Co-Ed Week 6 Recap

It was a great week in the co-ed division and I am proud to say that I had the best seat in the house, as I was the one scorekeeping every co-ed game this week. I must say the competition level was strong and I was very happy to witness it firsthand. I asked a couple of questions last week and this article will answer those very questions. Take a seat, or stand, and enjoy the material provided to you this week.

 

• Power Rangers vs. Served With Girls

Without a doubt the best game in the co-ed division this week. There was a lot of offense and it was tight until the very end, when it came down to a two point conversion to decide whether this game would result in a tie or a victory for Power Rangers. The final verdict was a failed two point convert attempt by Served with Girls, that could have been caught, and Power Rangers escaped with an exciting 32-30 victory.

Kevin Lubin had a great game this week tallying over 100 yards passing, along with four touchdown passes and one interception. What was also very noticeable was his ability to make plays using his feet, as he ran four times for just under 50 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown run was impressive, as it started off with him heading to his left, then quickly juking the defender to his right. He took off in the open field and spun around an approaching defender before topping it off with a back pedal to secure the exciting score. It was a highlight reel play indeed and it was even more exciting live than my description entails.

Tam Vilaydeth was a tough receiver to contain on the night, as he finished with five catches for just under 35 yards and three touchdown receptions. His touchdown receptions were nearly identical, in that they all came within the redzone. The signature route for Tam was a sharp snap, followed by a quick out-route, which unless the defender had telepathic powers to undercut the route it was unstoppable. Lubin’s deadly accuracy under pressure made it easy for Tam to walk into the endzone virtually untouched on each of his touchdowns. There is definitely a strong connection brewing between Tam and Lubin.

Despite allowing 30 points, the Power Rangers defense communicated well and there were hardly any blown assignments. The most impressive performance belongs to Valerie Verdi, who was a real threat at defensive back. She read the quarterback so well that she often forced him to change his mind. She finished the game with an interception and two tackles. The best part about this performance was that her interception was in the end zone at a critical moment in the game. Her big play killed the offense’s momentum and prevented a score from most likely being the turning point in this game.

Karl Lavalée played a great game although there were certainly some moments he wishes he had back, such as the 3 interceptions that were the main reason his team did not come out victorious. Besides that, he completed 73% of his passes and threw for five touchdown. He followed that up with a pass completed to himself, and although it did not go for any yardage, the fact that he went up and made the play prevented yet another interception that would have very likely been returned the other way for a touchdown. Karl spread the ball well and was able to ensure each receiver got a chance to make a play on offense.

Anthony Deland had a good game receiving, finishing with four catches for over 50 yards and two touchdowns. One of which came on the very first drive, where he snatched the ball out of the defenders hands then he juked his way into the endzone for the score. The other came on the last play of the game, where he dove and came down with the grab. Not only did he perform on offense, he also had a good game on defense, where he had two pass deflections that took away a possible 12 points from the opposing team. Another offensive player that challenged Anthony for this mention in my article was Charlie Loignon, who finished with three catches for just under 30 yards and two touchdowns. Both of the scores were jump balls that he came down with and managed to keep both feet inbounds.

Watching Sandra Clement play made me feel more out of shape than I already am. She was a gazelle on the field. She played the full game and had an impact on both offense and defense. On offense she finished with three catches and one touchdown, which followed a defensive pass interference call came in the endzone. Following that penalty she caught a drag route in the middle of the field and carried it in for the score. On defense she showcased more of her speed, sacking the quarterback on back-to-back plays on third and fourth down, and setting up her team inside the five yard line of the Power Rangers after the turnover. Unfortunately that effort proved to come up empty for SWG on the following drive, but nonetheless Sandra was an incredible speedster on the field of play. Jonathan Labonté was all over the field on the defensive side of the ball, coming through with seven tackles and the only blemish on the opposing Quarterback’s stat line. He came up with an interception inside the endzone at the end of the first half to ensure a tie game going into the second half.

 

• Big TDs vs TC

This game was not at all what I expected it to be, as it was completely one sided throughout. Last week, we witnessed last winter’s Quarterback of the Year Vanessa Birri struggle, and this week the struggle belonged to the person who I believe will be the new Quarterback of the Year, Saadia Ashraf. TC came out with a 25-6 victory, proving that they are indeed the biggest threat to Big TDs in this division thus far.

I haven’t said this once this season, but like the old saying goes: “There is a first time for everything.” The expression rang true this week as I witnessed Saadia Ashraf have undoubtedly her worst game of this season. She completed less than half of her passes and was only able to accumulate one touchdown pass, followed by an interception that she was surely kicking herself for all the way back to her bench after it was thrown. Everyone has bad games and I am just glad for her that it happened mid-season instead of when it really matters come playoff time. She will bounce back, I know it. This week it just seemed as if she was off from the start. I just hope that my presence did not make her nervous, because if someone should be nervous it would be me in a Quarterback competition against her. You will bounce back, do not let this one game stop you from getting back to game and making strides in becoming Co-Ed Quarterback of the Year.

