Word from the Mouth: Thoughts From Week 2 (the secondest of weeks!)

Word from the Mouth: Thoughts From Week 2 (the secondest of weeks!)

Kevin Kousaie

It was a beauty day for some football last Saturday. Some teams are starting to show that they might be real competitors and some are looking like duds. We have a few teams that are undefeated and a few still looking for that first win. I am starting to wonder if we will have any team go undefeated or have a winless team. I know it’s early to be thinking that but it’s my article and these are my thoughts.

 

Game Recaps

 

Krakens vs KOLB

 

This one had all the makings of being a great game from what was seen the previous week. Both teams have a high scoring offense which always makes for an exciting game. Everyone knows what the Krakens bring to the table and people are really unsure about KOLB. The game was close to start off each team took their first possession down and scored, then both teams defense stepped up with Carmelo getting an interception off of Jon who recently got a haircut, missed that last week should have been breaking news. Even with the extra possession the Krakens weren’t able to take advantage. Both teams punted back and forth, but on the next drive the Krakens had the ball and Max was able to step in front of a pass and took it back for 6 to give KOLB the lead. The Krakens were able to get there sh*t together and started rolling after that wake up call. KOLB did not know what to do about Carmelo on defense. Keep the ball away from him, he had not 1, not 2, but 3 interceptions! Yes, one of those balls was under thrown and another was on the last play of the game, but come on this is your third game back after 2+ years away and you still got 3. Way to go Carmelo! Huge addition for the Krakens this off season. For KOLB, between Max and Vincent they had 11 catches for 121 yards with 1 TD. If they want to keep on winning they will need to find a third guy or someone else needs to step up. For the Krakens even without Smuda being there you have 3 guy with at least 5 catches and over 60 yards. Only 2 guys scored but had 5 TDs.  Good job guys, it was a real close game up until half time when Krakens were able to make a few adjustments. That will come with experience for KOLB.

 

OG Panthers vs Pirates

 

Yes, I was there to watch this one and it wasn’t even close, but the Pirates did fight hard right up to the last whistle. I want everyone to know that, yes, the Pirates aren’t that good of a team right now, but they play hard and surprisingly have a decent defense. These guys are new to the game and I commend them on trying to play in Division 1, but you need to find a young stud that can be your workhorse and play all game long. As for OG, they came out and played a solid game. Charles was able to put up good numbers 6 TDs with 1 interception. His favourite target was Dufour with 8 catches for 112 yards and yes 4 TDs. He also seemed to want to get the ball to Dagher, who had 7 catches for 88 yards with 1 TD.  On the other side, Joel had a very tough day out there 6 interceptions. The guy hasn’t found his comfort zone yet, he needs to find out who his go to guy is. I have noticed that when he throws the ball it looks a little more like he is shot putting the ball then allowing the ball to come out of his hand smoothly. Defensively for OG it was an all-around performance: 2 Sacks from Terry, 2 INTs each from Dagher & Love, 1 pick from Joel & Simon each for a total of 6. Pirates have a lot of guys that swarm so they seem to know how to tackle well, if these guys had some more speed I feel a few of those tackles could have been turned into picks. I still think in a few weeks these guys won’t be half bad. The question I have about his game is: OG are they this good or was it just a good game against the Pirates. If OG is this good, will they be able to keep it up all year? Should Pirates be this bad it will be a long season that I hope teams won’t run up the score since it’s all about having fun. Pirates, you can and maybe should ask for a few pointers from some of the guys that have been around for a while. Good luck need week guys. 

 

Next Week’s GotW: OG Panthers vs Revolucion

 

This one is a matchup between two 1-1 record teams going in opposite directions. OG coming off an impressive victory while Revolution coming off a disappointing loss. What intrigues me is who will be playing QB for Revolucion. Will it be Ben or Raph? Both bring something different to the table. If I’m Terry I would much rather rush Ben as he is more stay in the pocket but takes the snap really far back. From a team stand point both are equally good, but Raph has the legs to get outside and force guys to come up which leaves someone open in the back. OG needs to keep an eye on JC he is their best player but that doesn’t mean the rest of them are slouches except maybe Raph. LOL. As for Revolucion, JC will need to get after the QB quickly and not allow Charles to get to his 2nd and 3rd read. Dufour is the guy to watch, but there are a few other guys who can hurt you. Dagher, Terry some of the guys from last season haven’t put up big numbers yet but they are solid so don’t sleep on them. I really hope I get to see this one first hand it will be a fun one to watch. 

