The Wrath of Khan (DA) – Week 3

If last weekend’s tilt between the Ruff Ryders of Happiness, and Shockers was a prelude for the DA finals in August, then we are in for a huge battle between these two clubs if they reach the FPF pinnacle.

My initial reaction upon hearing that the Happiness was going to be short-handed in roster numbers, I thought the Shockers were going to have an easy ride. However, this was not the case. The Happiness proved that even without their missing members (Ricky Martin and Stephane Cole), they were going to pose problems for the Shockers.

What did I learn?

So far, in three weeks of action, the Shockers have yet to find their identity on offense. For a team that supposedly had the most potent offense, they are ranked third with 84 points for.

It seems that the epitome of FPF quarterbacks, Kevin Wyeth is still trying to discover a connection with his teammates not named Andre Knights, Kishon Thompson, or Karim Binette. The aforementioned trio has accumulated 29 receptions, 346 yards, and eight touchdowns. Meanwhile, the rest of the receivers have amassed a mere 16 receptions, 194 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

What happened to Kishon Thompson on Sunday night? He was mentally off game as he got into a heated debate with the referees on the Marc Champagnie end zone interception. As a result, from that point onwards, he never got into the flow of the football game. 

Furthermore, Paul Lapierre coaxed Thompson into a battle of mind games. Rather than having Thompson against the Happiness, it became Thompson versus Lapierre. These combatants had choice words towards each other throughout the game. Lapierre had six tough catches and one touchdown against the former defensive player of the year.

Thompson is one of the hardest working players in FPF. From the start to the end of the whistle, he will sacrifice his body for the play. I know this loss will sting him until the Shockers next matchup against the Titans this Sunday night.   

But no one should discount the Happiness and how they controlled the tempo of the game. The much-maligned (seemingly by his own team) Benny Goodfriend, shepherded his herd to victory with timely passes and play calling. Moreover, he stood up to the epitome of FPF quarterbacks, Kevin Wyeth, as he matched him in the performance department.

Furthermore, what made the game easier for Goodfriend; he was not sacked when the game mattered most. To date, the Shockers success on defense has been their pass rush, which was invisible like oxygen on Sunday night.

The Shockers had no answers for an unknown commodity in Marc Champagnie. The speedster had an enormous two-way game as he caught two touchdown passes, and hauled in two interceptions (albeit the first interception was a controversial).

Overall, the game lived up to its billing as both squads played their hearts out. What can these clubs take away from this game? The Happiness can look forward to their second clash knowing they beat a contender with a half decent squad. The Shockers need to address their offense. At present moment Kevin Wyeth has thrown four interceptions. Which are eye-popping considering he threw three interceptions the entire D1 winter season.

The two teams that everyone has forgotten in the race for the DA title are the Titans and Rainmakers. Yes, they did play two opponents (Thundering Herd, and 49ers) that are off slow starts.

But for the Rainmakers, they are slowly getting into form. Once again, quarterback, Ryan Kastner is showing why he is a great quarterback. In the 44-0 drubbing of the lowly 49ers, he was able to spread the wealth around as seven players caught at least one pass. Furthermore, five Rainmakers caught at least one touchdown pass.

Kastner, had a near perfect game as he completed 81-percent of his passes for six touchdowns. As I have repeatedly stated, if Kastner has the time in the pocket to throw the football, he is one of the most dangerous players on the field.

Factor in that their acquisitions of Paul Kamel (full-time), and Pavlos Papachristoopoulos (in a part-time role) were not there for the pummeling of the 49ers. This has given the Rainmakers a confidence booster. As they had five interceptions, three sacks, three passes defensed, and one interception returned for a touchdown.

For those who forgot about this one particular player, Charles-Antoine Sinotte is back with the Rainmakers. He led the team with 69 receiving yards.  The Rainmakers keep on adding pieces to their arsenal, and Sinotte will make life easier for Kastner. 

Finally we are slowly seeing the real Patrick Chenard show up on the football field. It seems that he has been able to contain his emotions and use his smarts to win football games.

In what might be his best game since winter season ’08, Chenard passed for four touchdowns and he had his first 200-passing yards game of the season. The Thundering Herd had no answers for Chenard or receiving superstar, Nicholas Arsenault-Hum.

Arsenault-Hum had an incredible game as he had three touchdown passes on four catches! By the way, he had a total of 140 receiving yards which was more than Thundering Herd quarterback Danny Donovan’s 105 passing yards.

Factor in up and coming receiver, Nicky McGuire, the Titans could pose problems for future defenses if Chenard is playing smart football.

Heisman Watch

I have decided to create the first ever Moe Khan Heisman Trophy for excellence on the football field. Usually, the Heisman trophy goes to the best player in the country. However, I have decided to consider other factors for the first ever FPF Heisman Trophy race. For example, impact a player has on his team, impact on the field, and statistics do help as well. As a result, here is my first edition of the Heisman watch.

1.      Marc Champagnie, Happiness, WR/DB

Season: 11 receptions, 131 yards, 2 TDs; 4 tackles, 3 INTs, 1return TD.

He is the Happiness best overall player. He has proven his worth, as he has been Mr. Everything on the football field. On defense, he held his own against the best DA receiver (Kishon Thompson), and on offense, he has exploited the best cover defenders with his route running.

Next game: 49ers

2.      Patrick Chenard, Titans, QB/DB

Season: 10TDs, 3 INTs, 542 yards, 52.1 percent; 9 rushes, 83 yards, 1 TDs; 11 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 PD.

I am sure everyone in the DA fraternity will question my selection of a quarterback with a losing record (1-2). His passing completion is not to desire for, but he ranks fourth in touchdown passes (10). He is second in quarterback rating (99.3). He has guided the Titans through the dark hole of their schedule. Defensively, he has 11 tackles, and two interceptions. If Chenard is not on Titans roster, this team is DC caliber. He can solidify his spot with a huge game against the Shockers.

Next game: Shockers

3.      Benny Goodfriend, Happiness, QB

Season: 13TDs, 4 INTs, 503 yards; 4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 PD.

The often criticized quarterback is slowly proving his doubters wrong. He stepped up to the plate with a huge game against the Shockers. Goodfriend is tied for first in touchdown passes (13). Furthermore, he has been more than a quarterback, as he has held his own on defense with four tackles, and one sack.

4.      Kevin Wyeth, Shockers, QB

Season: 11 TDs, 4 INTs, 508 yards; 2 rushes, 25 yards.

The D1 playoff MVP has gotten off to a slow start in the numbers department. It has taken time for him to jell with his new receivers. Already, he has thrown four interceptions.  However, I have a feeling Wyeth is due for a breakout game.

Next game: Titans.

5.      Ryan Kastner, Rainmakers, QB

Season: 13 TDs, 1INT, 418 yards.

Kastner has an outside chance of winning the Heisman trophy. He is tied with Goodfriend for the league lead in touchdown passes. He leads DA with an 81.6 percent passing completion. He has an astronomical quarterback rating of 123.7. But he has been sacked 12 times this season which will cost him games this season. Furthermore, Kastner needs to defeat the so-called big two of DA (Ruff Ryders of Happiness, or Shockers) to move up the rankings.

Next game: Thundering Herd.

Percentages%

40%, that the Shockers will score 40 or more points this Sunday night.

27%, that the Happiness will go undefeated

13%, that whoever the four playoff teams will be, will each have their record above .500.

10%, that the 49ers will be shutout again.