The War Room (DB) – Week 2 – FlagPlus Football League

Welcome Back friends and Foes, glad that my first week’s article wasn’t too off putting for you. Well, where to begin? Week 2 is always a status check type of situation, where teams get a drift of the direction their season might be headed. Some teams have scraped by with a 0-2 record, not indicating much to their future chances. Meanwhile, other teams have mopped the proverbial gridiron floor with their opponents and issued a statement of intent. The 4 undefeated teams are all of great talent and stature in the FlagPlus community, but if I were them (which my Dirty Birds are not unfortunately) I would be weary of a number of teams who have shown inconsistency in the first two weeks. Choppers, North Shore and Alkaholiks all seem to be hiding behind their .500 record, waiting to dent the record of those who think they are untouchable. I foresee a lot of changes to the current standings by week 5, due to the parity in the West divisions.

Week 2 Recap:

Primetime Panthers 26 vs. DIP 19: This game was ultimately going to be decided by its Qb’s. I really thought Chebbo would put the team on his back and lead them down the field for the win. Unfortunately, his low completion percentage and average statistics demonstrated the difficulty he was having with the quick defence of the Primteime Panthers. On the other side, Rashawn Perry made the most of his completions (which weren’t many) to put up 4 Td’s. The duo of McGuire and Derek Doaust is a good emerging combo at receiver, one which I’m sure I’ll be writing about later on this season. As for both teams, a lesson in efficient football and ball possession may be needed.

Falcons 27 vs Alkaholics 18: Lapierre seems to be struggling without his go to receiver M. Champagnie (who now plays in Div A). This is not to say that the Falcons defense does not deserve a lot of credit, though, I thought that this would be a very tight game. Marc-Oliver Ouimet is becoming Simon Richard’s reliable target, which is good considering how many times he can find paydirt. I’d like to see Vincent Roy get a little more involved though, as he has talent and height to create matchup problems in the redzone. As for the Alki’s, they did put up some good numbers and did distribute the ball well to the receivers, however the lack of turnovers really swung this game in the Falcons defence. Jamal Pierre needs to grab his defence and motivate them, if they plan on winning these type of ball games.

G-Men 31 vs Kings 25: This looked a lot like Click Clack vs Rehan’s Role Players. Gentille played well at QB, while his receiving corps really stepped up and made some incredible catches Chris Kaliotzakis, a big shout out for such a tremendous over the shoulder catch in the redzone). Corey Belliveau is also becoming the name to watch on the Gmen as he is a great player with all the skills to get open and score. The Kings got an equally great performance by Marc-Andre Lebeau and Alex Lever, but were somewhat let down by broken coverages in their secondary. I think a consultant such as Moe Khan needs to be hired his Starwarness to have a institute a Chalk Talk on cover three defences.. There is too much talent on that side of the ball to be allowing teams to get wide open down field. Andre John needs to be more involved in the gameplan as well! (And arrive on time!)

Five Players to watch:

Daniele Gentille, G-Men: Will he take on the responsibility of the Gmen QB position? Wouldn’t that just make them Click Clack? I have a feeling he will, and will do well as usual (until the playoffs of course).

Rashawn Perry, Primetime Panthers: I can’t say I know that much about him. But from covering the league and my sources in the scorekeeper’s office, this youngster has quite the potential, he will need to learn the QB position on the fly, but putting up 4 Td’s and no picks vs DIP is a good start to his learning curve.

Eddy Martinez, Dirty Birds: The man gets recruited from the Gators to the Dirty Birds and puts on a three TD performance last week. Tall Receiver who gets open and has a good knack for the ball, he is a gamebreaker which the DB’s will need to compete in division B.

Adam Ciampini, Chopper: On a loaded roster, it is hard to stand out, but getting 5 sacks last week will raise a few eyebrows. Let’s see if the young veteran (Young Guns 2005, Chiefs 2006) can make more of a name for himself by continuing this success.

Cory Johnson, North Shore: 5 Td’s from a rather unknown QB on a rather unknown team (Machine 2008, Seminoles 2009) is something to watch for sure. He needs to ensure he doesn’t gamble too much as he does have 4 picks in two games. But his recent performance and his crisp passes may be a sign of an emerging star at QB.

Divisional Predictions:

I’ll select a couple teams each week and give a reason why they will finish where I think they will.

Div. A Titans (4-6): They will beat who they know they can beat (Herd, 49ers), but will not be able to take on the top teams of division A in either matchups. They are seriously missing the half man/giraffe rusher of past seasons who gave a great defensive boost to their middle zone.

Div B. Motley Crue (4-6): Mathieu Renee and Jacques Void might have the building blocks of something great but they cannot single handily build a winner. They have a ROUGH schedule with a lot of great teams to play. The games against Choppers, Dirty Birds and Primetime Panthers will be the deciding factor in their playoff hopes (which may fall short).

