Turn Up: Week 6 Recap

 

              It’s time to go big or go home, ladies. We’re now halfway through division one and six weeks in for division two. As the dust slowly settles, it is becoming clearer and clearer as to what will be needed to punch your ticket to the dance. Mathematically, no one is out as of today. That being said, the air supply is starting to run real short for some teams. It’s time to dig deep and get her done! No more excuses, step up or step out. Playoffs start this week for some teams: will you take what’s yours, or will you watch another man cook and eat your food in your lovely abode?

              This week I will give my personal opinion on the individual awards. I will give the top three contenders for each award as things stand right now. I will also re-up the power rankings and give you my thoughts on where I think you will end up. Shall we…

Division 1 Quick Highlights:

– The long awaited awakening of the sleeping bear has arrived. Rochdi Benadelkader can finally be taken off suicide watch. As his teammate and friend I’m aloud to say that, I think. DK needed Rochdi to be on top of his game against a strong Rainmaker team. Rochdi answered the bell with his best game of the season. He threw for 271 yards and 7 touchdowns on only 20 completions. Liam Mahoney and Serge Pilon carried the bulk of the offensive workload. Together they accounted for 194 yards and 4 touchdowns. Rainmakers’ offence lead by Ryan Kastner is one of the most efficient and prolific offence I’ve seen. This game came down to the final play of the game. A two-point conversion to tie came up a yard short of the end zone thanks to a good play by the one and only, Teddy Frenette.

– Express finally puts one in the win column. This one was a defensive struggle; a bouquet of turnovers and punts made this game closer then it should’ve been. Terror Squad did not capitalize when they had the chance and it cost them the win. Tough to swallow when your defense finally steps up big and you can’t finish. Simon Charbonneau –Campeau had his best game of the season; a strong correlation between SCC’s offensive contribution and Express’s success. With a cluster of teams trapped at one win so far after 5 weeks, it’s time to put in work. Express has a huge game coming up against D-Boys.

– I don’t know what it is about the Demons. They are able to keep up with the best but never finish. They were up 25-19 at the half against D-Boys and then buckled. To D-Boys’ credit, once again, their defense stepped up big when they needed it. Marco Masciotra had another stellar game. His ability to spread the ball and force you to respect every inch of the field makes it extremely tough to defend against his offense. Marco finished the game with 27 completions in 33 attempts for 256 yards and 7 touchdowns. Demons need to start adding “W’s” to their record if they want to extend their season and they might only need 3 wins for that to happen. Can they rally and find a way to get two more wins? I think not.

– Bend but don’t break! Montreal’s Finest seem to always find a way to pull through. Kevin Wyeth threw two atypical interceptions in the game against Flag Moi L’Sac and they still won 37-30. Not having to be perfect to win is a luxury any other QB in Division 1 would trade a kidney for. Guillaume Robert had an impressive game against a tough defense. Guillaume had 7 receptions for 95 yards and 2 touchdowns; his best game this year. So it seems like Finest will coast through the rest of their schedule, but where will FML be in 5 weeks?

Division One Awards:

My top three players (in no particular order) as of this week, in the lead for the award: Keep in mind I probably value things differently than you…

Quarterback of the year:

-Ryan Kastner (Rainmakers)

-Kevin Wyeth (Montreal’s Finest)

-Marco Masciotra (D-Boys)

 

Receiver of the year:

-Patrick Jerome (Terror Squad)

-Jamil Springer (D-Boys)

-Charles-Antoine Sinotte (Rainmakers)

 

Defensive player of the year:

-Ryan Aridi (DK)

-Kishon Thompson (Montreal’s Finest)

-Olivier Bourdages (Montreal’s Finest)

 

Two-way player of the year:

-Serge Pilon (DK)

-Kishon Thompson (Montreal’s Finest)

-Patrick Jerome (Terror Squad)

 

Division 2 Quick Highlights:

– My game of the week between Clockwork and Cold Fusion went CF’s way; they were able to prove me wrong yet again. Jason Prince and Theo Ojeaha had a friendly back and forth over Facebook and Prince ended up on top on the field. He literally ended up on top after appearing to throw Theo to the ground early in the game. Furthermore, Prince got two interceptions and held Theo to two catches in the game; that’s a good days’ work in my book. This game was not as close as the score suggests. Clockwork was able to put in a late score when it no longer mattered in the game, which brought the score closer and probably easier to swallow. I have no doubt in my mind Marco Masciotra is looking forward to playing these guys again. His wish may be granted since it looks to me like they should meet in the conference finals. For now, Cold Fusion remains the only undefeated team in division two and I don’t see anyone stopping them any time soon.

