FOURTH-AND-GOAL (DIV C) – WEEK 5

Fourth and Goal – Week 5

 

The Rundown

 

Here’s a quick look at the division up until now.

 

Ninja Turtles {0-5-0}

It`s always tough for a brand-new team to be pitted up against steeper
competition. It`s going to be tough, but the battles in C will prepare them for
seasons ahead. In the meantime, can Nicolas Rosconi battle back from a 1:1
TD/INT ratio? Their offense seems capable, but there needs to be more of an
emphasis put on stopping the opposing team from putting up those points.

(Final season prediction: 0-10-0)

 

Silent Assassins {0-5-0}

John Papadimitriou’s spin-off Greek team. The athleticism is there –
it’s just a question of having those rules and subtleties learned by the newer
players. Perhaps John can take a more instrumental role of leadership in
driving this team forward. Or will it come from former two-way player of the
year Niko Zermalias? Practices and a game plan could bring them towards hitting
the ground running in the second half of the season.

(Final season prediction: 1-9-0)

 

X-Men {1-4-0}

It’s only taken the X-Men 4 games to wake up. They’ve had increasingly
standout seasons in the past, and have now fallen short to organizational
problems and a lack of manpower. While the absence of Nicolas Abelhauser is
notable, they’ve won without him in the past. If they can build on this past
week’s win against Le Zoo, we might be able to regain some of their former
glory.

(Final season prediction: 2-7-1)

 

Real Deal {1-4-0}

By far my biggest surprise this season. I expected Real Deal to
be…well, the real deal. Mixing role players off of a former Division 1
championship team with Luigi Di Ciaccio and Jovan Cober of the former Trojan
Knights should have proved magical. The athleticism and smarts that this team
seems to possess doesn’t match up with their current record. Maybe they’d
benefit from a simpler play calling and bringing it to basics until they find
themselves?

(Final season prediction: 3-7-0)

 

Le Zoo {1-4-0}

Jumping onto the bandwagon of established teams that can’t seem to get
it going, Le Zoo are another mystery. Boasting their strongest roster yet,
including speedster Angelo Garofalo, Le Zoo should be having a standout season.
A difficult schedule, however, does not stack things in their favor. It might
be time for Frank Kaye to bring in a gameplan to take advantage of all of their
strengths.

(Final season prediction: 2-8-0)

 

Mongoose {1-3-1}

What has happened to our newly minted Division 4 champions? They’re
proud to have won the championship, yet seem to be dismissive of this season.
Games have been played without a full squad, and a general lack of effort seems
to be displayed, despite their new uniforms. It goes without saying that they
key to Mongoose is their chemistry – can Alex Gaudet whip his players back into
shape to make another playoff push?

(Final season prediction: 2-6-2)

 

Patriotes {1-3-1}

It’s strange to see that the jump down from B to C has actually hurt
les Patriotes. It is, however, testament to the growing collective skill of the
league. Noteworthy to mention, however, is the return (albeit for one game thus
far) of Mathieu Belanger, who was a huge contributor to this team up until his
injury. This is a two-time championship team; once they start gaining momentum
again, they’re going to be tough to stop.

(Final season prediction: 4-5-1)

 

Favre Dollar Footlongs {2-3-0}

After a bit of a stumble out of the gate, it looks like they’re going
to be sticking with the young Frederic Viens as their pivot. They’ve got a lot
of football experience; can they help transition it to FPF experience. Star
Trevor Ruffner is once again having a standout season, and is going to be
important to the success of this team.

(Final season prediction: 3-7-0)

 

French Toast Mafia FFC {2-3-0}

It looks like all is falling back into place. Loic Savoiz-Seguin is
back to his natural quarterback position, and French Toast Mafia FFC are back
in the win column. They’ve got a tough upcoming schedule, and will need to
maximize every opportunity given to them. Their strength is in their entire
team’s ability to play both ways well – can they game plan around this?

(Final season prediction: 3-7-0)

 

Pap N’ Co {2-3-0}

Everything changes with the addition of Myles Gibbon. All due respect
to Papa Pap and the rest of Pap N’ Co, but with Myles compared to without him
is no contest. Myles is a seasoned quarterback with the athleticism to back it
up. I get the feeling that Pap N’ Co are going to surprise a few complacent
teams in the second half of the season.

