Word from the Mouth: Now With Added Salt! edition

Word from the Mouth: Now With Added Salt! edition

Kevin Kousaie

Here we go, the last article of the spring season. Let me start by thanking all of you players for making the league what it is. Without you it would just be me walking around the park with no shirt on (ed’s note: which is what he does on Fridays). Yes, we had a few hot days and the final game of the season sucked with the rain, but we made it through without getting shut down from Covid.

With the season over, some of the teams won’t be back for the fall, but we do have a few new teams coming and the fall season will be just as much fun as the spring.

This past weekend was the finals for all our divisions, we got to crown a few first-time champions and a few that have been there before.

Congratulations to all the winners and for the teams that didn’t win this should give you extra motivation for next season.

 

Championship Weekend Recap

 

Division 1

 

Ninja Turtles vs Centurions (33-30) Semifinals

I didn’t see this game, but I do know that at one point everyone thought that Centurions had the game in the bag and that they were going to the finals. Then Ninja Turtles stepped up and came from eleven down with under ten minutes left. I was very surprised to see that happened with the Centurions since they have a very good defense. The player that made all the difference was Wade, who took the switch from QB to WR and played lights out scoring 3 TDs and getting a pick on defense as well and 2 of those TDs were down the stretch and gave his team the lead and the win.

 

Finals

 

Outlaws vs Ninja Turtles (32-31)

 

I don’t know how, but Steve did it again and pulled a win out when it looked very bleak. Tam was able to outperform Steve statistically, but in the end all that matters is who had more points when the final whistle blew. There was a point in the game where Steve threw a pick and it look like Ninja Turtles were going to punch it in and extend their lead, but the Outlaws defense stepped up and got the ball back. I’ve played with and against Steve enough times to know that when he got the ball back with under eight minutes left his goal was to score and use up all the clock. Five minutes and few penalties later they punched it in and now it was up to the defense to seal the game. They gave up a big score quickly then Outlaws answered right back with a big score of their own. The game had under two minutes left and Ninja Turtles need to score and get a 1-point convert to tie it or 2 for the win. Tam had just over a minute and three timeouts to go 45 yards. First play deep out on the sideline, second play same sort of route, quick screen to AJ, next play quick hook. Ninja Turtles were just a few yards away from scoring when Smuda was called for a contact penalty placing the ball on the one-yard line. Turtles get in in on the next play and left one second on the clock. Ninja Turtles have a big choice to make go for the tie or the win, they went for the tie and the ball was thrown just inside the endzone and the defender was able to get a hand in and knock it away. Outlaws are now your back-to-back-to-back-to-back champs. Can they get 5 in a row? Come back in the fall and find out.

 

Division 2

 

Petits Phoques vs Outlaws (33-42)

 

Phoques were missing a few players for this game, but everyone that was there stepped up and made plays. Playing in this game was tough. Our defense had struggled all season long giving up big play after big play and this weekend was the same. Just before half, Outlaws had a two-score lead with 20 seconds left so you’d feel that it would end that way. Well, two plays later, Phoques were attempting a convert. Petits Phoques started the second half with the ball and scored easily, but miss the convert and are down 2 points. After a punt from Petits Phoques Steve gets sacked for a safety from Charlie and it is all tied up. Dom decides to throw it the length of the field where Boris makes a beautiful catch and gives them the lead. Outlaws answered right back and after a few changes of possessions Dom lead Petits Phoques to a score with six minutes left to take the lead. You know Steve will score to tie it and got the convert to take a one-point lead. Steve left just under two minutes on the clock and plenty of time for Dom to march the field, score and win the game. Dom ended up throwing a pick and Outlaws scored and went for two to seal the game, they got it and game was over.

 

Honor Game vs OG Panthers (27-14)

 

I’ll leave this for Will and Terry since they both played in this game and all I know is OG had the lead at half, but then Will came out of the game and Marvin went in. Then Honor Game dominated the second half.

 

Finals

 

Honor Game vs Outlaws (47-50)

 

Going into this game I was surprised that it was this match up and I’m sure I wasn’t the only person thinking that. The last time these two teams faced off it was an 8-point game with a pick 6 on the last play, so Honor Game had to be confident going into the finals. Honor Game had a 2 for 1 which is when you score right before half and then start the second half with the ball and score. This gave them a 10-point lead. I’m on sidelines and you can almost feel the game slipping away. Outlaws kept fighting to get back into it. With 8 minutes, Outlaws had brought the deficit from ten points to nine. We get in the huddle and Josh says guys I’m not giving up now let’s go and win the game. We go down and score, but miss the convert and are now down three points. All game Dave has been running the same play on Stu and Steve is fed up and yells something at Stu and on the very next play Stu breaks on the ball and picks it off, leaving Outlaws a chance to get the lead. Steve leads a scoring drive and with under a minute Honor Game can go in and win the game. On their third play Marvin runs a post, but slips and Dave lets it rip, but the only player that was there was Justin in an orange shirt. From having a so-so defense all season it stepped up in the playoffs for Outlaws who are your D2 champs.

 

Division 3

 

Iron Wolves vs Old School (43-14)

 

I almost feel bad for Old School not having Dahic there, but when Covid gets you it gets you and you’re forced to quarantine. Old School beat Nice TDs last week and they were never going to beat Iron Wolves the way Jon built his roster. Nicholas was filling in for Dahic at QB, but he had no chemistry with the team and probably hadn’t thrown in a while. At half it looked like a game at 14-7 then the second half started, and the points just kept going up and up and when it was all over Iron Wolves put up 43.

 

Deep Threats vs Les Tannantes (24-32)

 

I didn’t see this game and I didn’t hear anything about it, but my bet is that Deep Threats didn’t do what they did all season. JC held the ball too long looking for Svetna and was taking sacks. No one other than Svetna made any plays, this was the Deep Threats team from 2 seasons ago not the spring 2021 version the one I was impressed with. Jasmin was solid when he had the ball in his hands tossing 4 TDs, no picks and was smart enough to avoid Svetna when passing the ball. With under two minutes left JC had time to drive the field and got the ball inside the red zone, but couldn’t score to tie the game.

