The Sarwar Report (D1) – Week 11

 

For those who were out of the country or under a rock, you might have still heard that the Hurricanes are out of the playoffs thanks to the CLR Forces. Of course, the Hurricanes misfortunes run way deeper than a week 11 loss; they were inconsistent all year long and finished with a 3-6-1 record. Their defense was invisible for most of the season and offence was average at best. However, it doesn’t end there because it has now come to our attention that the Hurricanes are folding their team and this was their last season together. Say it ain’t so! They will be dearly missed in Division 1 football for obvious reasons. For those players who will not be returning to the league, I wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Unforgettable

 

That’s the word that comes to mind when we look at the Winter 2010 Division season. There were many ups and downs. CLR Forces defeated the Hurricanes twice, Montreal’s Finest went 9-1, Patrick Chenard took his game to the next level, Expos erased a 0-4 start and went 5-4-1 to finish second overall, Hurricanes missed the playoffs and the team will likely break-up, Simon Charbonneau Campeau set the record for the most touchdowns by a receiver, and so much more. It has been a privilege and an honor to have covered all these events over the course of eleven weeks and but let’s not end it here. To the final four teams, go out there and show us what you’re made of. Let’s finish the season with a bang!

Farewell Hurricanes!

 

Since this is likely the last season the Hurricanes will play in FPF, I decided to dedicate a portion of my article to them. Hurricanes have been in the league since the beginning in 2005 and have had many successful seasons. From Winter 2007 to Winter 2009, they reached the finals every season and won two championships. After the Young Guns team folded after the Spring 2006 season, they set the bar for Division 1 teams and became the second dynasty of Division 1. The list of great players that have been a part of this team, such as Rick Nincheri, Shane Williams, Tony Khoury, Asif Choudhury, Michael McNair, Kevin Wilson, Wade Williams, Mark Deslauriers, Brian Tock, Kyle Smith, etc…, goes on and on. They were also known for their class on and off the football field. Before we can say one final good-bye, let’s hear from two of the team’s leaders: Asif Choudhury and Rick Nincheri.

 

The Unsung Hero, Asif Choudhury

 

Asif, you are the captain of the Hurricanes and the leader on defense, what would you say was the leading cause for the Hurricanes missing the playoffs?

Well I think a lot of things contributed to not making the playoffs. Firstly, I think we were a little less motivated and a little less hungry than the past years. After losing to the Finest in the final last year, we had spoken about possibly not playing another season. Many of us were seriously considering moving on. Mark Deslauriers and Kyle Smith decided not to play this season and those were obviously big personnel losses. Secondly, we seemed to be a little unlucky this year. All of our losses were by a TD or less with the exception of the Express game and we just couldn’t seem to make the big play when we needed it, which was our calling card in previous seasons. Thirdly, the talent level has gotten better and better each year and the teams just seemed more motivated than us.

Does it hurt more that Montreal’s Finest will continue their dominance?

Not at all. I wish them all the best, although I think you are using dominance a little too soon regarding the Finest. We should talk about their dominance when they have achieved what we have and what the Young Guns have achieved. The Finest have a chance to go down as one of the best if not the best team in FPF history, but I think we are currently the best the FPF has seen. This is not arrogance on my part. I just think that our record and history speaks for itself and I am proud of what we accomplished. That being said the Finest are a great bunch of guys and I wish them the best. I think they are certainly the favourites to win it all, but I have a feeling that the Expos may give them a good run.

A lot has been said regarding the dismantling of the Hurricanes, was it a unanimous decision? Was there an implosion of sorts?

No there was no implosion at all. I think you are looking for a juicy story that is non-existent. I’ll be honest, we did have our occasional problems that seemed to magnify with every subsequent loss, but there was implosion at all. One of the primary reasons why we put this team together was because we were a bunch of friends who wanted to play football and we will always remain friends beyond football. I think before this season started, we all knew this was going to be out last season together as the Hurricanes. We are all a little older (particularly me LOL) and we have other priorities in our life that have seemed to have divided our focus. We just did not seem to have that killer instinct anymore, the type that you need to win those close games.

Do you see yourself playing in this league again with any of the other Hurricane guys? Is there any bad blood amongst the Hurricanes?

I would love to play with some of my Hurricane teammates for sure. My heart is in it, but as you now, my knees have not been close to 100% over the past two years. I just don’t think my body can hold up anymore and I had told myself before this season started that this would probably be my last year in FPF. That being said, I can always change my mind.

Which players do you think will not come back at all? Are you looking to start a new dynasty with some of your teammates?

I have a feeling that Jay, Shane, Robbie and Rick will be back for sure. Let me start the rumor mill: Rick will bring his outdoor team (Blue Bayou) into FPF. Jay and Shane will start their own team. I don’t know for sure, but rumours are fun! I would love to play with these guys if they want me and if my body holds up.

Would the Hurricanes have folded if they made playoffs or made it to the finals?

 

Yes we would have folded not matter what. We all felt that the Hurricanes had run its course and we decided that this year was going be our last. All good things must come to an end. It was a great run and I am proud of everything that we accomplished.

 

Any last words as a Hurricane to the rest of FPF?

I just want to say thank you for 5 great years of fabulous football. The league has grown so much over the years and I have certainly been lucky to play with great friends, against great athletes and win at the highest level. Honestly, did you think a skinny brown 150 lb guy would last so long in D1 of FPF? I certainly didn’t. All the best to the remaining teams in the playoffs and may some of you be lucky enough to hold the championship trophy in victory. There is no better feeling…trust me.

 

SLICK RICK – Rick Nincheri

 

Rick, too much has been said about the dismantling of the Hurricanes, what are your thoughts?

