Word from the Mouth: A Lovely Bunch of Ladies! edition

Word from the Mouth: A Lovely Bunch of Ladies! edition

Kevin Kousaie

This season has been far from the best conditions we have had, with only a few weeks back where we had that ridiculous wind. This week we had rain, but not as much as I was expecting and let’s not forget about the first few weeks where it was hot and the field was hard as a rock.

That was on Saturday. Sunday in Brossard was beautiful except for a few big gusts of wind and having to deal with those rowdy 28-3 guys once they ran out of beer.

This past weekend was Grand Prix and caused traffic to and from the games, but luckily for me I only had to deal with a little bit of it on Sunday and not many of the games, if any, were delayed from it.

This weekend we had a few teams forfeit games for not showing up and for breaking cap. I know that if you give plenty of notice that yes, the forfeit will still take place, but it might not cost you and your team the 160 deposit your team had to put down. That is if Jon has time to find players to fill in for that game, but its not guaranteed. Everyone paid to play 10 games and want their stats for 10 games, so everyone needs to show up and play their games.

We play for fun and exercise and that means playing in the heat, rain, and snow and here in the MFL we have played in all these before. If I was the team that got the forfeit, I’d be pissed about it, unless it was pouring rain and horrible conditions, then I’m glad I don’t have to play. I also think that if two teams are tied and one of those teams had to forfeit a game then it should count against them. I know that won’t happen, but it should be used as the first tie breaker even before head-to-head.

 

Recap

 

Division 1

 

This week I will skip covering D1 since Terry was there refereeing 2 of the 3 games and the other game was ended early because of an injury. Dom, I hope you feel better and that the injury wasn’t too serious.

 

Division 2

 

Nice TDs vs Redzone (12-33)

After a huge game last week from Nice TDs, this week was a struggle. Last week Nice TDs mixed it up by using 2 QBs, this week they were stuck with none and Lazar stepped in and threw for the team. Lazar might be a good athlete, but he isn’t a QB and is just learning the game this year. Redzone went out and dominated the first half of the game with ease, Mike was picking apart the Nice TDs defense like it wasn’t even there. Redzone had 5 possessions in the first half and scored each time. In the second half Mike, was going short, eating clock not trying to run up the score and get players hurt. Thomas was the only player who was able to do anything for Nice TDs and that cant be the case if they want a chance to win any more games this season.

 

Division 3

 

Idaho Udapimps vs Bines (25-19)

 

I know very little from this game, but what I do know is that Brady no longer feels the pressure to score 40 points a game and that Bines are a solid team. This week Simon was back for Bines and should be there the rest of the season and most people would think he would go back to QB, but that won’t be happening since David is a good QB still learning the game, plus Simon might not be there next season so getting David as many reps as possible is what is best for the team down the road. As for Idaho, over the winter Brady struggled because of crap defense. Now let me explain why I say that. When your defense can’t get stops and are giving up points like it’s government money, as a QB you try to do more than you can or should. At one point or another all QBs have all been through that. This season Idaho has a good defense and Brady is being smart with the ball knowing he doesn’t have to score on every drive to have a chance to win. After Bines scored to tie it at 19 with 3:30 left in the game, Brady could have tried to go deep and score quick like he would have last season, but he knew the game was tied and he didn’t necessarily need to score if he controlled the clock, so he went short a few time and used up the clock before finding his safety blanket Kyle for the 2 yard score with under 30 seconds left. On what turned out to be the last play of the game Simon threw a pass that was picked off by Kyle to seal the victory for Idaho.

 

Jackrabbits vs Chiefs (25-0)

 

Chiefs were missing players from the start and had two options to pick from: first, get subs at the field and the game be an automatic forfeit; or two, wait for their players to show up and we start the clock and add 6 points at the beginning of the game and every 5 minutes afterwards. They chose to play with spares from the field, so the game was a forfeit. In the first half Jackrabbits were having fun, but got up 12-6. At half time Avery the QB for Chiefs was leaving since he had other things to do. After a few minutes of talking and Steve being a nice guy, decided that everyone else wanted to finish the game, so Steve went QB for Chiefs. This is when the game got ugly. Steve was able to score on every drive in the second half and had no trouble at all doing it. Jackrabbits on the other hand had trouble doing anything. My bet would be they phoned in the second half after already knowing they won the game.

 

Division 4

 

Phoenix vs Black Diamonds (28-18)

 

This should never have been even a game that was this close. Black Diamonds on their opening drive got a third and 10 from their 5 yard-line that went for a score after Phoenix missed a few tackles that would have prevented the first down and forced them to punt. Phoenix answered that with a score of their own to make it a 7-6 game and then both teams started to play defense and nothing else happened in the first half. Second half started with Phoenix having the ball and after a few plays of nothing happening there was a little miscommunication between me and Rob where I was throwing it quickly into the hole because I saw the safety off and he thought it was going to be over the top because he saw the safety shoot down which led to Carlos picking the ball off and returning it for a score. That was the wake-up call that got me going. Our next possession was a 10-play drive capped off by a TD from Chris diving low between two defenders to get the ball. I knew this game was ours. Then the defense of Phoenix picked Lesniak off on his first throw afterwards. Once we punched that possession in for another score, Phoenix was up 9 points. Black Diamonds had started to put a drive together and it looked like they might score until Manuel picked Lesniak off for the second time of the game. A few plays later Phoenix punted after using some clock up and it didn’t take Lesniak long before giving Phoenix the ball back. Phoenix scored and went up 16 points with very little time left. Phoenix played soft defense to not allow any big plays, so Black Diamonds were able to score but had no time to try and continue the comeback.

