The GM’s Scouting Report (Div C) – Week 3

The GM’s Scouting Report – Week 3

 

The Pep Talk

 

This week’s theme is that one play. There’s always that “one play.” That make-it or break-it play during a game that has it all on the line. You’ve got the opportunity to come up big, or you’ll be looking back on it wishing that something different went down. Every play has the potential to be that “one play,” and you’ll never really know until it’s unfolding. So make sure that you’re seizing that opportunity, or you’ll spend the rest of the week until the next game looking back on what could have been. (Like I did.)

 

Glossing Over the Game Film

 

(Dragons vs. Legends)

– While Simon Dagenais’ injury is taking its toll on the team (as are the other injuries,) having a receiver cause an interception off of his fingers and then do nothing as the DB runs it back for a TD is simply unacceptable.

– Cory Pecker’s experience in Division 3 is becoming more and more apparent as he’s calling plays that really exploit defenses and find the open man.

– Moe asked me on the podcast a few weeks ago who would be capable of stepping up for the Legends, and I mentioned Jeremy Cola. Yesterday he had a phenomenal defensive game with 2 picks (one for six) and letting another one just slip through his fingers. Definitely someone to watch in the future.

 

(The Incredibles vs. First Downers)

– I was honestly of the opinion that this game would be much more one-sided than it was. Kudos to the First Downers who are becoming FAR stronger than I initially perceived them to be. Guillaume Robert has been an all-star offseason pickup as well.

– Vince Nardone made sure to crush that “one play” dream for First Downers. Despite having a TD hat trick that night, he also put up a hat trick of INTs, with the one for six being what the First Downers needed to score to take the lead with 5 plays left, and then followed it with another.

– I really liked both the talent and the attitude that First Downers brought to this game. They’re improving phenomenally season to season, and are great guys on and off the field as well.

 

(Broccasion vs. Golden Eagles)

– An improvement in Kevin Lubin over previous seasons: He’s spreading the ball much more efficiently than before. If he’s not an elite C QB yet, he’s definitely damn close.

– We’re seeing the impact brother Alec Cerantola had on the Broccasion defense, in that QBs that he would normally have shut down are able to run through the Broccasion defense unlike in seasons past.

– Instead of “that one play” this game was more about “that one call.” However, it is what it is, and moving forward will definitely be in order as Broccasion still have a fighting chance and are definitely underrated.

 

Evaluating the Competition

 

Formerly Formerly Teamless vs. Monstars

 

This should be a fun one. A number of players on both teams have played together in previous seasons, which will make for a lot of competition and even more smack talk. Formerly Formerly Teamless have the opportunity to prove that they’re better than their record indicates, and the Monstars have the opportunity to beat up on an already struggling team. Both teams have smaller rosters, so we’re set to see players giving their all on both sides of the ball and seeing which team will be the first one to break down. It’s going to be a battle of possessions on this one, so both teams are going to make every drive count.

 

Prediction: N/A

 

KGP Champs vs. Backyard Bullies

 

Two teams on the up-and-up. The KGP Champs are playing better than ever before. In all honesty, I’d say that this is the strongest KGP Champs roster to date. There’s the perfect mix of size, speed and field awareness. Despite being in the so-called conference of death (Conference A East) they’re still boasting a winning record. On the other side is a Backyard Bullies team who have a history of playing up to their competition. The tougher the competition, the better the Bullies tend to play. I think that we’re going to see a close one. That being said, something about the KGP team is giving me the feeling that they are going to take this one, but it won’t be pretty.

 

Prediction: KGP Champs

 

Special Delivery vs. Wolverines

 

This is going to be another fun one. It’s going to be the Greeks against the Armenians. It’s going to be the battle for Laval. Both teams have seen each other so many times for the annual no-pads tackle thanksgiving game, so expect this one to get loud. As strong as the Wolverines are, the talk of how strong they are has them a bit rattled; so they’ll have to keep their focus and simply play their game. Throw in a strong Special Delivery team who also have the inside track with knowledge on the Wolverines, and you’ll be in for an exciting game from start to finish. However, I think that the experience of the Wolverines as a group and in previous seasons will be the difference maker.

 

Prediction: Wolverines

 

#NoRegard vs. Rude Bwoys

 

With a hole in the roster, Jordan Moses has a lot on his shoulders. However, judging by his first game as the go-to receiver, he’s up to the job. While the #NoRegard defense is virtually unchanged from last season, there seems to be a different feel to it. While the elevated competition certainly may play a part, I think we might be seeing a #NR team that is becoming more focused on Offense than Defense as of late. While this is a very offensive focused league, #NR will have to step up their D against a Rude Bwoys team who seem to be in need of a win just as much as they are. It’s the same song and dance for the Rude Bwoys, and they’re going to need every win that they can get. Expect a dogfight.

 

Prediction: #NoRegard

 

One Night Stands vs. Darkside

 

In my opinion, the game of the week. One of the premier offenses against one of the premier defenses of the division. Craig O’Brien and Leon Holder are going to go head to head, and it’s going to be a treat for all involved for all those in the stands. In order for Darkside to win, it’s in their better interests to speed up the game and play a possession battle, while it’ll be more in ONS’ interests to keep this one as slow paced as possible. There is enough star power on both of these teams to make this one interesting, and that’s not even counting how many times the players on these two teams have faced each other. I’m going to give this one to Darkside though, based on strength in numbers.

 

Prediction: Darkside

 

Patriotes vs. The Commission

 

While I’m uncertain if this lack of Etienne Chauvin will be longterm, it certainly shows you just how important for them to figure out either A) how to work around his absence or B) bring him back as soon as possible. On the flip side, The Commission have the perfect opportunity to use this as a springboard. They can jump to a .500 record, and have a head-to-head advantage over another team in their conference. Add in the fact that The Commission will want to avenge their loss from last week and we’re set to have an interesting game for sure. I think that les Patriotes might be in for a long night…

 

Prediction: The Commission

 

Real Deal vs. Ball Busters

 

Dylan Taylor’s biggest asset as a QB has been  his ability to buy time with his feet or to take off on foot and gain yardage. That might come crashing down this week as he’s going to face a new name in rushing, but certainly a fearsome one. Patrick Chenard has the potential to essentially remove the third and even the second reads from the QB in the time it takes him to get from the rushing bag to the line of scrimmage. Ball Busters are going to have to come up with an offense that’s going to help them out of this situation, because they’ll otherwise be in for a rough one. On the flip side, Mathieu Thuot’s offense can be described as “just enough.” He’s made the transition well, but we’re not seeing a lot of points being put up on the board. This might be a quick and quiet one.

 

Prediction: Real Deal

 

 

Well, that’s it for me for this week post. I’ll have the next article up with my predictions for the week soon. If you are so inclined, you can reach me at [email protected] or on twitter @gmkole44. You can also check out the Division C Calling the Audible podcast at http://podomatic.fpf.com