My thoughts are that we didn’t make enough plays, and didn’t make the necessary changes to compete in a more competitive D1. That being said, have a look at our season, we lost so many games by one score or less, if we had just made a few more plays, we’d still be alive this season.

The number question on everyone’s minds now is, where do you go from here? Will you assemble another dynasty or will you disappear in the shadows?

Who knows? Tony seems to think we are finished based on his statement on the FPF FB wall. All I know is that I personally have much unfinished business with the teams and defenses in D1, and I will be back, and hungrier than ever.

I know we spoke once before during the season and you had mentioned that the football Gods weren’t happy that you abandoned Nixon’s Renegades and in turn cursed you in Division 1. Besides the possibility of the latter, what else could have led to Hurricanes not only missing playoffs but ALSO folding as a team?

I didn’t have my best year. Combine that with a defense that wasn’t making plays when needed, you have a recipe for D1 failure. And let me tell you, is tastes awful. Waiter! Take this soup back, it’s brutal!

Is there any bad blood in the team? In other words, is the team folding because of dissension? Is there a remote possibility a similar roster returns next year with a new name and new look?

No bad blood, frustrations, yes. I have no idea what Tony is doing. I know our leader Josh is possibly stepping down due to injury, and that I don’t like. He was one of the main reasons I started and stayed with the Canes. I will miss him if he retires. He is great teammate, a loyal teammate, and above all, a great person. Take care of that knee PM!

As far as a new team, we’ll see. All I know is that I will be combing the beach and turning over every rock to find new and aggressive players for whatever incarnation is next.

Would the Hurricanes have folded if they made playoffs or made it to the finals?

I don’t know, but I do know changes have to be made on both sides of the ball.

Any last words as Hurricane to the rest of FPF?

Bah, truth be told, no one cares about the Hurricanes. We are old old news, and it is MF time to shine. That being said, I have a feeling the Expos will have something to say about things, just a feeling. Good luck to all still competing.

—

 

So there we have it, two class acts who have represented the Hurricanes and the league quite well. I believe Rick Nicheri is the only player who has been talked about in the newspaper when a piece on FlagPlus Football was done a few years ago.

We will miss you Hurricanes but look forward to seeing most of you back in FPF under different team names. As we leave the Hurricanes, I will play the same song that was played when Seinfeld went off the air, so long and farewell! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR6uz_VTCUo)

 

 

The Amazing Race

Here are the winners of this years Amazing Race after a long and grueling hard fought season.

 

Quarterback – Kevin Wyeth (Montreal’s Finest)

 

It was no surprise to anyone when Kevin Wyeth was given this award. He was dominant all season long, led the Montreal’s Finest to a 9-1 record and the number offense.

Honorable mention: Ryan Kaster (Rainmakers)

 

Wide Receiver – Simon Charbonneau Campeau (Express)

 

He set the record for the most touchdowns by a receiver with 27. He might not be the best route runner on the team but if a play is needed, SCC is the go-to receiver. He can catch the ball whether he is alone or covered by 3 defenders. Elite leaping ability.

Honorable mention: Mathieu Thuot (Express) and Guillaume Ward (CLR Forces)

 

Defensive Player – P-O Brunet (Expos)

 

He is an all purpose player which means he can rush, play short or cover deep. In only seven games, he had six interceptions and three passes defended. He was a big part of the Expos defense and run to the playoffs, they finished second with a record of 5-4-1.

Honorable mention: Bruno Collette (Express)

 

Two-Way Player – Patrick Chenard (Express)

 

He has reached another level of greatness in the Winter 2010 season and has led his team to the playoffs for a second time in as many seasons. On the offense side, he passed for 50 touchdowns (second behind Kevin Wyeth) and still managed to use his running game when it was needed (317 rushing yards and 3 TDs). On defense, he had 6 interceptions and three passes defended. Patrick Chenard is the definition of an all around franchise player. Furthermore, he is still getting better so lookout for this youngin to improve even further in the future.

Honorable mention: Dominic Lemieux (CLR Forces)

 

Jarred Allen Award – Nick Raymond (Hurricanes)

 

He finished the season with 11 sacks and stood alone in that category. Hence he wins the first ever Jarred Allen Award.

Honorable mention: Andrija Zecevic (Express)

 

The Heisman – Kevin Wyeth

 

This was a no brainer because Kevin Wyeth is the best player in Division 1 this season. Even when Kishon Thompson wasn’t playing due to an injury, he marched the offense down the field and put up the points. As I mentioned before he has led the Finest to a first ranked offense, scoring close to 40 points per game at the highest level of football in FlagPlus.

Honorable mention: Patrick Chenard (Express)

 

THE WINTER 2010 DIVISON 1 PLAYOFFS

Now that we have given the Hurricanes their tribute, what about the teams who have earned the right to play in the post-season? The Division 1 playoffs match ups are set and will commence in two weeks time. It will be Montreal’s Finest vs. Express and Rainmakers vs. Expos. Since this is an off week for all four playoff teams, I’ll save my breakdown and in depth analysis for next week. However all signs point to a Finest vs. Expos finale as they are the heavy favorites, but in the playoffs, anything can happen; look at what happened to Kansas in March Madness 2010! I hope that we will witness a great semifinal weekend and an even better finale; maybe even better than last Winter. Let the reason season begin!

 

I feel this article is long enough, due to the unexpected loss and folding of the Hurricanes. Therefore I will present my ALL-STARWAR SQUAD next week along with the semifinals preview. That’s it for this week’s column. As usual if you have any comments/suggestions, email me at [email protected]. I leave you with the following quote:

 

“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle-victorious.” – Vince Lombardi