 

Super Friends vs Sooners 45 (12-18)

 

I know nothing about this game other than Jacob wasn’t there at QB for Super Friends, so Alex filled in and with that they lost their best offensive weapon. Sooners 45 were only able to score 18 points and gave up 12 to a depleted team, so my take away from this game is that Sooners 45 aren’t that good and it’s more impressive that Super Friends kept it that close.

 

Flamingos vs Weakest link (14-13) OT

 

This was a game that I only got to see the OT of and after about 13 or 14 attempt someone was finally able to get it in for the win. This game had no offense in it at all, both QBs stunk, Marvin couldn’t run, and the defense were equally as bad. Both teams couldn’t catch if their life depended on it.

 

Bouchers vs Airborne (37-18)

 

Once again Airborne doesn’t want to catch balls. This week there must have been at least 5 easy drops and that might be being nice. What I know is that Guillaume is dealing with a shoulder issue and Benoit started the game taking reps at QB before Guillaume took over. Bouchers have been hit or miss this season. They either play well or they come out and stink the place up. This week they showed up. Lukas had no issues finding holes in the defense all game long. At half the game was close and I was thinking ‘great we get to see two good teams go at it’ and then all of a sudden, the game wasn’t so close, and I wanted it to end. Xavier and Felix were the two players making all the plays for Bouchers and I’m not sure why an adjustment wasn’t made. If Bouchers can come out like this every week, then they can’t be overlooked, but until they prove it no one will take them seriously. Airborne is one of those teams that you think are good until you play them, and you realize they run the same few plays and are very overrated.

 

Division 5

 

Heisenberg vs Phoenix (0-29)

 

This was a never a game that was ever close and was an easy game for Phoenix. For the first time all season I think Heisenberg didn’t need any subs, so good job to you guys for getting your team out to play this week. The biggest issue with Heisenberg is their play calling. I think they ran the ball with a RB 4 or 5 times in the game and never when they were in a good position, always when they were inside their 5-yardline. In this game Phoenix did a good job of getting everyone involved on the offense. Veronique had a big game with 6 catches and 45 yards, Gab had a long TD run after a short catch and this week Myriam was able to catch 2 balls and wasn’t afraid of the defenders once she caught the ball, maybe it was because her boyfriend the police officer was there looking out for her. Heisenberg aren’t a bad team they just need some direction.

 

Bucks vs Titans (6-24)

 

Each week Bucks keep getting better and better. Last week Jon gave them some coaching tips and helped them out and this week you could see the improvement. Titans had a new QB this week and Tomy was showing off those guns when he tried to go deep. Tomy was a very effective QB spreading the ball all over and have the defense on their toes not knowing where he was going with the ball. I will say that Austin in the second half was playing very little in this game knowing that he was a little bit better than the team he was playing against, so he took it easy and allowed other guys to play and make plays. For Bucks, Pascal is a good runner and she doe have a nice ball when she throws it, but the problem with Bucks is them catching the ball consistently. The Ladies are a very nice bunch of women who have lots of fun and enjoying themselves and that’s what matters.

 

There you have it, this week’s recaps. I know I couldn’t cover all the teams, but I also know Will and Terry were there most of the day and got to see lots of games, so tune into MFL Access on Wednesday to see what they have to say.

 

Players of the Week

 

We are more than half way through the season and everyone is stepping up their game, hoping to make my list and help put their team into the playoff, if they’re not already there. This week I had a few hard picks to make and not everyone could make my list, but you still have a few weeks left. Now to this week’s winners.

 

Division 1

 

Offense

- Austin Thibault made 6 catches for 130 yards and 2 TDs.

Defense

- Hinsley Adams made 5 tackles and 3 sacks.

 

Division 2

 

Offense

- Vincent Deziel caught 7 passes for 50 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- Adam Rudick 2 tackles both sacks.

 

Division 3

 

Offense

- Willie Power went 33 of 41 for 343 yards, 9 TDs 1 1point convert, 1 2point convert, ran once for 5 yards and threw 1 pick.

Defense

- Alexandre Szaplipski made 3 tackles and had 2 picks.

 

Division 4

 

Offense

- Lukas Drouin was 19 of 35 for 223 yards, 6 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Thomas Trepanier had 2 picks and returned 1 for a TD.

 

Division 5

 

Offense

- Tomy Sicotte was 15 of 21 for 237 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- Khalil Agrebi made 7 tackles 6 of them were sacks.

 

There you have my picks for this week. Congratulations to all my winners and if I didn’t pick you that doesn’t mean you didn’t ball out, it just means someone else balled a little bit harder. With just a few weeks left if you want a chance to win my prize at the end of the year, you first need to ball out hard and make my list. After that it’s a draw, so the more you ball and make my list, the better your chances.

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 6

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 6

Kevin Kousaie

Predictions

 

For the first time this season I didn’t win this week picks. I tied with Terry at 67% of games picked right. At the halfway point of the season Will has finally got his score over 50% and are we every proud of him, he is doing better than a coin flip. We should all be watching out for him as he is a second half guy who plans on coming back. I really doubt that, but he will be happy to not finish last.

At this point of the season, I am sitting at 74 and 36 after going 14 of 22 last week. Here are this week’s picks and like always my picks are in bold.

 

Division 1

 

Centurions vs Bitter Boys

Bitter Boys aren’t built to compete with these young kids, don’t be surprised to see Centurions running circles around the old guys.

 

Outlaws vs Gros Coqs

Even without Svetna being there this week, Outlaws will win in a close game. Gros Coqs will have a hard time trying to stop Smuda.

 

A-Team vs Trollers

I think A-Team will try and get back at Trollers for last week, but I just feel with all of the Trollers weapons back this week it will be too much for A-Team.