 

Iron Wolves vs Les Tannantes (43-26)

 

At the start of the season, I didn’t see this match up for the title, but I did see one of these teams here and it wasn’t Iron Wolves who Jon had contemplated moving to D4 before the season began. The first half of the game was won by Les Tannantes and it looked like Iron Wolves were done for. Then Jon made a few adjustments and lit a fire under his players asses and Iron Wolves completely dominated the second half with ease. I think that the big difference in the second half was Les Tannantes was tired from the first game that came down to the wire and Iron Wolves just coasted in their game. I know Iggy had a very good game on offense, but to me the game was won by Jonathan their rusher as he had 3 sacks and I’m sure that the 3 picks Jasmin threw were from all the pressure he put on him. I know Jon will add in how it really went down, but on Sunday he was saying how they were losing at half and that they were out of it. When you win by 17 and you were down 12 that is a huge comeback. There you have it, the most stacked team in division 3 winning the title.

 

Division 4

 

Flamboyant Flamingos vs Thunder Buddies (7-24)

 

Before this game even started, most of us knew it wasn’t going to be pretty for the number 1 seed, they were missing players, had a sub and were only 6. The Thunder Buddies team they faced wasn’t the same as in the season. Thunder Buddies were missing Rosalie their rusher, so Terry filled in. This was not a cool move on their behalf. The game was close in the first half with Thunder Buddies taking the lead on the last play of the half. Second half it was all Thunder Buddies as they strolled into the finals for the second straight fall season.

 

RawSauce vs Pananches (26-20)

 

Just from looking at the stats you would have figured it was a lopsided game, but it wasn’t, it was close right up to the last whistle. It sucks that both teams were missing players and if they had been there it might have made a difference. At the end of the game Panaches went down and tied it up leaving just seconds on the clock, it looked like overtime was coming. Then somehow RawSauce was able to get a few plays and scored with zeros on the clock and made their way to the finals.

 

RawSauce vs Thunder Buddies (26-27)

 

This was a game that shows you why a good rusher is important. Terry was more of a runner then he was a passer, same number of completions as rushing attempts and same amount of yards. This was a very close game that might have had the best ending of the day. RawSauce is up 7 with 34 seconds left it seems to be over and RawSauce is the new D4 champs. Terry throws two incomplete passes and then runs for a bunch of yards. On the last play of the game Terry goes to play slot and Simon steps in at QB and throws it to Terry who uses his body to catch the ball for a TD. Now its time for the convert, 1 ties it and 2 wins it. Terry decides to go for 1 and the tie. Terry rolls out throws it and the ball gets picked off and ran back for 1, but then you look around and see a flag on the floor for roughing the passer. This time Terry goes for 2 and hits Simon just inside the end zone and next to the sideline the 2 points are good, and Thunder Buddies won their second championship. To me, just like the last one they got, it should have a star beside their name. They did win it fair and square, but Terry knows he should not be rushing in D4.

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix vs Spin Doctors (12-24)

 

Spin Doctors won this game from a complete team effort. All season this team got better each week and showed that it’s not always the best team that wins, it’s the team that plays best together. From playing in this game, I don’t remember many big plays happening that made a huge difference in the game. The first half was a close game going back and forth and both teams marching the field. Spin Doctors did get a few lucky breaks by ways of dropped interceptions and one of those did go for the only big play of the day. After all these years, Raph was finally able to claim his first title and he had to go from D1 to D5 to get it (ed’s note: it’s difficult to read this through all the salt). I liked most of the guys from Spin Doctors, they were there to have fun and learn the game and winning a title was a bonus.

 

Congratulations to all the winners. Now that you won one, it’s time to start thinking about repeating and everyone coming after you.

 

Finals MVPs

 

I’m going to get right to it. If you were at the get together on Sunday you know that the league gave trophies to who they felt deserved the award, but now its my turn to tell you who I think it was and a quick reason why.

 

Division 1

 

I know everyone feels that the QBs should get it every time, well not this time around. I went with Jonathan Svetna. Svetna had a solid game on offense and came up with a pick on defense as well. When Svetna got his pick Ninja Turtles might have sealed the game if that doesn’t happen.

 

Division 2

 

After being yelled at by Steve a few times this season the guy you’d never expect to make a play on defense did. If you watched the game, you know I’m talking about Stu Lambon. Players on our team have referred to it as The Pick. Without Stu making a play, Outlaws don’t win.

 

Division 3

 

I had a hard time picking the winner from Iron Wolves as there were so many players that balled out, but I eventually narrowed it down to James and Iggy. I know everyone wants to see big numbers on offense, but you need to do it on both sides of the ball for me so I went with James Langshaw. James scored twice on offense and had a big pick on defense. Sorry Iggy, next time get more than 3 tackles.

 

Division 4

 

When the pressure is on what do you do? In Simon’s case you step up and get it done. Simon Duchesne had 2 picks on defense plus a pick 1 a bunch of catches. Oh, and I forgot to mention the TD pass on the last play of the game to bring his team within a convert of tying it, that’s not all he caught the 2 point convert to win it while getting bumped out of bounds. Simon did everything he could to make sure that his team won the game.

 

Division 5

 

In this game was hard to make a pick because it was such a team effort from Spin Doctors. I have to give it to Raph Levy with 4 TDs and no picks, he deserved it. First title ever in MFL and it’s about time for someone deemed as a HOF.

 

Those are my picks for finals MVP they might not be your picks, but they are mine and I wasn’t able to see every play that happened, so I looked over the numbers and heard a few things around and made my picks that way.

