The War Room (D3) – Week 9

 

Two weeks left in the regular season, and for most divisions, it’s still anyone’s guess as to who will represent their foursome. Some teams who peaked early in the year (Dirty Birds and Souljahs) are struggling down the stretch, while other teams who were counted out, are fighting their way back (Rude Bwoys and Skillz). I have never encountered a list of games, which were so important as this Winter’s week 9 and 10 matchups. Many divisional games will decide the outcome and playoff seeding/berths. Even if your team is officially eliminated from the playoffs, you can still make your mark on the division by ruining your rivals’ chances at postseason glory.

Below is a recap of the playoff picture, it demonstrates just how close everyone is and how many things can change in the next two weeks. The craziest division is probably conference B, west. Four teams have the same record and are vying to rep the West’s only team in the playoffs. All four teams have had turbulent years, but I’d watch out for Skillz and Sandlot Saints to make a push for the playoffs in the next two weeks.

The Playoff Picture (as of Week 9)

Conference A:

1. Ducks (7-1)

2. Lazy Boys (7-1)

3. DK (6-2)

4. VPC (6-2)

5. GPK (6-2)

6. AMB Eagles (5-3)

7. Cobras (5-3)

8. Primetime (5-3)

Conference B:

1. D Boys (6-2)

2. Big Tds (5-3)

3. The U (4-4)

4. Park Street Elite (4-4)

5. Bandits (5-3)

6. Top Sauce (5-3)

7. Dirty Birds (5-3)

8. Rude Bwoys (5-3)

 

Power Rankings (1-10):

#1 Lazy Boys (7-1): Well done Mr. Nathan Thompson, 8 passing TDs and no interceptions against the Outlawz. Quite the offensive powerhouse you have going with two TDs to each member of the “Trifecta” (Void, Shepherd and Lapierre).

#2 Ducks (7-1): You lost to Skillz with a depleted roster. So I won’t drop you to far down the rankings. You might have thought about adding depth to your roster while you were busy destroying teams, but I guess nobody plans for injuries etc. Now with the perfection talk out the way, you can concentrate on winning the whole damn thing.

#3 D-Boys (6-2): Good win against the Souljahs (who have forgotten how to play defense apparently), I would have put you in the second spot, but I’m beginning to think the Ducks and Lazy Boys would get the best of you. Feel free to prove me wrong…

#4 VPC (6-2): Kicking ass and taking names apparently, you utterly destroyed the “U”. You are in the driver’s seat in your division, so I suggest you leave Robinson at the wheel and enjoy the ride. Your Cobra game is no cake walk though, plan accordingly.

#5 Big TDs (5-3): You beat DK, which made me look twice (Proving that FPF is worse than the NFL for predicting games). Springer is playing game manager football and the defense is getting better. This could be interesting come playoff time. I’m a little hesitant, however, due to their reputation in previous seasons (as the Thundering Herd) to implode when it matters.

#6 Rude Bwoys (5-3): This team is on a mission, not only will they set the record for useless videos posted on Facebook by Vadim Chernyak, they are charging up the standings faster than anyone predicted. Their recent triumph over AMB proves they are legit and should they win out, they will be the hardest opponent to judge going into the elimination rounds.

#7 AMB Eagles (5-3): Ok, you were beaten by a red hot team in Star Trek uniforms. But you still have a chance to win the division if VPC falters. Easier said than done, and your schedule is not that easy either so I guess now is the time to turn it up a notch!

#8 DK (6-2): I don’t know what’s worse. Free falling in the standings or listening to Springer talk crap when he is beating you? Regardless, even with Benny Goodfriend subbing in for Jamal Pierre, you should NOT lose those types of games.

#9 GPK (5-2): Yes you won, but it was to the equivalent of a “Tennessee Chatanooga” level school. I expect you guys to beat up on struggling teams like the Ballhawks, not play patty cake with them. Stagg, this is a call out… Go put up some BIG NUMBERS.

#10 Cobras (5-3): Well Mr. Lever, here is your shot: AMB and VPC. Go get them “KING COBRA”. Tune in to Breaking The Huddle to understand that reference (yes, cheap plug).

Castleton’s Random Thoughts of the Week:

1. Missing in Action: Where have the Hurricanes gone? They are hovering somewhere between mediocrity and confusion.

2. Shockers vs Click Clack: A first time meeting for these perennial winners, but its no time for niceties. Shockers need this game for their psyche, not necessarily for the league standings.

3. Moe Khan: He is bragging about some hair appointment he made in a month’s time. As those of you unfortunate enough to have him on FB would know. In the voice of Dale Williams: “DUDE!” cut your hair. Your combine numbers have an asterisk, 5.14 with fro, 5.02 without fro.

4. Breaking the Huddle: This week’s panel was a true privilege to host. With Lever, Kamel, Cummins and Settino, it definitely wasn’t boring. At least this time Lever and I didn’t get thrown off for UR’s.

5. Ducks: Well I guess every dog has its day, and that dog from Duck Hunt, just so happens to play for the Skillz. Regroup and let the burn from that loss, fill you with furious anger…

6. Guarantees: The most overplayed athletic quote these days is a guarantee. Last time I checked, most of our guarantees do not pan out. Gianni Settino was heckled for his guarantee debacle last year. Kevin Solarik made weekly guarantees he never honored. You are not Jim Fassel, stop trying to imitate him (got that Rick Cummins?)

 

Quote(s) of the Week:

“How on earth did Collusion 67 beat you guys?”

– Alex Lever, on the shocking upset of Collusion 67 over the Dirty Birds

“ Whatcha talking about? We just beat the DUCKS”

– Marvin the Marvelous, after the BIGGEST upset of the Flag year.

My Game(s) of the Week:

AMB Eagles vs Cobras: This game is extremely difficult to predict as I’m not sure what to expect from the Eagles on a weekly basis. I think they can line up man on man with the Cobras and shut them down. Lever will need to play mistake-free football and take off once in awhile in order to pull off this “upset”. However, deep down, I think it’s the Eagles’ time to soar high.

AMB Eagles 18 Cobras 13

Skillz vs Sandlot Saints: This is a crap shoot but I’ll go with the team with swagger: Skillz. Apart from wearing questionable football outfits, they are beginning to demonstrate that they do appear, for all intent and purposes, to possess some “skills”. Advice: Shut down Kraemer and you will win this football game. Yep, easier said than done.

Skillz 26 Sandlot 19

 

 

MVP Leader:

Robbie Robinson: 2nd Best quarterback in the league and a dominant defensive player in his own right. He is simply the glue that holds VPC together (apart from those beautiful uniforms). His next two performances will truly reveal if he is in fact the BEST player in division three this winter.