The Wrath of Khan (D2) – Week 8

 

What did I learn from last weekend? The Wolverines will be a tough out in the playoffs; the Shockers might be in more trouble than you think; Click Clack might be playing down to their competition; the Byrdgang are tougher beyond the surface.

The Ruff Ryders might be the best team in Conference A. However, the Wolverines might be the darkhorse of the conference. Even though they sit in third place in a very tough west division, the Wolverines have proven to be a tough out for their competition, just ask O.N.S. In fact, it took the Ruff Ryders defense the last two plays of the game to defeat the former D1 team.

With the exception of their blow out loss to the Renegades, the Wolverines have been in every game. The ability of rejuvenated quarterback, Tony Tabet, to buy himself time in the pocket has proven vital for the offense. He has made a slew of rushers grab air instead of his flag.

Furthermore, the receiving production hasn’t only come from old reliable Nareg Yessayan, but from team spokesperson, Ara Ekmekdjian. He ranks in the top-20 with 342 receiving yards. That’s more yards than Dave Stala, Rey Starwar, and Ros Castleton.

The Wolverines might be re-kindling the 2006 magic that led them to their title in D2. For as much flak this team has taken for dropping down a division, albeit unmerited, they’re making life difficult on their opponents and winning games.

Depending on the opening playoff matchup they attain, it won’t be an easy task for their opponent to win. One more thing, has anyone seen Adrien Kellman? I think he’s living up to his potential of being all hype!

Shockers Look Lost

My “WEPL” colleague, Daron Basmadjian might be correct! The Shockers window of opportunity might be closing on them. Ever since their loss in last season’s winter conference finals to ‘Buffaloes, it was the start of the beginning of the end.

Yes, they did win the spring league last year. But they had a roster chock full of all-stars from Kishon Thompson, Kevin Wyeth, and many others.

This year, it has been different story. The Shockers have had a plethora of injuries ranging from Shawn Haney (undisclosed) and Karim Binette, coming off wrist surgery. But how long can they get by doing a patchwork job that is comparable to the Daytona 500 racetrack potholes.

In their two losses this season, they have not looked good. Moreover, a lot of mental mistakes cost the Shockers the win against the Renegades. Andre Knights forgot his flag belt on defense that nullified an interception by him. After a huge catch, Rick Cummins took a critical penalty that pushed backed the Shockers chances of scoring. Phil Cutler took a “UR” penalty for his rough play on a tackle.

We cannot forget that Mike McNair will be heading for surgery. So is it time for Zan Symonds to take the majority of reps? Especially if he will be the trigger man for them in the playoffs! If not, then what about Jon Young?

Furthermore, their stretch of games includes dates with the Texas All-Stars, Click Clack, and the All Blacks. These three games will surely make or break this club. Could this team finish with a .500 record? Keep in-mind, a lot of nerves can be calmed if they beat their division rival All-Stars, because they will have the hammer for the division lead. Then again, who knows!?

Click Clack the Montreal Canadiens of FPF?

Just like the Habs, it seems that Click Clack is playing down to the competition. Besides the two ties, the average margin of victory for the men in blue has been 5.5 points. What makes this even more of a red flag waiver is that in their last two wins over the Red Ballers, and Byrdgang they have won by two points combined! Whereas the rest of the competition has defeated these two teams by an average of 14-points.

I cannot pinpoint what Click Clack is doing in keeping these games so close. But they’re winning, no matter how ugly it is.

Could the Renegades actually stop someone on defense?

The Renegades might have found the right formula on defense to make a stop. On Sunday night against the Shockers, the men in scarlet red came up with huge plays, as Kevin Wilson picked off McNair twice. To the surprise of many, Dale Williams, had a huge sack that capped off a great performance by the Renegades defense.

One more thing, the Renegades defense has finally found the right role to put Eugene Hall in. From observation, he seems a lot comfortable playing cornerback than halfback in an off coverage scheme.

