The Monarchs look to end a two year playoff drought without an established quarterback.

Retirements:
Only one, but it's a big loss. Quarterback Matthew Avila announced his retirement following the 2037 campaign, capping a successful six year run in London after being traded from the LA XTreme on draft day 2032. Avila retires as the most successful quarterback in franchise history throwing for 22,991 yards and 155 touchdowns in 94 regular season starts with the Monarchs, finishing with a stellar record of 58-36. Avila led London to the playoffs following the 2032, 2033 and 2035 seasons, advancing to the divisional round three times with a playoff record of 3-3 (0-1 with Los Angeles). Avila's passing stats fell in his final season, passing for 2685 yards with 16 TDs and 17 interceptions. Avila's struggles led him to be benched for weeks 14 and 15, but he returned for the season finale leading a dramatic come from behind victory over the Pennsauken Del Fuego Phoenix on the final pass attempt of his Moguls career:

https://moguls.myfootballnow.com/watch/6965#1294879

Avila's retirement means the passing duties fall to nine year veteran QB Edwin Johnson. Johnson went 1-1 in two starts last season, including an upset win over the eventual NFC champion Chicago Bears in week 15. 2035 second round pick Preston Jones is the only other quarterback on the roster, and will not be re-signed after his rookie contract runs out. It remains to be seen how the team's offensive philosophy may change after the loss of the long time signal caller.

Coaching changes:
While offensive stats were down across the league last season, the Monarchs struggled mightily, scoring more than twenty points only four times all year. With those poor results in mind Head Coach David Kirby fired offensive coordinator Eduardo Anderson, who had held the position since 2031. After looking at a number of candidates, Tasmania offensive line coach Daniel Morin was selected as the new coordinator. With his skills developing quarterbacks and offensive linemen Morin will be given the opportunity to mold the team and may be a head coaching candidate himself in the future.

Free Agents:
Monarchs GM Nigel Worthington IV was busy in the offseason, bringing in a large number of new players to address needs and provide depth at several positions.

DT Trevor Pryce - Pryce had 7 tackles two sacks and two forced fumbles for the OrangeCrush in 2037. With the Monarchs surrendering a league worst 5.8 YPC last season strengthening the defensive line was a priority.

RG Declan Moreyn - After flopping as a second round pick of the Thrashers in 2034 and being out of the league since 2035, Moreyn is a purely speculative add. With excellent strength but extremely poor blocking skills the backup guard is likely to be cut early in the preseason.

LG Richard Lilley - Another strong body brought in to shore up London's historically poor offensive line, Lilley started all sixteen games for the Wraiths last season. His elite strength made him attractive, but he appears likely to only play as a backup as he gave up six sacks for Las Vegas in 2037.

MLB Dwayne Everett - The speedy linebacker comes over from Chicago, where he made seven starts over six years after being a first round selection in 2032. Everett will likely play only if there are significant injuries to the established veterans in front of him.

WR Norman Priestly - Priestly joins the Monarchs after playing sparingly for the crosstown London Ravens the last three years. While possessing good speed and strength he profiles more as a kick returner and may not make the final roster. Although Priestly does not show much ability as a receiver, London management did recall his 26 yard touchdown reception when the Ravens and Monarchs faced off in the 2035 wild card round.

FB Caliban Moonblood - Another former Raven, Moonblood has bounced around the league since being drafted by the Thrashers in 2034. Moonblood seems unlikely to oust second year FB Washington Cole or veteran Christopher Clark and would have to impress with his above average speed to secure a spot as the team's second fullback.

DT Otis Moffett - While painfully slow, Moffett did record seventeen tackles and three sacks in his lone season with the Irvine Anteaters. The 29 year old's elite strength and solid tackling and run defense skills made him an affordable option to improve the Monarchs run defense.

WR Lance Merritt - While showing small flashes as a receiver with the LA XTreme, Merritt's top talent is as a kick returner. With plus speed, the London coaching staff may even give him some carries in the backfield to see if he can earn an expanded role.

P Robert Little - London brings in its second former Wraith this offseason to challenge incumbent punter Jerrod Shepherd, who is showing signs of declining. Little averaged 46.5 yards per kick last season with Las Vegas, nearly a full yard better than Shepherd, and whichever kicker performs better in the preseason will claim the job.

LG Douglas Cochran - Another veteran o lineman brought in solely for his strength after being cut by the Terror prior to the 2037 regular season. Cochran is not adept as either a run or pass blocker, and there is no guarantee he makes the final roster.

LT James Mahoney - After being released by the division rival Phoenix in the preseason, the Monarchs decided to pick up the undrafted free agent. Mahoney's strength makes up for his lack of speed and average blocking skills, but it remains to be seen how large a role he can carve out in the trenches.

2038 draft:
While entering the draft expecting to focus on improving the both of the team's lines, the Monarchs instead mainly acquire athletes for the defense.

1-18 SLB Mike Renna - With the team deciding not to re-sign 31 yard old starting SLB Mark Weesner, London needed to find an immediate starter to fill the hole. After playing DE in college, Renna's combination of speed, acceleration and strength along with already being a polished tackler and run defender made him an easy first round selection.

2-17 LDE Tom Dovo - With several quality offensive linemen still available, Dovo's elite strength and speed was just too enticing to pass up. Dovo possesses solid run defense skills and a good training camp could make the raw prospect a disruptive talent.

3-18 LT Seth Dittman - The Monarchs select a LT in the third round for the second straight season. A safe selection with decent speed and elite strength, Dittman has a chance to eventually pass the more polished LT Theo Adams on the depth chart sooner rather than later.

4-17 WLB Marlon Brown - A converted RDE, Brown will be asked to slim down to play linebacker. While he could take a while to develop, the speedy Brown looks to be a quality addition to the Tough Blokes as a pass rusher and defender.

