<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>This
season has been interesting to say the least, we have teams that are rebuilding
from scratch, we have well established teams that are in serious contention for
the championship, and we have teams that are still trying to figure out what
their best way to win games is. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;For the first time in EFAF history, all teams
have started their season with import coaches and/or players (7 coaches, 7
players signed). And for the first time in ENFL history, there’s no winless
teams. Some teams performed a lot better than expected, others disappointed us,
while others played up to their expectations.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>How did your
team do this year?</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} -->
<ol><li><strong>Cairo Hellhounds (5-0) “The ultimate team”</strong></li></ol>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":2811} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.efafeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cd992a42-640c-4478-9303-c8e0c80348f7-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2811"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>There’s
no doubt about it, the Hounds are the best team in the league right now, they
have been putting up the best numbers offensively and defensively thanks in
large to excellent coaching, key players acquisition from opposing teams, and a
nice balance of young and veteran players. Their season may have looked like a
cruise, but it hasn’t been without its difficulties.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
Hounds started off the season with two import coaches (Sean Brennum and John
Wilderman) as well as import QB Brandon Ramon, however, 1 week into the season
they had to let coach Wilderman go, moreover, many of their star players have
been missing due to injuries. But none of that has slowed them down one bit. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
Hounds have had solid production from all of their positions in all three phases
of the game, yet despite that, they were proven to be vulnerable in week 10
against the Wolves who gave them an intense game that could have gone either
way. We’re looking for the Hounds to ride their momentum into the playoffs as
they pursue a second title.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Cairo
Hellhounds’ stat of the season:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong><em>&nbsp;Brandon Ramon: 357 passing yards, 49%
completion, 7 passing TDs, 1 INT. </em></strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong><em>Yassin Sherif:
347 passing yards, 67% completion, 7 passing TDs, 1 INT</em></strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re a Hounds fan then</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>A 12-game winning streak</li><li>Yassin Sherif</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Players turnover</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li><strong>Bears (4-1) “Finally Risen”</strong></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":2812} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.efafeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1cd38e88-faaf-459c-973e-05839d387675-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2812"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Bears got busy during the off-season; signing former Hellhounds HC John Burleson, and import running back Malcom Gasque, as well as acquiring 3 key players from the Tigers in Abullah Nasr, Mohamed Arabi and Ahmed Khaled. Star QB Mahmoud Aboshady is coming off a great season in 2018 and coach Shady Kadry is even more experienced now after coaching the Pharaohs back in November, all signs pointed to the Bears having a phenomenal season… until things didnt go as planned. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
season opener against the Hounds has shown how much work still needed to be
done, and the Bears responded by making the necessary changes. For those who
haven’t been following the ENFL for more than 1 year, the Bears are no
strangers to things not going the way they wanted, this is a team that went
from going winless for three straight years to winning the division with the
team that hasn’t lost a game in the same 3 years, so we already know what
they’re made of. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
Bears lost game 1 to the Hounds, but they managed to limit the Eagles to 0
points in an overtime classic, and despite a shaky performance against the
Tigers and the Warriors, they still came out with wins and the East Division
crown.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Coach Burleson
is no longer here, and neither is Gasque but that didn’t slow down the Bears
one bit.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Cairo Bears’
interesting stat of the season</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;<em>Mahmoud Aboshady</em> led the league in
passing yards (625) and passing attempts (154) and the Bears receivers led the
league in dropped passes (18).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re a Bears fan then</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>The team’s constant state of improvement over the last 3 years</li><li>Solid coaching staff and leadership</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Inconsistency at times and playing down to their opponent’s level</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li><strong>Eagles (3-2) “Not done yet”</strong></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":2813} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.efafeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/97a38f0a-e9f5-4d9d-b3da-2c85db5d9349-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2813"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>To
call this season a “disappointment” for the Eagles would be an understatement.
