Word from the Mouth: The Heat is On! edition

Word from the Mouth: The Heat is On! edition

Kevin Kousaie

Man, oh man, did we ever have a lot of upsets this weekend. Ok maybe they weren’t all upsets, but when you look at the picks that were made, there were upsets all over the place. I don’t know how many more weeks of this garsh darn heat we are going to have, but we need a steady breeze and some clouds at least for a few hours on Saturday and Sunday. Everyone knows how it was on Saturday, but for those of you who don’t know, Sunday was even hotter in Brossard.

I know Terry and Will always talked crap about how Brossard is and for once I will tell you exactly what it’s like and what it reminds me of. First off, normally at Brossard we have a breeze and it’s not always the greatest as a QB, but as a player and as a ref its nice and refreshing. For anyone who has been part of the league since the LCL days will tell you, Brossard has that same feel. It’s smaller than Montreal, everyone knows everyone, after their games players stick around and watch other games while drinking beers (and in the case of 28-3, getting a little rowdy), but it just seems like a nice tight community of players all just wanting to have fun.

I miss the days when Montreal uses to be like that, now we are too big and it has lost a bit of that community feel to it.

 

Week 11 Recap

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Trollers (33-20)

In what used to be a potential finals every year, it just hasn’t been close for the last little while and, yes, I know they meet in the finals last fall. Steve has built a juggernaut of a team and keeps building on that, where the Trollers haven’t been the same in the last little while with them going through a roster overturn. From what I saw and what I heard about this game, the Trollers were able to move the ball at times, but not regularly and Max was having some issues with Remy at rush. Steve was on for most of the day and even when he threw his one pick to JC, it was just because JC made a great play on the ball. This Outlaws team is strong across the board, but when playoffs come how will they do? Outlaws are now locked in as the number 1 seed and Trollers are on the outside looking in for that last playoff spot, they need a win and points to go their way if they want to keep playing this season.

 

Division 2

 

Tannantes vs Marvels (32-27)

Let me start by saying that Tannantes started the game with 5 players and both teams agreed to let Tannantes start with the ball. To me Marvel should have wanted to start with the ball, this way they could have an advantage. Tannantes marched the ball down the field using up a bunch of time off the clock before a turnover on downs. Max had Marvels moving the ball play after play until he threw a pass that was short and landed in the hands of Guillaume who ran it back more than half the field for a score. They then exchanged scores on the next possessions followed by a punt by Marvels with 30 seconds left in the half. In the final 30 seconds of the half Vincent went to Simon on all 4 plays with 3 of them being completed for 29 yards, 10 yards and a 4-yard TD to end the half with a 20-6 lead. Second half Marvels were bringing the game back and made it a one score game with just under 4 minutes left and now needed a stop to have a chance at winning the game. Once again Vincent went to his primary target on the day Simon, and it was for a quick 45-yard score. Max was able to drive his team down to score but made 1 mistake by calling a timeout while on offense. Marvels scored with 49 second left and only had 2 timeouts left so the game was over at this point. If Max hadn’t called the timeout, he might have had a slim a chance at getting the ball back.

 

Redzone vs Outlaws (35-42)

I really only remember a few things about this game. Josh getting a pick 6 was a rare feat and considering he almost let it slip through his hand when he started running, I wasn’t sure he was actually going to hold onto it. Svetna is a beast and most of you already knew that anyways. If I remember correctly, he mossed a player on 2 of his 3 2-point converts and the defender was in great position to make a play. Both teams played well and it was a fun game to watch and the only turnover of the game was what decided it in the end. Afterwards, and even during the game, there were complaints about the Outlaws roster. There was nothing to complain about as this was the roster at the start of the season and as refs and scorekeepers there is nothing we can do about a team’s roster even if we wanted to. Just play the game and deal with it afterwards.

 

Division 3

 

Old School vs Chiefs (53-21)

This game got out of hand very fast, as Dahic led Old School to scores on all 5 first half possessions to jump out to a 34-8 lead at half time. I really don’t get what is happening to Chiefs this season, they have a bunch of talent and should be able to win games. I know they are playing with a new QB, but let me give you a piece of advice, taking a QB from D5 who is struggling there and moving him up to D3 don’t be surprised when he struggles there as well (ed’s note: how is that advice?). From the looks of the stats from the game, everyone who showed up to play other than the QBs caught a pass this week. Dahic did a much better job of making sure the balls he threw were catchable where Pierre was putting balls all over the place making it hard for his guys to make plays on the ball. What else can I say about a game that wasn’t close from the very first whistle?

 

Iron Wolves vs Idaho Udapimps (40 or 41-38)

I’m not sure of the exact score in this one. When you look at the play by play it should be 40 but when you look at the final score it shows 41 (ed’s note: a 2 point convert was incorrectly entered as a 1 point convert, so it was 41). My bet would be either a convert was missed and Jon added it on afterwards or Jon was looking at all the stats and stuff and realized he might be in a tie with a few teams and points against would be used as the tie breaker and that 1 point will be huge. I missed the first half of this game as I was at the Le Ber cleaning up, but from what I was told it was back and forth all half with both teams. I did notice Jon has been benched as the QB and Iggy who might not be as good of a QB as Jon, but is way better looking does a very nice job of spreading the ball and placing the ball where only his guys can get it. Brady goes the other way and just feeds the ball to whoever is hot and doesn’t care about who is guarding that player. I find it funny that 2 teams that play completely opposite on offense would put up this many points. Idaho to open the second half just threw a bomb where Peter just had to keep running and the ball fell into his arms. I really wish I could remember more of this game, but I can’t as by the end of the day I’m worn out and then I’m out all day Sunday again with football again and if I don’t make notes right after it happens it all gets mixed up. I did happen to notice that Ribeye caught 3 of the 4 converts for the Iron Wolves.

