The War Room (DB) – Week 7

Last weekend proved to be quite the wild ride as a majority of the games ended in “upsets”. I always found the term upsets to be quite ironic, as the actual outcome of the game would probably be favourable to the lower standing teams in the league. The events of the past week have proven once again that flag football is played on the field and not on the roster sheet. On any given Sunday, a game plan can be drawn up that minimizes the athletic difference between the teams and if effectively carried out can prove to be the deciding factor in a well earned win. Now to speak of specific upsets! No other result stood out to me more than the Redemptions vs Falcons games, as the now struggling Falcons looked lost on the field. This type of result usually transpires in the playoffs for the Falcons, but as of late, they look very vulnerable and I’m not so sure they have any ideas on what went wrong. Other notable upsets include the highly touted North Shore losing to the Dirty Birds in a close affair which demonstrated that no team should be taken lightly however lowly their record.

 

Game Recaps:

 

Redemption 33 vs. Falcons 8: Even though the Falcons were missing several key contributors (they did add Winter 2009 D2 Defensive Player of the Year Jason Barr to make up the difference), anyone who says they predicted this result is a liar. In my opinion, this game is one of the most interesting results we have experienced all season. For it is not in the final outcome of the game (Redemption winning) that proves to be news worthy, but the fashion in which Redemption inflicted their will on a perplexed, frustrated and downright awful Falcons defence. Mike Godyn completed only 12 passes for Redemption, however 5 were Td’s and none of which went to superstar Andre Knights. That in itself speaks volumes for the surrounding cast of the Redemption squad. The Falcons offense scored a mere 8 points and I am now beginning to question whether the recent additions to the team are not a hindrance to the flow of Simon Richard’s offense. Although I have a high level of respect for Mr. Richard, he has not looked good of late and seems impatient on matriculating the ball downfield. He needs to realize that hitting the homerun fades are a nice touch to an offense, but not a basis in which to base a game plan.

 

Dirty Birds 27 vs. North Shore 19:  I had the privilege of playing in this tight knit affair in which most of the league did not give the struggling Dirty Birds a chance of winning. However, due to the fantastic play of Eric Bishara, the Dirty Birds held on for a much needed win. Both Qb’s played quite well as they traded touchdowns during the game, but it was ultimately a red zone stand by the Dirty Birds with 5 plays left that sealed the result. This looked quite promising as the Birds have been terrible this season on defence and are looking for an identity to lean on. North Shore can regroup from this game and realize that their offense did play reasonably well, however they do have a tendency to rely on the vertical passing attack down the sideline to earn their wins. With the amount of athletes on this squad, it is hard to fathom why C. Johnson cannot put together a more effective methodical system which simplifies their scheme and allows for more ball control.

 

Kings 34 vs. Motley Crue 31:  Well, I guess all the emotion from their Huge battle of the undefeated last week vs G-Men wore off and they lost a tight one to the surging Kings. Not to say that this was a huge surprise as the Kings have been playing well and establishing themselves as a legitimate contender on a weekly basis. Rene had an excellent game as usual and so did Lebeau as the pivot of their respective squads. However, the main difference between both teams is the depth at the receiver position. The Kings demonstrated their ability to spread the ball around while the Crew relied on the sure hands of “The Void” and “the Standout” aka Maxime Mercier. Even my fellow panellist had a TD grab for the Kings, and I must congratulate “the Bearded one” aka Rehan Starwar for his play. I’m sure both teams are looking forward to the playoffs and possibly meeting again down the line…

 

 

Power Rankings:

 

1. Motley Crue: Yes, they lost to Kings but it was close and I think that the emotions of last week’s win played a role in this week’s loss.

2. Kings: they beat Motley Crue and showed great team chemistry on the path to success. Rehan has assembled a good little team, which should make noise in the playoffs.

3. G-Men: Well it wasn’t pretty but they did beat the Thundering Herd and to be honest, they needed it. Kevin Solarik is playing decent all things considered and Nareg Yessayan is their much needed X factor.

4. Alkaholiks: Nice win over the Mercenaries and I’m beginning to like how they are playing. I think if they can all show up to a game as a team, they will be a tough out.

5. North Shore: As stated before, simplify your offense and you will be just fine cruising into the playoffs. However, work on tackling and not gambling on defence.

6. Mercenaries: Could have done better against the Alkaholiks, in fact SHOULD have done better. Somebody needs to motivate this team better, too much talent not to be in top five

7. Choppers: Sort of lost their way a couple weeks back, but seem back on track towards their lofty ambitions.

8. Falcons: You gentleman mystify us, I can’t trust this team until they shows signs of consistency on defence.

9. Redemption: Finally playing as a team, Mike Godyn looked a little more comfortable with his players on offense. This team could play spoiler down the line for a top notch opponent.

