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Carmine’s Coffin Corner – Semi-final week recap & Finals Preview

Can the Pacemakers cap off a 10-0 season and take home the trophy or does JMJ have yet another upset in them?

Wow what a crazy Wednesday evening in Baie d’Urfe.  As a spectator it was fun & thrilling to watch.  As a “should’ve been participant” it truly sucked.

Calling the Audible, FPF’s podcast, had some live commentary this week as I was asked to join the show for a few moments.

If you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiUfr3XQi4I

NFL drama continues to annoy me.  I get that players are trying to maximize their pay cheques during the short window that they have.  However I have little sympathy for those who do not honour their commitments.  The team does not want to renegotiate early, which is their right, play out your contract and leave.

Just a couple of quick thoughts from the action this past Wednesday evening in Baie d’Urfe.  I must say that watching from the sideline’s sucks.

  • Hobbling in on Wednesday, and not seeing Yoni Lehrer playing for FPF, made me reconsider my pick in that game.
  • Making it to the middle and then seeing Eugen McLaren absent totally solidified my pick of the Pacemakers knocking out Broady Windsor.
  • 3 of the games came down to the final drive/play.
  • Chris Olson played his game plan to perfection
  • Shenanigans looked good from Play #1.
  • Paul Lapierre and Shane Williams were in a physical battle all night.
  • 3 of the games finished with upsets.  Glad to see the regular season count for nothing.

Random thoughts from around the league:

  • Nice to see Greg Stern have some success this season.  The Incredibles might be slightly in over their head but got a big win over the Outlaws.  Daniel Mancini was the big offensive threat (5-120-2 TDs) but the defence chipped in with both Vince Nardone & Marco Bertoldi contributing PICK 6s.
  • Sheesh get upset 39-37 by the Speed Academy.  Rabbi Bositampen with a big night (4-149-2 TDs).  QBs in this game were dead even with the difference being XPTs.  269 yards with 6 TDs vs. 260 yards with 6TDs.
  • Lightweight lived up to that name indeed this past week.  80 yards of offence is not going to get it done at any level.
  • KGP upset Terror Squad in a potential championship preview for D2.  Phil Cutler with a big game on both sides of the ball.  21/26 with 5 TDs and 3 TKLs 1 INT & 1 PD on D.  Dylan Garber was his main target…9-103-2 TDs.  Will be interesting to see who hits the finals as Urgence Medic also continues to roll on.
  • While it was action from this week’s schedule, OMG what a stat line from the Killa Bees…AGAIN…as they knocked off the previously undefeated Blessed.  Jeremie Mongeon-Duby went 12-12 for 22 Yards and & 7 TDs.  They scored on every drive and their longest drive was 3 plays.  The loss of Marvin Steinberg was evident in this one as he normally patrols the deep defensive backfield.

WEEK IN REVIEW

For those of you not familiar with my way of doing the review, I will include what I wrote the week prior and this way everyone can see if I was out to lunch or not.

Monster vs. Shenanigans (Shenanigans win 44-31)

What I wrote:  While I was happy to see Jason Ulley take back the field this past week, I am not sure that it is going to be enough for the Shenanigans to upset Monster, especially if Karl De Nie is present to rush.  Considering the talent on their roster, 1-7 is not where I saw the Shenanigans finishing the season.  Injuries have played a factor, but they struggled early in the season when they actually had their full squad.  As for Monster, Andy Peterkin seems to be as comfortable right now as I have seen him this season.  This does not bode well for the Shenanigans defence.  Monster also had a full roster last week, which always makes a difference.  Lapierre and Blevings provide 2 massive targets, and the Monster defence plays smart enough to not be fooled by misdirection.  While I would love nothing more than an upset, I don’t see it happening in this one.

