Food For Thought (Div B) – Week 14

Once again, I was wrong. While my instincts told me to stick with the best defensive squad in predicting the winner of a playoff matchup, I could not resist the aura of attraction that a QB like Rick Nincheri possesses. In the end, after a heart-stopping shootout, it was Double T himself that left with the playoff MVP honours and a chance to hang out with the championship trophy until April.

In a game that saw a couple of momentum switches, defence was pretty much cast aside as both squads decided to rock out with their flags out. After being dubbed the comeback kids, the Trojans decided to give the Snookers a try at the comeback taking a two score lead into halftime. Sadly for them, they crumbled in the second half where they started arguing and pointing fingers at each other.

While Rick Nincheri was arguably the hero of the first half, Tony Tabet took over in the second half, piling up yards and TDs like their was no tomorrow (actually, there wasn’t). With the game on the line and only one play left, Tabet threw a perfect pass to Sevag Kaloussian in the back of the endzone. Only problem, Shane Paquette decided to extend his arm and attempt to catch it. After the ball bounced a couple of times off both receivers, Paquette fell to the ground, the pigskin trapped in his redemptive arms. Paquette went from goat to gloat in less than a second and the Snookers chewed up and spit out my prediction.

After such a decisive playoff performance by the Snookers pivot, is it now safe to say Tony Tabet will be part of next season’s Hall of Fame class? I can already hear the Armenian community chanting some victory songs in his honour.

***

With the all-star game a day away (http://flagplusfootball.com/news.php?article_id=457) reminding us that there were actually 8 other teams in action in Div B this season, I’ve been wondering what’s in store for everyone in the future. Snookers: After a well-deserved championship, will the Snookers and the Wolverines split back up? While it seems to be what they are aiming for in 2012, a lack of able bodies might keep the team united in a potentially deadly Div 2. Trojans: Although they seem to be improving every season, this difficult loss might strike a blow to their already fragile team unity. Once again, Rick Nincheri is repeating that he wants to retire and Don Shepherd will undoubtedly jump ship during the off-season. Back to Sean Avraam at QB? Maybe. Nonetheless, they should be strong enough to contend in next year’s Div 3. SWAT: As with all Gino Di Fazio teams, SWAT will be relying heavily on recruiting new talent to have a strong 2012 season. Will it be the towering Nathan Thompson at QB or will Gino be throwing in two divisions? Again, no one knows. However, the rumour mill keeps spitting out the name of Jacob Peterson, Receiver of the Year in Div D, as a potential empire addition… Big TDs: After a season full of promise, Jamil Springer and the TDs will be looking to make a run at the championship, most likely in Div 3. If they can convince Ryan Brewster to stick around for another season and have a game-breaking talent such as Duraney White or Matt Norzil in the line-up for a full season, they could be quite successful. Park Street Elite: The boys from the street have what it takes to be champions. A little more experience is all they need before hoisting that elusive Div 3 cup. If they do come back in winter, they will be one of the strongest teams without doubt. Evolution: Let’s label this as an experiment gone wrong. Signing two number one QBs on the same team? A definite GM faux pas by Rick Cummins. Look for another mash up version of the Darkhorses in Div 3 or Div 2 next winter. Terror Squad: Defence should be on their minds when adding pieces to the team during the off season. Yes, Weiland Prosper was a revelation. Now, does he have a twin brother? Another stint in Div 3 with a couple of defensive add-ons and without the fickle Alex Giroux should be expected. Prestige World Wide: While Prestige is a spring only contraption, the Cobras might be back with some new shine to their armour and a definite bounce in their step in 2012. Look for Lever and Trudeau to give back some prestige to their old franchise in Div 3. Patriotes: The Pats clearly jumped a couple of steps when they decided to enrol in Div B. While they were not totally dominated, they clearly didn’t have the success they were expecting. They will need to add some depth on both sides of the ball if they want to be successful in the most competitive of all FPF divisions next winter. Broccasion: Two paths lay ahead for the young Broccasion: continue with Kris Cerantola at QB and add some offensive depth, or find a more experienced pivot and move Cerantola to receiver alongside his brother. Whatever happens they should be competitive in Div 3.   I would like to thank all of you for a fantastic season and wish you all good luck in your future endeavours. I will most likely see many of you during tackle football season since I will be covering both CIS and Division 1 Collegial ball. For the others, enjoy the fall and see you next winter… and remember to follow @Score_keeper on twitter!