Playoff Predictions and Spreads

Playoff Predictions and Spreads

Kevin Kousaie

 

Predictions & Keys to Winning

 

This is it the week that everyone has been waiting for. It’s time to crown a champion at least in the league (ed’s note: where else would you be referring to?).

Terry won the regular season title over Will by 2 games and last week Terry destroyed all of us and has all but clinched the playoff title as well.

Last week was a killer in the heat and this week is going to be a killer with how many games some players are going to be playing, but at least it will be cooler. Now lets get to picking some winners, I hope.

 

Division 1

 

Ninja Turtles (2) vs Centutions (3)

- Ninja Turtles win if they stick to Tam playing QB

- Centurions will win if their defense steps up and plays like they did in last year playoffs.

Winner faces Outlaws for the title.

 

Division 2

 

Honor Game (2) vs OG Panthers (3)

- For Honor Game to win they need to forget last time they played each other and stay focused.

- If OG want to win this matchup again they will need Charles to ball out and the defense to stop Marvin who wasn’t there last time.

 

Petits Phoques (1) vs Outlaws (4) NA

By now you should know I don’t pick my games, but that won’t stop me from giving my insight.

- Petits Phoques will win if Dom is on his game, and most of the time he is during the playoffs.

- Outlaws need their defense to step up and the rusher to contain Dom.

 

Division 3

 

Iron Wolves (1) vs Old School (6)

- Iron Wolves will walk away with the victory if they play smart offense and avoid Dahic all day.

- Old School can win if they forget about the past and just concentrate on this one game. Winning streaks do come to an end.

 

Deep Threats (2) vs Les Tannantes (4)

- Deep Threat will win if JC keeps doing what he has done all year and spread the ball.

- Les Tannantes will have to slow Svetna down and not throw near him when he is on defense.

 

Division 4

 

Flamboyant Flamingos (1) vs Thunder Buddies (4)

- Flamingos can win this game if they show up, word is that 6 players will be missing.

- Thunder Buddies can win if Terry plays smart, uses his legs and doesn’t force the ball.

 

RawSauce (2) vs Panaches (3)

- RawSauce can win but like the other D4 game need to show up, planning a team trip is great, but not during the playoffs.

- Panaches should be able to win this game if they play smart on offense and hard defense.

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix (1) vs Spin Doctors (3) NA

By now you should know I don’t pick my games, but that won’t stop me from giving my insight.

- Phoenix can win if they protect the ball and play smart on defense.

- Spin Doctors can win this game if their defense can stay together and make some plays.

 

There you have it my picks for the week.

 

Final Thoughts

 

We made it through the season and here we are at the finals. There were lots of conflicts and back and forth about how to get all the games in this weekend, but Jon figured it out. On Sunday we are having our end of the year get together and it seems plans have changed a little since it was last mentioned. We were supposed to go to Bowheads Pub, but it was going to be difficult to get as all in there, so we are instead meeting at West Shefford Pub located at 1562 Mont Royal Est.

We’re still meeting at 6 pm and there will be the awards given out as well as raffle prizes.

The new season starts on September 4th, so get your rosters in and if you are looking for a team let Jon know so he can place you on one.

I hope that in the fall we have just as many teams coming back plus a few new ones, but knowing that it will eventually get colder teams seem to take the fall season off.

I’m glad to hear that Division 1 will be happening this time around as last year D1 wasn’t there in the fall since there were so few teams that fit that division.

This season a lot of the new teams struggled in the beginning, but got to know the game and made big strides at the end of the season.

Now that this is the final week of the season if you want to win it all you might have to sacrifice your body to make the play. I know every week I tell you to have fun and be safe, well now it’s the finals and time to leave it all out on the field. Don’t be the person that takes it easy and costs your team a shot at the title. Ball out and recover afterwards, but still have fun.

See you all Saturday, first games are at 8am if you want to come watch.

 

 

 

Word from the Mouth: It's Heating Up! edition

Word from the Mouth: It's Heating Up! edition

Kevin Kousaie

Here we are coming to the last week of the playoffs. Congratulations to all the teams that have advanced and for all the teams that lost, better luck next season.

It was really hot out there this weekend and to everyone that was there all day, good for you and I hope you stayed hydrated and in the shade. I want to say a big thanks to Rob and Will for the 3:30 game and for me not having to play in it. I can tell you that if I had played, someone would have had to drag me to my car and drive me home, if I didn’t already have 3 chauffeurs there this week. I know this week is supposed to get cooler, but you never know.

I can tell you that with so many players on multiple teams that making the schedule has been a pain in Jon’s ass. I know we all want the playoffs to end this week, but that might mean a few players would be forced to pick between the two teams they are on and after playing all season to miss the playoff would really suck. I feel Jon should stipulate this at the beginning of the season that there is a chance that you have multiple games at the same time in playoffs, with Jon doing his best so that this happens as little as possible.

 

Playoff Week 1 Recap

 

Division 1

 

There was only one game played this week and it was between the Outlaws and Henchmen and with both Terry and Will being on these teams, I figured I’d allow them to cover this game since they were there and I wasn’t.

 

Division 2

 

Honor Game vs Joey’s Haters (43-24)

 

This game will get covered by Terry and Will since this is a team Will plays on. I want to point out that all season Will and Marvin haven’t been allowed to play in the same game, but this week they were allowed to each play a half.

 

OG Panthers vs KOLB (40-26)

 

Like the other game, Terry is on OG and will get into this game. I will say that going into this game KOLB had a few injuries and weren’t sure they were going to be able to play all game so an emergency sub was available, but not needed.

