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2024 UFFL week 18 results and week 19 preview!
2 weeks ago
General
Helllo Football fans! Here Marty for your UFFL football news! Here what happened on week 18:
- We have a crucial game under a blanket of snow in Montreal. As the Royal were looking to hang on their division lead against the New York Defiant hot on their tail. As it’s typical in games under these conditions, yards will be coming at a premium as the first points on both sides came from FGs. The run also had a hard time getting going, as both teams were fighting for every bit of space on the field, by the third quarter, Montreal were barely ahead 13-10. But when the fourth quarter came, it came down to who would make the mistakes that would break the game wide open. Tyron Appleby would try to push it too much, as he would then get bit with 2 extremely costly pick sixes from the Defiant defense that found the right moment to strike, Uka Nakoyak’s first defensive TD since 2018 and James Bradbury’s first career pick-six. From that point it was curtains for the Royal, as now it a matter of time if those INTs would have costly implications. New York wins this one 26-13.
- In Baltimore, more playoff implications are on the line as Lillian Newman and the Downriver Waves were fighting for their post-season life against the Ponies. The Ponies needed to bounce back and fast to not get caught up, Lillian Newman as her usual self was on MVP mode, as she ran all across the field for 146 yards and a running touchdown, but on the passing side thought, she seemed she clearly only was focusing on running, as she had one of the worst QB game of her career ( 102 yards, 2 INTs, 31, 2 QB rating) while her opponent Jillian St.Claire did far better, but not by much. Both teams were deadlocked towards the end of the game, where Lillian Newman would throw a fatal Pick six to Sheldon David, his first…ever since 2015. Ball game. Baltimore wins this one 34-24.
- In Grand Rapids, we had quite a rough game to watch between the Richmond Flames and the Dragons. Things was looking up at first with the Flames, as once again Marc-Edouard Carpentier was dishing the ball well, but as it’s been the usual tune, Richmond can’t have nice things as Marc-Édouard was hurt AGAIN taking a sack, as Darnell Paige was stepping up once more as by halftime, the Flames led the game 17-7. In the mealtime, Rookie QB Kira Cassiano would continue to show some flashes, but made it difficult as she would get tagged for 3 INTs on this day, as many INTs she had all season. Once the second half was on, All the progress the Flames had got snuffed out as Paige would throw 3 INTs, two to Bennie Sierra (first career 2 INTs game) and 2 of them were in the red zone. Such faux pas are deadly, but to add insult to injury on Richmond’s day, Defensive tackle David Conti suffered a serious Back injury which will end the season for him. Grand Rapids wins this one 28-17.
- Over in California, A game where nothing much out of the ordinary happened between the Demons and the Bald Eagles, as both offenses had much trouble getting off the ground. Both teams were doing all they can to get some ground, as at the end, this game was won over the foot of California’s kicker Andrew Castonguay, who had a solid day of work, kicking for 5/5 in field goals. Earning himself honor for Special teams player of the week. California wins this one 22-10.
- In Miami, The Blues continued to fight on for playoff positions as they took care of the Tropics, thanks to the arm of current rookie sensation Ica Laanema, showing shades of the breakthrough season California’s Elise Beaumont had when she came to the rescue and took over. She threw for 273 yards and 4 TDs (!) as running back Wyatt Curran ran for 135 yards. Blues gotta stay disciplined though, as they had 17 penalties for 185 yards lost, on 13 different players. Just straight up bullying. Austin wins this one 41-10.
- And finally, on what many fans might have penciled this as the game of the week, Chicago flew over to Nashville with a sense of urgency. They needed to get back in winning ways to avoid the Corsairs to run away with the division, as the Tuts, having been going through their share of issues, had also needed to lock in to stay in the playoff hunt.Darius Smith needed to have one heck of a game, as recently the running game as been shaky as hell, even with the return of Jean-Étienne Tremblay and he did not disappoint (417 yards (career high) 40 completions (career high), 3 TDs, 124,9 QB rating) . Nashville’s QB, Roman Olivieria, responded in kind (202 yards, 2 TDs, 105,8 QB Rating).Running back Bubba Deezen and Dallas Larkin jumped on the occasion to show their running offense was not broken, as they ran respectively 115 and 113 yards, with Larking scoring 3 TDs, to Deezen 1 TD. In a game with 77 points and over 900 yards of total offense, everything needs to go right….and for Chicago…the special teams were not. Thalia Perez missed 3 FGs and Nashville blocked a Punt, so everything had to come down to Darius Smith as He managed to get Chicago within 1 score with a 10 yard pass to Maurice Adams and everything came down to hope that the Outlaws get an onside kick….which Nashville would grab. So deflating. Nashville would win this one 42-35. Now Chicago needs to win out to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. What IS THAT SEASON!?