(Final season prediction: 6-4-0)

 

Like Our TDs {2-3-0}

They’ve already got more wins than their last two seasons (Fire
Breathing Rubber Duckies) combined. It’s evident when speaking to new
acquisition Dale Williams that this team is ready to truck on ahead. Led by the
smart Jeff Brown, the team might be able to do some damage with the new
acquisitions of Williams and Thomas strengthening their roster.

(Final season prediction: 4-6-0)

 

Jewish Cucumbers {2-3-0}

Ryan Lelinowski considers himself the most athletic quarterback in all
of Division C. In all honesty, there`s the possibility that he is indeed right.
Meanwhile, the Jewcumbers as a whole are finally starting to take stride as a
team – it`s not just Dave Chitayat taking the bulk of the work anymore. Look
for them to hit the .500 mark by season`s end. Also, if Marvin Golding is on
the squad full time, look out!

(Final season prediction: 5-5-0)

 

Eagles {2-3-0}

Even without quarterback Danny Bellemare this week, the Eagles were
still able to play as a cohesive team. This is testament to how long they`ve
been together and how well they`re able to work amongst themselves. They do,
however, seem to be inconsistent. If they can find a way to make it work on
those key plays, everything will fall into place.

(Final season prediction: 4-5-1)

 

Sphinx {2-2-1}

Probably the most well-oiled machine in all of Division C; they
function so well together. If they`re going to make the next step up, however,
more emphasis needs to be put on their defensive schemes. There`s only so much
that the offense can do; the D needs to back them up every once in a while. Expect
them to still get that playoff spot, however.

(Final Season prediction: 4-4-2)

 

KGP Champs {2-2-1}

After a 2-0 start, the King George Park boys are seemingly at a bit of
a hiccough. They`re boasting a strong and experienced team, and their last
three games have been close enough that they could have gone either way.
They`re consistent enough to be able to find a way through all of this. Last
week also marked the return of solid receiver and all-around good guy Nick
Schouela.

(Final season prediction: 5-4-1)

 

Mustangs du Gridiron {3-2-0}

The hot topic amongst those who are planning a move up. Seeing the
success of the Mustangs will possibly prompt a great many other teams who are
confident to move up from Division 5. And if there`s anything that the Mustangs
have a lot of (besides a large roster), it`s confidence. They`re proud of the
move up, and it shows in their play on the field. They know they belong on the
field in C, and will fight any other team tooth and nail.

(Final season prediction: 6-4-0)

 

Formerly Teamless {3-1-1}

­After having 6 players
cancel the week of the season, this team has been mostly composed of subs. Very
skilled subs, mind you, but subs nonetheless. As such, it`s going to be a tough
one for these guys come playoff time where 5 games played will be necessary. An
injury to all-star Antonio Lanni doesn`t help much either. Look for them to
possibly have fielded 20 different players by season`s end.

(Final season prediction: N/A)

 

The Incredibles {2-2-1}

While the Incredibles were, well, incredible to begin with, the
additions of Daniele Gentile and Vince Nardone have smoothened the transition
from D to C. They do what they do, and they do what they do well. They`re no
stranger to playoffs, but maybe the finals experience of Danny G could be the
final push that this squad needs.

(Final season prediction: 6-3-1)

 

Rude Bwoys {3-1-1}

A talented team who tend to suffer from “drop-itis“ at the worst
possible times, the Rude Bwoys are among some of the most experienced players
in C right now. This season, however, seems to be a bit more prolific for them
than the past, especially after the upset over Hall of Famers. If they continue
like this, they`ll be a tough opponent for any team.

(Final season prediction: 6-3-1)

 

Flight of the Conchords {3-1-1}

There`s something to be said about a team that goes about their
business and winning a fair share of games season after season. FOTC are no
strangers to FPF themselves, and all chip in effectively on both sides of the
ball. No longer just about one player, the Conchords are able to throw
different players into different positions at a moment`s notice. Don`t let
their quiet demeanor fool you.