 

Division 4

 

Phoenix vs Cereal Killers (25-39)

I will tell you that the score doesn’t show how this game was played. It seems as if Cereal Killers beat Phoenix convincingly from the score, but if you were at the game and saw what happened you’d be as embarrassed as I am. Phoenix just didn’t come to play on either side of the ball. First play of the game we give up a 45-yard score because of a last man back holding penalty, blown coverage on that play where safety never dropped. Then we went on offense and turned it over, followed by them scoring another easy TD. We started to settle in and tied it up at 13 only to give up another 45-yard score. On that score it was a 2 or 3 yard drag where 2 defenders got in each other’s way then we heard a whistle and the rest of the defense stopped and the receiver just ran right through the open field while the defense just stood there. Julian scored on a chair route to tie it back up. On a fourth down and 3 with seconds left in the half, Matthew catches the ball short of the first down and with no defender playing the flats was able to run up the sideline and make the corner miss 10 to 15 yards down field before making the safety miss a few yards from the end zone. Second half was more of the same. At the end of the day, Cereal Killers won the game, but they didn’t beat Phoenix. Phoenix beat themselves with poor tackling all game long. (ed’s note: even when Kevin loses, he also wins!)

 

Mustard Tigers vs Weakest Link (19-20)

This has to be the biggest upset of the year or it would be if Mustard Tigers had their full roster. It was still a huge win by Weakest Link. Marvin played pretty well for a guy with one arm. He completed just over 50% of his passes and ran for 57 yards, threw 3 TDs, and no picks. From what I heard about this game was that Brian choked down the stretch. With under 6 minutes left in the game, Mustard Tigers were in control being up 19-6. Marvin threw a deep ball to Tyrone for a score then Tyrone got a safety on the very next play to make it a 19-14 game and giving Weakest Link the ball back. Marvin used up all but 40 seconds on the clock while taking his team in for a score.

 

Division 5

 

Mimosa Crew vs Bucks (42-6)

In this game Curren was able to have his way with the Bucks defense. There were times he was running around and threw it off his back foot, not a good ball and just because his player had more height, they were able to come down with the ball. At half Curren pulled himself from the game to allow other players to play QB and I want to say Nikhil could have had at least 1 TD and 2 converts more to his stats, but either came down on the back line or had stepped out prior to catching the ball. Mimosa is a fun bunch of players and have a really good record, but won’t be considered a top team because they are missing that big player who can make plays at any point in the game. Bucks again lost in this game, but you can tell they are having lots of fun and every week they do get better. Their biggest issue is dropped balls there had to been at least 3 or 4 that would have given them first downs, but instead they became punts.

 

Permanent Replacements vs Titans (13-27)

I only heard about this game and said I’d give them a shout out. I was at their sideline at half and when they said the score was 6 all and I had to ask how. They said something like the Titans are here to play or something along those lines. In my head I was like it’s just half time you still have plenty of time to blow it. Then the game ended (ed’s note: at half time?), and Titans were even happier pulling off a huge win. I still can’t believe that happened. Titans let me know that they shouldn’t be taken lightly, and they are here to play. I’m sure Willie will have something to say about this game on the podcast this week since he was the ref of it.

 

That’s it for this week everyone, hope you enjoyed. If you want more stay tuned for MFL Access with Terry and Willie on Wednesday night.

 

Player of the Week

This week is your second to last week to make the list. I know a lot of you have been working hard all season to make the list and help get your teams a few wins on the way to hopefully a title at the end of it all. This week I had to make a few hard choices and I also had a few easy ones as well. I’m going to jump straight to letting you know who won this week.

 

Division 1

Offense

- Alexandre Bresse had 6 catches for 106 yards and 2 TDs.

Defense

- Alexis Ferrand made 9 tackles and had 2 picks which both were returned for TDs.

 

Division 2

Offense

- Simon Anctil made 10 catches for 145 yards, 3 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Kareem Anthony Chilcott made 5 tackles all of which were sacks.

 

Division 3

Offense

- Nick Reeves had 8 catches for 146 yards and 3 TDs.

Defense

- Dahic Duhamel made 1 tackle, had 4 picks and ran 2 of them back for scores.

 

Division 4

Offense

- George Athanasatos was 15 of 20 for 239 yards, 6 TDs, 1 pick, 1 1point convert and 1 2point convert.

Defense

- Hasan Malik made 3 tackles and had 2 picks.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Austin McMahon grabbed 5 balls for 66 yards, 1 TD and 1 2point convert.

Defense

- Justin Kocemba made 5 tackles 4 of those were sacks, had 2 picks and ran 1 back for 6 points.

 

With this week now in the bag, I have picked 110 players as players of the week and that means there are only 10 more spots available for this week before I get to pick my winner. I have ordered most of what I plan on giving away and just have to wait for it all to come in. I still haven’t figured out how I should pick my winner, but I’m leaning towards doing a random name on a wheel and allowing it to be done that way, but not sure if I can put 120 names on it. Guess we will see. Congratulations to all this week’s winners and good luck to everyone in the last week of the season.

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 10

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 10

Kevin Kousaie

Predictions

 

Another week down and another win by Jon. With only 2 weeks left in the season the race for first is getting close between Jon and myself. Right now, I am up 7 games on him and that is a decent number, but might not be enough.

Willie is all but assured to get last unless a miracle happens and that seems very unlikely. If I want to win I need to start being smarter with my picks and take a few extra seconds when I’m thinking about who I’m planning on picking. Here are my picks for the week and like always they are in bold.

