Fourth-and-Goal (Div C) – Finals Recap

Well, it’s all been said, and it’s now all been done. With the finals in the rearview mirror, we can now officially crown Broccasion the Spring 2012 Division C champions. The game was not uneventful, and but certainly wasn’t without buildup.

 

The Recap

 

 

The Monday before the finals, I was joined in our “Mundial Bar & Grill studios” by a few members of Broccasion and the DBFC. Both teams were there to witness the bout between Marco Masciotra and David Hurley akin to a matchup between two UFC fighters I’ve never heard of because I don’t follow UFC. It was certainly one of the more memorable press conferences…ever. Both participants had back and forth banter that rivaled the writing of a Judd Apatow bromance. Hurley was direct, offensive and hilariously out of left-field. Yet, he had the perfect yin to his yang in Marco Masciotra. In his first press conference preceding what would be his first finals, Marco was cocky and confident about both his and his team’s ability. Also, I got to drink beer with the two representatives.

 

Fast forward to the finals. As sure of himself as Masciotra was in the press conference, it was nothing compared to his performance on the field.  Masciotra spread the wealth more than we had seen him do in the past, and especially in finding the open receivers consistently. In doing so, not only did it shatter our prediction of a “defensive, low-scoring battle” but it also put the ball in the DBFC’s court. Broccasion attempted to force a mistake out of the DBFC by starting with the ball and playing perfectly, and that’s exactly what happened.

 

The DBFC never really looked into it to begin with. Despite a 40-bomb to Gordon Hogan on their first offensive drive, nothing really “clicked” subsequently. There seemed to be frustration and dissention among the ranks, and Broccasion capitalized. We saw Broccassion take home the trophy that they had earned, and had never stopped fighting for since “the second half of the first game”

 

Where to go from here?

 

The old season concluder. Obviously, the comments and observations are my own, and are in no way a reflection of the opinions of FlagPlus Football.

 

Daron Basmadjian Fan Club – We’ll see them back in Division 3 as the Dirty Birds, with Daniele Gentile back at the helm. I think that they’ll also be happier than ever to be back under the wing of Joe Birds after the tyranny that was Daron Basmadjian. My question: Will McLaren, Diodati and Martinez go back to their old teams, or stay?

 

The Commission – With Jonathan Williams back, maybe they can regain some of their old swagger? Expect them to be back in Division 4.

 

Mustangs du Gridiron – Definitely the most talked about jump, and merited at that. With their incredibly successful season, look for them to be frontrunners for the Division 4 title. A solid growth in a season from a now-promising team.

 

Real Deal – A difficult one. They’ll likely disappear off of the map (at least for a season) due to the fact that if Mathieu Thuot plays in either Division 1 or 2, he will be unable to throw for Real Deal. Unless the franchise looks to take on a new identity, they’ll likely be off to the side until next spring.

 

Eagles – Difficult to predict. They only narrowly missed the playoffs in Division 3 last season. The talent is there. Perhaps a re-entry into Division 3 with a little bribery could help them out with their schedule?

 

Ninja Turtles – A bit too small of a fish in a big pond, the Turtles were able to chalk up a few at the end. Perhaps it’ll be enough to encourage them to return? Division 5 would be a fine place for them to hone their skills and elevate their game.

 

X-Men – With a bit of organization, and their squad back at full strength, they should be in prime position to do some damage in Division 4. Look for their smart and calculated brand of football to upset some of the more athletic teams in the division.

 

Prestige World Wide – Back to Division 3, it would seem. While the season was a bit of a disappointment, it’s mostly testament to the parity in the division. Look for PWW to take what works for them and have learned tons from this season.

 

Monstars – With captain Moh Azab looking to spend the year abroad, will there even be a team next season? The core are committed enough and have good enough chemistry that they’d still be able to hold their own.

 

Jewish Cucumbers – A solid spin-off team that did better than their originator. While Lelinowski still has a bit to learn from the quarterback position, he set himself up with a solid foundation. The Jewcumbers would be a team that would cause headaches for a lot of teams in Division 4.

 

Pump & Ditch – Suffering from the same issue that Real Deal have, with a QB that normally plays D2. Would Vinny Gualano strengthen his roster and move them up to 3? Not play 2 so that he can quarterback in 4? So many questions, so many options. The team DOES have the talent though.

 

Hall of Famers – Having broken the touchdown record, I’m sure that the HOFers will be back and try to one-up it. With a solid roster and having experience this time around, the Division 4 title is a few steps closer for them.

 

Mongoose – The only team that really doesn’t have a choice as to where to go (if they field the same roster). Last season’s Division 4 champions will be looking to take a crack at Division 3. Let’s see how well they do.