What actually happened:  The Shenanigans finally played to their potential this season.  It took 9 games but they got their when it counted.  Jay Ulley came out firing on this one with a first play bomb to Darren Costello.  He hooked up with Costello for another deep ball on the second play of the next drive.  It was evident that Ulley was throwing with confidence from the get go and that attitude was inspiring his team mates.  While Monster matched them score for score in the first half, they were definitely forced to earn every yard.  Monster ran 38 plays compared to 23 by the Shenanigans.  Late in the second half, with Monster down by 7, the drama intensified.  A huge 4th down catch by Paul Lapierre set the stage for a 5 yard TD pass from Peterkin to O’Brien to make it a 1 point game with 5 plays remaining.  Monster went for the 2 points attempt and the victory.  It was defended by the Shenanigans, Derek Dugas if memory serves, and the Shenanigans were now in a position to run out the clock.  A single down was needed.  Time for more drama.  Jason Prince caught a 12 yard hook and could have simply taken a knee.  Evidently some interactions during the game with a Monster defender prompted him to make a move, slip a tackle, and score a 40 yard TD while taunting the DB along the way.  First OC for Prince’s career forced the Shenanigans to attempt their convert attempt from near mid-field.  Failed attempt and Monster now is again down by 7 with 4 plays to go.  2 big chunk plays on 1st and 2nd down put them in range to score.  3rd down was an over throw and then Wade Williams took the final play of the game back for 6 PTS.

Pacemakers vs. Broady Windsor (Pacemakers win 42-27)

What I wrote:  The Pacemakers swept all 3 games this season and will more than likely make it 4 straight over Broady Windsor.  I could copy/paste previous editions of the preview as my opinion has not changed.  No one on BW can rush Jason Rossie effectively and Jason Rossie can contain his counter-part Eugene McLaren.  Even with his favorite target, Chris Brockwell, out indefinitely, Rossie has not really missed a beat.  Chris Acker has stepped up considerably as has Wade Williams.  BW have threats in Brian Martin, Joel Watson, and Mario Choueri, but I really do not think that it will be enough.  The perfect season for the Pacemakers continues.

What actually happened:  Do not let the score fool you, this one was not close and not in doubt.   The Pacemakers scored on every drive.  A bit like the Shenanigans game, the Pacemakers had 1 less drive, ran 9 less plays, and still won by 15 PTS.  As I wrote, Jason Rossie was able to move around as he wished in this game, buying time and gaining 58 yards on his 3 rushing attempts.  Scott Binns, who has flown under the radar for the most part this season, had a huge night with 8-60-2TDs and several YAC yards.  The big story for Broady Windsor was the absence of Eugene McLaren.  The Draft Tier being the Draft Tier, Alex Lever was allowed to come in as his replacement. While he did an admirable job, BW fell behind early and it was simply too much to overcome.  A last play TD to Mario Choueri to finish the first half kept it from being 28-6 at the break with the Pacemakers starting with the ball in the second half. Yavar Ashrafi received an early BDAY gift from Lever as it appeared that he literally handed him the ball in the first half.

FPF vs. JMJ (JMJ wins 22-13)

What I wrote:  Jeff Rosenblatt and Yoni Lehrer vs. Chris Olson and Chris Rosen.  Pocket passer vs. anything but.  Routes/hands vs. speed/hands.  Yes, there are 16 other players involved in this game but these 4 will decide it, IMO.  Unless G.M. has the game of his life rushing, I think that the FPF offence will simply put up too many points for JMJ to match.  Alex Moreau is a wildcard for the JMJ squad, so I am not expecting a blow out by any stretch.  This should be a fun game to watch.

What actually happened:  As mentioned earlier, Yoni Lehrer was absent for this one.  Cue the Draft roster rules once more as Jeff Brown was permitted to suit up.  Unfortunately Jeff did not have the same impact that Yoni normally does.  Jeff Rosenblatt simply did not seem to be himself in this one.  Missing his safety blanket, along with David Weiss & Brad Evans, had him throwing to a very SHORT receiving corps.  They were held to 1 score in the 1st half, made it a 3 point game after their first drive in the second half (16-13) but never scored again afterwards.  For JMJ, Chris Olson had a plan and pretty much stuck with it.  KILL THE CLOCK.  He really bought time, over and over again, by dancing in the backfield, rushing the ball, and throwing short completions.  His only real deep shot was a beautiful right to left post pattern to Chris Rosen for a nice TD.  Rosen did his job as was the top receiver for JMJ and also finished with 2 INTs.  Big players make big plays and his return from injury last week has definitely provided JMJ with a spark.  His absence also allowed Alex Moreau to sub in enough games to qualify for the playoffs and he also had an impact on both sides of the ball with a TD, 4 tackles, and 2 PDs.

