Inside the Red Zone (Div 1) – Week 11

Remember I always said Old Is Gold? This past weekend Old Skool definitely proved that statement is true. I am happy to admit when I am wrong. So I’ll admit that I didn’t think Old Skool had the necessary tools to beat the Express. Old Skool came in with a game plan and executed it to perfection. Andy Peterkin, contrary to what I had mentioned, looked “cool as a cucumber” and was slicing and dicing the Express defense. Perhaps I shouldn’t be that surprised because despite the new team name, they have a lot of FPF veterans such as Shane Willians, Jay Ulley, Robbie Robinson and Kevin Wilson who have championship experience in both FPF and beyond. Will their success story continue this weekend against Montreal’s Finest? Watch my analysis on the WEPL regarding this weekend’s match up between Old Skool and Montreal’s Finest.

 

On to the other matchup from last weekend that turned out to be much closer, the Rainmakers against the Expos. This game had it all (great catches, good defense and clutch plays). In the end, the Expos held off the Rainmakers two-point convert attempt to seal the deal. The Expos looked comfortable all game long. Chad Byers made great throws in traffic to advance the bean bags when he needed to and mixed in the long passes to perfection. Their defense shone at the right times, especially during the two-point convert attempt at the end of the game. All-Star rusher Anthony Vendrame wasn’t at the game, so the Expos’ pass rush wasn’t as effective as it’s been, however they still managed to put forth a solid defensive effort. Now they go up against the Demons and you can see my breakdown of this game on this week’s WEPL as well.

 

WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!

 

The Winter 2011 Division 1 season has come to an end for the Express and the Rainmakers.

 

The Express knew they had a long uphill battle this season due to the loss of SCC from their roster. However, they stayed resilient and played hard. They were in the playoff race for most of the season and won a week ten game to clinch a spot in the post-season for a third straight Winter season in Division 1. They sent one player to the All-Star game in Bruno Collette; Patrick Chenard added another solid season under his belt, especially on the defensive side. He came up a little short in the post-season, however I give credit to the team for making the playoffs. There is no doubt that they’ll be back in Winter 2012 but it will be yet again without SCC because he’ll probably be looking forward to the CFL!

 

The Rainmakers started out the 2011 Division 1 season with a bang. At the six week mark, they were 5-1. Then they went on a bit of a downward slope, but finished the season 6-4 which is admirable given the other conference had three teams with records of under .500. They sent two players to the All Star game, Michael Chitayat and Tim Kraemer. When I spoke to Ryan Kaster after the game, he stated again that he’s very proud of his squad and that they’re improving every season. As I mentioned earlier in the season when I covered the Rainmakers in Behind The Flag, that they lost guys in the off season but went out and replaced them with solid players such as Kraemer, Francis Toupin and Matt Quigley. I feel this was one of their best squads yet, and it will be exciting to see if they add any other pieces going forward.

 

THE STARWAR SQUAD

 

As I mentioned last week, my squad is comprised of six players who can play on both sides of the ball. They are as tough as nails, intense as a Steven King’s novel and clutch as Joe Carter (this one is for Rob). It is always tough to make a team of such caliber because it is hard to pick and choose from a big list of players who are very capable of making my squad. Furthermore it is only natural that the ego level in D1 will sometimes be higher than the CN tower. So without further ado, I present to you the Winter 2011 Division 1 Starwar Squad.

 

Carmine Pollice (Demons) – Everyone knows that he has the ability to make offensive plays, however he does know a thing or two about defense. In most of his championships in FlagPlus Football, he made clutch plays on defense (as well as offense), which gave him the MVP. He had to be clutch once again this season without their defensive mastermind, Adi Sharma for the second half of the season. Calling both the offense and defense, in D1, is quite the tall task.

 

Mike Harrington (Montreal’s Finest) – Mike has had an excellent season as a snapper for Kevin Wyeth but he can also play slot or wide receiver. Also he is quick and agile enough to rush whenever his services are required.

 

Michael Chitayat (Rainmakers) – He was always a threat on offense but this year he stepped up his game on defense. He had 24 tackles, 3 INTs and 2 PDs which are commendable numbers.