 

Outlaws vs D#Nasty (49-44)

 

This was the best matchup Outlaws could have asked for week 1 of playoffs and it was a rough one for them. Steve got beat up hard in this game, not sure if it was 3 or 4 times he was ran into and knocked down, but he kept getting up and putting points on the board. This was a game with very little defense even though there were a total of 5 picks in the game, it was all poor tackling and big plays. It looked like it was going to come down to whoever had the ball last. The smartest play of the game came early in the second half when Outlaws went for two and put them up by nine points. After that both teams went back and forth scoring and it seemed like Outlaws had it locked down, then Mathieu got a pick off Steve which went off the receiver’s hands and gave D#Nasty a little more hope. With a minute left it was Outlaws ball and all they had to do was get a first down and they could end the game. D#Nasty was smart and used all their timeouts got the ball back with time for two plays. Kevin took an intermediate pass this way he had a chance to get the ball to the end zone on the last play. Kevin got it there, but Gabe was able to get up and knock it away. That’s how the game ended.

 

Division 3

 

Les Tannantes vs Washington Foreskins (44-27)

 

For the first time in a while Tannantes had their team show up and they didn’t disappoint. Jasmin didn’t have a great game on offense, but he more than made up for it with his defense. Really with the way that Tannantes play defense their QB just needs to be smart with the ball and instead of forcing throws that lead to picks, he can just throw it away and punt the ball. Going into this game I felt that this was going to be a good match up and a super close game and it wasn’t. You must know its going to be a long day when your first pass gets picked off and walked in for 6 points. Both QBs struggled to start the game, but eventually got it somewhat under control. For Tannantes, Simon had the big plays and most of the yards, but Phillipe did the scoring getting into the end zone 3 times on his 6 catches. Washington Foreskins did a decent job getting everyone involved in the game, but Gabriel needed to have a bigger game if they wanted to win, and he didn’t. I can’t put all the blame on Gabriel, but with 6 picks some of them had to be on him.

 

Deep Threats vs Black Knights (40-6)

 

This was a game I wanted to see a few weeks back, but Deep Threats weren’t going to be able to field a team and Black Knights took the forfeit win. Before that game they had said they have a few guys on their roster that could lock down Svetna alone. I doubted them and then this week rolls around and I’m finally going to see this happen. Then before the game I’m speaking to Michael and he lets me know that they are missing JC who is hurt and Brendan who are their safeties as well as defensive play callers. I knew right then that they had no shot in this game. Wow, was I right or what? This was a one-sided game right from the start. No one on Deep Threats had to do much as with all the attention Svetna was getting it left everyone else open to make easy catches. I said this in the past Svetna is probably the best player in the division and with all the attention he gets someone else has to step up. In years past that hasn’t happened, but now it is and look at them roll. JC has improved on his reads and no longer just chucks it up deep and on the other hand Leon looks at his first read and seems to be stuck on that player thinking he can fit the ball in. I can tell you that I would have avoided Svetna all day on when I had the ball.

 

Division 4

 

Panaches vs Cereal Killers (41-26)

 

I was hoping to see an upset this weekend and I thought that this might be the game. This was also the first game that I did of Cereal Killers and I wanted to see what all the hype was about them from the beginning of the season. Yes, they are young, fast and athletic, but they don’t know the game and that’s what they need to improve. Panaches jumped up early and never looked back. With Felix playing QB for Panaches it has made this team a real competitor. Felix might not look great throwing and he always seems to jump while throwing the ball, but it gets the job done and that’s all that matters. I think that this was the hottest time of the day and both teams were really dying out there. They were using timeouts just to get a quick break and a sip of water. On a day like that you need to have 8 or 9 players not 7 but its playoffs and you play with who you got. One thing I will say is both teams did a good job of spreading the ball and get everyone involved. Cereal Killers lost the game, but gained some much need experience over the season and should they come back next season, they will be a better team for it.

 

RawSauce vs Wolf Pack (27-6)

 

This game didn’t last long. Wolf Pack were in need of subs and got a few to bring them to 6 players. It was hot, everyone was tired, and the subs they got couldn’t finish out the game. The subs made it to half time where Wolf Pack called the game. It was already out of reach and being down on the score and players, it was only going to get worse and a chance for more injuries, so why not end it and go home and relax?

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix vs Les Last Calls (34-25)

 

Going into this game I wasn’t worried, we got a stop on the opening drive and followed that up by throwing a pick. I’m thinking to myself this is going to a very defensive game, then Les Last Calls had the ball for their second drive and were forced to punt again. Phoenix was able to march down the field and put the first points on the board on a long drive. Les Last Calls answered that score quickly with a big deep ball to Seb who went for 34 yards and the score. The first half, a few bad throws by Kevin (ed’s note: is “The Mouth” like a separate entity to Kevin?) led to picks and points for Les Last Calls. With the last play of the half, Phoenix threw up a prayer hoping to tie the game at 19, but the ball was knocked away. Second half Phoenix made an adjustment on defense and stopped throwing the deep ball. Phoenix controlled the clock and the ball in the second half. The play of the game was made on defense by Gab. Phoenix was up seven and with Les Last Calls starting on their five-yard line, Gab goes in and gets the sack and the safety putting Phoenix up 9 points with 7:30 or so left in the game. Phoenix took their time using five plus minutes to score and make it a fifteen-point game with under two minutes left. Les Last Calls were able to score, but missed the convert and Phoenix ended the game and bought their ticket to the championship game next week.

 

Top Performances of the Week

 

I would normally be picking an offensive and Defensive player per division here, but with not a lot of games plus it being playoffs, I’m only picking one player per division who balled out and helped their team win their game.

 

Division 1

 

This week there was only one game played so picking my player of the week was relatively easy. I hate to agree with Jon, but for once he got it right when he picked Marvin Steinberg. Marvin caught 6 balls for 57 yards and 3 TDs on offense. For his defense he only had 6 tackles. It wasn’t his defense that got him picked it was his 3 TDs.

