Before getting into Kevin's article, I wanted to remind everyone that we're still trying to get at least 30 people to come out to the Alouettes tailgate and game on Friday, October 18th against the Argonauts. Tailgate is at 5 and game is at 7. Tickets will be $40 for your game ticket and tailgate access. So let me know if you and anyone you know would be interested in coming out!
We are in the final stretch of the season. We have 2 weeks left and it might not seem like a lot, but there is so much that can happen. Teams are fighting to make the playoffs and not everyone will. In division 1 the big fight is for the fourth and final spot which any of the teams can take. In division 2 it is a much tighter race where anything can happen and everyone is still able to make the playoffs and it is very difficult to guess who will be in after the next few weeks. The thing that makes this division so difficult to predict the playoff spots for is that the division is so tight and has so many good teams and anyone can win any week. Division 3 has the top 2 spots are locked in and the last 2 are up for grabs and might come down to the last game of the season between Gold Rush and Professional Punters. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.
Week 8 Recap
Division 1
Henchmen vs 4Simbas (25-6)
This was a game that Henchmen took control of right from the start. Henchmen made 4Simbas pay for all the mistakes they made. When you throw 5 picks it’s very unlikely that you are going to win the game. The thing that surprised me about this game was that Henchmen were without their best player and still dominated.
Revolucion vs Bitter Boys (38-37)
This game was decided by 1 or 2 plays. The big one that stands out to me was an interception that went off a players foot. For me that play would have been an incomplete pass. If a player has 1 foot out of bounds and his other foot kicks the ball the play should be ruled incomplete since the player was out of bounds and the ball would be dead (ed’s note: this is the correct ruling). Bitter Boys went down and scored, but failed on the 2 point convert. So it made the game interesting and didn’t ruin the victory for Revolucion.
Trollers vs Outlaws (33-37)
This was a very close game like they always are. This game had a few plays that turned it around and help seal the victory for the Outlaws. One of those plays was a pick by Svetna when the Trollers were going in to score and take a 10 point lead. With a few minutes left Trollers took the lead and needed to play defense to keep the win, but they allowed the Outlaws to march down and score leaving 35 seconds left and plenty of time to go and score. First down Trollers get some yards and on the very next play they take a shot and the ball is underthrown and hung up in the air then Smuda picked it off and won the game (ed’s note: damn, that’s some QB harshness).
Division 2
Space Apes vs Iron Wolves (18-7)
So space Apes won and that’s not much of a surprise. They were playing the Iron Wolves who really aren’t a great team. Space Apes need to do a better job on converts moving forward if they want to win in the playoffs. I know Iron Wolves are a newer team since they had a lot of turnover this season, but they are playing better now and still have a chance at the playoffs if they win out and get some help along the way.
D#Nasty vs Nice TDs (39-14)
So who saw this one happening, I know I didn’t. Nice TDs were without Demario and he is a big part of the team. Kris is a solid backup, but with him playing QB someone else needs to step up as a receiver which didn’t happen and it also didn’t help that Andrew screwed up his ankle last week and is still dealing with it. I don’t want to take anything away from the huge win for D#Nasty and I hope this means they have turned over a new leaf and will play this way the rest of the way and can finally make a deep run in the playoffs.
Petits Phoques vs Old School (27-26)
Old School jumped out to a big halftime lead and the way Petits Phoques had been playing I thought it was going to keep going that way. Low and behold Petits Phoques were able to turn it around with a halftime speech and a few minor adjustments. They ended up winning the second half and sealing the game with a sideline pick with very little time left on the clock. Old School did everything right in the first half and everything wrong in the second half.
Deep Threats vs Raccoons (13-12)
This was another close game that was won by a convert. The way the season started for Deep Threats it has been going downhill for them the last few weeks. JC has been making poor reads and the receivers have been bobbling balls that have turned into picks. Raccoons have had a revolving door at QB this season and need to get decent play out of whoever is playing there. Raccoons have a solid Defense so as long as they don’t turn it over and give the other team short fields they can win any game. Deep Threats almost blew it this week giving up a score with under a minute left, but luckily they stopped the convert to seal the win.
