The GM’s Scouting Report (Div C) – Week 4

 

Glossing Over the Game Film

 

(The Incredibles vs. Dragons)

– Greg Stern had statistically his worst game since…ever. Not even in the inaugural season in Division 5 did Stern throw 5 picks.

– Dragons showed their depth defensively and were able to keep it close. Unfortunately the offense couldn’t punch in the game winner with 5 plays left.

– Not sure if this is a pyrrhic victory for the Dragons or not. On one hand an 0-4 team was able to keep up with a divisional powerhouse. On the other, they still lost. But yet, Dagenais was able to sprinkle in some hilarious smack talk into the mix…

 

(Broccasion vs. Real Deal)

– I’m really wondering what the missing link is for Broccasion. They’re a talented team but don’t have the record to support it.

– Patrick Chenard did as expected rushing the usually mobile Kristian Cerantola and using his height to get him 3 PDs and a sack, but Kristian was still able to run in two important TDs.

– Next step for Thuot in becoming a solid C quarterback: complete those short passes in greater numbers. If you’re not consistently going deep, make sure that you’re efficiently chopping up the defense and up the completions a bit.

 

Evaluating the Competition

 

#NoRegard vs. Monstars

 

I’d have definitely voted this GOTW if given the choice. You’ve got two scrappy and defensive-minded teams squaring off. I’d be particularly excited in seeing the matchup between Akeem “Mr. Franchise” Hoyte-Charles and Lance “JS” Daniel; it’s going to be vocal and it’s going to be nonstop. Here’s hoping that they line up on the same side throughout the game. As for quarterbacks, I feel that Smolar is a more accomplished QB than Funamoto, but the size and the physicality of the Monstars supporting core will be the difference maker in this one. I’m voting Monstars on this close one, solely because it’s what I said on the CTA/UPS podcast.

 

Prediction: Monstars

 

The Commission vs. Legends

 

You’ve got a matchup here of two teams going in opposite directions. Cory Pecker brought in a team of players that were pretty much unknown to the league and made waves in Division 3 and now Division C. They`ve made a lot of waves and are currently undefeated when their starting QB is in the lineup. On the other hand, you`ve got a team that`s composed of talented guys who have been in the league since the beginning but are struggling to keep pace and click like they used to. Honestly, I think that the Legends are on too much of a hot streak now to be stopped, so I`m going to side with blue on this one.

 

Prediction: Legends

 

Patriotes vs. KGP Champs

 

It`s good to see Patriotes back in the winning column, and must be an extra boost of confidence to Etienne Chauvin to know just how important a factor he is to this team. While this is fine and dandy, it`s going to be a tough one this week. In all honesty, I`m thinking that there`s something special about KGP this season, and a lot of teams are going to take them lightly. They`ve got a solid core and, in all honesty, no real weak links. I think that with the confidence that KGP possesses and the leadership of Phil Cutler, they`re going to pose a lot of problems for a lot of teams. Definitely climbing the ranks of the Divisional ladder.

 

Prediction: KGP Champs

 

Golden Eagles vs. Formerly Formerly Teamless

 

Two teams following the same structure: combine talented role-players on a hybrid team and hope for the best. While both records are not quite the same, there is size and talent on both teams. However, it should prove interesting with the two teams missing some of their go-to players this week, with Alex David missing for the Golden Eagles and Eddy Martinez and Matt Bishara out due to injury. Will definitely be a fun one to watch, just to see how both teams adapt with their missing players.

 

Prediction: N/A

 

One Night Stands vs. Backyard Bullies

 

I think that this is going to be a rough one from start to finish. To begin with, One Night Stands are a strong team. Having added quite possibly the best midseason addition of all time in Robbie Robinson (as well as Brian Lariviere from the championship Waterbuffalos) puts them at even more of an elite status. Throw in the fact that the Backyard Bullies will be without two players who play quarterback and will likely go with a fill-in for this game, and you have a game that`s going to be rough. The Backyard Bullies are going to have to slow down the clock and hold onto the ball on offense for as long as possible in order to stay relevant.

 

Prediction: One Night Stands

 

Rude Bwoys vs. Wolverines

 

We’ve discussed the enigma that is the Rude Bwoys week in, week out. When it looks like they’re in a slump, they get it together and show us exactly what they’re made of. Other weeks, they can barely march the ball up the field. They’re definitely going to need the former if they’re going to match up against arguably the strongest team in the division, the Wolverines. Tony Tabet has done an amazing job of spreading the ball between his five receivers, and cutting up defenses with his 75% completion ratio. It could be close or it could be not, but I really see the Wolverines taking it either way.

 

Prediction: Wolverines

 

Darkside vs. First Downers

Darkside lost a close one in a GOTW last week against ONS, but showed exactly how scary their defense can be. Putting up 8 interceptions is definitely a stat worth being afraid of, especially for a team like First Downers who are still learning the pace of the division. Marc-Andre Theberge is going to have to be really careful against the deep coverage that he’s going to face. On the flip side, Guillaume Robert is going to have to be everywhere at once on the field containing Leon Holder who is equally deadly on his feet as he is throwing. Darkside weren’t predicted to win it all by fluke, and I think that they’re going to use this game to show just how good they are.

 

Prediction: Darkside

 

Ball Busters vs. Special Delivery

 

The Ball Busters are a team that just can’t catch a break. They’ve been having a solid outing thus far and have been keeping games close against strong opponents. However, they’re still winless. I don’ t think that it’s them, but rather the strength of the division as a whole. On the flip side, another team that’s playing under their potential is Special Delivery. The core knows how to be successful and can take over games at a moment’s notice so long as they don’t lose their cool. This’ll definitely be a game that has the possibility of going out of control, and my gut tells me to take the Ball Busters for the upset.

 

Prediction: Ball Busters

 

Well, that’s it for me for this week post. Next week’s article will feature my usual breakdown of the ENTIRE DIVISION, and there’ll be a weekend post between the two to keep you hungry. 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