5-3 RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo - With the retirement of QB Matthew Avila, draft experts expected London to draft a replacement quarterback...they just didn't know he would be converted to running back! The Monarchs trade their remaining 2038 draft picks to the Ravens to move up in the fifth round and roll the dice on Ayanbedejo. The rookie's speed and strength and potential as an open field runner made him an intriguing option as a future playmaker out of the backfield if his receiving skills can improve in training camp.

With the flurry of free agent signings before the draft, the Monarchs will have to cut two players to get down to the sixty player limit before entering training camp. The team also signed 2037 draftees SS Dan Crossman and CB Corris Ervin to low cost contract extensions in the preseason to ensure they remain under team control at a reasonable price.

The Monarchs look to have an extremely difficult schedule in 2038. With a full slate of games against the two toughest divisions in the league in the AFC East and NFC West, along with four divisional games against the Invaders and improved Phoenix, London's streak of six consecutive non-losing seasons appears to be in serious jeopardy. With a major question mark at the most important position on the team at quarterback, the Monarchs outlook for the current campaign is definitely unsettled. While the overall roster is fairly young, some players at key positions may be nearing the end of their prime playing days and the team may be forced to enter a rebuilding mode soon. Look for update on this year's rookies after training camp!

A decent training camp for London, at least for the defensive rookies:

1-18 SLB Mike Renna (30 vol +9/+1 now 54/81) - Looks ready to rock n roll. Maxed tackling and run defense skills with room to grow as a pass rusher and zone defender. Very pleased how he turned out.

2-17 LDE Tom Dovo (92 vol +5/+5 now 46/77) - Speed and strength with decent tackling and run defense. I don't usually like taking high volatility players so early, but this panned out. I was considering Arkansas' Drax Douglas here, so I'm glad I went defense again instead.

3-18 LT Seth Dittman (6 vol +8/-1 now 51/76) - A little disappointed he didn't pop more, but not surprising with such low volatility. Has excellent strength but not amazing blocking skills - may end up being a backup across the o line instead of a starter.

4-17 WLB Marlon Brown (16 vol +8/+0 now 41/72) - Fast with mediocre pass rush and run defense skills. Still rated highly as a safety, so may switch positions at some point with his solid coverage skills.

5-3 RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo (74 vol +1/-6 now 34/65) - Don't know how he could have played quarterback with his stone hands. Absolutely no pass catching ability and no blocking potential. Might give him one preseason game to show me something, but likely an early cut.

Bad news for 2034 Thrasher draftees in London, as both FB Caliban Moonblood and RG Declan Moreyn were cut prior to training camp to get down to the 60 player limit. GM Nigel Worthington IV will continue scouring the waiver wire for useful players through the remainder of the preseason.

Preseason report:
Record: 3-1

A surprise under center, and mounting injuries already test the roster depth.

- The Monarchs open the 2038 preseason hosting the Kleinmachnow OrangeCrush. Presumptive starter QB Edwin Johnson opens the game reasonably well, with a highlight worthy 51 yard pass to WR Jeff Davis on his initial pass attempt of the game. The Monarchs march down the field, with a two yard plunge by RB Victor X. Ebubedike giving London a 7-0 first quarter lead. However, the OrangeCrush answer right back with RB Carol Dixon's 9 yard TD run knotting the game at 7 apiece after the first quarter. A pair of field goals sandwiched around a Johnson interception gives the visitors a 13-7 halftime lead. Backup quarterback Preston Jones opens the eyes of the coaching staff in the second half. Jones tosses a 27 yard scoring pass to Ebubedike early in the third quarter, and following an interception by SS Daniel Edwards deep in Kleinmachnow territory, leads another scoring drive capped by a three yard TD run by RB Ethan Feliciano for a 24-13 lead after three quarters. Rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo, who struggled in training camp, is much more impressive in live game action. Ayanbedejo runs for 48 yards in limited second half work, including a 5 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter, as the Monarchs pull away for a 31-16 victory. The quarterback duel between Johnson (8/11 107 yards 1 INT) and Jones (8/14 101 yards 1 TD) is heating up, giving Coach David Kirby something to consider for the remainder of the preseason.

- Week two features the Monarchs traveling to southern California to take on the Irvine Anteaters. Neither team's starters impress, as they combine for seven punts and an interception in the first half, leading to a scoreless tie at halftime. London's combination of a stronger running game and stifling defense sets the tone for the contest. Veteran DT Trevor Pryce forces a fumble on a strip sack of Irvine QB Thomas Fagundes at the Anteater 25, and London QB Preston Jones immediately takes advantage. Jones throws a 25 yard touchdown pass to WR Sean Foster on the next play, but a missed PAT by K Brandon Shah gives the Monarchs just a 6-0 lead. On a day where Irvine finishes with -9 yards passing after surrendering six sacks, the lead is padded with a late field goal by Shah for a 9-0 Monarch win.

- London returns to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in preseason week three with a stiffer matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. After two solid appearances leading the reserves, QB Preston Jones gets the start to gauge his talent with the starters. While not recording a touchdown pass, Jones is once again efficient going 13/16 for 122 yards while being sacked for a safety. However, London's rushing attack gives the team all the scoring they need. RB Victor X. Ebubedike continues a strong preseason showing, recording a pair of 1 yard touchdown runs in the first half, and starting RB Archie Daniels adds a three yard score, as London builds a 20-2 halftime lead. London's search for quality quarterback led to the signing of free agent Roger Horn, who has had few opportunities in the league since being drafted by Irvine in 2036. Horn auditions for another spot on the roster as Edwin Johnson does not make an appearance the rest of the preseason. Horn is not especially impressive, but fares better than Seattle's rookie QB George Brewster. Brewster plays the entire contest, but is sacked five times including for a safety by LDE Minh Rawls, as well as throwing three interceptions. Overall, the Monarchs hold the ball for more than 39 minutes and improve to 3-0 with a 22-8 win.