Chaos (7-3): Edwards and McLaren have a moderate schedule ahead of them, which is good. They will get a lot of game experience before their matchup in week ten against the Cobras. Both teams should be flying high coming into this game and I’ll make sure to bug our WEPL members to make this game of the week. However, I do think the Cobras may hold the advantage this season…

Castleton’s Random thoughts of the week:

Choppers: Wow, what a roster, you guys really should destroy everyone if S. Avraam can keep cool behind center. But honestly men, with a roster reminiscent of Young guns, why not play Division A?
Kings: Note to Rehan, what is up with your secondary. It seemed every pass Gentille threw was down field to a wide open receiver. Andre John, can’t do it all in Division B (but he does it all in div C)
Ruff Ryders of Happiness Vs Shockers: If you have a chance to come out and see a Div A game this year, this might be a great one to watch. Both teams are hungry to prove who the class of division A is and this is the first meeting this season of both proud organisations.
R. Kastner: What a rebound game for Ryan Kastner (5 TD’s, 256 yards and no picks) in a needed win vs a Titans team. He only took two sacks which is a much improved effort over week 1.
G-Men: The word is out that P. Kamel is hurt and cannot throw effectively. He is now looking for a QB to take the helm of his team. Anyone interested? And also, would anyone want that type of pressure? I heard Robert Campana has quite the Alabama Slamma of an Arm.
Rehan’s Remarks: Many people have mentioned to me what Rehan wrote about me in his article last week, and to be honest I’m surprised. I didn’t think anyone read his articles to begin with. But to respond to his allegations or rumours, would be tiresome and boring. On that note, I shall treat Rehan’s Comments with the same seriousness as defenders do when they line up in front of him, which is to say not much.
FlagPlus couples: I find it hilarious how some people get grouped together based on their teammate status or friendship. Great FlagPlus couples would be Ara Ekmekjian and Nareg Yessayan (back in the Viper Days), Vinny Gualano and Shawn Haney, Anthony Da Ponte and JP Mancini, Andre John and Rehan Starwar, Ravi Mehta and Phil Ackaoui, JF Trudeau and Frank Grenier, Moe Khan and himself ….

What does RHC Stand for? (weekly discussion of possible meanings)

Red Hot Chokers (submitted by a member of the King Organization)

The Castleton Connection:

This is a new segment in which I will ask 5 random players from around the league the same questions and compile their answers for your entertainment. This is my attempt to give a voice to those of you, who are subjected to my drivel on a weekly basis without a method of expression. (Each week will be composed of different players and different questions, so feel free to come up and introduce yourself at Catalogna.) For the inaugural segment, I have selected the following 5 FlagPlus Celebrities

Paul Kamel QB – Gmen:

Q1- If I could play on any other team it would be….

Notre Dame (great group of guys)

Q2- I think “this player” deserves more respect…

Daniele Gentile QB

Q3- IF you could draft first overall in a FlagPlus draft, I would pick…
Nareg Yessayan WR (Note from Castleton: SIGH)

Q4- Fav FlagPlus game I ever played in…
G-Men vs. Buckeyes Part 1 & 2 of last spring season

Q5- Which team has the hottest fans…
The only team to bring girls to their games; Falcons

Nathan Taylor QB – Texas All Stars:

Q1- If I could play on any other team it would be….

Ummmm…. there is no other team that is fast enough. so imma stick wit my texas all-stars, SPEED KILLS !!!!

Q2- I think “this player” deserves more respect…

ANTHONY THOMPSON . ez decision 6’1 205 lb good hands , great speed , great leaping ability, just a good all- around player and has the stats to prove it every season but gets no recognition.

Q3- IF you could draft first overall in a FlagPlus draft, I would pick…
Kevin Wyeth- BEST QB I’ve ever played with hands down

Q4- Fav FlagPlus game I ever played in…

Pretty obvious the last winter championship . mtl’s finest vs hurricanes (won it in overtime)

Q5- Which team has the hottest fans…!
Hmmmm. too busy thinking bout how badly we are gonna beat da team to worry their fans.

Simon Richard QB – Falcons:

Q1- If I could play on any other team it would be….

It would be Mercenaries because of all the good WR they have!!

Q2- I think “this player” deserves more respect…
Jean-Francois Cloutier our rusher for the Falcons since that guys started rushing for us our defese hasnt been the same since!

Q3- IF you could draft first overall in a FlagPlus draft, I would pick…
I would pick my SB Marc-Olivier Ouimet for his great hands, motivation and dedication! Great all around receiver!!

Q4- Fav FlagPlus game I ever played in…
Last spring game, Falcons vs Buckeyes we were short on the roster and they were also. It was a 6 on 6 battles all game…And in the end we ended up with the win!

Q5- Which team has the hottest fans…
Easy to picks The Falcons fans are the hottest!!!!

Andre Knights WR – Shockers:

Q1- If I could play on any other team it would be….
Black Knights…. (just seems to fit appropriately :P)

Q2- I think “this player” deserves more respect…
Any of the following: Mike Godyn, Zan Symonds, Gary Bloomfield, Guillaume Ward

Q3- IF you could draft first overall in a FlagPlus draft, I would pick…
Kevin Wyeth

Q4- Fav FlagPlus game I ever played in…
Tie: MTL Finest Championship game and Shockers Winter 2007 debut vs Panthers

Q5- Which team has the hottest fans…
Which ever team Christina (league photographer) cheers for…

David Hurley WR – Dirty Birds:

. Q1- If I could play on any other team it would be….

Alkaholiks … Nothing describes me better then that … Maybe mr perfect actually!

Q2- I think “this player” deserves more respect…

Eddy martinez big speedy guy with hands surprised al davis didn’t draft him yet!

Q3- IF you could draft first overall in a FlagPlus draft, I would pick…
Doesn’t play in this division but Andre John watched him play in the playoffs and jesus this guy has some nasty hands! Kinda like me if I had stickum on them!

Q4- Fav FlagPlus game I ever played in…
Championship game D4 this winter … 14-0 and did I ever chirp the hell out of those guys (Team Ditka) … By the way you guys will have fun in d5 next year 😉

Q5- Which team has the hottest fans…
Haven’t scene many cuties around but who ever the girl is who take the pictures …

Quote of the week:

“A flag on the quarterback? You gotta be kidding me coach!!!”

– K. Thompson and K. Binet quoting “Remember the Titans” as the 49ers urge the ref to call a roughing call on K. Wyeth after he broke up a potential reception.

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