 

Division 2

 

Tannantes vs Marvels

I was going to go with Tannantes, but then I saw they were going to be missing players and had a sub or two playing so I went with Marvels figuring that they should have a little more chemistry.

 

Nice TDs vs Redzone

Last week was like the Superbowl for Nice TDs and they have nowhere to go but down and down they will go, at least this week.

 

Iron Wolves vs Outlaws

I wanted to pick Iron Wolves, but Outlaws will have their full roster and I think they are a tad bit better, plus by 3:30 Will would have eaten a few slices of pizza and I might be driving him back to the field so we might get lost along the way or stuck in traffic.

 

Division 3

 

Manitoboys vs RawSauce

I was about to pick RawSauce to win because I figured Antoine was going to get after Loen and get into his head, which is still going to happen, but I went Manitoboys because I know they will show up and I cant say the same for RawSauce.

 

Idaho Udapimps vs Bines

Idaho is just too explosive and unless Brady is having an off day, I can’t see how they lose this game.

 

Jagerbomb vs Old School

I’m going Jagerbomb because I feel they are the better team. The only issue I have is the last few weeks I have picked against Old School and they have won. I guess I have to stick with who I feel is the better team, but if Old School wins I will take them the rest of the year.

 

Thunder Buddies vs Panaches

I think the connection with Will and Rob is too strong and once you add in the rest of the roster, Thunder Buddies are just too good.

 

Jackrabbits vs Chiefs

I’m taking them because Nico is a better QB and when you have a guy like JC that can and will outrun everyone on the other team it makes them hard to stop.

 

Average Joes vs Iron Wolves

I think Average Joes get back going this week and win convincingly.

 

Division 4

 

Phoenix vs Black Diamonds NA

I don’t pick my teams games.

 

GOATS vs Sour Peeps

GOATS pulled one off last week against a better team, so I don’t see why they wont win again this week.

 

Sooners 45 vs Super Friends

Jacob is probably the best QB in the division and shouldn’t have much trouble picking apart this defense. All Super Friends needs to do is stop Diego from running and the game should be easy for them.

 

Flamingos vs Weakest link

I’m taking Flamingos since they are the better team and have a legitimate QB, who can’t only run but make passes as well.

 

Airborne vs Bouchers

I just have to assume that all the drops last week was a fluke and this week they catch the ball and win games.

 

Canal Club vs Mustard Tigers

I think Mustard Tigers are the better team, but I know Francois is the best player on the field and will make a huge impact on the game.

 

Division 5

 

Heisenberg vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my own teams games.

 

Knight Triangles vs Mimosa Crew

Tyler is going to be all over Curren all day and not allow him to run.

 

Improbables vs Hard Target

They have way more experience and should be able to win this one in a close game.

 

Titans vs Bucks

They have more height and should be faster which will give them a huge advantage.

 

Drama Club vs Cyclones

I wanted to go Drama Club, but Simon has been sucking recently and Cyclones might be missing 2 players and one is their QB, but Jon will get them a good QB to replace Yann and Cyclones will win the game. It also helps that Lazar will get at least 2 picks in this game.

 

Los Politos vs Remplacants

They are a much stronger team and should be able to win with ease.

 

There you have it my picks for this week. I hope you all have read this far and want to help me out, I would appreciate it. I want to wish everyone good luck this week.

 

Power Rankings

 

The season is half over and now that I have seen most teams play this season my rankings should be getting closer to where teams should acutely be ranked, and I can use the eye test if I think its close between two teams. My rankings won’t be perfect, but most people will agree that they are pretty close.

 

Division 1

#1- Centurions

#2- Outlaws

#3- Trollers

 

Division 2

#1- Iron Wolves

#2- Tannantes

#3- Outlaws

 

Division 3

#1- Jagerbomb

#2- Idaho Udapimps

#3- Bines

#4- Average Joes

#5- Old School

 

Division 4

#1- Mustard Tigers

#2- Canal Club

#3- Super Friends

#4- Flamingos

#5- Airborne

 

Division 5

#1- Phoenix

#2- Cyclones

#3- Knight Triangles

#4- Remplacants

#5- Mimosa Crew

 

Out of all the divisions 5 was the only one I didn’t make changes to. There were a few hard picks I had to make and I’m not completely sold on the some of my picks, but the way some teams have been playing they couldn’t stay on the list. Let’s also not forget that one big win wont get you on the list. You need to win a few to be considered, but a big loss can get you kicked from the list very easily.

 

Final Thoughts

 

I don’t have much to say here (ed’s note: *checks length of remaining text* “The lie detector determined… that was a lie”), but I will like always say something.

With the NFL having mini camps and OTA the season is only a few more month away. I know some people look forward to the preseason, but that’s only for fans of teams that suck and they feel they can judge the season from that. You can’t.

Let’s not forget Cleveland went 4-0 back in 2017 and ended the season at 0-16. With that first overall pick that year they drafted Baker Mayfield, who was supposed to be the future of the team. That was true until Cleveland did a Browns move and traded for Deshaun Watson, paid him all this money, and now are stuck with 2 QBs that won’t play this season for them. Watson will be suspended for trying to get a few (26 & counting) happy endings from his massages and Baker wants nothing to do with the team other than collect the 18.9 million owed to him. Cleveland is snuggled, at least for now, but the fans at least know it, unlike Cowboys fans who know that next year is their year. The NFL has become so soft these days with their suspensions and all the rule changes, soon the game will become flag, just watch, and see. (ed’s note: I’ve been hearing this nonsense since the 90s and it’s just that, nonsense).

