Food For Thought (Div 3) – Week 7
01-03-2012 12:00 AM
Since my last couple of articles were shorter than usual, I’ve decided to go all out this week and the next. Here is my assessment of where Conference A’s 16 teams stand (lookout for Conference B next week).
D-Boys (6-1)
The Boys are allowing an astoundingly low 11.57 points a game. Seven of their players have an INT (!) and they lead D3 with a total of 20 INTs as well as 14 sacks. It is safe to say their defense is one of the best ever to grace the fields of FPF. On offense, they are a middle of the pack team. With no receiver over 300 yards receiving, Marco Masciotra is distributing the ball evenly amongst his teammates. If they want to contend for the D3 crown, they will need to average more than 4 TDs per game on offense.
KGP Champs (4-3)
Caught in a heated playoff run with their divisional rivals Briscoe High Hawks and Yari’s Autonomics, the Champs are having a slightly better season than I thought they would. The addition of Sean Brophy coupled with the rejuvenation of Phil Cutler could explain their skyward direction. While Brophy has certainly been instrumental to his team’s success on offence (29 catches, 508 yards, 11 TDs), Cutler is on pace to pass for 47 TDs and garner 14 INTs on defence. The leading candidate as defensive player of the year AND two-way player of the year is clearly having his most successful season in FPF since Winter 2008 when he won his only individual award (two-way player of the year D3). Odds that he makes it into the Hall of Fame by 2014: 3-1.
Briscoe High Hawks (4-3)
It seems like Briscoe is not the team everyone thought they were. Pre-season favourites to go all the way in the eyes of many, they are now fighting for a playoff spot. Their problem? They can’t beat good teams. Their wins came against Gold Standard, Grindteam, the Souljahs and the Sons of Cyr who have a combined record of 4-24… On the other hand, they fell to Served with Ice (5-2), SWAT (5-2) and the Dirty Birds (6-1), all of them division leaders. Do they have what it takes to get into the playoffs? It will all depend on Scott Kelly’s ability to protect the football. Having thrown a pick in every game since week 2, he needs to average less than a turnover a game for the rest of the season. If they make it to the playoffs, Nathan Taylor’s experience might be what eventually puts them on top.
Yari’s Autonomics (4-3)
They had a chance to vault into a playoff spot with a potentially favourable matchup against the Souljahs in week 7. Instead, they lost due to the solid play of Angelo Garofalo (19 for 34, 165 yards, 4 TDs), 3 INTs) at QB and substitute Frank Kaye at receiver (7 catches, 52 yards, 2 TDs). Anthony Claro almost won the game by himself garnering 5 catches for 114 yards and 1 TD as well as 3 INTs. Sadly for Yari’s protégées, they now lay at the bottom of their division with an ugly -34 differential. They are now doomed to win at least two of their games against Briscoe, KGP and the D-Boys… While they have the receivers and the defenders to stay competitive against most teams, Rick Shefteshy’s play at QB just isn’t good enough for them to make it.
Sandlot Saints (5-2)
The new Saints led by rookie QB Dallon Kuprowski are (finally) having a solid season. The team Mike Bird put together is finally starting to look like a playoff team. Obviously, the addition of Tim Kraemer has a lot to do with their success. But let’s not forget about a worthy candidate for the “Who IS this guy” segment, Gabriel Aubry. Having never been more than a substitute player in FPF, his first complete season is already a success. Who knows, he might even be able to translate his FPF mojo into a CIS eye-opening season! Ok, maybe I’m pushing it a little bit. Nevertheless, this team of CIS role players is definitely a team to watch out for as we close in on the post-season.
Knockaround Guys (3-2-2)
With Terrance Morsink on pace to post career highs for passing yards, passing TDs and completion percentage, the Knockaround Guys can finally count on a reliable QB. Coupled with both Vince Nardone and Kyle Smith’s two-way talent it is safe to say they have a solid team. Enough to get into the playoffs? Maybe. Once again, divisional games will be the key. The only knock against them at this point would be their very small roster. During the war of attrition that is a playoff hunt, a short roster can sometimes prove to be fatal…
Gold Standard (2-5)
Despite their record, the now silver standards have the 8th best point differential in Conference A. Silver lining indeed… With talented veterans such as Jason Prince, Jay Ulley, Mike McNair, Darren Costello, Oliver Phillip and Renaldo Jordan, I’m flabbergasted when trying to explain their woes this season. Maybe it simply took them some time to gel. Perhaps their schedule was too tough. What I know is that they could potentially win their last three games and clinch a last second playoff spot. Odds? 5-1.