 

Division 1

 

Gros Coqs vs Centurions

With Gros Coqs fighting for a playoff spot, this is the week that they all show up and win. Dom balls out and lifts the team to victory.

 

Outlaws vs Trollers

I just feel they are the more complete team.

 

A-Team vs Bitter Boys

Even after the way last week finished for A-Team they all come back and get the big win this week and keep their playoffs hopes alive.

 

Division 2

 

Tannantes vs Marvels

It looks like Tannantes are going to be missing a bunch of players and will need a few subs, so Marvel will win easily in this one.

 

Nice TDs vs Iron Wolves

They are the better team and should win easily.

 

Redzone vs Outlaws

With this being the last game of the season for Outlaws and them needing it to make the playoffs, Steve and his team pull it off in a very close game.

 

Division 3

 

Average Joes vs Manitoboys

The hype train wakes up this week and starts rolling again.

 

Jackrabbits vs Thunder Buddies

Willie has been playing better at QB this season and has tons of weapons around him.

 

Chiefs vs Old School

I must go with who I know and that is Old School. By know I mean will show up and ready to play.

 

Jagerbomb vs Bines

Jagerbomb have the better players at every position and should win.

 

Iron Wolves vs Idaho Udapimps

With Idaho resting players this week, I have to assume Iron Wolves can pull it off.

 

Black Diamonds vs Sooners 45

They have the better athletes.

 

Sour Peeps vs Airborne

They have a boat load more experience and should come out firing on all cylinders.

 

Phoenix vs Cereal Killers NA

I don’t pick my team’s games.

 

Mustard Tigers vs Weakest Link

Mustard Tigers can score points in most games and Weakest Link struggle to get 2 TDs in a game, so I can’t seem this going any other way.

 

GOATS vs Flamingos

GOATS don’t have enough experience or skill to pull this one off.

 

Wizards vs Super Friends 

Super Friends are the better team plus over the last few weeks Wizards haven’t been there as a full squad.

 

Bouchers vs Canal Club

I would love to see Bouchers pull this one off, but I just cant see it being done. No one on Bouchers can keep up with Francois.

 

Division 5

 

Mimosa Crew vs Buck

At the beginning of the year, I might have picked Buck to win this game, but the way that Curren is leading his team this season they have no chance.

 

Hard Target vs Los Pollitos

I think with Nico at QB and allowing Samuel to play receiver plus the size from the two big guys they have on the team it will be hard for Hard Target to pull this one off.

 

Improbables vs Cyclones

They are the better team, even if they do need a sub this week.

 

Remplacants vs Titans

Other than maybe Austin, Remplacants are better across the board and shouldn’t have much trouble in this game.

 

There you have it this week’s picks. I couldn’t pick everyone’s team to win I only picked the teams that I feel should win this week (ed’s note: good strategy!). Good luck to all.

 

Power Rankings

 

With my second to last ranking of the year, teams don’t have much time left if they want to climb up on the list or even make it on for the final week. At this point most teams know where they stand and where they should be in the ranking, but in case you don’t know, here they are.

 

Division 1

#1- Outlaws

#2- Centurions

#3- Gros Coqs

 

Division 2

#1- Iron Wolves

#2- Tannantes

#3- Outlaws

 

Division 3

#1- Jagerbomb

#2- Thunder Buddies

#3- Idaho Udapimps

#4- Average Joes

#5- Manitoboys

 

Division 4

#1- Super Friends

#2- Canal Club

#3- Mustard Tigers

#4- Bouchers

#5- Phoenix

 

Division 5

#1- Phoenix

#2- Knight Triangles

#3- Cyclones

#4- Drama Club

#5- Mimosa Crew

 

As you can see a few changes have been made, but not a whole lot of them. There were a few moves I made this week that just last week I would have thought would never get done, but after tea way last week’s games went there was no choice, those moves needed to be made.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The end of the season is just around the corner and we are all looking forward to the playoffs where we should get to see the best of the best playing in each game. In the higher divisions the teams are much closer in talent than they are in the lower divisions. Looking at how the season has gone you could have almost combined D4 and D5 and made it into 3 separate divisions (ed’s note: so, combine then separate?) and you would have ended up with better games all season then we did in the lower divisions where some teams just crushed others like they weren’t even there.

The best thing about the MFL is that most people are willing to help out the weaker teams with a few pointers or by joining them and taking on a player/coach role. Then you have other guys that just want to join lower teams and put-up big numbers to validate their egos (ed’s note: *cough* Kevin *cough*). To me at the end of the day no one from MFL is being scouted to play anywhere.

I can tell you that I’ve been playing football for 30 years now and I love the game, but if I was asked to play pro it would be hard for me to not laugh in their face. They have to be pretty desperate that they need any of us that badly.

At the end of the day, we are here to play a game and have fun. Go out play hard, have some fun, and try to help your team win a game and make the playoffs. Thanks for reading and see you all Saturday.

Word from the Mouth: Adopt Don't Shop! edition

Word from the Mouth: Adopt Don't Shop! edition

Kevin Kousaie

This past Saturday was a great day for football. It wasn’t extremely hot, and it wasn’t too windy. Sunday, on the other hand, was hot and humid with very little breeze in Brossard.

I’m a day behind on my writing this week as I spent Monday in Ottawa getting my new puppy, who is absolutely adorable., but he is a big sucky lala (ed’s note: I have no idea what this is supposed to mean and also adopt, don’t shop!).

The best thing about this weekend was that we were all at one location for the first time in weeks. This week we are back to the two locations, so please make sure you know where you are playing, and just a reminder that if you are changing locations for games that you will be given a few minutes of leeway so you don’t need to panic and the refs should be waiting for the players to show up and not just play because the team has 6 players, unless the team waiting on players is ok to start the game.