 

Word from the Mouth: Snuggle Bunny! edition

Word from the Mouth: Snuggle Bunny! edition

Kevin Kousaie

After a week off, Terry was back out training new refs and scorekeepers on Saturday at Le Ber. I can tell you with us having 2 locations to play at we still need more refs and scorekeepers so that we don’t have them running back and forth. It makes it tough to get games going at the right times without refs being there. We also seem to be having this issue with a few teams waiting on players or subs. To me if you are 6 players and waiting on someone else to show up from the other field the game should start on time, but after talking about it, it has been decided that the games will start a few minutes later.

I know maybe finding parking is an issue, but I will give you all a tip just this once. If when you arrive at Arthur Therrien and the parking lot is full you can normally find parking on the street, but the last few weeks the street has be closed and its is only one lane each way. Now pay close attention, here is the tip. If you are in the parking lot and it is full, turn right when you leave the parking lot and drive until you reach the lights by Canadian tire turn right and you will find parking behind the school by the baseball fields, and its free not like the parking they set up near the hospital.

That is my tip for the week and a reminder if you want to learn how to ref or be a score keeper, we are always looking for more people.

 

Week 6 Recap

 

Division 1

 

Centurions vs Outlaws (38-36)

Steve was out this week for Outlaws and had Mike from Redzone fill in and he did a fantastic job. With Outlaws still in a sort of limbo state dealing with injuries, it was tough to know who was going to show up for them. Smuda was back which meant AJ was out. Centurions were able to keep it close in the first half, scoring as the time expired, good thing Steve wasn’t there as everyone knows how much he hates when that happens. Second half Centurions kept matching score for score with Outlaws. After Smuda scored a huge 45-yard TD halfway through the first half that was it for Outlaws. Centurions were down 11 at this point, and you’d figure the game should be over, once Mike and Outlaws got the ball back, they would chew the clock. Centurions were able to score with 6 minutes left then had to rely on their defense to step up and get them the ball back. Francis stepped up with 2 huge sacks and forced Outlaws to punt after Mike was able to use up most of the clock leaving under 2 minutes for Gabriel and his offense. Instead of taking that one big shot down field, Gabriel just took the underneath all the way down and on the last play of the game found Yvan for the game winner.

 

Division 2

 

Nice TDs vs Tannantes (31-19)

 

In what must be the biggest upset in MFL history (ed’s note: and predicted by my Bold Prediction!), Nice TDs were big underdogs and even in the coin toss I was joking with Ben that we would spot them 40 and I told the captain from Tannantes not to worry because they were still going to win by 40 so it was fine. Nice TDs did what I thought was a dumb move by rotating QBs each possession, but it seemed to pay off as you got a different play call and a different set of skills, so it kept the defense off guard. This was the first time all season that Nice TDs had their complete roster for a game, so is this a thing to come for these guys. Offensively no one other than Francois from Nice TDs showed up to play. On defense both teams had guys making plays and what changed the game was the pick 6 by Thomas early in the first half. I know that Phil wasn’t there this week, but the way Nice TDs came out and played they weren’t going to lose even if he was there.

 

Division 3

 

Bines vs Manitoboys (18-6)

After the way Leon played last week, this week started the same way or at least the second drive did (ed’s note: so literally did not start the same way…). This game was not filled with much action and we had lots of drops and incomplete passes. At half it was 6-6 and could have gone either way in the second half (ed’s note: obviously…). I was hoping that one of the teams would have made a few adjustments at half and the second half would be more exciting, but neither team did. The one thing that stuck out to me was Leon. It seemed like him and his receivers weren’t on the page, he only hit 3 of his receivers or at least only 3 of them caught passes for him. Simon was out this week for Bines, but he didn’t do much for them. Alex was there to sub, and he caught everything that was thrown his way.

 

Old School vs Average Joes (24-13)

I, like most people, would never have thought that this would happen, at least not on Friday. I know Dahic was injured a few weeks back and wasn’t expected to play until next week, and you had to assume Joes would have everyone available to play, but they ended up missing a few players and it really showed. Normally when I see a score like this from Average Joes its because Jason threw a bunch of picks and just couldn’t get things going. That wasn’t the case this week, he put up yards and scores and only threw 1 pick. What I did notice was that Average Joes couldn’t keep a drive going, it took until their third drive to get a catch. After the game I asked Dahic how they won the game and he led by said because I picked against them and then said that even though he was hurt he didn’t force the ball deep and used the short game to gain yards and eat clock. When Dahic is healthy he likes to take shots down field, but this was a very smart strategy and it paid off for them.

 

Division 4

 

Super Friends vs Phoenix (47-21)

I won’t talk long about my game this week if that is what you want to call it. Super Friends came out on fire scoring on all but one drive in this game. Jacob just picked our defense apart. Phoenix was able to move the ball, but I threw too many interceptions. Here is when the game changed, Super Friends were up by 6 after Phoenix got their only stop of the game, we moved the ball inside the redzone and were looking to tie the game at 27. Rob had mentioned that a post-chair would be open and to throw it to the back corner. I did that, but the corner Oliver never bit on the out and stepped back and managed to jump up, picked the ball off, and stayed in bounds. That was the play that changed the entire game. After that Super Friends scored after a few plays and then Phoenix had to start trying to take shots, but by then it was too late the game was out of reach.

 

Canal Club vs Cereal Killers (28-14)

To start the game Cereal Killers were missing a player and were only 5 players. I asked Canal Club what they wanted to do if they wanted to play 5 on 5 or play 6 on 5 and they decided to play 6 on 5 for the first half until Cereal Killer’s player showed up. I’m not sure what I would have done, but most likely played 5 this way it was at least fair. (ed’s note: I mean, you’re paying to play 6 on the field, so I would say the onus is on the team to show up with 6).