 

Crystal Ball (Picks of the Week)

 

In case anyone isn’t keeping track, I went 3 for 4 again last week. For the season I’m at 6 for 8, 75% isn’t so bad soon I see it getting to 100% (Ed’s note: literally impossible).

 

Krakens vs Locomotion                                                Krakens 

Pirates vs Trollers                                                         No pick

Outlaws vs KOLB                                                         KOLB (upset pick)

Revolucion vs OG Panthers                                          Revolucion

Gros Coqs vs Deep Threat                                            Gros Coqs

 

With my final thought this week let’s keep it classy and act like you’ve been there before. As a ref we don’t want to be throwing unsportsmanlike penalties and an ejection on last plays of the game. It doesn’t look good for you when that happens, doesn’t matter how well you played during the game this will always overshadow what you have done. Don’t be that guy. That’s a reputation you don’t want to get. Remember go out and have fun and good luck to every team on Saturday.

 

Word from the Mouth: Thoughts After One Week

Word from the Mouth: Thoughts After One Week

Kevin Kousaie

Week 1 is out of the way and going into week 2 it seems some teams need to improve and some teams need to remember this is for fun. This week most of the games weren’t as close as we would have liked them to be and I hope this was a week 1 fluke cause if this goes on all season it’s going to be very long for some teams and boring for others. By week 3 or 4 all the teams should know what they are doing and this discrepancy hopefully will be over with. 

 

Game Recaps

 

Krakens vs Deep Threats

 

This game was a total mismatch and was not close other than when it started.  Great game Rob 17/19 for 212 yards. I mean, wow, was he playing against anyone or was this just like an NFL pro day where everything was scripted and no one was covering anyone. Silvio had 6 catches for 81 yards to go along with 3 scores. Carmelo came back into the league and had a great game for being away for a while, should he be back in top form and no longer hampered by injuries this would have been an average day. I mean really 3 catches 52 yards and 2 scores (Ed’s note: he also had an outstanding day on defense!). On another note Smuda might have only gotten 1 ball thrown his way but he made up for it with 2 INTs.  There were 2 good thing I saw from the Deep Threats. JC was not forcing the ball deep all day & Ellis had a huge game on both sides of the field. This guy had 7 catches for 42 yards and his teams only receiving TD. Sh*t, on defense he had 6 tackles and was all over the place. I will say one last thing about this game: the Krakens looked great, but come on guys throwing it 40+ yards when you’re up a ton with very little time left? Not really cool. 

 

Outlaws vs Locomotion

 

This was 1 of those games I wasn’t expecting to see this outcome. I thought that Locomotion were going to walk all over Outlaws since I wasn’t expecting Kris to be there to call the defense. I thought with someone new doing it that they were going to be a little confused but guess not 5INTs showed they know what they are doing. The 2 QBs put up similar yards but Steve threw 5 TDs to 1 INT where Alex was 2TDs and 5INTs. Both of these guys each hit 5 different receivers and only 1 out of 10 got over 50 yards way to go guys on spreading the ball around evenly. Everyone who caught the ball on Outlaws scored don’t know if I’ve seen that in this league before. The one guy who stuck out the most to me didn’t even get an offensive touch, he made up for it with 2 INTs. Vince you had a monster day on defense to go along with your 2 picks you also had 8 tackles. Good job looks like you might have a new position playing the whole field on defense. Maybe that is why Steve didn’t get you the ball so you can conserve your energy. Mathieu did a good job on keeping Alex from running all over them limiting him to 25 yards on 9 carries but you also had 2 sacks. I’m sure both teams are going to get better but even if they don’t they will be very competitive and fun to watch. Best of luck the rest of the way guys.

 

Game of the Week 

 

KOLB vs Krakens 

 

So both these teams had blowout wins. For one of these teams it was shocking considering I had them in last weeks GOTW, so I’m hoping this one is better than that. I’m sure both teams are going to be able to put up points but who will be able to get a few stops. This will be a very big challenge for KOLB to walk away with the win. If they want any chance in winning they will need to play a near perfect game. Slow it down, eliminate the amount of touches the Krakens will have. Jonathan do what you have been doing and keep looking the defense off to hit the open guys, but watch out these guys are quick and are know what they are doing. The Krakens have had a lot of game over the past 2 seasons that have come down to the wire and know what it takes to pull out a close one. Rob has an assortment of talent around him and he can beat you with any one of them. Heck, last week Smuda with 1 catch for 3 yards and they still put up 62 points? Come on, it’s not even fair! How are you supposed to cover everyone? Krakens are a very solid team, but so are KOLB and this will turn into a shootout. One defensive stop or a convert could win you the game. Good luck and lets hope this turns out better than last weeks GOTW.

