Inside the Redzone (DC) – Conference Finals

 

Welcome to Inside The Redzone a la Final Four! We are down to the final two weeks of the 2009 Division C Spring season and it has been an exciting one so far. We finally have our semi-finalists and what a way it was achieved. With the exception of KGP Champs, every other team won a close one. The most exciting game this past weekend was between Flying Weasels and BOOM! Goes the Dynamite because it went to overtime. I personally thought BOOM! would win the game however hats off to them for sticking with the Weasels till the end. Anyways, enough about the teams who are going home as they just couldn’t get it done. Instead we must look at teams who are only ones standing after a long grueling season; the magic number for semi-finalists is TWO. That is the number of wins that it will take to hold the coveted Division C championship trophy. However I can assure you that the next two wins will be the hardest ones to earn so every team needs to be prepared, mentally and physically, and leave it all on the field this Sunday. Who will make it to the big dance? Come this Sunday to Catalogna Soccerplexe and find out for yourself, the program commences at 7pm EST.

 

I know I said that I won’t talk about the teams who are clearing out their locker room and heading home however making it to the Elite Eight is still worth a mention. From all teams that lost this past weekend, the most impressive were BOOM! and Rude Bwoys. These teams played till the end and stayed relentless but just came up a bit short. I firmly believe that come Winter 2010, you’ll hear a lot about these teams in the headlines and they are not too far from being crowned champions. Flight Of the Concords and Green Machine do need a bit more work however they also are not far from the ultimate prize. For detailed analysis of what each team needs to do, watch the Weekly Extra Point Live – 412 – Division C on our website. NOW, it is time to look at the match ups this coming Sunday.

 

Playoff Preview: Final Four

 

Conference A

 

(1) Flying Weasels vs. (2) Triple Sixers

Season Series: N/A

 

Flying Weasels

 

Keys to success:

Þ Neutralize the deep ball from Karim Chaoual and force him to go short

Þ David Faucher must be the X-Factor

Þ Tougas has to use past FlagPlus experience and lead this team

 

Key match up: David Faucher vs. Karim Chaoual

X-Factor: David Faucher

 

Triple Sixers

 

Keys to success:

Þ Establish the short game and spread the wealth

Þ Time for the un-sung heroes to step up

Þ Karim Chaoual has to stay patient and wait for his opportunities

 

Key match up: Patrick Jerome (defense) vs. Martin Tougas

X-Factor: Patrick Jerome

 

Comments: The battle of the two best teams in Conference A (some might even say in all of Division C) will be a tight one this Sunday. Flying Weasels haven’t looked very impressive thus far in playoffs against Snookers and BOOM however they are 12-0 which means that they find ways to win. If their rushing attack can be established early, I believe they have enough firepower to pull ahead of Triple Sixers, mainly because Karim Chaoual has trouble with the short and patient game. Let’s not forget in 2008 Spring Division C semi-finals, Flying Weasels lost a close one to Terminators however this squad is much improved, especially with the acquisition of Paul-Andre Lebouthillier. Throw in the fact that Martin Tougas has been in the Division 2 finals back in 2007, their experience (as oppose to Triple Sixers who are in their second season) will be their guiding light.

 

Prediction: Flying Weasels

 

Conference B

 

(1) KGP Champs vs. (3) Chaos

Season Series: KGP Champs 13, Chaos 8

 

KGP Champs

 

Keys to success:

Þ A much better performance than the last time these two teams met (4 INTs)

Þ Continue their efficient passing attack

Þ Take Chaos offense out of rhythm early

 

 

Key match up: Dave Levan vs. Eugene McLaren

X-Factor: Phil Clark

 

Chaos

 

Keys to success:

Þ Efficient offensive game plan and mix it up often

Þ Defense needs to step it up, like the last time these teams played

Þ The veterans who have won before have to be clutch

 

Key match up: Eugene McLaren vs. Phil Clark & Olivier Saleh (defense)

X-Factor: Treldon James

 

 

Comments: If you look at the statistics for both teams, they are averaging over 25 points for per game however last time these faced each other they combined for 21 points in total. Therefore this Sunday it will come down to the team who will make the least amount of mistakes because both teams have enough firepower to capitalize on their opponents’ turnovers. It is for certain that both QBs will have better games than the ones they had last time they faced each other. There is no clear advantage for one team over another and that is why whoever wants it more, will play their hardest, will go the extra yard will be the victor.