Cereal Killers had their hands full in this one. They tried rushing Francois and playing 4 on the back end and that really didn’t work since he avoided the rusher like he wasn’t even there and Francois was able to find the open player easily. I think if they hadn’t rushed and were able to stay in their zones, Cereal Killers would have been better off on defense at least. George didn’t play bad at QB, but they were short players and that made a big difference in this game. This was the first time I got to see Canal Club play and they are a good team. Francois can run like no one else in this division and he ran 4 times for 83 yards and 2 TDs. I did notice a few things about Canal Club, but I don’t want to ruin it for everyone else, plus if I told you how to beat them, they would know as well and have plenty of time to correct the issue before I might have to play them in the playoffs.

 

Airborne vs Weakest Link (6-7)

I’m going to make this very short and right to the point. Weakest Link won because Marvin ran the ball, he over threw his players all game long on deep routes. Airborne lost this week not because of Guillaume, but because they couldn’t catch balls that were right in their hands all day. At the end of the game Airborne scored and went for 1 and it was no good and if I remember correctly a defender did get a hand on the ball to knock it away.

 

Division 5

 

Remplacants vs Phoenix (25-31)

This game was all over the place. To start the game Remplacants went up 12 points and looked to be running away with it. Phoenix woke up and got things moving after that. When Phoenix got the ball with 7 minutes left, I was thinking to use up the clock and score and make it close at half and figure it out what to do for the second half. We ended up scoring with under a minute left and figured we just couldn’t give up and big plays right before half. On what should have been the second to last play of the half Pierre threw a pass that ended up in the hands of Kat and that gave Phoenix 1 play before half. I called my play looking for a jump ball in the middle of the endzone, but I happened to see Dave open at the front cone so I threw it his way and he caught the ball to tie it at 12. Instead of being down at half we were tied. Second half, Remplacants continued to struggle moving the ball and Phoenix was walking up and down the field like there was no one there. We scored on our next two possessions to make it 24-12 Phoenix. It looked like this one was pretty much over, until Remplacants scored. With ten minutes or so left in the game I knew if we scored again the game was over. We moved the ball all the way to the 6-yard line where Brandon make his second pick of the day. Before the play Dave says “no picks”. I was rolling out right and was looking to run, but when I got close to the line Dave had crept out behind Brandon who had stepped up, but only about a foot and I tried to lay a soft pass up behind him thinking there was more room, but Brandon stepped back, jumped to pick the ball off, and was able to get both feet down on the two-yard line before going out. Pierre now had the ball and knew he needed to score. Pierre drove down the field taking a few yards at a time until they found the endzone. Now for the lead on the convert Pierre looks one way and comes back the other way to find Leonidas for the convert and the lead. It is now up to Phoenix to find the endzone for the win with under 3 minutes left. We complete a short pass to Samuel who made a player or two miss on his way to a big gain. After a few more plays Phoenix was in the redzone and looking to take the lead and win the game. I was able to find sure handed Dave for his second score of the game. Now with just a few seconds left I had a choice to make go for 1 and make it a 6-point lead or 2 and it the lead would be 7 points. I went for 1 knowing that Remplacants hadn’t been goods on converts all day. Kat got the convert and on the last play of the game when Pierre threw it up and Samuel picked it off and could have taken it to the house, but took a knee to end the game.

 

Improbables vs Knight Triangles (14-31)

Knight Triangles were in control of this game the whole time. I just want to point out that after a few weeks of the season Improbables is onto another QB. They went from Charles to Mathieu and the reasoning is that Charles doesn’t want to throw anymore. I feel that this could be a good move for them since Charles is a better receiver than Mat, but Mat seems to be the better QB or at least after 1 game.

 

Cyclones vs Titians (39-0)

This was a blowout and not even really a game. At half of this game Kevin came up to ask me if Cyclones were allowed to have a sub even if they were over cap. I said that they were allowed based off the conversations we have had about it as the committee, but I agreed with him that it was not cool that they were allowed to do what they did, but I’m not the commissioner and I don’t make the rule, I just enforce them.

 

Mimosa Crew vs Heisenberg (28-20)

Curren had pointed out that it wasn’t cool that he was essentially playing Cyclones for a second time this season. I told him that it was allowed because Heisenberg were missing a bunch of players. At the end of the day Mimosa Crew still ended up winning so it wasn’t a big deal, but I get it and would have been pissed if I was Mimosa Crew and we had lost.

 

There you have this week’s recaps. If you want more news look for Terry and Will on MFL Access tomorrow around 6pm.

 

Player of the Week

 

At the halfway point of the season everyone one is making it harder and harder to pick my winners with the way you all are playing. I know people are wondering if you sub can you win player of the week. I don’t like to do it and will probably never do it, but there is that freak chance that you kill it and or everyone else sucking that week, but generally I prefer to give it to players that are on the team they balled out on. Here are this week’s winners and let me say now sorry to all the players who subbed and balled out none of you won this week.

 

Division 1

Offense

- Samuel Collette grabbed 9 passes for 77 yards and 3 TDs.

Defense

- Francois Huot-Locas made 3 tackles which were all sacks.

 

Division 2

Offense

- Francois Rochette 8 catches for 72 yards, 3 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Thomas Iribarren made 1 tackle, had 2 picks and ran 1 back for 6 points.

 

Division 3

Offense

- Rob White caught 7 passes for 137 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- James Nguyen made 1 tackle, had 2 picks and ran 1 back for 6 points.

 

Division 4

Offense

- Jacob Morin was 21 of 28 for 207 yards, 6 TDs, 3 1point converts and 1 2point convert.

Defense

- John-Anthony Neemeh had 1 tackle and 3 picks.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Kat Blondin had 6 catches for 53 yards, 2 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Quentin Leduc made 1 tackle, had 3 picks and returned 1 for 6.

