The GM’s Scouting Report (Div A & B)

I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and their understanding. I’ve been out (from both FPF and work) with a really bad infection as well as a fever and cold. I couldn’t function, and as such it was really rough even stringing together coherent thoughts into an article. So, my midseason breakdown had to wait an extra week.

 

Mid-Season Review

 

Division A

 

7: Usual Suspects

0-6-0

Analysis: I knew that the Usual Suspects would have their work cut out for them having registered in Division A, but they really aren’t helping their cause. Showing up with barely enough players week in and week out, only two players out of their roster have played every game this season. In a division where the familiar faces are struggling, this should have been the Usual Suspects’ time to float under the radar quietly getting wins. The assortment of players all have championship experience, it’s just a matter of taking control of the games and being more organized as a whole. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s going to be enough.

Prediction: 0-10-0

 

6: Alkaholiks

1-5-0

Analysis: Without a doubt, this is the team in A that has puzzled me the most. A strong established team returning with additions in both size and speed, you would think the Alkaholiks would be just as strong and if not stronger than their past selves. This has not been the case. With the acquisitions of Godfrey Abu and J-R Verger not performing as expected, the bulk of this team is on the shoulders of Jonathan Lyristis, Jamil Springer and Keeshon Mayers. For this team to be more successful, they’re going to need to start getting some stops on defense to begin with.

Prediction: 3-7-0

 

5: Gladiateurs

3-3-0

Analysis: After a horrid winter season and a rough 1-3 start, the Gladiateurs have bounced back in a big way. They’re starting to play together like the Kings/Glads of old and are now heading into an easier second-half schedule. Incredibly efficient, they are playing like a well-oiled machine and don’t really need to dwell on the past. Their defense has actually stepped up and is keeping pace with their offense that fires on all cylinders as usual. While they don’t have any gamebreaking players to boast, they’ll beat you with consistency.

Prediction: 6-4-0

 

4: Rainmakers

3-3-0

Analysis: Between the winter and spring, I’m not really sure what’s gone on with the Rainmakers. Essentially, they look as if they’ve lost that drive or spring in their step. Confidence seems to be lacking, and they haven’t been able to step up against the top-tier teams. While they were touted for their defense in the winter season, it’s largely been their offense that has carried them through these games. I’d like to see them stop some of the division powerhouses in order to have a successful postseason.

Prediction: 5-5-0

 

3: Roosters & Donkeys

5-1-0

Analysis: After two games under Scoop at quarterback, they’ve had to adapt to a missing QB. Enter Marco Masciotra going from receiver to QB, and R&D are now 4-0. It’s hard to tell who will be there week in, week out with only Marco and Theo having played 6 games, but R&D have interchangeable pieces and a destructive defense. They haven’t played the two teams ahead of them under the current roster, but look for both games to be good ones.

Prediction: 7-3-0

 

2: Les Grosses Tetes Molles de Chernobyl

5-1-0

Analysis: From a chemistry standpoint, LGTMC are unrivaled in A. They all know where each other are going to be on the field, and there’s a solid strength in having that faith in your teammates. This team is looking less like a one or two man team, and more and more like a unit. Aside from the blowout to DA Finest, they carry some serious bargain chips in being at the top of A. Now, about toppling that giant…

 

1: DA Finest

6-0-0

Analysis: Essentially, all that DA Finest need to do are sit back and watch all of the other teams cannibalize each other. They’ve been unstoppable in the last four seasons, and it doesn’t seem like there’s going to be any stopping them. Unless key players move provinces or suddenly jump ship, this core is strong and versatile enough to endure most anything that the division can throw at them. What else is there to say?

Prediction: 10-0-0

 

Division B

 

11: Certified Flyguyz

0-6-0

Analysis: It’s just been a rough season for Certified Flyguyz. It’s rough to begin with to make a jump in divisions to challenge yourself, but having it plagued with a missing QB as well just makes it a nightmare. With the continued absence of prized recruit Nicolas English, the Flyguyz are drowning and looking for a paddle. At this point, while there is no real hope for a playoff run, there is still hope for a surprise win or two from them. They’ve got the athletes and the FPF knowledge, they just need to up their skill a bit and maybe just some lucky breaks.

