The GM’s Scouting Report (Div 1 & Div 2)

After a refreshing week off from games, I’m sure that everyone left (myself included) is itching to play like an addict going through withdrawals. I’d like to thank the teams who are no longer competing for a great season, and we hope to see you again next year. However, it’s time to focus on the matchups. Onward!

 

 

Division 1

 

Flag Moi L’Sac vs. Express

Previous meetings: Flag Moi L’Sac 44, Express 27; Flag Moi L’Sac 41, Express 12

 

Suffice to say that things are not looking good for Express. Having been manhandled by FMS both times they faced each other in the past, there needs to be a shift of priorities. Express are going to need to think outside of the box and come up with a way to slow down the pace of this game. Andrija Zecevic is going to need to focus on keeping Alex Nadeau-Piuze in front of him and limit the time Piuze scrambles for his receivers to separate from the defenders. On the flip side, Flag Moi L’Sac essentially just have to continue playing their game. The rushing duo of Felix Prevost and JP St-Pierre should prove to be a thorn in the side of Chenard, and the FMS offense is red-hot and difficult to stop.

 

Honestly, the fact that these two teams have already faced each other twice in the regular season as opposed to just once does not make things look good for Express. They’re going to have to have an error-free game in order to keep this one competitive and give them any hopes of making it through to the next round.

 

Prediction: Flag Moi L’Sac

 

 

Alkaholiks vs. Maniax

Previous meeting: Alkaholiks 35, Maniax 34

 

A close one with both teams missing a key playmaker; the Alks were without Robbie Robinson and new acquisition L-O Viens, while Maniax were without Tony Khoury. There’s a lot on the line for the Alks; this is definitely their game to lose. The Alks have a hard-hitting offense and the capacity to shut down the Maniax on defense, but this one is definitely close. For the Alks to succeed in this game, they’re going to need to capitalize on every errant ball or no-look pass and muster an interception or two on defense. Their offense can put up points; they just need to keep the Maniax from catching up.

 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to never count out the Maniax. Receiver of the year J-R Verger is a menace for any DB to cover, and they will compete until the last whistle has blown. The Maniax have a habit of getting under the skin of their opposition. Essentially, Maniax need to just play their game and hope for a little luck and that the Alkaholiks will slip. I’m not super certain that’ll be the case though.

 

Prediction: Alkaholiks

 

Division 2

 

One Night Stands vs. Road Runners

Previous meeting: One Night Stands 45, Road Runners 39

 

Two of the elite Division 1 QBs face of in Division 2. Just like the last meeting, I can almost guarantee that this one is going to be a high-scoring affair. Kevin Wyeth and ONS have been red-hot and almost unstoppable on offense, and quite frankly, ONS’ defense is equally solid. This team has won together as a group, and has probably the best chemistry in D2. Kevin Wyeth should take advantage of the team’s chemistry together and find the mismatches that the defense gives him.

 

Patrick Chenard and the Road Runners have a fun road ahead. Having mustered up two interceptions against Kevin Wyeth in their first meeting is huge for this defense, and definitely something to build upon come Sunday. It was a close game the first time around, and I’m guessing that this one is going to be a shootout as well. However, you can’t pick against Wyeth.

 

Prediction: One Night Stands 

 

DK vs. Team Padon

Previous meeting: 48-24

 

The last time these two teams saw each other was so good it was comedic. Team Padon were just about not going to play, and the referees were counting up the score. 6-0, then 12-0. DK were joking around, and then all of a sudden it was announced that there would be a game! Padon scored and DK 4 and outed, and all of a sudden the game was tied at 12-12. From there the DK train left the station and couldn’t be stopped, and that was that.

 

Now I’m not saying that this same course of events is going to happen again. But it goes to show you that in FPF, and especially in Division 2, you should never count anyone out. Team Padon should, however, take this as something to build upon. When Rochdi scouts and knows your team better than you, the best way to work against DK is to throw something at them that’ll take them by surprise. That being said, I don’t think it’ll happen.

 

Prediction: DK

 

D-Boys vs. Wolfpack

Previous meeting: D-Boys 54, Wolfpack 6

 

Without their starting quarterback, the previous meeting was definitely one to forget for Wolfpack. As Don Shepherd said on the D1/D2 podcast this week, Pascal Murray is going to have to play error-free football this weekend against the D-Boys in order for his squad to keep up with a D-Boys team that is difficult to stop once they get rolling. Wolfpack are going to want to start with the ball, score first and force the D-Boys to go score for score with them.

 

“It doesn’t matter if a team is ‘missing their QB;’ they still need to be able to stop us on defense.” – Marco Masciotra. The D-Boys have a roster that matches up well with what Wolfpack bring to the table, and will be difficult to stop. Looking at the D-Boys roster up and down, you’d be hard pressed to find a weak link or someone to pick on. The Wolfpack receivers are going to need to get open and find the gaps in the zone coverage. Take what they give you. I see this game being closer than their last meeting, but it’s going to take a heck of a lot to upset the D-Boys in this matchup.

 

Prediction: D-Boys

 

 

Ice Up Son vs. Served With Ice

Previous meeting: Ice Up Son 33, Served With Ice 27

 

The last time the Ice Bowl was played, both teams were missing players, and it was within a touchdown. With Sanner, Guarna, Lavallee, Jerome, Khoury and Eudoxie all missing from the first meeting, it might be wise to take their first meeting with a grain of salt. Then again, with both cores intact, we might just be up for another good match full of big plays and big talk.

 

While there’s not much that I can say about IUS and what SWI can do to stop them, it’s fairly evident that on SWI there is a gap between the top-tier players and the supporting cast. If Scott Kelly can exploit the mismatches he sees, SWI will be in for a long, long game.

 

Prediction: N/A

 

 

 

Well, that’s it for me for this week. I’ll be on the sidelines; feel free to come and give me a shout!

 

Make sure to tune into the KHAN & Bomb podcast with Moe Khan and Donald Shepherd Wednesdays on www.theunclehood.com or by downloading the podcast at http://fpf.podomatic.com