Rehan’s Report (D1) – Week 9

There remains only one week of regular season. Playoffs are right around the corner and we will surely experience a great post-season however before I can get into anything, I would like to speak regarding a tragedy that occurred this week.

 

Adriano Tassone of the Rainmakers passed away early Wednesday morning (March 18th, 2009). He was a great football player and an even greater human being. If you speak to anyone around the league, they will tell you about his great character and amazing personality. On the field he was a fierce competitor, a leader and a great teammate. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the Rainmakers and the Tassones. Although he is no longer with us, he will remain in our prayers and in our hearts. Rest In Peace Adriano Tassone, you will be greatly missed.

 

Now I will quickly take a look at last week’s action.

 

Week 9 Report

 

The Demons took on their archrival, the Express. A few weeks ago, these two teams played each other and Demons won a close one. This time around the game seemed close on the field but not on paper; Demons won 35-18. Carmine Pollice was 18 of 28 for 230 yards and 5 TDs, he also had an interception on defense, off a long bomb targeted towards an Express receiver. Mike Harrington led all Demons with 96 yards receiving and 2 TDs. The Express were definitely in the game and were ahead at halftime, 18-13. However the second half belonged to the Demons because they shut out the Express 22-0. The Demons defense played great, they held Patrick Chenard to 8 rushing yards on 3 attempts, sacked and picked him off once. On the Express side, Andrija Zecevic had a good game on both sides of the ball with 1 receiving TD on offence and 2 sacks on defense. The Express are still in playoffs as long as Wolverines don’t win a game until the end of season. If the Demons lose to the Hurricanes in week 10, a Demons-Express matchup is very likely and what a great treat that would be for everyone.

 

The Hurricanes played the Wolverines and won big with the final score of 49-13. Rick Nincheri threw for 172 yards with 5 TDs however he also had a 7 yard rushing TD. It was complete domination from beginning to end. You know in professional sports leagues when a game is out of reach, they put in the back up? It seems like the Hurricanes followed that path with Jay Ulley going 2-2 for 20 yards and 1 TD. Shane Williams led Hurricanes receivers with 69 yards receiving and 2 TDs. He also led the defense with 4 tackles, 1 INT and two PDs. Tony Tabet, QB of the Wolverines, played the entire game and threw for 178 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. It seems like he is getting into the groove and that will be important in week 10 as they take on the CLR Forces. Ara Ekmekdjian led all Wolverine receivers with 79 yards. However the question we have to ask is if the Hurricanes are finally regaining their championship form or have they only played well against the bottom of the cellar teams? This question will be answered in week 10 when they take on the Demons.

 

The last game, Sunday-nighter, of week 9 saw the Montreal’s Finest defeat the CLR Forces by a score of 44-31. Kevin Wyeth of Montreal’s Finest put up great numbers, he was 19-26 for 220 yards with 6 TDs and 2 INTs; he also rushed for 25 yards. Five different receivers caught a TD with only Andre Knights catching 2 TDs. On the other side, Frederic Dupuis of the CLR Forces had a good game as well. He was 18-25 for 255 yards with 5 TDs and 2 INTs; he also had 4 tackles and 1 PD on defense. Dominic Lemieux led all CLR Forces receivers with 9 catches for 160 yards and 2 TDs. As amazing as those numbers are, the next receiver only had 47 yards. That is the difference between Freddy Dupuis and Kevin Wyeth Earp, the latter distributes the ball a little better and thus it is tough for opponents to defend. Nonetheless, the difference in the game wasn’t only one TD but also the extra point converts; Montreal’s Finest had a lot more. Montreal’s Finest control their fate for the number 1 seed. If they can beat the Wolverines, which seems likely, they will finish first overall and go into their first round bye as the top seed.

 

And that rounds up this week’s review and it is now time to name the three STARwars of the week.

 

 

3rd star: Shane Williams (Hurricanes) had 4 catches for 69 yards and 2 TDs; on defense he had 4 tackles, 1 INT and 2 PDs.

 

2nd star: Carmine Pollice (Demons) was 18-28 for 230 yards with TDs. He also had a key interception on defense.

 

1st star: Kevin Wyeth (Montreal’s Finest) was 19 of 26 for 220 yards with 6 TDs, while also converting many extra points that helped his team be in a position to clinch first place overall.

 

 

 

Sarwar’s Spread

 

 

Montreal’s Finest (7-1-1) vs. Wolverines (1-7): Even though the Wolverines need this game badly, the Montreal’s Finest want to finish strong and more important, they want to finish first overall. Furthermore the Finest have more depth in their team and should win. Montreal’s Finest -10.5

 

Rainmakers (4-5) vs. Express (1-8): This game has been postponed and will not be played this weekend.

 

Demons (6-2-1) vs. Hurricanes (6-3): Their first meeting saw the Hurricanes win in a very close contest. The rematch should provide the same intensity. The winner of the game will guarantee themselves a first round bye. It is tough to call this game because both teams have a lot of talent and many play makers. I give the edge to the Demons because lately they are finally playing the football we all knew they were capable of and the Hurricanes are coming off two big wins against below average teams which could hurt their game prep. Demons -3.5

 

CLR Forces (5-4) vs. Wolverines (1-7): Now I know that most people would count out the Wolverines but I truly believe this is a game that is well within their reach. Last time these two teams met, Wolverines lost in the last couple of plays however this time around they’ll be more prepared because it is a win or go home type scenario. Tony Tabet and the Wolverines will be fully ready to go and the CLR Forces have nothing to gain from this game so they might not play to their full potential. Wolverines -2.5

 

Therefore it is clear that I am picking the Wolverines to clinch the last playoff spot and I will be in attendance. However let’s be honest (as I mentioned on the WEPL) whoever scoops up the last playoff spot will be in tough against a Demons or a Hurricanes team. Nonetheless, in the spirit of March Madness, all you can do is make the playoffs and then anything can happen. If the Express are in playoffs and end up playing Demons, perhaps another upset can be in the making. So I am definitely looking forward to the playoffs and I know of you are too. Next week, I’ll preview the first round playoff match ups in depth and also recap the division 1 regular season, the best one in FPF thus far. I will also name my All STARwar team.

 

Well that wraps it up for this week’s report. I will sign off and let everyone get back to their work or whatever it is that you guys do to pass time. If you have any comments/suggestions don’t hesitate to message me on Facebook or [email protected] and I’ll catch you next week same STARWAR time, same STARWAR article.