 

Division 2

 

I had it narrowed down to 3 very good performances this week, but one of those players won it for D1 and the other player also happens to play in D1 as well, so that left me with one player. This player did earn it this week, so it’s not like he wouldn’t have won either way. Louis-Mathieu Dufour balled out on both sides of the ball. Offensively Louis had 5 catches for 109 yards, 2 TDs and a 1point convert. Louis also had 6 tackles and a pick he took back for 6 points.

 

Division 3

 

I had a harder time picking my winner for this division. I wanted to go with the QB who had a huge upset this week, but after looking at the stats I really couldn’t do it. Out of everyone to pick from I went with Jasmin Henri from Les Tannantes. Jasmin was 17 of 36 for 183 yards, 5 TDs, 2 1point converts and threw 3 picks, oh and he ran twice for 12 yards. I know those are some very mediocre numbers, but I didn’t pick him because of that I picked him for his 1 tackle, 3 picks and his pick 6 on defense.

 

Division 4

 

This is the third and final time I’m making my pick for the winner, I wrote it once and was like ya but, then again and finally I went with Felix Gerin-Lajoie from Panaches (ed’s note: did you have a stroke while you were writing that sentence?). This is the first season Felix has thrown and he did a very good job of it. Felix went 17 of 25 for 193 yards, 6 TDs, 3 1point convert and threw an interception. He was also able to run for 32 yards on 8 carries. On defense Felix picked off a pass as well as record 3 tackles.

 

Division 5

 

I almost went with a QB here, but then realized I wasn’t allowed to give myself my pick for player of the week. No, really, I never even consider myself. I had 2 players in mind and then the player I picked just jumped off the stat sheet and there was no way I couldn’t give it to him this week. This week’s winner is Orenzo Porporino. Orenzo had 4 catches for 101 yards and 1 TD, he also had 2 tackles and a sack on defense.

 

There you have it my players of the week. Next weekend is where it all counts and the one week you don’t want to screw the pooch.

Predictions and Power Rankings Playoffs Week 1

Predictions and Power Rankings Playoffs Week 1

Kevin Kousaie

Predictions & Keys to Winning

 

Let me start by say congratulations to Terry for winning the media predictions by 2 games over Willy. This week I’m going to do my predictions a little differently and tell you what I see as the key for each team to win the game. And like always my picks will be in bold.

 

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws (1) vs Henchmen (4)

- Outlaws will have to get up early and keep the pressure up

- Henchmen if they can stay together and not start fighting and arguing with one another

 

Ninja Turtles (2) vs Centurions (3)

- Ninja Turtles win if they stick to Tam playing QB

- Centurions will win if their defense steps up and plays like they did in last year playoffs.

 

Division 2

 

Honor Game (2) vs Joey’s Haters (7)

- Honor Game will win if they just focus on the game and not worry about outside distractions.

- Joey’s Haters will have to stop Marvin and get Honor Game to start bickering amongst themselves.

 

OG Panthers (3) vs KOLB (6)

- OG Will win if Charles keeps playing like he did over their 6-game winning streak.

- KOLB should win if their defense is aggressive and makes every catch a contested one.

 

Outlaws (4) vs D#Nasty (5) NA

As you know I don’t pick my games, but I will tell you the key to the game for both teams.  

- Outlaws need their defense to step up or they will lose.

- D#Nasty will need to slow down Steve and his high scoring offense.

 

Division 3

 

Deep Threats (2) vs Black Knights (7)

- Deep Threats should have Svetna back, but JC needs to use him as a decoy and spread the ball around.

- If Black Knights want to win this game Leon will have to step his game up and use the entire field and lose that tunnel vision.

 

Nice TDs (3) vs Old School (6)

- Someone other than Kris and Andrew have to step up and make plays consistently through out the game.

- Old School will need Dahic to be perfect on offense and both Jon and Nick need to have big games on both sides of the ball.

 

Les Tannantes (4) vs Washington Foreskins (5)

- Tannantes have a good roster when they show up and that’s what they need this week, their entire roster there.

- Washington Foreskins will need Mathieu Laforest to have a killer game rushing the passer, he needs to get a few sacks and force a few bad throws.

 

Division 4

 

Flamboyant Flamingos (1) vs Les Bouchers (8)

- Flamingos just need to do what they did all year and not try anything out of the ordinary.

- Les Bouchers need their defense to figure out how to slow down the Flamingos offense which hasn’t been done all year.

 

RawSauce (2) vs Wolf Pack (7)

- Antoine on defense and Yves on offense need to show up and be dominate for RawSauce.

- If Jason is there, he needs to be smart with the ball and everyone else needs to step up and make plays.

 

Les Panaches (3) vs Cereal Killers (6)

- This is the first time Felix will be playing QB in the playoffs he will need to stay calm and take what the defense gives him, don’t force throws.

- Cereal Killers will need a solid rush all game from Julian and hope the rest of the defense can jump a few routes.

 

Thunder Buddies (4) vs Titans (5)

- Whoever is rushing for Thunder Buddies will need to contain Ben and not allow him to find open lanes to run.

- Titans will win if Ben is smart with the ball and picks and chooses when he wants to run.

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix (1) vs Les Last Calls (4) NA

As you know I don’t pick my games, but I will tell you the key to the game for both teams.  

- Phoenix will win if they play with intensity and staying focused.

- Les Last Calls will need to force turnovers on defense and get pressure all day long.

 

Gold Rush (2) vs Spin Doctors (3)

- Gold Rush will need Travis to make plays on both sides of the ball and show why he is one of the top players in the division.

- Spin Doctors will need to stay calm and go one play at a time, they are all new to the game and playoffs can be a little more intense.

 

Those are my picks for the week. Good luck to everyone in the playoffs and remember play your ass off or you might not be playing next week.

 

Power Rankings

 

With the season over Power Rankings are done since it no longer about where you are in the standings, it’s about winning and moving on or losing and your season is over.

 

All-Star Rosters

 

Since we had no Power Rankings I have decided to do my All-Star picks for the season. The way its going to go is 1 player per position per division and you can’t make it for offense and defense and only for your highest division.