- The preseason finale has London traveling to their longtime house of horrors in Chicago to face off against the Bears. With the two time defending NFC champions in a transition period following the retirement of longtime QB George Wilson, London is more competitive than many of their previous preseason visits. Preston Jones has been named the regular season starting QB, and plays just the first quarter. That leaves Roger Horn to play the majority of the contest, which again leans on the London running game. Backup RB Victor X. Ebubedike has another impressive showing with 81 yards rushing, but disaster strikes early in the fourth quarter as the third year rusher suffers a serious knee injury that will likely keep him out for an extended portion of the season. The injury casts a shadow over another solid showing by the Monarchs defense, which limits Chicago to only 206 yards of total offense including a second quarter one yard TD run by WR/RB Robert Starkey in a 10-3 Bears victory.

The surprising choice of Preston Jones over Edwin Johnson as the Monarchs new starting quarterback covers a number of injuries that will test the depths of the London roster. Besides Ebubedike's knee injury, starting center Patrick Wilson suffers a neck injury against the Anteaters, and free agent DT Trevor Pryce will make the final roster despite suffering a serious ankle injury against Seattle. K Brandon Shah was also injured making a tackle against Seattle, but should be recovered before the regular season opener.

After some tough decisions, GM Nigel Worthington IV announces seven roster cuts to get down to the 53 man limit:

K Arthur Isaac - added after Shah's injury, Isaac was an emergency signing for the game against Chicago.

P Jerrod Shepherd - Shepherd had a solid preseason, but the 2031 draftee still could not beat free agent P Robert Little

FB Christopher Clark - used primarily as a receiver out of the backfield since being claimed off waivers in 2035, the thirty one year old has lost his starting job to second year FB Washington Cole.

DT John Keller - The former Argonaut appeared in all sixteen games for London last season, including four starts, but the Monarchs could not justify keeping five DTs on the roster. Despite needing help improving their run defense, Keller did not appear to be part of the solution.

MLB Dwayne Everett - Another free agent misfire, Everett appeared in all four preseason games but did not impress the coaching staff enough to make the final roster. With rookies SLB Mike Renna and WLB Marlon Brown having longer futures in London, Everett was deemed expendable.

LT Ibrahim Moizoos - the most expensive cut. Moizoos was signed to a three year contract prior to the 2037 season to help shore up London's poor offensive line and started thirteen contests. However, after surrendering 11 sacks in those games, the coaching staff decided he had been passed on the depth chart by LT Theo Adams and rookie LT Seth Dittman and freeing up a roster spot was necessary.

LT James Mahoney - the final cut. After pondering a cut in the defensive backfield, another offensive lineman is asked to turn in his playbook. Mahoney was claimed off waivers from the Pennsauken Del Fuego Phoenix before training camp, but with more versatile offensive lineman able to play multiple positions on the roster, Mahoney did not have a path to extensive playing time.

Monarchs management now waits to see what other castoffs are released as the Moguls league prepares to enter the regular season. While more roster tweaks are likely, London prepares to enter a difficult season beginning with a divisional matchup at the Denver Rocky Mountain Bronx in week one. Come back for an update at the quarter point of the season!

Quarterly report:
record: 3-1 overall record: 3-1

Every game you win in September is one you don't have to try to win in December.

- The Monarchs kick off the 2038 season on the road with a divisional clash against the Denver Rocky Mountain Bronx. After a dismal 1-5 record in the AFC South last season, picking up a win against the team that always plays London tough is imperative. After swapping field goals, the teams heat up late in the second quarter. The Monarchs get their first touchdown of the season on a 30 yard pass from QB Preston Jones to WR Jeff Davis with under five minutes to play, but the Bronx answer with an impressive 11 play 75 yard drive capped by a one yard TD pass from QB Robert Arthur to WR Michael Hyden to knot the score at 10 apiece. Instead of playing conservative, the Monarchs need only five plays to move down the field and regain the lead on the second Jones/Davis TD connection of the first half, this time from 12 yards out. London strikes once again after intercepting Arthur and adding a 42 yard field goal for a 20-10 halftime lead. After a scoreless third quarter, the Bronx get closer with Arthur finding Hyden for their second score of the afternoon from seven yards out, cutting the London lead to 20-17. The Monarchs pad their lead to 23-17 with K Brandon Shah's 25 yard field goal with under thirty seconds remaining, but the Bronx refuse to roll over. Getting the ball at their own 25 yard line with no timeouts remaining, Denver QB Arthur finds WR Steven Monn for a 60 yard completion, with London CB Corris Ervin making the game saving tackle at the London 21 as time expires. Escaping with the 23-17 victory sends the lads from London home with some momentum before their next challenge.

- After last season's disappointing 8-8 record, London fans are leery of throwing their support behind the Blue and Gold. Only 50,690 fans show up at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in week two for the home opener against the high powered San Francisco Demons. Coming off a 41-9 beatdown of the Arizona Thundercocks in week one, many were expecting another dominating performance. However, it's London's efficient offense and defense that sets the tone for the game. After the Demons take a 3-0 thanks to K Willie Taylor's 48 yard field goal on their opening possession, the Monarchs do their best Demons impression. QB Preston Jones finds WR Jon Horton for a 57 yard catch and run TD to take a 7-3 first quarter lead. After intercepting Demons QB Kenneth Rainey early in the third quarter London performs a little trickery of their own. WR William Ortiz, whose role as a dominant receiver has mysteriously diminished in the last two seasons, scores his first career rushing touchdown from three yards out, but a missed PAT gives London just a 10 point lead at 13-3. The expected offensive explosion by San Francisco never materializes, and London is able to milk the clock in the 4th quarter, taking nearly eight minutes to cap a fifteen play 74 yard scoring drive with a three yard touchdown run by RB Archie Daniels on fourth down just after the two minute warning to put the finishing touches on an upset 20-3 victory by London. A week after throwing for 330 yards and 3 TDs against Arizona, the Tough Blokes limit San Francisco's dominant QB Kenneth Rainey to 154 yards and an interception and sack him three times, two by rookie SLB Mike Renna, while Monarchs QB Preston Jones continues to surprise with a 20/24 234 yard 1 TD performance. The win allows the Monarchs to open the season at 2-0 for the first time since 2033, heading back across the pond for a showdown against the always unpredictable Pennsauken Del Fuego Phoenix.