-O.N.S’s defense continues to leak like a pasta drain but luckily for them Chris Pinsonneault answered my call. Last week I said that O.N.S needed someone to step up and help out Kevin Wyeth. Chris did just that. He finished the game with 8 receptions for 138 yards and 3 touchdowns. This win brings O.N.S back into the playoff picture, but with the way their defense is playing I don’t see them sticking around very long. In six games played, O.N.S has 3 interceptions and 3 sacks…that’s awful. It’s unfortunate for the Gladiateurs who did everything they could and still fell short. I guess that’s what happens when you line up on the wrong side of Kevin Wyeth. I must mention Francois Lebeau had a great game, even with the absence of what seems to have become his favorite targets in Alex Nadeau Piuze. Frank threw for 244 yards and 7 touchdowns, two of which ended up in Alex Lever’s hands, who led the receivers on this particular night.

-David Polynice is making a run for Receiver of the Year. In the win over Les Monsieur Chats, David led all Chernobyl Circus receivers with 9 receptions for 110 yards and 3 touchdowns. This win keeps Chernobyl stagnant at 5th overall in the rankings. As for LMC, this loss is not one you wanted to take. They currently sit in last place in Conference A with a 2-4 divisional record. Nicola Centomo will need to step up his game to give his team a chance.

– Leon Holder ran for his life to lead Usual Suspects to a victory over TMT. Leon only had 12 completions for 109 yards and 5 touchdowns but had 6 rushes for 73 yards, which was the difference maker. The return of Tshitshi Bukasa was probably not what his team expected. Four scores is not what you need to find success in this division, even against a struggling Usual Suspects.

– Unfortunate turn of events led Flag Football Fantasy to their second loss in a row. Benny Goodfriend went down after his first throw, requiring Nathan Taylor to have to throw for the second time this season. I’m not quite sure what the injury was for Benny but one thing’s certain, whatever it is, it isn’t good news. CLR Forces found themselves on opposite side of the injury, which may or may not have been the reason for their upset. Nonetheless, this is a huge win for CLR which now find themselves sitting in second overall. CLR has found a way to win these important games all year. Whether luck is involved or not, can they keep this up?

– Wolverines without Tony Tabet is like India without Gandhi during the Indian independence movement, it’s not quite the same. A team that thrives off chemistry cannot be expected to have success with revolving parts. Although I figure this is a one-time ordeal and that Tony had a very good reason to miss the game, Wolverines can’t afford to take any more losses. Pascal Murray is one of the nicest guys off and on the field. But on the field he is starting to show his ability to contend in Division 2. His go-to target this weekend was Felix Prevost. Felix managed 7 receptions for 111 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also pitched in defensively with a wowing season and perhaps career best of 5 sacks. Wolverines should be able to get back on the horse next week with a preferable match against Usual Suspect who have been nothing more then usual.

 

Division Two Awards:

Again these are in no particular order. They are the top three contenders as things stand right now for each individual award. Keep in mind the players who play in division one will not be recognized here.

Quarterback of the year:

-Francois Lebeau (Gladiateur)

-Pascal Murray (Wolfpack)

-Jordan Panetta (Served With Ice)

 

Receiver of the year:

-Adam Bailey (Flag Football Fantasy)

-David Polynice (Chernobyl Circus)

-Jean-Daniel Chevalier (Served With Ice)

 

Defender of the year:

-Jordan McLaren (Cold Fusion)

-Theo Bekelis (Wolverines)

-Jeremy Cola (Legends)

 

Best two way player:

-Adam Bailey (Flag Football Fantasy)

-Hakim Kasbi-Filiatrault (The Comission)

-Jean Daniel Chevalier (Served With Ice)

 

Division 1 Freaks of the Week:

QB: Ryan Kastner ~30/39 for 297 yards and 7 touchdowns~ Ryan’s QB rating has been off the charts all year long; he’s a very respected humble FREAK!

WR: Simon Charbonneau-Campeau ~14 RECs for 91 yards and 3 TDs~ The man has a Grey Cup ring… Obviously when he goes for it he’s a FREAKK!

DB: Jo Duclair ~ 2 TKLs and 2 INTs~ Good game Jo! Picking off your own QB twice is probably going to make for some serious bragging rights over in the Freak circus.

R: Michael Harrington ~3 Sacks and a tackle~ Keep eating them sacks Mike!

 

Division 2 Freak of the Week: *For players who do not play in division one

QB: Francois Lebeau ~23/31 for 244 yards and 7 touchdowns~ Frank the tank is on his way to a QB award if he maintains this type of play!

WR: Chris Pinsonneault ~8 RECs for 138 yards and 3 TDs~ One of my favorite player in this league, quietly goes about his business…a humble FREAKK!

DB: Jason Prince ~4 Tackles and 2 INTs~ What’s impressive is who he did it against… Great game, Prince! Welcome to the league of freaks.

R: Felix Prevost ~ 5 Sacks ~ You may now demand people refer to you as “La Machina”.

 

The KISH Award for week 5: *for the best two way player of the week.

-Felix Prevost: 7 receptions for 111 yard, 3 touchdowns and 5 sacks!