 

Division 1

 

Offense

QB- Stephen Harripersaud (Outlaws)

WR 1- Marvin Steinberg (Outlaws)

Slot 1- Alex Pilon (NinJa Turtles)

Center- Samuel Collette (Centurions)

Slot 2- JC (Holy Trollers)

WR 2- Simon-Pierre Laferriere (Centurions)

 

Defense

Rusher- Francis Huot-Locas (Centurions)

CB 1- Gabe Wiseman (Moretti Crime Family)

MLB- Vincent Blondin (Outlaws)

CB 2- Andrew Grant (Henchmen)

Safety 1- Jonathan Svetna (Outlaws)

Safety 2- Demario Cooper (Henchmen)

 

Division 2

 

Offense

QB- Dave Daoust (Honor Game)

WR 1- Louis Mathieu-Dufour (OG Panthers)

Slot 1- Adam Rudick (Joey’s Haters)

Center- Laurent Foucault (Honor Game)

Slot 2- Sébastien Bechard (D#Nasty)

WR 2- Jeremi Riendeau-Demers (KOLB)

 

Defense

Rusher- Alexandre Vallieres (KOLB)

CB 1- Tameem Riman (Joey’s Haters)

MLB - Jean-Maxime Roy-Brisson (D#Nasty)

CB 2- Charles Fontaine (Redzone)

Safety 1- Alexandre Bresse (Pettits Phoques)

Safety 2- Justin Salonga (Outlaws)

 

Division 3

 

Offense

QB- Kris Hope (Nice TDs)

WR 1- Phillippe Pharand (Les Tannantes)

Slot 1- David Brisson (Mustard Tigers)

Center- Thomas Zonj (Mustard Tigers)

Slot 2- Ignacio Valdes-Manzanedo (Iron Wolves)

WR 2- Collin Legault (Average Joes)

 

Defense

Rusher- Mathieu Laforest (Washington Foreskins)

CB 1- Harry Moroz (Deep Threats)

MLB- Benjamin Lepetit (Nice TDs)

CB 2- Jason Edwards (Average Joes)

Safety 1- Jonathan Reeves (Old School)

Safety 2- Jie Ouyang (Mustard Tigers)

 

Division 4

 

Offense

QB- Benjamin McMahon (Titans)

WR 1- Yves Desjardin (RawSauce)

Slot 1- Austin McMahon (Titans)

Center- Steven Biddle (Titans)

Slot 2- Felix Begin (Les Bouchers)

WR 2- Xavier Bonneau (Les Bouchers)

 

Defense

Rusher- Antoine Theroux (RawSauce)

CB 1- Guillaume Bourbeau (RawSauce)

MLB- Anwar Ruiz (Wolf Pack)

CB 2- Gabriel Somma (Flamboyant Flamingos)

Safety 1- Alex Morin (Flamboyant Flamingos)

Safety 2- Thomas Iribarren (Les Beautes)

 

Division 5

 

Offense

QB- Raph Levy (Spin Doctors)

WR 1- Sébastien Lucas Alzate (Les Last Calls)

Slot 1- Samuel Gernet (Los Pollitos)

Center- Steve Sicotte (Spin Doctors)

Slot 2- Omar Jackson (Mimosa Crew)

WR 2- Julian Sablowski (Phoenix)

 

Defense

Rusher- Julie LeBlanc Goulet (Les Last Calls)

CB 1- Jean-Francois Lawrence (Mimosa Crew)

MLB- Guillaume Dubuc Lacombe (Les Last Calls)

CB 2- Ilias Tihani (Mimosa Crew)

Safety 1- Jonathan Clarke (Gold Rush)

Safety 2- Curren Dewan (Mimosa Crew)

 

There you have it my, All-Stars from each division based off what I saw and from your stats. I know this would never happen, but I think it would be really cool if we got all the All-Stars together and picked teams and see who comes out on top. I might try to talk Jon into it for next spring since there might be a break in between seasons. It would be something a little different and give some of the lower division players a chance to player the top dogs and see how their skills match up.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Playoffs are here not everyone is going to win and that is ok. If you had fun, take a page from all the Cowboys fans out there and know that next year is our year.

 

Finally, my weekly reminder and at this point you know what I’m about to write. This is a game and we play for fun except now its playoffs so still have fun but all so remember that if you lose you don’t play next week. Go give it your all and leave it on the field, don’t be the player that lets your team down by taking it easy (ed’s note: I feel personally attacked).

 

See everyone Saturday and even if your team didn’t make and you have nothing to do Saturday afternoon, come out watch a game or two cheer for the team you want to win and boo the players you don’t like and just have fun while doing it.

 

Word from the Mouth: Nick Mosses Marvin! edition

Word from the Mouth: Nick Mosses Marvin! edition

Kevin Kousaie

The regular season has come and gone, now it’s time for the real fun to begin. Playoffs baby! This is what we have all been waiting for. Down the stretch a few teams have struggled and you can’t blame them, it is summer and people are entitled to taking a vacation, unless you work for Jon, then you have to do even more work just because of all his day drinking (ed’s note: actually, it’s “all day drinking”).

No, in all honesty Jon has done a fabulous job with the league. We started out as 6 teams and have expanded to 47 teams this spring and if we keep going the way we are, next spring we could be in two locations.

I know that the biggest struggles Jon has had in the past is building a schedule that meets everyone’s requests. If your team is coming back in the fall now would be the time to let him know about time request and also please submit your rosters early so you can be placed in the right division. That is it for my intro, now let’s get to a few game recaps.

 

Recap

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Ninja Turtles (8-45)

 

It looks like Ninja Turtles might have made a permanent switch at QB going from Wade to Tam and this week Tam looked great against a depleted Outlaws team. At first glance I didn’t see Steve behind center and later when I did see him walking to the field, I asked him why he didn’t come to his D1 game and he was like I don’t get up that early in the day. Steve took the day off because it didn’t mean anything in the standings other than being undefeated which he doesn’t care about. When Ninja Turtles asked to move the game, I didn’t even know if it was going to happen, but it did and now Ninja Turtles look primed for a run at the title.

