The Banter-thread for Coaches Corner can be found here: click


Volume 1


From Galaxy 1.1, Ranked 33 globally, with an impressive league record of 258 wins - 93 losses with 14 trophies and the creator of RZA - It's pete! - owner of Guinness Drinkers United.

Hi Pete!
Thanks for sharing RZA with the world!

What part of the world are you from?

Europe, Germany, an area called Saxony. We are "famous" for speaking clean german

Who is your real world favorite team?

Dresden Monarchs

Who is your all-time favorite player?

Jerry Rice, and -G.O.A.T- of those still playing


What is the inspiration for your teams name?

I love having a Guinness from time to time, and the former name "RZA Tackles" was boring somehow


How would you describe your team?

Probably having some potential in there, but one of the worst managers you could find. Therefore wasted superstars, worse tactics...details can be found in my trophy case


Brag about your most dangerous star player (active)

OK, so let's talk about Kabona Sall, the QB

238 games, nearly 19k plays, 9600 att, 6000 completions for 70k yards and 1160 touchdowns. Could be worse

Drafted him in season 13...meanwhile he is 5 star experience. 27 years old, he has some seasons left until he will retire...


What has been your favorite RZA season?

Each single one...no joke. I love the regular season, where my team usually plays superior, and dislike the playoffs where my team usually breaks apart...


Your teams most important/favorite win?

The first Friendly cup I was able to win..took only 17 seasons


Biggest rival?

These "suckers" jumping between Galaxy 1 and Elite all the time...cheers to you, guys!


Which team do you dread having to play against?

No single one...seriously!


Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

There are many out there. Some of them are long term veterans, others joined only a few seasons ago. Some of them supported me during the initial development of the game, so called Knight of RZA. I respect each manager who sticks with the challenges of team development, and has fun in playing RZA. Finally this was designed to provide fun, to waste time


Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

When you ask me at that time, I would go for the win. However, based on my playbook the Drinkers would kick for the tie


Any last comments?

Cheers to you for starting this!


Good luck in the playoffs!
Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

#2

From Thunder 1.1, Ranked 9 globally, with an impressive 24 trophies earned from 17 out of 18 winning seasons and currently un-deafted so far this 20th season in both league and Super Cup- It's wiesengrund! - owner of Vienna Falcons.


Hi wiesengrund!

What part of the world are you from?

Born in Yugoslavia, raised and based in Austria, in the middle of Europe.

Who is your real world favorite team?

Atlanta Falcons. Been a fan ever since I accidentally watched them lose to the Kurt Warner led Cardinals in 2008. Experience has been bitter-sweet ever since.

Who is your all-time favorite player?

That might already be Julio Jones. But historically speaking, MLB Tommy Nobis, the first Falcons draft pick ever, is my favorite player. He played a HOF-worthy career on a really bad expansion team in a small market, and so nobody is rushing towards enshrining him in Canton, but he would definitely deserve it for his play on the field.

How long have you been here at RZA?

I joined just a few hours after the S3 draft, in Feb 2012. Awaiting my pension papers any day now, and have you seen my teeth somewhere…?

What is the inspiration for your teams name?

The town I live in does not have a Falcons team. I had to change that.

How would you describe your team?

I’d say the Falcons are a finesse team built for perennial contention rather than flash-in-a-pan success. We don’t have many big stars, and not a huge payroll. Balance, depth and succession plans are the principles guiding the team building process. We also seem to have an absurd number of players named Fingerlos, which in German means “He who is without fingers”. Weirdly enough, drops have almost never been a problem…

Brag about your most dangerous star player (active)

As said before, stars are not a big thing on this roster. Can I name a Guard? I love guards. Harald Schmidt is a brutally consistent OG for us. But people don’t seem to value Guards as stars. So, I’d think Diogo Ferreira, our QB, comes closest. He has had 4000+ yards and 46+ TDs in both of his EL seasons.

What has been your favorite RZA season?

It has to be Season 13, the last season before the EL got introduced. Defeating the Budapest Wovles on the road in the Divisional Round on a TD to take the lead with 11 seconds remaining qualified us for the big stage. Two weeks later we won our first Trophy, a Global Bowl.

Your teams most important/favorite win?