We only have a few weeks left in the season and with a bunch of teams fighting for the playoffs, now is the time to make sure you and your team are ready to go at the start of the game, because a slow start can cost you the game and possibly a playoff spot.

 

Week 10 Recap

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Gros Coqs (44-18)

 

Most of the time this would be a much closer game than this, but this week Gros Coqs were missing a bunch of players including their QB Dom and safety Boris. I know Dom might not make up for the 26 points, but with Boris there as well they score more and give up less. Yes, this was a dominant game from Outlaws and everything was working for them. Steve was on point, all Jafar did was score TDs and converts, and like always Ariel just picked off balls. Outlaws are in playoff form right now and looking for 5 or 6 in a row, but it might be a little harder this season.

 

Division 2

 

With only two D2 games this week and Terry refereeing one of them and Will playing in the other, they will know more about what happened in those games so stay tuned for MFL Access tomorrow night to find out what happened in this division.

 

Division 3

 

RawSauce vs Jagerbomb (12-34)

 

Jagerbomb owned the first half of this game and then in the second half they open up the half with a quick 45 yard bomb to Felix and after the convert they were up 22-0. After that Jagerbomb started to relax a little on defense which allowed RawSauce to score twice, but that didn’t stop their offense from scoring as well. JF scored another 2 TDs this week, but with only 2 games left might not get the record set by Smuda last year for most TDs in a season.

 

Panaches vs Jackrabbits (51-27)

 

I just don’t get it. Why have Jackrabbits been just so-so all season? They have a good roster and loads of experience. Panaches have a few players and have learnt the game as the season has gone along, but to blow out a team like this is very impressive. I was able to get a few words from Nico after the game and he said that he was playing like sad monkey tears. I was also talking to JC who was back after missing a few weeks with an injury and he said he was out there playing, but was also taking it a little easy so he wouldn’t get re-aggravate the shoulder again. Panaches can still make the playoffs, but need to win out and get lots of help since they have given up the most points up to now.

 

Bines vs Old School (20-22)

 

Old School owned the first half of this game or at least up until they allowed a score with under 30 seconds left. Second half Bines scored on their first two drives while Old School only scored once. With both teams using a lot of clock on those drives, when Old School got the ball with just over 7 minutes I figured it was over. Dahic moved the ball a little, but forced a pass that was picked off by Jean-Simon and it looked like Bines had some life left in them. It only took David 3 plays before giving the ball right back, now all Dahic had to do was gain a few first downs and the game was over.

 

Average Joes vs Idaho Udapimps (26-12)

 

I spoke to a few players from Idaho after the game and they all said the same thing. We have players hurt, we are taking time to heal up, we already made the playoffs and we feel that no one wants to play us in the playoffs once we are healthy. I want to see these two teams play again with complete rosters and both teams playing hard, like their lives depend on it. 

 

Division 4

 

Sour Peeps vs Phoenix (6-31)

 

In this game Mario wasn’t playing because of an injury and he would have helped out, but it wouldn’t have made much of a difference (ed’s note: because Kevin’s just too damn good!). For the first time in a while, Phoenix came out and played hard. By hard I mean running good routes, communicating on defense, and doing what a roster with this much talent should be doing. I want to say that Sour Peeps might not have a bunch of wins or be a very good team, but they do come out and play hard and have lots of fun.

 

Bouchers vs Wizards (26-12)

 

This game turned out to be a lot closer than most expected. I can tell you from watching both teams a few times now, that once Wizards start showing up as a complete roster and know the game better, they will be a dangerous team. Bouchers I thought might have been able to put up more points in this game. I guess with Lukas missing his main target in Felix that would play a huge role, except this week Xavier stepped up with a huge game scoring 3 TDs. Bouchers have a huge roster and to me that will be their downfall in the playoffs.

 

Sooners 45 vs Airborne (6-27)

 

Ok, let me say I saw this game and it wasn’t pretty Airborne ran 3 or 4 different plays all game and it kept on working. Sooners 45 looked really bad and didn’t seem to know what to do. At one point they ran the same play two or three times in a row. On one drive they went deep on every play before turning it over on downs. I can tell you if they play like this in the playoffs, they will be out in round 1. After the game a few players from Sooners mentioned how we missed a few calls and just like in every game, that happens. I didn’t say it then, but I will write it now, when you complete only 4 passes you aren’t going to win games no matter what the refs call.

 

Super Friends vs Canal Club (36-14)

 

From my understanding in this game Canal Club was at a pool party drinking before the game and there was talk that they might forfeit the game. They showed up drunk and got destroyed. After the game I spoke to Jacob and Alex, and we all agreed on the same thing about Canal Club, and I would love to share it but I feel that I might end up seeing them in the playoffs and don’t want to ruin my plans just in case. This game might have gone another way if it was played again, but we won’t find out unless they meet in playoffs.

 

Weakest Link vs GOATS (12-6)

 

This game was horrible. Marvin is not a good QB and needs to relax and understand that not only is he new at playing QB, but his team is also new and learning the game. As for GOATS, they just need to learn the game better and maybe next season drop down a division and they will get better and maybe get a few wins.

 

Cereal Killers vs Black Diamonds (24-12)

 

After weeks of not having players showing up, Cereal Killers showed up with 7 and all at the start of the game. Both teams are decent, but to me Cereal Killers are a more complete team, where Black Diamonds are all about Gabriel. I’m not sold on either of these teams though. Both teams struggled in the first half with only Cereal Killers scoring once and second half had a little more offense, but not much.

