The Sarwar Report (D1) – Week 4

We are nearing the midway point of the season and as we enter the bye week in Division 1, a few questions pop up in my mind. Are Montreal’s Finest stronger this season than last Winter? Are the Express for real? With such a hairdo, is Moe Khan, Samson? Will the Expos win a game? For the most part, the second half of the season will provide us with the answers to these questions. For the time being, we are less than two weeks away from the Montreal’s Finest vs. Hurricanes match up and something (call it great intuition or survival instincts) tells me, it will be another great battle between the contenders. We can see a lot of movement in the standings in the next three to four weeks which also makes for an exciting finale of the Winter 2010 Division 1 season.

 

Headlines

Too close for comfort

 

The Hurricanes won another close game this past weekend, by a “field goal”, over the Expos. This is the second time in as many weeks. It makes me wonder if this is a bit of a concern, especially since Expos were winless going into the match up. Furthermore, the game against Montreal’s Finest is on the horizon, which might be a bit of a cause for concern for Hurricanes. One thing is for certain, whenever we have doubted the Hurricanes in the past, they were able to deliver and prove us wrong, so I will not fully turn my back on them.

 

Chenard for Mayor

 

Just look at these numbers: 11 of 14 for 148 yards and 7 TDs. Patrick Chenard is having a MVP type season and doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. He is leading the Express to new levels in Division 1. Last Winter season the Express clinched the playoffs as the last seed however they were disposed of by the Hurricanes both quietly and easily. It seems as though Patrick Chenard has regained his old form and is now focused on making a serious run at the Division 1 title. After all, he has plenty of experience from the Winter 2008 season when his Express won the championship in Division 2.

 

Montreal’s Finest vs. Hurricanes – Part I

 

Finest Offense (151 points) vs. Hurricanes Defense (105 points)

Hurricanes Offense (118 points) vs. Finest Defense (103 points)

 

Kevin Wyeth (877 yards, 22 TDs and 4 INTs) vs. Rick Nincheri (756 yards, 17 TDs and 3 INTs)

 

Mike Harrington (276 yards with 7 TDs) vs. Shane Williams (217 yards with 6 TDs)

 

Kishon Thompson (26 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PDs) vs. Kevin Wilson (5 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 PDs)

 

Moe Khan (3 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT) vs. Nick Raymond (1 tackle, 2 sacks)

 

This match up has all the makings for another classic. Each team has too many star names and both teams match up well against one and other. The Hurricanes’ start might not be as dominant as the Finest’s, however they are still 3-1, one game behind the Montreal’s Finest. The absence of Tony Khoury at snapper will require a big adjustment and could prove costly.

 

Result: I personally don’t think any team can slow down, let alone stop, Montreal’s Finest right now. Combined with the fact Tony Khoury will be absent, the Finest will win this game. Final score: 41-33.

Three STARwars of the week

 

3. Simon Charbonneau-Campeau (Express): 3 receptions, 63 yards, 3 TDs.

 

2. Kevin Wilson (Hurricanes): 3 receptions for 62 yards and 1 TD; 3 tackles and 2 INTs.

 

1. Patrick Chenard (Express): 11 of 14 for 148 yard, 7 TDs and 51 rushing yards.

A Second With Sarwar

 

This week’s guest is none other than the snapper, the loud-mouth, and the voice of the Hurricanes: Mr. Tony Khoury. He does a few things quite well, snap, play smart/crafty football and most importantly, follow directions when asked to keep his answers. So without further ado, Mr. Tony Khoury.

1. What is the best and worst part about snapping for Rick Nincheri?

 

Pro, Rick uses the center a lot in his offence. Con, He doesn’t use the center enough. Love you Rick!

 

2. You’re a veteran in this league, besides the Hurricanes, which other team did you have the most fun playing for and why?

 

Two springs ago playing in D3 as a QB for the West Side Connection. It was nice being behind center for a change. Also helped to have Akked Moore as one of my receivers.

 

3. Who is the most overrated/underrated player in Div 1? Div 2? Div 3? (they can’t be on teams you play for)

 

Underrated in D1, I’d have to give a shout to a fellow center who’s been doing a great job for years in Dominic Lemieux. Snappers never get enough credit. In D2, Yourself, Rehan Sarwar, having played on the same team with you in the past, people don’t give you enough credit to what you bring to the table both as a teammate and as a player Editor’s note: Don’t believe the hype!). In D3, Phil Ackaoui. I don’t know how much he’s playing this year but his teams always seem to be able to compete with the best of them. Overrated, I unfortunately can’t go there for D1 as my teammates would say I’m just adding fuel to the fire (Don’t quote me: Kishon Thompson). D2: Dave Stala shouldn’t he be in D1??? D3 Ross Castleton, at least he looks good in uniform.