That has to be that S13 Global Bowl win against Landru Athletics, one of our biggest and oldest rivals. We almost never beat them, but on that day, and even though we nearly gave the game away in the 4th QT on a huge punt return, the offense retook the lead with a minute left and secured that first title in 11 seasons of franchise history.

Biggest rival?

Besides Landru definitely the Styrian Bears. Huge history between us, and they think they’re all cool and whatnot with their Styrian hills and the honey… but can they actually, like… FLY over their hills? Didn’t think so.

Which team do you dread having to play against?

Oh boy, so many … Landru, Bears, Carrick have recently been nearly impossible for my squad to beat. I nearly always outgain the Free Agent Mascots, but have yet to beat them. Just a nightmare opponent. And there are some less obvious teams as well, that always bring out the worst in our guys, like the Stone Mtn Hawks.

Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

Of the old guard, my closest enemies are the teams I respect the most. Landru has had sustained success in this game like very few teams, it’s impossible not to admire the roster setup and game planning there. The Bears are a nightmare in terms of game planning as well, they get more out of their roster than most teams. And that’s where the great ones show themselves: Overcoming a talent deficit.

Of the newer ones, the Wilmersdorf Wadenbeisser are of course just a joy to watch, even though they suffered their first EL playoff loss a few days ago. It’s still impressive to waltz through the whole RZA structure in basically four seasons. I also like the Divers in the Thunder 1.1 who have joined in S18 and are very close to EL qualification already. If I do get to play those teams, I’ll make sure to double check the whole playbook, can’t leave any room for mistakes against well-built teams.


Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

I go for the FG, I have won a lot of games in OT, and lost a lot on late INTs in the redzone, since my QBs always seem to wear down in the 4th QT. Managing the workload of QBs is still one of the most fascinating aspects of this game for me, and my opinion might change over time, but my analysis so far suggests that I’m better of kicking it here. In that sense I also stay true to my Falcons, who also revert to the worst and most maddening conservatism at the worst possible moments…

Any last comments?

Thank you for doing this and enriching the community with the project!


Best of luck in your pursuit of a perfect season and Thank You for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

#3

From Claymore 2.1, ranked 422 globally, in his 1st RZA season and already in the playoffs @ 14-2 and with a divisional trophy it's luko1717 - owner of Lynx Bottlecap wonders!

Hi luko!
Welcome to RZA!

What part of the world are you from?

Northern Ireland, but now England.


Who is your real world favorite team?

Green bay

Who is your all-time favorite player?

Clay Matthews III/ A. Rodgers/ J.Norman

How long have you been here at RZA?

I think since around mid January

What is the inspiration for your teams name?

I had a can of Lynx and a bottle cap on my desk and then wonders just sounded right

How would you describe your team?

An ambitious young 'up and coming' side

Brag about your most dangerous star player (active)

Akil Sy is currently a franchise player until season 24. He's 18 y/o and has been a main receiver for my QB's. He's 4th in the league for catch yards, catch touchdowns and hopefully will be a mainstay in my team for the next decade (in game)

What has been your favorite RZA season?

Well this is my first season, but it will probably be my favourite season as I've been able to buy quite a lot of players and will probably have to stop that soon.

Your teams most important/favorite win?

Haven't had too many but I'm gonna say this years bowl final

Biggest rival?

Probably Biscotti team or Ghent Gentlemen, who are the only 16-0 teams in our league.

Which team do you dread having to play against?

Ghent probably have the edge over Biscotti, so them.

Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

Las Vegas Rattlesnakes for providing me with Sy

Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

Tie, we have the momentum (and hopefully luck) to get them in overtime

Any last comments?

Watch out for the wonders, they say youngsters can't win anything, but we'll prove the doubters wrong

Good luck in the playoffs! Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

#4

From Thunder 1.1, ranked 133 globally, owner of 6 divisional trophies with a league record of 154 wins - 102 losses it's passionatelad - owner of Severnside Cardinals!


Hi passionatelad!

What part of the world are you from?
Bristol, England


Who is your real world favorite team?
Arizona Cardinals


Who is your all-time favorite player?
Don't really know. Been an NFL fan for 6 years this year. Big fan of the honey badger, The defensive menace. lol


How long have you been here at RZA?
January 2013 - Season 6


What is the inspiration for your teams name?
Severnside represents the area I am from. Cardinals because I am an Arizona fan. I think Severnside Cardinals had a nice ring to it.


