The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Week 11

 

Finally, after eleven weeks of writing why I think team “A” will do well, or that team “B” will fail, we have reached the playoff stage of the FPF season. What did I learn from the last weekend of the regular season? Simply put, that a lower seed might be playing in the finals on April 17th; the Monarchs might not be ready for the spotlight; the Wolfpack are howling; and the Shockers are creating tremors on the football field. All that, and I have made my All-Star squad selections, as well as my thought provoking analysis on what will happen this weekend!

The growing sentiment amongst the D2 players is that parity will reign supreme during the playoffs. Quite frankly, I think this is a new word that 85-percent of FPF players have just learned to add to their infinite vocabularies.

But they’re right, parity will have a huge say on who will be able to survive the next four weeks. Have some teams peaked too early such as the Ruff Ryders, Click Clack, and Texas All-Stars?

On the other hand, teams such as the Monarchs, Renegades, Shockers, and Waterbuffaloes, have struggled towards the finish line, do they have a chance to upset a higher seed. Would it even be an upset if any of the aforementioned teams make a deep run?

For teams such as the Kingz, Mercenaries, and Wolfpack, are they ready to pounce on the vulnerable sleeping giants and ride a magic carpet to the D2 finals? All these questions will be answered over the next month. However, one thing is for certain, some teams who were heavily favored to win the D2 crown will be on the sidelines after the first weekend of play.

Spotlight Jitters?

Could it be the Monarchs are not ready for primetime? During their ugly loss to Click Clack, it seemed that the team unraveled at the seams with dropped balls, missed tackles, and unsportsmanlike penalties.

Clearly, Click Clack outclassed the Monarchs as they sliced and diced their way through the defense with ease. As huge a surprise that the Monarchs have been in D2, it will not shock anyone if they are ousted in the first round in the playoffs.

The Monarchs have had a great season, but could it come to a crashing halt this weekend, especially if they play like they did last weekend. To add more insult to injury, it will be a severe burn if they lose to their bitter rivals, the Shockers.

Beware of Wolf

Congrats are in-store for the Wolfpack, after clinching the last playoff spot in Conference A. The odds were stacked against last year’s finalist as they had to go through a gauntlet of games that included the Renegades, O.N.S., and Ruff Ryders.

They came out of it unscathed, and are the number six seed in their conference. Now, how much damage can they do in the playoffs? Well, it depends, if they exerted all of their energy to just qualify for the playoffs, will they will have anything left in the tank? Their opening round matchup is not easy, and will be a tough task to overcome an angry Mercenaries team.

Tremors

Could the Shockers be the most dangerous seed in the playoffs? With the rumoured return of Shawn Haney back in the lineup from injury, will this provide an added boost to team’s psyche that was already fragile?

It looks like Mike McNair will continue to control the reigns of the ship. Thus, this will result in Karim Binette assuming his regular spot on the squad. That means that the Zan Symonds experiment was all for not, since he was considered to be the safety net just in-case McNair had his foot surgery before the season ended.

If only the Shockers had a crystal ball back in January, then maybe they would have known that McNair would still be throwing for the team. Then maybe they wouldn’t have finished with a 6-4 record. But then again, they’re in the playoffs, and anything can happen.

All-Stars

Well, it’s that time of year again, where I acknowledge the winter’s superstars. Some might argue my selections, but for the fair amount of games I witnessed, these are my 12 picks for this year’s All-Star selections.

Benny Goodfriend, Texas All-Stars, (2061 passing yards, 51 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and 118.7 QB rating): Goodfriend has revitalized his quarterback career. Many critics thought he would not be able to carry a team on his back. But he did so with the All-Stars, leading them to a division title, and overall number one seed in the playoffs. Now, the question that remains, can he take the next step to win the D2 title?

Donald Shepherd, Mercenaries, (43 receptions, 593 yards, and 20 touchdowns): Arguably the best snapper in D2. Shepherd has herded the Mercenaries offense along with the help of Gino Di Fazio. Shepherd biggest strength is his accurate snaps, and his gargantuan size that pose problems for the opposition.

Paul Kamel, Click Clack, (38 receptions, 721 yards, and 22 touchdowns): Even though Kamel missed one game, he still finished in the top two receiving. His play alone has made his entire team much better with the likes of George Papachristopoulos having a fabulous season as well. Kamel is a home run hitter.

Matt Norzil, Texas All-Stars, (63 receptions, 756 yards, and 21 touchdowns): This was Norzil’s breakout season. He has finally matured into a complete receiver. The scary part is, he’s still learning the game, and can only get better.

Ryan Brewster, O.N.S., (52 receptions, 672 yards, and 14 touchdowns): For a team that has no defense. Brewster has been the one guy who has been consistent with his production. This spot could have gone to his teammate, Sean Kennedy. But Brewster, who might not be fast, and who does not possess the body of an Adonis has done the job this season.