Players of the week.
Offense: Darius Smith (QB – CHI): 417 passing yards, 3 passing TDs
Defense: Uka Nakoyak (CB – NYD): 8 tackles, a pass defense and a pick six
Special Teams: Andrew Castonguay (K – CAL): five field goals and one extra point
Here is the previews for week 19:
Chicago (9-7) @ Las Vegas (8-8) [E]
Even with Darius Smith playing like God himself, completing over 85% of his passes and over 400 yards through the air, the complete lack of a run game has reared its ugly head, and countless defensive miscues sank the Outlaws to their third straight loss, and fifth loss in their last seven games. The good news for the Outlaws is, if they can beat the Bandits, they'll keep their playoff hopes alive going into the final week of the season no matter what happens. The bad news for the Outlaws is, one of their paths will be slammed shut in their faces as a result of the Corsairs playing the Tuts this week. If the Tuts win, their only path will be to keep their streak of division titles alive. If the Corsairs win, and shockingly this might be the preferred option; the division title will be lost, but they'll control their destiny welcoming the Tuts in Week 20 for a winner-take-all game for the playoffs. This might be the worst possible time to travel to Las Vegas - arguably their biggest division rival - in knowing the Bandits can eliminate the Outlaws from the playoffs for the first time in nine years. The Bandits are not going to the playoffs, but they will ultimately be in their own FurBowl knowing they can strike the killing blow to a rival that's had their number for most of their existence. One last thing to point out, because the schedule has extended from 16 to 18 games this season, there are a lot of records that could be broken in the next few weeks, starting with Darius Smith - he needs just 274 yards to break the single season passing yards record set by his Chicago teammate two seasons ago.
New York (12-4) [X] @ Easton (4-12) [E]
With a season sweep of the Royal, the Defiant now stare down the barrel of the 1-seed in the United Conference playoffs. If New York comes out victorious in a trip to a tough Easton team that they just narrowly defeated two weeks prior, followed by a home date against the Richmond Flames, they will win the division crown and settle in at home come playoff time. Even if they don't win out, they just need to match Montreal's record in their final two games should THEY drop another game. Though, I'm sure most fans agree, if the Royal and Defiant meet for a third time in the postseason, there might not be another intriguing, sought-after matchup in this year's playoffs. Easton, meanwhile, with their loss in California, virtually guarantees they will be picking no worse than 3rd overall in this upcoming draft.
Grand Rapids (6-10) [E] @ Downriver (7-9)
Unfortunately for the Dragons, the Tropics could not defend their home field against Ica Laanemaa and thus they will watch the playoffs from the couch for the third straight year. Although, even though they won't be in the playoffs, they can have a say in who does. After their loss to the Ponies, every game from this point on is a must win game for the Waves, as they find themselves in the same situation the Bandits were in many weeks ago. One more loss and it'll be very, very difficult to see a path in which the Waves can extend their playoff streak to four seasons. It gets even more uncomfortable as they now have to cheer FOR the Ponies to beat the Blues in Baltimore, otherwise a loss to the Dragons will end those aforementioned playoff hopes completely.
California (6-10) [E] @ Montreal (12-4) [X]
Two killer pick-sixes by the Defiant defense sunk their grip on the United East division and will now have to hope that the Defiant stumble in their sprint to the finish line. Should Montreal hold onto the 3-seed, they've already won in both Chicago and New Orleans this season (they would be guaranteed to travel to the United West champion), so it wouldn't be as big of a detriment as other teams would endure, but I'm sure the Royal would hate to be on the road these playoffs after their virtually perfect start to the season. Needless to say, both this game and next game are must-wins for the Royal now if they want to play in their home stadium again after this week.