Picksquad (2-5)
The QB musical chair continues as the Picksquad are still looking for a pivot to put their fate in. Frankly, there isn’t much to say about this team apart from the fact they might be better suited for a lower division. What they need is a confidence rebuild, and Divisions 4 and 5 would be perfect for that. Also, the return of Raphaël Rochon, aka the mullet-hawk, would be nice. FPF never has enough funky hairstyles…
SWAT (5-2)
There is only one relevant stat when talking about SWAT’s chances to go deep in the playoffs: 16 INTs (second highest total in D3). At a rate of over two turnovers per game, Gino Di Fazio’s understudy Nathan Thompson keeps shooting himself in the foot. With a highly powerful arm and athletic receivers such as Shawn Haney, Rashawn Perry and newcomer Michael Malinaric, there is no reason for such a high INT count. Perhaps if Thompson traded some hurried throws for some sacks, their record might be even better.
Big TDs (4-2-1)
Jamil Springer doesn’t need to run as much as he used to anymore. His passing skills and his receiving core have improved enough to create a balance between pass and rush. Naturally, he is still a master at elongating plays while tiring out opposing rushers. The additions of Mitch Chiba and Anthony McComber have been salutary to both offence and defence (they have a point differential of 51, the 4th highest in their Conference). The sky is the limit for this team who, despite a sometimes inconsistent roster, remain a potential giant slayer.
Dirty Dawgers (3-4)
With a ballhawk mentality on defense (16 INTs), and a solid start to their season, the Dawgers seemed to show some promise despite a woeful offensive game. Sadly for them, their defense has started to crack and has allowed an average of 33 points in their last four games. With an inconsistent defense and a faulty offense, the Dawgers can’t expect to make it past week 10. Projected record: 4-6.
Fire Breathing Rubbers Duckies (0-7)
“We dont need to read about FBRD, feel free to leave that one out 😛 Not a great season lol”
– Jeff Brown, FBRD captain
Served with Ice (5-2)
I admit, I doubted their offensive ability at the start of the season. I seriously didn’t believe Jordan Panetta could lead his team to a playoff spot in such a competitive D3. I was obviously wrong. SWI is having an amazing season in which they beat contenders like VPC and Briscoe High Hawks. While Pascal Tshilambo and Karl Lavalée have been their usual selves, the addition of Jean-Daniel Chevalier is really what transformed this team from a pre-season question mark into a contender. JD is one of the best up-and-coming receivers in FPF. With stints in both D1 and D2, he’s already seen his fair share of adversity. Keep an eye out for him on the FPF field as well as the great CIS playing grounds.
Park-X Streets (5-2)
In classic “greek football” fashion, the Streets are taking most of their games to the limit, racking up wins in the dying seconds of their matchups. This is obviously great news. With 4 straight first round exits, some regular season adversity should help prepare them for the grind that is a playoff game. And with Billy “the Gazelle” Seretis and Jon “the Hulk” Makris in the lineup, their chances to win their first playoff win are looking better than ever.
Green 18s (4-2-1)
How will G. M. solve his QB controversy? Will he ignore it? Will he stay with the young gun-slinger James Floreanis or plead for the steady veteran Damian Imhoff to go back to his pivot spot? Time will tell. For now, his team is surfing on a fairly easy calendar. However, their week 9 and 10 matchups against Park-X Streets and Served with Ice will be sooooo much more important than their first 8 games since a win against any of those two teams could clinch them a playoff spot. One small problem remains: if Rick Cummins (arguably their best player this season) can’t be reinstated into the line-up due to injury, who will replace him? G. M. the GM has his work cut out for him.
Hurricanes (0-7)
Another season to forget for the young QB Hugo Richard. With an inconsistent roster week in and week out, the blame can’t be put on him for his team’s poor performances. Captain Maïko Zepeda managed to put together some talented players but consistency hasn’t been their forte. With Maïko’s brother Hermes now on the team and FPF all-star Guillaume De Palma as an offensive and defensive anchor, the Canes could play a troublemaker’s role in the last 3 games of the season as they will have the chance to make a team’s playoff chances disappear.
Who IS this guy?