There was not much scoring on the Big TDs side because an offense is hard to function when a Quarterback is off their game. Although that did not stop David Cesari from upstaging his brother Tom once again. David Cesari’s touchdown came on a comeback route, in which he made the defender miss him entirely and scurried into the endzone. On defense he came up with two tackles, and swooped in on an underthrown ball by the opposing Quarterback and grabbed it for an interception. Those were David’s highlights of the game. His brother Tom had one highlight, and it was an impressive show of endurance as he sprinted from one end of the field to the other to make a tackle. Now if you ask me, I believe a touchdown reception and an interception are way more important that a tackle, but I will let you guys decide that on your own.

The bright spot for Big TDs was the excellent coverage by Seth Galina on the defensive end of the ball. Seth was not targeted much for valid reasons, because he is a top tier defender. That was shown on two plays; one of which was on the opening drive for the opposing team, where Seth kept the play in front of him at safety and came away with an interception. Even though the play was on a badly overthrown pass, he was still able to ensure the grab in the endzone. He also had a pass defense against the top receiver on the opposing team that prevented a touchdown from being scored. All in all, Seth’s play was the silver lining when Big TDs looked down and out.

Vanessa Birri had the bounce back performance I knew would come. They often say that “it is not how you start but it is how you finish,” and although it was not the start she would have hoped for, it was indeed the finish she wanted. Her first drive was intercepted, but after that she was back to her former self. Finishing off strong with 72% completion rate, four touchdowns, and one interception after the opening interception. She ensured that her offensive squad would have their fair share of plays and she made some very key passes. Mostly avoiding opposing defenders which is the name of the game at Quarterback.

Emilie P. Badoux was spectacular in this game on the receiving end of the ball. She finished with three catches just shy of 50 yards and two touchdowns. The touchdowns were very impressive and they both came off post routes in the middle of the field. Her first touchdown came after a high grab that was tough to come down with, as she had a defender almost glued to her while the catch was being made. Her second touchdown catch was thrown just out of reach of the defender and she had the capability to never lose focus and come down with the grab in the endzone. Jacques Void had four catches for 35 yards and also added two touchdowns. His first touchdown was a drag route caught in the middle of the field between three defenders and carried into the endzone. The second one came at the very end of the game where there was a drop in coverage and he was left alone for the score to seal the victory. On defense he had one tackle and three pass defenses, all intended for the opposing quarterback’s favorite receiver. He was able to make sure the passes did not go through and allowed his team to keep a healthy lead.

Sabrina Gervais on defense was quite spot on with her positioning and it felt as if she was quickly on top of every pass in her zone, preventing extra yardage from being gained. Each time a catch was made and receiver thought there was running room; Sabrina had other plans for them. She also had a pass defense, which just solidifies my point that her positioning was on point throughout the game. Jessy Paterson proved to be a major difference maker in this game. Whenever it seemed like there was finally momentum being shown from the opposing team, he was right there to make that momentum hit a brick wall, and it really derailed the game plan for the other team. He also had three tackles and two pass defenses which made him a nightmare for the opposing quarterback.

 

• Flamingos vs It’s A Match

This game was heated and ultimately it was the competitive spirit of the Flamingos that may have cost them in the end. They lost 31-6 vs It’s A Match, and I know that the fact that they were unable to control that competitive fire within them that was their ultimate undoing on this night.

Cam Chaput did not end the game the way he wanted to and you saw it in his emotion following the injury that cut his night short. I felt bad for the guy as he got a little bit overzealous and unfortunately tweaked a lingering knee injury that he has been bothered with in the past. Before that unfortunate ending he improved his overall completion percentage on the season. Although he threw for a touchdown, it was that same competitive mentality that led him to force a few throws into tight coverage, which ultimately put the game out of reach. I hope that he has a good recovery from what looked to be a very painful injury.

Dan Chaput was the reason behind the only score put up by the flamingos. He finished the game with three catches for just under 25 yards and he had the above mentioned touchdown. The touchdown itself had a lot of people surprised including himself. He caught the pass on a slant route, split two defenders and after noticing he wasn’t tackled he hustled for an additional five yards for the score. The play was most likely a surprise to the defenders who thought they had him dead to rights, but ultimately they misjudged the situation and allowed the six points.

Charnay Crabb-Pham is showing me the most improvement on the defensive side of the ball. She played a very tough corner back position and she made it work with some pep talk from Tevyn Nicholls who was unfortunately unable to play in this game. She took his advice and had herself a very eye opening performance. She had four tackles, and although that may not seem like a crazy number it was the way the tackles came about that were the most impressive. She also had two pass defences which if she had not been in the right position could have very well led to big plays against her defense.

Benoit Lawlor had a great game completing 63% of his pass to go along with 150 yards passing. The cherry on top was the five touchdown passes thrown to four different receivers. It was impressive how he spread the ball around and was able to find the open receiver whether it be on his weaker side or his stronger side. He made sure he was not predictable with the ball and ultimately he found the holes within the defense. He also had the final play before an unfortunate injury caused the opposing team to call the match. He showed me a burst of speed I did not know existed when he ran for 33 yards on one carry.