Austin (8-8) @ Baltimore (10-6) [X]
The Blues have not been great on the road this season, they're just 2-5 with their only wins being in Grand Rapids and Miami - two teams that are waiting for the draft rather than the playoffs - and they're on the road in Baltimore in their biggest game of the season. However, Ica Laanemaa hadn't started most of those games, is 4-1 as a starter, has a 10 touchdown to 1 interception ratio, and is looking more and more like a long term solution at quarterback in Austin. On the other side of the field, Jillian St. Claire has willed the Ponies to wins in five of their last six games, and kept them alive for the division title for at least another week. Speaking of division titles, interestingly, whoever loses this game will be eliminated from winning their division - either Colorado or North Florida will be crowned as their division champions despite both teams taking their second bye this week. The Ponies can at least breathe a little knowing they've clinched a spot in the playoffs with their win against Downriver, but there's definitely still urgency as they risk falling to the 4-seed in Week 20 should the Blues get the best of them in this game.
Nashville (11-5) @ New Orleans (10-6)
There's no bigger game with playoff implications in the United Conference than this one in New Orleans. The Corsairs are the league's hottest team and haven't lost since their Week 8 matchup in - you guessed it - Nashville. The goal is as simple as it gets. Win this game. Defeat the Tuts on your own field. Do that, and you not only clinch the first playoff berth in franchise history, but you bring home the first division title in franchise history - WITH a game to spare. They would be locked into the 2-seed, so Theodore Dupre could rightfully earn himself an extra week of rest for the Corsairs' season finale. The Tuts, meanwhile, desperately needed a win playing host to the Outlaws and they got it by the skin of their fangs, and despite losing four of their last six before this game, they're potentially one win away from cementing their place in the playoff field. They're not mathematically eliminated from winning their division, but it would take a small miracle, so should the Tuts end the Corsairs' loooong winning streak, they could potentially rest starters in Chicago in their season finale next week. However, Chicago is the only thing stopping them from having that "X" next to their name, and a loss to the Corsairs, combined with a win by the Outlaws in Las Vegas, automatically sets up a winner-take-all game in Chicago for the 4th and final seed in the United playoffs - something the Tuts players and fans will surely want to avoid.
Richmond (4-12) [E] @ Miami (1-15) [E]
It's the team holding the 1st-overall pick in this upcoming draft versus the team holding the 2nd-overall pick in this upcoming draft. This is likely Miami's last chance to get another win to avoid finishing with the worst record in league history, as the Waves will likely be fighting for their playoff lives and bringing the heat in Miami in Week 20. Their first meeting in Richmond in Week 1 was an instant classic - a Flames 32-29 win in Marc-Edouard Carpentier's first game as a pro. However, this time around, Carpentier will likely be out for this game, and most signs point to the team shutting him down for the rest of the season. Royce Jackson, however, torched them for almost 200 yards and three touchdowns, and he IS playing in this game, much to the Tropics' dismay. Jackson needs just 137 yards in the final two games to break the single season rushing record, but Lillian Newman is just ten yards behind him on the current season's leaderboard. If the Flames lose their last two, they're guaranteed the 2nd pick in the draft, and with their quarterback already aboard, it'll be fascinating to see if they pick a true difference maker or use it to trade down to select a wider variety of players.
BYES: Colorado, North Florida
If the playoffs started today:
(4) Nashville Tuts @ (1) New York Defiant
(3) Montreal Royal @ (2) New Orleans Corsairs
(4) Austin Blues @ (1) North Florida Renegades
(3) Baltimore Ponies @ (2) Colorado Crushers
Playoff clinching scenarios:
- Austin will clinch a playoff berth with a win in Baltimore AND a Downriver loss to Grand Rapids.
- Nashville will clinch a playoff berth with a win/tie against New Orleans OR a Chicago loss in Las Vegas.
Division clinching scenarios:
- Colorado (clinched playoff berth) will claim the Continental West title with an Austin loss in Baltimore.
- New Orleans will clinch a playoff berth AND the United West division title with a win against Nashville OR a Chicago loss in Las Vegas.
- New York (clinched playoff berth) will claim the United East division title with a win in Easton AND a Montreal loss to California.
- North Florida (clinched playoff berth) will claim the Continental East title with a Baltimore loss to Austin.
Playoff elimination scenarios:
- Chicago will be eliminated with a loss in Las Vegas.
