The War Room (DB) – Conference Finals

 

After a quarterfinals void of any upsets, but a few heavily contested games, the FPF semi finals are now set. The Dirty Birds and Redemption were sent home when the clock rang midnight, as their Cinderella playoff runs come to an abrupt end. For the Predators and Motley Crue, their playoff fate is also decided and they will be back to the drawing board for next season. All four squads exhibited flashes of brilliance and inconsistency over the season and will need to raise their level of play for Winter ’10. It was a true pleasure covering all these teams, as their rosters provided much witty banter and extravagant play over the last 12 weeks.

 

As for the remaining teams, few surprises lay in the matchups. The G-Men, who must be the worst offenders of the not moving up rule, have managed to bamboozle the league by returning to Div B, with a roster upgraded by the signings of Nareg Yessayan (div 1 superstar) and Kevin Solarik (QB of the past Div A Kings). Now, someone explain to me the logic in returning as a champion and signing more pro bowl talent yet remaining in the division you already won. Captain Paul Kamel argued that his QBing ability does not match that of the Div A teams (which is accurate), and upon his injury that apparently keeps him from throwing (yet he did complete a Td pass last week), he signed a Div A quarterback. How convenient! Whatever the case, Paul or Kevin could have been just as competitive as the Div A playoff Texas All Stars (former Buckeyes who they beat in the final). Granted, millions of excuses will flow into my inbox based on these accusations, but I’m sure deep down they know they could have done the honourable thing and moved up.

 

The G-Men face a tyrannous opponent in Mercenaries for the Conference A title. The Mercenaries were built by Gino Di Fazio, an experienced Division 2 quarterback. He has constructed a team by hand picking players who lack a team of their own (apart from S. Haney). He is a master recruiter and a good teammate from what I hear, but his teams’ constant appearances in championship games can be based on his ability to construct teams who could have challenged themselves in higher division and yet play in lower ones. His Mercenaries are a great and gifted team, his players are far superior to their divisional rivals but I can’t help but question why certain big names would rather play in a lower divisions than higher ones. Either way, the Mercenaries are the team to beat in Division B and rightfully so, they whooped the Dirty Birds and many of their opponents during the season. I would just have liked to see certain players challenge themselves in the higher division instead of patting themselves on the back for beating lesser opponents.

 

The Alkaholiks and Kings matchup to me is the true test of Division B. Granted a couple of the players (on both teams) are Division A talent worthy. None of the teams seem to be grossly exaggerating the rules or taking advantage of the system. Paul Lapierre is an evolving work in progress at QB, Jamal Pierre is a solid (please don’t hurt me) player in Division A and Rochdi Benabdelkader is a great possession receiver in Division A. The remaining players on both teams are good and probably upper echelon Division B players. However, as a whole, both teams are well fitted to be in Division B. The Kings get knocked for being returning Div A champions, however Rehan has few if any returning players from that team. He enjoys keeping the Kings franchise alive, even though there is little to any consistency with the roster (apart from his own extravagant talent). This matchup for the Conference B title will be a gem of a game and I expect a shoot out.

 

 

Conference Final Breakdown:

 

 

The “Shoulda Coulda Woulda played in Div A” Bowl:

G-Men vs Mercenaries:

First Meeting Mercs 24 G-Men 12

The first meeting between these teams was a lopsided affair. However, G-Men fans (I’m sure there are one or two) will be happy to hear that both Kamel brothers were not there for that game. This can strike a sense of relief to a team who has yet to demonstrate any signs of life in the playoffs. Solarik was pathetic in his first playoff game for the G-Men, and he will need to improve if they want a legit shot at a repeat. Paul and Nareg will have their work cut out for them if they want to stop Testa and Company. If there is anyone in Division B who can do it, it’s probably Air Yessayan.

 

What the G-Men will need to do: They will need to bait Gino Di Fazio into throwing downfield which is not his strength. Often the Mercenary receivers bail their QB out and if the right safeties are present, this should prove difficult. I would watch the tandem of Donald Shepherd and Tony Testa against the safeties of the G-Men. On offense, Kevin Solarik will need to complete a high percentage of passes and spread the ball around to take advantage of any mismatches. His underarm gimmick should prove useless against the powerful front three of the Mercs defence, but their gambling nature in the deep secondary could prove lucrative.