 

There you have this week’s winners. With 6 more weeks you still have a chance to get your name in the drawing for a prize at the end of the season. Every time you win player of the week you get your name in the drawing and I don’t care if you work for the league or in Jon’s case you run and own the league, everyone has a chance to win, except for me since I won’t put myself as player of the week and I have been playing like a snuggle bunny all season.

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 5

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 5

Kevin Kousaie

Predictions

Just like McDonald’s, I’m loving it. And by ‘it’ I mean being on top and winning another week. 5 weeks in and 5 wins. This week we had a screw up by one of us not making our picks on time, but we allowed him to put it in after our no change deadline because if not he would have no chance at winning and no one wants Willie not to walk around wearing Patriot gear all day long (ed’s note: I was hacked!).

This week I was able to go 14 and 7 which keeps me at 67% on the year, but it has also made my lead on Terry bigger by 10 whole games. I plan on keeping it up, but I need your help in doing so (ed’s note: this is word for word my best pick up line). Now with us being at 2 locations it will make it harder to pick up some extra info, but I’m sure I can still pull it off. Here are my picks for this week and like always they are in bold.

 

Division 1

 

Centurions vs Outlaws

I know with Steve being out this week it gives Centurions a very good chance of winning since Mike doesn’t know the guys, so the chemistry will be off a little.

 

Gros Coqs vs Bitter Boys

They are younger, fast, and love showing up their old coaches.

 

A-Team vs Trollers

A-Team is playing really good ball the last few weeks and with the roster they have they should be able to win this one as well.

 

Division 2

 

Marvels vs Outlaws

I just think that they have a few more weapons and will get the win in a close game.

 

Nice TDs vs Tannantes

Tannantes win this game since they have the better team and it won’t be close at least 30 points.

 

Redzone vs Iron Wolves

I wanted to pick Redzone, but I’m not sure who will be there for them and I know Jon will have all of his team ready to go.

 

Division 3

 

Jagerbomb vs Panaches

They have a boat load more experience and a little bit more talent and Simon is the better QB between him and Felix.

 

Thunder Buddies vs RawSauce

They have the better roster and have all shown up each week, unlike RawSauce.

 

Old School vs Average Joes

As long as Jason doesn’t screw the donkey, Average Joes win in a convincing manner.

 

Chiefs vs Idaho Udapimps

Brady and his squad aren’t going to lose 2 games in a row, especially against a team that will be missing players.

 

Bines vs Manitoboys

Leon was on fire last week and he will keep those flames burning this week.

 

Division 4

 

Super Friends vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my own team’s games.

 

GOATS vs Black Diamonds

They have more experience as well as a few guys who can play.

 

Wizards vs Sour Peeps

They have more size and are pretty good athletes as well.

 

Airborne vs Weakest Link

Looks like Guillaume has his team rolling right now and I can’t see that stopping this week.

 

Mustard Tigers vs Bouchers

They have more experience and have the stronger roster, plus I think Owie is making his debut this week.

 

Sooners 45 vs Flamingos

I think flamingos are the more complete team that will win with skill and not lucky plays.

 

Canal Club vs Cereal Killers

Cereal Killers had a hard time stopping the run last week and this week it will be even harder, so expect to see at least a 2-score game here this week.

 

Division 5

 

Los Politos vs Drama Club

This should be an easy win for Drama Club, that is unless Simon oopsies the bed again.

 

Remplacants vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my team’s games.

 

Improbables vs Knight Triangles

I feel they have the stronger roster and the better athletes.

 

Cyclones vs Titans

Cyclones are very organized and shouldn’t have much of an issue this week.

 

Bucks vs Hard Targets

This was a hard pick to make, but after weeks of getting beat badly this time around with Jon’s excellent coaching, Bucks get their first win of the season.

 

Mimosa Crew vs Heisenberg

I know that they will show up with their roster and as for Heisenberg, they are probably out in the desert making meth.

 

Those are your picks from this week. I few of them were easy, but a few I had to think long and hard, but I eventually figured it out. Good luck to everyone playing this weekend.

 

Power Rankings

 

After the way a few teams played last week I had to make multiple adjustments to my list across every division. I know it was hard playing in the wind, but I don’t want any excuses as to why you or your team dropped. (ed’s note: Kevin is literally the only QB I heard blaming the wind)

 

Division 1

#1- Centurions

#2- Outlaws

#3- A-Team

 

Division 2

#1- Tannantes

#2- Redzone

#3- Iron Wolves

 

Division 3

#1- Jagerbomb

#2- Manitoboys

#3- Average Joes

#4- Idaho Udapimps

#5- Thunder Buddies

 

Division 4

#1- Mustard Tigers

#2- Airborne

#3- Canal Club

#4- Phoenix

#5- Flamingos

 

Division 5

#1- Phoenix

#2- Cyclones

#3- Knight Triangles

#4- Remplacants

#5- Mimosa Crew

 

There you have my rankings after 5 weeks. Some teams went up, some went down, some jumped onto the list, and some were given the boot. This week I made a bunch of changes and I’m sure that next week I will be making a bunch more. I know my list isn’t perfect, but this is how I see it, at least for now.

 

Final Thoughts

 

So far this season we have had pretty good weather and, ye,s the wind wasn’t great (ed’s note: You see?!?), it’s still better than the rain. It looks to be decent weather again this weekend. Just reminder to please check which field you are playing at. We have Le Ber and Arthur Therrien for the rest of the season.

This month is Gay Pride and for the first time in the history of the NFL there is a trans person in the league. There have been gay players that are open in the league and still are, there is a lesbian coach right now, and finally there is a trans cheerleader in the league. Who would have ever though that this would happen, let alone down south in Carolina? I personally don’t care when I’m watching the game, I’m there for the game and nothing else. To each their own and we need to start treating everyone the way we want to be treated and that’s the bottom line.

