The Wrath of Khan (DA) – Week 7

As the FPF enters the dog days of summer, the weekly grind is slowly taking a toll on teams jockeying for the last couple playoff spots.

 

If last Sunday’s performances by the 49ers and Titans were any indication, the DA playoff race is shaping itself into being well determined before the last week of the season.

 

Was this the beginning of the end for the 49ers? As it pains this scribe to write this, I think the end has arrived for this hardworking team. The 49ers had their chance to take a stiff arm lead in the playoff race over the Texas All-Stars, and Titans.

 

To recap their loss to the All-Stars, the momentum had shifted back in favour of the 49ers after getting the football back from the All-Stars. With five plays left in the game, they controlled their own destiny. Unfortunately for them, the All-Stars had an answer, as they sacked Richard Shefteshy three plays in a row. For those who are keeping score at home, Shefteshy has been sacked 11 times in six games this season.

 

As a result, rather moving the football forward, they turned over the ball on downs inside their own 10-yard line. The All-Stars scored on the last play that went through the hands of J.M. Laplante and into the basket of Stephan Osman. So rather than settling for a tie, the worst case scenario became reality as the 49ers lost a game that they could have won.

 

The 49ers played their game plan to perfection for the first 44 minutes, as they held Nathan Taylor in park as he was 40-percent in passing completions. Furthermore, only three All-Stars receivers caught passes. But once again, who gets the blame for the loss? Richard Shefteshy? As much as it remarkable to see a plant grow from a seed, Shefteshy is still in the developmental stages as a quarterback. His teammates should not be disheartened. As it has been mentioned in this column, and on the WEPL, Shefteshy will continue grow as he gets more reps at the quarterback position. 

 

With three remaining games on their slate (Ruff Ryders of Happiness, Shockers, and Titans) their season might come down to the last contest against the Titans. As much as this team is a good group of guys, it might just have come to an end on Sunday night with them regressing than progressing with five plays left.

 

For all of the attention that was bestowed on the Shockers offense, has everyone forgotten what has kept them afloat? Their defense! So far, their Pittsburgh Steelers defense has allowed 114 points this season which averages out to 16.2 points per game. As a team, they have accumulated nine interceptions, 18 sacks, 11 pass defense, and one interception returned for a touchdown.

 

For the accolades they have received on defense, their acquisitions of Karim Binette, Jason Prince, and Kishon Thompson have paid dividends for this team. Each individual has rubber stamped their name on this defense with game changing plays whether it is a sack, or an interception. 

 

Even with the loss of their redzone target, Ross Castleton, due to injury, Kevin Wyeth will march the offense down the field and score at will. But it will be defense that will come up with the stops when called upon.

 

Welcome back Patrick Chenard after a couple of abysmal performances by the flamboyant player. Keep in mind, Chenard bounced back against a Benny Goodfriend”less” Happiness team. He managed the game well by utilizing his short passing game rather than going to the deep ball too many times. As a result, he helped create some backbreaking touchdowns by the Titans late in the second half.

 

With this critical win over the Happiness, the Titans are right back into the thick of the playoff race. With the All-Stars, 49ers, and Titans having two wins each. They (Titans) have their work cut out for them. As they will have to leapfrog the aforementioned teams due to their early season losses to these two clubs. However, with their win over the Happiness, this is a morale boost for a team that is lacking a killer instinct.

 

Is there something wrong with the Ruff Ryders of Happiness? Absolutely not! Even without Benny Goodfriend in their loss to the Titans. Sure, the offense was stuck in the mud inside the redzone. The Happiness know they will be in the playoffs. But it is obvious that Goodfriend has been a huge part of the team’s success. They will go as far as the much often criticized quarterback can take them.

 

Yes, it is crucial that the Happiness get their full roster intact. They need to have the likes of Stephane Cole, Ricky Martin, and Goodfriend back for the stretch run. These three players will have a huge say in how far this squad will go. As I have stated before, factor in this trio with the rest of the roster, its unquestionable that they can beat any team in DA.

 

 

Undercover “Quote” of the Week!!!

 

In my Sunday stroll around the football fields at Lachine Socccerplexe, I happen to run into star player, Andre Knights. Here is an excerpt of our “pow wow” conversation.

 

Moe: Hey Andre, I hear that Primeau, and Godyn will not be there for finals weekend in August?

 

Andre: Its just Primeau and Sheck!!!

 

Moe: :O

 

 

Percentages%

 

2%, that Richard Shefteshy will be sacked three times in a row.

 

15%, that Nathan Taylor will pass for 100 yards.

 

20%, that Patrick Chenard will pass for over 60-percent in passing completions.

 

28%, that the Shockers will crack 35-plus points without Ros Castleton in the lineup.

 

35%, that Benny Goodfriend will throw for three touchdowns against the 49ers.