 

What the Mercenaries will need to do: Gino Di Fazio will need to be patient and not rely on Tony Testa so much. He has excellent receivers at every position and secondary targets will need to step up their game. Adrian Kellman will need to get involved on both sides of the ball and truly become the star many people have touted him to be. On defense, Matt Kirouac will need to contain Solarik and if he succeeds it should be game over for the G-Men.

 

Prediction: Mercenaries 26 – G-Men 18

 

 

 

 

The “Battle for Happiness” Bowl

Kings vs Alkaholiks

First Meeting: Alk’s 38 Kings 14

The Kings got turned into court jesters in the first matchup in week 3. The game should be closer this time as the Kings have turned things around considerably since the first trimester of the season. I have slightly more faith in the offense of the Kings as they showed clutch play fighting off the Redemption. The defence has looked suspect at times and I think that the Alks will key on certain personnel issues on the Kings defence. The Alks must feel comfortable going into this game as they crushed the Predators in their last game. They will need a decent effort against the Kings to ensure a similar result but judging from the rosters, the slight edge goes to the Alkies.

 

What the Kings will need to do: They need to step up on defence and ensure that the Alks don’t expose any height differences on their corners. Redemption was quite successful in their jump ball strategy and I expect the Alks to use this advantage. The Kings will need to control the clock, take away the first reads of Paul Lapierre and make sure to limit any turnovers. If they can handle all that, they should be able to limit the opposing offense to two or three Td’s. On offense, make sure to get the ball off fast and use their speed to gain YAC. Alex Lever and Andre John will be the key to any success…

 

What the Alks will need to do: Don’t become complacent! You have to demonstrate your strength and aggression on every play. Lapierre will need to go downfield a lot and make Andre John choose which side he wants to cheat to. Brandon Pierre will need to play an amazing game as a rusher to ensure that Lebeau doesn’t have time to pick apart a defence which may lack agility. If they can pressure the QB and take away the short game, the Alks will be able to reap the rewards of turnovers.

 

Prediction: Alks 32 – Kings 19

 

 

Castleton’s Random thoughts of the Week:

 

1. Ruff Ryders of Happiness: Good game vs the Rainmakers, disposed of their QB-less foes in a machine-like method. It is good to know the two preseason favorites will be going head to head for the title in two weeks.
2. Marc Champagne: What an athlete! He makes catches look simple and his separation and recovery speed are exceptional. He is a dangerous man to throw the ball around and opposing quarterbacks need to make sure he is accounted for on each play.
3. Redemption: You came very close to upsetting the conference favourites last week and it’s duly noted. Mike Godyn can hold his head up high after his last QB effort in FPF.
4. Mike Godyn: 6 seasons ago, the Shockers were without a QB and our wide receiver Mike Godyn agreed to take on that role. He was exceptional considering he had never thrown a pigskin before. Always a team player, he did what he could to help the team in their time of need and all of us are thankful for his faithful service. Mike is retiring from FPF as he is moving away from Montreal. We wish him all the best!
5. G-Men vs Mercenaries: This should be a dandy of a game and potentially the real final for Division B. However, it would be fitting to see someone from Conference B come out of nowhere and shock the FPF world (like the Wildcats did last season).
6. Texas All-Stars: It took all but two plays to start the yelling between players. I have a high level of respect for Nathan Taylor and his shift in maturity. He went from being an aggravating and cocky kid to a team leader in less than three seasons. He is the brightest spot of this team and should get the respect he deserves.
7. Rainmakers: Although the Rainmakers have had many setbacks this season and last season, their continually upbeat attitude demonstrates what real athletes and gentlemen are all about. It is with sincere anticipation that I await the return of Ryan Kastner from his illness for the Winter 2010 season. Have a speedy recovery and I look forward to you giving opposing teams nightmares in the coming years.

 

 

Quote of the week:

 

“I’m a Cornerback not a Quarterback”

– Nathan Taylor to a frustrated Mike Harrington during the second half of the semi final game.