- Downriver will be eliminated with a loss to Grand Rapids AND an Austin win in Baltimore.
Here a great week!
- We have a crucial game under a blanket of snow in Montreal. As the Royal were looking to hang on their division lead against the New York Defiant hot on their tail. As it’s typical in games under these conditions, yards will be coming at a premium as the first points on both sides came from FGs. The run also had a hard time getting going, as both teams were fighting for every bit of space on the field, by the third quarter, Montreal were barely ahead 13-10. But when the fourth quarter came, it came down to who would make the mistakes that would break the game wide open. Tyron Appleby would try to push it too much, as he would then get bit with 2 extremely costly pick sixes from the Defiant defense that found the right moment to strike, Uka Nakoyak’s first defensive TD since 2018 and James Bradbury’s first career pick-six. From that point it was curtains for the Royal, as now it a matter of time if those INTs would have costly implications. New York wins this one 26-13.
- In Baltimore, more playoff implications are on the line as Lillian Newman and the Downriver Waves were fighting for their post-season life against the Ponies. The Ponies needed to bounce back and fast to not get caught up, Lillian Newman as her usual self was on MVP mode, as she ran all across the field for 146 yards and a running touchdown, but on the passing side thought, she seemed she clearly only was focusing on running, as she had one of the worst QB game of her career ( 102 yards, 2 INTs, 31, 2 QB rating) while her opponent Jillian St.Claire did far better, but not by much. Both teams were deadlocked towards the end of the game, where Lillian Newman would throw a fatal Pick six to Sheldon David, his first…ever since 2015. Ball game. Baltimore wins this one 34-24.
- In Grand Rapids, we had quite a rough game to watch between the Richmond Flames and the Dragons. Things was looking up at first with the Flames, as once again Marc-Edouard Carpentier was dishing the ball well, but as it’s been the usual tune, Richmond can’t have nice things as Marc-Édouard was hurt AGAIN taking a sack, as Darnell Paige was stepping up once more as by halftime, the Flames led the game 17-7. In the mealtime, Rookie QB Kira Cassiano would continue to show some flashes, but made it difficult as she would get tagged for 3 INTs on this day, as many INTs she had all season. Once the second half was on, All the progress the Flames had got snuffed out as Paige would throw 3 INTs, two to Bennie Sierra (first career 2 INTs game) and 2 of them were in the red zone. Such faux pas are deadly, but to add insult to injury on Richmond’s day, Defensive tackle David Conti suffered a serious Back injury which will end the season for him. Grand Rapids wins this one 28-17.
- Over in California, A game where nothing much out of the ordinary happened between the Demons and the Bald Eagles, as both offenses had much trouble getting off the ground. Both teams were doing all they can to get some ground, as at the end, this game was won over the foot of California’s kicker Andrew Castonguay, who had a solid day of work, kicking for 5/5 in field goals. Earning himself honor for Special teams player of the week. California wins this one 22-10.
- In Miami, The Blues continued to fight on for playoff positions as they took care of the Tropics, thanks to the arm of current rookie sensation Ica Laanema, showing shades of the breakthrough season California’s Elise Beaumont had when she came to the rescue and took over. She threw for 273 yards and 4 TDs (!) as running back Wyatt Curran ran for 135 yards. Blues gotta stay disciplined though, as they had 17 penalties for 185 yards lost, on 13 different players. Just straight up bullying. Austin wins this one 41-10.
- And finally, on what many fans might have penciled this as the game of the week, Chicago flew over to Nashville with a sense of urgency. They needed to get back in winning ways to avoid the Corsairs to run away with the division, as the Tuts, having been going through their share of issues, had also needed to lock in to stay in the playoff hunt.Darius Smith needed to have one heck of a game, as recently the running game as been shaky as hell, even with the return of Jean-Étienne Tremblay and he did not disappoint (417 yards (career high) 40 completions (career high), 3 TDs, 124,9 QB rating) . Nashville’s QB, Roman Olivieria, responded in kind (202 yards, 2 TDs, 105,8 QB Rating).Running back Bubba Deezen and Dallas Larkin jumped on the occasion to show their running offense was not broken, as they ran respectively 115 and 113 yards, with Larking scoring 3 TDs, to Deezen 1 TD. In a game with 77 points and over 900 yards of total offense, everything needs to go right….and for Chicago…the special teams were not. Thalia Perez missed 3 FGs and Nashville blocked a Punt, so everything had to come down to Darius Smith as He managed to get Chicago within 1 score with a 10 yard pass to Maurice Adams and everything came down to hope that the Outlaws get an onside kick….which Nashville would grab. So deflating. Nashville would win this one 42-35. Now Chicago needs to win out to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014. What IS THAT SEASON!?
