Identity: Faces of a New Era

In as little as two weeks, Season 25 of the Simulation Football League kicks off. Things have been moving along at a quickened pace since the close of Season 24: Ownership changes, restructuring of the organization, re-signings of Los Angeles players, and the addition of new LA players from Free Agency. It would be an understatement to say the Front Office of the Lycans is excited. "We've been hard at work trying to acquire the best pieces possible," said General Manager Brogan Speraw. "The front office had a meeting of the minds, and we all agreed that these individuals match the ethos that we want our team to present this season and seasons beyond," added Co-GM Daricus Iniguez. Let us peak behind the curtain and get a detailed look at some of our new Lycans.

An In-depth View of our Free Agent Acquisitions

HB Ace Ketchum

• 6'2" 245lbs

• SFLm: Nashville Tempo

• SFL: Denver Nightwings, Queen City Corsairs

• Season 24 Stats: 97 ATT. 301 YDs 1TD

• Thoughts: Ketchum was in a crowded QCC backfield last season; however, that didn't stop the Lycans from seeing his full potential. "We've had developing HBs for two season's straight," said Majority Owner Sully Richardson. "With the departure of Patrick Rudlang, we believe Ace can give us that punch we need to get more first downs."

Lycans News: "Tell us a little about yourself."

Ace Ketchum: "I'm Ace Ketchum. I love Pokémon, hence the name. I like football a lot and I'm a big fan of Derrick Henry, which is who I based my player off of."

LN: "How did you find the SFL?"

AK: "I always heard about the SFL in the sim world. When I got a chance, I decided to join."

LN: "How does it feel to be a Lycan?"

AK: "It feels great! I haven't felt at home at my two previous stops. I already feel more at home now!"

LN: "What do you look to accomplish here with the Lycans?"

AK: "I want to help get the Lycans to the playoffs and help bring a trophy to LA."

LN: "Any final words for the fans or the league?"

AK: "I feel I am a whole new HB this season, so be ready!"

HB Ace Ketchum

FB Tom Thickey

• 6'2" 255lbs

• UDFA

• Thoughts: Though Thickey will be developing this season, he'll be a great asset in the LA's backfield. "We know that Dan Curtis will need a breather every now and then," said Co-Minority Owner Ace Blackwell. "We don't want any break in the action, so Tom will be vital."

Lycans News:  "Tell us a little about yourself."

Tom Thickey: "Well, first of all I'm Tom R. Thickey. I get my middle name from my daddy. He was a big boy and I am too."

LN:  "How did you find the SFL?"

TT: "I found out about the SFL from some friends a while ago and decided to bite the bullet and join."

LN:  "How does it feel to be a Lycan?"

TT: "It feels surreal. Never thought I'd have this opportunity and yet? Here I am!"

LN:  "What do you look to accomplish here with the Lycans?"

TT: "I just want to do whatever my team needs me to do. Lead blocker?? I can do that. Pass protection? Nobody touches my QB. Someone to force it up the middle? Down their throats we go!"

LN:  "Any final words for the fans or the league?"

TT: "Watch out! I am a baaaaaddddd booooiiiii! Awooooo!"

FB Tom Thickey

WR Joseph Beaudet

• 6'3" 220lbs

• SFLm: Lexington Miners

• SFL: Sioux Falls Sparrows, Queen City Corsairs

• Season 24 Stats; 1 REC 3YDs

• Thoughts: Queen City's offense was rolling last season. Don't let Beaudet's stats fool you. Los Angeles felt like Christmas came early when this WR signed to them. "We've had 3 receivers for as long as I can remember," Sully Richardson reflects. "We believe Joseph can create problems for the opposing side while increasing his productivity this upcoming season."

Lycans News:  "Tell us a little about yourself."

Joseph Beaudet: "I am Joseph Beaudet. I have been in the SFL for three years now and I'm a college student studying at the University of Southern Maine. I'm currently working towards earning my Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology."

LN:  "How did you find the SFL?"

JB: "I found the SFL via a YouTube documentary made by a small creator during the COVID-19 pandemic. I immediately became interested in the league."

LN:  "How does it feel to be a Lycan?"

JB: "It feels good to be a Lycan. I'm looking forward to a great season."

LN:  "What do you look to accomplish here with the Lycans?"

JB: "I look to improve upon myself as well as make bigger contributions to this team. At my prior stop, my roles were limited. I've got work to do."

LN:  "Any final words for the fans or the league?"

JB: "I am ready for a great season. I wish all a good season."

WR Joseph Beaudet

G Damian Robichaud

• 6'7" 330lbs

• SFLm: Nashville Tempo

• SFL: Charleston Predators

• Thoughts: The SFL is known for its various "front sevens". To counter various savagery, Los Angeles picked up a rejuvenated Mr. Robichaud. "I don't think Damian knows the talent he possess," Tackle Orin Wildes said. "It's great to have another Nephilim on this line to help move heaven and earth."

(Damian was unavailable at the time of this article for questioning. Rumor has it: He was grappling with a retired wrestler to train for the upcoming season.)

G Damian Robichaud

OLB Earl Fields IV

• 6'2" 245lbs

• SFLm: Tacoma Grizzlies

• SFL: Vancouver Legion

• Thoughts: You can never have too many linebackers on your defense. After stepping away a few seasons to gather his thoughts, the cerebral sniper Earl Fields IV now dawns the Lycans colors. "This man is no joke when it comes to playing defense," said Sully Richardson. "He's always processing, always calculating, and always trying to liberate the ball from the opponent's body."

Lycans News:  "Tell us a little about yourself."

Earl Fields IV: "Hello! My name is Earl Fields. I'm from Ohio and love football, winning games, and hitting people."

LN:  "How did you find the SFL?"

EF4: "I found the SFL through friends. This is actually my second stint here. GM Brogan Speraw is a good friend of mines and talked me out of retirement."

LN:  "What do you look to accomplish here with the Lycans?"

EF4: "I like the Lycans! Great color scheme and branding potential. It's fun and the team seems exciting to be a part of."

LN:  "What do you look to accomplish here with the Lycans?"

EF4: "My main goal is always to win the next game. I've been on some great teams in Vancouver and know the kind of effort it takes to compete, but I've never won that championship. I'm hoping that we can build the Lycans to be a fierce defense and a team that can always push to make it to the title."

LN:  "Any final words for the fans or the league?"

EF4: "Final words? Not really. Mainly jus gotta say it again. I like the Lycans and Awooooooo!!!!"

OLB Earl Fields IV

CB Anthony Wyo

• 5'11" 195lbs

• SFL: Las Vegas Fury, Houston Hyenas, Jacksonville Kings, London Knights, Queen City Corsairs, Indianapolis Ramblers, Atlanta Swarm

• Season 24 Stats: 36 TCK (8 AST) | 11 TFLs | 2 SCKs | 5 INTs | 1 FF | 3 TDs

• Thoughts: "To be great is to be misunderstood." The quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson perfectly explains Anthony Wyo. One of the best CBs in the SFL, his mind operates on another level. With the departure of Ben Charbs and the return of Ryan Yoseph, adding Wyo to the fold will give Los Angeles more chances to get the ball back for the offense. "Not much you can say about him," a returning Ryan Yoseph said. "He's a menace on the field."

(Wyo was unavailable at the time of this article for questioning. Sources close to Wyo's camp said that he was sitting in on a lecture on the future of mobile suits.)

CB Anthony Wyo