-Just Over A Month Later: Blitz League Broadcast Booth-
"Well another Blitz League season has come and gone." Chris began in an enthusiastic tone. "The Hounds took home the title in Division 3, and will promptly be promoted to Division 2. In the Division 2 championship game, everyone expected the Hammerheads to finally advance to Division 1, but that was not the case as Shane Spain and the Marauders upset the Hammerheads in Miami by a score of 31-21. Chicago is finally headed to Division 1. That would be a legendary sendoff for Spain is he manages to lead the Marauders to a Division 1 title." Chris said as the broadcast showed Spain holding the Division 2 trophy.
"Last but certainly not least... Tampa Bay will once again be the Division 1 champions. 'Franchise' balled out on both sides of the ball as the Hurricanes defeated Vancouver by a score of 42-27 to claim the teams second Division 1 title." Chris said as the footage now showed 'Franchise' shaking hands with his teammate and best friend Quentin Sands as the two hoisted the teams second championship trophy.
"Now it's time to talk about the teams being demoted from their current Division, down to the lower Divisions. The Arizona Outlaws have been demoted from Division 1 down to Division 2. The Washington Redhawks have been demoted from Division 2 and, now are going to be back in Division 3." Chris said as the footage now showed the teams logos of those that where being promoted and demoted.
"Now we're going to talk about Free Agency and the Blitz League Draft." Chris said as the footage now showed every teams logo at the bottom of the screen. "The Grizzlies are in the process of working out a new deal with team Captain Tyler Neal. The exact terms of the potential contract are being kept secret, per sources inside the Denver Grizzlies organization." Chris said as the Grizzlies logo, as well as a picture of Tyler Neal flashed on the screen.
"We suspected, but it's now official in New York. Nightmare receiver Carter Langford has been released from the team. The former second round pick, as well as third down and special teams specialist was given his walking papers this morning. Langford might be an under the radar pickup for any team who's in need for a veteran pass catcher... here's looking at you Baltimore and Cincinnati." Chris said as the footage now showed a picture of Langford on the Nightmare sideline grasping his left leg.
"Now for Draft news." Chris began as the footage now showed a list of the top players who had already declared for the draft. "With Miami winning the collegian title this season behind the arm of Kelly James, the quarterback who's been a one year wonder, has bolted unto many teams draft boards, for the second or third round that is." Chris said as he paused to take a breath. "One good season in college does not always translate to instant league success. The top collegian tailback in the nation, that being Texas's John Norris is expected to be the top running-back taken in the coming draft. The question is however, which team in the top 10 needs to take a back in the first round. Could the Bearcats be looking towards the future with team captain Kwazi Mbutabe signaling he's looking at life after football?" Chris asked into the camera...
-Meanwhile: Cyclones Conference Room-
"I'll be honest gentleman, I'm partially relieved this season is over." Marty said with a gentle laugh.
"With a 1-6 record, I think the fans and the players are as well." head of the P.R. Department, Marco, joked, which earned a small smile from Marty.
"Marty, my scouts and I have been working overtime in scouting for talent. Per your orders we've scouted Free Agents, and rookies coming into the draft, we'll have a list of player we should target on your desk tomorrow morning." Jamal reassured his boss in a confident tone.
"That's what I like to hear." Marty said with a smile on his face. "As everyone is well aware, Free Agency starts only a few days after the season ends. If we get a jump on some Free Agents, it could really boost our chances next season." Marty assured his subordinates in a confident tone. "Lets talk Free Agents... Jamal, who do you like?" Marty asked his Head Scout.
"Personally, I like Tyler Neal, than again who doesn't? The kids the fastest runner in the league by far, and we need a running back really badly. We cannot be satisfied with 20 to 30 yards in the entire game, between backs and QB runs." Jamal said in a serious tone.
"Excellent point." Marty said in an agreeing tone as he turned to look at Clint. "Clint, who do you like?" Marty asked his General Manager.
"Honestly I'm looking more towards the draft. There is a lot of good talent coming into the league this year–"
"No offense, but what the hell are you talking about? Experts are saying this is going to be a weak, or medium talent draft at most." Jamal interjected.
"It might be a weak draft class for big time play makers. Give or take a few first round players. Point is there could be a lot of diamonds in the rough in the later rounds. Not to mention we have two first round draft picks, and they're early ones at that–" Clint was interrupted by a cell-phone going off, to which Marty quickly exited the room to take the call, to which Jamal took the opportunity to interject.
"What exactly are you suggesting, Clint?" Jamal asked his friend.
"We have money to spend, but let's not go after the biggest name players. Let's instead go after players who fit the system that coach Dungy wants to run. We could land Tyler Neal if we decided to outbid Denver... or we could recreate him. We acquire a back or two who can recreate his stat line–"
"I think I get what your saying, but why wouldn't we just want Neal?" Jamal asked.
"Tyler Neal does not fit our system. He wants the ball 25 to 30 carries a game. With our offensive line it wouldn't work, with our receivers it wouldn't work. We need a back who's a team player. After all there is no 'I' in team." Clint said wisely, which earned head nods from all present. "Marco, what do the fans think?" Clint asked his friend.
"The fans want us to draft smart and talented players, but also sign some veteran Free Agents. Once Grant went down, there was little to no veteran leadership in the huddle or locker room. The fans have made it clear, it does not have to be a big name player, but we need veteran leadership–"
"Couldn't agree more, Marco." Marty said as he entered into the room after his phone call had concluded. "Which is why I have a proposition..."
To Be Continued...
AN: Who do you think they're going to target?