Prediction: 1-9-0

 

10: AMJ Campbell

1-5-0

Analysis: The plus is that they’re adapting fast to a division that they were outmatched in. However, while AMJ grow every week, it’s not going to be enough. Their only win came from an undermanned Hustlers team, and they might actually be the only team in FPF to have given up over 70 points in a game. I mentioned before that I wasn’t a fan of the assembly of this team via the free agent wall; only now at the tail-end of the season are they starting to get any semblance of chemistry. They’re good, but they will need some help from other teams as well in order to make it into the playoffs.

Prediction: 3-7-0

 

9: Daron World Wide

1-4-1

Analysis: The defending Division B champions, DWW have not had the prettiest of seasons this year. Losing a few key players and never knowing who will be there from week to week, it’s been a rough outing for DWW. However, I’m not ready to jump ship just yet. They’ve got a lighter second-half of the season and provided they start having their guys there for the remainder of the games, they might just be able to sneak into the playoffs and pull off some upsets.

Final season prediction: 4-5-1

 

8: Darkside

2-4-0

Analysis: Is there a possible way to talk about a team that changes from week to week? Darkside have already defaulted one game, and pretty much defaulted another (before making an incredible/hilarious comeback on The Commission) When at “full” strength, they have a mixture of some of the strongest and most experienced players in FPF along with some top-tier Transit talent. They are competitive and they are contenders in every game that they play, but it’s always a crapshoot as to how many times they will show up with different players.

Final season prediction: 3-7-0

 

7: The Commission

2-4-0

Analysis: I’m mostly impressed with the commission based upon the fact that they were winless after week 3. They’ve done a lot with a little, and made do despite losses (Avraam to Hustlers, Rose to injury) and roster changes. They don’t have a particularly rocky second-half schedule, and might be able to sneak into the playoffs. More consistency is definitely required though, especially since they almost gave up a 24 point lead two weeks ago.

Prediction: 4-6-0

 

6: Wolverines

3-2-1

Analysis: One of the only teams in the two divisions not being plagued by roster inconsistencies, their chemistry plays a big part in their victories. Furthermore, the Wolverines play best when they stick to their style of football and force the opposition to adapt. With one loss partially attributable to the lack of their starting QB, the Wolverines are in good shape from here on out. The question is: can they keep from getting on each other’s backs when the going gets rough and they need to come up with key plays?

Prediction: 5-4-1

 

5: KGP Champs

3-2-1

Analysis: I’ve said before that this is without a doubt the strongest KGP Champs team that FPF has ever seen. However, that doesn’t mean that they haven’t been without their tests. They’ve gone toe-to-toe with a lot of the giants and have held their own. They have an incredible deep ball with the athletes to go up and get it, yet are still able to keep it short when necessary. Unlike some of the other teams, I can actually see based on their schedule KGP going undefeated in their last four games. Let’s see if they can prove me right.

Prediction: 7-2-1

 

4: One Night Stands

3-1-2

Analysis: The most interesting version of ONS that we’ve seen so far. While Kevin Wyeth is part of the ONS family, it feels somewhat strange in FPF to see him as snapper. With the acquisitions that this team has picked up, it’s made for an interesting dynamic. While they are a good team, I’m thinking that they’ve slumped and played to their competition more than any other team. They play inconsistently for a team that’s as experienced as they are, and are capable of closing out games. Once they start closing out games and communicating better, that’s when they’ll be taking the step from “good” to elite.

Prediction: 6-2-2

 

3: Legends

4-2-0

Analysis: The Legends have surprised me in a positive way more than any of the other teams. They’ve looked strong in every outing, and have only had one close call all season. It is however important to mention that the Legends have had a light schedule, and will face the bulk of their difficulty from here on out. So long as they can continue playing as a unit, they will still surprise their opposition despite how much we talk about it.

Prediction: 6-4-0

 

2: Hustlers

4-1-1

Analysis: It’s been night and day for the Hustlers. Despite a quarterback change, the Hustlers haven’t missed a stride and have been playing lights-out football. A loss with missing players is still a loss, but perspective makes it a bit more understandable. Led by self-proclaimed three way player of the year Carmine Pollice, the Hustlers are making it look easy and like last season was the calm before the storm.