- While both the Phoenix and Monarchs finished last season with identical 8-8 records, Pennsauken made the playoffs for the first time since 2028 thanks to a better divisional record. Pennsauken management has publicly stated they were hoping for another poor performance this season, and London was more than willing to aid in their struggles. The Monarchs open the scoring with a 32 yard field goal by K Brandon Shah in the first quarter, but for a team that says it wants to lose, the Phoenix put up a major fight. A well placed punt by Pennsauken P Douglas Chun pins London at their one yard line, and it appears the Monarchs will head to the locker room nursing a 3-0 lead. After a short carry with less than 20 seconds to play, Monarchs RB Archie Daniels breaks a tackle and blazes 95 yards to the end zone for a 10-0 lead. Daniels 95 yard touchdown run is the longest play of his eight yard career, topping a 91 yard TD reception vs. Arizona in week 3 2034, and the longest play from scrimmage for London since WR William Ortiz's 85 yard TD catch vs the Pirates in 2035 week 5. Despite the stunning play the Phoenix refuse to give up, and finally get on the board in the third quarter thanks to a two yard run by RB Leon Hill, trimming the lead to 10-7. Dueling field goals lead to the final score of 13-10, and for a team that's pledging it wants to lose, Pennsauken makes the Monarchs sweat out their third straight victory to open the season. London's best start since opening the season 4-0 in 2023 in Indianapolis leaves them as one of the two remaining undefeated teams in the AFC - the other being their week four opponent, the defending Super Bowl champion Arkansas Thrashers.

- With a spotless record and the world champion Thrashers coming to town, London has a chance to make a statement against one of the elite teams in the Moguls league. However, it doesn't take long to see which team has the better squad top to bottom. Arkansas' first play from scrimmage after the opening kickoff is a 34 yard pass from QB Calvin Hahn to WR Stacker Pentecost, and four plays and less than three minutes later the Thrashers are already in the end zone thanks to a one yard TD pass from Hahn to WR Muhammad Boudreaux. London's four first half possessions net only a pair of field goals, and despite a dominating statistical advantage, the Thrashers lead only 10-6 at halftime. Arkansas decides to stop toying with their opponents in the second half, and the game starts getting out of hand. Following K T'Challa King's second field goal of the game in the third quarter, Arkansas recovers a fumble by Monarchs RB Archie Daniels at the Thrasher 49. Hahn leads a ten play scoring drive with a one yard scoring pass to TE John David to pull ahead 20-6. London's offense struggles all afternoon against Arkansas, and can only manage 13 yards of total offense on their first four second half possessions. That allows the Thrashers to pad their lead with Hahn's third TD pass of the game to Stacker Pentecost, effectively ending the game leading 27-6. Perhaps playing more for pride than anything else, London QB Preston Jones tosses a 42 yard score to WR Dale Hale, cutting the lead to 27-13 with just over six minutes to play. After forcing Arkansas to punt on their next possession, any remaining glimmer of hope is quickly extinguished for the Monarchs. The Thrashers had entered with only one sack in their first three contests, but after some defensive changes notch five in this game. Jones is sacked for a safety by veteran LDE Wade Crandall, and adding insult to injury, Arkansas return specialist Theordore Donald Kerabatsos takes the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for his second return touchdown of the season, and the final points in the Thrashers surprisingly easy 36-13 win leaves them as the lone undefeated team remaining in the AFC.

Despite the discouraging showing against Arkansas, the Monarchs still lead the AFC South at 3-1, one game better than the Roswell Invaders. After entering the season with a major question mark at quarterback, Preston Jones currently sits at third in the league with 833 yards passing and four TD passes. Without the team's starting LG, C and RG for three games due to injury, London's pass protection has been surprisingly effective, as Jones was sacked just three times before the Arkansas game. However, injuries to rookie SLB Mike Renna and LDE Minh Rahls against the Thrashers may leave the Monarchs defense depleted. With three of the next four games at home against the Raiders, Bronx and LA XTreme, plus a road contest against Roswell, London's solid start has left their outlook rosier than it appeared heading into the season. Tune back for an update at the halfway mark of the season.

***Breaking News***

The Monarchs have traded quarterback Edwin Johnson to the Atlanta Falcons. After entering the year as the presumptive starting quarterback following Matthew Avila's retirement, Johnson was outplayed by fourth year QB Preston Jones who took over the starter's role during the preseason. London will receive Atlanta's second round pick in the 2040 draft, as well as quarterback Ernie Enbert, who will be cut for another backup quarterback following the Monarchs' week five game vs. the South Brisbane Raiders.

Quarterly report:
record: 3-1 overall record: 6-2

Wheeling and dealing and reeling.

- The Monarchs start the second quarter of the season by making a trade. QB Edwin Johnson, who entered the year as the presumptive starter after longtime starter Matthew Avila retired, swaps the blue and gold for red and black when he is traded to the Atlanta Falcons before week five. London receives backup quarterback Ernie Enbert in the deal, but more importantly, Atlanta's second round pick in the 2040 draft. Enbert is immediately released and replaced by free agent QB Christopher Marciniak, who has bounced around the league since being a first round pick of the Boston Teabag Party in 2036. With the team's improved offense behind Preston Jones, Marciniak will serve as just a better clipboard holder barring a catastrophic injury.