The 3-time champions have looked surprisingly vulnerable this year after losing
twice in the same regular season for the first time in their history. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>There’s
no questioning the level of talent that the Eagles possess, they’ve had the
highest number of players selected to play for the Pharaohs team, and their
coaching staff led by Mohy Omar is more than tested and experienced, and with
the addition of QB/OC Justin McKenzie, they were looking to come back after
missing the championship game last season.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Eagles’
defense is still as formidable as ever, tied for the fewest points allowed (54)
and their special teams unit has shown that it can come up big, however, the
same could not be said about their offense. Despite featuring a ton of talent,
the offense was inconsistent at best; they’ve had very little production from
their running game and their passing game has not lived up to expectations as
they went two games without scoring before finally finding the endzone in their
loss against the Hounds then exploding for 34 points against the Titans. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If
they were to find their way back to the championship game, they will need to be
firing on all cylinders in order to complement their defensive efforts.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>GUC Eagles stat
of the season</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;4 rushing TDs scored by the Eagles, 3 by QB <em>Justin
McKenzie</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;1 by WR <em>Adel Emam,</em> none by running
backs.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re an Eagles fan then</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Experience, “been here before” mentality</li><li>Solid coaching and veteran players</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Players turnover</li><li>Stagnation</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li><strong>Tigers (2-3) “We were not supposed to be here”</strong></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":2815} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.efafeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/e64573e7-9fa2-4bce-a4df-35ba394680eb-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2815"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
Tigers have not been lucky. Last year they lost their import HC and QB, their
star running back quit due to injuries, their best offensive lineman was
suspended for a year, and 3 of their best defensive players and leaders left
for another team. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Their
QB was unproven to start this season and there was nothing promising about that
team at the beginning. All that changed as soon as their first game kicked off.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
Tigers’ “New Blood” players have shown that they have the potential to perform
in tough games. After getting a huge boost from import running back John Nguyen
(who isn’t here anymore?) in game 1 against the Wolves, they were in a perfect
position to secure a playoff spot, all they had to do was not shoot themselves
in the foot. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Signing
Mohamed Anbar as a defensive coordinator was very rewarding for them, however,
just as the young players had the passion and drive to win tough games such as
the Wolves and the Thunder, they lacked the experience and skill to remain
consistent throughout the season. This was obvious in their shocking loss to
the Titans that almost cost them the playoffs. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Nonetheless,
a respectable performance against the Bears to cap off their regular season
gives them a much-needed moral boost going into the playoffs, which they will
need along with huge performances from their star players Mohamed Medhat and
Mina Salib in order to get past the Bears in the playoffs.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>MSA Tigers
interesting stat of the season</em>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>&nbsp;Mohamed Medhat</em> hold this season’s interceptions record (5)</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>The Tigers’
defense</em> led the league
in interceptions (10) </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Yet they have
allowed the most points (98) of the four playoff teams.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re a Tigers fan then</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic</em>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>The rise of Mina Salib as a top tier QB</li><li>A lot of potential in young players</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Uncertainty in coaching staff</li><li>Lack of leadership</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li><strong>Wolves (2-3) “Almost…”</strong></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":2816} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.efafeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/e0d7f0f2-506b-42c5-b886-768a5542cf34-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2816"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>On
paper, this year’s Wolves squad was supposed to have a great season; the best
offensive line in the league, two of the best running backs in Omar Mansy and
Omar Ghanem, a tough and experienced defense, add to that mix import QB Daniel
Johnson and great leadership in Mostafa Khalil and Moaz Sabah and you’re
looking at one hell of a team, so how did they go from playing in the
championship game last season to not making the playoffs this year?</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>In
order to answer that question, we’ll need to take a quick look at the Wolves’
season. They lost game 1 to the Tigers as John Nguyen wreaked havoc and put the
whole league on notice then left, they played an excellent defensive game
against the Eagles in game 2 but lost to two fatal errors on special teams,
they then got two well deserved wins against the Warriors and the Thunder, and
finally luck smiled upon them when the Tigers lost to the Titans giving them a
huge opportunity to make the playoffs if they beat the Hellhounds.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;They entered week 10, played their hearts out
and came up just a field goal short of winning the game. A lot of excuses could
be made for the Wolves; a ton of injuries, new QB, a tough schedule.&nbsp; But at the end of the day, they were a great
team, just not enough to overcome what has been thrown at them this year.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Cairo Wolves’