Finally please remember we are playing a game for fun, so go out, have fun, and don’t kill anyone. And don’t be dicks and run up the score.

Word from the Mouth: Joey the Superstar! edition

Word from the Mouth: Joey the Superstar! edition

Kevin Kousaie

For me this past weekend sucked pennies. Yes, it wasn’t extremely hot, but the wind was a silly goose, at least while I was playing. As a ref the wind was cool and refreshing at least.

This past week we played at our 2 locations and everything was fine and all the teams made it out, except Wizards who only had 2 players show up. Not sure if they got the field wrong or they just couldn’t field a team.

We only had 1 game start late and we can blame that on Terry for having me run back and forth between locations to ref.

If anyone is interested in becoming a ref or a scorekeeper, please reach out to Jon or Terry and they will arrange for you to get trained. We are always looking for more of both.

One last little thing before I get into my recaps of last week. If you are interested in going to the Als game as part of the MFL on June 23, you need to follow this link and get your tickets before it is no longer available to us at a cheaper rate.

 

Week 5 Recap

 

Division 1

 

Gros Coqs vs A-Team (32-34)

 

I will leave this game for the Podcast with Terry and Will. I just wanted to make two quick observations about it in case it’s not mentioned. For years now I have talked about how the teams Dave has played with have never played as a team and have always been fighting amongst each other, but that isn’t the case this year. They have learned to play as a team and encourage their teammates, whether they made a good play or a bad one. The second thing about this game was they kept rotating players every few plays to stay fresh. I’m not a fan of it, but it did seem to work and kept them fresh on offense all game long. This team has all the talent to go a long way if they keep playing like this.

 

Outlaws vs Bitter Boys (48-20)

 

This wasn’t much of a game as Outlaws jumped up early and never looked back. For me the big story of the game and maybe the season for Outlaws is the injuries they have had so far this season. Smuda looks to be gone for the year, Terry is waiting to see about his knee and most likely his season is over as well, then we have Marvin which we all knew was gone until at least next spring. To fill the void left by those guys being out, Steve has brought in super star AJ Gomes and in his first game all AJ did was catch 6 balls for 60 yards, scored twice, had a 2 point convert and made 2 tackles. Expect to see those numbers go up dramatically over the next few weeks. With Terry being out Outlaws will rely on a committee of rushers until they figure out who will do it once playoffs arrive. What killed it for Bitter Boys were the back to back pick 6s from Ariel. These both happened at the start of drives and were easily walked in for scores.

 

Division 2

 

Redzone vs Outlaws (45-34)

 

The first half of this game was exciting back and forth with both teams driving the ball and a few big plays sprinkled in. The second half was more of the same, but with a few big drops that ended up stopping drives. The one thing that really sticks in my mind about this game was old school Vincent not wearing gloves and catching everything thrown his way. The score should have been 39-34 but with a few seconds left Mike threw it down the sideline where Vincent caught the ball over the defender’s shoulder in stride and ran it in from a few yards out. I can tell you that next time these two teams meet it won’t be the same Outlaws teams since they were missing a few players this week.

 

Nice TDs vs Tannantes (6-57)

 

I’m shocked that the score was this close. Tannantes are a team that cold have moved up to play D1 this season and Nice TDs are a team that should be playing in D3. What am I to say about the game that was completely one sided right from the start? Tannantes have studs all over the place and Nice TDs have 1 guy in Thomas. I just don’t know what Nice TDs were thinking when they went D2, it’s not fair to them or the teams playing against them. I hate to say it, but Nice TDs need Batman and Flash to come back and save the day for them once again.

 

Division 3

 

Idaho Udapimps vs Jagerbomb (19-40)

 

In a game that most of the media would have loved to see and all thought this could be the finals was a flop. The first half of this game was neck and neck with both teams trading scores and going into half tied at 12. It took Jagerbomb a little while to get going, but once they did, they were unstoppable. Second half was all Jagerbombs as Simon was able to make a few minor adjustments and had guys running free the rest of the way. What I think is funny and yet ridiculous is the number of TDs JF scores for this team. Jagerbomb are 5 games in and JF has 11 TDs already and let’s not forget JF missed a game to play QB. Maybe the Steve and Smuda connection for most TDs in a season won’t last long if Simon and JF keep going like this. I know a lot of players only care about stats, but with this Jagerbomb all that matters is winning. Idaho made a bunch of moves this offseason to get better and they did, but after a game like this you have to wonder was it enough?

 

Jackrabbits vs RawSauce (21-20)

 

As you can see Jackrabbits won the game by scoring more points than RawSauce, except for the fact that they broke the CAP by 1.59 points. I know it sucks, but we have a CAP for a reason and when you break it you pay and by that, I mean you lose. The league has told captains on multiple occasions that if you are adding subs to make sure that they will fit under CAP and if not then it’s the team’s fault. I know right now Jackrabbits are pissed and are saying that they were only 1.59 over, but if we allowed it then the next team will say oh, but we are only 2 points over and before you know it the CAP is no longer being used and the parity amongst teams will dissolve. As a captain you want to put you team in a position to win or at least complete, but you need to follow the rules just like everyone else. Just so everyone is aware when teams use subs the roster is always checked later that night or the next day, so captains you need to check before you add players.

 

Division 4

 

Flamingos vs Phoenix (33-6)

 

In the 3 seasons that I have played QB this was by far my worst game. Flamingos played a great game and deserved to win. They picked me off 5 times and some of them were my fault, but some should have been caught. The biggest issue I had was getting good snaps and because a bunch were so-so to bad it was hard to go short and protect the ball. Dimitri didn’t have those issues and with Phoenix playing soft defense he was able to pick us apart and made it look easy plus he had a short field all game long. I can tell you that both the issues with Phoenix will get fixed this week and we won’t have another game like this. Flamingos had a good plan stuck to it and out played us everywhere on the field. Everyone is entitled to a horrible game once a year and this was mine and won’t happen again.