10. DIP: Your arrogance has proven unwise as you have slipped from your unusual but successful calibre of play. Perhaps a team meeting over tea and cucumber sandwiches are in order, in order to discuss the potential problems. I’m sure Julien Hebert will have no problem preparing the snacks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Castleton’s Random Thoughts of the Week:

 

1. Titans: Even though Benny Goodfriend was absent from their shocking win over the RROH, I can’t help but rejoice in this result. Happy Birthday Mr. Chenard that was your FlagPlus present.

 

2.  Wyeth: Damn you throw hard! You fractured my thumb! I’ll think twice about catching a slant with my hands.

 

3. CCI Eagles: nice win vs. RHC. It’s good to see the team playing hard and fighting for their shot at legitimacy. 

 

4. WEPL: I must apologize for my absence on this week’s WEPL, I must implore you to watch it regardless as I don’t want to be the reason why the ratings drop J

 

5. Rehan Starwar: Great new format to your articles, informative and entertaining. Nice TD grab as well, now when are you getting that Gillette Mach 3 endorsement deal?

 

6. Phil Cutler: Wow, somebody doesn’t belong in Div C, 19 tds and 2 Ints in his last 4 games.

 

7.  What a catch!: Check it out…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qcv3IytwwkY

 

 

 

Castleton Connection:

 

Questions:

 

1. What’s the best feeling you get on a football field (ie. TD reception, diving grab etc)?

 

2. If you had to pick off one QB who would it be and why?

3. If you had to choose one player to cover man on man, who would it be?

4. Biggest rule change you would like to see?

5. Would you rather win two way player of the year in Div A or win the championship in Div B?

 

David Faucher, Rusher, Flying Weasels

 

1. As a rusher, my best feeling is definitely sacking a qb and watching his reaction when he realizes it’s over… or turning myself after a rush and seeing my team picking the ball. On both plays, it means we accomplished our job on defense.

2. I would pick Rick Nincheri. He looks calm, confident and in control of the game no matter who’s the opponent. He has an incredible football knowledge. I hope toug (Martin Tougas, FW QB) will still give me the ball after this… 😉

3. Kishon Thompson. He’s got all the skills required… and he looks really intense on the field !

4. Allowing QB to run twice in a row. I guess it would help some teams and change the dynamic on defense and for the rusher.

5. Football is all about teamwork and to be able to win a championship is the objective everyone should have… at least this is mine!

 

Mike Godyn, QB/DB, Shockers/Redemption

 

1: An interception return for a TD; the greatest momentum changing play.

2: Before this season I would have said Kevin Wyeth because he’s always killed us, however now that he’s on our side, I guess I would say Chad Byers.

3: I would love to cover Paul Lapierre and try to stop those damn hooks

4: I think pass interference should be a spot of the infraction penalty

5: A championship in Division B and it’s not even close. Anyone who would say otherwise is not someone I would like as a teammate.

 

David Majeur, WR, Predators

 

1. I’d say a diving grab cause your letting your team know that you will go all out just for that one win.

2. Well the best Qb in the league to show that I could show every one that he’s just a QB.

3. I think it would be anyone that is taller then I am.

4. All the rules are good, no need to change.

5. I’d want to win a championship cuz there is no better feeling then that.

 

Eric Bishara, WR/ DB. Dirty Birds

 

1. The best feeling for me is catching a screen pass and completely dangling their whole team, making them look bad. I’m not a big fan of walk in td’s. too easy 😉

2. I love picking off any cocky qb’s, and then just smiling at them. Drives em crazy.

3. Shawn Haney, just because it’s Haney. Week 8 baby!

4. It would be cool to be able to lateral the ball, just to add some intense trick plays. But the rule should be you can only lateral once per play, that way people don’t go crazy with it.

5. Championship for sure (that way we can establish ourselves as a dynasty 😉 )

 

 

Ara Ekmekdjian, Wr/Rusher/Avid Facebook Poster, RHC

 

1- Catching a 5 yard hook and running 40yards for a TD !!!

2- The falcons QB…so I can go and scream and laugh at him just like he does when he throws a TD (note from Ross: S. Richard rarely ever does that anymore)

3- None other then my good friend Ross Castleton…you wouldn’t even catch a cold! LOL

4- LETTING OUR PRESIDENT PLAY IN THE LEAGUE (IF THATS A RULE)

5- YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!!!!…CHAMPIONSHIP ALL THE WAY!

 

 

Quote of the Week:

 

“On behalf of the Shockers we would like to thank you for beating the RROH.”

            – Ross Castleton, facebook message congratulating the Titans QB

 

“No Problem, the RROH will be the one’s thanking us next week…”

            – Patick Chenard’s response (alluding to this week’s matchup vs. the Shockers).