(Final season prediction: 7-2-1)

 

Monstars {4-1-0}

A tough loss this week has given the Monstars a perfect wake up call.
They know what needs to be worked on, so that the inconsistencies from the past
can be smoothed out. Also, preseason acquisition Emilio Pampena seems to be
fitting in rather well with the rest of the crew, making this season`s team
possibly the strongest Monstars squad yet.

(Final season prediction: 7-3-0)

 

The Commission {3-2-0}

It`s great to see Jonathan Williams back from playing football in
France, but one would wonder as to whether he`d be better suited as the pivot
for this team. After rolling on a solid playoff run last Spring, the team seems
to be slowing down just a little bit. They, as always, have the least points
allowed in the Division; all that needs to be done now is to put a bit more
emphasis into making every offensive drive count.

(Final season prediction: 6-3-1)

 

 

Predators {4-0-1}

A team that is above-average in every aspect of the game, with no real
weaknesses. They`ve got the mix of athleticism without sacrificing knowledge.
James Floreani and Kenton Lowe have a tandem that picks up every season like
they`ve been playing together for a lifetime. With solid acquisitions in Lubin
and Zorko, they look poised to do some damage on both sides of the ball.

(Final season prediction: 8-2-0)

 

Hall of Famers {4-1-0}

With Justin Smolar feeding the ball to possible consecutive receiver of
the year Adam Crystal time after time, there`s really little that can be done
to stop them. They`ve picked up the best of Discount Double Check, and added
the interception machine that is Jamie Ojeaha. Having witnessed the damage they
can do at a moment`s notice, it`s important not to turn your back on them for a
second.

(Final season prediction: 8-2-0)

 

Broccasion {4-1-0}

Despite not being undefeated like last season, one would argue that
this is the strongest Broccasion team to date. Undefeated when their QB has
played the entire game, they`re a force to be reckoned with. If you`re looking for
a pick that`s not one of the names you`re consistently hearing, go for
Broccasion as a frontrunner to win it.

(Final season prediction: 9-1-0)

 

Daron Basmadjian Fan Club {3-0-2}

What`s left of last Spring`s champions. They`ve added players that
compliment their already solid roster, and changed their name to perhaps the
worst name in all of football. Nonetheless, they`re undefeated and in a prime
spot to win Conference A East. You already know what`s coming with their
offense…but you still have to stop it. Joe Birds would be proud of them.

(Final season prediction: 8-0-2)

 

Prestige World Wide {4-0-1}

As people see it, the championship is theirs to lose. We already know
how strong they are, but I don`t think enough emphasis goes into just how well
they work together as a team. They`ve got a lot of size that proves to be a
real issue to anyone that they go up against. They`ve got the spotlight on them
right now; will they live up to the praise?

(Final season prediction: 9-0-1)

 

 

Random Thoughts

 

–         
These rankings are based purely on MY OPINIONS.
Don’t read too much into them if you feel that I’m wrong. It’s a lot of
assumptions, and a lot of speculation.

–         
It’s also a backwards power ranking for all of
the teams.

–         
Reminder: Games are not on Sunday this week, but
on Saturday.

–         
If you want to have a player playoff eligible,
they must play every game from here on in.

 

 

Quick Picks

 

Even after the length of the article, I decided to include the picks.
Because I do, after all, have an example to set for Simon Dagenais.

 

I also like being right some of the time.

 

The Incredibles vs. Broccasion: Broccasion

Rude Bwoys vs. Le Zoo: Rude Bwoys

Patriotes vs. KGP Champs: Patriotes

Favre Dollar Footlongs vs. French Toast Mafia FFC: Favre Dollar
Footlongs

Ninja Turtles vs. Pump & Ditch: Pump & Ditch

Predators vs. Formerly Teamless: N/A

Daron Basmadjian Fan Club vs. Mongoose: Daron Basmadjian Fan Club

Flight of the Conchords vs. Pap N’ Co: Flight of the Conchords

Real Deal vs. Like Our TDs: Like Our TDs

X-Men vs. Hall of Famers: Hall of Famers

Eagles vs. Monstars: Monstars

Silent Assassins vs. Sphinx: Sphinx

Mustangs du Gridiron vs. Jewish Cucumbers: Jewish Cucumbers

The Commission vs. Prestige World Wide: Prestige World Wide