Players of the week.
Offense: Darius Smith (QB – CHI): 417 passing yards, 3 passing TDs
Defense: Uka Nakoyak (CB – NYD): 8 tackles, a pass defense and a pick six
Special Teams: Andrew Castonguay (K – CAL): five field goals and one extra point
Here is the previews for week 19:
Chicago (9-7) @ Las Vegas (8-8) [E]
Even with Darius Smith playing like God himself, completing over 85% of his passes and over 400 yards through the air, the complete lack of a run game has reared its ugly head, and countless defensive miscues sank the Outlaws to their third straight loss, and fifth loss in their last seven games. The good news for the Outlaws is, if they can beat the Bandits, they'll keep their playoff hopes alive going into the final week of the season no matter what happens. The bad news for the Outlaws is, one of their paths will be slammed shut in their faces as a result of the Corsairs playing the Tuts this week. If the Tuts win, their only path will be to keep their streak of division titles alive. If the Corsairs win, and shockingly this might be the preferred option; the division title will be lost, but they'll control their destiny welcoming the Tuts in Week 20 for a winner-take-all game for the playoffs. This might be the worst possible time to travel to Las Vegas - arguably their biggest division rival - in knowing the Bandits can eliminate the Outlaws from the playoffs for the first time in nine years. The Bandits are not going to the playoffs, but they will ultimately be in their own FurBowl knowing they can strike the killing blow to a rival that's had their number for most of their existence. One last thing to point out, because the schedule has extended from 16 to 18 games this season, there are a lot of records that could be broken in the next few weeks, starting with Darius Smith - he needs just 274 yards to break the single season passing yards record set by his Chicago teammate two seasons ago.
New York (12-4) [X] @ Easton (4-12) [E]
With a season sweep of the Royal, the Defiant now stare down the barrel of the 1-seed in the United Conference playoffs. If New York comes out victorious in a trip to a tough Easton team that they just narrowly defeated two weeks prior, followed by a home date against the Richmond Flames, they will win the division crown and settle in at home come playoff time. Even if they don't win out, they just need to match Montreal's record in their final two games should THEY drop another game. Though, I'm sure most fans agree, if the Royal and Defiant meet for a third time in the postseason, there might not be another intriguing, sought-after matchup in this year's playoffs. Easton, meanwhile, with their loss in California, virtually guarantees they will be picking no worse than 3rd overall in this upcoming draft.
Grand Rapids (6-10) [E] @ Downriver (7-9)
Unfortunately for the Dragons, the Tropics could not defend their home field against Ica Laanemaa and thus they will watch the playoffs from the couch for the third straight year. Although, even though they won't be in the playoffs, they can have a say in who does. After their loss to the Ponies, every game from this point on is a must win game for the Waves, as they find themselves in the same situation the Bandits were in many weeks ago. One more loss and it'll be very, very difficult to see a path in which the Waves can extend their playoff streak to four seasons. It gets even more uncomfortable as they now have to cheer FOR the Ponies to beat the Blues in Baltimore, otherwise a loss to the Dragons will end those aforementioned playoff hopes completely.
California (6-10) [E] @ Montreal (12-4) [X]
Two killer pick-sixes by the Defiant defense sunk their grip on the United East division and will now have to hope that the Defiant stumble in their sprint to the finish line. Should Montreal hold onto the 3-seed, they've already won in both Chicago and New Orleans this season (they would be guaranteed to travel to the United West champion), so it wouldn't be as big of a detriment as other teams would endure, but I'm sure the Royal would hate to be on the road these playoffs after their virtually perfect start to the season. Needless to say, both this game and next game are must-wins for the Royal now if they want to play in their home stadium again after this week.
