Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 2 – FlagPlus Football League

Another week is in the books.

The Recap

“Stalemate” – In what was definitely a weak performance by both teams, we saw the Monstars face off against the Misfits, with ball possession changing hands more than a set of keys at a swingers party. Both QBs had a 3 interception game; however the Monstars had more possession time to give them the game. The Misfits were poised to have as good a game as their week one outing, but failed to execute, partly due to key passes that were dropped. On the flip side, while the Monstars roster has been fairly consistent from season to season, the addition of the Lachaine brothers (Hugo and Pierre-Marc) proves to be an important pickup on both sides of the ball. Let’s see if they can lead by example and take their already-proven team to the next level.

“Hard Work” – I had a feeling that this would be one of the better games of the week, and I was not let down. A gritty dogfight between Hard Knocks and Clockwork ensued, and big plays were seen from both sides. The difference, however, was Marco Masciotra’s feet, which carried him into the endzone to seal the deal. I mentioned that with the roster departures that Emilio Pampena would have to step up big for Masciotra, and he has yet to disappoint. Meanwhile, I’m still expecting big things from Hard Knocks who had this game within reach, and will take this experience throughout the season.

“The Mongoose are Loose” – The Mongoose chalk one up in the win column. FTP had fill-in QB Scott Kelly. Kelly had a decent outing, but was not on the same page with receivers unfamiliar to him. I mentioned that Nigel Thomas would need to lead this team and help them grow, and his absence really showed this week. Meanwhile, Alexandre Gaudet returned to Mongoose and had his best throwing game since…well, ever. Mongoose are back, and let’s see if they can keep the consistency and sneak up on a few teams a la Spring 2010.

“Which Guys?” – Crème de la Crème FFC bounced back after their week 1 outing, having a strong outing against Those Guys. The Beausejour brothers took my words to heart (I’d like to think this is true) and dominated on both sides of the ball. Cody Hemsley is without his usual firepower, so These Guys have had a rough few weeks. On the flip side though, Hemsley may go through the entire season this time around without problem or conflict. Hopefully Hemsley can pick his team up from this slump and bring them in the right direction.

Stray Observations

– Slightly disappointed that those baseball jerseys didn’t stay for longer, Team Bring It.

– The brand-new Mad Monkeys are 2-0. Maybe I should give them some attention…

– When someone ends a game with 4 INTs, the lesson is: Don’t throw to Jamie Ojeaha’s side.

– Smack talk while shaking hands post-game? Grow up.

– In my Hébert evaluation last week, I listed Loyola as warmer than Lachine. This is not true; however Loyola has those wonderful heating vents that you can sit near. Advantage Loyola.

The Successful GM

I’m actually surprisingly happy at how well-received this segment was. Not just for the new teams out there, but for how well it was received with the veteran players as well. As such, I will continue with this segment until I have nothing left to say and have to start making things up. (I’ve also made a list of the upcoming ones, so that I don’t forget any of them)

Roster – Six is not enough. This is not even up for debate. VERY FEW teams can win with 6. If you show up with an undermanned roster, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Notice how a D1 team will show up with almost a full offence and a full defense? It is indeed true that there are players capable and skilled enough to play both ways, and play well. But when you are 6, you are tired. You have to choose whether to give your 100% on offence, or on defense. There isn’t enough energy for both, and you also make bad choices when you’re tired. So do yourself a favor; unless it’s an emergency…field more players.

Babysit – New captain? Congratulations, you’ve just been promoted to childcare specialist. Don’t assume anymore. Don’t assume people read the site and know when the next game is. Or WHERE. Don’t assume that they will show up with flags. Be proactive, and anticipate problems like this. Carry an extra pair of shorts without pockets in your game bag. Make sure no one is wearing a freaking chain before every game. These little things aren’t major…but they might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and cost you a loss.

Power Rankings

I’m diluting the rankings a little bit. Since we’re 40, I figured that 15 would be a better number to keep track of than the “usual” 10. We will see a lot more movement this way, and will be able to evaluate the contenders and the pretenders as well.

