Week 9 Recap: Michiana’s Win Streak Ends as Rockport’s Continues

Thursday, November 7th, 2024

Here I am on another Thursday morning, (when I should be working) just barely getting the sports report in ahead of the deadline. If only writing a fantasy football league newspaper paid the bills…

Week 9 is in the books, and it brought a mix of thrilling finishes, high scores, and a Game of the Week brewing in New Mexico. Let’s dive into the details.

Tourists Turn Up the Heat on Tacos

In Austin, the Tourists took down the Tacos with a solid 134-115 victory. San Antonio’s QB-TE duo of Mahomes and Kelce showed up, each scoring over 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Austin. RB Derrick Henry plowed through for 26 points, while WR Garrett Wilson put on a show with 30 points, sealing a decisive win for the Tourists as they stay competitive in the playoff race.

Leatherheads Continue Their Winning Streak

Rockport’s streak lives on! The Leatherheads hosted the i2^3∑π, and despite an early surge by the Robots—fueled by WR Justin Jefferson and RB Chuba Hubbard each putting up 21 points—Rockport held their ground. Rockport RB Alvin Kamara added 27 points, and WR Cooper Kupp delivered 21 points of his own. When the dust settled, the Leatherheads emerged victorious, defeating the Robots 120-90 and remaining the team to beat.

Lobos Keep Climbing, Troubadours Falter

Out west, the New Mexico Lobos led the league in scoring yet again, dismantling the Tortilla Flats Troubadours 149-119. Despite a valiant effort from Troubadours QB Lamar Jackson (23 points) and newly acquired WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who put up a season-high 37 points, it wasn’t enough to slow down New Mexico. Lobos QB Jalen Hurts threw for 30 points, and RB De’Von Achane topped it off with 32 points, keeping the Lobos firmly in contention in the HLC West.

Jaybirds Power Past Muskellunge

The Michiana Muskellunge couldn’t keep up the momentum from last week’s win, falling to the Jaybirds 141-119. WR Darnell Mooney contributed 20 points, and the Michiana defense added a strong 13 points, but the Jaybirds were relentless. QB Joe Burrow tallied 29 points, while RB Saquon Barkley added 32 points, sending the Jays to a comfortable victory and keeping them at the top of the HLC East.

Week 10 Matchups

  • Jaybirds at Tourists: Both teams are coming off victories and looking to solidify playoff chances. The Jaybirds claimed the win in their first matchup back in Week 3, edging out the Tourists 150-134.
  • Muskellunge vs. Tacos: Michiana will host San Antonio, and both teams are hungry to bounce back from Week 9 losses. The Tacos won their last meeting in Week 3 with a dominant 121-64 score.
  • Troubadours at Robots: Tortilla Flats travels to face the i2^3∑π, with both teams looking to get back on track. The Robots took the first win in Week 3, beating the Troubadours 114-102.

Game of the Week: Rockport Leatherheads at New Mexico Lobos

All eyes will be on New Mexico as two league powerhouses face off. Rockport, riding an impressive 8-game win streak, took the first matchup of the season by defeating the Lobos 134-121. Since then, the Lobos have become the league’s highest-scoring team with 1,226 points for (PF), while Rockport sits close behind as the second-highest scoring team with 1,206 PF. With both teams vying for control of the HLC West, this clash promises to be a showdown of epic proportions.

Player of the Week: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tortilla Flats Troubadours

Despite the Troubadours’ loss, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba earned Player of the Week honors with a breakout performance. Smith-Njigba hauled in 7 passes for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns, racking up an impressive 37 fantasy points—an effort that kept Tortilla Flats competitive until the final whistle.

ESPN Power Rankings: Top 3

No changes at the top of the ESPN Power Rankings this week, as these three teams continue to dominate:

  1. Rockport Leatherheads (8-1), 1st place in the HLC West
  2. Jaybirds (7-2), 1st place in the HLC East
  3. New Mexico Lobos (6-3), 2nd place in the HLC West

Standings After Week 9

HLC East

  1. Jaybirds: 7-2
  2. Austin Tourists: 5-4
  3. San Antonio Tacos: 4-5
  4. Michiana Muskellunge: 1-8

HLC West

  1. Rockport Leatherheads: 8-1
  2. New Mexico Lobos: 6-3
  3. i2^3∑π: 3-6
  4. Tortilla Flats Troubadours: 2-7