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix vs Los Pollitos (32-26)

 

This game was a lot closer than it should have ever been. To start the game, we had to wait for player on Los Pollitos to show up and we didn’t take points which we are allowed to (ed’s note: he’s like a superhero of kindness!). In the game there were a few things that stuck out to me. The first one was a pick 6 by Louis-Phillipe to me which I thought it was a catch, but the ref who was in position to have a view of the play didn’t see it. On the play Dave caught the ball and was bringing it to his body then the defender hits at the ball or rips it out and runs it in for a score. Then the big thig I noticed was whenever we went into trips Kat was all alone running her route and she made Los Pollitos pay for that as she scored 4 TDs. The last play that I remember was on a convert where Dave ran a post and had two or three steps on his defender, and I throw it to the middle back end zone and out of all people Joey who is running a six hook from the slot catches the ball at the back with a little assistance from Dave keeping him in. For Los Pollitos, they are better than their record, they just drop too many balls and aren’t completely comfortable on defense.

 

Bucks vs Drama Club (0-50)

 

Dick move by Drama Club. That’s all I’m going to say about them. You have to think about it being the other way around.

 

Knight Triangles vs Hard Target (19-0)

 

At half this was a scoreless game and it looked like neither team wanted to win. Second half was more of the same as neither team could move the ball and there were tons of picks. The only reason why it didn’t go to OT was Knight Triangles were able to score on very short fields in the second half. For a team that has so many wins, they don’t look good and at this point of the season and who know what they will look like in the playoffs. Hard Target is still fighting for a playoff spot, but it will be tough for them to get in. They need to win and maybe get some help.

 

Heisenberg vs Improbables (27-26)

 

Who knew this was going to be one of the better games in the division this weekend? Mathieu wasn’t there as QB for Improbables, so Charles filled in and did a nice job, but without him playing WR they were left shorthanded on offense. How a halftime speech can change a game. The first half was all offense and no defense, with scores all over the place. The second half each team only scored once. It looked like Improbables were going to win the game as they were driving the ball and had a lead, but the drive stopped when they couldn’t convert a fourth and 15 with 4 plus minutes left. Ian now needs to get something done if they want to win. After a few passes, Heisenberg wasn’t too far from the endzone when Ian took off running after beating the rusher and made a player miss his flags as he gallops into the endzone and gives his team a one-point lead. Charles now has a minute left, but after a few plays and only gaining 12 yards, he threw a pick and just like that the game was over.

 

Cyclones vs Remplacants (19-18)

 

I just don’t get it, we have a cap, but yet that cap doesn’t seem to mean candy canes when you are adding a sixth player to fill out your roster. I understand that Cyclones are a Free agent team, but if everyone else has to play by these rules why shouldn’t they? It just doesn’t seem fair for the rest of the teams (ed’s note: says the guy with D1 players on his D4 team…). A few weeks ago, everyone was talking about how good these two teams were and to me the magic has worn off. Cyclones are only good when Yann has his top three targets and Remplacants just don’t seem to know what to do in key situations. Remplacants forced a punt with 5 minutes left and Pierre then led them on what could have been a game tying drive if not a game winner. Pierre threw the ball to Leonidas all drive except for one play when he went to his center Mike. I just don’t get how a team like Cyclones could allow a team to drive with the game on the line using one player only. That should be an easy stop. After Remplacants scored they missed the convert and were down by 1. All Yann needed to do was get a first down to end the game and he got one and kept on playing which makes no sense and if he threw a pick would have cost his team the game.

 

Mimosa Crew vs Titans (25-20)

 

Let me clear a few things up for everyone. Mimosa Crew last season wore jerseys that resembled the Miami Dolphin’s jerseys. Not anymore, as they are wearing pinnies (ed’s note: well, thank you for clearing that up for us, it was really weighing on our minds). After seeing Mimosa play for the first time this season, I’m shocked that they have won as many games as they have. What do I say about this game? Titans only scored in the first half by a lucky play that bounced off one of their player’s hands into another one while he was in the endzone. Then in the second half they played better on both sides of the ball, but not enough to win the game. Curren told me before the game he was banged up and couldn’t run so I figured that the way it has gone for them all season that it was going to be a long game with tons of drop balls. Even with Curren banged up, he still ran for 60 yards and a TD off 7 carries. He was also 12 of 19 passing, which is not bad for a guy we all thought could only run. I know no one cares, but (ed’s note: that should be the title of your articles) to me when you talk about MVP you have to think about Curren being included in that conversation. His team sits at 6-2 and the roster isn’t very good from top to bottom.

 

That is all of this week’s recaps. I covered a little bit more than I should have, but I had a few things to mention about a few teams from what I saw or heard afterwards plus with only 2 weeks left I wanted to make sure I covered every team at least once this season.

 

Players of the Week

 

Man, oh man, is the end of the season ever coming fast. With this week in the bag, we only have 2 weeks left and that means teams only have 1, 2 or 3 games left and that limits your chances to get my vote. I know most of what I’m putting in my surprise bag I just haven’t figured out how to pick my winner. I have thought about doing it at the end of season get together, but figured that would never work since you would have to be there to win and that would mean at least 100 people and then we need a way bigger venue. I might see if I can get it announced on the Podcast or maybe I’ll just get Jon to post up on Facebook and I can always do it in my article before the first week of the playoffs are played. I will figure it out and then let you all know. Now here are this week’s winners.

 

Division 1

 

Offense

- JC Ferland had 7 catches for 81 yards and 3 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Ariel Librati made 5 tackles, had 3 picks and ran oneback for 6.

 

Division 2

Offense

- James Langshaw had 13 catches for 164 yards and 3 TDs.

Defense

- Vincent Deziel made 4 tackles, had 1 pick which he ran back for 6 and he also picked off and ran back a 2point convert.

