Food for Thought (Div B) – Week 5

If you’re about to relax into a comfortable lull, don’t.

If you think there is no more hope, think again.

Because with five weeks left to the season, every team will now have a chance to prove they deserve a playoff spot. And luckily for you all, 8 out of 10 will have their wish granted.

If the playoffs started today, Broccasion and Terror Squad (yes, they were actually my pick to win it all…) would be eliminated. However, neither team’s deficit is insurmountable (thank god for my predictions!)

In the words of Gina and Tommy: “We’re halfway there!” Yes, sometimes it’s tough, so tough… But even when you’re down on your luck, you gotta do your best to hold on to what you’ve got. Remember that it DOES matter if you make it or not… so give it a shot!

 

Lying in the weeds

With a 2-3 record, a 23.2 points scored per game and a depleted roster, Prestige World Wide is far from scary. With only three players left from the Spring 2010 edition (Matt Brethour, Alex Lever and J-F Trudeau), Prestige is struggling to regain its form from a year ago. Injuries to Rochdi Benabdelkader (aka the Afro Mastermind), defensive stalwart Wesley Joseph and overpowering WR Phil Leduc are proving to be far more than a thorn in the team’s foot. However, in the absence of key players, Brian Eudoxie is proving that a quality rusher can provide a tremendous boost to a team’s defensive core. Despite posting one of the worst offensive showings in Div B, Prestige’s defence thrones in first place with a measly 25.20 points allowed per game. How do they do it? In a bowl mix two cups of Eudoxie with 1 and a third cups of McLaren, slowly incorporate 2 tablespoons of Lever, 1 tablespoon of Young and sprinkle with some Trudeau. Stir. Bake. Eat.

 

High risk, high reward

How does the worst defence of Div B end up with a 3-2 record? With an overpowering offense of course! Last week, we witnessed the return of the Jedi as Mike Ciampini made his brother look like princess Lea in comparison… With 9 catches, 92 yards and 4 TDs, he was instrumental (huge understatement) in his team’s last minute win against a determined Patriotes squad. Despite their ridiculous offensive numbers, the Trojans are struggling heavily on defence. Their points allowed per game jumped from 22.5 in winter to 38.8 (!) after 5 games this spring. What’s different? Roberto Cosenza is gone… Is this the only reason they can’t contain their opposition? No. While a premium rusher does help a team hold the fort on D, the stronger Div B competition is taking its toll on most team’s defences. The Trojans are simply getting hit a bit harder…

 

Hot and cold

Evolution is playing better every week. However, they are still posting less than average numbers all across the board. The good news? Paul Lapierre is still getting used to his receivers. Once they truly start meshing, they should be able to create enough havoc to improve their record. Defensively, they lack some game-changing ability. Can Rick Cummins, Renaldo Jordan and Bryan Nguyen make big plays? Sure. However, the aggressive play of a Jason Edwards or a Wesley Joseph is lacking from this roster.

 

Comedy Squad?

The Fright Gang has lost four straight and is now in the biggest funk of its history. How do you turn this around? Schedule a meeting with the struggling Prestige World Wide. Tam Vilaydeth will need to re-ignite his chemistry with Pat Jérome and Anthony Comeau if they are to come away with the victory. Their toughest challenge will be to get it together on defence. Sadrak Gervais, especially, has been average to date. If there is one player who needs to step his game up it’s him! If they lose, their playoff hopes will start to seriously melt away…

 

A midsummer night’s dream…

Individual award-seekers, here is my mid-season Dream Team (Div A players who play the same position in Div B will be excluded):

 

QB: Rick Nincheri, Trojans

C: Ryan Browne, Big TDs

WR: Mathieu Bélanger, Patriotes

WR: Vinny Gualano, Trojans

SB: Matthew Brethour, Prestige World Wide

SB: Raffi Kozanian, Snookers

 

Rusher: Brian Eudoxie, Prestige World Wide

MLB: Alex Pereda, Patriotes

DB: Anthony McComber, PSE

DB: Alex Grace, PSE

DB: Serge Moumdjian, Snookers

Safety: Shawn Haney, SWAT

 

Power Rankings

(All my predictions will be tweeted via @Score_keeper on game day.)

1. Park Street Elite (4-1): Most points score, 3rd least points allowed, most interceptions… These guys are the real deal!

2. Big TDs (4-1): Milli Millz and the gang are piling up wins in style with a constantly evolving roster… They are the most entertaining team to watch by far.

3. Snookers (4-1): Two easy weeks ahead (Broccasion and Prestige World Wide)? I have a feeling they will drop one of the two…

4. Trojans (3-2): Who needs a D when you’ve got Nincheri?

5. Patriotes (3-3): After 2 straight losses they have been brought back to earth. However, they are still in an excellent position to bounce back.

6. SWAT (2-2): After a week off, the empire will strike twice on Thursday. Can they contain two of the league’s best offensive teams?

7. Evolution (2-3): Slowly but surely, they will most likely end the season at .500.

8. Prestige World Wide (2-3): Will Prestige finally clear the IR? When they do, they will be deadly…

9. Terror Squad (1-4): After a must win, this one is a MUST win. Will they come through?

10. Broccasion (0-5): Back to basics is what the doctor ordered for this young team. Keep it simple!

 

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 at the field!