Centurions vs Dawgs (38-33)
This was a hard game for Centurions which they ended up playing against a team with a few subs. Normally they wouldn’t give up 33 points on a bad day, but today they did. Dawgs had been on a roll lately and yes the streak has come to an end, so they will need to start a new one to make the playoffs and possible a run at the title. I love Centurions defense, now it looks like they have found some offense and if they keep it up they might be able to make it back to the finals.
Division 3
Mustard Tigers vs Thunder Buddies (38-22)
So I have 2 different takes on this game. Terry said he played poorly in the first half throwing bad picks and then in the second half started to run and did a good job of that it was just too little too late. Then later on in the night I picked my son up from his game and he asked me if they won and I said no and he goes it was because he wasn’t there. I have to believe what Terry said and the stat sheet doesn’t lie. Mustard Tigers are solid from top to bottom, their big weakness is stopping a running QB. Mustard Tigers have the smartest QB in the division, as Brian makes very few mistakes so when he does you need to capitalize on it.
Gold Rush vs Mustard Tigers (18-26)
This game was closer than Mustard Tigers would have wanted it. The last few weeks Travis has been playing QB for Gold Rush and he might be the best one on the team which is fine except he is also the best receiver on the team as well. So when you take your best receiver and move him to QB you better have a plan to get some offense going. Mustard Tigers were lucky in this one. If they had been playing a better team they probably would have lost the game. Mustard Tigers are the cream of the crop in the division and I think that next season they should try and jump up to division 2 if the league stays at 3 divisions (ed’s note: We may be 4 divisions!)
Professional Punters vs Gold Rush (14-6)
I felt going into this one that Gold Rush would be able to walk all over the Punters; I was wrong. I know Travis is learning the position and this should have been his coming out party, but it didn’t turn out that way. I was surprised by how Professional Punters played on both sides of the ball. On offense they moved the ball from time to time and other times they looked stagnant, defensively they played respectably. Both teams seem to be going in opposite directions. When they meet again in 2 weeks it might be for the last playoff spot.
Picks & Why
Division 1
Outlaws vs Bitter Boys
This one seems like an easy pick. Yes, Outlaws are a better team and have a deeper roster. This game can and might be a trap game for Outlaws. Bitter Boys are going to play you hard right from the start so expect to get pushed around. If you can get by the first little bit of the game they will implode on the first call they don’t get that they feel they should.
Revolucion vs 4Simbas
Revolucion are a Better team than 4Simbas. They have a better QB and a few good receivers. I also think they might be more athletic, but it is very close in that area. The real reason I picked Recolucion is the QB difference.
Trollers vs Henchmen NA
As you know I never pick against my own team. I know that last time these two teams played it was a very close game and it will be the same this time. We have all played each other enough that we know what to expect. We all know Jon is going to work the field and eat up the clock. They also know Max will take his deep shots to JC and Ben. This is no secret to anyone its just a matter of who can stop the other team and force them to try something they aren’t use to.
Division 2
Centurions vs Nice TDs
This is going to be Centurions biggest test of the season and we will see where they stand after this game. I picked Nice TDs just because I think they are the better team. I also know that Demario is back this week (ed’s note: I’m not sure he is!).
D#Nasty vs Raccoons
I hope that after last weeks performance D#Nasty can keep on rolling. Both teams are unsettled at QB and both teams are solid on defense. I am giving D#Nasty my pick since they are more athletic all around than Raccoons.
Joey’s Haters vs Old School
This was an easy pick. I’m a hater so I give no love or respect to Joey and his team. No, the real reason is because Old School is a team that has played together for years and have chemistry.
Deep Threats vs Petits Phoques
This was a very close tossup. I have to give the edge to Deep Threats since Petits Phoques will have a hard time dealing with the height of Svetna. Also who knows who might not show up for Petit Phoques.
Dawgs vs Space Apes
So I really went out on a limb when I picked Dawgs to win. I don’t think they are the better team I just think that they will need to bring their A game if they want to make the playoffs they need this win.
Joey’s Haters vs Nice TDs
Nice TDs are a better team. I just can’t see how Joey’s Haters are going to be able to stop Nice TDs. They might be able to stop either Kris or Andrew, but not both and if they figure out how to do that either Demario will be able to run all day or other players are going to be open.
Old School vs Iron Wolves
Old School will win because they have better chemistry and a better QB. The truth of the matter is that Iron Wolves are still figuring it out with all the new players so they stand very little chance to win this one.
