The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Week 7

As we inch closer to the playoffs, some teams who will not be partaking in this spring’s playoffs are already planning their vacations. Apparently, Hilton Head, South Carolina has great weather at the end of March. However, there are the bubble teams who think they have a chance at the playoffs. Namely, the Monarchs! The Monarchs, who many predicted would be in the upper echelon of Conference A, are floundering in the middle pack in their conference. But after their win over the Seminoles, they are making some mild noise as they try to embark on the near impossible of qualifying for one of the last playoff spots that is available in Conference A.

In my post-game conversation with quarterback, Rick Ninchieri, he told me he has never felt this well in a long time (in reference to playing with the Monarchs, and Hurricanes). In speaking to the other Monarch players, they have one word on their mind, Eagles! That is in reference to the 2008, Philadelphia Eagles team that was destined to not make the playoffs, but pulled off the unthinkable and qualified as the sixth seed in NFC and wound up losing in the conference title game. The Monarchs have the talent, however, the one knock has been their defense, and the lack of closing speed. Their offense will always be in sync, with Ninchieri, Mike Roy, and Renaldo Jordan. But can their defense create a turnover? So far, as a team, they have 11 interceptions, and have sacked the opposing quarterback a mere 3 times. If they can, there is the potential scenario with help from their competition that they could sneak into the dance. However, early season losses to the Shockers, Texas All-Stars, and Waterbuffaloes might prove to be too much for this team to overcome, but if they continue to win, funnier things have happened. I am confident that a Ninchieri led team is no easy task to beat, especially, a determined Ninchieri!

What is wrong with the Click Clack? Many, including myself thought they were destined for automatic entry into the D2 finals. However, it seems to me they have run into a rough patch, as they lost a shocker division lead to the Wolfpack in which they were outscored 18-0 in the second half. Moreover, they barely beat a decent Black Knights team. Sure, Daniele Gentile threw for a Tyler Thigpen like 255 passing yards, and George Papachristopoulos caught a “Flipper” Anderson like 199 receiving yards. But for the Click Clack to barely scrape by with a win over the lowly Knights, one must consider whether or not they can rebound, and become the Click Clack team from earlier this season. Their upcoming schedule against Notre Dame, Homosapiens, and Red Ballers is no easy task. But, this will be a great litmus test for the Clack to redeem themselves, and solidify their spot for a bye week in the opening round of the playoffs.

One player who has caught my attention is the Texas All-Stars quarterback, Jeremi  Roch. Even in the loss to the Messengers of Happiness, he displayed a confidence that is needed to succeed at the pivot position. Given the fact he is still only in his teens, Roch, has unlimited potential to become a potent quarterback in tackle, and in the flag football game. Some people within the D2 circle, are saying he will be better than Myles Gibbon when he was under center at Vanier College. Furthermore, playing on a smaller field in FPF will make him into more of an accurate passer, as it was the case, with his 10 of 16   completions, in particular, to Adam Bailey who wound up having 3 receptions, 96 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns. For the amount of hype the All-Stars have received as the fastest team in FPF, all they need to do is learn how to control their emotions. This team can win, and lose games because of their emotional play. Furthermore, they need to stop relying on their athleticism, and more on their football IQ. If they can succeed in learning to play a smart FPF game, they have a chance to make some noise down the stretch.

Will Dale Williams win the mythical Rehan Sarwar award of executive of the year? When the Renegades moved up to D2, Williams just wanted to be competitive. Now, it is more than being competitive, as the Renegades sit in second place, at 6-1, in the ever tight Conference A race. Furthermore, with no Scott Mironowicz, and Kirby Short at quarterback, they called upon emergency trigger man, Liam Mahoney, who had 4 touchdown passes in 32-0 shutout win against the Thundering Herd. Williams has been able to identify talent from the get-go, and so far, every acquisition he has made, has worked to perfection, whether it is Mironwicz, Mahoney, or Jamal Pierre. They have all made a positive impact on this team. Furthermore, I wonder, what the outcome would be if they had faced the Shockers now, rather than week 1? If anyone needs a model on how to build a team, look no further than Dale Williams and his recruiting methods, as the Renegades will be a tough out for years to come.

Percentages%

1.9%, that my co-host, and Shockers own, Ros Castleton will ever again catch a 25-yard touchdown in a FPF game, as he achieved this mark in their win over the All Blacks.

4%, that any D2 quarterback will reach the 2,000 passing yards plateau.

5%, that the Renegades will finish in first in Conference A.

7.1%, that the Monarchs will qualify for the playoffs.

10%, that the Click Clack will surpass the Wolfpack for first place.

12%, that the Wolfpack will go undefeated.

15%, that Wolfpack quarterback, Pascal Murray will hit 50 passing touchdowns. Currently, he is sitting at 33 touchdowns.

20%, that the Texas All-Stars, and Messengers of Happiness will face each other in the opening round of the FPF playoffs.

25%, that the Byrdgang, Brotherhood, and Seminoles will each score 100 points for.

0%, that WEPL host Daron Basmadjian will ever let me win a Great Debate.