Word from the Mouth: Week 7 - No Taunting! edition!

Thursday, July 4th Kevin Kousaie

This week we got lucky and had nice weather for all the games which was a bit surprising since it was supposed to rain on and off all day. On Sunday we were able to have our Canada day game and HOF inductions in some nice cool weather unlike last year which was 45 degrees. I want to say congratulation to Steve and Raph for getting inducted. Steve deserved it and Raph I’ll need to see the votes and bank statements for all that voted because it’s a little suspect. Now with that is out of the way we can move on to this past week’s games.

Week 6 recap

Les Gros Coqs vs Outlaws (18-32)

This is a classic matchup that is always a good game. In the past the Outlaws have had trouble with Les Gros Coqs and this was a rematch from the fall finals which saw Gros Coqs walk away with the title. This isn’t the same Outlaws team and this team has a better defense. I was told after the game that it was a closer game than it seemed. My source told me it was 2 bad picks thrown by Dom that was the big difference in the game. Outlaws have been hit hard by the injury bug this season. They have lost Andrew for the season, last week Adam Durant dislocated his shoulder and is out for an extended period of time, and now this week they lost another player in Vince. I hope all the injured Outlaws heal up and everything is ok and nothing is too serious. I’m now starting to wonder what Steve and the Outlaws are going to do. Both these teams are going to make the playoffs and probably play each other again.

Henchmen vs Bitter Boys (32-6)

I wasn’t able to see this game live and I didn’t hear much about it afterwards. But I do know that Henchmen almost had their full roster out and were able to beat up on the Bitter Boys. Carmelo was able to help out Henchmen by playing the whole game and not being thrown out for a second week in a row. Henchmen have a very solid team when they all show up, but they are a bunch of individuals and will need to gel as a team if they want to win big games. I can see that there is some cracks that if pushed can pull the team apart. It’s good that they don’t play my team until week 10 because I plan on blowing them up in that game. Bitter Boys have had a tough season and it will only get tougher, but they have been in games and have kept them close which has to be looked at as a victory for them.

KOLB vs Bitter Boys (0-25)

This game was a forfeit and saved Bitter Boys from the whooping they would have gotten if they had played the Trollers. I just want to say that Bitter Boys being given the automatic win isn’t really cool thing. I was under the impression that they were going to play a game against a bunch of subs. If Bitter Boys get the free win everyone else that was supposed to play KOLB should be given the same choice. Get the free win or play a team of subs and if you lose it goes down as a loss. Think about that Mr. Commissioner (ed’s note: no).

4Simba vs Revolucion (14-26)

This game should have been 32-14, but Peter got called for a taunting penalty and ball was brought back on what was a pick 6. Newly inducted hall of famer Raph had a good game throwing 4 TDs and no picks, you can’t say that too often about Raph: no picks. 4Simbas have a few good players, but need to learn the game better and figure out what works and what doesn’t. They were also missing their best player in Louis Dufour and there are rumors that he might be hurt and miss a few games. Revolucion had strong performances from Peter getting 2 picks, Brendon getting 2 TDs, oh and they feel they have the best rusher in the league in Eric who walked away with 2 sacks. That was a great team effort to get the win, but you will need to keep winning if you want to make playoffs.

GOTW (Game of the Week)

Gros Coqs vs Henchmen

Normally I break it down by positions, but it makes it a little difficult since you never know who is going to show up for both teams. Both teams have a bunch of good player listed on their rosters and if everyone shows up it should be a really good game.

QB- You have 2 different styles of play. Jon likes to slow it down and eat up time off the clock. Jon is a very boring QB to watch and play against as nothing happens fast. I’m sure if we kept records for how many times a team calls a timeout with the play clock winding down while still in the huddle Jon would be way ahead of everyone else. Jon doesn’t really run and will get rid of the ball on those short reads all day long. Dom on the other hand will scramble around and buy so much extra time that someone will become open. Dom is the best runner that has ever played in the league so when he chooses to take off have fun trying to stop him. Dom might make a few more mistakes than Jon, but he also takes more chances. Since I have to give the advantage to one team I have to go and give it to Gros Coqs.