 

Centurions vs Moretti Crime Family (32-21)

 

This game meant a lot to both teams plus Henchmen. If Moretti won then they were in and Henchmen were sitting at home wondering how they missed the playoffs. I think everyone except Henchmen wanted Moretti to win, but Centurions want to show they belonged in the playoffs and are a team you don’t want to face. For a third week in a row, Joey was away enjoying the sun and the beaches in Greece, but Joey said he would be back for playoffs. Since they didn’t make the playoffs, will he stay an extra week or two? Danny didn’t do a bad job filling in, but just like every other QB that comes from a different league, they all struggle at first with the size of the field. Hearing very little about this game all I know is that Moretti really did have a chance right up until the end. If I was any of the playoffs teams I would have much rather had Moretti in the playoffs than Henchmen.

 

Division 2

 

A day in the life of a Panther

 

OG Panthers vs Joey’s Haters (33-32)

 

To start the day OG needed two wins to lock up first place and they had two really hard games. This game went back and forth all game long. Joey’s Haters looked good in this game and with had most of their full roster. OG played well, but were forced to step up in the second half and they did. Haters were able to score with under a minute left and needed the convert to tie it up and force overtime. Instead of going for 1 they went for 2 and the possible win. The convert came up short and the Panthers were pumped and looking forward to the rematch with Petits Phoques.

 

OG Panthers vs Petits Phoques (28-39)

 

Going into this game the winner knew they would finish first and get the following week off. OG Panthers were out to show everyone that this is their season and no one is going to stop their winning streak of 6 games. Petits Phoques had other plans. This game was going to be won or lost by Terry and how he did taking the run away from Dom. I wouldn’t say that he did a bad job of, but when you get 0 sacks and Dom gets 42 yards and a TD, I’d have to say Dom won that battle. I know at one point in the game there was a collision between Louis and Vince and seem to have knocked Louis out of the game, I just don’t know when it happened and if it made an impact of not. This was the second game OG had to play that day and by the second half of the game you could see that they were wearing down and could no longer keep up. OG didn’t win, but what they can take from these two games is that Charles has stepped up his game and can compete with the top tier QBs in the division, this weekend alone I think he out played both Max and Dom.

OG came in hot, but aren’t leaving ice cold they should be proud of how they grew as a team and now know they can win it all if they keep playing like this in the playoffs.

 

Division 3

 

Iron Wolves vs Average Joes (28-13)

 

If there was a week for it, this was the week for Iron Wolves to lose. Out of all the media team I was the only one hoping for Average Joes to win (ed’s note: I was too!), not that I think they are the better team here, but they are a good group of guys that have tons of fun out there playing. I also didn’t want to see Stacked Wolves go undefeated and we all love (or at least I do) how hyped Jason and his team get and we need that in the playoffs. I know Jason threw 3 picks and I’m guessing that he was throwing to avoid the rush from Jon who had a slow week with only 1 sack compared to the 4 and 5 the previous two weeks. First half was close and going into the second half Jason thought they had a chance and even grabbed the lead on their opening possession, but after that it went downhill for Average Joes. Iron Wolves punched their way to an undefeated season and will now have everyone coming after them in the playoffs. After the game I saw Jason and he had a smile on his face and said they be back in the fall and you can tell he’s coming for the title.

 

Mustard Tigers push for the playoffs

 

At the start of the season we all thought Mustard Tigers were going to be a really good team with loads of experience. After starting 0-5 we all were wondering if they should have been moved to D4. Brian went on vacation and the team went 3-0 without him, putting Owie under center. This week he was supposed to be back, but wasn’t there, so all there playoffs hoped rested on Owie winning both games which should be easy games, but that also needed a little help.

 

Mustard Tigers vs Big Boys (46-13)

 

This game was never even close. The Znoj family took control and made it look easy. Thomas was unstoppable at center getting 3 TDs and his son Tyler had 4 sacks on defense. All of that was only from two players on the team. Everyone else stepped up and with the big win kept their playoffs hope alive.

 

Mustard Tigers vs Chiefs (28-18)

 

This game was a little closer, but there was never really any doubt who would win this game. During this game I was talking with Jie and he is just chilling in a chair with his feet up and enjoying the game in front of him. I guess when you get 4 picks you can sit back and put your feet up. I was joking with Jie and Marilou that Owie was going to get them into the playoffs and Brian was going to come back all rusty and blow the game for them in the playoffs. Mustard Tigers won both their games, but didn’t get all the help they needed to get in.

 

Division 4

 

Thunder Buddies vs Wolf Pack (33-18)

 

This was a game that no one cared about except Marvin as he couldn’t go 0-3 on the day. All season every team he played with won every time he was playing, so losing isn’t in his vocabulary. Well now it is. Anyone who knows me and heard what I heard knows where this is going. When you are the D4 player of the century (ed’s note: D4 Player of the Epoch) and 6’3” the following should never happen. Little Nick who is 16 and is only 5’7” put Marvin in check by locking him down all game long. I was told that on the interception that Nick got he had been telling Marvin that he was going to pick it off. Nick jumps the route and picks it off and the whole time is telling Marvin that the ball belongs to him and there isn’t anything he can do about it. I don’t know exactly how much of this is true (ed’s note: literally all of it, except you forgot to mention how Nick Mossed Marvin), but I heard it from multiple sources. Nick locked down the top player in the division and Marvin couldn’t do the same as Nick was calling him out all game long, letting him know that he can’t stop him and to come line up in front of him and play man and see what it’s like to be chasing someone down from the back side as they run away from you. Marvin any comments or response? I see nothing but silence, just like Nick did to you in that game. Silenced you and it was hard.