How would you describe your team?
I would like to think it has a uniqueness to it. My team has potential to do things but seems to crash at the most inconvenient of times. I pride myself on youth no matter what i am playing so youth will always be the way forward and cheaper financially.


Brag about your most dangerous star player (active)
Rupert Heredia. This guy just loves interceptions and sacks. He is a nightmare for QBs and is very hard contain.


What has been your favorite RZA season?
Don't really have one. I have reached the Conference championship game twice so the first time I did that in season 8 was pretty special. I went unbeaten in 2.1 season 10 but for team record I went 15-1 season 18 so that a very memorial moment also for me also.


Your teams most important/favorite win?
This season when beat Inbhir Naraan(Bovakian). I was on the verge of probably failing to qualify for the playoffs but a somehow beat him which is very difficult to do. I got 2 more big results after that which meant I stole his 1st place in the division. He failed to qualify for the playoffs and I did.


Biggest rival?
Inbhir Naraan (Bovakian) and Vienna Falcons(Wiesengrund)


Which team do you dread having to play against?
My rivals, Vienna more so.


Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?
Both my Rivals


Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

A tie. A TD is never guaranteed so at least a tie allows you to fight on and for win, Safety First.

Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

#5


From Admirals 1.1, ranked 82 globally, holder of 3 trophies (including Friendly Cup III), with a league record of 98 wins - 71 losses it's dell_g - owner of BobBoy Magpies!

Hi dell!

What part of the world are you from?

Hi all, my name is Gav and I'm from Cloudy Nottingham in England

Who is your real world favorite team?

Since I was 13 years old...so 25 years ago, it has always been the Denver Broncos but I also have a soft spot for the Vikings, Cowboys, Steelers and Dolphins too

Who is your all-time favorite player?

Without a doubt it's Payton Manning, however back in the day it was John Elway & Emmitt Smith

How long have you been here at RZA?

I've been here since the 4th January 2014, I wanted to get involved with something that I loved and what I was good at which is managing and tactics, I'd played Football Manager and Championship Manager before this for years and years but there was never anything for American Football, I was bored after Christmas and started typing in Google to find out what was out there and I'm so glad I found RZA

What is the inspiration for your teams name?

You will love this.... We would be getting ready to go out and my son who is now 9 years old would always say "wait, I need a Bob" and we would have to wait for him to finish having a crap before we could go out and he would always make us late...So I gave him a nickname of "Bob Boy", he still has that nickname to this day and it's his Avatar name on the WII U.... So my team name is after my Son and my favorite football team - Newcastle United

How would you describe your team?

Manning Style

Brag about your most dangerous star player (active)

My two most dangerous players are Willibert Müller and Paulino Giménez, Paulino was from my first Draft and I don't know how I was able to get Willibert for $7m but that's been my best bit of business so far.

What has been your favorite RZA season?

This one, I have finally got to a place where I'm brave enough to have moved my wage bill up from $1.5m to nearer $3m and it's really improved the results

Your teams most important/favorite win?

There were quite a few surprising wins in the previous 2 seasons against great teams but I'm not one for bragging or singling out other teams. This season has been more about expecting the wins so they haven't been as exciting, I've put the pressure on myself this season to win though so maybe all the wins this season have been important...

Biggest rival?

I've got and have had really tough divisional rivals since I've been in 1.1, MadDogs, MLMOTPH, recently the Lions too, even Do you smell it ...

Which team do you dread having to play against?

I don't fear anyone

Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

My pal from Devon Dog Soldiers has been a great Mentor to me and he's been to the promised land so nuff respect dude

Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

FG, I'm prepared for any Overtime so bring it on

Any last comments?

Yeah, "don't leave it til the last minute to take a dump Son, we'll be late"

Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

Your welcome, this was a great idea dude

#6

From Dragons 1.1, ranked 92 globally, with a league record of 74 wins - 31 losses and holder of 4 trophies including an undefeated season 16 league championship it's me, punch drunk - owner of Juggernaut Jackalopes!


Hi RZA!