WR- Since I’m not sure who will show up I’m going to make this section is very short. Speaking of short that is what most of the Gros Coqs receivers are (ed’s note: is this even true anymore?), yes they are athletic and fast, but you can’t teach size. Henchmen have 2 guys that tower over everyone on Les Gros Coqs so all that Jon needs to do is throw it up high. With that being said I will go and give the advantage to the Henchmen just for the size factor.

Defense- Both teams have a good defense. Gros Coqs have lost a big piece without having Tommy there rushing. A great rusher is what has separated them from being a great defense. Henchmen have the guy leading the league in picks and they also have had a solid rush from both Andrew and Carmelo. I’m going to go and give the advantage to Henchmen, but I think they will have their hands full trying to stop Gros Coqs.

This is a rematch from a few weeks ago and was won by Les Gros Coqs and I think this will end the same way with Gros Coqs walking away victorious.

Predictions

Last week we only had 3 games in the division and they weren’t easy games to pick from, but I had to. I still managed to get 2 out of 3 to bring me to a record of 12 of 17 games right. This week we only have 3 games and I only have to pick 2 teams to win since I never pick my teams game. So here are my picks winners in bold.

Outlaws vs Trollers NA

Revolucion vs Bitter Boys

Gros Coqs vs Henchmen

Those are who I like this week and those are the teams that should win the games. One of those games will come down to who shows ups for both teams.

Power Rankings

Now I get to put who I feel are the top 3 teams in the division and at this point it is pretty obvious which teams are the top 2 teams are. The third spot was a little harder but I ended up looking over head to head and went with the following.

#1) Trollers

#2) Outlaws

#3) Gros Coqs

Final Thoughts

So we are nearing the playoffs and we have 3 teams at 3-3 and 1 at 2-4, so that is a total of 4 teams looking to fight for the final 2 playoff spots. I am assuming that both the Trollers and Outlaws continue to play the way they have and will lock up a playoff spot, but anything can happen. So 4 teams and 2 spots, who gets in? I could tell you now but it will be more fun to let it play out and see where it all falls. This week remember play safe, have fun, and remember playoffs are coming so you better be ready.

Hall of Fame 2019 Inductees

Monday, July 1st Jon Evans

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday to celebrate Canada Day with the MFL!

It was a ton of fun with our Canada vs Quebec game, competitions, and beer and BBQ!

Congrats to our competition winners:

- Terry Babalis for both the Field Goal competition and 40 yard dash

- Jason representing the Aces in the QB accuracy competition

- Vince Granata for the punting distance competition (it was Vince, right?)

And huge congratulations to our 4 new inductees into the MFL Hall of Fame:

- Silvio Ciarrocchi in the builder category
- Kevin Kousaie in the builder category

- Raphael Levy in the player category
- Stephen Harripersaud in the player category

Again, thanks to everyone for a really fun day and happy Canada Day to all the MFL players!

Canada Day Games Tomorrow! Party de la fête du Canada demain!

Saturday, June 29th Jon Evans

UPDATE:

Because of the weather, we are moving the start time of todays Canada Day games and events to 2:30 pm!

If you're a team captain, please pass this message on to your players in case they were planning on coming out!

En raison des conditions météorologiques, nous reportons l'heure de début des parties et des événements de la fête du Canada à 14h30!

Si vous êtes capitaine d'équipe, veuillez transmettre ce message à vos joueurs au cas où ils prévoyaient de sortir!

In case you didn't know, we're having our annual Canada Day league get together tomorrow, June 30th, at Le Ber Park starting at 2:30 pm!

It's a fun day of hanging out and having a few drinks and of course having our Canada vs Quebec vs The World tournament! You're free to come out and represent any of the teams that you want, although as we've mentioned before those of Dutch descent cannot participate for obvious reasons.

We're also going to have skills competitions for passing, dashing, punting, and (new this year) field-goaling!

So come on out and celebrate Canada day in the most Canadian way possible, by playing some football!

