By: Pat Murphy (LFL360.com)
Photo: Joe Petro/LFL PHOTOS
Everybody thinks their fantasy team is the best fantasy team.
They are all wrong. None can compare to these two squads.
The LFL announced the 2012 Eastern and Western Conference All-Fantasy teams Wednesday and both are loaded with talent, leadership and athleticism.The two teams will face off later this year in the LFL’s annual version of the Pro Bowl.
The West is led by the only player selected to play on both sides of the ball, Jessica Hopkins of the Seattle Mist. The savvy veteran was selected as a wide receiver and safety.
“I can’t stop smiling,” Hopkins said. “I have so many thoughts going through my head. It’s been a long road from tryouts last March to where I sit now. I wish I had kept track of how many hours of preparation my teammates and I put into this season. To be recognized for all that hard work is so amazing. I’m just so excited and appreciative of the opportunity (LFL Commissioner) Mitch (Mortaza) has given female athletes everywhere.”
A pair of rookies will pilot the West offense. Nikki Johnson of the unbeaten Las Vegas Sin did not have a turnover this season in leading the Sin to an undefeated season and a berth in this weekend’s Western Conference Championship. She capped a stellar season by accounting for five touchdowns last weekend in a 30-0 victory over the Green Bay Chill.
The other quarterback is Anne Erler of the Green Bay Chill. Erler showed flashes of dominance in her rookie season and should be one of the LFL’s superstars in coming years.
Erler was surprised at being chosen for the team, especially after the loss to the Sin.
“I had no idea what to expect this season, but what an honor! I can’t wait to play with all the great players from both conferences,” said Erler, who also had one of the season’s plays of the year in a length-of-the-field run for a touchdown off a broken play while breaking eight tackles in the season opener. “It will be a great learning experience.”
At running back, ChrisDell “Ferrari” Harris of the Chicago Bliss and Amber Reed of the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Temptation were selected. Harris is the Chris Johnson of the LFL, capable of taking any touch the distance at any time. Reed averaged eight yards a carry while leading her team into the playoffs.
At wideout, Hopkins and Los Angeles’ Melissa Margulies will be the main targets. Margulies is a dual threat at running back and receiver and that versatility helped the Temptation get back to the playoffs.
Cydney Froelich of Minnesota and Sunshine Misa-Uli from the Sin are the tight ends and Christine Moore of Seattle will be the center for the West offense. Misa-Uli deflected credit to focus on her team’s preparation for Los Angeles this Sunday.
“There are so many talented athletes in this league and I’m very fortunate to be chosen to represent the elite,” she said. “I’m blessed.”
The defense is anchored by Seattle’s Kam Warner at middle linebacker. Warner, who is retiring after the All-Fantasy game, credited her teammates and thanked Mortaza for the chance to play.
“It is an honor, just to be able to be a part of it all,” Warner said. “I am retiring and to go out this way — joining all these women — is the highest honor. Big thanks to the LFL for providing a wonderful opportunity for us all.”
Briawna Schultz of the Chicago Bliss and Tessa Barrera of Los Angeles will start on the defensive line.
Joining Hopkins in the deep secondary is Ogom Chijindu of the Temptation. The “Nigerian Nightmare” is one of the most aggressive and ferocious hitters in the league.
At cornerback, rookie Ericka Smith of the Mist was selected with Tamica Estrella of the Sin.
The West will be coached by Chris Michaelson of the Mist and Tony Nguyen of the Valkyrie. Both have excellent offensive minds and their penchant for trickery, misdirection and complicated offensive sets should make for an interesting game plan against the East.
“I’m honored…three years in a row and this is probably the most special, due to the extremely hard work my staff and players put in,” Michaelson said. “It’s more of an honor that four of my players were selected in such a pool of talent in the West. I am also looking forward to coaching with Tony. This is gonna be quite a ride.”
TOMORROW: EASTERN CONFERENCE ROSTER AND REACTION
Tags: 2012, all-fantasy roster, Anne Erler, chris michaelson, chrisdell harris, christine moore, ericka smith, Jessica Hopkins, kam warner, PAT MURPHY, Sunshine Misa-Uli, tamica estrella, Tony Nguyen
