The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Week 6

What did I learn from last weekend’s games? The Waterbuffaloes have the Shockers’ number. The Texas All-Stars look unfazed in all facets of the game. I think the Renegades could put up 70-plus points on an opposition.

If I am the Shockers organization, I would retreat back to their man cave off of highway 720 West, and come up with a better game-plan the next time they face some stiff competition. I can boldly proclaim the defending champion ‘Buffaloes have the Shockers number.

Entering the game, on paper, the Shockers, have size, speed, and athletic ability to counter any D2 team. Sure, they were missing the likes of Phil Cutler (does he even play for the Shockers?), Shawn Haney, Zan Symonds, and Jon Young.

But the ‘Buffaloes meticulously dissected their defense with key reads by Craig O’Brien who found the open receivers with five touchdown passes. Furthermore, on the Shockers’ defense, there was some shoddy tackling. The ‘Buffaloes were able to gain huge yards after the catch, when in reality they should have been held to a minimum gain. 

Overall, the ‘Buffaloes defense played their coverage perfectly. They held Mike McNair to one for eight passing in the first half. It was apparent that McNair was not on his game as he dropped a snap in the endzone that resulted in a safety that was the turning point in the game.

If this was McNair’s swan song game for the season (he is about to have surgery), I am sure he did not want to go out like this. On the whole, it seemed that whenever the Shockers would create some momentum, they would be stopped dead in their tracks by the ‘Buffaloes.

As I mentioned in my power rankings last week, the Shockers had an easy schedule to start off the season, and it was evident that they came out flat against a smarter, and better ‘Buffaloes team.

Everything is bigger in Texas

The Texas All-Stars are proving they’re legitimate contenders to win the D2 crown.  On Sunday night, the All-Stars displayed a lot of character in their win against an eager, hungry, and determined Click Clack squad that was without Paul Kamel in the lineup.

It seems that nothing fazes this squad no matter what is thrown at them, even when they were down 20-13 at halftime. Benny Goodfriend had thrown two first-half interceptions right into the hands of Pavlos Papachristopoulos. This All-Star team could have wilted and reverted back to their old ways. However, it seemed that they took this in stride and were not apprehensive about the turnovers.

In the second half, they held Click Clack to zero points with timely tackles, and pass defense. What made this victory even more exceptional, it was an all around team effort! Much maligned, Stephane Osman had a career game with two touchdown grabs, but half of his catches were for first downs.

The scary part about this team is that they’re a very young lineup. Slowly they have discovered how to win games. Now imagine if they can take that next step and become top dogs in D2.

I wonder what type of impact Paul Kamel would have had if not for his undisclosed injury? As a whole against the All-Stars, the Click Clack receivers were averaging 11.2 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Kamel has averaged 23.5 yards per catch. A big discrepancy when you loss a game-breaker like Kamel.  

First One to Sixty Points Wins

I might petition the FPF to allow any of the future Renegades opposition to have two touchdown lead before the start of the game. Clearly, this team knows how to put points on the board as they scored 61-points against a porous O.N.S. defense.

Now, some teams wish they could score 61-points for the entire season. I have a suggestion maybe the league can allow Serge Brousseau to throw for Renegades and their opposition? I think this would make things more interesting.

On Saturday night against the atrocious O.N.S defense, he had nine touchdown passes in first 16 completions. In the first half alone, he threw for five touchdowns on seven completions.

The only concern I have for the Renegades. Can they become sturdy on defense? Luckily for them, Dave Stala (surprise, surprise) made a huge interception in the endzone to seal their victory over O.N.S.  Yes, they are the highest scoring team in D2 (220 points for), but they have given up the most points(190 points against).

As much fun it can be to score points, eventually, the Renegades will run into a more stout defense that will be able to lockdown on their receivers.

As for O.N.S. they might be the most overhyped team in D2. Clearly, they cannot stop anyone on defense. Clearly, there is a lack speed on their defense. As a result, most of their tackles have come well after the first down marker.

Now, if only they can clone five more Kishon Thompson’s, then maybe they will have a chance to stop someone. Or maybe just use Kevin Wyeth at cornerback.