interesting stat of the season:</em> </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Wolves
offensive line</em> allowed the
least sacks (2) </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>The most rushing
yards</em> (822)</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re a Wolves fan then</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Great coaching staff</li><li>Great core of experienced veteran players led by a massive
offensive line</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Too many players battling injuries</li><li>Quarterback situation unclear so far</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li><strong>Warriors (2-3) “Still rising”</strong></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":2817} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.efafeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2353541a-805e-4b10-8837-0a13267670c8-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2817"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Let’s
face it, no team has suffered more than the Warriors this past offseason,
nearly all of their top performing players left to join other teams, their QB
situation was not clear, Ayman Nasr (Calosha) who has been their heart and soul
was out of the country, even with signing coach AJ Brown and QB Jeffrey Lloyd
they were not supposed to have a better record than they did last year (1-4)…
but they did.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;Lloyd has shown to be one of the best signings
of the year as the Warriors’ put up impressive numbers on offense.The Warriors’
season ended on a good note in a solid performance against the Bears in week 9
and a win over the Titans in week 10, and with a year of experience under their
belt, they can be a team that does a lot of damage next year.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Cairo Warriors’
interesting stat of the season: </em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Lloyd</em> (100
points scored) </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Receiver
<em>Robert Roshdy</em> finished in 2<sup>nd</sup> place for total receiving yards
(213).</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re a Warriors fan then,</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Many surprisingly good players</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Lloyd returning next year?</li><li>Lack of veteran players/coaches to carry the team without imports</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li><strong>Thunder (1-4) “All in”</strong></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":2818} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://www.efafeg.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/0459d8ea-db39-4e22-9d9c-0c8a3d675368-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2818"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>A
case could be made that the Thunder “failed” this season; finishing at the
bottom of the Western Division with 1 win and giving away a winnable game vs
the Tigers in week 4. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>However,
this is definitely not the same Thunder team that gave up 88 points last year, the
Thunder management team had a very busy offseason bringing in 2 import coaches,
and an import QB, as well as multiple player signings in what could be the most
extreme team turnaround we’ve seen so far. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Sure,
a losing record and an underwhelming performance is expected when you’re
starting a team from scratch, however, the Thunder made up for their
inexperience with their grit playing straight physical football; on defense
coach Lawerence Williams’ impact was clear, Mohamed El Sawy and Bassam Walid
took the top 2 tackling spots in the league, Sawy also finished in second place
for total sacks just half a sack short of the title.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;As for offense, rookie sensation Michael
Barsoum brought that rugby run-you-over mentality into the team and finished
second in total rushing yards on nearly 5 yards per carry.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
Thunder were not expected to win a championship, not many people thought they
would make the playoffs, and while those people stand corrected this year, the
Thunder gave everyone reasons to change their expectations for next year.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Gezira Thunder’s
interesting stat of the season:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;The Thunder led the league in <em>tackles</em>
(177) and <em>sacks</em> (12), they are the only team with double digit sacks
this season.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you’re a Thunder fan then,</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Michael Barsoum</li><li>Proper management</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>A young core of inexperienced players</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li><strong>Titans (1-4) “Up and coming”</strong></li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The
Titans are coming off a forgettable season in 2018, and with a new management,
an import coach and a few player acquisitions, they were looking to revamp
their squad and start the rebuilding process for playoffs contention. Coach Carlos
Fragoso’s effect was noticeable this season, despite a losing record, the team
looked a lot more organized and in sync than last year, and a huge week 7 win
over the Tigers is a testimony to that.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;However, it’s clear that a lot of work still
needs to be done; the Titans scored the fewest points (31) and allowed the most
points (149) in the league and a lot of that comes down to lack of player
development, however, nothing simply changes over night in this league and we
can expect a stronger Titans team next season.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>AUC Titans’ interesting
stat of the season:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>&nbsp;The Titans have a league record 7 players with
more than 5 rushing attempts</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>If you’re a Titans fan then,</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
be optimistic: </em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>The Tharwat brothers</li><li>The fact that it can only get better</li></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><em>Your reasons to
worry:</em></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><li>Inexperienced team with coaching turnover</li></ul>
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