The Pulse (D5) – Week 14

The Road Show: check. Awarding the championship trophy to the winning team: check. The Winter 2011 All-Star game: check. It looks like everything on our list has been crossed off which is usually a good indication that another glorious season has come and gone. Luckily for all of us, whether your season was a success or a disappointment, your chance at redemption is right around the corner with the 2011 spring season upon us.

 

Outlaw-mania

Two teams that I have tremendous respect for battled for supremacy last weekend in Brossard, with the Outlawz being crowned champions in their inaugural season following a 35-21 victory over the Warhawks. Both squads have a group of stars, most of whom are just approaching their primes, which made for an exciting contest. With the championship game and the Outlawz’ legacy hanging in the balance, both quarterback Jean-Michel Beaudin and the division 5 playoff M.V.P. Gabriel Cournoyer rose to the occasion with performances that were hard to match.

 

Beaudin faced some pressure early on, having tossed a pick-six to Ligeo Kattackal on the third play on the game. As Kattackal crossed the Outlaw bench while strolling into the end zone, an anxious Beaudin could only look and reflect on his mistake. Luckily for him, the Oultawz’ roster displayed tremendous character and leadership which allowed Beaudin to settle down and redeem himself on the next two series, connecting with Cournoyer and Vincent Jacques for scores.

 

The Beaudin-Cournoyer duo connected for six on three separate occasions, putting the game out of reach and ending any hopes for a late-game comeback by the Warhawks. The afterglow of the championship game will linger for a very long time as it is expected that both the Outlawz and the Warhawks will only return in the 2012 winter season.

 

Home of the “seventh” player

Bring ’em out, Bring ’ em out! Yes, everybody at FPF was excited about the Road Show. But that excitement was second to the energy provided by the fans present for the division 5 championship game. Both the Warhawks and the Outlawz had their share of supporters, and the stands were filled with enthusiastic spectators. The atmosphere generated by these faithful fans mirrored a CIS football game with chants of “offense” and “defense” resonating throughout the complex during each snap. Both sides get my vote for fans of the year!

 

Gabriel Cournoyer is the playoff MVP

Whether it was stopping the short passing game or defending the deep ball, number 36 was always roaming the secondary and making plays fort he Outlawz. Now emerging as a vocal leader on the team, he is what you call a natural and just knows where to position himself to be an impact player. Look for him to be the difference maker with the Outlawz in seasons to come.

 

An improved Tim O’Hara is a good sign for the Warhawks

It is no secret that Tim O’Hara struggled in the championship game and a few miscommunications with receivers led to some costly turnovers at inopportune times. Definitely not the way you want to end the season. However, the veteran quarterback has gained some valuable playoff experience this season and provided a much needed spark within the Warhawks’s offense during the course of the regular season. Last season, O’Hara tossed more interceptions than touchdowns, completing 40/90 passes.  His numbers in the winter season were far more impressive, having thrown for 950 yards with 24 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He has shown the ability to be a starter in division 5 and this loss should take nothing away from that.

 

Salutations

The Pulse would like to congratulate all the teams this season for an entertaining and unpredictable ride.  Here are some memorable games that stood out.

 

Favorite Regular Season games:

J’s vs. South Shore Storm (week 4)

Golden Eagles vs. Dragons (week 7)

Big Birds vs. Outlawz (week 8)

Thunder vs. Lockdown (week 10)

 

My favourite Playoff games

Da Boyz vs. The Incredibles (divisional playoffs)

Da Boyz vs. Warhawks (semi-finals)

Outlawz vs. Warhawks (finals)

 

That is all folks! Hope you had a good time reading the Pulse. See you all soon!