Food For Thought (Div B) – Week 12

Just when I thought the best football in FPF was played in Div B, I was treated to a slew of heart-stopping nail-biters from the other divisions of the league. Frankly, if you’re in need of a quick fix to sate your flag football longings, I recommend peaking through the literal curtains of our beloved Soccerplexe and enjoying some underrated lower division content.

Meanwhile, here are the big lines that shaped last weekend’s first semi-final.

Snookers 39 – Big TDs 18

Starting the second half with the ball provided the Snookers with the perfect situation to bury their opponent. Indeed, after a first half during which they stopped their opponent twice and started their 20 unanswered point streak, there was not much left to do but hammer the last nail into the Big TDs already long-closed coffin. As impressive as Dave Cesari and his acolytes were against an undermanned Evolution, there wasn’t much that could be done against the well oiled machine that is the Snookers.

With Tony Tabet furthering his legacy with a 200+ yard game, a record completion percentage of 95.0 and two INTs on defence, very few could have made a difference. What is even more mind-boggling is that despite their leader’s tremendous stat-line, the Snookers won that game with a well-executed team effort. As unheralded and superstar-less as they are, the depth of the Snookers roster is what separates them from all other teams.

 

Christmas Eve

Just like on Christmas Eve, I can feel the crackle of excitement all around, as the road show is about to hit FPF for the umpteenth time. And just like Christmas Eve, we must first survive the delicious but sometimes fastidious feast that is a Trojans vs SWAT matchup. To get us all into appetite and to provide some leisure for those of you slacking off at work, here is an overview of both teams strengths and weaknesses.

 

Trojans (1)

 After a week off, the Trojans hope their synchronism hasn’t deserted them as they prepare to face a deadly SWAT team. As usual, most of their chances will rest on Rick Nincheri’s able arm and the strength of their receiving core. As cliché as it may sound, the Trojans will need to win the battle of turnovers if they aspire to come out victorious from this one.

Offensive go-to guy: In the absence of their key receiver Vinny Gualano, Mike Ciampini will need to prove that he can be the focus of the opposing defence. Against such ball-hawks as Shawn Haney and Adam Bailey, just one bobble may end up being his team’s undoing.

Unsung offensive hero: Mitch Chiba is quite a useful commodity especially on short red zone patterns. Quick but smaller in stature, he is often overlooked by the opposing defence.

Snapper situation: With the Don himself snapping the ball, there is not much to fret about. “The Bombsquad” is still one of the best in the game at his position and a prime target for anyone with a minimum of football smarts.

Game-breaker: Rick Nincheri IS the Trojans. His play-calling and stellar accuracy will either lead them through in spectacular fashion or be surpassed by his counterpart. A bad game is not a possibility.

Offense overall score: 8.5 (without Gualano)

 

Defensive go-to guy: Paul De Nardis is their most consistent defender. On a particularly inconsistent defensive squad, he needs to be at his best to minimize damage.

Unsung defensive hero: Alex Khamis has always been considered as a shadow worker. No one notices him, until he actually pulls off something extraordinary. His hustle is his biggest asset.

Rusher situation: No lack of experience here with Yves Thomas sprinting down the middle. While his speed is not what it used to be, he will be most valuable against a pocket passer like Gino Di Fazio.

Game-breaker: Randy Singh cannot be considered as a true game-breaker. However, he has been known to occasionally come up with a huge play, giving momentum to an already high-powered offense.

Defense overall score: 6

 

SWAT (2)

After juggling with a changing roster all season, SWAT has finally banded into a legit contender. Mixing together proven veterans and youthful young guns, they proved many wrong by reaching the semi-finals. Do they have what it takes to reach to finals for the first time since Winter 2009 when they lost to the up-and-coming Wildcats? I guess we will know soon enough.

 

Offensive go-to guy: Carmine Pollice has emerged as Gino Di Fazio’s favourite target on offence. Let’s bet that this won’t change after Pollice’s 12 catch game two weeks ago.

Unsung offensive hero: As weird as it sounds, SWAT’s secret weapon is as obvious as it is talented. Shawn Haney, who is also the team’s defensive dynamo, provides highlight reel catches whenever his team tends to slow down a little.

Snapper situation: Rob White, Carmine and Jon Lyristis have all contributed at the snapper position. While Jon will most likely sit out due to roster restrictions, White, even if he doesn’t snap, should provide a strong 4th option in the endzone.

Game-breaker: Adam Bailey is SWAT’s offensive juggernaut. He runs, leaps and catches with such gusto that we should make a painting out of it and hang it by the field’s entrance.

Offence overall score: 8

 

Defensive go-to guy: Rashawn Perry has been very quiet after his award-winning Winter 2011 season. Nevertheless, SWAT rely heavily on him to cover the deep ball and shut down the opposing receiver.

Unsung defensive hero: Martin Hamel is SWAT’s equivalent of the Trojans’ Alex Khamis; lots of will and a decent deflagging ability.

Rusher situation: Alex Blanchet is one of the most serious and focused players on the field. He never smiles but hustles to get the job done.

Game-breaker: As current defensive player of the year, Shawn Haney doesn’t need to prove anyone anything. Nevertheless, you can count on him to impress anyone watching his team play with his iconic sideline catches and INTs.

Defense overall score: 7.5

 

Prediction: Trojans 33 – SWAT 34

 

Be sure to follow me on twitter @Score_keeper where I will be blogging live from Brossard and Lachine on game day!

If you have any comments, suggestions or rants, feel free to email me at [email protected].

See you on the field!