 

Les Bouchers vs Cereal Killers (39-27)

 

I know going into this game Cereal Killers had nothing to play for, but Bouchers needed this game to possibly make it to the playoffs. I have only seen 1 or 2 games this season and when the game mattered most Lucas balled out. Before the season began, this team was out practicing for a few weeks and it finally payed off. I really didn’t think that Les Bouchers could keep up with Cereal Killers and I was wrong. They held their own and maybe even showed that Cereal Killers are just relying on their athleticism and haven’t developed the knowledge of the game. Both teams will have to play better next week if they want any chance at winning.

 

Division 5

 

Gold Rush vs Mimosa Crew (31-26)

 

This game was all about big scoring plays. All you have to do is ignore the first and the last points and everything else was big plays. I thought Mimosa was going to get it done in this one and they almost did. The scored and got the convert with under two minutes left. Me, I would rather finish the game on offense instead of leaving it up to my defense because at least you can control what you are doing. On the final drive you had a few chunk plays which put Gold Rush in a position to score the game winning TD on the final play. Goldrick was able to find Joey in the end zone for a 2-yard TD and the win. It was a tough few weeks for Gold Rush, but hopefully they play better next week.

 

Mimosa Crew vs Los Pollitos (25-22)

 

Both of these teams were new coming into the season and both had the same sort of issues as well, they couldn’t decide who their QB was. Each game both teams tried different players out which is fine, but the person you choose to play QB needs to develop and the only way to do that is to get reps. Both teams have one really good stud in Samuel and Omar and if I had to pick between them, I wouldn’t be upset with either one, but both are asked to do too much and it wears them down. Both teams need to add 1 or 2 stronger players if they want to more up. The pickup of JF for Mimosa was huge and he was great for them all season when he was there. Los Pollitos had a really strong push towards the end of the game and maybe if there was more time, they would have pulled it off. Both teams were in high spirits all season and you can tell they were enjoying themselves and I hope they both come back in the fall.

 

That is it for all my recaps this week. I know I couldn’t do all the games I wanted to or that had an impact on the playoffs, but I would have had to write a lot more and might not have ever finished.

 

Top Performances of the Week

 

The last week of the regular season has come and gone and for all you players this was your last shot and cracking my list. Let’s all remember you win and ball out and you might see your name, you lose and ball out and you better have some pretty ridiculous stats. Now without waiting any longer, here are my picks for the week.

 

Division 1

 

Two-way player

 

With only 2 games in the division I have elected to only pick 1 player who balled all over the place, and with only 2 teams winning and only a few players balling out making my pick was pretty simple. I went with Simon-Pierre Laferriere from Centurions. Simon not only helped his team win their final game of the season he also helped eliminate Moretti Crime Family from it. Simon had 7 catches for 107 yards, 2 TDs, 1 1point convert and on defense he had 2 picks.

 

Division 2

 

Offense

I had a really hard choice to make here as both the players I was looking at each played two games and each went 1-1 in those games, but since no one else really stood out to me I end up going with the center from OG Panthers Gabriel Moreau-Paquette. In his two game Gabriel had 15 catches for 123 yards, 4 TDs and 2 2pont converts. These stats don’t include the game that he subbed in and also balled out in that one as well.

 

Defense

The defensive stats weren’t great this week for anyone really, but I did see this player play in person and without cleats let me add. Ali Prime from D#Nasty is this week’s defensive player with 2 sacks until the game was cut short with 11 minutes left. So, he could have easily ended the game with 3 or 4.

 

Division 3

 

Offense

I came up with two players here and was debating what’s better winning 1 game in a day or winning 2 games and obviously came to the conclusion that 2 is a bigger number and that it meant more. This week I went with Craig Owie O’Brien who at the last minute was filling in for a missing player from Mustard Tigers. Owie went 50 of 81 for 380 yards, 10 TDs and 8 1point converts.  

 

Defense

 

The player I went with was an interception machine this past week. He also played a huge role for his team sealing their second victory of the day. Jie Ouyang had 4 picks in 1 game. I know he played 2 games this weekend, but the first one he didn’t play much at all.

 

Division 4

 

Offense

After looking over all the stats I came to the conclusion that all his practice is paying off and finally Lukas Drouin will get some respect in the division. Lukas went 20 of 31 for 224 yards, 5 TDs, 3 1poinnt converts and he threw a pick as well. Lukas has improved every week and now he is getting some credit, hard work does pay off.

 

Defense

After rustling through all the stats, I game up with 3 people, but 2 of those people I can’t really count those games as they were against teams comprised of subs. After talking it over with a few players that were at the field and they all agree with who I am going with here. I went with my boy Nick Kousaie. Nick didn’t have the best stats in the division, but he did what players in D1 can’t do and that was lock down Marvin. Nick only had 2 tackles and had an interception where he Mossed Marvin and was taunting him the whole time.

 

Division 5

 

Offense

When you think of Gold Rush and their offense the first thing that pops into your head is Travis running, right? Well, now you should think about this Jonathon Clarke going off on you. This week with a sub who can throw the ball Jonathon went off for 142 yards and 3 TDs on 6 catches. This is by far his best offensive game of the season. I hope Travis noticed this and feeds him the ball more.

 

Defense

I had a few people to pick from, but I went with a player that was only available to play 1 of his team’s 2 games, but he made it count. Curren Dewan is in his first season in the league and has developed into a solid player. This week Curren had 3 tackles, 3 picks and he took 1 of them back for 6 points. Now if he had stuck around for the second game would he have doubled those numbers? Probably not, but he might have been able to add a little more but we won’t know.

 

That is it for my players of the week. Next week will be round 1 of the playoffs and I already know that some people will be balling out, but don’t expect to see your name this week if you lose. All you will be seeing are the Kleenex you will be using to wipe away your tears.

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