Inside the Redzone (Div C) – Week 14

AND THEN THERE WAS ONE! Congratulations to Briscoe High Hawks for winning the 2010 Spring Division C championship. This has been a long time coming (Buckeyes, Organized Chaos, Walk Ons) for the core, or as I call them, the FABULOUS FIVE of BHH. Who are they? Ben Joseph, J.P. Mancini, James De Pastena, Anthony DaPonte (Mr. Finals) and Omar Naek; they have always stuck together for many seasons in FPF and are being close friends off the field. As a result, it is finally their time to shine. I know the current joy and excitement that these young men are experiencing is priceless. It is the culmination of hard work, dedication and loyalty. Therefore, this is a championship not only earned, but well deserved! Not to take anything away from the other members: Garrett Taylor, Nathanial Thomas, Oliver Phillip and Scott Kelly who were great teammates and exceptional athletes.

 

If we think back a few years to the Dirty Birds winning the championship, the core of that team resembles that of the 2010 BHH. Ironically, MMMT is pretty much the Dirty Birds core, but this time around, BHH took a page out of their opponent’s book. It is good to see such teams stay together for a few seasons until their moment finally comes. They join the list of classic stories of FPF and now are part of the history, with the engraving of their name on the coveted trophy.

 

It was an exciting game to watch and is now available for viewing on the website. However, my take is the following. BHH didn’t have an ideal start and at the end of the half, it seemed like all the momentum was in MMMT’s favor. The key moment came on the last play of the first half when MMMT dropped a pass in the end zone; that could have put them ahead by two scores. Instead, BHH stayed in the game, everyone made big plays including ADP with a HUGE TOUCHDOWN in the second half, which would end up being the game winner. The BHH defense stood strong as MMMT made one last failed attempt to score and the rest is history. Scott Kelly, deservingly, was named the most valuable player of the Division C playoffs. It goes without saying that devoid of his services, BHH would not be the same. What will be his status for 2011? Will he come back with BHH to defend the title? Only time will tell. Until then, enjoy the spoils boy, but be ready in 2011, because everyone will gunning for the defending champions.

 

As for MMMT, a great season without question, and they definitely proved that the core of the Dirty Birds is loaded with talent. Matthew Bishara took his boys to new heights and I commend him for that. Dirty Bird traces were in three finals; Jon Young in Divisions A & B (won Div B) and MMMT in Division C. On top of being a talented squad, they are very classy and represent the league well. We will definitely see them as the Dirty Birds this Winter in Division 3 however will there be enough players to form a second squad with Matthew Bishara as pivot in Division 4?

 

So what’s next? Before I can discuss Winter 2011, it is finally time to unveil the winners of STAR-AWARDS©. The process took two weeks and all the votes were taken into consideration, along with a little common sense. Therefore, without further delay, I present you the winners:

 

 

STAR-AWARDS© V

 

 

Picture Resembling Celebrity – This award is handed out to the player(s) whose picture resembles a celebrity. Winner: Oliver Saleh of KGP Champs (Tate Donovan) & Scott Kelly of Briscoe High Hawks (Justin Timberlake)

 

Strongest Arm – This award is handed out to a player who has a canon for an arm. Winner: Scott Kelly

 

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. Winner: Alexander Porras

 

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 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. Winner: Leo Gervais

 

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

 

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. Winner: Briscoe High Hawks

 

Best Leader – This award is handed out to a player who leads his team on and off the field. When things are tough, he takes it upon himself to carry the team on his back via action and words. His teammates look to him for inspiration and he never fails to deliver. Winner: Matthew Bishara

 

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. Winner: Matthew Young

 

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. Winter: Ben Joseph

 

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. Winner: Garrett Taylor

 

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. Winner: Edward Shoshan

 

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. Winner: Kyle Lebofsky

 

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 router running will get others open as well. Winner: Treldon James

 

Cinderella team – This award is given to the underdog team that excelled far beyond expectations. Winner: Vicious Canucks

 

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. Winner: Ben Joseph, as promised, this award will now be named after him.

 

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. Winner: Garrett Taylor

 

STARWAR of the year – This award is handed out to a player who is the ultimate football player with athleticism, football smarts and great leadership. Winner: Matthew Bishara

 

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. Winner: Scott Kelly

 

A few extra awards…

 

Best WEPL personality – This award is handed out to the host 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. Winner: John Patrick Mancini

 

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

 

Best Team Jerseys – This award is handed out to a team who has the best looking or most creative jerseys, hands down. Winner: Lobster Dinner

 

Best Team Picture – This award is handed out to the best team picture taken into consideration innovation, creativity and showmanship. Winner: Fools of The Country

 

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. Winner: Rostyn Castleton

 

 

** Thanks to everyone that voted and congratulations to all the winners **

 

What’s Next?

 

The season has come and gone. From the first snap in week one to final whistle in the finals, it was truly a remarkable season. There were many great moments and exciting football games. The competition was fierce and the intensity was hard-flowing. There was definitely a lot of parity because we witnessed a number three seed versus a six in the finals. One of the main reasons for that is because players are developing from within and trying out different positions (Tam Vilaydeth and Matthew Bishara as QBs) while newer players are being given the chance to step up, while the veterans are playing in higher divisions, where they belong. I hope this trend will continue at an exponential rate.

 

As I will be covering Division 4 in 2011, it is tough to predict which teams will be there. However, there are some teams that will certainly be there, teams such as BOOM Goes The Dynamite, Fools Of The Country, Lobster Dinner, Jets, etc… Hopefully the Patriotes, Eagles and both the Family and the Sphinx from last winter will make the jump. Any way we look at it, it will be an action packed season with no dull moments in sight. Having said that, I wish everyone a great off season and make sure to stay healthy, in-shape and focused because we’re ONLY FOUR months away from the Winter 2011 season. Thanks to everyone who read my articles and emailed often (all four people), who made suggestions and gave feedback and most importantly, who were supportive and appreciative; in the end, it is done all for you guys.

 

So goodbye, farewell and I’ll leave you with the infamous quote from Moe Khan, “Goodnight FlagPlus Football. See you in Winter 2011.”