Fourth-and-Goal (Div C) – Week 6

Eyes on the Prize

The playoffs are a time where anything can happen. Players look ahead to the playoffs because they see it as a time where they can put their best foot forward and make magic happen. It is, however, my duty to remind you that you still have four games remaining and if you do not make the most of those, you may not even have a shot at the playoffs. Play hard, because now is the time.

 

True Grit

In what was definitely this week’s dogfight, the X-Men faced off against the Predators. Robin Bigras, filling in once again for Gautama Swaminadhan, bounced back after last week’s outing. Bigras looked fantastic, and was literally all over the field on both sides of the ball. On the other side, however, James Floreani had an even more impressive game. Going 21 for 25 with 5 TDs and 0 INTs, these are certainly stats of a winning QB. However, as I’ve mentioned in the past, the conversion is arguably just as important as the touchdown itself… The X-Men scored one less touchdown but scored on every single conversion in order to secure themselves the win.

 

Undefeated No More

No one is safe. This much is true of any game in Division C. G.O.A.T. have shown for the second-straight week that they have a point to prove. After tying the strongest team in the division the week before, G.O.A.T. now set their sights on the undefeated Park-X Streets. Without Rick Cummins, G.O.A.T. armed themselves with Jason Edwards and Andrew Carruthers. Edwards threw four touchdowns to four different receivers, and still had time to muster an interception on defence. Meanwhile, Billy Seretis looked especially frustrated and flustered, completing only 7 passes and throwing 2 interceptions. If G.O.A.T. continue along this path, they may end up making quite a stir in the division.

 

Undefeated No More (cont’d.)

Once again, no one is safe. The Mysterious and Magical Men took it upon themselves to ensure that Spring Cleaning would finish the season with at least one loss. In what was definitely a statement game for the men of mystery and magic, all cylinders were firing and they proved too much for Spring Cleaning to handle. Forcing Jean-Michel Beaudin to find his second and even third reads, the aggressive MMM defence made the usually dominant Spring Cleaning offence look panicked and flustered. This may be the wake-up call that the Cleaners needed in order to make some adjustments and minimize their weaknesses. (Fun fact: Gordon Hogan would have been on his way to keeping pace with Patrick Chénard’s 19 interception record if teammate Matthew Bishara didn’t rip an INT from his hands.)

 

Power Rankings

1: Mysterious and Magical Men – The Bisharas’ and co. show that the past two weeks were indeed flukes. An unpredictable offence in which each receiver is an equally viable threat, this team is both strong and smart. Meanwhile, best of luck throwing against a defence that has mustered 18 interceptions. Looks like they can pack their bags for a repeat trip to the finals.

2: Spring Cleaning – Weaknesses are starting to emerge for this team that has been perceived as infallible. The team needs to work to a common goal, rather than relying on the abilities of their playmakers. The upside is that they’re still in an enviable position to make a deep playoff run.

3: Park-X Streets – Are the ‘Streets a strong team or an average team riding their own momentum of opportunity? When faced with adversity for the first time, they seemed to get frustrated enough to throw the game. Is this a sign of things to come? Or can they find their second wind quickly enough for this to not affect them at all? Also cue the addition of former ‘Streets members Drew Saitanis and Chris Papazatos.

4: Rude Bwoys – Arguably the Rude Bwoys roster with the least amount of depth, and yet this instalment seems to be moving forward as a successful unit. One of the few successful teams in Division C that rely on their smarts and football knowledge rather than just athletic ability or trick plays.

5: Flight of the Conchords –Same old song and dance for FOTC. It is, however, important to note that they have gotten it done in the past without needing to rely on their quarterback. Alex Girard is also on pace for another under-the-radar All-Star season.

6: Kardiac Kids – Becoming deadlier and deadlier with each new roster acquisition. They’re certainly able to put up points, but their downfall seems to be preventing opposing teams from doing the same. Despite the roster inconsistencies, the strong point of this team continues to be quarterback Justin Lavallée.

7: Sphinx – Very strong, but almost equally inconsistent. They seem to be improving as they rely on the offensive prowess of Mathieu Fafard, as evidenced by a convincing win over No Names. As the ball is spread around, and each threat is utilized equally, we will definitely see contenders emerge from Team Lub Express.

8: Eagles – They are beginning to drop in the power rankings mainly due to the fact that they are unable to close the gap when they face steeper competition. An opportunity this week against a strong Spring Cleaning team coming off of a loss may be the chance for the Eagles to prove that they belong up with the rest of the big dogs in Division C.

9: The Commission – Looked lost this week without Jonathan Williams. While he’s certainly not all there is to the team, The Commission look mighty different when they are a complete unit. Hopefully they’re prepared, as they’re in for a cross-divisional offensive shootout against a fierce Kardiac Kids team. Hopefully they can stay united for the rest of the season.

10: X-Men – They’re starting to get over their quarterback woes. While there will indeed be a sigh of relief when Gautama Swaminadhan is back in the lineup, it looks like Robin Bigras is able to hold down the fort in his absence. Looking ahead against an inconsistent FAs team, they may able to keep pace and move up a playoff spot or two, even without Gautama.

 

 

Stray Observations:

–        If you’re classless enough to walk off the field mid-game because you’re dissatisfied with the skill of the team that you’re subbing for, you don’t deserve to have a team at all. You’re not “all that.”

–        Kardiac Kids player count: 18

–        In my quick picks, I foresee a lot of upsets. Although, it doesn’t really qualify as an upset when this division is as close as it is.

–        4 receiving TDs with over 105 yards this week for Chris Niphakis… that’s a season for some receivers.

 

Quick Picks

Les Franciscains vs. Rip and Run: Les Franciscains

X-Men vs. FAs: X-Men

No-Names vs. Falcons: Falcons

Sphinx vs. Flight of the Conchords: Sphinx

Rude Bwoys vs. Longhorns: Rude Bwoys

The Commission vs. Kardiac Kids: Kardiac Kids

Eagles vs. Spring Cleaning: N/A

Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies vs. Mysterious and Magical Men: Mysterious and Magical Men

Predators vs. G.O.A.T. – G.O.A.T.

Park-X Streets vs. Spicy Meatballs – Spicy Meatballs

 

I’ve noticed that I’ve gone a few weeks now without a sign-off or salutation. So, uh…Have a good Canada Day. Also, if you’re one of the two people reading this who isn’t my girlfriend, and you want to shoot me some feedback: feel free to contact me at [email protected]

Or you can belittle me in some sort of public forum. Either works.