- On the field, London hosts the South Brisbane Raiders in week five. After the Monarchs opening seven minute drive resulted in a missed field goal, the team gets on the board in the first quarter thanks to RB Archie Daniels eleven yard scoring run. The Raiders answer back early in the second quarter when RB Mark Pough's three yard run ties the score at 7. London regains the lead in the third when Daniels breaks away for a thirty yard scoring run, to put the Monarchs ahead 14-7. London's defense steps up in the second half as CBs Corris Ervin and Frank Harris each intercept Brisbane QB Timothy Gutierrez, and a late field goal puts the game out of reach as the Monarchs improve to 4-1 with a 17-7 victory. Daniels continues to show his importance to the team's success, finishing with 107 yards rushing and the two TDs, as well as leading the team in receiving with 46 yards on seven receptions.

- Week six features the first of back to back divisional games, with a home rematch of the season opener against the Denver Rocky Mountain Bronx. While that game ended with a game saving open field tackle on the final play, this contest is far less competitive. After a scoreless first quarter, CB Frank Harris picks off QB Robert Arthur inside the Denver ten yard line. That sets up a short field for Archie Daniels, who punches in his third touchdown in two games with a goal line plunge, and a short field goal sends the hosts to the locker room with a 10-0 lead. In the third quarter rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo, who has filled in admirably after RB Victor X. Ebubedike went down with a serious knee injury in the preseason finale, finds the end zone from eight yards out for his first career touchdown and a 17-0 lead. Ayanbedejo finishes with eighty five yards rushing and the score, along with four receptions for twenty eight yards. The defense does the rest of the heavy lifting, as Arthur is sacked for a safety by RDE Jeff Little, one of his three sacks on the afternoon and five by the team overall, while Harris adds his second interception of the contest and WLB Robert Williams picks off Arthur to end Denver's final possession. Overall, London limits the Bronx to just seventy five yards of total offense and completes the season sweep of their divisional foe with a 22-0 win, their first regular season shutout since week 12 last season vs. the Wisconsin Blizzard.

- The Monarchs head out on the road for their next showdown, this time in Roswell against the Invaders. Roswell's coaches appear to be experimenting with their gameplans this season, but still enter the game as the favorite despite falling to 2-4 with a 30-0 loss to the Real Kayfabe in week six. QB Preston Jones, who's been quiet with no touchdown passes since his primary rival Edwin Johnson was traded away prior to week five, snaps out of his mini funk with a six yard TD pass to WR William Ortiz in the first quarter. That ends up as the only scoring in the first half, but London begins warming up after the break. After a 42 yard field goal by K Douglas Mendiola cuts the London lead to 7-3, Jones notches his second six yard touchdown pass of the day, finding backup TE Ernest Benefiel who returns from injury to make the score 14-3. The Monarchs lean on their rushers to put the game away, as RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo adds 4 and 3 yard scoring runs in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring in London's third straight win 28-3. Roswell's experiments make the usually tough squad an easier win, as London finishes with 218 yards rushing, including 116 by lead RB Archie Daniels. The ground attack covers up some blemishes by Jones, who finishes with just 154 yards passing and two interceptions to go along with his two scoring passes. However, the Monarchs can't complain as the win improves their record to 6-1, and gives them a four game divisional lead over the Denver Rocky Mountain Bronx, who stun the Moguls league with a 7-3 win over London's week eight opponent, the previously undefeated Los Angeles XTreme.

- Before the final game of the first half of the season, GM Nigel Worthington IV makes another deal. This time he sends the team's 2039 second round pick to the rebuilding Chicago Bears to acquire CB Troy Seim and Chicago's fourth round pick in 2040. A first round selection of Chicago in 2035, Seim has excellent speed and strength, and better coverage stats than his ratings may suggest. With sub 50% pass completion against and four career interceptions in limited games, the twenty five year old Seim seemed to be worth the loss of a draft pick to fill in across the secondary for the next several years.

- Promoted as the game of the week featuring a pair of 6-1 teams, the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium never lives up to its pregame billing. The XTreme have transformed themselves from a high flying passing offense behind QB Ernest Williams into a rushing and defense first team. Los Angeles puts both of those qualities on display from the outset. While neither team can dent the scoreboard in the first quarter, the XTreme add a 38 yard field goal from George Haywood to open the scoring. After London squanders a chance to tie the score thanks to a missed field goal, Los Angeles scores on its second straight possession on Williams' one yard toss to TE John Hopkins for a 10-0 halftime lead. Los Angeles steps up the pressure in the third quarter with a pair of field goals, one after picking off QB Preston Jones at the London 20. Now trailing 16-0, the lone bright spot for the Monarchs comes on a 75 touchdown pass from Jones to WR William Ortiz, who outruns the LA secondary and cuts the lead to 16-7. However, the game is never truly in doubt, as the XTreme cap a thirteen play eighty five yard scoring drive with a five yard pass from Williams to WR Steven Calle, who also catches the two point conversion try to lead Los Angeles to a 24-7 win. The XTreme make life miserable for QB Jones all day, sacking him six times (four by all world RDE Lawrence Richardson) as well as picking off three passes. LA veteran WR/RB William Holmes finishes with 133 yards rushing on the day, as London's struggles against the elite teams in Moguls continues to frustrate fans and management.

Even with the loss to Los Angeles, the Monarchs maintain a four game lead in the AFC South, as the rest of the teams in the division flounder with identical 2-6 records. The next month of the season will see how good London truly is with a daunting run of games beginning in Seattle, before another rematch against Roswell, and a pair of road and home games against the Independence Pirates and Real Kayfabe from arguably the league's toughest division, the AFC East. With the trading deadline now passed, only changes to head coach David Kirby's strategy will give the team a chance to show they are a serious postseason contender against the league's top teams in 2038.

Quarterly report:
Record: 3-1 overall record: 9-3

The Monarchs run over some quality opponents to return to the playoffs.

