The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Semi-Finals

 

What did I learn from last weekend? Apparently, the Texas All-Stars are not too happy with me; the Wolfpack had already checked into their secret hotel for finals weekend; I was disappointed by the performances from the losing semi-finalists.

Apparently the Texas All-Stars are not too happy with my last article. To respond to their disdain for me, as a broadcast journalist, I need to present facts on both sides of the fence. If I strictly wrote the positives, then I would labeled as a biased writer. But, I am glad a) they read my articles, and b) that I was an inspiration for them to go out and win.

Aftermath

I was disappointed by the Ruff Ryders’ and Click Clack’s performances. Let’s start off with the Ruff Ryders. Simply put, they could not execute in crunch time. On numerous occasions, the Ryders had golden opportunities to separate themselves from Wolfpack but couldn’t do so as they could not carry out their gameplan.

Throughout the match, it looked like quarterback, Paul Lapierre was uncomfortable. He rushed a few throws that missed his receivers by a couple of yards and even when he did complete his routine passes, some of the catches made by his receivers looked difficult.

Finally, the Ryders kept allowing the ‘Pack back in the game with their dropped balls, and overthrown passes. This was not a vintage performance by the so-called best all-around team.

On the other hand, their defense did not come up big when it mattered most. Jamaal Pierre is the heart and soul of this team, but he took himself out of the game with a roughing penalty at a crucial point in the game. Overall, they lacked the killer instinct. No emotion at all on defense. For a team prone to creating turnovers, and making the opposition feel uncomfortable, it could simply not muster any momentum changing plays.

The Ryders have talent. Marc Champagne did a great job to isolate Mikhail Davidson. But where was the supporting cast? If they stay in D2, the Ryders could be the lead horse to win next winter. But if they move up to D1, they will need some reinforcements.

To sum up Click Clack’s performance, I wouldn’t say it was pitiful, but it was definitely heartbreaking! For those who witnessed the game on the sidelines, the general sentiment was disappointment.

Far too many mistakes by Click Clack from start to finish. From the first stalled drive on offense, to Paul Kamel getting sacked for safety in the end zone on the last play before halftime, and to cap it off, Danny Gentile whiffing on a missed tackle on the last touchdown scored by the All-Stars!

To sum it up, it was not going to be Click Clack’s night. They looked mentally, and physically defeated. If there was one bright spot, it was the play of Danny Calla. He did a great job in making life difficult for Benny Goodfriend. Unfortunately for Calla, his teammates could not shadow his efforts in a losing cause.

Where does Click Clack go from here? I certainly thought this team was primed for a deep run in the playoffs. But for them to flame out for the second consecutive year in the conference finals! Do they have enough ammo to make a jump to D1? As of right now, they have to be on the fence. They have key components, but they need time to digest this loss and figure out the future plans.

Final Two

For the second consecutive year, the D2 finals will feature a high seed (Texas All-Stars) against a low seed (Wolfpack). Both teams have the tangibles to make a case on why they could potentially win the D2 crown. This is an intriguing battle of speed (Texas All-Stars) versus experience (Wolfpack). Here’s analysis of the position group battle between these two clubs.

Benny Goodfriend versus Pascal Murray.

Both quarterbacks had splendid seasons. But Goodfriend stands out the most due to his quarterback of the year award, the same award Murray took home last Winter. So far, because of his solid playoff performance, he is slowly shedding the gorilla off his back.

It is ironic how Goodfriend, who essentially was overlooked to quarterback the D1 Demons this season, has teamed up with a group of hungry All-Stars to form the most lethal starting six on offense. All he needs to do is continue to manage the game by putting his players in the right spots.

Throughout the game against Click Clack he sliced through their defense with timely passes. His throws were so quick; Click Clack’s defense did not have enough time to react to them.

For Pascal Murray to have any success against the All-Stars, he will need to divide the field in half. The All-Stars are athletically gifted they can cover the entire field. He will need the opposition to guess continually on which side he is throwing to.

Against the strong pass rush of the Ryders’ own, Jason Prince, he was able to eliminate him from the game with his quick decision making process. However, he will face what is arguably the best all-around athlete in FPF, in Matt Norzil. Who knows how to use his speed, and smarts very well during a pass rush. Murray will need to be aware of his surroundings.

Who needs to have a great game, Matt Norzil, or Mikhail Davidson?

As I mentioned before, Norzil is a super freakish athlete, thus the Wolfpack might slot their best cover corner Garcia Mwembo against him. But as I wrote last week, give Norzil an inch, he will take it for a touchdown.

No matter where Norzil is, in the slot, or snapper position, he has the ability to get open regardless of what coverage is on him. Wolfpack might have to get physical with Norzil. But if they run the risk of leaning their defense towards him, then it will leave the likes of Anthony Thompson, and Garret Taylor open (ask Phil Ede about Taylor’s touchdown).

Norzil will single handedly dictate the pace of the Wolpack defense, and what they do with their coverage.

On the other side of things, Mikhail Davidson is a great route runner. He has been one of the reasons why the Wolfpack have been on this win streak. In-order for Davidson to have any success against a very fast All-Stars defense! He will need to be more sneaky than fast against them.

Yes, the All-Stars are known to snag balls in the air. But Davidson will need to run precise routes. He cannot tip his body in which direction he might go. The All-Stars are too smart for that, and as a result, they held receiver of the year, Paul Kamel to only two catches last weekend.

Davidson might strictly see man coverage from the Taylor brothers (Garrett, and Nathan). The All-Stars defense has a lot of confidence in their defensive schemes that they can lock up their best cover corner in the form of the one of the brothers on him.

Davidson will need to re-invent himself, and really elevate his game to the next level, the if Wolfpack are to have any success this Sunday. Then again, if the All-Stars focus their coverage on him, this might open up lanes for the likes of Alex Cavanaugh, and Alain Rousseau to reap the rewards.

Which defense is better?

I think the concluding sentiment is which defense will come up with the big play. In the cases for both teams, last week, they combined for five interceptions.

Now, this weekend, it’s a matter of who will be in the right spot at the right time. The odds are in favour of the All-Stars of coming up with a game changing play. But don’t discredit the chances of the Wolfpack’s defense, which has been the main reason why they are in the finals. If their defense didn’t produce all these turnovers, then there would have surely been a different team representing Conference A in the finals.

Both teams will need to play a disciplined brand of football, especially against the two best quarterbacks. But keep in-mind, both teams are passionate, so will it be an undisciplined play, or penalty on defense that really changes the momentum of the game? We will find out this weekend.

Final Analysis

Both teams took different roads to reach the finals. In fact, both teams have a chip on their shoulders to prove to the D2 community that they are no one year wonders.

I like the All-Stars to win this game. Something about their aura really gives them a Floyd Mayweather-like confidence, that, no matter who is standing in front of them, they will just knock them out.

Final score: Texas All-Stars 34-24 victory over Wolfpack.