The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Week 3

Since my article release last Thursday, so much has changed.  The Renegades have a new quarterback, the Kingz’ Alex Lever learned who Andre Knights is, Click Clack finally won a game, and the first place Monarchs are surprising everyone, including themselves.

Let’s dissect the Renegades situation. First off, I must tip my hat to Ross Castleton for breaking the news that now ex-Renegade quarterback, Rick Nincheri, had parted ways from his D2 team. This sent a ripple effect thoughout the D2 fraternity because everyone was left wondering who the Renegades would sign?

Some even wondered if the Renegades would be able to recover from a loss such as Nincheri, who was having such a good start to the season. Additionally, the injury to star receiver Liam Mahoney did not help the situation either.

But the Renegades “Director of Football Operations”, Dale Williams, found his new triggerman a few hours after the news broke. He had signed his man in Serge Brousseau, formerly of the Rage in Winter’09 and a big name in the Montreal Touch Football circuit. In fact, in their key division win against the Wolverines, Brousseau was Nincheri-like, as he passed for seven touchdowns!

According to reports, Williams was ecstatic about the Brousseau signing because of the intangibles he brings and his ability to spread the football to the entire team. This is not a discredit to Nincheri, who was equal to the challenge during his short stint with the club. But Williams is looking forward to potentially growing with Brousseau as the Renegades future quarterback, not to mention the possibility of moving up to D1 with the same QB should they elect to next season.

Lest we forget, the Renegades also signed Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver, Dave Stala, who only had two touchdown receptions in his first ever FPF game.

As for Nincheri, I had an opportunity to talk to him in Brossard. He had nothing but high praise for the Renegades and how they run their football program.

Well, what can we say about the Monarchs? They’re approaching their highest win total since the Bush administration.  After three games, the Monarchs have to be ecstatic to be where they are. Considering that everyone had all but written this team off before league registration in December.

From the outside looking in, it seems this team has assumed the “no one respects us” role.  For starters, they have a quarterback in Cory Johnson who many players consider, at best, a marginal D3 talent, but he has passed for 11-touchdowns on his way to proving the critic s wrong.

Their receiving duo of Renaldo Jordan, and Stephane Chartrand have combined for 29 receptions, 336 receiving yards, and nine touchdown receptions. They’re likely the most under-appreciated duo in D2.

Finally, they are about to sign D1 talent Akked Moore to play on their squad. As much fun as the inner D2 circle likes to poke fun at this organization. They’re finally putting a solid run with a decent nucleus of players that could pull off some upset wins. The question that remains is, can they sustain this momentum?

So from the remarks of Kingz captain, Rey Sarwar on the WEPL, it seems Alex Lever finally learned who Andre Knights is. Well, considering that Knights’ production resulted in three interceptions, and a touchdown reception, that should merit some attention? I think so.

Word of advice to the Kingz, when the team’s Facebook group is open content, maybe you should make it private. Here’s a brilliant idea, if a Kingz member has anything to say, maybe they should send a private message to the team and vent their thoughts.  

I guess my prediction of Matt Norzil reaching 70 receptions has gone down the toilet. Now, he’s on pace for 80 receptions, 970 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns.

However, keep an eye out for Scott Mironowicz. Who is on target to reach 70 catches, 866 receiving yards, and 20 touchdowns in his own right. However, I am sure, I will be receiving e-mails from those who will say that Marc Champagne, and Sean Kennedy deserve some merit for their individual seasons so far.  

Just Food For Thought

Does the Shockers schedule remind you of an elite NCAA football program where they open up with so-called cupcake teams (Byrdgang, Monarchs, and Kingz), followed by the meat of the competition. So far, the combined record of their first five opponents is five wins, nine losses, and one tie.

On the other hand, the Wolverines have opened up against some tough competition (Mercenaries, Black Knights, and Renegades). Meanwhile, the combined records of their first five opponents are nine wins, and six losses.     

Stats Packer

Guess who is in the top-five in D2 passing yards? Mercenaries quarterback, Gino Di Fazio who has thrown for 602 yards. Now, is this the combined total he has accumulated from all of his empire of teams in FPF, or just one?

Congrats

Congrats to Click Clack on getting their first victory over the Tomahawks. Even though they are technically undefeated, they’re sitting in third place behind the Waterbuffaloes, and Monarchs. Could anyone have imagined that the division crown might come down to week 10 of the season between the Monarchs and Click Clack? 

One more observation on the undefeated, third place Click Clack. Given the state of flux the quarterback position has been this season in D2. They protected themselves by having two solid throwers on their side. Danny Gentile was marvelous on Sunday night as he passed for seven touchdowns in their victory over the Tomahawks. Furthermore, they have a solid emergency backup, and D1starter in Ryan Kastner, who will fill in whenever Gentile is not there.

I speculate if the Shockers, and Renegades knew back in December that they would have quarterback problems at the present moment would they have instantly signed Kastner? Then again, presently, I am sure both organizations will say they’re content with who they have throwing the football.

Has anyone recently noticed the All Blacks? With a 2-1 record, they sit in third place in a very deep Conference B, west division. Even though they lost in the opening week to the Monarchs, that defeat is not looking that bad considering  the Monarchs are in first place.

Keep in-mind, the All Blacks rank last in points for (64) amongst D2 teams who have a record of 2-1 or better. Although, they have the second best ranked defense in points allowed with 46, and they have pilfered seven interceptions.   

Their first real test will come this weekend against Click Clack. If they can somehow steal the victory, it will be accomplished by playing a slow down tempo to keep the Click Clack offense off the field. Moreover, all Blacks quarterback, Terrance Morsink has to learn to spread the football around rather than targeting just one player in Robert Gouldson.

Percentages%

5%, that the Wolfpack can get back into the playoff race.

5%, that the Phoenix will keep up their output of 37-points per game this season.

10%, that D2 will have an undefeated team. Currently, O.N.S., Shockers, and Texas All-Stars remain perfect.

15%, that Serge Brousseau will pass for seven touchdown passes this week.

20%, the All Blacks can intercept Danny Gentile one time during the game.

20%, that four teams will qualify for the playoffs from Conference A, east division.

25%, that Ross Castleton will catch another deep ball touchdown.

Next Week

My top-five power rankings. Also, my early Heisman candidates regardless of position, find out who I have ranked, some people might be surprised.

A Reminder

A reminder, that Ross Castleton and Matt Young will be on-hand this weekend to collect donations for the earthquake victims in Haiti. Just remember how lucky we are to have a great life, and that any money you have will go a long way to helping out those in need.