 

Predictions

 

Outlaws vs Revolutions                                                                    Outlaws

KOLB vs Krakens                                                                             Krakens

Gros Coqs vs Trollers                                                                       NA (Ed’s Note: Coqs)

Deep Threats vs Locomotion                                                           Locomotion 

OG Panthers vs Pirates                                                                    OG Panthers      

 

Last week I was 3 out of 4. Not bad for my first week the only team that proved me wrong were the Outlaws. Is anyone going to do it to me this week or do I end up perfect? Guess we will have to wait and see.  I’d like to say good luck to everyone and remember to have fun and be safe. No one has fun when teams run up the score it makes it hard to watch those type of games. Go out at the 1 yard line and punt the ball you still get your stats but you don’t run it up. I know during the game you want to score and get your name on the card, but come on, we’re not 10 years old anymore and a win is a win. Just keep that in mind. Hope you enjoyed the read if you have any feedback you can come see me at the field on Saturday and let me know.

Word from the Mouth: Preseason Thoughts and Week 1 Predictions (Div 1)

Word from the Mouth: Preseason Thoughts and Week 1 Predictions (Div 1)

Kevin Kousaie

Welcome back. I hope everyone who read my first article enjoyed it. I also hope no one was too offended as I kept that for this week. Last week I gave a few shout outs but this week is a recap and a look forward to the game which I feel will be the most entertaining. So if you ever have Jon subbing at QB it won’t be your game.  Now that we have moved on from Preseason we can get to games that somewhat matter. 

 

Here are a few thing that caught my eye. I know it was just preseason and some teams just want to try new things out. I know that was the case with the Outlaws, but the Trollers ended up doing the smartest thing possible. They forfeit the game due to the horrible weather that was happening at 4:30. Please remember in the regular season that we play in all types of weather!

 

Pirates vs Deep Threat

 

It was a very tough game for the Pirates, but it was their first game and they should get better as season progresses. Jonathan Svetna had a beast of a game with 3 TDs. On one of those scores he lined up on the sideline like he always does he takes a step or two inside and then breaks it outside and the ball was thrown perfectly high and away. The throw plus the long reach of Jon makes it almost impossible to defend. I’m also going to give a shout out to the old man Stuart, glad you’re back so quickly after what happened last season. One last note about this game was Francis. Yes, Francis. He had 2 picks and one went back for 6, but he also had a bobble that everyone needs to know about. You need to catch the ball and not bobble it into an interception. You cost JC a nearly perfect game. Come on Francis catch the darn ball! If you need lessons I’m sure we can find a 3 year old to teach you.

 

Revolucion vs KOLB

 

This was by far the most entertaining game of the weekend that I saw in division 1. What I need to start off by saying is that no one better sleep on either of these teams. Both guys playing QB looked to be in mid-season form. This game went back and forth all game and came down to last drive of the game to get the winner. I’m not sure if I saw that correctly, but JC had 5 TDs. How does that happen? I know it does from time to time, but this could very easily a weekly thing with La Revolucion. I really liked watching Jon throw the ball around for KOLB. He was able to spread the ball around and got everyone involved. He was always looking guys off. It was too bad he wasn’t able to look off Eric at all. If you told me that Eric was in the huddle with them it wouldn’t have shocked me. The guy walked away with 3 INT in his first game against a very solid passer. Good Job Eric you bested Francis by 1.

 

 

The Mouth's Game to Watch: OG Panthers vs KOLB

 

This is the game that I could see being the most exciting game of the weekend, so that is why I have it as my game of the week.  Both of these teams came into the league at the same time and both have found a little success and they both consist of young guys who are very athletic. Here are a few points that could and might be game changing. On OG Panthers side the question will be if Terry can get pressure on the KOLB QB or will he have all day to look guys off. How are the Panthers going to stop every receiver on the field since Jon doesn’t only go to one guy? On the other side how will KOLB stop Louis-Mathieu DuFour? They seemed to have a hard time with JC from Revolution and both guys are equally talented. Both teams are going to put up points so it might come down to who has the ball last of maybe even a convert or two. This is one game that should be worth sticking around to watch. Good luck to both teams and don’t make me look bad by putting you guys as my inaugural GOTW.

