January 26, 2021 – Bradenton, Fla. –
The Simulation Football League’s 16th Season kicked off this past weekend and did not fail to disappoint. Twelve games were scattered across Saturday and Sunday and left SFL fans with an entire weekend of entertainment.
Here are the entire list of games and some key points about each game:
Baltimore Vultures 27, Arizona Scorpions 21
This was one of the games that were listed as a “must watch” game this week, as Baltimore is coming off as defending champions from Season 15. The inaugural Season 16 matchup did not disappoint fans who enjoy watching defensive games, as the game went right down to the wire. Baltimore picked right up from where they left off, as Arizona will look to win their first game next week.
Atlanta Swarm 44, Tulsa Desperados 17
Although Atlanta was not particularly known for their high-ranking offense last season, they came out in Week 1 with a blowout win over Tulsa, who allowed the seventh-most points per game last season. Bryant Dynasty was one of the better quarterbacks in the league last year and started his season with the Swarm on the right foot.
Queen City Corsairs 17, Fort Worth Toros 14
In what is considered another defensive game, Queen City completed their comeback to notch their first win of the season. Both teams are known more for their strong defenses as opposed to the offense, which showed in this game to give fans a more intense matchup. Fort Worth will look to rebound after a heartbreaking loss on the road.
Vancouver Legion 45, Louisiana Revolution 34
For the fans that enjoy an offensive game, this was the first opportunity this season to enjoy a wide-open game. Both teams ranked Top 5 in points per game last season and this game was just as advertised. Vancouver’s win kept Saturday’s home team’s undefeated streak alive, going to 4-0 on the day.
Lone Star Glory 45, Florida Storm 23
Lone Star came into Week 1 facing the second-toughest defense from last season, only to score 45 points. The Glory began their season with an important win at home against Florida, who did not have any answer for Lone Star throughout the matchup. Was this just one bad game for Florida’s defense, or is this what may be expected this season?
Las Vegas Fury 22, Carolina Skyhawks 10
To cap off Saturday, Las Vegas hosted Carolina in a battle of two of the worst defenses in the league from last season. Not only was this a battle of defenses, but Las Vegas sealed the victory, giving home teams a 6-0 record on the week and a perfect record on Saturday. Carolina will return home next week in search of their first win.
London Knights 20, D.C. Dragons 10
Kicking off Sunday’s action was the first-ever game between London and D.C., which saw a young Dragons team fall short of a more veteran Knights squad. Kevin Seay, the second overall pick in the Season 16 draft, looked very well for the Dragons but was not able to find the endzone enough against a tough London defense. Although it was a tough loss for the Dragons, they will be a team to watch develop this season.
Jacksonville Kings 27, Houston Hyenas 13
First-half struggles from Houston helped Jacksonville get their season off to a winning start with a two-touchdown victory over the Hyenas. Although Houston outscored the Kings in the second half, it was not enough to help them come within striking distance. Even though Jacksonville’s strong offense may be the headline of this game their defense shut down Houston, which allowed the sixth-most yards in the league last season.
Los Angeles Lycans 31, San Diego Mavericks 17
In another game that was considered a “must-watch,” the Lycans took down the Mavericks with a two-touchdown margin victory to begin their season. It was also the debut for the Mavericks’ Mike Ryan, the first overall pick from the Season 16 draft, who now has a game under his belt at the top level of SFL.
Charleston Predators 30, Mexico City Aztecs 17
Matt Willson and the Aztecs fell short in their first game of the season, losing on the road in Charleston by a two-possession score. Charleston’s win notched the ninth victory for home teams this week, with the D.C. Dragons being the lone team to lose at home. The Predators are off to a good start after having a losing season last year at 5-7.
Denver Nightwings 33, Sioux Falls Sparrows 7
After a heartbreaking loss in last season’s playoffs, the Nightwings began Season 16 with a blowout win over Sioux Falls. Denver held an 11-1 record last season and was the top-rated offense and defense. They started the season with a big statement and will try to make a return to the playoffs, in attempts to go even further. Denver will be the team to beat this season.
St. Louis Gladiators 20, Portland Fleet 16
The final game of Week 1 of Season 16 ended with a low-scoring matchup, with St. Louis gaining the win on the road. The Gladiators were only one of three away teams who won their games, along with Denver and London. Although this was the battle of the two worst offenses from last season, it did provide exciting content down to the wire.
