Carmine’s Coffin Corner – Week 7 Review and a look at the last week of the Regular Season

35+ Division

Carmine’s Coffin Corner

Week 7 recap and a look ahead to Week 8

Week 7 is cooked and in the books.

Sorry for the delay in getting this out…hectic weekend and work travel caused issues.

It is hard to believe, but we are headed into the last week of the Regular Season. Where has time gone?

Congrats to our 3 new Hall of Fame players. Tam Vilaydeth, Alex Holowach, and Sean Avraam are 3 very worthy members who have all contributed immensely to the league’s development, growth, and success.

Random 35+ thoughts

– FPF teammates Robbie Robinson & Brian Martin look like safe bets to take home hardware this season as they each lead their respective category in all KPIs. Robbie is making a mess of the QB Stats in his “rookie” year while Brian has been money game in & game out
– Pacemakers better hope that Jason heals up quickly. They are a very different team without him.
– Andrew Blevings throwing a pass from the half is not a pretty thing to watch…
Can’t take too much away from the JMJ vs. PAZAZZ game. Nice to see Cory Johnson put together their first win but Eugene McLaren was absent from this one.
FPF vs. Polvige was right out of a Dicken’s novel
Andy Peterkin just missed out on a 300-yard night…
We saw 2 QBs finish in double digits for passing yardage this week…not going to win many games with numbers like thatPlayoff match ups are set for all 3 Tiers.
- o Monster and the Spitfire meet up in Tier 1
- o Pacemakers & GOXM square off in Tier 2
- o FPF vs. JMJ in one Draft semi
- o Polvige & PAZAZZ make up the other Draft semi
  
  Random league thoughts
  - – D1: STL are on a roll with their 3rd straight W. It helped that they were playing FMS without their QB. ANP is one of the top two-way players in all of FPF so that hurts but they use their top receiver in his brother, Samuel, as the QB when he is absent, so it becomes doubly painful.
  - – D1: The Braves really look like the team to beat this season. When they have their complete roster, they are the class of the division. Georges Gariepy is a monster out there.
  - – D1: If anyone is going to challenge them it will YCSWU whose defence is coming to life at the right time. When you can hold a D1 team to 12 points and a D1 QB to 8-27-60 numbers you are playing lights out
  - – D2: Dylan Taylor is 4-0 as QB during the last two weeks in D1 & 2. Fun times
  - – D2: #NR continue to roll and look almost unbeatable at this point. Another 46 points as Cory Pecker continues to light up opposing defences. They have cracked the 300 PF mark and only 1 team in D2 is within 60 points of them so far. Good luck slowing this train down!
  - – D2: New HoF inductee Tam Vilaydeth was feeling his Wheaties this week as the Terror Squad put up 56 points. Tam finished 18-22-252-7 TDs
  - – D2: Taco Tuesday has gone into a bit of a free fall dropping their last 3 games. Yes, they were without new HoF inductee Sean Avraam, but Les Studs should not be putting up 30 on that defence.
  - – D3: Sweat N Beers put up 45 points in their upset of the 69ers. 35+ QBOTY candidate, Robbie Robinson, had a big night finishing 20-30-225-7 TDs with most of the damage coming from Rocco Christiano who ended up 8-115-6 TDs.
  - – D3: Jason Rossie’s absence is being felt by JYD as much as it is the Pacemakers in 35+. This forces them into a similar situation as FMS, where a top receiver moves into the QB spot and now you are missing 2 players. Hoping that he recovers quickly.
  - – D3: Stats lie. If you judged the P.O.P. vs. District game simply by the yardage put up by the QBs you would figure that P.O.P. would have won the game rather than losing 41-32. 280 yards vs. 156 yards normally indicates a win. Unfortunately, P.O.P. threw 2 PICK 6s and that made a huge difference
  - – D4A: Another weird game to look at occurred between the Super Saiyans and C2E Inc. SS won it 25-12 but Jordan Allard was held to 91 passing yards. He actually had an effect in every part of the game as he threw 4 TDs, caught a pass for 7 yards, led his team with 4 Tackles, and had 4 Rushes for 31 yards.
  - – D4A: Stephen Harripersaud of the Outlaws (& Old Age Outlaws in 35+) is on a roll. He led his team to a big win over the Tide 38-28 and finished 20-21-234-6 TDs. Yup 20-21 after going 29-32 last week. His last two games he is 49-53 which is a stupid 92.4 completion %.
  - – D4A: Had the chance to watch the Half-A-Stars walk all over the Eskimo Brothers last Thursday 50-13. This turned into the Andrew Langburt show as he was in control at QB going 17-28-7 TDs and spreading things around. All 5 of his receivers found the end zone. It helped that his defence forced 6 INTS! 2 of them were provided by Langburt himself, including a PICK 6. Zach Aaron chipped in with 3 of the INTs.
  WEEK 6 REVIEW
  