What part of the world are you from?
Wapsi bottoms region in Eastern Iowa. Land of cornfields, pigs, catfish, gnats & skeeters and river bottom swamps.


Who is your real world favorite team?
As a very young kid I watched my 1st football game on tv. It was the Miami Dolphins. I was a fan ever since and it happened to be their undefeated season. (yes I'm not a teenager) lol


Who is your all-time favorite player?
Lots of great Dolphins over the years but I have to admit it's Dan Marino. That dude sure could throw!


How long have you been here at RZA?
Early season 15.


What is the inspiration for your teams name?
Some of you may recall I was the GNATS. Wanted something other than a vicious insect so why not Jackalopes! Nothing more vicious than a rabbit with antlers!


How would you describe your team?
Explosive high pressure defense with a pound em with the FB offense.


Brag about your most dangerous star player (active)
My MLB Ferenc Sarkozi. Dragon 1.1 LB of the year last year and certainly even more awards this year! The dude is a BEAST who feeds on QB's and their balls and he's a TD machine. Go ahead - attack my middle.


What has been your favorite RZA season?
Season 16 was lots of fun. All of them have been. This one was a really fun 1 too - even though @ 12-4 I didn't get the divisional trophy and a playoff game. (darn adjusted tie breaker) lol


Your teams most important/favorite win?
Season 16 championship game obviously but a close second was the season 17 2.1 conference championship (I didn't even belong in it) that promoted me to 1.1.


Biggest rival?
Everyone. On the field and TM. As for my division - Paris Hurricanes - I swept you this season and you still got the trophy! (Yes I'm shaking my fist in the air). Cheltnam Bobbers is trying hard too.


Which team do you dread having to play against?
My team plays against kordains Buffalo Bills like it's a relaxed scrimmage and I'm kind of starting to dread playing against Johnny Utah and his bobbers.


Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?
Johnny Utah and his bobbers. For his 700,000 player wages he sure gets 2 million $ performance out of them at times. He's doing a really job for little expense. (and I can't really see how) shhhhhhhh


Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?
GO FOR IT. Can't count on having another shot! Although in my play book it would be kick to tie.


Any last comments?
Thanks to pete for RZA and most everyone here makes this a fun game!

Rock on everyone!

#7

From Elite league, ranked 48 globally, with an excellent league record of 257 wins - 98 losses and holder of 25 trophies including most all of them it's jack6 - owner of Leverkusen Leopards!


Hi Jack!

What part of the world are you from?

I'm from Germany. Born in an area called 'Ruhrgebiet' a former coal and steel production area in the west of Germany.
I was raised in Leverkusen a city a south of the 'Ruhrgebiet' and the city of Düsseldorf and north of Cologne. Leverkusen is an old chemical industry spot, famous for the company Bayer.
Since a few years I now live in Meerbusch, north of Düsseldorf. Meerbusch is famous for the amount of millionaires living in it but unfortunately I’m not one of them.


Who is your real world favorite team?

Honestly, none. I was a fan of the Buffalo Bills start of the 90s when I came in contact with American Football and did see their 4 Superbowl losses in a row live, but since about a decade I lost interest in the NFL and didn’t see a complete game live since then.
I got more interested in College Football, since this is not all about big contracts and marketing and more about fan support and determination for the game. Sure, the NFL is calling for many of the players, but overall it’s nearer the football I did enjoy as a player myself.
That’s why I did and still do my Blockofgranite blog here at RZA.
No preference in college regarding a team or teams, but I like it when the so called big teams do lose against underdogs.


Who is your all-time favorite player?

The first name which came into my mind was Barry Sanders, so I pick him. I’m not sure we will see such a runner again and he had the guts to quit on his heights and did not stay to pursue any stupid record as Emmitt Smith did, looking only like a shadow of his former self in his last few seasons just to beat Wa l t e r Paytons record. But there were and are many great players out there.


How long have you been here at RZA?

I did start right from the start and even before that.
As it can be seen on my overview page I got the Knights of RZA patch, which means I was one of the guys who did help Pete testing his private project and who did discuss changes with the small community back in the days.


What is the inspiration for your teams name?

