PRE-SEASON TEAM ASSESSMENT
Headed into the second-season of the Mike Olvera era, the Acoustic have significant optimism despite an 0-4 2017, which included the toughest schedule in the league. Fast forward to 2018 offseason, Olvera has surrounded himself with a more committed coaching staff and has 2017’s highest-rated Quarterback in Teshay Winfrey. Most importantly, Austin has focused on getting bigger upfront on both sides of the ball. This could be the most interesting team to watch of 2018.
STRENGTH: Quarterback Play. Preparation. Coaching.
WEAKNESS: Experience. Lack of Run Game.
COACHING, C+
HEAD COACH | OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MIKE OLVERA Olvera has developed a sophisticated offense that is led by a versatile Quarterback, in Teshay Winfrey. Olvera’s military-background has fostered a more regimented franchise that has greatly improved on its off-season commitment. Olvera is also regarded as one of the best recruiters in the game.
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR | RODERICK GREEN Too early to gauge if Green can become a solid Defensive Coordinator in the LFL, Green has no experience in the league and at times appears to lack a disciplined approach needed as the leader of the defense.
OFFENSE DEPTH CHART
QUARTERBACK, B:
TESHAY WINFREY – The third-year Quarterback bounced-back in 2017, leading the LFL in passing. Maturity and leadership were the question-marks, but Winfrey has greatly improved in those areas. Blaring weakness is accuracy.
BACK-UP QB:
MEGHAN MARTINEZ – Potentially the surprise story of 2018. Martinez has better instincts and greater experience in the pocket than Winfrey. Her downside, physical condition. Martinez while excelling in 11-on-11, will simply need time to adjust to the much faster and more athletic LFL game.
RUNNING BACK, D+:
MICHELLE MARSHALL – Arguably the greatest competitor on this roster. Simply lacks the size to play the position with success. A great pass receiving option out of the backfield. Injuries have set Marshall back from becoming a noteworthy athlete at the position.
KENDRIA ROBINSON – Questionable use of perhaps the best secondary player in the LFL. Robinson certainly has the toughness to play anywhere on the field, but Austin really needs a prototypical-type running back.
WIDE RECEIVER, C+
KASSANDRA BILLS – A home-run threat every time she steps out on the field, Bills led the league in average yards per reception in 2017. Bills has the speed to get behind any defense and dependable hands. The second-year receiver is easily regarded as one of the top three receivers in the game.
KRISTEN BECKETT – Great work ethic and desire to get better. Good size, and a consistent route-runner but inconsistent hands. Lacks the mental toughness to break-through. With confidence Beckett could create a lethal dual for Austin, pairing with Bills.
CHASITY MORALES – Despite being one of the more high profile athletes in the league, Morales has been a royal disappointment. Has had virtually no impact on the field and that is a direct result of a lack of off-season preparation and desire to get better.
OFFENSIVE LINE, C:
BRANDE STOLTE, C – Born from injury to Stephanie McCormick. Stolte stepped in last season and appears to have won the position from McCormick. Stolte has all the physical tools and toughness, which included playing on a broken arm. To take the next step, Stolte has to become a more violent and physical blocker.
BRITTANY DOWDEY, TE – A pair of sisters, Brittany and Courtney Dowdey were recruited for their size and athleticism. The Dowdey sisters will bring a dimension that this offense sorely needed, the threat of a running game.
STEPHANIE MCCORMICK, C – McCormick prior to her ACL / MCL injury was projected to become an All-Fantasy center, especially considering her adaptability to also play Tight End. Months of rehab and lack of conditioning has McCormick nowhere near being physically in shape enough to play the position.
DEFENSE DEPTH CHART
DEFENSIVE LINE, C+:
COURTNEY DOWDEY, DE – The defensive end position has lacked size in Austin. Enter the Dowdey sisters, although starting on both sides of the ball, could take a toll. Ideally, Austin uses the Dowdey sisters on offense and identifies a pair of aggressive defensive ends.
STEPHANIE DOWDEY, DE – The defensive end position has lacked size in Austin. Enter the Dowdey sisters, although starting on both sides of the ball, could take a toll. Ideally, Austin uses the Dowdey sisters on offense and identifies a pair of aggressive defensive ends.
MIDDLE LINEBACKER, C:
VALERIA QUNITERO, MLB – Transitioning from a Mexico-based league, Quintero has the size and skillset for the position. Lacks experience and will be tested against far greater competition than Quintero has seen in Mexico. Another challenge is that she does not speak English, as the lead communicator on defense, that could be challenging.
SECONDARY, C+:
RACHEL WASHINGTON, CB – One of the more-improved members of this roster, Washington has the size and athleticism to become a solid corner in the LFL. Her coverage skills will need to greatly improve.
MELISSA ROMERO, CB – ‘Burnt Toast’ which is what LFL broadcasters labeled Romero after a rough debut at the corner position, Romero has slowly learned the position and is becoming more reliable.
KENDRIA ROBINSON, SS – Outside of Winfrey, the most valuable member of this roster has to be Robinson. Had a break-through 2017 rookie season that saw her light up some of the biggest running backs in the league, including LA’s Carmen ‘F150’ Bourseau. If Robinson can develop her coverage ability, she can become the LFL’s best Safety.
ANA GARZA, FS – Despite her size, Garza has shown glimpses of great instinct to the ball and pure tackling ability. The saying, ‘not the size of the dog, but the fight in the dog’, definitely applies to Austin’s safeties. Garza does need to get in the gym to bulk up.
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