 

Kishon Thompson (Montreal’s Finest) – No squad is ever complete without the services of Kishon Thompson. Some people say he has slowed down a bit, however let me assure you he is stronger than ever. His stats have taken a small hit because of the amount of quality players around him, but he is the definition of a STARWAR player.

 

Shane Williams (Old Skool) – If you wanted to know how just how good is Shane Williams, you should have seen him last week against the Express. Similar to Kishon, his stats aren’t eye-popping, however you will not find a better player on both sides of the ball. If you need a big play on offense or defense, he will come through for you.

 

Karim Binette (Montreal’s Finest) – He won his second defensive player of the year award this season, so there is no question about his defensive skills. However, he gave up his full-time position on offense due to the added depth on the Finest roster. In many previous seasons, he was the full time snapper for the Finest including the Division 1 championship season in Winter 2009.

 

 

I want to congratulate all these players for making it to my squad. It is not easy to do so but you all deserve it. This doesn’t mean that those who were left off are any less deserving, however only six can make it. As always, I am confident that these six players, along with my imaginary coaching, will take on any team in FlagPlus Football and win!

 

 

The STAR-AWARDS© VI

 

Most of you already know all about STAR-AWARDS© but for those who are wondering, they are supplemental awards that are designed to cover different aspects of FlagPlus Football, which are overlooked by the league.

 

I will name and define the categories but will leave it up to you to vote for the winners, they will be announced next week. 

 

Best Scorekeeper – This award is handed out to the scorekeeper who best does his job. He is calm, composed and accurate.

 

Best Zebra – This award is handed out to the referee who best does his job. He is firm, authoritative and fair. He also remembers to bring a coin, which is used before the game for the coin-toss!

 

Best Entertainer – This award is handed out to the player who will make you jump out of your seats or cleats. He puts on a show on the field and very much so off the field. He is the “Sean Avery” of Division 1. He keeps us entertained with his antics, something every league requires.

 

Fastest Man – This award is handed out to a player who is quite simply a rocket. He will use his jets, whether he is in running with or without the ball. They say, “Speed Kills” and this player can do exactly that to his opponents.

 

Adriano Tassone award (Class Act) – This award is handed out to the player who best represents his team with class on and off the field.

 

Best Hands – This award is handed out to a player who has hands like glue. In other words, whether the ball thrown at him might be a great one or a “duck”, he will catch it and make a play.

 

Best Route Runner – This award is handed out to a player who runs his route to perfection. Whether it is 5 yard hook or a post-corner, he knows how to run his pattern and find an opening.

 

Best General Manager – This award is handed out to a player who has put together the best team. He also makes sure his team is well-organized throughout the season.

 

Best Trash Talker – This award is handed out to a player who can use his words to get inside of his opponent’s heads, which in effect puts his team at an advantage.

 

The Hulk award – This award is handed out to a player who is “jacked”. He simply is a physical  beast and has accomplished it without an illegal substance (we hope)!

 

Most Improved Team – This award is handed out to the team who has shown the most improvement from the beginning of the season until the end. It can also be given to a team who has improved the most since Winter 2010 Division 1 season, as well.

 

Most Improved Player – This award is handed to the player who has shown the most improvement from beginning of the season until the end. It can also be given to a player who has improved the most since last Winter 2010 Division 1 season.

 

STARWAR of the year – This award is handed out to the ultimate well-rounded football player with athleticism, football smarts and great leadership.

 

League MVP – This award is handed out to the player who was most valuable to his team throughout the season.

 

A few extra awards…

 

Best WEPL personality – This award is handed out to the host or analyst who best does his job, making the show interesting and informative.

 

The Moe Khan award – This award is handed out to Moe Khan.

 

Best Team Jerseys – This award is handed out to the team with the best looking jerseys.

 

Best Writer – This award is handed out to that person who writes well for FlagPlus Football. His articles are entertaining, informative and creative.

 

***Please give your opinion on who you think should win. The winners will be announced in two weeks. ***

 

 

That’s it for this week’s column. As always please email me for feedback/suggestions at [email protected]. Good luck to all teams this weekend and see you all next week Inside The Redzone.