The Pulse (D5) – Week 3

 

Pendant Publishing defeat the odds with win over the South Shore Storm

Not in my wildest imagination did I envision this scenario. To say that Pendant Publishing is currently 2-1, sitting in fifth place in their conference, is almost as shocking as its 36-12 upset over the South Shore Storm last Saturday. Or is it? This wasn’t a fluky victory based on South Shore not having their key personnel or committing a long list of mistakes. Pendant Publishing didn’t just weather the storm, they embraced the role of underdog and somehow managed to win in convincing fashion. Quarterback Allan Lester had his best performance of the season and threw for 5 touchdowns. On a night when Pendant Publishing’ offense shined, the defense was just as spectacular recording a safety and 4 interceptions. Great win for this ball club, who are currently getting ready for the Dragons.

 

Warhawks’ woes from 2010 are long gone

 

Joel Watson is one of the most talented defenders in the division, and has an knack for making big plays on a weekly basis. His 3 interceptions back in week 2 proved just that. But his leadership in week 3 solidifies my point. It all seemed so unlikely that a team which surrendered 39 points one week, would record a shutout the following. But that’s exactly what transpired in the Warhawks’ impressive 38-0 victory over the J’s. But what may be even more intriguing is the offense. The Warhawks had issues scoring points last season, but they have addressed the matter and are now averaging just under 30 points per game. All the receivers are making plays: Brian Martin, Andrew Jones and Tim O’Hara lead the way. The Warhawks seem to understand that it can’t be only one guy on offense who leads the team into the second half of the season. All the receivers must chip in.

Lockdown lets me off with a warning

 

It seems that Lockdown did not take too kindly to me predicting an Incredibles’ victory in week 3. I chose the team who appeared to have based their team name and uniform on the superhero film about a family of superheroes, who are forced to hide their powers to defeat them in a close game. My pick fell short thanks to a ferocious Lockdown defense. Lockdown had a chance to prove me wrong and they did. The stats may not show it, but Andrew D’Anna played his tail off and was phenomenal on defense. Look for Lockdown to keep opposing offenses behind bars, with their stout defense allowing just eight points after 3 weeks.

Will the Love Cows go winless?

Expecting the same old Love Cows to show up and make a late playoff push? Expecting to see the same Love Cows that made a championship run in Winter 2010 before hitting a brick wall in the finals? Well don’t. This is not the same team and their new players have not made an immediate impact, to be honest. Their offense has only recorded two touchdowns in the first three games and that is not going to get it done. QB Jamal Garner has shown, at times, that he can guide his team down the field with his legs, but not with his arm. Garner has rushed for 179 yards and has thrown for a measly 77 yards and 10 interceptions thus far. His name is at the forefront, for the simple reason that he is the quarterback, but simply put, he needs to improve if this team will pick it up. With the exception of their week 7 matchup against the Shaolin Shadowboxers, they are not the odds on favorites to win any of their remaining games. A sad turnout for a team many of us cheered on last Winter, in their long playoff run.

Big Birds get a much needed W

This is a team I like. Despite starting the season with a 0-2 record. They just didn’t fit in my list of teams that can’t seem to find a recipe for success. Last week’s win showed that my gut feeling was right. The Bid Birds are not loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but their offense is starting to click. They have one of their conference`s most potent receivers in James Nowakowski. But he isn’t built to carry an entire team on his back. He needs help and lots of it. This is why the Big Birds have relied on Dulani Webb to get it done on the ground and he has not disappointed. The offense was showcased in their 38- 13 beatdown of the Stallions this past week. Congrats on your first win.

 

 

Preview

Da Boyz vs Warhawks

Da Boyz would seem vulnerable to the Warhawks’ big receiving corps, primarily Brian Martin, but Warhawks’ quarterback Chris Ogg must be able to evade or sidestep the rush long enough to exploit the mathcup. The Warhawks will have to rely on their leading tacklers Joel Watson and Andrew Jones to keep Da Boyz’ offense grounded early on and control the game’s tempo by not allowing their offense to run up and down the field after the catch. There are still plenty of adjustments and improvements that Da Boyz need to make on defense, but if the rush provided by Mather Warsame can affect the QB’s timing and delivery, Da Boyz may have a chance to keep it close late in the game. Nigel Thomas will also have to have a big game for Da Boyz, who are currently 1-2. I don`t see the Warhawks being surprised, and let their rookie opponents come away with a victory in this one, but it can be interesting.

 

Power Rankings

1. Golden Eagles (3-0) – Kevin Lubin is a beast on both sides of the ball. Too early for MVP chatter?

2. Lockdown (3-0) Great team chemistry. Hard to ignore their defensive production.

3. Thunder (3-0) – Another win can propel this team alongside the elite.

4. South Shore Storm (2-1) – A minor setback. Too much talent to derail off the track.

5. Incredibles (2-1) – These undercover superheroes, will be forced into action to save their reputation as a top Div. 5 contender.

6. Warhawks (2-1) – Can they make it 2 in a row?

7. Les Buddays (2-1) –Time will tell if they deserve division-wide attention

8. Pendant Publishing (2-1) – Should change their names to storm chasers. Need another win next week to ride that momentum wave.

9. Tyrants (2-1) –Defense is playing better as the weeks go by. Good sign for the Tyrants. Keep feeding the ball to Chris Kaliotzakis, it seems to be working.

(*Editor’s note: Tyrants have forfeited their two wins due to an illegal roster, and are now 0-3)

 

10.J’s (1-2) – Revealed glaring holes and things may go from bad to worse in the weeks to come. Settle down and play to your ability.

 

Bonus: Green Machine (1-2) Need to find a way to win the close games. Once they get that formula, they can be dangerous.

The action continues next weekend. Look for all your updates, right here. Feel free to send me a message on Facebook or approach me during the Div 5 games. Let’s talk football.