Fourth-and-Goal (Div C) – Week 1

 

The Opening Drive

Thanks for deciding to give this article a read. The FPF Gods have decided that I’d be a good candidate to provide Division C with their weekly fix of information and entertainment. I’ll do my best to keep y’all reading what I have to say from week to week, as well as doing my best to stir up some controversies along the way. These are, for the most part, my opinions. If something upsets you, let me know; email me at [email protected]. Alternately, if you like what I have to say and want to let me know, that works too.

For those of you who don’t know me, I might as well get the introductions out of the way; I’ve been in the league since 2009. I started in this league not knowing anyone, and playing with a Love Cows team that had, quite possibly, one of the worst seasons in FPF history. (Highlights include a 50-0 loss against Flying Weasels) God only knows why, but I came back in Winter 2010 with the Love Cows, and made it on the majestic Cinderella run to the finals that only a 3/7/0 team can do. It was after that season that I decided to put my organizational skills and especially my patience to the test by captaining a team. After a sub .500 Spring season, I finally got it right in last season’s Division 3 championship run. I have a history of downplaying my team’s skills and abilities, but since I am a scribe of the people, you will receive a fair and (somewhat) objective view of all the teams in the division, my own included. I’m currently captaining ‘Spring Cleaning’; feel free to come and chat with me on or off the field if you’d like.

With that out of the way, let’s see what’s gone on this week in Division C:

MMMT get a “Free” ride

In what was definitely this week’s athletic battle, we saw the Mysterious and Magical Men face off against the Free Agents, with MMMT winning 39-12. These are two teams with plenty of FPF experience. Why then, do you ask, did the score end up being so lopsided? Having a strong team will only get you so far. While MMMT are definitely powerhouses in this league, this has as much to do with their team chemistry as it does with their abilities. The Free Agents have a (more than) solid roster; having a team composed of, among others, Phil Cutler, Shawn Haney, Olivier Saleh and JP Mancini is nothing to sneer at. All it’s going to take for them is the time to get used to each other. While MMMT beat the FAs quite easily, expect other teams to have much more difficulty doing the same as the season progresses and they gain that much needed chemistry.
{MMM 39, FAs 12}

“Pick” a winner

When we talk about the team that usually throws the least amount of picks as the one that will likely be the winner, it’s usually said with an assumed 2 or 3 interceptions in mind. While the Spicy Meatballs/G.O.A.T. game certainly proved this point, it’s not usually the case that the amount of interceptions in the game is more than the number of touchdowns. (Total count 9) Rick Cummins has jumped back into the quarterback position; as of now he’s had more success with his feet than he has throwing the ball. Don’t let the interceptions fool you, however, as the game was winnable by either side until the last few minutes.
{SPM 38, GOA 27}

Road Work on the Streets

Thursday, we saw a very different Park-X Streets. Now quarterbacked by Billy Seretis (who brought Team Ditka to the Division 4 finals in winter 2009), the ‘Streets were missing staple members such as Drew Saitanis, Steka Dionissopoulos, and Chris Papadatos. Were they just short for bodies, or are we seeing a permanent roster change? However, as is usually the case with PXC, they managed to get it done by any means necessary. Their opponents, Predators, meanwhile, had a bit of trouble hitting the ground running in their freshman FPF game. Hopefully James Floreani and Jason Kokolakis can get this team back on track. Also, expect big things from former John Abbott player Scott Noivo.
{PXS 49, PRE 14}

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rankings

With that in mind, here are my power rankings for week 1. Keep in mind; we’re still in week 1; any and all ranking opinions will be based upon how well the top 10 teams did or didn’t blow out their opposition in week 1. As such, these will undoubtedly change because we’re in (you guessed it) week 1. Your actions are going to speak louder than my words; if you want your spot, show those other teams who is boss.

1: Mysterious and Magical Men – With the same core of players as last Spring’s finals run, and the addition of Danny Gentile, this team is definitely my favourite to win it all at this stage of the game. Expect big things.

2: Park X Streets – A plus/minus of 35 definitely gets them a top spot.

3: X-Men – A solid postseason run, as well as the trifecta of Gautama Swaminadhan, Nicholas Abelhauser and Suhael Brohi, makes the X-Men a team to be weary of at any stage in the season.

4: Flight of the Conchords – Beating an experienced Rude Bwoys roster soundly, FOTC deserve this spot. However, while FOTC are a standout team early-season, they tend to fizzle as the weeks go by. Can Jonathan Lemieux keep this team consistent from week to week?

5: Longhorns – Say what you want about their age, but there is definitely a reason these guys are where they are. Although they are a purely recreational team, they can out-think you and beat you at a moment’s notice. Don’t brush them off just yet.

6: Spicy Meatballs – Their bodies sluggish with G.O.A.T. meat… A team with lot of experience behind center, and deadly two-way players in Benoit Gendron and Jeff Moscato. Stuck in the tough-as-nails Conference B East, can they rise to the occasion and be a standout team?

7: The Commission – (The Flying Brent Bodkins) Sitting atop their conference, they have an enviable spot to defend. The addition of Gianni Settino is a big one, whether or not it’s only for a game or two.

8: Falcons – After a weak Spring 2010, and a season off, the Falcons are jumping back into the saddle in Division C. Look for Simon Richard to restore his team to their former glory days.

9: Spring Cleaning – A solid offence with many weapons at their disposal. In order to move up in the rankings, they’ll have to impress me by making some timely stops on defence.

10: No Names – A revamping of last season’s NTMC (D3). Hopefully Division C will be a good place for them to work and improve. Three touchdowns and an average of 34.7 yds/rec makes Mathieu Ouimet someone to definitely look out for on this squad.

Stray Observations

– Team photos next week, as per usual. Cue the changing of Facebook profile pics.
– WHY is Brossard always so hot? Those who played hard on Thursday were rewarded with soaked jerseys. (Dear FPF execs: Please take the team photos before the Brossard games next week.)
– Patriotes, way to make that jump to Division B. I guess the best way to silence your critics is results.
– RYAN KASTNER. If you missed the Division A Rainmakers/Mercenaries game, ask someone about the ending.
– The UFF Quarterback should never have any trouble finding his receivers downfield. Great jerseys, gentlemen.

– Please pick a team name and stick with it. It makes this article much easier to write.
– Wow, Div 3, Conference B East looks really, really strong.

Looking upfield

Hopefully I’ve done a good enough job of keeping you entertained. Check in next week as Edward Shoshan of Spicy Meatballs decides to (read: is forced to) sit down with me and answer some questions.