- Entering the third quarter of the season, management was concerned this stretch of games could derail the team's postseason plans. A run of three of four games against teams with winning records begins in Seattle with a showdown against the undefeated Seahawks. London's last trip to the Pacific Northwest in week 11 2034 was an embarrassment, as Seattle dominated in a 32-0 shutout, and coming off a 24-7 loss to the Los Angeles XTreme in week 8 didn't leave hope for a better outcome. The bad omen of a missed field goal on the Monarchs opening drive didn't bode well, but the defense steps up after that. London's star WLB Robert Williams intercepts rookie Seattle QB George Brewster and returns the pick 36 yards for London's second defensive touchdown of the season. After a second quarter field goal gets the Seahawks on the board, Brewster recovers to toss a 17 yard scoring pass to WR Carl Nolasco near halftime to give Seattle its first lead at 10-7. On the ensuing kickoff London's special teams contribute as WR Sean Foster breaks a tackle and returns the kick 101 yards for a score, putting the Monarchs back on top 14-10. Seattle is able to trim the lead to one after recovering a fumble by RB Archie Daniels at the London 30 and kicking a short field goal before heading to the locker room. Both offenses struggle in the second half as Brewster and Monarchs QB Preston Jones are both intercepted, but London is able to tack on a field goal in the third quarter for a little security, as defense and special teams knock Seattle from the ranks of the undefeated with an improbable 17-13 victory.

- November begins at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a week 10 showdown against the Roswell Invaders. Roswell's experimental year has been rocky, with their latest setback a 55-3 thrashing by Arkansas in week 9. London decides to show no mercy to their divisional rival, and dominate from the outset. RDE Chris Thompson sacks Roswell QB David Montoya for a first quarter safety, one of three safeties and nine total sacks by the Tough Blokes defense in the contest. Rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo notches the first offensive score of the day with a one yard touchdown run to put London ahead 9-0. The Monarchs passing attack flexes its muscles in the second quarter thanks to a 46 yard touchdown pass from QB Preston Jones to WR Jon Horton for a 16-0 lead, and a pair of field goals put the hosts ahead 22-0 at halftime. Two more field goals and a pair of safeties by rookie LDE Tom Dovo lead to the final scoring of the Monarchs 32-0 shutout win. Did I forget to mention the Monarchs set a new franchise record in the win? RB Archie Daniels carries for 205 yards in the win, breaking the former mark of 201 yards by James Morris for Indianapolis in 2025. However, the push for a record comes at a cost, as Daniels suffers a leg injury on the final play of the game for his record breaking total, which knocks him out of the next two contests. Dovo also ties the second best sack total in franchise history with four total sacks on the afternoon. London outgains Roswell 492-4 in their second shutout of the season, sweeping the two time defending AFC South division champ and getting closer to reclaiming the crown for themselves.

- Coming off the dominating win over the Invaders, the Monarchs head to Kansas in week 11 for their first battle with the Independence Pirates since 2035. After losing the key cog in their offense due to Daniels' leg injury, London isn't able to generate anything offensively all afternoon. Despite leading just 3-0 at halftime the Pirates are in control all game, forcing punts on eight of London's first ten possessions, and picking off Monarchs QB Preston Jones the other two times. Pirates QB Matthew Park tosses a twelve yard scoring pass to WR Joshua Burton in the third quarter, and two more field goals give Independence a surprisingly easy 19-0 win over a team they may square off against in the playoffs. After rushing for over three hundred yards against Roswell, the Monarchs are held to just twenty four yards on the ground, the majority by rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo. This marks the second consecutive season the Monarchs have followed a shutout win by getting shut out themselves the following week (19-0 win at Blizzard 2037 week 11, 34-0 loss at Roswell 2037 week 12).

- Looking to recover from the poor showing against the Pirates, the Monarchs face another stiff challenge in week 12 welcoming the Real Kayfabe to London. The first half doesn't feature many fireworks, as the teams trade field goals for a 6-3 London lead. Things pick up in the third quarter, after Kayfabe K Dusty Rhodes' 50 yard kick ties the score at 6. On the ensuing kickoff, London's special teams strike again, as WR Sean Foster fields the kick from the back of the end zone and runs 110 yards for his second kick return touchdown in four games, putting London back on top 13-6. While keeping Kayfabe QB Raymond Reyes under wraps most of the game, he is able to find WR Glenn Lucier at the end of the third quarter for a sixty two yard bomb, outrunning the Monarchs secondary for the touchdown to once again tie the score at 13-13. Keeping the ball away from the dangerous Kayfabe offense is London's best chance for success, as they march seventy five yards down the field allowing QB Preston Jones to find WR Jon Horton for an eight yard TD catch, his second in three games and third on the year. That score proves to be the deciding factor, as the Monarchs tally a pair of fourth down stops in Kayfabe territory on their last two drives, and escape with a 20-13 win. The victory ensures London will have a winning record this season, and more importantly clinches the AFC South division title, ending Roswell's two year run as division champions. London earns their first title since 2035 and sends them back to the playoffs for the first time since that season. After the poor showing filling in for injured Archie Daniels last week against the Pirates, rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo records his first career one hundred yard rushing game, finishing with 133 yards on the ground in the victory.

After the toughest stretch of the season behind them, London's schedule gets a bit easier, beginning with a week 13 game at the Arizona Thundercocks. The Monarchs' week 16 matchup at the Brooklyn Tigers is their only remaining game against a team currently with a winning record. While London has an outside chance of catching the streaking 11-1 Wilmington Argonauts for second in the conference, they appear likely to end the season as the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs. With their playoff position nearly cemented, that will give coach David Kirby the chance to rest some injured players, to ensure he can put the best team on the field for the first playoff game in London since 2035. Look for the final regular season report after week 16.

Quarterly report:
Record: 4-0 overall record: 13-3

Winning battles and losing soldiers.

