The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Week 10

 

What did I learn from the second-to-last week of the season? That nothing has been solved for the playoff matchups; Click Clack will be a tough out in the playoffs; I have figured out the toughest division in D2; could the Waterbuffaloes be the number five seed?

From all indications of last weekend’s action, we will not know any of the final matchups until the last D2 game is played on Sunday night.

However, I can always speculate on potential matchups that could possibly occur. What happens if the Shockers were to play Click Clack again? Given how these teams have decorated FPF histories. Who would be more disappointed to exit in the first round?

What about the tough-as-nails Kingz, taking on the Monarchs? Would the Kingz be proud that they accomplished a playoff appearance, even though they won the Spring ’08 B division with somewhat different roster? On the other hand, would the Monarchs, a team left for dead prior to the season, declare it a successful season just being in the playoffs?

If the Wolverines were to make the playoffs, and be ousted in the opening stanza, does that mean they have dramatically regressed compared to their time in D1?

If the Renegades get into a first round battle with the Mercenaries, how will this outcome look like? For the amount of attention these teams received, it will be sad to see one of them eliminated so soon.

This is what you call parity, and excitement. To sum it up, D2 from start to finish had had stirring games that kept this scribe on the edge of his seat, wondering who would win. Next weekend, will bring new chapters, rivalries, and unsung heroes who step up their games.

The New Second Best Team

Last week, I mentioned the Kingz as the second hottest team behind the Ruff Ryders. Since the Kingz lost a key conference matchup to the Monarchs. This slot now belongs to Click Clack who have won their last four games.

What makes this team dangerous? Now, they have finally figured out how to close out teams. Earlier in the season, I questioned the ability of this squad on if they can convincingly finish off opponents. They held a halftime lead against the Texas All-Stars, but lost that game. They had difficulty beating the All Blacks and Byrdgang, and they tied the Kingz and 416.

But what these close victories has done for the morale of the team, when the pressure is on, is they now know what it takes to get the job done. This year, they have won three games by seven points or less.

Keep in-mind, players like George and Pavalos Papachristopoulos have kept the intensity up for this squad with huge plays throughout the season. Furthermore, big George tormented the Shockers defense, even if they did takeaway a last play touchdown from him since he did not have his flag belt on prior to the snap.

Down the road, will the FPF nation get to see the dream conference final between the Texas All-Stars and Click Clack? Time will tell.

Number Five Seed

Guess who could be the number five seed in the Conference B playoffs? The Waterbuffaloes! For those who may recall what they did last year as the fifth seed: they defeated the Texas All-Stars, Messengers of Happiness, Shockers, and Wolfpack on their way to the D2 championship.

There is a slight chance that they could face the Shockers in the first round. Then there is a potential date with the Texas All-Stars who happen to have quarterback Benny Goodfriend, who was throwing for the Happiness in last year’s loss. Maybe, if the Wolfpack qualify for the playoffs, could they have another “rendez-vous” as they did in the winter ’09 finals?

The potential path is setup for the Buffaloes to sneak up on a few teams, a la Winter 2009.

And The Top Division Is…

After 10 weeks of play, I have tallied up the best, toughest, and deepest division entering the last weekend of games.

The winner is the Conference A, West division. So far, the five teams (Ruff Ryders, Renegades, Wolverines, Wolfpack, and Wildcats) have compiled a record of 25 wins, and 20 losses.

Keep in-mind that in this division alone, the Ruff Ryders are the hottest team in D2; the Renegades were a part of the highest scoring affair in FPF history, against O.N.S.; the Wolverines defeated the likes of O.N.S., and Mercenaries; the Wolfpack are making a last second run for a playoff spot, as they defeated O.N.S.; and the last-place Wildcats have been competitive in all of their games, after moving up from D3.

Meanwhile, the worst division is the Conference B, East (Click Clack, Monarchs, Waterbuffaloes, Red Ballers, and Byrdgang) have tallied 19 wins, 24 losses, and 2 ties.

The bottom line is that there was no team that was dominant throughout the entire season.

However, from top to bottom, each division created a group of death atmosphere. By all accounts, each group played out according to the preseason rankings bestowed on each team.

Some teams, who many in the D2 community did not think would be relevant, have been. Even the teams at the bottom half, have kept a lot of games competitive.

Out of the five FPF divisions, D2 has been the most resounding success in terms of competition, parity, and excitement.

