some minor and others could result in weeks of inactivity. Such is the football life, though.

The defensive unit ranks in the top in interceptions and sacks as well.

There's a lot to like about the Thrashers this season, but no one said it would be a perfect season. Next week, the team travels to Charlotte to take on the defending Super Bowl Champions at home, in sure what is to be a savage matchup.

Quarterly Report

CURRENT RECORD: 6-2

The boys couldn't quite get it done in Charlotte, coming up short right as time expired, but have since won the previous three games, solidifying the Thrashers' hold on their own destiny. Here are some highlights:

-After halfway through the regular season, QB John Spartan is 2nd in completions (70.7%), 7th in passing yards (298.0), 2nd in yards per attempt (8.7), and 7th in passing TDs (2.0). His statline is comfortable, though not excellent. He sits at 2,384 yards passing and has 16 TDs to 6 INTs. His overall QB rating is an impressive 107.76, which is also 2nd in the league among qualified passers.

-The offense as a whole is clicking pretty well. The running game isn't dominant, but works well enough to spell John Spartan and keep opposing defenses on their toes. The three-headed monster of Lusher, Erwin, and Krause all average over 4.0 yards per carry and nearly 800 yards receiving out of the backfield as well. The receivers have been a mixed bag, although Dutch Schaefer looks to be the true #1 as advertised. He's on pace to be the first 1,000 yard WR on the team since Norman Fleming did it back in 2021.

-On the other side of the ball, the defense is evolving. After back-to-back losses to the Pirates and Duckies, Coach Reid stepped in and overhauled the unit's strategy. The yield of course was the last three wins, including a rematch with the Pirates. The defense ranks 7th in Interceptions and 4th in sacks across the eight games played so far. 1st round pick Alonzo Harris leads the team with 4 INTs, 10 knockdowns, while only allowing 39% of passes completed. He's certainly been worth all the draft moves to acquire him.

-Once again, defensive stalwart Michael Cherrito leads the team in sacks with 5 and also hurries with 16.

-Veteran Kicker George Miles has been superb as well. He's only missed one FG in 8 games, while nailing 6/6 from beyond 50 yards. Thrashernation hopes he never retires!

-WLB Vincent Vega was traded to Chicago for WR William Williams and a 3rd round pick in 2032. The team was not expected to re-sign Vega, so gaining a useful receiver and the draft capital was worth the expense of losing Vega's talent in the LB corps. LB Simon Phoenix who was being groomed to take over the WLB spot next year anyway, stepped into the role and has been producing well.

-In addition, WR William Williams' contract was extended for an additional 5 years, since he's only 25.

-Safety Ray Quick was picked up from FA, and FS Richard Bedard was released. Bedard was set to go to FA after the season, so Quick adds another year of safety depth at a reasonable contract. Quick was also drafted by the Thrashers in 2024.

Alright, all you cool cats and kittens, that's it for now. Check back after game 12 for more highlights and team news.

Quarterly Report

CURRENT RECORD: 10-2

Arkansas has been on a tear the past four games, which has all been led by smart QB play, efficient running, and a stifling defense (at least for the first 3 quarters of each game). Here's a breakdown of the news Thrasher fans need to know:

-QB John Spartan has been impressive throwing for 10 TDs to 2 Ints over the past four games (26 TDs to 8 Ints for the season). He also leads the league in completion percentage (73.5%) and yards per attempted pass (9.5). Finally, he's tied for 4th in passing yards per game (312.6) and has a scorching hot QB rating of 117.59. In years where Spartan's QB rating is north of 100.0, there have been two Super Bowl championships to his credit.

-However, it's not all on Spartan's shoulders. The running game has been efficient and fun to watch, as well. The team is 8th in rushing attempts with 30.5, but is 3rd in yards (140.8), 2nd in yards per carry (4.6), and 2nd in TDs per game (1.3). The three-headed monster of Lusher, Erwin, and Krause are all averaging at least 4.5 yards per carry and have collected 15 total touchdowns on the ground and 7 through the air as well.

-FB Martin Riggs who's a bit of an unsung hero in the offense has made major strides this season. He's doubled his receiving stats this season (29 catches for 413 yards). He averages over 14 yards a catch and at an incredible 85.3% catch rate. He's never been credited for allowing a sack and has only allowed 8 tackles all season.

-WR Dutch Schaefer is still on pace to be the first WR to eclipse the 1,000 yard receiving mark since 2021. He currently has 44 catches for 882 yards and 10 TDs. He leads the team in both receiving yards and total TDs as well. In addition, he's added 311 KR yards and 144 PR yards.

-K George Miles keeps adding to his legacy as well. He's knocked down 29/31 through 12 games, 12/13 from over 50 yards, and nailed 44 PATs.

-The defensive unit has been stout in the first three quarters of each of the previous 4 games, allowing only 13 total points in those 12 quarters combined. The 4th quarter recalls a different story, whether it's junk time and the game is out of hand, such with the Falcons and Shadow Dancers, or if it's a last minute comeback attempt with the Boston Tea Bag Party (scoring 18 in the 4th).

-DE Michael Cherrito leads the team with 7 sacks and 22 QB Hurries.

-Rookie CB Alonzo Harris has been playing all over the field. He leads the team in tackles with 50. He's got 4 Ints and 12 Knockdowns is only allowing a catch 39.3% of the time. It's hard to say if he's in the running for the DROY at this point, but he's had a great first season for the Thrashers.