When the league’s commissioner can’t even say your name right on the WEPL, that’s when you know you’re REALLY flying under the radar! Just like his team, the Eagles, he is performing well above his standards.
This week’s player to watch is: Francis Leblanc
Leblanc is a very special player playing for a very special team. The Eagles play a very aggressive brand of offensive football centered on the play-action. Leblanc’s speed coupled with his ability to complete key passes (3 for 3, 2 TDs) keeps the opposing defence constantly on edge. Afraid of getting beat deep, many defensive backs will give Francis more room to work with enabling him to make some throws or rush without pressure from a second rusher. Only one other player has 10+ rushing attempts and 10+ catches (Angelo Garofalo, Souljahs).
Oh, and by the way, his team is 5-0 when he is in the line-up…
PLAYOFF RACE
CONFERENCE A
1. D-Boys (6-1)
2. Sandlot Saints (5-2)
3. Served with Ice (5-2)
4. SWAT (5-2)
5. Park-X Streets (5-2)
6. Green 18s (4-2-1)
7. Big TDs (4-2-1)
8. KGP Champs (4-3)
————-
9. Briscoe High Hawks (4-3)
10. Yari’s Autonomics (4-3)
11. Knockaround Guys (3-2-2)
12. Dirty Dawgers (3-4)
13. Gold Standard (2-5)
14. Picksquad (2-5)
15. Hurricanes (0-7)
16. Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies (0-7)
CONFERENCE B
1. VPC (6-1)
2. Dirty Birds (6-1)
3. Terror Squad (5-1-1)
4. Prestige World Wide (5-1-1)
5. Eagles (5-2)
6. Patriotes (4-3)
7. Bandits (4-3)
8. Rude Bwoys (3-4)
————-
9. Snookers (3-4)
10. CF (3-4)
11. Langers (3-4)
12. VR6 (2-5)
13. Maniax (2-5)
14. Grindteam (1-6)
15. Souljahs (1-6)
16. Sons of Cyr (0-7)
OFFICIAL D3 POWER RANKINGS (and predictions)
1. Dirty Birds (6-1): After playing 3 ranked teams in a row, Joe’s Birds should have an easier time finishing the season since their next three opponents are a combined 2-19.
Predictions: Sons of Cyr 6 – Dirty Birds 47
2. D-Boys (6-1): They will be playing a desperate Autonomics team this week. While they are the clear favourites on paper, Anthony Claro, Rick Shefteshy and Michael Cirella could pull a rabbit out of their collective hats and upset the best defence in the history of division 3.
Predictions: Yari’s Autonomics 13 – D-Boys 26
3. VPC (6-1): A team on a mission, VPC is having their best season ever. Can Robbie Robinson outduel Hall of Famer Tony Tabet?
Predictions: Snookers 25 – VPC 38
4. Prestige World Wide (5-1-1): Unbeaten in their last 6, Prestige are dominating in a way no one thought they would. The Langers offence will be in tough against the safety duo of Samuel Drapeau and Kevin Tousignant.
Predictions: Prestige World Wide 39 – Langers 20
5. Terror Squad (5-1-1): With Tam Vilaydeth back from suspension, the Squad should resume its domination. Their 1-1-1 record without him goes to show how deep their team is.
Predictions: Bandits 24 – Terror Squad 38
6. Served with Ice (5-2): How will this team of tackle football players fare against the nondescript brand of ball played by Park-X Streets? I smell an upset.
Predictions: Park-X Streets 26 – Served with Ice 25
7. Big TDs (4-2-1): Jeff Murphy and his Spring teammates are back on the same field. Sadly for his Dawgers, the TDs’ offence will prove to be too much to handle.
Predictions: Dirty Dawgers 19 – Big TDs 32
8. SWAT (5-2): Inconsistent once again, the Empire’s farm team has a chance to have some fun against a struggling Ducky squad. Let’s hope everything stays civilized.
Predictions: Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies 6 – SWAT 39
9. Briscoe High Hawks (4-3): Two desperate teams fighting for a playoff spot. This game has the potential to be the week’s most entertaining matchup.
Predictions: KGP Champs 27 – Briscoe High Hawks 32
10. Sandlot Saints (5-2): Led by the Kraemer father-son connection, the Saints brought the Bandits back to earth. Can they do the same against the Knockaround Guys in this Redmen vs Stingers showdown?
Predictions: Sandlot Saints 33 – Knockaround Guys 31