Building the Fortress of the Los Angeles Lycans: Key Off-Season Acquisitions

Los Angeles ended their SFL's 25th Season with a record of 3-8. The goal was to Change the Narrative. The goal was to turn the page. Most onlookers would have the mindset of "Same ole Lycans."

Don't tell that to newly acquired Inside Linebacker Matthew Alvarado! "LA was the one place I really wanted to be." LA's organization seeks to receive similar sentiments from future acquisitions with the path they want to carve.

Departures

For the most part, the Lycans have re-signed the majority of their players this off-season. Former Halfback Ace Ketchum vanished faster than Batman leaving Commissioner Gordan mid-sentence. No head's up, no Dear John letter...NOTHING! Defensive Tackle Bear Winters, Free Safety Eaton Moss, Guard Hunter Wetoska, and Tackle Bob Wetoska road off into retirement. Long-time Tight End and newly-inducted Grand Hall of Lycans member Jack Flash hinted towards free agency (where he's a Carolina Skyhawk).

"We appreciate everyone who's contributed to our team and we truly do wish them luck in whatever they do," said Co-Minority Owner Ace Blackwell. "I had all the faith in the world in our GM and Assistant GM to get us going in the right direction. It's all about stabilizing our foundation."

Stabilizing

"It's a testament to how much the men and women in our building wants this team to prosper." Daricus Iniguez | Assistant General Manager

"We went about things differently last season. We put our heads together, compiled our free agency/rookie boards early, and did a thorough self-scout of our team throughout last season," said General Manager Brogan Speraw. Taking into account aforementioned departures, the Lycans quickly got to work evaluating

talent.

UDFAs

Baugh Grimm/Don Kaido - Guard

These two gentlemen come from the Lycans Developmental Program that Center Altais Wildes came from. With Orin Wildes and Damion Robichaud at the coaches of the Lycans' O-line, both Baugh and Don should be able to pick up where the Wetoskas left off.

Paul Alizar - Strong Safety

"We had to find someone who was willing to take on the same tasks Eaton Moss did," said General Manager Brogan Speraw on the acquisition of Alizar. Paul will get a chance to improve his skills this season as he will be playing with the Boston Cavalry in their inaugural season (12) in the SFLm as part of their developmental program. Lycans News posed a few questions for LA's newest piece on defense.

Lycans News: "What made you want to be a Los Angeles Lycan?"

Paul Alizar: "It sounded like a new experience and I was curious to try it out."

LN: "How did you find out about the SFL?"

PA: "I found out about the SFL from Sully Richardson and my dad (Owner of Blacktiger Art)."

LN: "What are your goals for Season 26?"

PA: "My goals are to have a fun and positive experience with the rest of the team."

UDFAs Baugh Grimm and Don Kaido (Guards) will look to pick up where the Wetoskas left off. UDFA Paul Alizar (Strong Safety) will need to fill the shoes of Eaton Moss in the Lycans secondary.

Free Agents

Stephen MacMichaels - Tight End

Formerly of the Oklahoma City Renegades, MacMichaels bolsters a tight end core that loses a key player in long-time Lycan Tight End Jack Flash. "In all honesty, it caught us off guard when we were approached by Stephen," Sully Richardson mentioned to Lycans News. "It shows us that people do see great things in our organization." MacMichaels gathered 79 receptions for 841 yards and 3 touchdowns in Season 25; earning him a Season 25 All-Star nod. Pairing him with up-and-comer TE Adam Grabowski should give Los Angeles more opportunities to move the ball down the field this upcoming season.

LN: "What made you want to be a Los Angeles Lycan?"

SM: "The team has a future hall-of-fame quarterback in Sully. After speaking with him, I felt convicted that the new ownership group of Los Angeles is going in the right direction. I'm excited to be here and ready to bring my hard work ethic and positive attitude to the locker room."

LN: "How did you find out about the SFL?"

SM: "During the early winter (pandemic), I was bored and channel surfing on the television when I spotted an SFL game on DirecTV. The realism and excitement of the game plus Commissioner Irvine's commentary on the game hooked me. I went to the official SFL website and clicked on the league's Discord link. After watching a few more SFL games, I knew I had to join the league."

LN: "What's your goals for Season 26?"

SM: "I want to continue to improve my player's build through continued weekly player progressions. It is very important to better your player on a weekly basis. I also want to provide a positive attitude as we build a winning team. It's imperative that we stay humble and caring towards our teammates and others in the SFL and those in our personal lives as well. Have to keep God, family, and others in the right perspective in our lives."

LN: "Any last words?"