By the way, if anyone is of Dutch descent I am of course kidding. For whoever is reading this to them, please apologize if they were offended.

Si vous ne le saviez pas, notre ligue se réunira demain pour la fête du Canada, le 30 juin, au parc Le Ber à partir de 14h30 heures!

C’est une journée amusante où l’on peut passer du temps à boire un verre et à participer à notre tournoi Canada vs Québec vs Le Monde! Vous êtes libre de représenter les équipes de votre choix, même si, comme nous l’avons déjà mentionné, celles d’origine néerlandaise ne peuvent participer pour des raisons évidentes.

Nous allons également organiser des compétitions d'habiletés pour les passes, la course, le punting et le (nouveau cette année) field goal!

Venez donc célébrer la fête du Canada de la manière la plus canadienne possible en jouant au football!

À propos, si quelqu'un est d'origine néerlandaise, je plaisante bien sûr. Pour ceux qui leur en faisaient la lecture, veuillez vous excuser, s'ils ont été offensés.

Word from the Mouth: Week 6 - Handing Out the Report Cards edition!

Friday, June 28th Kevin Kousaie

We are at the half way point of the season and things have been going well. We have had a lot of good close games when teams show up, but when they don’t we get blowouts. There have also been a few games that were surprises. I think this week instead of my weekly recap I’m going to do a mid-season report a give out a few awards. I just figured I’d mix it up a little bit give my article a different feel this week.

Report Cards

4Simba

Coming into the season I only heard good things about this team, but other than the upset win over Les Gros Coqs they have been a disappointment. Their defense is weak and their offense is nothing special. I thought that the first 2 weeks were an adjustment period especially since in week 3 they got their only victory over the defending champs, but it now looks like that was a fluke. Their team MVP up to this point would have to be Louis-Mathieu Dufour. They still have half the season to pick it up but they have 4 of 5 really tough games. Season record will be 2-8.

Bitter Boys

This team has not only surpassed my expectations, but they have surprised a few teams as well. Before the season started I didn’t think these guys would win a game, but they have and they have also been in all of their games. This is a gritty team that makes you earn everything you get. I was saying before the season they are old and slow and are going to get blown out every game, but I’m glad that hasn’t happened. Team MVP at the half way point goes to Guillaume Robert. Not only is the top player on their team he is a top player in the division. I can see them finishing at best with a 3-7 record.

Henchmen

This team was all the talk of the off season about how Jon has put together an all-star team. That is how it looks on paper, but they aren’t anything special. They have underachieved beyond what anyone could have thought. Guys don’t show up and guys are getting kicked out of games. The offense is mediocre at best and the defense is solid, but they beat up on weak teams and crumble to the good ones. This is a middle of the pack team that will be fighting to make it in to the playoffs at seasons end. Team MVP at his point would have to be Dahic Duhamel. He has been the most consistent player by far. The team should finish with a record of 5-5.

La Revolucion

I didn’t see this team being this high up in the standing at this point of the season. The team lost a few players including their QB. They added a few guys that have helped out, but the shocker here is that Raph has played at a high level in most games. That has made Revolucion pass all my expectations on the season. Going into the season they had a few questions to answer and they seemed to do that with their play. This might actually be the year Revolucion makes a run at the title. Team MVP goes to Gabriel Laplante. These guys should finish with a record of 4-6 which might put them on the outside looking in come playoffs but they might have to steal a game and get a little help.

Gros Coqs

These are the returning champs and they have a great team when everyone shows up. It was a tough start to season with a few guys away and what seems to be the loss of a top rusher. I feel they have performed as expected coming into the season, I might even say a little underachieved at least on defense where the guys who haven’t shown up perform best. When they come to play they can beat any team out there, but that is always the case and they allow games to get away from them. Season MVP for Gros Coqs would have to be none other than Dominic Lefort. They should finish with a record of 7-3 and make a run at repeating.