- The Monarchs begin the final stretch of the regular season on the road in Arizona. Not wanting to take any chances against the struggling Thundercocks, London puts on an efficiency clinic to put the game away early. After CB Troy Seim picks off Arizona QB Dale Francis on the game opening drive, London needs just four plays for their first score, a 16 yard scoring pass from QB Preston Jones to FB Washington Cole for a 7-0 lead on Cole's first career touchdown. London's next possession takes longer but is just as fruitful, as Jones caps an eleven play 78 yard scoring drive with a 5 yard touchdown to rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo to go up 14-0 in the first quarter. After a field goal early in the second puts the visitors ahead 17-0, Jones records his first ever three touchdown game with his second connection with Cole at the Arizona goal line for a 24-0 lead. Overall, Jones records just one incomplete pass in the first half, and the defense gives up only a second half field goal in an easy 24-3 victory. Jones is named a Moguls player of the week for his 19/24 198 3 TD day, and RB Archie Daniels cracks the century mark with 104 yards rushing in the Monarchs second straight win.

- Week 14 features the final home game of the regular season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with an AFC South showdown against the Pennsauken Del Fuego Phoenix. QB Preston Jones continues his recent hot streak on the final play of the first quarter, finding WR Jeff Davis for a 52 yard catch and run touchdown for a 7-0 London lead. After getting stopped on their next two possessions, London breaks through again with just over a minute remaining before halftime, as Jones and Davis connect again for a 4 yard score and a 14-0 lead at the half. After never recording a three TD game in his young career as a starter until last week, Jones must have decided he likes the feeling, as the quarterback finds his top receiver Davis for the third time on the afternoon, this time from two yards out to effectively put the game away at 21-0. Rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo scores for the second straight game from four yards out early in the fourth quarter for a 28-0 lead, as the Monarchs cap a perfect 6-0 season against divisional opponents with a 28-3 win. Despite improving on the 1-5 divisional record that kept them out of the playoffs last season, there is reason for concern. RB Archie Daniels suffers an arm injury that will eventually keep him out for the remainder of the regular season, along with ankle injuries to starting C Patrick Wilson and RT Steve Gabbard, and a neck injury to team sack leader RDE Chris Thompson. Wilson's injury appears the most serious, as he may not be recovered in time for the playoffs. One bright spot is the continued strong play of rookie LDE Tom Dovo, who records three sacks in the win.

- The Monarchs hop on the Concorde for their final two games of the season in the Big Apple, starting off in week 15 against the Brawndo Corp. Dildozers. After a dominant run from 2033 to 2036 including three Super Bowl appearances and two titles, the green and gold have taken a step back the last two seasons. The team's high flying offense shows flashes of its former brilliance early in the game, as QB David Bare opens the scoring with a 73 yard bomb to WR Mose Massey for a 7-0 Dildozers lead. Not to be shaken by the defensive collapse, London recovers to march down the field on a 75 yard scoring drive capped by QB Preston Jones 9 yard scoring pass to WR William Ortiz to tie the game at 7. Jones guides the Monarchs to their first lead of the game with a 5 yard pass to TE George Payne on their next posession to give London a 14-7 lead at the break. While the Dildozers are unable to generate much of a running game, they get their backs involved in the third quarter when Bare finds RB Shane Holloway for his only catch of the day for a 9 yard touchdown to once again tie the score at 14. London's offense struggles against the Brawndo squad for much of the second half, allowing the Dildozers to regain the lead on a 20 yard field goal from K Louis Brown. Trailing 17-14 late in the fourth quarter, London is able to finally sustain an offensive drive, allowing K Brandon Shah to make up for a missed first half field goal by tying the back and forth battle at 17-17 with just over one minute remaining. After forcing a Dildozer punt on the next posession, disaster nearly strikes as Jones is intercepted at the London 37 with eleven seconds remaining. However, the Tough Blokes defense steps up to force overtime when RDE Jeff Little sacks QB Bare to push the Dildozers out of field goal range at the end of regulation. The defense continues to answer the call in the extra period, as MLB Bryon Cleveland forces a fumble by Brawndo rookie TE Andrew Lynch on the first play of overtime. After trading overtime possessions the Monarchs are finally able to put the game away, as a 42 yard pass from Jones to Ortiz sets up the Monarchs inside the Dildozer ten yard line and allows Shah to send the Monarchs off as victors when his 26 yard field goal gives the team a hard fought 20-17 win. The victory does come at a price, as injuries continue to mount late in the season. RDE Little, the hero at the end of regulation and third on the team with eight sacks, heads to injured reserve with a serious arm injury, while backup LG James Jones suffers a serious hand injury. Rookie RB Obafemi Ayanbedejo, already filling in for injured starting RB Archie Daniels, records an inefficient 62 yards rushing before a foot injury forces him out of the game, and out of next week's season finale. RB Victor X. Ebubedike has a much stronger afternoon, rushing for 87 yards and adding 39 yards on three possessions, setting himself up as the lead back in the hipster borough of Brooklyn for the week 16 showdown against the 11-4 Tigers.