 

4. Talk about the rivalry between the Hurricanes vs. Montreal’s Finest.

 

Love hate kind of relationship. For us they are like any other team in D1 in our way for a third championship.

 

5. With the matchup between you guys after the bye week, what is the mentality/game plan considering they’re probably stronger than Winter 2009?

 

I unfortunately can’t be there for the game, as much as I would like to play them after last year’s miracle overtime game. But it’s just like any other regular season game for us. They can pile up all the W’s they want for now. Bottom line come April that’s the W were looking most for.

 

6. Talk about the role of snapper and if it is your natural position. If not, what is your strongest position?

 

Playing tackle football I was always a Slotback and a long snapper. So naturally when I started playing flag and touch the skills I developed playing tackle have paid dividends in non contact football (not the way I play it). I am after all the all-time D1 leader in receptions!!!

 

7. Some players in the league have labeled you as a “sneaky, dirty player” which implies you’ll do anything to win, what do you have to say about that?

 

They might never admit it but they all wish they had a player like me on their team. I know the rules of this league inside out hell they even changed a couple of rules over the years because of the way I play. And over the years I’ve found ways to bend almost every rule to my advantage without breaking them. Is it my fault that I’m smarter than the average football player?

 

8. Even though Hurricanes are 3-1, it seems the fear they used to invoke in Div 1 is not as strong with the emergence of Finest and now Express and CLR Forces, what is the morale of the team?

 

As far as we’re concerned the 10 regular season games are like a practice to us to fine tune ourselves nothing more than a formality. So when the playoffs begin we are at our peak.

 

9. Is Kevin Wyeth a better QB than Rick Nincheri? Why or Why not?

 

Really???? Don’t numbers and hardware always tell the story.

 

10. Are you the undisputed leader of the Hurricanes?

 

Team first!!! But it’s always about meJ

 

11. Some people have said you resemble Turtle from Entourage (mainly including myself), your comments?

 

I’m available for Weddings and Bar Mitzvahs.

 

12. What advice would you give to young or rookie players starting in this league, especially those who are snappers?

 

I play in D3 with a lot of people who are new to flag and I always tell them to take one play at a time and not to take things too personally. And to all those who think snapping is boring and only reserved for fat lazy bums with no skills. Just take a look at D1 receiving stats, 2010 is the year of the snapper and don’t you forget it.

 

13. Any last comments or statements?

 

Whether teams fear us or not is not important to us.

Bottom line they all go to bed dreaming of beating us and very few have.

3 for 4, Say No More!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Amazing Race

 

Known to be an entertaining TV show, this segment will monitor leading candidates for FlagPlus Football’s seasonal awards alongside a new award (entirely fictional but holds high value), Heisman Trophy given to league MVP for the Winter 2010 season. This list of candidates will be updated weekly.

 

Quarterback

 

Kevin Wyeth: 65-91 for 877 yards with 22 TDs, 4 INTs, 2 Sack and 123.0 QB rating.

Frederic Dupuis: 71-108 for 744 yards with 19 TDs, 5 INT, 5 Sacks and 105.9 QB rating.

 

Wide Receiver

 

Mike Harrington: 25 receptions, 276 yards, 7 TDs.

Shane Williams: 22 receptions, 217 yards, 6 TDs.

Dominique Lemieux: 21 receptions, 206 yards, 6 TDs.

 

Defensive Player

Bruno Collette: 11 tackles, 4 INTs (1 for TD), 1 PD.

Kishon Thompson: 26 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PDs.

Michael Chitayat: 15 tackles, 1 INT for TD, 1 PD.

 

Two-Way Player

 

Michael Chitayat: 16 receptions, 190 yards, 6 TDs; 15 tackles, 1 INT for TD, 1 PD. Shane Williams: 22 receptions, 217 yards, 6 TDs; 8 tackles, 1 INT for TD.

Patrick Chenard: 53-82 for 632 yards with 19 TDs, 4 INT, and 4 Sacks; 220 rushing yards and 3 TDs; 9 tackles, 1 INT and 1 PD.

 

The Heisman (in that order)

 

1. Kevin Wyeth

2. Patrick Chenard

3. Frederic Dupuis

 

On behalf of FlagPlus Football and WEPL, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Rostyn Castleton and his family for their loss. It is never easy to lose a loved one, therefore as Moe Khan mentioned, you have the entire community of FPF and more to lean on buddy. Be strong Ross, we’re here for you!

 

That’s it for this week’s column. As usual if you have any comments/suggestions, email me at [email protected]. Since there are no games this weekend, enjoy the bye week and the Super Bowl. I am highly confident the Colts will be able to win their second Super Bowl in the last decade with a final score 31-21. See you all in a couple of weeks! I wish you all luck in this weekend’s match ups and leave you with the following:

 

“The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.” – John Madden