January 6th, 2025 – Austin, Texas

The confetti rained down in Austin as the Tourists completed their climb to the top of the HLC mountain, delivering a championship performance for the ages in their 261-221 victory over the New Mexico Lobos. After two seasons of finishing just shy of the big game, the Tourists finally broke through, earning their first league title with a gutsy win that showcased both resilience and star power.

Derrick Henry, as he’s done so many times before, carried the team on his shoulders. The “King” was unstoppable, bulldozing his way to an 54 points, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most feared players in fantasy football and securing his place as the HLC Championship Game MVP. Henry’s dominance on the ground provided the steady foundation Austin needed, especially in a game where every point mattered. But he wasn’t alone.

Courtland Sutton stepped into the spotlight, turning in a career-defining performance with 37 points. His precise routes and ability to make tough catches under pressure were critical in moving the chains and keeping Austin’s offense humming. And let’s not forget the Tourists’ defense—Baltimore’s unit racked up 31 points, stifling New Mexico’s explosive attack and setting the tone early.

Yet, this championship wasn’t just about individual heroics. It was about a team rallying together when adversity struck. Having Josh Allen confined to the sidelines for the second half of the Championship Game to was a major blow, but Jayden Daniels stepped in before suffering a minor injury, doing just enough to keep the offense balanced. This was a team effort through and through, and the Tourists rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

On the other side, the Lobos didn’t go quietly into the night. New Mexico came into the championship as the league’s most decorated team, with a title in 2022 and a runner-up finish last season. Despite missing their star quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Lobos fought hard, led by an outstanding performance from Justin Herbert, who posted 52 points. Trey McBride and Ja’Marr Chase added 49 and 44 points respectively, giving the Tourists plenty to worry about throughout the game.

But in the end, the absence of Hurts and CeeDee Lamb proved too much for New Mexico to overcome. While the Lobos showed their championship pedigree by keeping things close for much of the game, they couldn’t keep pace with Austin’s relentless attack in the second half.

For the Tourists, this victory marks the culmination of a season filled with highs, lows, and a midseason surge that few saw coming. At 7-7, they barely squeaked into the playoffs as the fourth seed, but once there, they turned into a juggernaut, dismantling the top-seeded Rockport Leatherheads in the semifinals before toppling the mighty Lobos in the final.

As the Tourists hoisted the championship trophy, there was a sense that this victory wasn’t just about this season—it was about years of hard work and a team that refused to give up. For Austin, the dream has finally become a reality, and their first HLC title will undoubtedly go down as one of the league’s most memorable triumphs.

The Lobos, meanwhile, leave the field with heads held high. Three straight trips to the championship game speak volumes about their consistency and competitiveness. They’ll surely be back in the mix next season, hungry to reclaim their spot at the top.

Winner’s Consolation Ladder: Jaybirds Soar Past Rockport for Third Place

In the third-place matchup, the Jaybirds dismantled the Rockport Leatherheads with a score of 245 to 145. Joe Burrow led the charge for the Jaybirds with 36 points, complemented by D.J. Moore’s 34 points and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 33 points. Rockport, who led the league in scoring during the regular season, couldn’t get anything going. Jerry Jeudy’s 33 points and Brock Bowers’ 29 points were bright spots, but the Leatherheads simply didn’t have the firepower to keep up.

Extra Spicy Tacos and  i2^3∑π Secure Consolation Wins

The San Antonio Tacos ended their season in spectacular fashion, torching the Tortilla Flats Troubadours 325 to 193. Drake London delivered a stunning 58 points, with Baker Mayfield and Malik Nabers combining for 109 points. Meanwhile, the Troubadours struggled to find rhythm despite Lamar Jackson’s solid 52 points.

In the other Consolation Ladder matchup, the Robots rolled over the Michiana Muskellunge 286 to 213. Jahmyr Gibbs was a bright spot for Michiana, scoring a league-high 72 points in the finale, but the Robots’ balanced attack, led by Bo Nix (55 points) and Jonathan Taylor (52 points), secured them the fifth-place finish.

