Heads-Up with Flamesword captain of Status Quo

We got to sit down with Michael Chaves (aka Flamesword) the captain of Status Quo about their off-season changes. So check it out and let’s hear your thoughts about the new SQ!

Trent: Well, coming into the 2009 season you guys were touted as one of the top up-and-coming teams in Halo 3. The season wasn’t terrible, but it was definitely less than what was expected from you guys. What would you attribute that to?

Flamesword: We basically just never showed up to the event. We definitely had it in us, but like I said we just never showed up on gameday.

Trent: You seemed to never be in sync, but you showed flashes of what people expected! Was it a lack of practice, lack of chemistry or something else that caused that?

Flamesword: I think it was the cause of something else, but I just can’t explain. After Side left the team we started practicing less, so that might have had something to do with it.

Trent: Fair enough, since the Orlando National Championships both Legend and Totz have moved on and you have teamed with two very talented up-and-coming players in “A Pure Gangster” and “Enable”. How is this team different than the Status Quo team from last season?

Flamesword: Time will only tell, but I like the feel of this new squad because so far we listen to each other without complaints. Also, everyone is playing a lot more, so I’m happy to be able to sign online and game with a teammate right away.

Trent: Let’s look at your team. If you were to really analyze what you all bring what would you say are the strong suits of each individual player on your team, yourself included. Along those same lines, what prompted you to pick up APG and Enable?

Flamesword: I’m not sure yet because it’s a new team. We pushed for Enable because he’s a sick team player and APG is the next dominant force I believe.

Trent: Well, what changes would you like to see for the 2010 season in the league as a whole?

Flamesword: I want more events and maybe more Cali events. Its so sick out there.

Trent: On the topic of this coming season, have you heard much about the upcoming combine?

Flamesword: Nope, I just know its in Nashville.

Trent: Right, well we’re headed back to Orlando in mid April. Any predictions from the new Status Quo?

Flamesword: Looking at it right now, I feel this will be the best SQ so far. I have 3 young players on my team that just want to win and show they can hang with anyone. Also, Ace and myself are going all out this year to prove that we’re top players.

Trent: Last couple questions. With regard to the transactions that have been made so far regarding the other top teams, who do you think improved the most?

Flamesword: Instinct, they just look solid.

Trent: If you had to pick one, what team do you think didn’t do so hot?

Flamesword: I think they all improved. I think the level of competition will increase this year.

Trent: This will definitely be a year where there is more parity between the top teams. Any surprise teams to look out for?

Flamesword: To early to tell right now. Most teams haven’t really begun practicing.

Trent: Fair enough, well thanks for your time Mike. We’ll check back with you before the event to get your thoughts then as well.

Flamesword: Alright, thanks.

Well, There you have it! You agree or disagree with what Mike thinks lets hear it below.

Maszik 4 Bravo

Meadowlands Champions Triggers Down is the first team to announce changes to their roster, sort of.  While their team remains intact, they made a coaching change dropping their coach, Mazsik< and moving forward with JTBravo.  With Mazsik they won 2 out of 4 events including the opener this year in Meadowlands. 

The move is a little puzzling because the just won, but Bravo’s a good Coach. While we don’t always understand or agree with what SK does as far as transactions go,  he continues to put together teams that win.  They have won 3 events in the last year dating back to Orlando 2008.

More tD Answers

 

We have continued to push for more information and details regarding what many credible sources inside the pro ranks have said was a deliberate setup by tD to break up Instinct.  In pushing deeper for the truth, we have found a more accurate version of the story: Read more

’08 Season Analysis Part 1 of 7 – Final Boss

 

First this has been a wild ride of a season thus far.  We have a new game, Halo 3, on the circuit.  We have had four events with 3 different winners and we have had more transactions and bigger transaction then any season before.  What a way to open with Halo 3’s inaugural season.  

 

Read more

'08 Season Analysis Part 1 of 7 – Final Boss

 

First this has been a wild ride of a season thus far.  We have a new game, Halo 3, on the circuit.  We have had four events with 3 different winners and we have had more transactions and bigger transaction then any season before.  What a way to open with Halo 3’s inaugural season.  

 

Read more

Victory X Interview w/MLG Insider

 Victory  X has been around since the Halo 2 days.  A consummate professional always poised and representing his team dignity and professionalism.  We got the opportunity to sit down withhim and ask a few questions regarding how he feels about being back with Mackeo and how he feels about the new team Classic going into Dallas and then Vegas.