Outlaws

This is one of the most consistent teams in the league for years now. They are always in every game and always are a team to watch out for when playoffs roll around. This season isn’t any different except an old player has returned and could make a big impact on the roster. This team is doing exactly like I figured they would when the season began. Offense is playing like they should, but the defense has stepped it up this season. Picking the team MVP was an easy one: Kevin Smuda is doing it all this season. He is the top receiver in the league and leads the league in picks so easy pick like I said. Overall team record at seasons end should be 7-3. I know that seems like a few too many losses, but I have been given some inside info that I will not divulge.

Trollers

The team is right where I expected them to be at this point of the season. I feel the offense is out playing my expectations at the half way point. The big shocker is that the defense seems to have taken a step back from past seasons. The defense has improved over the last few weeks, but not to where I expected them to be. I could go into details on everything, but secrets are secrets. Trollers MVP without a doubt has to go to Max Rosenfeld. This team has a chance to go undefeated and become the second team to ever do that, but what this team want is the title. So I see them finishing off the season at 9-1.

Awards Front Runners

I was going to pick who I feel should win the awards that I’m going to be choosing from, but I’ve decided to give you 2 choices and you can pick whoever you think will win the award.

League MVP

Max Rosenfeld- 1090 passing yards, 26 TDs, 1 pick, 12 tackles, 3 picks, 2 passes defended

Kevin Smuda- 42 catches, 462 yards, 12 TDs, 17 tackles, 6 picks, 6 passes defended, 1 pick 6

Top Receiver

Kevin Smuda- 42 catches, 462 yards, 12 TDs

JC Ferland – 31 catches, 314 yards, 10 TDs

Top QB

Max Rosenfeld- 1090 passing yards, 26 TDs, 1 pick

Stephen Harripersaud- 1259 Passing yards, 27 TDs, 7 picks

Top Rusher

Remy Nguyen- 12 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 pass defended, 2 safeties

David Deku- 9 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 passes defended

Defense MVP

Kevin Smuda- 17 tackles, 6 picks, 6 passes defended, 1 pick 6

Dahic Duhamel- 10 tackles, 6 picks, 2 passes defended, 1 pick 6

That is in no particular order those are just my front runners and players to watch out for.

GOTW (Game of the Week)

I was going to skip this section this week but decided to just do a quick overview of the game I’m picking.

4Simba vs Revolucion

4Simba is a team that is up and down and you never know what to expect. I will tell you that they are a team that likes to get their hands on the other team. If you are able to slow down Dufour your team has a good chance at winning. Revolucion can win most games they are in if Raph can limit the turnovers. 4Simbas are young and athletic and should be able to run around all game which could cause a little problem for Revolucion. Revolucion will need to outsmart the younger team. Raph will also need to deal with 4Simbas putting their hands all over his receivers. This game will come down to who takes better care of the ball. I have a feeling that Revolucion will walk away with the victory but it will be close.

Predictions

Last week was another 50/50 weekend getting only 1 of 2 games right. This season I have gone 10 of 14 up to the half way point. This week we have 4 games for me to pick from. Remember picks in bold

Gros Coqs vs Outlaws

Henchmen vs Bitter Boys

Trollers vs Bitter Boys

4Simba vs Revolucion

That’s how I see this weekend end playing out. Sorry if you don’t like my picks try and prove me wrong.

Power Rankings

Our #1 & #2 teams from last week played each other and that didn’t disappoint. Were the outcomes enough to shake up the order of who’s on top? Did any team have such a performance that they need to be up here? Guess we will find out right now.

#1) Trollers

#2) Outlaws

#3) Gros Coqs

Final Thoughts

So this Sunday we have our annual Canada day and Hall of Fame games and inductions. This year we are making 3 teams of 9 players. Teams will be made based on where you are from. We will have Team Canada, Team Quebec and Team World. Also to go along with the games we will be doing a few competitions. Fast man 40 yard dash, QB accuracy, longest punt and maybe a few more. This will all be taking place on Sunday at 11 am at Le Ber. I hope to see some people out there supporting and having fun. I think we will be setting up and doing a BBQ like in the past. I want to wish you all the best on Saturday and remember have fun and play safe.

Word from the Mouth: Week 5 - Hench-Lack-Of-Men edition!

