Peeze’s Playbook (Div D) – Week 1

Week one is coming to an end and we are half way through the terrifying reign of Daron Basmadjian.  In the brief absence of beloved League President Robert Campana, Daron has been asked to fill in on an interim basis.

 

 

 

He has made the following changes:

 

 

 

-Writers must now proof read their own articles (ludicrous!!!).

 

-Podcast hosts and analysts are expected to arrive on time and be fully clothed in time to record the podcast.

 

-Cast and Crew of Calling the Audible will no longer have access to the snack table and will instead be fed a heavy diet of regret and broken dreams.

 

-Referees are asked to ‘Google’ pictures of zebras as a reminder that they can be replaced.

 

 

 

This is a brave new world indeed.  Yet, it is a journalist’s job to ensure that they reach the people despite the political climate at the time.  I sit here beginning to type my third installment of the first week’s edition of Peeze’s Playbook.  All I can think of is the horrors that await me at the league mandated FPF re-education initiative led by fearless leader Daron Basmadjian. If you’re reading this, bear in mind that I may never return.

 

 

 

So, I hope you enjoy this article!

 

 

 

Sham-WOW

 

 

 

Early on, it seemed that Checkmate could do no wrong.  Their high flying vertical offence was primed for success as QB Fred Morissette connected on strikes to James ‘J-Flo’ Floreani and Alex David for two early touchdowns.  Having picked off Shamrocks QB Doug McKernan early, Checkmate, wearing their new Check-Moose logos (an homage creating a season long partnership with last season’s Moose squad) seemed to be rolling.  The only one kink in the armor seemed to be their inability to convert extra points.  For those who couldn’t tell, this is meant to be more obvious foreshadowing than Shakespeare having horses destroy each other in MacBeth.

 

 

 

The Shamrocks kept themselves in the game long enough to wait for a Checkmate misstep. In the second half, Jordan Alexis picked off Fred Morissette to give the Shamrocks a chance to go ahead and they never looked back.  Doug McKernan was able to move the ball effectively down the field and, more often than not, it was by hitting new co-captain Brandon Taylor and allowing him to charge toward the first down marker.  Once in striking range, McKernan was able to run in twice and Jordan Alexis was able to run another in on an option.

 

 

 

With just three plays remaining Frédérick hit Maxime Lachapelle on a bomb down the right sideline to bring Checkmate to within one point. Lachapelle made an incredible grab as he was able to control his body, keeping his feet in bounds as he fell to the ground.  Checkmate was put in a position to decide whether to play for the win or the tie and decided to attempt the two point conversion for the win.  Morissette’s pass to Alex David was broken up and the Shamrocks went on to win this barn burner 31-30. 

 

 

 

Was this the game of the season? It may be too early to tell but one thing is for certain, this battle between the QB of the year last season (Morissette) and the runner up (McKernan) proved to be as exciting as advertised.     

 

 

 

Kissing Your Sister

 

 

 

Ties are horrible.  A week one tie may be especially hard to forget as you need to wear it all season long.  Ballz Deep and Le Zoo played to a tie this weekend and it was a shame that this game ended inconclusively, as it was a great game. 

 

 

 

For Le Zoo, the connection between Frank Kaye and Patrick St-Amand is like two figure skaters portraying the final act of Swan Lake.  I know the comparison is unorthodox but honestly, if that imagery didn’t draw a tear, you’re a robot. St-Amand was unstoppable, as he hauled in 3 touchdowns in this one.

 

 

 

Not to be outdone, Vinny Gualano simply went off in this game.  Gualano scored 4 receiving touchdowns and added another long interception return for a touchdown.  Unfortunately, with a chance to tie it, Anthony Pitoscia was unable to connect on a pass at the back of the endzone. The game ended in a tie and Gualano seemed particularly bothered as he let out a loud scream at the game’s conclusion.  These teams both fought hard and will surely be expecting a win this coming week.

 

 

 

Ghosts Scare Vikings

 

 

 

With Gabriel Wiseman starting at quarterback for ghosts, I momentarily doubted my pick in this game.  Wiseman is a great athlete but I had never seen him play quarterback.  Having receivers like Benoit Fredette (former div. 1 Redhawk and div.2 Wolfpack receiver) as well as lower division staples J.D. Joly and Philippe-Antoine Beausejour on a receiving corps will help a new quarterback come along.  Sources close to the team have informed me that Wiseman is not in fact the permanent QB but we are to expect the arrival of their actual field general around week 4.  Adding Wiseman to that receiving corps has the ghosts looking scarier than Bill Cosby in Ghost Dad. 

