The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Week 2

 

Well, what can we say about the D2 season so far? For now, the lead horses are holding serve by being at-top of their respective divisions.

But what about the D2 teams that has not lived up to their preseason seeding? Let’s start off with the Wolfpack. This team was a “FedEx” overnight success in winter ’09 by reaching the D2 finals. For now, they have not re-established themselves as a legitimate contender.

What has changed? Through two weeks, on offense, they have averaged a meager 19 points per game. On defense, they have given up an astounding 37.5 points per game. It is evident that this team was riding the magic carpet to the ’09 finals due to their high offensive output.

Furthermore, Pascal Murray, another overnight success, is off to a decent start with eight touchdown passes. But he will need to carry this team on his shoulders.

Moreover, it does not help their cause to end this skid as that they face one of the hottest teams in the form of the Texas All-Stars. By the way, they have one of the hottest quarterbacks (Benny Goodfriend) throwing to the best receiver (Matt Norzil).

If the Wolfpack lose this game, it is hard to fathom that they will rekindle the successful chemistry they had last season to make a run for a playoff spot, and it’s only the third week.

How will the Renegades be able to overcome the loss of injured receiver Liam Mahoney? Mahoney, as team captain, Dale Williams described, has a lower body injury.

It certainly looked evident that the team’s offense was out of sync in their 42-26 loss to the Phoenix. Even with the likes of Robbie Robinson, Scott Mironowicz and Dave Spence (who is off to a slow start) on the roster. It is the playmaking ability of Mahoney that has helped his teammates create more production.

Also, the Renegades have roster problems when prized acquisition, Rick Nincheri is playing cornerback. Now, we can applaud Nincheri for his quarterback exploits. But he certainly is no Charles Woodson.

For a team that some considered the favorites to win D2, right now, the only thing that anyone is talking about is their new uniforms, and that’s it.

The Renegades camp won’t show it, but they have to start worrying that the longer Mahoney is out, they might not finish with a desired record they’re looking for. Will their remedy come in the form of former Montreal Alouette, Dave Stala?

I might have to redo my preseason predictions. The one team that I would consider changing my prediction on is 416. I had the pleasure to meet Sanchez Dechamps and his 416 team on Sunday night. It was obvious the team was motivated to prove this scribe wrong.

They did impress by being able to tie an established veteran team in the Click Clack (19-19). On the sidelines, some of the Click Clack members were mentioning if they (416) had any idea of how not to false start, they would be a dominant team due to their size, speed, and athleticism.

416 had numerous false start penalties that nullified huge gains for the team. The roster has some talented players such as Kris Robertson (two receiving touchdowns), and Jamyha Bailey (one interception, five tackles). If this team can get their act together, then they might have a chance to sneak up on a couple of teams.

Has anyone noticed who the hottest team in D2 is? It is not the O.N.S., Phoenix, Shockers, or Texas All-Stars, but the 2-0 Wolverines! They have a 15-game D2 winning streak dating back from their 13-0 championship run in ’06. However, if anyone has looked at their upcoming schedule (Renegades, O.N.S., and Phoenix) my brain is telling me that their streak will come to a screeching halt.

Is everyone just as shocked as I am that the Monarchs are tied for first in Conference B, East division? With a 1-1 record, they might have already surpassed expectations of what many predicted would be a long season for this team. Now, where is Monarch Nation, I haven’t seen them since Carmine Pollice put an end to their season back in winter ’08.

By this Sunday night, the Conference A East division could potentially have one undefeated team (O.N.S. or Phoenix), and three teams that could have 2-1 records. Now this is what you call the group of death.

I don’t know if the Kingz have been practicing the speech that former Tennessee Volunteers head coach Lane Kiffin said when he was hired 14-months ago in Knoxville. That essentially, he would sing the school-fight song, “Rocky Top” when they would beat Florida.

But it’s amazing how the Kingz have fired the first shot towards the Shockers. As Alex Lever did his best portrayal of Kiffin by inquiring about who Andre Knights is? Well, Lever will get an up close look at one of the best FPF players this weekend. Furthermore, word of advice for a 0-1-1 Kingz team. No one should question who Andre Knights is.

Speaking of Click Clack, they have done their best Jerry Seinfeld job by breaking even. It is incredible that a FPF team has started off the season with two ties. Now, this is not what they envisioned, and clearly it was displayed by their post-game facial expressions. But could anyone imagine if they kicked off the season with a 0-2 start? I am sure they will appreciate the two ties in week eight of the season.

Can anyone stop Matt Norzil? So far, he has 14 catches, 196 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. He is on pace for 70 catches, 980 yards, and 20 touchdowns. These are ungodly numbers. But if he is able to achieve anything near this plateau, he is the early favorite to win receiver of the year. One more question, can anyone stop Norzil?

Has anyone noticed that O.N.S. which has averaged 30.5 points per game has only four receivers that have caught passes from Kevin Wyeth? I guess it’s not too hard to formulate a game plan against them.

Has player, coach, and general manager Gino Di Fazio thought of creating his own preseason tournament called the “Di Fazio Cup”. He has a hand in FPF four teams. I wonder who would win the tournament amongst his empire?

I am glad to see that after two weeks, they’re only seven winless teams. I did write that there will be one winless team by season’s end.

Percentages%

2%, that Click Clack will tie again.

3%, that the Renegades can find someone to replace Liam Mahoney’s production.

6%, that Benny Goodfriend will pass for 50-plus touchdowns.

8%, that Paul Lapierre will throw two interceptions this weekend.

10%, that Evan Cook, and Anthony Thompson will reach 10-interceptions. Currently, they have three each.

15%, that Matt Norzil will reach 70-catches.

24%, that Rey Sarwar will drop two balls.

32%, that O.N.S. and Phoenix will combine to score 50-plus points this weekend.

HAITI INIAITIVE

Finally, I must salute my colleague, Ross Castleton, and Matt Young (Time Bombs) for their initiatives of creating a drive to raise money for the people of Haiti affected by the devastating earthquake. For as much as we take a lot of things for granted in life. I think this fundraiser by these two gentlemen is a great way to help out Haitian population who do not have anything left. So if even if you have two dollars to spare, it will go a long way in helping out. Please contact Ross by email ([email protected]) or via Facebook, and he will meet you to receive your donation. Anything will be much appreciated.