Thursday, June 20th Kevin Kousaie

Over the weekend we had a few teams have byes so there were only 3 games. It must have sucked for everyone that ended up playing in the rain. It is football and that’s the way it should be played. I’m just glad my team had the week off, I hate playing in the rain unless it’s tackle football.

Week 3 Recap

We had 2 out of 3 good games and 1 blowout. I thought coming into the season that Jon and his team coming to play in division 1 were going to be good. They lost week 1 and have won against weaker teams now going forward they will be playing better teams and let’s see how they do.

Outlaws vs Henchmen (46-19)

Let me start by saying welcome back Shyanne. Yes, you had a good game with 2 TDs and 2 picks, but really those shouldn’t count they were off of Jon. Last time I played a Jon team I had 3 picks, so step up or go back to be retired. This game was over before it even got started, Outlaws were playing a division 2 team, they had 3 guys from Old School, 2 from Nice TDs and an Iron Wolf. This game should never of been played. The Henchmen should have just conceded the game and allowed the Outlaws to get ready for their next game. Jon get your guys out to the field for the games, it isn’t fun beating up on an undermanned team, we would all prefer to beat up on the real squad so there are no excuses. Get your team out or ship out, that’s what I have to say about teams not bring their rosters out. Pull a KOLB and fold.

Outlaws vs 4Simbas (40-33)

This one ended up being a closer game than I anticipated. Both QBs did a great job of spreading the ball around and making sure everyone got involved in the game. These types of games are the best to watch and the hardest to play since you never know where the ball will go. It makes it really hard for the defense to cover everywhere and it only takes one little slip up and a guy is wide open. Going into the season I could tell you everything about Outlaws and very little about 4Simbas, but after watching them the last 2 weeks I have come to realize there are going to surprise a few teams. They do have a few guys from OG Panthers from a few seasons ago, but those guys that came back are solid. This game ended as a 1 score game, but 4Simba scored on the last play of the game to make it that and the Outlaws did not really care about giving up the score and more worried about getting hurt. I know in other leagues my teams have done that in the past. Outlaws are going to be in the top 4 and make the playoffs, so points against shouldn’t really hurt them. 4Simbas need to get going if they expect to make the playoffs.

Revolucion vs Gros Coqs (26-32)

These are two teams that have baffled me all season. One week Revolucion look like they can compete with anyone from time to time. All of their games have been one score games except in week 2 against the Trollers. This game was won because of a mistake that happens far too much with Raph throwing an interception that ended up getting returned. If Raph cuts down on the picks the Revolucion are a good team. Heck, week 1 they beat what people were calling a super team in the Henchmen. Gros Coqs will start playing better, but is it going to be too late? They still have a bunch of guys missing every week and Bitter Boys are only 1 game back but have also played 1 fewer game. Both teams need to figure crap out soon or they could kiss the playoffs goodbye.

GOTW (Game of the Week) - Trollers vs Outlaws

QB- So this season both Steve and Max have been playing great. Steve is doing what he has been for years now working the ball short and taking shots every now and then. It seems like this season those shots are coming more often. He has already thrown more picks this season than he did all last season. He has still been putting up numbers and has kept his team undefeated. Max on the other had has taken huge strides since last year. He is completing a way higher percentage of his passes and seems to have figured out that spreading the ball around which makes it easier on him since defense can’t key in on one or two people. After watching Max play in the playoffs over the winter I thought he might have lost it, but the way he is playing this spring if he keeps it up there is no way he doesn’t win MVP. Sorry Steve, I know you’re my QB in another league, but here Max is my guy and he has been playing a tad bit better than you so I have to go and give the Advantage to the Trollers.