SM: "Gotta stay positive, play hard on the field, be joyful after a victory, and remain humble after a loss. We have to learn and grow as individuals from this wonderful SFL experience. I'm ready to help others grow and enjoy their SFL journey like I have."

Former OKC Renegade and Season 25 All-Star Tight End Stephen MacMichaels could be a breath of fresh air to the offense of LA. Alongside Adam Grabowski, Stephen could add a much-needed jolt to the Lycans organization.

Matthew Alvarado - Inside Linebacker

"Full circle moment, man. LA was the first team I reached out to before becoming a pro. The Lycans were the place I truly wanted to be," Alvarado said upon signing his contract. Defensive Tackle Bear Winters' early retirement created a hole on the defensive line of the Lycans. Former Outside Linebacker Greg Ward volunteered to go back to his natural position on the defensive line and long-time Defensive End Ace Blackwell slid down to Defensive Tackle. Inside Linebacker Brogan Speraw moved back to his Outside Linebacker position; allowing Alvarado (formerly of the Minnesota Legend) to man the defense along with Inside Linebacker Tazzy Blackwell. Hoping to get back to his All-Star status like in Season 24; Matthew looks to assist LA towards defensive dominance.

LN: "What made you want to become a Los Angeles Lycan?"

MA: "I was born and raised in L.A. and have been here my whole life. I'm a die-hard sports fan and proud supporter of the Dodgers, Rams, Lakers, and USC Trojans. Having the chance to play in L.A. for the hometown team was the reason I joined this league."

LN: "How did you find out about the SFL?"

MA: "I came across the SFL after moving into my new home. I was setting up the 75" Samsung TV in the man cave when a Samsung channel turned on to some esports channel. It was a live broadcast of an SFL Championship game (Can't remember which one; but, I remember Baltimore winning).

LN: "What's your goals for Season 26?"

MA: "My Season 26 personal goal is to get back to all-star form and shoot for the DPOY again. Having a down year last year was tough to watch; so, the goal is to get back to where I feel I belong. And my team goal is always to play for a championship. Anything less always feel like a disappointment; but, I also know it takes time to get there. I'm ready for the championship grind in L.A."

LN: "Any last words?"

MA: "Last thing I want to say is that I'm excited for the opportunity to play here and looking forward to building something new in L.A."

The goal is to get back into All-Star form. Along with Tazzy Blackwell, newly acquired Middle Linebacker Matther Alvarado could add more fierceness to the linebacking corp of Los Angeles.

Daryll Bullock - Cornerback

"He's a relentless individual," says Strong Safety Ryan Yoseph. "It's an honor to have him on our side now." With the departure of long-time fixture Devante Moore, Bullock stands in the gap along with Mike Scott and Season 25 All-Star Anthony Wyo. Daryll's coverage skills and relentless drive will be nightmare fuel for the Lycans secondary.

LN: "What made you want to become a Los Angeles Lycan?"

DB: "First off, the logo is fire. That was a big plus; but, the main initial reason was Sully. That's my homie. I've been watching to support and noticed the team needed something and feel I'm that something. Hopefully with me in the backfield we can take the Lycans to the next level."

LN: "How did you find out about the SFL?"

DB: "By accident. I was looking for a fantasy football league on Instagram and the SFL popped up. I checked it out and felt like this was dope. I just watched 4 to 5 seasons before actually joining."

LN: "What's your goals for Season 26?"

DB: "11 interceptions. SFL Championship. All-Star."

LN: "Any last words?"

DB: "I am the corner to fear. QBs beware. Lycans win or die trying."

Cornerback Daryll Bullock steps in to shore up a secondary that already contains an All-Star in Anthony Wyo. With the services of Bullock, the Lycans will look to give the offense more opportunities in Season 26.

Rookies

Aunt Tim - Halfback

"We put a lot of time and attention into Ketchum the Unfriendly Ghost. For him to leave us without any type of communication was disrespectful; yet, the show must go on," said Sully Richardson. "We were in talks with Tim for a long time. We believe he can help push our offense to the next level." Being a two-time SFLm Champion (San Jose Flight: Season 10; Anchorage Wolves: Season 11) is a hard thing to achieve. Tim was one of the focal points of the Wolves offense and helped Anchorage to their 1st Minor League title. He was pick number 3 in the first round of the Season 26 SFLm Rookie Draft. "I wanted to go to a team I can provide instant value to," said Tim about being a Lycan. "I really want to win. I believe this team has the potential to do so."

Picked number 3 of the SFLm Season 26 Rookie Draft, the Lycans expect to be more precise in moving the ball with rookie Halfback Aunt Tim.