Marc Champagne, Ruff Ryders, (44 receptions, 642 yards, and 17 touchdowns): Mr. Everything for the Ruff Ryders, Champagne can line up anywhere on the field, and beat any defensive coverage. Champagne is the piston that runs this Ryders offense.

Defense:

Pat Jerome, Kingz, (18 tackles, 7 interceptions, 4 pass defensed, and 2 return TDs): Rey Sarwar has done it again! Uncovering a hidden gem in Patrick Jerome! Jerome, has changed the fortunes of this Kingz team, and has been a big play machine since his inception into D2. A great find by Sarwar in landing Jerome a few games into the season.

Andre Knights, Shockers, (17 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 5 pass defensed): Even though this might be a down year for the Shockers as a whole. Their defense has been marvelous allowing 207 points which was second lowest in D2. Knights has gone up against the Goliaths of D2, and in the end he ends up slaying his opponents.

Nathan Taylor, Texas All-Stars, (18 tackles, 5 interceptions, 5 pass defensed, and 1 return TD): Without a doubt, Taylor is one of the best cover corners in FPF. Very rarely do the opposing quarterbacks throw to his side. When it happens, he has pilfered five interceptions.

Remy Pare, Wolfpack, (13 tackles, 9 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 pass defensed, and 1 return TD): Pare is known more for his offensive exploits. He has come up with huge plays in the second half of the season which has catapulted the Wolfpack into the playoffs and himself into the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year.

Evan Cook, All Blacks, (21 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 7 pass defensed): I am sure 93-percent of D2 does not who Evan Cook is. But for those who did see him play, he was a stout defender. Very rarely was he out of place, and he was one of the reasons why the All Blacks defense was very good this season.

Jon Young, Shockers, (2 tackles, 1 interception, and 16 sacks): Sure, his sacks came in bunches, but he was dominant when he had to be. Thus altering the game plans set out by the opposing quarterbacks. If you don’t believe this, just ask Kingz quarterback, Fred Dupuis.

Games to Watch

Kingz-Waterbuffaloes: The last time these two played, the Kings were sans Pat Jerome, and Andre John. The Buffaloes won a close battle by three points. This time, the Kingz have these elements that could lock up on the likes of Tyrel Hoas, and Jeff Durt. The Kingz will need to be aggressive against a patient Buffaloes squad that has the experience advantage. Don’t forget the Fred Dupuis factor. He is on a roll after his D1 performance against the Hurricanes, and his confidence is at all-time high.

Key question: Can Pat Jerome stop Tyrel Hoas this weekend?

Renegades-Phoenix: The last time these two teams faced each other; there was no Serge Brousseau, and Dave Stala. The Phoenix has had an up and down season. But is it their time to rise and become a legitimate contender? Will Martin Tougas finally shed the gorilla off his back of coming up short in the playoff games after his 2007 run? This game has the makings of a first team to 40-points, win. Do the Renegades have the ability to make a couple stops on defense? Can this team survive if they get stopped on offense?

Key question: How will Jason Barr handle Dave Stala?

Mercenaries-Wolfpack: Both teams are hot. Both teams flew under the radar this season. Both teams have playoff experience. Now, which team will prevail this weekend? Can anyone bet against a Mercenaries team that has Gino Di Fazio, Carmine Pollice, Adi Sharma, and Donald Shepherd? On the other hand, the Wolfpack have Pascal Murray, Mikhail Davidsson, and Alain Rousseau. Do the Wolfpack have it in them to make it to another final? So far, they have beaten what are, arguably, three of the best teams in Conference A. This is their chance to play another great team in the Mercenaries. Which Gino Di Fazio team will we see? The version that has been splendid to watch this season, or the ones who’ve come up short in playoffs past?

Key question: How will the Wolfpack counter the Carmine Pollice factor?

Shockers-Monarchs: Simply put its big brother versus little brother. Monarchs’ own Ronaldo Jordan said it on “Breaking The Huddle” hosted by Ross Castleton, that he hates the Shockers. Do the Monarchs have it in them to defeat their original rivals? From their performance last weekend, it looks doubtful. Too many dropped balls, missed tackles, and unsportsmanlike penalties descended the team to fifth seed in the playoffs rather than a division champion. As for the Shockers, will the lack of depth hurt them? Is Shawn Haney back for the stretch run? Can Mr. Everything, Andre Knights, single handily defeat the Monarchs?

Key question: Which team will show up?

Percentages%

10%, that the Renegades-Phoenix will reach 100 total points.

15%, that we will have a lower seed playing in the second round of the playoffs.

20%, the Wolfpack will continue on their magic carpet ride.

25%, that Monarchs quarterback, Cory Johnson will throw two first half interceptions.

30%, that Kingz duo, Pat Jerome, and Andre John will determine the outcome of their game against the Waterbuffaloes.