WR- Outlaws have the number 1 guy in Smuda, but then there is a huge drop off. Smuda has over 400 yards and Remy who is number 2 has just over 100. I know they lost Andrew for the season and replaced him with Shyanne so that is a bit of an upgrade. The Trollers have a really close bunch of guys plus the latest arrival of JC. Ben is number 2 right now. I not sure what is a bigger shock to everyone this season after 3 games, that Kevin has the highest yards per catch on the team or that Josh has the least catches and yards on the team. Both of those are scary statistics. But stats are a little overrated. Just because you have them doesn’t make you better then someone who doesn’t. So before I went to look at stats I figured that this was going to be very close from a stat stand point, but was I ever wrong. Outlaws need to distribute the ball better and stop feeding it to one person. Who are you Detroit? Steve doesn’t have the arm strength to be Stafford, but Smuda does have the size and the freakish ability to be compared to Megatron. I’m going to go ahead and give the advantage to the Trollers since they have been distributing the ball way better than the Outlaws.

Defense- This is a touchy subject for some of the Trollers. They used to be about playing great defense and only needing to score minimal points in order to win games. They seem to have gotten away from that this season. They have registered 0 sacks so far this season. They have gotten Andre back, so that number should pick up in a hurry. Even with 0 sacks they have still managed to pick off 10 balls, but have given up a horrible 95 points in 3 games. I know that it will come together, but it needs to be soon. Outlaws have sacked the QB 8 times and picked off 9 balls, but of those 9 picks it’s been 2 guys in Smuda and Shyanne. I hope that the other guys decide to step up and make a few plays. They do a solid job of making you work the ball down the field and capitalize on your mistakes. Shyanne is a ball hawk and is very dangerous when he chooses to play hard. Smuda must have magnets or something in his hands because the ball just ends up there more often than not. I’m going to go and give the advantage to the Outlaws in this area.

This is a match up that is always a close game and comes down to 1 or 2 little mistakes. I have played Steve enough times to know what will work against him on defense and we have played their defense enough times to know what we can do offensively. Same can be said the other way except this time the Trollers have the better offense coming into the game and Outlaws have the better defense, so who knows what is going to happen.

Predictions

I’m glad to see that not all the games are blowouts, so it makes it much more interesting and fun to make these picks. With KOLB no longer in the division or in this league at all (ed’s note: they’re in the Sunday Brossard league!) there were only 3 games last weekend. I ended up getting 2 out of 3 bringing me to a total of 9 for 12 for the season. Now here are my picks. You either love them or hate them, I don’t really care these are my picks and if you want me to pick you then play better. Picks are in bold.

Bitter Boys vs Revolucion

Henchmen vs Gros Coqs

Trollers vs 4Simbas NA

Trollers vs Outlaws NA

The games I did pick here are both toss ups. If Bitter Boys have the QB who played against the Trollers then I would take them, but I’m not sure if JS is back yet or not. I picked Henchmen because I’m not sure who will be there this week. I’m wondering when pick6 himself will be back from being the tallest person in Japan and ready to play some football. That is why I picked like that.

Power Rankings

Last week we had our number 2 and 3 team play each other and this should have been a great match up but one team showed up with a roster and the other didn’t. I shouldn’t have to say this, but if you want to be a top team bring your roster and play. So now my rankings have to include this game even though the real team didn’t show up. So here we go.

#1) Outlaws

#2) Trollers

#3) Gros Coqs

Henchmen you guys are going to hate and say that you should be above them while you are playing them this week show me you deserve to be up here. (ed’s note: I agree that if our team doesn’t show we don’t deserve to be in the top anything)

Final Thoughts

I love writing these articles because it gives me another chance to voice my thoughts and let you all know what I think. It’s not as if I don’t talk enough while I’m at the field, but some of you guys miss it during the week (ed’s note: the lucky few…) so this is where you can come and get your fix. I’m glad to see that there is almost no garbage left at the end of the day which is a huge accomplishment considering how it was after week 1. I want to let you all know that either this week or next week we will be setting up some sort of canteen to sell drinks and we are also thinking about doing a BBQ eventually. I would love some feedback from you guys, the players, about this new idea we are thinking about doing. Last and most importantly remember have fun, play safe, and see you Saturday.

	Teams	GP	W	L	D	PTS
1	OUT	0	0	0	0	0
2	IW	0	0	0	0	0
3	BSH	0	0	0	0	0
4	ATM	0	0	0	0	0
5	CHF	0	0	0	0	0