When I was 17 I did join the Leverkusen Leopards, 1991, a local football team, and I did play for them for 10 seasons, so until 2000, I did also coach their youth team for 7 seasons, from 1994 to 2000. I did retire after that season because of my new job and the team did fold in 2001.
So I guess I have still some sentimental feeling about that and wanted to keep the name alive.


How would you describe your team?

Organized chaos I would say. I did plan my strategy right from the start regarding coaches and training and I did adjust after 10 seasons and after the 15th season again. That’s the organized part. I never had the time and desired to get into the playbook and scouting part with full determination so they have to play each game day with a bunch of rules I did set up from time to time and I switch from one set to another during the seasons. Sometimes I stay with one set over a whole season, sometimes not. That’s the chaotic part. I always wanted to build up a descend playbook, but there is always something else, so they guys have to work with what’s there. Poor guys.


Brag about your most dangerous star player (active)

I had and have the luck to have at least one great LB on the roster since ages and the last few seasons that’s Victor Bush. High tackle percentage, a few sacks, a few INTs and a few TDs. He still has some seasons left and I hope he will stay until he is 35.


What has been your favorite RZA season?

That would be two seasons. In season 6 I was able to outplay finally all other competitors and win the Bowl the first time and in season 16 I did finally get another descend season together to get my second Bowl trophy and advance to the Elite league.
But overall I always liked most seasons, since playoffs are always a bit of luck.


Your teams most important/favorite win?

Overall, none.
Of cause I like it when I win and winning against long-time rivals or scoring an upset is great for a few minutes, but it’s not like I sit there and do think about ‘oh that game was a heck of a game, ah that was still great football …’.
It’s just a game and I have more fun developing the players than getting a thrill over a win.


Biggest rival?

In these days probably the Black Dragons of Angus. He had a 10+ winning streak against my team which I was able to break this season, but he started the next streak on the next game, also this season and since he did stay in Elite and I will play 1.1 again, I have at least a season as a break.
But it’s a friendly rivalry, no bad blood.


Which team do you dread having to play against?

Honestly none and all.
None, because it’s just a game and all that can happen is a win or a loss.
All, because that darn engine can always bring out the worst of my team and sometimes I think it does exactly that on the worst possible moment on purpose.


Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

I respect the old timers for staying that long, which also includes teams which did never made it to the big stage, but do manage their team since 20 seasons and seem to be happy about it.
I like all managers which do contribute to the community.
I sometimes can’t understand why some managers do not do a bit more on the conversation part. It’s supposed to be fun, so why not keep tough with all the other strange people with the same hobby?


Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

Since that damn engine would kick me in the family jewels for sure on a TD try, I kick the FG and hope for the best.
With my luck I would either get stuck in a TD try or just for fun would there still be time on the clock and the ensuing kickoff return would be returned for TD and I lose the game that way.
No, let’s try overtime.


Any last comments?

Dear members of RZA, please come out of the closet and start talking with the community, on the global forum, you language forum or your regional forum. This is supposed to be fun and the more managers do write stuff, the more it IS fun.


Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

#8

From Sea Devils 1.1, ranked 106 globally, with a league record of 102 wins - 73 losses and holder of 8 trophies including Friendly Cup IECC2 Qualification cup 2 it's JohnnyAce - owner of NOtown ~MYST1CS~!


Hi Johnny!


What part of the world are you from?

I'm from a small town called Jonesboro, northern Louisiana, USA.


Who is your real world favorite team?

Go Saints


Who is your all-time favorite player?

The Great Jim Thorpe. He who once fielded his own punt and advanced it for a touchdown. He who, when he tackled you, "damn near killed you." He who won 2 gold medals in the 1912 Olympics. He who never left the field, playing QB, HB, DB, P, K, and KR. The Great Jim Thorpe.
Also, Deuce McAllister (Saints RB 2001-2009). The way he ran was truly inspirational.


How long have you been here at RZA?

My current team has been around since Season 11. I had 2 previous accounts before which went inactive. So I'm not sure actually. Season 6 or 7 maybe??


What is the inspiration for your teams name?

The "NO" in NOtown is for New Orleans, where I have lived for the last 17 years. "Myst1c" is what I become while my team plays a league match. On the end of my staff is affixed the grotesque and evil head of my God and I shake my God-staff vigorously during my league matches while blasting angry late-sixties free jazz. In this way do I hearken the evil football spirits to my cause and will my team to victory!