 

Division 3

Offense

- Will Power was 31 of 39 for 324 yards, 8 TDs, 1 1point convert and 1 2point convert.

Defense

- Rob White made 5 tackles, had 2 sacks and a pick.

 

Division 4

Offense

- Xavier Bonneau pulled in 11 passes for 119 yards and 3 TDs.

Defense

- Olivier St Onge made 6 tackles, had 2 picks and ran one back for a TD.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Katherine Blondin made 8 catches for 42 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- Benjamin Malette made 6 tackles and had 3 picks.

 

There are this week’s winners. Congratulations to you all and good luck to everyone trying to make my list over the next few weeks. Just remember if you ball out and put up great stats win, lose, or draw you have a chance to make the list.

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 9

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 9

Kevin Kousaie

Predictions

 

Another week down and once again Jon has managed to cheat his way to the top again. I don’t know what’s going on but I need to get my shit together or else. Willie has said he was planning on making a comeback in the second half of the season and that hasn’t been going to well for him, until now at least. With only 3 weeks left of making picks before the season is over Willie might have to take a few long-shots in hopes of pulling it off.

This week I am taking my time with the picks and looking at everything just so I don’t finish last again, once was enough for me. Here are my picks in bold like always.

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Gros Coqs

Right now, they are playing like the better team.

 

A-Team vs Bitter Boys

They have the better roster, they are faster, more athletic and shouldn’t have much trouble in this one.

 

Centurions vs Trollers

I know Centurions needed subs this week and I’m not sure who they are missing and because of that I’m taking Trollers.

 

Division 2

 

Outlaws vs Marvels

I went with Outlaws because of Steve and I have more confidence that his team will show up to play right from the start.

 

Iron Wolves vs Redzone

Both teams are pretty equal and for me the deciding factor was which team is more consistent and that would have to be Iron Wolves.

 

Division 3

 

RawSauce vs Jagerbomb

They are the better team, and they show up every game.

 

Panaches vs Jackrabbits

I think JC might be back this week and if so it so gives them a huge advantage, if not Nico still gets it done.

 

Thunder Buddies vs Iron Wolves

I just think that with Willie playing with Jon all these seasons he knows what Jon will do and that gives Thunder Buddies a huge advantage.

 

Bines vs Old School 

I like both teams here, but could only pick one and ended up going with Old School just because of experience.

 

Average Joes vs Idaho Udapimps 

I think both teams are very good, but this season Average Joes hasn’t lived up to the hype from years past.

 

Division 4

 

Sour Peeps vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my teams games.

 

Bouchers vs Wizards

I know Wizards are looking for subs and that might hurt them but what has been hurting them is not showing up for games.

 

Sooners 45 vs Airborne

They are too young and fast and Airborne won’t be able to keep up.

 

Super Friends vs Canal Club 

Jacob and Alex are good, but Francois is better, and he will be the difference in this game.

 

Weakest link vs GOATS

This is going to be a very bad game both teams aren’t very good and the only reason I picked Weakest Link is because of Marvin.

 

Cereal Killers vs Black Diamonds

Cereal Killers should be able to win this game if they show up on time. They will also need to stop the deep ball to Gabriel which I think they can and avoid him while they are on offense.

 

Division 5

Bucks vs Drama Club

Drama Club is going to win and because they all care so much about stats it will be by a lot.

 

Los Pollitos vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my teams games.

 

Knight Triangles vs Hard Target

They are the better team and are more organized.

 

Heisenberg vs Improbables

I have played both teams and Improbables are the better team and have way more experience and upside than Heisenberg.

 

Remplacants vs Cyclones

Cyclones are missing too many players and Remplacants just keeps adding more good players to their team.

 

Mimosa Crew vs Titans

I have a feeling that Curren should be able to run all game long if he wants to and that will be the difference.

 

There you have it, my picks for the week.

 

Power Rankings

 

With the end of the season in sight and knowing what each team brings to the field every week making my picks has become easier and easier each week. This week I did have a few hard calls to make, but that’s why Jon pays me the big bucks.

 

Division 1

#1- Outlaws

#2- Centurions

#3- Gros Coqs

 

Division 2

#1- Iron Wolves

#2- Tannantes

#3- Marvels

 

Division 3

#1- Jagerbomb

#2- Thunder Buddies

#3- Idaho Udapimps

#4- Jackrabbits

#5- Manitoboys

 

Division 4

#1- Canal Club

#2- Mustard Tigers

#3- Bouchers

#4- Super Friends

#5- Sooners 45

 

Division 5

#1- Phoenix

#2- Knight Triangles

#3- Cyclones

#4- Drama Club

#5- Remplacants

 

If you remembers last week’s list, you will see a few changes were made this week. I can tell you that there were a few more changes I wanted to make, but without enough data or reasoning behind it I left it this way. I didn’t want to hear from players or teams about how could I do this and why wasn’t this done. Right now this is how I have it, but next week I can tell you some changes will probably be made, but let’s wait and see what happens this week first.

 

Final Thoughts

 

I talked about how we should treat the refs in my intro and now I will do what has been done a few times already this year and talk about rosters. As a team captain, I received an email before the season started about a forfeit deposit and how if your team forfeits a game their deposit would be used to pay the other team for the missed game.

This season we have had a few teams not show up and that’s not fair to the team you are playing. Captains, get your players in line and even if you don’t have enough players for a team, you can always let Jon know, post in the Facebook group that you need subs, and request them on the MFL site as well. A lot of players enjoy their games on Saturday and to show up and not get a game in is pretty shitty.