Montreal Spitfire vs. Old Age Outlaws (OAO win 31-27)

What I wrote:  Which MTL Spitfire squad will show up?  After 5 weeks of roster consistency, everything has gone to he77 in the past couple of weeks.  Covid, travel, and injuries have wreaked havoc on the Spitfire roster.  OAO have also been juggling things in recent weeks.  Recent addition, Kris Hope, has been a stand-out for OAO on both sides of the ball and will be a huge factor.  For the Spitfire, they need to play more disciplined football.  Penalties and poor execution have been their biggest enemies recently.  Don Shepherd and Jimmy Coupethwaite should both return this week to give the offence a boost.  As always, Spitfire for the W.

What actually happened:  This game went back and forth all night long.  One of the Spitfire players commented: «last team with the ball wins” and he was prophetic indeed.  This was a slow game as both teams were forced to march for each score.  The OAO converted 2 huge 4th down plays in the first half; both by Robert White, including a TD, or this game could have been completely different.  An early miss on a potential deep TD by the Spitfire offence also proved to be a “what could have been?” moment.  Moving the chains for OAO were David De Andrade, who caught more balls in this game than he did in the entire season, and Rob White.  Both defences had opportunities in this one as the Spitfire finished with 7 PDs and OAO had 5.  Kris Hope, who continues his impact on both sides of the ball, finished with 2 TDs (last play of the game for one of them) and the sole INT in this game. 

Players of the Week (according to me & the stats)

Kris Hope (OAO) – 2 TDs and an INT were huge

Francois Deslauriers (MTL Spitfire) – 7-74-2 TDs and 2 PDs

Jay Ulley (Shenanigans) – 17/21-210-6 TDs

David De Andrade (OAO) 7-84-1 TD 1 Tackle / 1 PD

Jason Rossie (Pacemakers) – 19/23-175-6 TDs passing & 3-58 yards rushing & 1 PD

Scott Binns (Pacemakers) – 8-60-2 TDs & 6 Tackles é 1 PD

Darren Costello (Shenanigans) – 4-97-2 TDs & 1 Sack

Chris Rosen (JMJ) – 5-81-1 TD & 2 Tackles é 2 INTs

Chasing the Hardware

Here are my top contenders for the 4 individual awards.  I have no real say, but I always have an opinion.  Players are listed in no particular order.  Injuries and absences have definitely altered some choices

2 Way Player

Shane Williams (Shenanigans)

James Acker (Pacemakers)

Jason Rossie (Pacemakers)

G.M Kolethras (JMJ)

QB of the Year

Jason Rossie (Pacemakers)

Stephen Harripersaud (Old Age Outlaws)

Chris Olson (JMJ)

Receiver of the year

Paul Lapierre (Monster)

Yoni Lehrer (FPF)

Brian Martin (Broady Windsor)

Defensive player of the year

Shane Williams (Shenanigans)

Jason Rossie (Pacemakers)

G.M. Kolethras (JMJ)

James Acker (Pacemakers)

The Week Ahead

Pacemakers vs. JMJ

The return of Chris Rosen has made a huge impact on the JMJ squad.  As mentioned earlier, it has also allowed them to add Alex Moreau to the roster.  For the Pacemakers, it is possible that they will get Chris Brockwell back for the finals.  My thoughts on this season for T2 have not changed.  No one has shown that they can rush Jason Rossie.  Until someone does, he has too much time and can gain yards whenever he decides to.  While Chris Olson did an amazing job of slowing things down las week, I truly did not grasp the logic behind the FPF rushing strategy.  While Christian Ackad did yeomen`s work, he was not a great match up.  Enter the Pacemakers who have multiple talented rushers at their disposal.  Olson will not have the same time this week as he did last week.  I think that the Pacemakers will cap off their perfect season with a big victory.

Old Age Outlaws vs. Shenanigans

The OAO took the season series 2-1 and could easily have swept it had it not been for the `Louie Larouche Show” in Week 5.  Having said that, Jay Ulley has yet to face the OAO this season and he was a difference maker against Monster.  Questions abound in this one.  Will the real Jay Ulley please stand up?  On the other side I have a similar question for David De Andrade.  I have played with him on several occasions.  Normally a defensive minded player, he chose the right time to have an offensive explosion last week in defeating the Spitfire.  I think that this game will come down to whoever rushes Jay Ulley.  If they can make him uncomfortable then I have to give the advantage to Stephen Harripersaud and the OAO offence.  While the Shenanigans definitely have more athletic ability, Harripersaud really is very good at finding holes in the defence.  Kris Hope also gives him that mis-match potential should they attempt man-to-man coverage too often.  By a slight margin, OAO for the championship.

That’s all for today! Thanks for taking the time to read along.