How would you describe your team?

My team is on the rise, built according to a blueprint with attention paid to every detail, due to fully arrive in the next two seasons.



Brag about your most dangerous star player (active).

My OG Andrey Ermakov serves more pancakes than IHOP.


What has been your favorite RZA season?

Season 16, wherein I defeated the great Michigan state spartans in the regular season en route to a 13-3 record. I made it as far as the divisional round before being eliminated by the same spartans. Since then, spartans has avoided my wrath by retreating to the Elite League where he continues to hide from the dreadful power of the Myst1cs.


Your teams most important/favorite win?

Season 12- Defeated Winchester Lions in relegation to gain proper admittance to Sea Devils 1.1.


Biggest rival?

I have no rival, as I am vanquishing them one by one


Which team do you dread having to play against?

According to my therapist, Cool Runnings.


Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

Again, it's Cool Runnings. I don't know how he does it. He was in 2.x last season, and is now #1 according to beckos


Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

Kick the FG to keep myself in the game and trust my playbook to bring home the win (while furiously shaking my evil-God's-head-staff).


Any last comments?

I humbly thank Pete for this game, which provides fun and joy in my life. This game ROCKS


Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

#9

From Monarchs 1.1, ranked 141 globally, with a league record of 103 wins - 67 losses and holder of 5 trophies including Member RZA season 19 it's Captain Jack - owner of Torchwood Aliens!


Hi Captain!


What part of the world are you from?

Well I’m based in the UK – originally from Derby but now living in London.


Who is your real world favorite team?

Green Bay Packers.


Who is your all-time favorite player?

It has to be two Packers players- Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews.


How long have you been here at RZA?

I joined on 15/12/13 for the start of season 11 where I had a 9-7 record, was 3rd placed in the division and subsequently did not get into the playoffs. By the way I am now the longest serving of the franchise which originally began on 13/11/12 as Seraph.


What is the inspiration for your teams name?

Well, most (all?) Doctor Who fans will know the BBC TV series ‘Torchwood’, which is the name of the facility which houses a small team of alien hunters who deal mainly with incidents involving extra-terrestrials. Its leader, Captain Jack Harkness, is an immortal who also happens to be a former con-man from the future. Captain Jack originally appeared in Doctor Who.


How would you describe your team?

I would say my team is a balanced team. No standout salaries and, in fact, I have traditionally kept wages low through balance but now they are starting to creep up as players get better and demand more money. Not only are we balanced in skills but also in running and passing. We have previously been much more of a passing team but I believe we have now become a dual threat. We can pass, we can run and the special teams are good too.


Brag about your most dangerous star player (active).

Difficult to choose because of the balance but let me name a few. Both starting QBs (Council and Pasquet) who are amazing; WR Sacarro – 4* at 25; RB Taylor – 3* at 23. On the D we have LB Stewart and DLs Romanek and Schmitz. Best in the Secondary is SF Zapata.


What has been your favorite RZA season?

Probably S15 where we went 15-1, won the division and got promoted to 1.1.


Your teams most important/favorite win?

The favorite is probably in S15 where we finally beat the Marines.


Biggest rival?

The Marines were our biggest rival then with promotion we got separated. (This is one thing I dislike about the promotion/relegation system in that you lose old, established rivalries).
Then in Monarchs 1.1 it became the Adelaide Crows whom I felt were the team we needed to beat in order to win the division.


Which team do you dread having to play against?

Well it was the Crows, and to some extent still is. They have had a down season this time but I suspect they will be back and stronger.


Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

I respect all opponents who come to play and put their best into their game plans and team development. However, it is well documented that I hate the use of MOTY. It seems like saying ‘we can’t find a way to beat you so we’ll use some dodgy tactics’. People are always saying how easy it is to build a competitive team in 3-4 seasons. Why then do they rely on MOTY to get their wins?


Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

Go for the tie. I tend to play a conservative game in those situations. If we went for 4-2 and got it we would almost certainly win (assuming we could manage the clock competently) – no contest – but if we failed we’d be out. Much better to go for the tie, gather our resources and strike again.


Any last comments?

