The Wrath of Khan (DA) – Week 6

Do the Shockers have the psychological edge over the Ruff Ryders of Happiness? From all indications of their physical 25-19 victory, the Shockers won the battle of the mind games as they continually got into the heads of the Happiness.

 

It seemed the Happiness had switched roles with the Shockers, as this time, they were the ones being poked and prodded by Ross Castleton, Andre Knights, and Kishon Thompson. The constant jabbering from this trio had some of the Happiness players unhappy.  

 

What did the Shockers do this time that has made them the lead horse as we enter the three-quarter stretch of the DA season? Simply put, the Shockers woke up from their zombie state and finally put together an 80-percent decent game.

 

For the criticisms that the Shockers have received for their first half ineptitudes on both sides of the football, they finally played a solid half. When push came to shove, the Shockers defense held the high octane Happiness in check with seven first-half points.

 

Their bench players came up with timely tackles, and plays, as Mike Godyn had a critical interception which snuffed out a Happiness scoring drive. The Shockers defense played the passing lanes well, which made it difficult for Happiness quarterback, Benny Goodfriend to throw.

 

Furthermore, the Shockers defense held the dangerous Paul Lapierre, and Rochdi Benadelkaeder to a combined total of seven catches, 60 receiving yards, and one touchdown.

 

Granted, the Happiness was missing Ricky Martin in the lineup. He would have added another element to their offense and defense. But they should not be discouraged because for the sixth consecutive game they fielded a different starting lineup.

 

What does this entail for having a different lineup cast? Simply put, no matter what personnel are on the field, the Happiness is a difficult team to beat.

 

Who had the better game between Benny Goodfriend, and Kevin Wyeth? Both quarterbacks passed for three touchdowns. Both quarterbacks were in the 60-percent range for pass completions. However, the observations from press row, was Wyeth had the better overall game, and that Goodfriend developed tunnel vision when the game was on the line.

 

No one should discredit that Goodfriend has all the tools to be an excellent quarterback. But when he is going against the epitome of FPF quarterbacks in Wyeth, it is a big task. Goodfriend needs to be relaxed and play his game. By far, Goodfriend has taken his criticism in stride which will make him a better quarterback. So everyone should relax, it is not an easy task to play quarterback in the best division of FPF.

 

If the FPF decided to go to a bowl system for their playoff race, with all due respect to the other teams in DA, the BCS Championship game would pit the Happiness and Shockers. The likely chance of round three playing out is a high probability. However, before anyone can discuss a third duel, both teams need to tighten up the screws on the ship for this final chapter to be an epic.

 

With the season ending injury to quarterback Rainmakers quarterback, Ryan Kastner, it seemed the football club was bound for some tough times. However, the Rainmakers have found their white knight in the name of Ryne Bendy.

 

In his opening act, Bendy displayed some incredible leadership skills in the 39-36 victory over the 49ers on Sunday night. He was calm in the pocket, efficient, and a great motivator for his teammates after each play.

 

Bendy led the Rainmakers to 26 first half points in dissecting the desolate 49ers defense. Overall, he finished with four touchdowns for 179 passing yards. Once again, the depth of the Rainmakers made a huge difference, as seven receivers caught at least one pass.

 

If the Rainmakers are going to make a deep run and potentially unseat one of the big two (Happiness, Shockers), Bendy will need to carry over his debut success in the upcoming games.

 

Congrats to the Texas All-Stars for their 33-13 defeat of the Titans. However, the victory had more ugly than good.

 

Nathan Taylor was not impressive as he completed only 10 passes on 23 attempts. Even though he passed for three touchdowns, it seemed that Taylor was never in sync with his receivers. Against an awful Titans defense, Taylor never got in rhythm as his counterpart, Patrick Chenard, sacked him twice.

 

It seems the book is out on Taylor. To neutralize his strongest asset (his speed), any opposing defense need their fastest player to counter his abilities. So far in the two games that the All-Stars have played, Taylor has been sacked four times. In the five games he played in Division B, he was sacked only six times.

 

Taylor will need to redefine his game, and be able to complete more passes. The level of play is faster, and smarter. As the DA teams they have played, have sent their fastest player to counter the Olympic speed of Taylor. The All-Stars can pose problems, if Taylor can elevate his game to the next level.

 

Furthermore, as emotional as the All-Stars are, they need to play with their heads straight. The player in question, Mike Harrington was ejected for his mock response to the Titans, and then shortly thereafter he had choice words for the referees. As a result, due to his actions, the All-Stars might be without their best receiver this Sunday when they will take on the 49ers in a critical matchup.

 

As for the 49ers, once again their defense was not up to the task in their loss to the Rainmakers. So far this season, they have not been able to create any turnovers, as they have amassed only four interceptions. What is even more discouraging, they have sacked the quarterback twice. These are two key ingredients that are needed in creating momentum swings.

 

It has become obvious the 49ers will win games with their offense. Last weekend, Ravi Mehta who possesses great speed, had an enormous game with three receptions for 103 yards, and three touchdowns.

 

It has become apparent the 49ers offense has been a quick scoring machine. Moreover, their defense is ranked dead last in DA, as they have allowed 223 points this season which averages out to 37.1 points per game.

 

In order for the 49ers to have success, they will have to run the table by consuming time with long offensive drives. Otherwise, it will be a tough stretch for them to qualify for the playoffs if their defense is on the field for the bulk of the game.

 

Percentages%

 

2%, that Nicholas Arsenault-Hum will be held off the score sheet without a reception again.

 

10%, that Andre Knights will be shutout of the end zone for the third consecutive week.

 

15%, that the Shockers will score 40 or more points this season.

 

18%, that the 49ers will allow the Texas All-Stars to score 30 or more points this weekend.

 

25%, that Marc Champagnie will have another interception this weekend against the Titans.

 

30%, that Patrick Chenard will not reach 55-percent passing for the season.