Lovinski Gelin was the go to receiver as he finished his game with five catches for just above 50 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown came off a deep corner route where he ran by the opposing defender and before they realized he had the ball, he was already in the endzone. The second one came from what I believe is a glitch in the systematics of football. After two Objectionable Conduct Penalties were enforced, he ran a quick out route and the ball hit him right in the chest as he just crossed the goal line. Maryse Normandeau showcased her speed and I am sure that her record on the 40 yard dash would put me to shame, but luckily I am the guy that writes about what happens during games and I do not compete in them. Maryse just ran a simple go route and came down with the grab for a touchdown that knocked the wind out of the sails of the opposing team.

On defense Henry Dam showed me that he is indeed a defensive specialist. He came up with two tackles, a pass defense, and an interception that came from an overthrown ball that landed in his bread basket. Kathleen Tran also came up with an interception that was simply a well-read undercut of a route and picked off to close out the first half. Melanie Rivard had the third interception that came after the opposing quarterback was forced to throw it on the run while trailing in the game. Those ingredients usually end in a terrible recipe because it was badly thrown and intercepted. That was the final nail in the coffin for the opposing team.

 

• Michael Scott’s Tots vs. Straight Off The Couch

Michael Scott’s Tots came to play this week and they were just like Britney B****. With that being said I will tell you just how dominant they were this week, earning a commanding 31-13 victory over Straight Off the Couch.

Lefty Evan Ely Nolet completed half of his passes, but more importantly he threw for four touchdowns to three different receivers. Although I know from his post-game, disappointing self-chat that he wishes he did not throw those two interceptions. Luckily for him those turnovers did not prove to hurt the outcome of the game in any way, and he should be proud that they came away with the all-important victory. He showed the ultimate trust in his receivers and in my opinion trust is the make or break aspect of any Quarterback-Receiver success.

Zackary Alberts-Gill is trying his best to compete for the receiver of the year award as he had another outstanding performance, catching three passes and two of them for touchdowns. The first touchdown came after he reminded me of how he had 31 sacks 4 seasons ago, as he sped through the defender and made the easy snag for the touchdown. The other touchdown came after a comeback route left the defender on his heels, and caught by Zack with both feet inbounds just inside the goal line. Karina “The Receptionist” Niboj, although your streak of consecutive games was stopped a couple of weeks ago you came back and started a new streak with an out route caught in the middle of the endzone for the touchdown.

On defense there were two players that stuck out; one of them is Kenny “The Temp” Boutilier who is making a strong case for defensive player of the year, as he came up with three tackles, two pass defenses, and two interceptions. The first interception came after a poorly thrown ball sailed above the intended receiver and hit him right in the logo on his chest. The other interception was ultimately converted into a pick six, which shattered the chances of any comeback attempt and it sealed the deal for his team. Chloe Brazeau-Gelinas was the other defensive player who had a big impact on the outcome of the game, as she was the tackle leader in the entire game. She was always ready for when the receiver in her area caught the ball. She prevented a dangerous amount of run after the catch yards, which could have very well been a serious game changer.

Sara Parker did not have that bad of a game, although she does wish she would have had a few more seconds to capitalize on certain plays. She finished with just under half of her passes completed and obtained just under 140 yards. She also threw for two touchdowns, but I know that the two interceptions haunted her after that game was over. All she needed was another split second on a couple of plays and this game may have very well had a different outcome. It just goes to show you that timing is everything in flag football and she was the unfortunate victim of not having a little more time.

Kevin St.Pierre was indeed the best receiver for Straight Off the Couch. He finished his game with seven receptions for just over 70 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown came from a hook route that was caught inside the redzone and he back pedalled a couple of yards for the score, all the while maintaining a clear understanding of his surroundings. Christophe Atkinson only made one catch for 26 yards but it was a touchdown and an impressive one at that. He was able to catch the ball on a drag route and tiptoe the sideline until he had enough space to run up the field for a score. The last time I tried to tiptoe I almost fell so for him to do it at full speed is very impressive.

The defense created a couple of turnovers, but unfortunately for them the opportunity was not there to make the opposing team pay. The first interception came at the very end of the first half, as Ryan Dobbs-Garnett jumped up and caught the Hail Mary pass thrown by the opposing team. Unfortunately, there was not much room to run and since it was the end of the half there was no chance at getting the score. I admire Ryan because he told me: “Yeah I got the interception but what really matters is getting that W,” and that showed me the kind of team player he is. The other interception came from Dylan Narcisco, as he jumped the route with perfect timing and came away with the interception. Unfortunately, the following play was the turnover that ultimately ended the game for Straight Off the Couch.

 

That’s it for me this week. If you guys have any comments, complaints, criticism, I can always be reached via email ([email protected]) or twitter (@FPF_Stefb) or in person at the fields. Thanks for reading my material on a weekly basis.