 

Like Our TDs – In it for the fun, but made solid roster acquisitions in Nigel Thomas and Dale Williams. Perhaps they’re the pair that this team needed? Jeff Brown is a player who is always prepared, but with the ability that Williams and Thomas possess, they may be able to surprise more than a few next season in 4.

 

Predators – Despite QB Floreani going to BC to play football, he assures us that he’ll be back to play in the Winter season. With the talent that he can assemble, expect them to play in 3.

 

KGP Champs – I’d like to see KGP play Division 3 next season with the roster that they had in Spring. They had a solid and strong roster, with a lot of the old faces that we were used to (Clark, Schouela). Despite carrying around the name from season to season, they looked like the Champs of old. Which is good.

 

Rude Bwoys – Maybe it’s just the expectations of the name that’s dragging them down? Perhaps Eugene McLaren should take his roster and just change the name back to Chaos? Help the team regain an identity? They’re talented enough for 3…let’s hope they can play up to their potential.

 

Flight of the Conchords – They’ve been a staple in the league, but have been having a bit of trouble as of late. Maybe a stint in Division 4 would rekindle their winning ways? Hopefully Simon Richard will stay for the ride, as he looked to belong and contributed accordingly.

 

Favre Dollar Footlongs – A fantastic mix of youth and experience. Hopefully they’ll be around again next season. With Trevor Ruffner now a Concordia Stinger, he’ll be able to bestow even more talent and leadership. Captain Ryan Phillips has been a staple in this league, and I can’t wait to see who he brings in next.

 

The Incredibles – Should be roaring to go with the return of Stern. They’ve had the opportunity to play with a seasoned QB in the interim, and should have progressed nicely. Also, the acquisition of Vince Nardone meshed well with the talent already on the squad. Definitely something to consider going back into Division 4 in the winter.

 

Silent Assassins – With a lot to still be learned of the flag game, Division  5 would be a good starting point. John Papadimitriou has the knowledge and the ability to lead this team (even as a QB) should they return to FPF in the winter season.

 

Broccasion – The question: would it be fair to put Broccasion in Division 3, or Division 4. An argument could be made for both, considering that they’ll be going with a third different QB in as many seasons. It’ll be questionable as to how strong they’ll be with Kristian having  to shake off the rust…but they made D3 playoffs with him in Winter 2011.

 

Formerly Teamless – I’m in relatively close contact with Formerly Teamless’ captain. With most every player on the roster finishing up their contracts, they’ll end up going back to the teams that they were pilfered from.

 

Pap N’ Co – One of the few that’s a bit of a mystery to me. Not just because of their general quietness around the league, but with the loss of their QB Myles Gibbon who will be playing for York university in Toronto. We’ll file this one with a question mark.

 

French Toast Mafia FFC – The team of friends. We can say, almost without a doubt, that they’ll be back with a name change. They’ve already taken care of breakfast (French Toast Mafia) supper (Chili Con Carne) and dessert (Crème de la Crème.) As such, only lunch is left. Might I suggest Chicken Noodle Warriors FFC? In any case, we’ll likely see them in Division 4 again.

 

Sphinx – After hitting a bit of a bump this season, look for team Lub Express to be back with a vengeance. They’ve been pretty much the same roster throughout the years, with a decent amount of continued success. In all likelihood, we’ll see them in Division 4.

 

Patriotes – While the obvious answer would be Division 3, I don’t think it’s so simple. If Mathieu Belanger continues to be injured, it puts a bit of strain on the usual Patriotes dynamic. If they’re without Belanger and still wish to remain competitive in Division 3 (as they’re former Division 4 champs) maybe the solution would be to look at the possible acquisition of Charpentier and Pereda’s former teammate Vincent Jacques.

 

Le Zoo – The fill-in of Pat St. Amand was a good one at the QB position, however we know that the heart and soul of this team is Frank Kaye. I guess their return is contingent upon how speedy a recovery we see from Kaye? In any extent, he’s missed.

 

The Thanks

 

I know that we’ve had our ups and downs. Like an abusive relationship: you love me, you hate me. In all seriousness though, I’m incredibly thankful for everything the league community and the division has given me. There’s no greater compliment I can get than having someone approach me and quote a fact or something I’ve said, and then go into debate with me over it. I’m super thankful for having the ability to write about what I love week after week, and you play a huge part in that. So thank you. Thanks for the kind words. Thanks for the great plays. Thanks for going out there and attempting to prove me wrong. I’m out for now, but I’ll be around as long as I have an audience there to read the words that I string together. It’s been my greatest pleasure to write for you, Division C.

 

–       G.M. Kolethras