 

 

 

I was 8 when that movie came out; I got creeped-out.

 

 

 

The Vikings struggled, as is expected of teams that only play in the spring.  The team looked out of synch from the beginning and defensively, they were unable to communicate and handle what the ghosts were throwing at them. On offense, Chris Bell was only able to complete 7 passes, and that clearly isn’t enough to win games. A notable absence in this one was quarterback Graeme Carr.  We’ll have to monitor this situation as the season goes on to see whether Carr returns or not for this current season.  For this past week however, the Ghosts pummel the Vikings, 33-13.    

 

 

 

Underdogs Overachieve

 

 

 

The Underdogs are the least aptly named team this season.  Chris Olson has proven that he is a dependable quarterback.  In the absence of Michael Malinaric, other familiar faces did the damage as Eddy Lee and Matt Brown were the only two receivers to catch any passes all game.  They did however combine for 3 touchdowns.  Adding to the offensive output was a pick-six by Devan Gordon.

 

 

 

The Warriors started off slowly in this one and were able to outscore the Underdogs in the second half of this game.  Unfortunately, being down 18-6 in the first half, it proved to be too little, too late. Paul Lalonde has returned for his second season as quarterback for the Warriors and did look solid, notwithstanding a shaky start.  Despite losing this one by a final score of 26-20, the Warriors are a team that no one should take lightly.

 

 

 

Sound the Longhorn

 

 

 

The Longhorns are a great group of guys and they are fun to watch.  Against the Tyrants, Jon Moodie was as effective as ever and spread the ball to all of his receivers as he was able to march down the field to the tune of 5 touchdowns. The key in this one was the Longhorns defense.  New acquisition Angelo Kalaidopoulous pulled down three interceptions and fellow former Past our Prime teammate Dale Williams added another to secure the 37-19 win. 

 

 

 

I was critical of Tyrants QB George Niktaris for much of the winter season but I felt that as he played more FPF football he would improve and develop into a solid passer.  It seems as though he will need some more time to hone his skills.  Free agent pickup GM ‘Careless Whisper’ Koletheras (yes GM I know it’s a Wham! song) did pick up two sacks in his Tyrants debut.

 

 

 

Predictions

 

 

 

Unlike last season, when week after week, I would come up short in the predictions segment yours truly has jumped out an early lead.  After having gone 9-5 compared to Justin’s 6-8, we hopefully have seen the start of a new trend.  I intend to keep my foot on the gas pedal and leave Mr. Blanchard in the dust. As such here are my picks this week: 

 

 

 

Underdogs vs. Wheel of Fish

 

Ballz Deep vs. Bearskins

 

Black Ice vs. Gotham Knights

 

Affreux vs. Le Zoo

 

Vikings vs. Tyrants

 

Project Mayhem vs. Hostile Territory

 

Pardon my Swag vs. Lockdown

 

Limetime vs. Warriors

 

Mongoose vs. Shamrocks

 

Jaggerbomb vs. Speed Demons

 

Big Blue Wrecking Crew vs. Centurions

 

Longhorns vs. Ghosts

 

Black Mambas vs. Blue Mountain State

 

X-Men vs. Park X Streets

 

 

 

The Tuesday Throw Down

 

 

 

Week one has now concluded and some teams have begun their quest for perfection while others insist they will end 9-1.  The season stands before us and holds many interesting stories that have yet to be told.  I will do my best to uncover these tales but I could use your crib notes.  Send them to me at [email protected] or reach me @PeezeFPF via twitter.  Please note that all inappropriate language is tolerated and appreciated.

 

 

 

Additionally, captains you can expect an email from me this week as I attempt to get the inside scoop on your teams.  For those interested on getting the skinny on other teams in the league you should definitely check out Division D’s Calling the Audible this week Terry Tam and I discuss a variety of topics, check in with our weekly contributor Mat Domon and we get to talk muscles with Kevin “Diesel” Gauthier of Blue Mountain State. See you next week, till then, thank you for letting me be myself.