1. Sphinx – Had the opportunity to prove that they are “all that,” and they rose to the occasion. Etienne Cloutier is having his best season to date, boasting a 13/0 TD/INT ratio. QB and receivers are all in sync, with the touchdowns being spread amongst all the receivers. A definite contender.
2. Broccasion – A win with the veteran Norman Weekes, a win with the rookie (to the QB position) Alec Cerantola. If Weekes chooses to stay with this team, they will occupy the top spot for a long time. Even if he doesn’t, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Plus the return of all-star safety Guillaume De Palma will add even more depth.
3. Les Caves – They made the power rankings last week with the roster they had. Now with the addition of veteran Triple Sixer and Concordia alum Corey Greenaway, Les Caves are an entirely different monster. It’s going to be great watching this team grow as a unit in the coming weeks.
4. Hall of Famers – Week one was no fluke. This team has the ability to put up points with ease on offence, and then shut you down completely on defense. The HoF receivers can turn a 5 yard hook into a completion of 20 yards, and QB Justin Smolar is still without an interception. Be afraid of the new kid in town.
5. Dragons – The poster child for consistency. The core of this team has been together for seasons, and they operate as a unit. The team is efficient, well-rounded and comfortable. The Dragons will make any team earn every inch on the football field, which is a good thing considering their difficult schedule ahead.
6. Marauders – The one team that I’m not 100% sure about in this ranking. Are they a product of their environment, or are they the real deal? QB Hugo Beausoleil is driving this team forward with ease, but will they be able to keep pace when the competition steps up? Time will tell.
7. X-Men – In my opinion, the perfect ranking spot for the X-Men. Without any real attention on them, or pressure to perform, they are free to go about as they please, quietly gathering victories under their belt.
8. Le Zoo – Experience will triumph. That’s certainly the mantra for the men in green. They are currently my darkhorse for the division, bound to take a few teams by surprise.
9. No Punt Intended – I’m tempted to rank NPI above two 2-0 teams because of the strength of this unit, despite losing to division powerhouse Sphinx. Provided their offence is able to keep up and score some points, the NPI defense should carry them to success in upcoming games. The move of Jason Lachapelle to rusher seems to be one of the best position changes this season.
10. Mad Monkeys – I’ve noticed I haven’t really been giving them attention. Still undefeated, this team is built around athletes waiting to make a play. Built on athleticism and the deep ball, these newcomers will pose problems to even the most established of teams.
11. Beers – They have found ways to win. Not convincingly, mind you, but just squeaking by. There’s enough talent and enough depth on this team that errors should be kept to a minimum. But be that as it may, it’s not by how much you win, but the fact that you ARE winning.
12. Golden Eagles – I know that ties suck. But while other teams are scrambling for position, the tie will help. The Eagles have a deep roster with plenty of talent to lead them along the way; they should be back to their winning ways before long.
13. The Family – A different team without franchise QB Maxime Forget, The Family are still able to hold their own. With a one-point loss, and a relatively easy next few games, they may be able to move up in the rankings with J-S Ouellette at the helm.
14. Embarrassment of Riches – Stacked roster. Generally, stacked teams tend to fall apart when it counts most, but for now, numbers don’t lie.
15. The Incredibles – Games need to be won more convincingly to move up the ladder. I understand that the competition that The Incredibles face has steepened, but their style of play needs to be elevated to match the competition.

Predictions

Let’s try my hand at predicting the games this week. With this much parity, it’s going to be difficult, but I’m aiming at a 75% success rate. And I’d love nothing more than for everyone to prove me wrong. Because that’s what we all compete for.

Trapstars vs. Le Zoo – Le Zoo

Misfits vs. X-Men – X-Men

Les Eudistes vs. Beers – Les Eudistes

Marauders vs. Creme de la Creme FFC – Creme de la Creme FFC

Those Guys vs. Monstars – Monstars

Les Caves vs. Outlaws – Les Caves

Mad Monkeys vs. Hard Knocks – Hard Knocks

Flight of the Conchords vs. Hall of Famers – Hall of Famers

Les Jambons vs. 69ers – 69ers

The Incredibles vs. Golden Eagles – Golden Eagles

Embarrassment of Riches vs. Team Bring It – N/A

Broccasion vs. Sphinx – Sphinx

The Family vs. Turf Toe Inc – The Family

Certified Flyguyz vs. Dragons – Dragons

High Rollers vs. Primetime – Primetime

Discount Double Check vs. Mongoose – Mongoose

No Punt Intended vs. Gators – No Punt Intended

Dillon Panthers vs. Longhorns – Dillon Panthers

FTP vs. Clockwork – Clockwork

Lobster Dinner vs. The Commission – The Commission

I’m out. Complaints can be sent to [email protected] …My spambot will take care of them. I’ll also recap more games this week, and not the usual suspects.

Quote of the Week

“Hey, QB… I thought you were nice… What’s with all the yelling?” – Ryan Aridi, Green 18s/Monstars