Also on the same topic of rosters, everyone needs to know the rules for rosters so you don’t forfeit a game that way. As of game 7 that your team is playing you are no longer allowed to have subs to bring your numbers up past 6 players, except for when your QB doesn’t play defense, in which case you’re allowed up to 7 players. Yes, even if you stay under cap, you’re still not allowed to be over 6 players  (or 7 if your QB doesn’t play defense). Rules are rules, and we all have to follow them. Those are just a few things to remember when you submit your roster. This is the last reminder about roster rules at least until the playoffs where the rules for subs are the same as above except you don’t get to pick who you are allowed as a sub.

Now you get my weekly reminder. By now you should all know that we are playing a game, so remember to go out, have fun, enjoy yourself, and don’t kill anyone. Good luck to everyone this weekend and all games are being played at Le Ber this week.

 

 

Word from the Mouth: Yelling at the Refs! edition

Word from the Mouth: Yelling at the Refs! edition

Kevin Kousaie

Where should I start this week? Do I talk about how being on vacation is great, but coming back from it sucks or how officials should be treated?

I will start by telling you this week is going to suck for me. I have to catch up on all my paperwork, do training with 85 employees, do some training myself, and all while doing my regular work, oh and I’m going to have to do a regulator audit.

It will be a long week, but when Saturday comes at 930 for my first game, I will have to let some steam off. Jaf you available to ref? This week there were a few refs who got yelled at and that should never happen even when you feel they are wrong. I was one of those players that was yelling up a storm at the ref because I had to wear pinnies as the home team. I shouldn’t have lost it on him, but he if he wasn’t sure and didn’t want to listen to me telling him that I was the home team, he could have just looked at schedule to see that I was right all along. The worst part is that both teams had green shirts, but they were completely different shades of green. I’m looking into the matter and will expect a formal apology and his letter of resignation on Saturday. I know it was nothing to get upset about, but Jaf has it in for me, that’s it that’s all.

Moving forward from this week on, let’s all show the refs some respect and treat them like we would want to be treated, unless you like being treated like crap, then do the opposite.

 

Week 9 Recap

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Centurions (46-12)

 

My game was going on at the same time as this game and I only got to see a few plays. I noticed that Centurions were missing their regular QB and he would have helped out a bunch, but with the score what it was they probably still lose. Outlaws completely dominated the game. After starting with a pick on their opening drive, Steve led Outlaws on scoring drives the rest of the game. Centurions were able to move the ball at time, but just weren’t able to punch it in for scores and you won’t be able to keep up with the Outlaws offense when they are playing like this. (ed’s note: I saw this game and Centurions easily could have had 3 TDs if it weren’t for drops, so it certainly could have been closer).

 

Division 2

 

Marvels vs Redzone (28-27) OT

 

In case you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the OT of this game filmed by our sideline reporter Willie on the Facebook player group. Now let me tell you how it got to OT. In the first half both teams feel each other out and were able to put up points. Right before half, Redzone had the ball with under a minute and looking to answer after Marvels scored. Mike was taking what the defense was giving him and that was his guys being open in the middle for 10 yards each time. After using timeouts and having a few passes fall incomplete Mike hits Tristan for a 24-yard score and then they went for two where Fred was open and made it a 20-13 game. Second half was more of the same. Now here is the play that changed the game. With just over two minutes Redzone was on the two-yard line and looking to seal the game. Mike steps back looks for one of his players and Jeremy jumps the route from his safety spot to keep Marvels in the game. On the ensuing drive, Max was just picking apart the Redzone defense with short plays and working the entire field. On the last play of the game Max finds Haney in the back of the endzone alone for the easy score. Now Marvel needs the convert to tie it and Max found Max for the 1point convert and the tie. We go to OT where both teams get their first convert and Marvels got their second. With the game on the line Mike decided to go for two and was unsuccessful. That was it. I also want to mention that Jose made a heck of a catch on a fourth down late in the second half while stretching out and using his fingertips to pull it in.

 

Division 3

 

With all 4 division 3 games being played at the same time and Willie getting to play in the other game at my location, I only have one D3 game this week.

 

Iron Wolves vs Old School (33-28)

 

This game turned out to be closer than I expected. Iggy was hurt and wasn’t able to run routes, so he stepped in at QB and Jon went to play receiver, this was a downgrade at both positions, but more so at WR (ed’s note: thanks). Dahic went out and threw a pick on his second pass, to Jon out of all people, and it didn’t take Iggy long before finding Ribeye aka Cat for the score. Cat was also hurt on the play and with only being 6 players were allowed to get an emergency sub from at the field to fill in and make them 6. After a few possessions each and a turnover on downs, Old School was able to get on the board with Max running down the sideline for a 24-yard score. Iron Wolves marched right down to score on an 8-yard pass to Gabriel who had slipped on his break, but was able to get up to his knees and pull the pass in. At half the score was 20-14 Iron Wolves. Second half started with Iron Wolves having the ball and using up 7 minutes of clock on their scoring drive. With the way Iggy was using the clock in the second half, Old School needed a stop or a turnover that never came. Dahic led Old School on scoring drives on both their possessions in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. Old School might not have all the big names or the stars of the division, but they are a team that gets overlooked a lot. Dahic has some good weapons around him, but they just need a break here or there in order to rack up a few more wins.

 

Division 4

 

Mustard Tigers vs Sour Peeps (52-13)

 

This game was never close. Mustard Tigers are a much stronger team and for them to even give up 13 points is shocking. Brian was on fire all day long spreading the ball and getting everyone involved. I can’t really say much more about this game since it was so one sided.

 

Phoenix vs Wizards (25-0)

 

This was a forfeit since Wizards didn’t show up since they weren’t going to be able to field a team. At least Phoenix was able to get a scrimmage from players that were around.