I really enjoy playing RZA. I was pleased we were able to get to the Elite league in S19 – although it was a baptism of fire. This season feels a lot better because we’ve gone 16-0.
I took a very controversial decision to replace two retiring coaches ahead of the playoff games because I saw the guys I wanted and felt it was more important to get them with no competition from others rather than wait until after the playoffs when the bidding wars will erupt and there was no guarantee I would get the people I wanted.
The loss of TC and Morale came back to bite me but I have no complaints. I think our long term success is better than going up now to the Elite and then getting relegated the following season. I want to prepare well for our next visit even if it takes a little extra time.


Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!

#10

From the Elite league and ranked #1 in RZA, it's spartans11 - owner of michigan state spartans!


Hello spartans11 !


Congrats on your 41 - 34 victory against a very tough Landru Athletics and 1st RZA Elite league championship trophy!

MSU dominated 1st half and Landru mostly controlled 2nd half - MSU QB Benjamín Morrell threw for 442 Yards and 5 TD's. Landru Athletics rushed for 201 yards - 7.2 avg.



Whats your thoughts of the game?

I think the key to my victory was the play of my Defense, especially in the first half. I felt my MLB Leon led the way with three of my teams six sacks.



What part of the world are you from?

I am from a small city near Detroit Michigan in the USA.



Who is your real world favorite team?

I wish I could say the Detroit Lions but they have been so bad for most of my lifetime that I gave up on them. Pro team I would say Seattle Seahawks and college would be Michigan State Spartans.



Who is your all-time favorite player?

All time favorite would have to be Barry Sanders.



How long have you been here at RZA?

I have been here since Dec of 2012 that was Season 6.



What is the inspiration for your teams name?

That is an easy one. It is my college alma mater MSU.



How would you describe your team?

I would describe my team as hard nosed and versatile. My run offense has been consistently in the top five in Elite league the past four seasons. This playoff run I opened up the playbook to mostly pass but anyone who has scouted my games knows they have to respect the run.



Brag about your most dangerous star player (active).

My all time favorite player is Dionisio Leon. I drafted him in Season 9 and he has been a starter for the past 11 seasons and will eventually retire from my team. He is my MLB and heart of my defense. I gave up keeping track of how many individual honors he has won.



What has been your favorite RZA season?

Season 20 has been my favorite. It has been my season for trophies.



Your teams most important/favorite win?

Season 17 Champ of Champs Bowl vs Free Agent Mascots. FAM was the dominant team then, I tied the game with just over a minute left in regulation and won it in OT.



Biggest rival?

I think biggest rival changes over time. Currently it would have to be San Diego Blitzkrieg. We have been battling each other the past few seasons in Super Cup and in Conference for the chance to play in the championship game. Our games are usually a coin flip on who will win.



Which team do you dread having to play against?

That is an easy one. It is the Carrickfergus Knights. He usually finds a way to beat me in the big games.




Which opponent do you admire/respect the most?

There are several teams that I really respect and admire for what they have done with there squad and for what they have done with the community as a whole. To name a few I would say San Diego Blitz and Carrickfergus Knights, both are great competitors and are very active in our community. I also like the Black Dragons (even though he is a Michigan man). I think he is an incredible game planner. In one game he and I played he correctly called the perfect defense for every play I ran that day. Plus he is active in the community.



Championship game is on the line! It's 4 and goal at the 2 - under 30 seconds left to play and you are behind by 3. What do you do?? Go for the tie or the win?

I play for the tie and go for the win in OT.



You are seen in the forums openly giving insights to game play and advice. Thank you for that. What motivates you to be so open about what many would consider secret?

When my team was young I had a lot of questions that were not necessarily in the manual, the community was great at helping. This is just my way of giving back. I want everyone that plays to try and build a powerhouse, more competition the better.



Any last comments?

I originally joined the game in season 3 but left to concentrate on Grid-iron (TOG). I stayed in contact with Pete and he eventually talked me into returning to RZA. I would like to thank Pete for everything he does for building this game and inviting me back. It has been the best and most challenging game I have ever played.
LOL My wife gets credit for talking me into returning to the game in Season 6 by reminding me on how much fun I had with this game.



Thank you for your time and contribution to making this a fun and competitive game!