 

 

My Picks Division 1:

Terror Squad (+8) VS Flag Moi L’Sac

DK (-2.5) VS Demons

D-Boys (-6.5) VS Express

Montreal’s Finest (-7) VS Rainmakers

 

Last week I was 4 for 4, which now makes me 11 for 18 on the season. Getting better.

 

My picks Division 2:

Clockwork (-2.5) VS Cold Fusion

Gladiateurs (-3.5) VS ONS

Chernobyl Circus (-4) VS Les Messieurs Chats

BC et Les McGonagals (+14.5) VS Served With Ice

Usual Suspects (+4.5) VS TMT

Legends (-8.5) VS #Noregard

Flag Football Fantasy (-9.5) VS CLR Forces

Wolverines (-4.5) VS Wolfpack

Shakalooinz (+12) VS The Commission

 

Last week I was 6 and 3, which makes me 30 in 45 on the season.

 

Power Rankings Div 1:

In the brackets is where you’ll find my pre-season forecast of each team. I will not be re-adjusting…we’ll just have to see how the cookie crumbles.

1- Montreal’s Finest 5-0… (9-1 for 1st overall)

2- D-Boys 4-1… (7-3 for 2nd overall)

3- Rainmakers 3-2… (4-6 for 6th overall)

4- Flag Moi L’Sac 3-2… (5-5 for 4th overall)

5- DK 2-3… (4-6 for 5th overall)

6- Terror Squad 1-4… (3-7 for 7th overall)

7- Demons 1-4… (2-8 for 8th overall)

8- Express 1-4… (6-4 for 3rd overall)

…so far I was only wrong about two teams.

 

Power Rankings Div 2:

In the brackets you can find the record I believe you will finish with. It is in most cases not the same as my pre-season. If the record is BOLD, it is because it has not changed and is still the same as my pre-season.

1- Cold Fusion 6-0… (9-1)

2- CLR Forces 4-1-1… (6-3-1)

3- Clockwork 4-2… (7-3)

4- Legends 4-2… (7-3)

5- Chernobyl Circus 4-2… (8-2)

6- Served With Ice 4-2… (6-4)

7- Shakalooinz 3-2-1… (5-4-1)

8- Flag Football Fantasy 3-3… (5-5)

9- Wolverines 3-3… (4-6)

10- Wolfpack 3-3… (4-6)

11- O.N.S 3-3… (7-3)

12- Gladiateurs 3-3… (5-5)

 

My game of the week:

Demons VS DK

              This game of the week may look unattractive to most fans. Let me reassure you this game is going to be heated. There are a handful of players now playing for DK who used to play for the Demons back in the day. They want nothing more but to prove their old teams they’ve moved on for the best. Although both teams have struggled to put up W’s, they’ve both managed to hang around some of the best. Falling short is something both teams can no longer afford to do. It may only take 3 or 4 wins to make the playoffs and for that reason alone neither team can afford to give the other a W.

Defensive analysis: While DK’s defense has shown very little as to what we believe they are capable of doing, the same can be said about the Demons. DK only has 6 turnovers on the season but holds an ace in the whole in Ryan Aridi. Ryan can, on any given day, take over a game and prove to be a very key asset for DK. Demons on the other hand has 2 interceptions to their name and seem to have no rush. No need to rattle off individual names here for anyone to realize there is a defensive advantage leaning towards DK.

Offensive analysis: DK has only scored 11 more points then the Demons. Both have played the same teams so far except for one. While the Demons have had a game against Express, DK was busy getting pounded by the Finest. I shall keep that in mind when taking the numbers into account. Demons’ offense has slowly molded into what is now decent and semi-average. There is speed and size inside spread equally along the line. Perhaps a little too much size and not enough speed in some positions such as wide. The strategy might pay dividends, but I doubt it, not against this defense. DK has overwhelming speed and just enough size. They may not look big but most wide receivers play big. Keeping in mind this is flag and speed kills, I will pick the Pilon twins over any other set of receiver everyday of the week.

Rochdi Benadelkader VS Carmine Police: This game lies on both QB’s shoulders. It is their game to take over. Seeing as both defenses have struggled to turn the ball over, this game is not where you want to kick start the opposing team’s defensive success. Both quarterbacks will have to pick their battles. Pre-snap reads are going to be key. You need to find the mismatch and abuse. That being said the receivers are going to have to step up and fight for every contested ball. Rochdi is fresh off his best game whereas Carmine is fresh off a bad game. Can Carmine bounce back and use my presence to nourish the fire? Has Rochdi found his championship ways again? Either way I would never pick against my QB. I’d love to quote Terrell Owens but I don’t lose tears over my QB 😉

DK 42 – DEMONS 28

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Once again good luck to everyone! Don’t forget to check out the podcast by G.M Kolethras and I, Thursday night around 10:15! Follow me @VinceNardone for very little action on twitter or stop me at the field to chat. Till next time… Get better, make adjustments, learn and move forward.