Season Leaders: Top 10 Scoring Players of 2024

As the dust settles on an unforgettable HLC season, it’s time to look back at the players who defined the year. These are the top 10 scoring players of 2024, ranked in reverse order, with one earning the coveted title of 2025 HLC Player of the Year.

10. Derrick Henry (Austin Tourists) – 336.4 points
The King delivered another royal season, pounding his way to over 1,900 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Henry’s consistency and ability to break through defenses made him a cornerstone of Austin’s championship run.

9. Bijan Robinson (Tortilla Flats Troubadours) – 341.7 points
The rookie sensation lived up to the hype, racking up over 1,450 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Robinson was a bright spot for the Troubadours and will likely be a first-round fantasy pick next year.

8. Saquon Barkley (Jaybirds) – 355.3 points
Barkley returned to elite form, surpassing 2,000 all-purpose yards and finding the end zone 15 times. His versatility as a runner and receiver kept defenses guessing and powered the Jaybirds to a strong season.

7. Jayden Daniels (Austin Tourists) – 355.82 points
Despite playing backup to Josh Allen most of the year, the rookie quarterback stepped up when he was needed, showcasing his dual-threat abilities with nearly 900 rushing yards and 25 passing touchdowns.

6. Jahmyr Gibbs (Michiana Muskellunge) – 362.9 points
Another young player who showed up big this season, Gibbs carried the Muskie offense on his back with over 1,400 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 500 receiving yards. He’s a building block for Michiana’s future.

5. Baker Mayfield (San Antonio Tacos) – 365.8 points
The veteran QB silenced critics by throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. His leadership and poise kept the Tacos competitive throughout the season.

4. Joe Burrow (Jaybirds) – 372.82 points
Burrow’s cannon of an arm delivered over 4,900 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. His precision and clutch performances were crucial in leading the Jaybirds to a division title.

3. Josh Allen (Austin Tourists) – 379.04 points
Allen was a one-man wrecking crew, throwing for over 3,700 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding 12 more on the ground.

2. Ja’Marr Chase (New Mexico Lobos) – 403 points
Chase proved once again why he’s one of the league’s premier wideouts, tallying 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. His explosive plays kept New Mexico in contention all season long.

1. 2024 HLC Player of the Year Award: Lamar Jackson (Tortilla Flats Troubadours) 

– 430.38 points (25.3 PPG)
Jackson’s dual-threat dominance was on full display this year, with over 4,100 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, and nearly 1,000 rushing yards. Despite the Troubadours’ struggles, Jackson was a weekly highlight reel and the clear choice for League Player of the Year.

Season Highlights: Team Stats Breakdown

The 2024 HLC season was filled with fierce competition and standout performances. The New Mexico Lobos dominated offensively, leading the league with 1972.66 points (123.3 per game), while also allowing the fewest points against at 1673.98—a testament to their balanced dominance. The Austin Tourists and Rockport Leatherheads were homefield powerhouses, both finishing 6-1 at home, while the Jaybirds thrived on the road with a stellar 6-1 away record. The Lobos led the league in roster moves with 36, keeping their lineup fresh for a deep playoff run, while the Tourists followed with 22 moves. On the other hand, the Jaybirds took a different approach, making just 11 moves all season. Their confidence in a strong draft paid off, as they still managed to win their division and remain a top contender.

Until next year: Final Thoughts on the 2024 HLC Season

The 2024 season proved to be the most competitive in HLC history, with high-scoring games and several teams making strong playoff pushes. The Tourists’ rise from midseason mediocrity to champions is a testament to their resilience. For the Lobos, making it to their third straight championship was an incredible feat, but they’ll surely feel the sting of coming up short this time around.

With teams like the Jaybirds and Leatherheads looking to reload, and the Consolation Ladder squads showing flashes of brilliance, next season promises to bring even more drama and excitement. For now, though, the Austin Tourists reign supreme, and their journey from underdogs to champions will be remembered as one of the HLC’s great stories.

As we wrap up, we’ll be in touch when the date for the 2025 draft is set. Keep an eye out for offseason reminders about setting keepers and other housekeeping. Thanks, everyone, for another great HLC season!

Photo: Austin Tourists Championship Celebration