Read more

Mackeo Interview w/MLG Insider

 We got to spend some time with the “Mack” of team Classic, Mr. Mackeo.  He has had quite an interesting ride this season. So we wanted to get his perspective of how things are shaking out this season.

Insider: Let’s start with the question that is on most people’s mind.  Why did you leave Triggers Down?

 

Mackeo: I think I was the captain on Instinct and all my past teams b/c I have always been tremendously respected by my teammates in the past, on tD that was not the case.  My reputation was took a big hit from teaming with tD.  I truly feel it wasn’t my responsibility for our placing b/c it a team game. I’m looking at the rest of the season as a reproving period for myself and I think that although I won’t be the captain of team Classic, I will still be very respected.

Insider: We know you and Victory X play very well together.  How have thing meshed with Ant and Soldier?

Mackeo: We really haven’t played much together so far, but the thing like about this team is I think its a team very much like Instinct.  They might now always make the best decisions, but they rely and have faith in their teammates and they will make the right play to recover from it.  The number one thing we are working on is rushing as a team.

Insider: Where do you see Classic finishing in Dallas?

Mackeo: 3-5 as long as we’re playing fairly well.

Insider: Who to you see getting the 8th spot in Dallas and who’s your biggest competition?

Mackeo:  I think that Legendz will get the 8th spot in Dallas.  I think the most crucial match up for us is the RD1 match-up with Instinct.  If we beat Instinct we’d have a shot at Str8, but we wouldn’t be counting on it. Then we would face Carbon for top 4, instead of Legendz then FB for top 4.  I’d say top three is our goal in Dallas, but I’d be happy with top 4.

Insider: That would really build confidence for you guys going into Vegas.

Mackeo: Yeah, I think that confidence is going to be key for us, but we have a pretty bad bracket for Dallas so we are just hoping to make the best of it.

Insider: You’ve been playing since Halo 2.  How much Longer do you see yourself playing, a year, 2 years, 5 years?

Mackeo: Basically, as long as I’m on top.  I have fun with it and the money is nice.  I mean as long as I’m able to attend college while playing it’s a pretty good thing I think.

Insider: What is your favorite memory from Halo 2? 

Mackeo: Without a doubt, beating the undefeated Carbon 3-0 at the 2007 opener with my new team “The Agency”.

Insider: Halo 3?

Mackeo: When my longtime friend Victory left me for the first time and then we beat them in the LB finals in San Diego for my first ever top 2 finish.

Insider: What do you think about the number of transactions that have happened this season?

Mackeo: I’m not really a fan of them and I think it’s bad for the league. Last year there was like one big transaction last year and this year it’s been non-stop. What happened with me and Final Boss should never happen to a player.

Insider: What did happen?

Mackeo: Long story, short, they told me that they really wanted me and got me to leave my team, which I really didn’t want to do.  I was really good friends with my team and thought that we were the best team if we played to our potential. After leaving my higher placing team they boot me off and I’m left team-less.

Insider: What went through your head?

Mackeo: I was like this can’t be happening, this shouldn’t be allowed to happen. 

Insider: How did you end up joining Triggers Down?

Mackeo: They needed a 4th and I needed a team.  I really wanted to prove myself, but it seemed like tD’s heart wasn’t in it in Toronto.  I kinda got discouraged, but we did place pretty decent in Toronto though.

Insider: So did you feel blamed for Toronto?

Mackeo: No, I don’t feel like tD blamed me for the loss, it was more of the community .  From their POV tD just won and was the hottest team out there.  From our POV we didn’t practice hard and it seemed like no one cared.  TD is full of great players. it just appeared they weren’t motivated in Toronto. The reason I applied for free agency was b/c I’d be wrecking and never even get a “good job” or any respect.  Then we’d somehow start to lose and they’d make it look like it was my fault.  It  was a mixture of me being super motivated and them not being motivated.

Insider: How did you end up with Classic?

Mackeo: Well, we lanned with Classic before Toronto and they were great at communicating and gave me the respect I deserved.  I’ve always been good friends with Soldier, Ant and obviously Victory.  I wanted to be with a team that appreciated me and would be motivated with me on it.

Insider: Well we’ve definitely come full circle now.  Any shout-outs or final words for your fans before I let you go?

Mackeo: Expect to see the duo return! 

 

 

 

 

There you have it.  You can see that Mackeo if very motivated to redeem himself and prove that he wasn’t the reason Triggers Down placed poorly in Toronto.  This should be a great tournament to watch in Dallas.

Top 7 Teams – player options

 

The rule governing transactions of teams that have clinched a National Championship spot is as follows: To pick up a player as your fourth Read more