Prediction: 6-2-1

 

1: #NR

5-1-0

Analysis: Like it or not, your opinions of #NR are likely because of previous seasons. Because, if you present the facts, #NR are the team to beat in B thus far, and have been flying under everyone’s radar. A team that’s grown together and risen a division a season, they’re looking lean and strong like no season before. Couple that with stellar play from every player on the squad (including pretty much an auto-lock in Travis Moses for two-way player of the year) and you have a team that should be turning heads, and are letting their play do the talking. How many times did you think you’d hear that phrase talking about #NR?

Prediction: 8-2-0

 

 

Predictions

 

Hustlers vs. One Night Stands – A ton of familiarity between these two teams, you can expect that this game will be one to watch. It’s going to be high-scoring, and it’s going to be chirpy. With Paul Lapierre and Carmine Pollice squaring off, everything is possible. Both teams have stellar offenses and somewhat questionable defenses, so every possession is going to count on this one.

Prediction: One Night Stands

 

Darkside vs. AMJ Campbell – AMJ are not a bad team, just a team that doesn’t quite fit. However, Darkside are one of the worst teams to play when you’re coming off a game where you gave up 72 points because of the frequency in which they air out the ball. Benoit Groulx is going to have to go score for score with Gino Di Fazio, and hope for some luck as well on the defensive side. Well, either that, or they can hope for a default.

Prediction: Darkside

 

Alkaholiks vs. #NR – Both teams have been marking this one on their schedules, I have no doubt. In all honesty, this game is a difficult one to predict. Alkaholiks are going to have to stay level-headed and play their game, because they have everything to lose in this matchup. #NR are ready and will be unloading their brand of defense on the Alks’ offense. Unlike the other two games before this one, expect a defensive battle back and forth. I’m tempted to side with chemistry on this time around.

Prediction: #NR

 

Gladiateurs vs. Rainmakers – The Gladiateurs came off of a must-win game, and haven’t looked back. They’ve been confident and have been capitalizing on the mistakes of their opposition. The Rainmakers, meanwhile, have a .500 record but have been struggling against the more seasoned and experienced teams. Ryan Kastner is going to need to lead his troops with confidence, and keep the team from getting down on themselves.

Prediction: Gladiateurs

 

DA Finest vs. Usual Suspects – The last time these two teams saw each other, it went for the most part as expected. The Usual Suspects did, however, outscore DA Finest in the second half. If magic is going to happen, they’re going to need to not only be as organized as possible, but try to rekindle what worked from weeks past.

Prediction: DA Finest

 

Certified Flyguyz vs. KGP Champs – Certified Flyguyz have really gotten the short end of the stick. I don’t want to pick against them every week, but I know that this matchup is a particularly rough one for them, even when they’re at full strength. In order to be successful, they’re going to need to shut down the deep ball, have a consistent rush and keep the ball when they’re on offense for as long as possible.

Prediction: KGP Champs

 

Legends vs. Daron World Wide – Word on the street is that this week the Legends will be without center Jeff Rosenblatt. While the Legends have been having a fantastic season and Daron World Wide have been struggling, I can’t say that I like the Legends’ chances on this one without their center.

Prediction: Daron World Wide

 

Les Grosses Tetes Molles de Chernobyl vs. Roosters & Donkeys – This is going to be a good one. While I’ve been thinking that LGTMDC have been on fire, R&D might just be the one team that’ll be able to neutralize the methodical and rhythmic offense of LGTMDC does so well. Combine that with a high-flying offense, and I think that R&D are the easy pick here.

Prediction: Roosters & Donkeys

 

The Commission vs. Wolverines – This game will be more important than either team realizes, I think. I’m going to go out on a limb with a bold prediction and say whichever team loses this game won’t make playoffs, despite the fact that both are currently in the running. I like the chemistry and I like the chances of the Wolverines more, so I’m going to side with them on this one.

Prediction: Wolverines

 

Well, that’s it for me. I’ve given up any hope of getting anything other than spam in my FPF email, so if there’s anything you’d like to discuss, come see me in person or send me a facebook message. Until then, the GM is out for another week.