  Old Age Outlaws 32 Pacemakers 13
  
  What I wrote: This should be a really interesting game as it showcases two truly different QB styles. Stephen Harripersaud pushes the 5-yard QB limit on each play and literally takes the Rusher out of the game with his quick decision making and even quicker release. Jason Rossie almost tries to involve the Rusher on every play and takes much longer to get rid of the ball. One is high control/low risk, while the other almost seems like they are careening down a cliff side with a broken hand brake but looking to get things done in one play. Josh Levine and Chris Brockwell are the “big play” individuals to look for on each squad. Look for OAO to take this one due to their ability to send multiple rushers at Jason Rossie.
  
  What actually happened: With the loss of Jason Rossie to injury, my preview goes out the window. Stephen Harripersaud did what he has done all season, which is control the ball. 8 different players finished with receptions and 5 different players found the end zone. Kind of hard to stop that type of balance attack. Scott Binns did yeoman’s work filling in for Rossie, but he ran into the buzz saw that is Remy Nguyen at the Rush. Remy had 4 Sacks that cost the Pacemakers 16 yards. Binns was able to make him miss a few times but Remy recovered and held the Pacemakers to a total of 15 yards on the 4 Tackles that he made. On those 8 plays he held the Pacemakers to -1 yard combined. That is a difference maker on defence.
  
  O.A.S. 50 Grumpy Old X-Men 23
  
  What I wrote: On paper this looks like it will be a blow out. OAS have yet to suffer a loss and GOXM have yet to taste victory. From a PF/PA perspective OAS are #2 on both sides while GOXM are dead last in scoring and second last in giving up points. Jordan Rossie is going to have to use his legs in this game in order to slow things down. The defence from OAS likes to stand tall and shoot around so quick hitting passes tend to blow up on the offence. OAS should run away with this game.
  
  What actually happened: This game actually had some fun moments to watch even if the final ending was never really in doubt. I mentioned it earlier but watching Andrew Blevings throw overhand is somewhat painful. The man has a bullet snap, just ask Tony Lalla, but still. Comical moment had Jordan Rossie throw me the ball on a lateral to Wade Williams who had dropped to half. Comical because I am not on their team and was standing out of bounds. More comical because Wade was in the end zone, so this was a truly ugly safety. Comedy continues as the GOXM do not realize it is a safety and are still in their offensive huddle while OAS is lining up to snap the ball. The icing on the cake was the fact that 2 plays later, Blevings blew a snap right past Tony Lalla for a safety and the GOXM were right back at their 10-yard line.
  
  JMJ 41 PAZAZZ 26
  
  Fairly simple for JMJ. If they want any chance of avoiding FPF in the opening round of the playoffs, they must win this game. Not an easy task as Eugene McLaren is playing some good football right now, two straight close losses to FPF and OAS are nothing to be ashamed of, and PAZAZZ seem to be peaking at the right time. For JMJ to win this game Cory Johnson cannot turn the ball over as he has been doing. The JMJ offence has proven that they can move the ball but whenever they make a mistake it seems to be an INT and not a PD. Look for PAZAZZ to win by 2 scores.
  
  What actually happened: Kudos to JMJ for avoiding the winless season! Cory Johnson had a great night finishing 20-26-232-6 TDs. Karim Yasmine was on the receiving end of half of those TD tosses. Brian Eudoxie played strong on both sides of the ball. He had a great TD catch and chipped in with 2 big INTs on defence. PAZAZZ were without QB Eugene McLaren in this one so I do not think that they are going to be losing too much sleep over the end result. Steve Landry with a strong night on both sides in the loss.
  
  FPF 32 Polvige 31
  
  The battle of the “rookie” QBs as Robbie Robinson and Ryan Kastner face off in the rematch. FPF took the first game 41-32 and a similar score would not shock me in the least. Brian Martin has flashed glimpses of dominance in previous seasons but 2020 is his coming out party as he and Robbie have been on the same page virtually all season long. Somehow, I do not see that changing as no one on Polvige has the size and speed to match up with him.
  
  What actually happened: This game turned into a barn burner. I was playing at the same time but every time I looked over something big happened. There were also several loud plays that forced me to look over to see what happened. Polvige did a great job of holding the Robbie and Brian show in check for the first time this season. Robinson was held to 172 yards and Martin restricted to 3 catches, albeit for 2 TDs, including a beauty where he high pointed the ball in the right seam. I turned my head at the right moment to watch him snag the ball. FPF seemed to be in control of this game in the first half and built a 26-13 lead at the half. However, Football is a game of 2 halves and Polvige stormed back. Late in the game Ryan Kastner, who had a rushing attempt & a Tackle on the evening, found Chris Rosen for a deep 32-yard TD. He had already scored on a 40-yard bomb earlier in the game. Down by 1 they elected to go for 2 PTS but failed. The defence then did an admirable job of forcing a turnover on downs and giving their offence one last shot at the end zone. Unfortunately, destiny was not on their side, and FPF held on for the 1-point win.
  