Sacks Are like Blue Moons

For the careers of about 90-percent of the FPF players, they will never ever have an opportunity at sacking the quarterback. But Click Clack’s own, Richard Shefteshy had two sacks on the same series on the Shockers quarterback duo of Mike McNair, and Zan Symonds. According to Shefteshy, these were his first two sacks, ever.

It is obvious that Shefteshy feels a lot more comfortable now in Click Click‘s game plan than he did earlier in the season. I guess Blue Moons do exist.

Double Loss

How would you feel if you’re the Shockers Ross Castleton? He lost his long anticipated matchup against Click Clack. A team that fields a few former teammates of his from his days with The U. On top of that, he lost to his D3 game to that same “The U” with his Dirty Birds.

Power 5 Rankings

These are the last power rankings before the playoffs. The Texas All-Stars have been the cream of the crop. The Ruff Ryders are not too far off, neither is Click Clack. But these rankings are all for not, if these teams are not hoisting the D2 title on April 17th.

1. Texas All-Stars (8-1): The All-Stars wrapped up their division, and conference title last weekend. Now, they have one last warm-up game against their ConU rivals, 416. Actually, 416 should have renamed themselves the Toronto Maple Leafs. Key win(s): Click Clack, Shockers. Next game: 416

2. Ruff Ryders (7-2): The Ryders proved that they’re the king of the mountain in Conference A, with their dismantling of a strong Phoenix team. Without a doubt, they have the best defense in D2, as they picked off Martin Tougas three times. The Ryders will have a bye week after this weekend. But they’re licking their chops for the Wolfpack and ending their hopes for a playoff spot. Key win(s): Renegades, Wolverines, Phoenix. Next game: Wolfpack

3. Click Clack (6-1-2): By far, this team is playing their best football, right now. They thoroughly outclassed, outpaced, and out smarted the Shockers on Sunday night. The only thing that could stop this squad, is themselves. Danny Gentile has elevated himself into the conversation as an elite D2 quarterback. By the way, has anyone noticed, Paul Kamel is playing like a beast on the field. Key win(s): All Blacks, Waterbuffales, Shockers. Next game: Monarchs

4. Mercenaries (6-3): Has anyone noticed the correlation when Carmine Pollice plays for the Mercenaries? They look unbeatable. Gino Di Fazio is also playing great football. Mercenaries might be the ultimate darkhorse entering the playoffs. Key win(s): Monarchs. Next game: Tomahawks

5. Monarchs (6-3): Once again, the same song that is being played with this team: no one thought they would be in the position to win a division crown. In week.11, the Monarchs are on the verge of getting a first-round bye. But which team will we see? The team that looked dominant against the Waterbuffaloes, or the team that looked flat-out ugly against the Texas All-Stars, and Mercenaries? Key win(s): All Blacks, Waterbuffaloes. Next game: Click Clack

Picks of the Week

Kingz-Wolverines: The Kingz will be in the playoffs. But where they will finish? That is to be determined. For the Wolverines, why is Adrien Kellman playing quarterback? Does the team not have any confidence in Tony Tabet to carry the load anymore? This is a huge risk for the Wolverines to allow Kellman to control the offense this late in the season. The Wolverines are playing against a ball-hawking Kingz team that has intercepted 20 passes this season. The Wolverines better hope they get a better game from Kellman.

Monarchs-Click Clack: Who would have predicted this game would be for the division title? Most pundits would have thought this would be a final tune-up for Click Clack before the playoffs, whereas the Monarchs would be finishing off their schedule. But in week.11, both teams are fighting for the division title. The loser of this game might have a potential tilt with Kingz, Shockers, or Waterbuffaloes. Click Clack are peaking at the right time, but the Monarchs cannot get careless with the football.

All Blacks-Shockers: Simply put, who wants it more?!?

Ruff Ryders-Wolfpack: Wolfpack got by O.N.S. without Pascal Murray in the lineup, but now they face a much stronger defense in the Ruff Ryders. They will need to match the intensity of the Ryders, otherwise, it will be a long night for the Pack. Ruff Ryders have the potential to be the number one seed in Conference A, and they will not allow this opportunity to go by the wayside.

Percentages%

8%, that the Shockers and All Blacks end-up having a tie game.

10%, that Conference B, west division will have four teams with a .500 record or better.

12%, that Click Clack will tie, and win the division title over the Monarchs.

15%, that the Wolfpack defeat the Ruff Ryders.

20%, that the Wolverines will lose this weekend, and still clinch the sixth seed in Conference A.

25%, that Ruff Ryders player, Marc Champagnie will have an interception against the Wolfpack this weekend.