Next up, the Thrashers head to Terra Haute to take on the Terror, the sole AFC team with a better record than the boys from Arkansas. This match could determine home-field advantage come the playoffs, so it's not to be missed. Check back at the end of the regular season for a season recap (and potential playoff picture). Until next time...

Quarterly Report

END OF SEASON RECORD: 14-2*
*First seed in AFC

This season was remarkably successful for the Arkansas Thrashers. Hopefully, some of those good vibes will carry over into the playoffs, but one thing is certain, the Thrashers will have homefield advantage. Let's take a look back over the past four contests that put the team into their current position:

After a tough overtime win in Terre Haute, the team traveled to Waco to face the Real Kayfabe, a divisional opponent, always looking to mix it up. Afterwards, the Thrashers got two incredible home games against the Wraiths and Bangles, where QB John Spartan was scorching hot to put a cap on his best season in Moguls history.

End of Season notes

John Spartan completed an MVP-like season in 2030. He threw for 5,338 yards (personal best; 2nd in league), 38 TDs (2nd) to only 9 INTs, and had a 75% completion rate (1st). You'd have to go all the way back to 2022 to find a qualified quarterback that matched that percentage rate. Additionally, he threw over 10 yards per attempt as well, another personal best. All of those factors combined put him comfortably with a QB rating of 123.22 (1st among QB throwing over 200 pass attempts). His career QB rating now sits at 102.81, just shy of Football Moguls Hall of Fame Quarterbacks, Patrick Spinner (107.67) and Timothy Thompson (104.91).

Although Spartan's game certainly led the charge, the whole team complimented their quarterback in every other aspect as well. George Erwin led the team in rushing (835 yards; 10th in league), narrowly outrunning David Lusher (832; 11th in league) by three yards. Victor Krause contributed over 400 ground yards as well. Combined, the running game put up 20 rushing touchdowns, which would rank as the 2nd best unit; they were also 3rd in average rushing yards with 135.8 per game.

Shifting to receivers, Dutch Schaefer had a lot of doubters coming into his second year. He showed glimpses of talent, but could only muster 754 yards his rookie season. For a first round pick, the expectations were higher. In season two, Dutch came around and worked the field, outside and in the slot. His burst allowed him to create distance and he took off for 1,356 yards and 18 touchdowns. Those numbers put him as the best WR on the team in nearly 10 years.

Of course, there were many other standouts in the receiving game, including RB David Lusher, who himself almost eclipsed the millennial mark receiving (915). TE Winston Wolfe tacked on another 694 yards to his career total as well, and standout FB Martin Riggs accumulated 532 yards receiving as well.

K George Miles has now been elevated to the Football Moguls All-Time Team, and this season wasn't disappointing either. He nailed 39 FGs and was 14/15 from beyond 50+ yards. He was 60/60 in PATs, too. Now, the big question is will he back next year?

Defensively, the unit really turned things around for most of the season. After back to back losses early on, changes had to be made, and Coach Reid delivered. The team finished 8 in Interceptions (1.1 per game) and third in sacks (1.8). DE Michael Cherrito stood out as the sack leader on the team with 11 (tied for 2nd in league), and he had 31 QB hurries as well. Both CB Hans Gruber and Rookie CB Alonzo Harris pulled in 4 INTs each, while Harris' 62 tackles, 16 knockdowns, and 39.5 completion allowed rate, really cemented his role on the team as a future superstar.

This season has been a fun one, and Thrashernation can't wait until after the Wild Card for the boys to get back on the field and bring home another championship to Arkansas!

Check back after the season is over to see how the Thrashers fared.

Post Season Report

"THE ARKANSAS THRASHERS HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!!" - Reporter Newsman, Thrashers Beat Reporter

The Arkansas Thrashers have won their 5th championship in Football Moguls History. This was their 8th Super Bowl appearance in 14 seasons. 2x Super Bowl MVP QB John Spartan led the team to a 30-3 victory over the San Francisco Demons.

The Thrashers made the road to the big game look easy this season, although the competition was fierce as usual. After knocking off division rivals, Independence Pirates, and last year's conference champion, Terre Haute Terror, to get the the championship, Arkansas was set to face old rival San Francisco, winner of Super Bowl 2021--which has long since been hailed as the "Greatest Match in Football Moguls History." Matters came down a little differently this time, however, with an absolute brutal display of power by the Thrashers.

QB John Spartan threw for 336 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 Int. He also tacked on a 77.5% completion percentage for a 116.25 QB rating. Spartan spread the ball around hitting 9 different receivers, including leading receiver William Williams who caught 5 passes for 63 yards and a TD. The running game was efficient as well; The three-headed monster of Lusher, Erwin, and Krause ran for 150 yards at 4.8 yards per carry but scored no TDs, while chewing up large portions of clock. Overall, the time of possession was over 37 minutes.

The defense on the other hand was excellent as well. The interior pressured QB Otis Danley, but he was only sacked once. The Demons opted to favor a heavy running game, but the Thrashers' defense picked up on this early and stacked the box and blitzed out of multiple packages. After a single FG and 7 forced Three and Outs, the Demons were driving with time nearly down to the final two-minute warning, and Danley was picked off in the endzone by LB Nelson Esquivel, which all but sealed the deal.

Lastly, K George Miles booted three FGs, including one from 55 yards, to help the team out. Subsequently, the (maybe, future Hall of Fame) Kicker announced his retirement following the game.

So here's to your 2030 Football Moguls Champions: THE ARKANSAS THRASHERS!