The only question to answer is, will Dave Stala be back in the lineup? It is obvious he is a huge upgrade for their offense, it seems they lack that deep threat.

Byrdgang Talk

I would like to acknowledge the Byrdgang. Initially, I did criticize them and the lack of passion to win games. But even though the team is winless, they could have easily have won three games that they lost by a nine total points.

The Byrdgang, when they have a full roster, have been a problem for the opposition. In particular, wide receiver, Elia Bouka. He has been the lone bright star for this squad, as he accumulated four touchdowns passes this season. The Byrdgang have talent, but it’s a matter of molding it together. They might win a couple of games.

Quote of The Week

“Jamal Pierre is combination of Rey Lewis and DMX(music artist)”.

Click Clack quarterback, Danny Gentile and this scribe were on the sidelines watching the Ruff Ryders-Wolverines game. It is an accurate assessment.

Power 5 Rankings

Well once again, some of those teams who were in the top-five entering last week’s games, lost (Texas All-Stars, Phoenix). Keep in-mind, the All-Stars loss was a makeup game. So as a result, the overall record now stands: six wins, eight losses, and one tie. Thankfully, the rest of the teams in this bracket won. Thus upping the win total!

1. Texas All-Stars (6-1): They lost by seven points in the make up game against the Kings. However, due to the Kingz second victory of the night, their strength of defeat made this a game easier to swallow. Least we not forget they easily handled a playoff hungry All-Blacks team. The All-Stars are still the lead horse as D2 approaches the final turn. Key win(s): Waterbuffaloes Click Clack. Next game: Shockers

2. Ruff Ryders (5-2): Without a doubt, the Ryders have the best defense in D2. Last weekend, against the Wolverines, the defense produced two sacks, and a key interception that propelled them to a tough division win over their rivals. Furthermore, they did not fall by the wayside as the number three ranked team. Key win(s): Renegades, Wolverines. Next game: 416

3. Monarchs (5-2): No matter how much trash is thrown at this team, they continue to win. Many thought they would have wilted and folded up like a chair. But clearly, they superseded expectations by being at the top of their division this late into the season. If they can hold serve, their week 10 matchup against Click Clack will be for the division crown. Key win(s): All Blacks, Waterbuffaloes. Next game: Mercenaries

4. Click Clack (4-1-2): This team is tricky to diagnose. First two weeks, they tied. Then they go on a win streak, and then lose to the best team in D2, they then barely beat the so-called worst teams by combined total of two points. But yet, they’re still there, doing what they have to do. It might be ugly wins, but they’re wins nonetheless. Key win(s): All Blacks. Next game: Waterbuffaloes

5. O.N.S. (5-2): Welcome back to the top-five. The question remains, they do not have a defense. In fact, O.N.S. can put up the “Great Wall of China”, and it will still do them no good. Until they can stop offenses more consistently, Kevin Wyeth will have to continue to put up 30-plus points every week. Key win(s): Phoenix, Ruff Ryders, Waterbuffaloes. Next game: Tomahawks

BCS Bowl Games:

Some changes to the BCS matchups. Surprisingly, the Shockers are still there, but the loss to the Renegades was a close game until the end. A Texas All-Stars-Ruff Ryders title game would be an intriguing battle. But will this be the actual finals by April 17th?

BCS National Title Game: Texas All-Stars (6-1) vs. Ruff Ryders (5-2)

Fiesta Bowl: Monarchs (5-2) vs. Shockers (5-2)

Orange Bowl: Renegades (5-2) vs. O.N.S. (5-2)

Rose Bowl: Mercenaries (4-3) vs. Kingz (4-2-1)

Sugar Bowl: Phoenix (4-2-1) vs. Click Clack (4-1-2)

Percentages%

10%, that the Byrdgang will win a game.

15%, the forecasted BCS Championship matchup will come through.

20%, that the Mercenaries will make it to the top-five.

25%, that the Shockers will lose their last three games.

30%, that six wins will get you into the playoffs.