APBA Pro Football Replays

I’ve used the APBA Football Master game to replay several seasons.  The Master game provides the “ebb and flow” of an actual contest and allows the “coach” the opportunity to deploy multiple personnel packages to mirror today’s game or the single platoon system of yesteryear. On numerous occasions, I’ve matched team records and have come extremely close to replicating team and individual statistics.

My purpose for creating this blog is to present my current and previous replays, offer “method of play” alternatives, share innovations, provide tools for evaluating individual cards, post links and informational tips to assist with preparing for and conducting season replays.           

A Beautiful Mind

APBA Football is the game played within the gamer’s mind. I’ve often equated playing APBA Football to listening to a game on the radio because you have to visualize what the announcer is saying. For example, hearing the play-by-play announcer call a third and long situation, “The offense aligns in a 3 by 1 set to the boundary side with a lone setback against a dime defense” my mind automatically visualizes a “Pro Trips Right” formation against a 4-1-6 defensive alignment.  It’s no different than me rolling a third and long situation. As outlined in my “Method of Play” presentation, a third and long situation consists of a maximum of 5 five dice rolls to complete the play.  As I write the down/distance and play (Medium Pass) on the play-by-play sheet, I visualize the QB calling the play in huddle.  The first dice roll is the initial QB read at the line of scrimmage to determine defensive alignment. Is there an uncovered receiver (G) or is the defense in a basic coverage scheme which offers run support (S) or is the coverage specifically designed to stop the pass (D). If the defense is geared to strictly stop the pass (D), is the coverage designed to “bracket” or “double cover” the QB’s first read (first dice roll fell within “Key” rating) or is the defense indicating a possible blitz (second roll of a single dice). If the QB’s pre-snap read determines the called play is destined for failure, does he audible (third dice roll)?  The ball is snapped and the QB is either dropping back or in the shotgun formation looking for the open receiver (fourth dice roll) and the fifth roll determines the play result.  By visualizing every aspect of the play (i.e., huddle, pre-snap, post-snap and play result) the game becomes alive for me. Not only does this enhance my enjoyment of the game but it eliminates mental distractions allowing me to complete games at a rapid pace.

Worst QB Performance

In all of my years of playing this great game, I’ve never witnessed a quarterback post a “0.00″ rating until now.  Blaine Gabbert of the Jacksonville Jaguars has earned this dubious honor by completing 5 out of 20 pass attempts, with 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions for a total of 54 yards.  In addition, he was sacked 4 time for negative 29 yards resulting in 25 net yards of passing.  This atrocious performance must be recognized because I can only hope I never roll another.

  

Farewell “Revis Island”

I wonder what Revis’s trade value in APBA Football would be? As a life-long Jets fan, it saddens me to see one of the greatest players in franchise history be traded, however, I fully understand the economics of the situation. Normally, I always wait until a player is retired before purchasing their signed jersey but I thought this was a safe bet.  Just another example why I use the line that I’m only “Loyal to the Logo”.

 

NFC Offensive Player of Week 7

Darren Sproles returned a punt 77-yards and a kick 81-yards for touchdowns. In addition, he carried the ball 8 times for 87 yards resulting in an average of 10.9 yards per carry.

AFC Offensive Player of Week 7

Rashard Mendenhall ran 14 times for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Mark DerGarabedian Revised Boards

Mark DerGarabedian was kind enough to share his completed version of the APBA Football Basic boards.  The level of effort and attention to detail that was required to complete this project is extremely impressive.  Mark organized the play result boards by field position, it will be interesting comparing his “work of art” against the game company’s upcoming release of the retooled “Football” game.  Tremendous Job!!

DerGarabedian(revised)

NFC Offensive Player of Week 6

Ahmad Bradshaw ran 30 times for 216 yards and 1 touchdown.