  Monster 40 Spitfire 40
  
  What I wrote: An opening round preview. These two teams are locked into a first-round playoff match up so this should give us an idea what to expect. Monster is at their best when both QBs are present. Andy Peterkin and Craig O’Brien have driven defences nuts this season when they present the dual-QB option in the backfield. Either of them has had individual success but that dual option is where they shine. Offensively they have spread the ball around well with the one constant being their Center, Marco Ottoni, who currently leads all Monster receivers in all categories. For the Spitfire, they are looking to hit the playoffs on a roll. Consistency has been their biggest issue thus far, both on the field and from a roster perspective. They need to solidify both if they want to avoid an early end to their 2020 season.
  
  What actually happened: If this was the playoff preview then we should be treated to a dandy of a game. This one looked like it was going to get ugly in a hurry early on. Monster started with the ball and drove down to score but missed the convert. The Spitfire’s opening play saw the ball snapped so high over my head that Paul Lapierre simply said, “Even I wouldn’t have moved for that one!” Monster drives down once more, gets the 2 point convert and is quickly up 16-0. The Spitfire would eventually settle down and begin to move the ball on offence. Defensively they forced INTs on consecutive drives which allowed the offence to make this a game. Converts were a big factor in this game as the Spitfire went 4-6 while Monster only converted 1 for 6 (albeit for 2 pts). Paul Lapierre had an impact on this game as he caught 2 TDs that only his size allows him to make and also threw a TD from the halfback position. Some drama at the end of the game as the referees lost track of the # of plays remaining and then communication issues caused some tension. The stage is set for the playoffs!
  
  Carmine’s POTW
  - – Remy Nguyen (Old Age Outlaws) 4 Tackles & 4 Sacks
  - – Shane Williams (OAS) 3-29-1 TD and 4 Tackles, 2 INTs, a PD, and a PICK 6 on D
  - – Steve Landry (PAZAZZ) 4-66-3 TDs and 2 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 INT on D
  - – Karim Yasmine (JMJ) 4-50-3 TDs and 2 Tackles, 1 PD on D
  - – Chris Rosen (Polvige) 7-122-3 TDs and 2 Tackles on D
  - – Andy Peterkin (Monster) 19-30-288-5 TDs, 1 rush for 8 yards, and 1 Tackle on D
  Week 8 preview
  
  Polvige vs. PAZAZZ
  
  Playoff preview in this game. Ryan Kastner has had a solid season and the Polvige defence has proven that they can slow most teams down. Overall, I think that they are the more complete squad. Having said that, Eugene McLaren brings big play ability to any game. PAZAZZ also have the most dangerous individual player in the Division in Rob Allen. While he has not been the focal piece of the offence, he has still hit the end zone on 11 of his 19 receptions this season. I am looking for PAZAZZ with the upset in this one
  
  JMJ vs. FPF
  
  Interesting how both Draft matchups to end the season are the playoff match ups. Somewhat ironic. Cory Johnson had a great performance last week and he will need to be even better this week is he hopes to knock off FPF and his older brother Lonnie. Robbie Robinson and Brian Martin looked “normal” last week for the first time this season. I do not see that happening two weeks in a row. Give me FPF by 3 scores
  
  Monster vs. Pacemakers
  
  As this game has no real meaning it will be interesting to see if Jason Rossie pushes things and plays. Without him this will not be a pretty game to watch. The offence truly is built around his strengths. It was interesting to see Scott Bins take snaps this past week. I would have assumed that Rob White would step in. For Monster, this will be an opportunity to work on a few things before the playoffs begin. If Craig O’Brien is back look for them to drive the Pacemakers nuts with their halfback offence
  
  Old Age Outlaws vs. Grumpy Old X-Men
  
  Stephen Harripersaud is on a major role right now, truly firing on all cylinders. I really do not see the GOXM slowing him down much. For the GOXM, Jordan Rossie is going to have his hands full with Remy Nguyen rushing him. Should be a fun match up to watch from the sides. I think that we see a 2 TD victory from OAO.
  
  Spitfire vs. OAS
  
  The last game of the season! The Spitfire have looked better in the last two weeks and seem to be rounding into form as the playoffs approach. OAS have been on fire all season long. Cory Pecker has been lighting things up in D2 and in the 35+ Division all Winter long. He looks really comfortable in the pocket right now and Shane Williams looks like he never stepped away from the game. Stopping these two will be one of the keys if the Spitfire hope to end the OAS perfect season.
  
  That’s all for today! Thanks for taking the time to read along.