Austin (8-8) @ Baltimore (10-6) [X]
The Blues have not been great on the road this season, they're just 2-5 with their only wins being in Grand Rapids and Miami - two teams that are waiting for the draft rather than the playoffs - and they're on the road in Baltimore in their biggest game of the season. However, Ica Laanemaa hadn't started most of those games, is 4-1 as a starter, has a 10 touchdown to 1 interception ratio, and is looking more and more like a long term solution at quarterback in Austin. On the other side of the field, Jillian St. Claire has willed the Ponies to wins in five of their last six games, and kept them alive for the division title for at least another week. Speaking of division titles, interestingly, whoever loses this game will be eliminated from winning their division - either Colorado or North Florida will be crowned as their division champions despite both teams taking their second bye this week. The Ponies can at least breathe a little knowing they've clinched a spot in the playoffs with their win against Downriver, but there's definitely still urgency as they risk falling to the 4-seed in Week 20 should the Blues get the best of them in this game.
Nashville (11-5) @ New Orleans (10-6)
There's no bigger game with playoff implications in the United Conference than this one in New Orleans. The Corsairs are the league's hottest team and haven't lost since their Week 8 matchup in - you guessed it - Nashville. The goal is as simple as it gets. Win this game. Defeat the Tuts on your own field. Do that, and you not only clinch the first playoff berth in franchise history, but you bring home the first division title in franchise history - WITH a game to spare. They would be locked into the 2-seed, so Theodore Dupre could rightfully earn himself an extra week of rest for the Corsairs' season finale. The Tuts, meanwhile, desperately needed a win playing host to the Outlaws and they got it by the skin of their fangs, and despite losing four of their last six before this game, they're potentially one win away from cementing their place in the playoff field. They're not mathematically eliminated from winning their division, but it would take a small miracle, so should the Tuts end the Corsairs' loooong winning streak, they could potentially rest starters in Chicago in their season finale next week. However, Chicago is the only thing stopping them from having that "X" next to their name, and a loss to the Corsairs, combined with a win by the Outlaws in Las Vegas, automatically sets up a winner-take-all game in Chicago for the 4th and final seed in the United playoffs - something the Tuts players and fans will surely want to avoid.
Richmond (4-12) [E] @ Miami (1-15) [E]
It's the team holding the 1st-overall pick in this upcoming draft versus the team holding the 2nd-overall pick in this upcoming draft. This is likely Miami's last chance to get another win to avoid finishing with the worst record in league history, as the Waves will likely be fighting for their playoff lives and bringing the heat in Miami in Week 20. Their first meeting in Richmond in Week 1 was an instant classic - a Flames 32-29 win in Marc-Edouard Carpentier's first game as a pro. However, this time around, Carpentier will likely be out for this game, and most signs point to the team shutting him down for the rest of the season. Royce Jackson, however, torched them for almost 200 yards and three touchdowns, and he IS playing in this game, much to the Tropics' dismay. Jackson needs just 137 yards in the final two games to break the single season rushing record, but Lillian Newman is just ten yards behind him on the current season's leaderboard. If the Flames lose their last two, they're guaranteed the 2nd pick in the draft, and with their quarterback already aboard, it'll be fascinating to see if they pick a true difference maker or use it to trade down to select a wider variety of players.
BYES: Colorado, North Florida
If the playoffs started today:
(4) Nashville Tuts @ (1) New York Defiant
(3) Montreal Royal @ (2) New Orleans Corsairs
(4) Austin Blues @ (1) North Florida Renegades
(3) Baltimore Ponies @ (2) Colorado Crushers
Playoff clinching scenarios:
- Austin will clinch a playoff berth with a win in Baltimore AND a Downriver loss to Grand Rapids.
- Nashville will clinch a playoff berth with a win/tie against New Orleans OR a Chicago loss in Las Vegas.
Division clinching scenarios:
- Colorado (clinched playoff berth) will claim the Continental West title with an Austin loss in Baltimore.
- New Orleans will clinch a playoff berth AND the United West division title with a win against Nashville OR a Chicago loss in Las Vegas.
- New York (clinched playoff berth) will claim the United East division title with a win in Easton AND a Montreal loss to California.
- North Florida (clinched playoff berth) will claim the Continental East title with a Baltimore loss to Austin.
Playoff elimination scenarios:
- Chicago will be eliminated with a loss in Las Vegas.
- Downriver will be eliminated with a loss to Grand Rapids AND an Austin win in Baltimore.
Here a great week!