 

Prediction: Team who scores the most points

 

2009 Spring Division C ALL STARWAR SQUAD

 

I started a thread on Facebook regarding my ALL STARWAR SQUAD and thanks to all who gave their opinion. A few things to keep in mind before I announce the winners. My squad is the toughest, fastest, smartest and most unbeatable. I know FlagPlus Football has announced the All-Star team as they see fit however my squad is assembled in a different manner. My players might not necessarily have the stats but one thing they have for sure is HEART among other crucial factors that are necessary to win. These guys are all warriors who prove themselves over and over on the field. As a result, I think they are worthy of being mentioned in a squad that is far superior to any team that this league will mention. With that, allow me to present to you the 2009 ALL STARWAR SQUAD:

 

Offense

 

QB: Karim Chaoual (Triple Sixers)

Snapper: Jason Edwards (Chaos)

Receivers: Olivier Saleh (KGP Champs), Treldon James (Chaos), Patrick Jerome (Triple Sixers), Andre John (Snookers)

Defense

 

Rusher: David Faucher (Flying Weasels)

Defenders: Marvin Renaud (FOTC), Phil Clark (KGP Champs), Simon Rheaume (Cobras), Marc-Andre Paquin (Flying Weasels), Andre John (Snookers)

 

Congratulations to everyone who made my squad, you are a special player and now you know it too! Thanks to everyone again for their feedback and comments, see you all in Winter 2010.

STAR-AWARDS© III

Some of you might be wondering, what are the STAR-AWARDS©? 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 in two weeks time.

 

Most ridiculous player picture – This award is handed out to the player who has the most strange and/or repulsive picture posted up on the FlagPlus Football website.

 

Best Scorekeeper – This award is handed out to the scorekeeper who best does his job. He is not influenced by players yelling in their ear or asking for extra added yards to their nightly total. He is calm, composed and accurate.

Best Zebra (best referee) – This award is handed out to the referee who best does his job. He is not influenced by players like Rostyn Castleton yelling in his ear. He also makes sure no bias is exercised and the right call is made on every down. He is firm, authoritative and fair. He also brings a coin which is used before the game for the coin-toss.

Most Improved Player – This award is handed out to the player who has shown tremendous improvement throughout the season and is making a big impact on his team’s success.

 

Most Improved Team – This award is handed out to the team who has improved steadily over the season and has made it very tough for their opponents to defeat them.

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 considered the “class clown” of FlagPlus Football. Either way, he keeps us entertained with his antics, something any league needs.

Fastest Man – This award is handed out to a player who is just 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.

Class Act award (Adi Sharma award) – This award is handed out to the player who best represents this league with regards to class. He respects everyone and makes sure that his demeanor is an example for the league to follow. He also brings a superior talent level to the game.

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. Other times, his route running will get others open as well.

Best General Manager/Coach – This award is handed out to a player who has put together the best team. He uses his persuasive skills to find the best players and motivates his team to make them play at their best. He makes sure everything runs smoothly on and off the field.

Best Dresser (football gear) – This award is handed out to a player who puts on a show, with regards to his apparel. He will wear the best to show that he likes to look good while playing.

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

STARWAR of the year – This award is handed out to a player who received the most STARWAR nominations on a weekly basis. There was a six way tie however I weighed in a few factors and have narrowed it down because there can only be ONE who takes it home.

League MVP – This award is handed out to an all around best player who not only pushes himself to play better but also his teammates, possesses leadership and plays at a level that is extremely exciting to watch.

 

A few extra awards…

 

Best WEPL personality – This award is handed out to the WEPL member who best does his job. He is calm, cool and collected. He will be serious when needed and make wise cracks to lighten the mood. He is organized and is the glue that holds the show together.

 

Best Team Name – This award is handed out to a team who has the best name, in terms of creativity.

 

The Moe Khan award – This award is handed out to Moe Khan. (hint is given in the title)

Best Team Jerseys – This award is handed out to a team who has the best looking jerseys, hands down.

 

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

 

 

As I stated earlier, the winners will be announced in two weeks (my last column). Furthermore if you have suggestions for additional categories that should be added, please feel free to contact me. As always, I welcome your feedback and welcome any suggestions you might have for my column. Please contact me at [email protected] or via Facebook. Good luck to the remaining four teams for this weekend and catch you all next week!