 

Super Friends vs GOATS (46-2)

 

Just like the Mustard Tigers game this was completely one-sided right from the opening whistle. Super Friends are a good team, but what surprised me about this game was the fact that Jacob had so many incompletions in this game and still managed to put up 46 points. GOATS need someone with loads of experience to join their team and help them out on both offense and defense. GOATS just seem lost when they are out there playing their games. Jon get them help, please.

 

Black diamonds vs Flamingos (18-12)

 

In the only close game of the weekend in the division, you have to wonder how this game turned out like this. I feel Flamingos are the better teams and just didn’t show up to play this weekend. What is more alarming is the fact that Lesniak threw 5 picks and pretty much to only 1 receiver all game and they won. I have multiple questions about this game and here they are. How did Dimitri throw 3 TDs and have a pick 6 and his team only get 12 points and lose, or when you look at the play by play after last play it shows score as being 18-18, why was there no OT. Jon, we want answers. (ed’s note: I’m looking into it!)

 

Cereal Killers vs Weakest Link (8-24)

 

Cereal Killers were only 4 players to start the game and were forced to give up 12 points and it would have been 18 if the rest of the team showed up 45 second later. Weakest Link were only 5 players and really needed those points. Marvin before the game tells Cereal Killers that he isn’t allowed to play WR because they would break cap and, yes that is true if they were 6 players, but they weren’t. In this game, Cereal Killers inexperience showed as they were playing a team of only 5 players and instead of just going short all day and making Weakest Link decide to stop rushing since they weren’t getting pressure, they kept looking for the big plays which weren’t there because Marvin can go sideline to sideline even with a broken arm. After both teams not doing much in the first half, Sam got a pick on the second to last play of the half where Marvin was finally able throw a TD and the half ended 18-0 Weakest Link. Second half was more of the same lots of incompletes and overthrows. Marvin was tired of his team not running proper route and catching the ball that he went WR for one play and caught a 25-yard TD. At this point Marvin knew the game was over and Weakest Link played the last little bit of the game soft and allowed Cereal Killers to go down and score and then Marvin gave up a safety to make it 24-8.

 

Division 5

 

Improbables vs Phoenix (6-25)

 

This game started out with Mathieu using 10 plus minutes of the clock and not being able to score, but it was a nice little drive by him. He was hitting on short passes and even tried to go deep once or twice. In my head as the drive is going on, I’m thinking ‘are we going to even get the ball in the first half?’. We did and it only took two plays before Larry found the endzone on a streak down the sideline. On their next drive Mat connects with my shirtless brother Alex for a first down before getting sacked by Khalil, then throwing an easy interception to me. We go down and score, but only after converting on a third down on the drive and then scoring on fourth down from the one-yard line. On the next few possessions both teams exchange picks and at half the score was 13-0 Phoenix. Second half Phoenix started with the ball and we drove down to score while using up 9 minutes of clock. Mat put a nice scoring drive together after that by hitting multiple receivers short and marching down slowly. With us getting the ball back and Improbables not being able to stop us all day we were able to score again and used up a bunch more clock making it impossible for Improbables to comeback. This was a great game and we all had fun and that’s what really matters.

 

Drama Club vs Remplacants (19-18) OT

 

I can’t believe that this game was this close and even went to OT. Let me start by saying Remplacants not cool what you guys have done with your roster. You added Brandon a few weeks back knowing he wasn’t there for playoffs and still added him and now you have given him the boot to add Ben and James so you can be stronger for the playoffs. I get it Jon has allowed it, but still not cool. You have a 10- or 11-man roster adding players this late should never have been done. Looking over the stats and seeing the play by play it really seemed as if no one wanted to win the game. It was back and forth all game long with no one putting any separation between them when they had the chance. Drama Club gave up the tying score with 2 seconds left in the game, but were lucky enough to prevent the convert. In OT Remplacants started with the ball and were no good on their convert attempt. Simon, who is a veteran, was able to call a play that got Ben open for the easy convert and gave them the win.

 

That’s it for this week’s recaps, hope you enjoyed.

 

Players of the Week

 

We only have a few more weeks in the season and it’s time for everyone to step up their game not only for a chance to win my player of the week, but to also give their team a chance at making the playoffs. Now is the time where you need to start showing up and balling out. Time to show people that you are the big dog on the block and not the little scared dog that barks at everyone walking by and can’t do anything about it. Ball out and maybe you make my list these last few weeks.

 

Division 1

Offense

- Max Rosenfeld went 21 of 27 for 282 yards, 8 TDs and 3 1point converts.

Defense

- Nicolas Paquin made 4 tackles and they were all sacks.

 

Division 2

Offense

- David Marcotte grabbed 7 passes for 74 yards, 3 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Jon Evans made 2 tackles and had 3 picks. (ed’s note: madness!)

 

Division 3

Offense

- Alexandre Szaplipski had 7 catches for 110 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- Jerome Hovington made 6 tackles and 3 sacks.

 

Division 4

Offense

- Brian Mustard was 22 of 34 for 267 yards, 8 TDs and 4 1point converts.

Defense

- Thomas Leclerc had 2 picks.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Nicolas Hurtubise was 16 of 32 for 157 yards, 4 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Samuel Gernet made 4 tackles, had 1 sack, 2 picks and returned 1 for 6.

 

There you go, week 9’s winners, keep it up everyone one and any week you might make the list if you haven’t already. Ball out, have fun, put up some crazy numbers and next week is yours.

 

I sound like a Cowboys fan by saying next week is your week, but we all know the Cowboys have no shot in the next 5 years at least. (ed’s note: but then it’s their year!)

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