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.