Division 3
Beatues vs Thunder Buddies
I picked Thunder Buddies since they are more consistent every week. Terry needs to figure out how to mix in the run along with the pass. If Terry watched Demario play with Nice TDs it might give him a few ideas.
Thunder Buddies vs Professional Punters
Thunder Buddies are the better team and this is a chance to try a few new thing before the playoffs. I can’t see Thunder Buddies having any problems in this one.
Power Rankings
Division 1
#1- Outlaws
#2- Revolucion
#3- Henchmen
Division 2
#1- Nice TDs
#2- Centurions
#3- Deep Threats
Division 3
#1- Mustard Tigers
#2- Thunder Buddies
#3- Beautes
So I made a few changes this week. I can’t see any way division 1 changes this week even though there are a few big matchups. Division 2 is where all the excitement will be this week. With so many teams in the middle of the pack and my top 2 teams playing each other who knows what might happen by this time next week. Division 3 could have a new team cracking the top 3 if a few things happen.
Player of the Week sponsored by Les Spiritueux Iberville You can follow them on Facebook @spiritueuxiberville and on Insta @spiritueuxiberville Great alcohol with a great taste by one of MFL’s own Mario. Help support a local business, go follow them and go pick up a bottle or two from the SAQ.
Now it is time for me to pick 1 player from each division who put up some great numbers and helped their team win.
Division 1
- Shawn (Revolucion) This guy pulled in 11 balls for 101 yards, 4 scores and a 1 point convert. On defense Shawn had 4 tackles and 1 pick.
Division 2
- Sebastian B (D#Nasty) I went with Sebastian for one reason and one reason only. He only had 2 grabs on offense for 73 yards with no scores but he did get 2 1 point converts. On defense he killed it with 3 picks and 4 tackles. (ed’s note: that’s 2 reasons…)
Division 3
- Thomas (Mustard Tigers) Thomas was a real stud on Saturday. He managed to snag 10 balls for 118 yards and 2 TDs. On defense he had 7 tackles and 2 picks.
After going over everyones stats and look at how their team did I have decided to give Les Spiritueux Iberville player of the week to Thomas from Mustard Tigers. This week was probably my hardest pick of the season as everyone did such a good job. Great work everyone.
Q- So what is the best part about playing on the same team as your son?
A- Staying in touch
Q- Out of you and your son who is the better Znoj and why?
A- Well, if you define a good ‘Znoj’ as someone who’s always on time, then it would be me. If you define a good ‘Znoj’ as someone who rocks a good beard then…
Q- What do you prefer playing Offense or Defense and which do you feel you are better at?
A- I like being offensive… and playing offense! I like the creative aspect to offense, and how our team really works to develop Brian’s vision
Q- How are you going to help your team win the title this season?
A- I like to think of myself as the ‘chauffeur’, as in, ‘I get as many people to the field as possible’. But not just that… I also bring the flags every week
Q- Are you guys, meaning Mustard Tigers, thinking about making the jump up a division for next season?
A- We were more hoping other teams will come down to us! I always thought Division 2 could be split into an A and a B, and I think we would fit nicely into a 2-B type of division.
There has been talks about that happening in the future.
Q- Now for the important question are you going to share your bottle with the team or you going to keep it for yourself?
A- What bottle… I never received a bottle… I don’t know what you’re talking about… Look! An Elephant.
I won’t let anyone see me give you the bottle, but they will see your picture up on the Facebook page and then you might have a few questions to answer. LOL
Final Thoughts
I’m sitting here on my day off writing this while watching football movies and it has made me think about how great it would have been to grow up in some little hick town in the states where all they care about is football. Football has grown a lot in Canada since I was a kid and playing. City football might be dying, but high school football has really picked up. Flag football has become a huge thing recently and the way the rules are being changed it is just a matter of time before the NFL becomes the NFFL. I mean you can no longer hit a guy hard without a flag being thrown, I mean it’s a joke. Now here is a reminder about the sub rule: moving forward all subs need to come through the league and you can’t have a sub if you are already 6 or more players, that is unless your QB doesn’t play defense, then you can be 7. So with so much on the line for so many teams remember play hard, but safe and remember to have fun. Good luck to everyone fighting for a playoff spot and congratulations to teams that have already locked in a spot.