- London makes their first ever appearance at chilly Ebbets Field and sets the tone early in the contest. CB Troy Seim, acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline, forces and recovers fumbles on Brooklyn's first two posessions, the first by WR Charlie McKay and the second by RB Bruce Hall. The two quick turnovers gives London excellent field position, setting up a 2 yard scoring run by WR Jeff Davis and an 8 yard scoring toss from QB Preston Jones to TE George Payne for a 14-0 Monarchs lead halfway through the first quarter. The proud Tigers refuse to roll over, as Hall recovers from his first quarter fumble for a 3 yard scoring run early in the second to cut London's lead to 14-7. After a short field goal trims the lead to 14-10, it appears London will head to the locker room nursing a slim lead. However, WR Jon Horton breaks away from the normally stout Brooklyn defense, and races 61 yards for a touchdown reception, pushing the lead to 21-10. Perhaps stunned by the quick score, rookie RB Richard Mason commits Brooklyn's third fumble of the first half. A pass interference call against fellow rookie WLB Jack Ham sets up London for a 50 yard field goal by K Brandon Shah, who score ten points in just over one minute to lead 24-10 at the break. Another third quarter field goal by Shah puts London ahead 27-10, seemingly on their way to an easy win. However, Brooklyn's offense shows its power in the fourth quarter. A 28 yard punt return by WR Joshua Roden sets up Brooklyn with excellent field position at the London 28, and two plays later all time passing leader QB John Spartan adds to his stat sheet with a 26 yard touchdown pass to WR Sam Boyer, and a successful two point conversion cuts London's once comfortable lead to nine at 27-18. Instead of looking to milk some clock, London passes on their next play with disastrous results, as Jones is intercepted by Tigers SLB Marvin Baker at the Monarchs 34. Sensing the huge swing in momentum, Spartan and Boyer once again connect, this time for a 36 yard touchdown, pulling the Tigers closer at 27-25. After forcing another London punt, Brooklyn appears to be driving for a go ahead score. Forced into action due to so many injuries across the team, veteran CB Osvaldo Costales makes what may be the last big play of his Monarchs career, intercepting Spartan at the London 43 and ending Brooklyn's last serious scoring threat. Costales' 33rd career interception ties him with retired CB Frank Ball for the most picks in franchise history, and allows London to hang on for the 27-25 win. London's fifth straight win also marks the third straight contest where their starting running back was injured. RB Victor X. Ebubedike, filling in for injured RB Obabfemi Ayanbedejo, who was filling in for injured RB Archie Daniels, suffers a serious neck injury in the win, ending his season with a trip to injured reserve. With few healthy runners London can't generate much of a rushing attack, but the defense and turnovers also neutralizes Brooklyn's strength, holding the Tigers to only 133 yards rushing, 88 yards below their season average of 221 per contest.

The season ending five game winning streak allows the Monarchs to finish the year at 13-3, far better than expected heading into the season. The thirteen wins ties the mark for the best record in franchise history, set in 2017 and 2022 when the team played in Indianapolis. The win sets up the Monarchs as the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs and a wild card rematch against the last team to beat them, the Independence Pirates (19-0 loss at Independence in week 11). With so many late season serious injuries, GM Nigel Worthington IV is forced to juggle the roster, signing veteran DT Daniel Burns, released by the Seahawks in the preseason. Another free agent will be signed to fill in for Ebubedike's season ending injury, and CB Corris Ervin's status for the playoffs is questionable after suffering a concussion against Brooklyn. While not looking like the team they expected to send to the postseason for the first time since 2035, Monarchs fans will fill the stadium and pubs around England's capital to cheer on the royal blue and gold. Look for an update at the end of the playoffs.

London's bridge falls down with two long bombs.

- The first ever sellout crowd of 62,303 joined at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 26 for the Monarchs first playoff game since 2035. Coming off one of the most successful regular seasons in franchise history with a 13-3 record, London drew possibly their least favorable playoff opponent, the Independence Pirates. The Pirates aggressive pass defense gave the Monarchs fits during an embarrassing 19-0 shutout loss in Kansas in week 11, before the Monarchs regrouped to win their final five regular season contests. Heading into the playoffs with a winning streak gave Coach David Kirby's squad confidence, but a gamble on offense on the team's second possession of the game leads to trouble. After driving to the Pirate 20 yard line, the Monarchs fail to convert on 4th down and miss the chance for an easy field goal attempt. Independence is finally able to light up the scoreboard early in the second quarter, as Pirate QB Matthew Park burns London's blitzing defense and connects with speedy WR Enrique Henson for a 70 yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead. A 45 yard field goal by K Nicholas King gives the Pirates a 10-0 lead just before halftime, as loyal London fans begin fearing a repeat of the regular season shutout. While the Pirates force the Monarchs to go three and out on seven of their next eight possessions in the second and third quarters, Park and Henson connect on another long touchdown on the exact same route/blitz combination as their first strike. This 84 yard score at the start of the fourth quarter puts the Pirates ahead 16-0, and even a missed PAT gives the London fans little hope of a miraculous comeback. With the game all but decided, London's offense finally comes to life. Pinned back at their own fourteen yard line, QB Preston Jones finds his favorite receiver WR Jeff Davis for an 86 yard touchdown, cutting the Pirates lead to nine at 16-7. Now in desperation mode, the Monarchs are able generate their only extended drives against the Independence defense since the opening quarter, but turn the ball over on downs on their next two drives with their best chance to score again stalling out at the Pirate 33. Continually starting drives deep in their own territory thanks to expert punts by P Michael Jefferson, London's season comes to a disappointing end when Jones is intercepted by Pirate FS Mark Trueman at the London 25, allowing the Pirates to move on to the divisional round showdown against the Arkansas Thrashers with the 16-7 win. Henson finishes the day with two catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns, while Park throws for a respectable 250 yards overall. Playing from behind most of the afternoon, the Monarchs have to abandon their solid rushing attack, limiting RB Archie Daniels to only 56 yards on the ground, while QB Jones goes 24/45 for 234 yards with the long touchdown and one interception in his first career playoff appearance.

It's hard to call a thirteen win season capped by the team's first division title in three years a disappointment, especially considering preseason predictions of a 8-8 record (or worse). Running the table in a down year for the AFC South division may not be repeatable in 2039, as the team is beginning to get older at some key offensive and defensive positions. Finding an unexpected solution at quarterback in Preston Jones gives management some flexibility to address other issues on the roster, especially in the secondary. With what appears to be a fairly solid rookie draft class the Monarchs will look at add some more quality young talent, despite trading away next year's second round pick to Chicago at the trade deadline to acquire CB Troy Seim. London ownership hopes to give fans of the Blue and Gold a deeper playoff run to cheer for next season.

Offensive MVP: QB Preston Jones 3001 yards passing (6th in league) 19 TDs (3rd in league) 15 INTs 64% completion percentage (1st in league minimum 500 attempts)

Defensive MVP: LDE Tom Dovo 30 tackles 13 sacks 15 QB hurries (Moguls 2038 defensive rookie of the year)