Power 5 Rankings:

Suffice to say, last week’s first edition of the top-five did not hold serve, as four teams lost. The one team that did win is now the new number one. Furthermore, please welcome three new additions to the rankings. Now we shall see if these five teams can win this weekend.

1.      Texas All-Stars (5-0): Without a doubt they move up to number one spot. To beat the number three ranked team (Click Clack), they are proving their worth with timely plays. This team is playing with so much confidence; they don’t understand the concept of losing. They open their division play with a tough Kingz team. Key win(s): Waterbuffaloes, Click Clack. Next game: Kingz

 

2.      Phoenix (4-1): By virtue of defeating Renegades (without Serge Brousseau); the Phoenix gets the number two spot. Yes, they did lose to O.N.S. by one point. But so far, Phoenix has flown under the ashes, and as they have rolled off two straight wins since their last loss. Now, they will have an emotional game against the Tomahawks, to see who the better team is. Key win(s): Renegades, Wolverines. Next game: Tomahawks 

 

 

3.      Renegades (4-1): It has been a seamless transition from Rick Nincheri to Serge Brousseau. Their offense is lethal, but can they stop anyone on defense? They have an important division matchup against the Ruff Ryders. Who are very tall, strong, and angry after their loss last weekend. Key win(s): Wolverines, O.N.S. Next game: Ruff Ryders  

  

4.      Waterbuffaloes (4-1): Many questioned the hesitation by the Buffaloes to not move up to D1. Then in their week one loss to the All-Stars, they looked lost, slow, and depleated. Since then, they have won four straight games with timely plays on both sides of the football. They might win ugly, but yet, its effective, and that’s the reason why they’re in first place in their division. Finally, no matter what anyone says, they have the Shockers number. Key win(s): Shockers. Next game: Monarchs

 

 

5.      Click Clack (2-1-2): I will keep this team in the top-five because of the fact there is no shame in losing to the new number one ranked team. They held the lead against the All-Stars at halftime, but their offense was held in-check in the second half. Click Clack need to finally put together a complete game on both sides of the football, and they get their chance to do so against the Red Ballers. Key win(s): All Blacks. Next game: Red Ballers.

Matt Norzil Award:

The Shockers own, Stephen Primeau always reminds me that there is teammate of his who should be considered for the award. I am sure he is not talking about Rostyn Castleton, but maybe himself. Mr. Primeau how is it justified to include you into this equation, when you have seven catches, 86 receiving yards, and one touchdown reception? (I am saying this with a smirk on my face Mr.Primeau).  

As of right now, Scot Mironowicz is on pace to win the first-ever Matt Norzil Award. At pace he is going, he will reach 60 catches, 800 receiving yards, and 20 touchdown receptions. I wonder if we can have Norzil present him with the award.

Where’s the Pass Rush?

Has the art of sacking gone way of dodo bird? This year it seems pass rushers across the board have not been able to reach the quarterback’s flag belts.

Shockers, Jon Young leads D2 with nine sacks, however, half of them came in one game against the Kingz (5), and the rest against the Byrdgang (4).

Where are the dominant pass rushers such as Stephane Cole, and Yves Thomas that would dictate the pace of the game? Maybe in the second half of the season we will see more sacks, but for now the quarterback has the decided advantage over the pass rushers.

Then There Will Be Two

Congrats to the Wildcats for getting their first win in D2 over the Black Knights. Now, we’re down to three winless teams (416, Black Knights, and Byrdgang).

This weekend’s contestants on “Who Wants to Win a Game” will feature the Blacks Knights against Byrdgang. I sure hope these two teams don’t tie.

Percentages%

10%, that the Texas All-Stars will lose a game.

10%, that we will have a winless team in D2.

15%, that Kevin Wyeth will finish as the rushing leader in D2. Currently, he has 126 rushing yards.

20%, that the Shockers will add someone to their team. They have too many injuries on the roster for them to maintain any success.

25%, that Serge Brousseau will pass for 10-touchdowns this weekend.

30%, that D2 will have 13 teams finish with a record above .500.