 

Prediction Time

 

Krakens vs Deep Threat            Krakens 

Locomotion vs Outlaws             Locomotion 

OG Panthers vs KOLB               KOLB

Trollers vs Revolution               NA can’t pick this game since I’m on the Trollers (ed’s note: what a cop out, but expected from Kevin)

Pirates vs Gros Coqs                Gros Coqs

 

Week 1 article is out of the way only 12 more weeks until it’s time to crown another champion. The question is does your team have what it takes. If you have something you feel I missed or want to say I got something wrong I’m always at the field and you can come up to me and let me know. Good luck to everyone this week except for the Revolucion since we want them to lose. Please remember to be safe and have fun. We all have work on Monday. 

Word From The Mouth: Div 1 Western Conference Thoughts

Word From The Mouth: Div 1 Western Conference Thoughts

Kevin Kousaie

Here's part two of Kevin "The Mouth" Kousaie's write up on the Division 1 teams coming into the Spring 2018 season!

 

Deep Threats

 

This team is a little tough for me to write about since they haven’t sent in the complete roster yet I also don’t know too much about them. I’ll try and give it a shot anyways.  So a team with the name Deep Threats better come in and air out the ball, especially when you have someone like Jonathan Svetna who can make an average QB look good by winning every jump ball that comes his way. I hope that whoever plays QB for them learns when and where to take those shots down field or else it might be a long season for them.

 

KOLB

 

This team came in last spring season and made it all the way to the finals. Along the way the beat my team The Holy Trollers (who want revenge by the way).  So right now I don’t know their roster so it will be difficult to really talk about these guys. But what I can say is that this past weekend they didn’t look too bad. They should be a solid team coming into the season but we will have to wait and see. 

 

Locomotion

 

Alex De Luca will be back and be the driving force for these guys. When this man runs you better not get in his way. Just be glad we are playing flag and not tackle. Not really sure who else will be joining him but they will compete against everyone week in and week out.

 

Krakens

 

These guys look great on paper, but how long can they stay healthy for (Silvio, Carmelo) (Ed’s note: Kevin wrote this before learning of all their week 1 injuries!). Joking aside we don’t want to see you guys get hurt. They have so many guys to talk about. Carmelo Bruna is a former Defensive player of the year who has been gone since the Ball Hawk championship days. Glad to see he’s back. He is a big addition to the roster. Silvio Ciarrocchi and Kevin Smuda are probably the best one two receiver in the league. They both do different things. Kevin will use his size and his remarkable hands to catch everything even when you are draped all over him. Silvio is that quick guy out of the slot that no one seems to be able to stop. Robert Prudhomme at QB can pick and choose how to beat you take one away and the other is open unless he wants to check it down to Francisco Ballesteros who is a top three center in the league.  

 

Outlaws

 

This team has been around for a few years now and won the title last spring in a blowout. This season they are without a few of their old player. Meissa can’t play since he doesn’t have the time anymore. Shyanne Stewart missing for work is a big loss for Stephen Harripersaud. Stephen will now need to find other guys that he can depend on. Stephen can take any team he is on a long way he just need to focus one play at a time. Eric Tanguay is great when you are in need of a few yards. He is the center that will make the catch using his big body to shield you from the ball. Vincent Blondin is a Speedster that can and will take a one yard slant to the house. I’ve seen him do it more than once.  He has a newcomer to the team in Adam Durant-Alleyne who Stephen built chemistry with last season while playing for the White Walkers in Div 2. Adam is a good addition he just needs to make sure he has the ball before running. 

Word From The Mouth: Div 1 Eastern Conference Thoughts

Word From The Mouth: Div 1 Eastern Conference Thoughts

Kevin Kousaie

Hello Guys and Girls, 

 

Welcome to another season in the MFL. Let me start by introducing myself, most of you guys either know me or have heard me while you have been at the field for your games. I’m the guy that usually has no shirt on and always has something to say. 

 

I have figured that instead of just talking that I would try my hand a writing a weekly article talking about a game or two from the previous weekend which I saw and maybe do a hype up for what I think will be the game of the week the upcoming weekend. But, since the Season hasn’t begun yet, I figure that I will do a little writing about each team. 