 

Cereal Killers vs Sooners 45 (12-20)

 

I know we weren’t supposed to add subs manually anymore at the field, but this week with Bouchers game being forfeited and Cereal Killers needing a sub I let Sooners 45 know the rule and they said it was ok to add the sub since they didn’t want to play 5vs5 or 6vs5 like they are allowed to. Being a good sport helped them after half when a few of their players had to leave and one of their players ended up getting hurt so they grab a player from Bouchers who was there watching the game. Cereal Killers were mostly there except for the few players that are whipped by their GFs and had to go away for the weekend, by now the guys should know football takes precedents. Sooners put up a good fight, and at the end of the game with everything on the line, they were trying to go short and get some yards, but they weren’t spreading the field and taking the mid range hole that were open. For Sooners 45 what I noticed was Diego runs as much as he can. If you can get a good rush on him and contain him and force him to throw you have a chance to win the game. I will say maybe Sooners aren’t the best team in the division, but they are at least fun to watch. With the game being close all game long when James picked the ball off and ran it in for 6 it gave Sooners breathing room and now meant Cereal Killers needs a score and 2-point convert. With half of the half left Cereal Killers couldn’t move the ball onto the other half of the field, and they lost by 8. I feel if the rest of the team was there maybe it goes the other way, but not today.

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix vs Cyclones (33-32)

Let me start by saying that 32 isn’t 50. I know that might confuse a few people, but Yann knows what I’m talking about. To start the game, I won the toss and chose defense and Yann picked to go with the wind, which gave me exactly what I wanted, ball in the second half and the wind. First play of the game Yann threw me such a beautiful pass I guess I was just that open. Don’t worry, I gave Eric a gift like that later in the game. We scored then Cyclones score and it was close for a little while then Phoenix got a stop and scored, then Vince picked off a pass and ran it into give Phoenix a 26-12 lead. It stayed that way until the last play of the half when Yann found a wide-open Eric in the endzone. Second half was all Cyclones as they mounted a comeback. After Phoenix drove the field with the help of a penalty, we were on the one yard line and here is the gift I gave Eric. For some reason I threw a pass inside to my receiver instead of outside where there was no defender and Eric made a great break on the ball and picked it off and kept his teams hopes alive. Cyclones having the ball with just over a minute left scored to go up by 4 points and went for 2 and got it. Being up 6 meant Phoenix needed a score and convert to win. I find Joey for a few yards, then I hit Vince for a few more, I have an open Kat in the middle for a couple more. I then take a shot to Khalil and he is called for offensive pass interference and we are now fourth down and the last play of the game. I get the match up I want on the outside, so I go right back to Khalil who comes down with it for the score. Now for the convert, I call a play and with the way the defense was lined up I knew exactly where I wanted to go with the ball. I threw it behind Joey a little bit who somehow grabs it with one arm, pulls it in as Yann is tackling him to the ground, and holds on and we won the game.

 

Hard Targets vs Remplacants (6-26)

 

This game like most have been a struggle for Hard Targets, but for them it’s all about having fun. This was a hard game to watch though there were a few plays that happened like Jon’s 41-yard TD that he caught in stride while being behind the defense. Then there was the pick by Vincent that he seemed surprised he picked it off. For Remplacants there was the pick 6 from Luke that he made the QB miss while he ran by him. Leonidas had 3 picks on the game, but if I remember correctly the balls were thrown right at him, but I could be mistaken. One thing I did noticed was a few players for Remplacants weren’t wearing cleats. Hope it doesn’t rain for any of their games or they will be sliding all over the place.

 

There you have my recaps for week 5. If I didn’t talk about your game maybe it will get covered by Terry and Will on the podcast, MFL All Access, which should be out Wednesday night around 6pm.

 

Players of the Week

 

Over the last few weeks a few teams have jumped on grabbing players who play in a higher division. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least 2 or 3 players. This is what making it hard for me to pick my players and not screw up by giving it to a player playing in another division or a sub. With how the sub system is set up, I now have to go in and look to see that the player isn’t subbing for that week. It took me a while for this week, but here is who I have chosen to be this week’s winners.

 

Division 1

Offense

- Dave Daoust was 31 0f 37 for 233 yards, 5 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Ariel Librati made 3 tackles, had 2 picks and returned both for scores.

 

Division 2

Offense

- Michael Roy was 28of 40 for 321 yards, 7 TDs, 1 1point convert and 1 2point convert.

Defense

- Tameem Riman had 2 tackles and 2 picks.

 

Division 3

Offense

- Leon Holder went 16 of 25 for 251 yards, 9 TDs 3 1point converts and ran twice for 14 yards.

Defense

- Lazar Atunockovic made 4 tackles and picked 3 balls off.

 

Division 4

Offense

- Alex Morin caught 5 passes for 75 yards and 2 TDs.

Defense

- James Neumann made 2 tackles both were sacks andhad 1 pick that he ran back for 6.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Khalil Agrebi grabbed 4 balls for 35 yards and 3 TDs.

Defense

- Ian Carlo Herrera made 4 tackles, had 3 sacks and picked off 1 pass.

 

There you have it this week’s winners. I couldn’t put everyone I wanted up here, but I think I did a decent job making these picks. I was going to add Jon and myself up on the list, but with 15 picks between the two of us it just didn’t seem fair to set the bar that high as that would be unattainable to the rest of you players.

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Montreal Flag Football League