Fourth-and-Goal (Div C) – Week 14

The Last of the First

 

It is with a heavy heart that I write this article. I get the weekly task of simultaneously being granted a creative outlet and being able to keep the league and its members informed with what’s going on in Division C. However, Division C came to a close on Sunday. So, such ends my first season as a weekly columnist. As such, I’m going to treat you all to as much content as I can muster up before deadline. But before that: The championship recap!

 

The Pregame

 

As the Division D finals were unfolding, both C teams were already on-site. The Commission had arrived with their quiet swagger and were stretching and getting mentally prepared. On the other side of the arena, Mysterious and Magical Men arrived with (could it be?) the fabled Joe Birds. Joe (in a suit and not a T-Shirt as mentioned in the press conference) was taking in this first-time limelight but also exercising his own brand of humble leadership.

 

The Beginning

 

While both teams were defensively acclaimed, there were few who thought that the first half would end up being such a defensive stalemate. There were turnovers on downs and punting aplenty, with neither team gaining much ground and a halftime score of 7-6. Both rushers took their teams on their backs and were the main cause for the incompletions and turnovers, severely limiting the reads of these rolling QBs. Bryan Nguyen was all over Matthew Bishara, either forcing him to stay in the pocket or dump the ball. When the half was said and done, Nguyen had 3 sacks to his name.

 

The End

 

What’s the best way to negate all the scouting and preparation that’s been done over the past few weeks? Show something completely different. Changing the often-mobile Matthew Bishara to the pocket passer that is Danny Gentile was a huge call from Joe Birds. Being a risky move that not many could have foreseen would have paid off, it changed the pace of the game dramatically. After having The Commission score and convert early in the second half, MMM found themselves playing catch-up. After an answered touchdown and then another, MMM took the lead again. All in all, it came down to the last play with The Commission looking to score. An all-or-nothing double rush by MMM ended up being the difference maker, with the game ending sack being recorded by Bishara… Jason Bishara!

 

The Future

 

With that, here’s a brief overview of what I think is in the stars for the Winter 2012 season for these teams. Just remember, this is just my opinion. Of course, come January, it’s more than likely that everything will have changed and the unforeseen intangibles will become apparent. But enough of that; here are my last predictions:

 

Flight of the Conchords – FOTC will likely be back in Division 3. Having their most capable roster yet but defaulting the quarterfinals may be the spark that ignites this squad’s championship run in the future.

 

Eagles – Having strong Spring seasons but hiccupping in the Winter, look for the Eagles to bring their unique style of flag football back to Division 4; this time with a winning record.

 

Rip and Run – Sometimes it’s best to go your separate ways. Now is one of those times.

 

Sphinx – Going from a strong athletic team in the Winter to a smart athletic team in the Spring, look for them to pose a serious threat to the Division 4 teams out there.

 

Les Franciscains – Being comprised somewhat of Patriotes, and having a quarterback that is one of the stars of the 2011 Outlaws championship squad, this team will likely not be back come Winter 2012.

 

The Commission – After a solid finals run, look for The Commission to be strong in Division 3, likely with a free agent pickup in the off season.

 

Rude Bwoys – The Rude Bwoys have been a solid Division 3 team for two consecutive winters. However, dwindling numbers and inconsistencies seem to be plaguing them. Look for them to come back with their strongest roster yet, or disappear completely.

 

Falcons – They’ve lost the spark that they once had. Hopefully a drop down to Division 4 can bring back life into this once confident squad. Maybe a reunion with Matthew Thibault or Adi Sharma would do the trick?

 

Longhorns – As always, the Longhorns are in it just for the fun. A Division 4 repeat would be fun for all, especially those looking forward to seeing them beat much younger squads.

 

No Names – After a difficult (but not terrible) season as NTMC and an inconsistent Spring, maybe the proving grounds of Division 5 would be ideal for them? But make no mistake, they’ll do well.

 

Park-X Streets – After repeat first round playoff exits, the ‘Streets will likely put their focus on a championship run. Look for them in Division 4, with or without Chad Ochocinco.

 

Spring Cleaning – A fill-in squad, they will likely not be back due to most players returning to their respective teams. However look for GM G.M. to attempt a similar team in Division 3.

X-Men – My trustworthy sources tell me that the X-Men look to test themselves and will be playing in Division 3 come Winter 2012.

 

FAs – The idea of FAs returning would actually not make them FAs at all. However, the merger that was KGP (Cutler and Saleh) and Warhawks (Martin and Watson) looked fantastic, and should be looked at in the future as a winning combination.

 

Spicy Meatballs – Shoshan’s squad will likely be back, likely with a different name. Being a bunch of friends above all, they’ll probably look to Division 4 for the time being.

 

Mysterious and Magical Men – Will, of course, be back as the Dirty Birds. The question will be whether or not Danny Gentile will be at the helm.

 

Kardiac Kids – Looked better than any AMB or Maniax squad of the past. Calmer too. Definitely a contender for the Division 3 title.

 

Predators – Should they return, they will likely be without Scott Noivo (York Lions – Congratulations) and Sean Kennedy. A few roster pickups and they should be making noise in Division 4.

 

G.O.A.T. – Will likely end up being the Cobras once again, and Rick Cummins will likely go his separate way.

 

Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies – The Division C experience will give the Kludgies the edge over most of the Division 4  teams. After already having some major upsets in the Winter season, the boys in yellow may be up for their best season yet.

 

 

The Wrap-up

 

So, this is it, Division C. I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you all. Anyone who came to me on the sidelines, anyone who complimented me on my article or performance on the WEPL, the few who sent me emails… thanks. You’ve made this all worth it and I’ve enjoyed my time doing this so much. I hope to be back at some point to be able to give you your weekly “beyond the stats” fill.

 

My email still works. If you want to talk about the upcoming season, or feel like playing a pickup game or just to chat, I can be reached at [email protected]