 

This week I’ll be covering the Eastern Conference of Division 1.

 

Les Gros Coqs

 

So where do I start with these guys. Is it with their QB Dominic Lefort with his running abilities or Alexandre Bresse’s way to pretty much make a play with every ball thrown his way? Or should I talk about the two defensive studs in Thomas Lemay or Vincent Granata? Dominic is one of those guys that I wouldn’t want to get caught one on one with. He has the ability to make everyone miss on any play. This guy can go from sideline to sideline and then take it forty five yards to the end zone.  Alexandre is the teams number 1 receiver and he would be on almost every other team in the league. He possesses everything you want: speed, quickness, hands and route running; all he has to do is wait for the ball to get close to him. Since Thomas and Vincent have joined the league they have been tackling machines. Thomas is coming into the season as last seasons ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ so maybe some teams should just avoid him all together. What can I say about Vincent is that he ends up all over the field hustling and very rarely misses tackles. I’m sure that I didn’t mention everything I could have about Les Gros Coqs but I’ll let you guys figure them out on your own. 

 

Pirates

 

Here we go again with another new team to the league. Their roster is up but I don’t know any of these guys other than Chris Schilling. Chris Played Division 2 last season and has decided to come play with the big boys. Good luck with that. One thing I will say about Chris is that should you say or do something to him you should make sure that his daughter isn’t around cause she has his back and won’t back down. I learnt that the hard way! No miscommunication this season. You’re not playing with Kris Hope this time. LOL

 

La Revolution

 

I think these guys are the only team from the LCL days that haven’t won a title yet. Raph maybe you might want to go play in Division 2 since you might win one then. LOL. All joking aside this is a very solid team. Rapheal Levy is one of the most underrated QBs in the league. Every year this guy is up with the league leaders in touchdowns and he never had that ‘go to guy’ all season. That could change this season.  Octavio Liaguno is coming back this season and he can do it all. He is the teams top playmaker on offense. He’ll make great catches and make a few guys miss on defense and he can play the deep ball or come up into the flats. He will no longer be the teams only guy since Raph has added a few new player like Jean-Christophe Ferland. JC was there on May 5th and he looked great. JC and Raph hooked up on a few precise throws that were based on timing and it looked beautiful. Once the two of them get use to each other that is going to be a dangerous connection. 

 

OG Panthers

 

This is the teams third season in the league and they have come a long way since the beginning. I’ll start with one of my favourite guys on the team and that would be Terry Babalis. This guy is a phenomenal rusher. He gets after the QB and never quits. I’m glad I don’t play QB lol. I would do what Adam Sandler does to the ref in Longest Yard just to slow him down. On offense Charles Duchesne the teams QB throws a very nice ball and can make every throw out on field. Sometimes when I have watched him in the past he lets go of the ball and I’m like what is he doing and it works out for him as he hits a ton of timing routes. Louis-Mathieu Dufour is the guy I would throw to on almost every play. He catches everything. I don’t think I have seen him drop two balls in one game. The team has more than just these guys but if I was playing them these are the guys I would watch.

 

Holy Trollers

 

The Trollers are coming back to try and defend last seasons championship. They have added two new players this season in Adam Rudick who will be filling in for Max Rosenfeld who is missing the first few weeks, and Andre-Philippe Bertrand to come in and rush. As always Josh Levine is the team’s guy. They look for him to make plays on offense and to put players in the right place on defense. Josh is the team leader but not the only one who will make something happen. Benjamin Bergeron happens to be the Trollers deep threat who always seems to find away to get behind the defense. Micheal Lesniak if he learnt how to stay upright during the off season should put up some big number from the center position. On defense they play as a team and everyone does what is needed of them. Kevin Kousaie leads the team in most statistical categories on defense but he has been around enough football to know what other teams are thinking and going to do. (Ed’s note: nice self plug there, Kevin)

 

I know that this article is a little long but it’s the first one and I included every team. I hope you guys enjoyed reading it and once season starts the articles will become shorter. I’d like to wish all the teams best of luck in the season and the next half of Div 1 will be up next week!

 

Kevin “The Mouth” Kousaie

Leagues
Montreal Flag Football League
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
Division 4
Division 5
Women's Division
Brossard Div 1
Brossard Div 2
Winter Div 1
Winter Div 2
Winter Div 3
Aces Flag Football