The Wrath of Khan (Div A) – Week 1

 

Welcome to another edition of the spring season. Historically speaking, in the past DA spring seasons, it has been predictable on who would take the title. However, this season, parity might reign supreme.

What did I learn from the first weekend of action? That the Kingz might better than their pre-season ranking! Carmine Pollice might be overtaken by his disciples. The Kevin Wyeth situation, what happened?

Kingz are Better Than Their Seeding?

Before the schedule was issued by the FPF, the Kingz had very low seeding. However, in week one, they convincingly defeated O.N.S. with their staunch defense as they compiled four interceptions.

Keep in-mind, the Kingz lost Pat Jerome (who is a part of the Triple Sixers), and Andre John who abruptly notified team captain, Rey Starwar of his intentions of not playing a complete season.

The Kingz will not win their games in a pretty fashion. But they will have to operate with a grinding offense that will slowly eat the clock away. Furthermore, their defense will be the key for their continued success. They cannot back down from any of the competition.

The Kingz sort of have a Montreal Canadiens playoff aura around them. It will be hard work, and dedication that will win games for this organization.

Carmine Pollice Disciples

Throughout the great FPF career Carmine Pollice has had, he has always been known to be the face of the teams he’s played with. We can safely say that all the mentoring he has done for the likes of Benny Goodfriend, Paul Lapierre, and Rochdi Benabdelkader has done wonders for their careers.

But does this mean that the pupils have surpassed the teacher?

Goodfriend has elevated himself into the category of elite quarterbacks in FPF. In his second full season behind the centre, he has captured the D2 title, and the quarterback of the year award. He has won over many of the FPF members with his game-play.

Benabdelkader has always been respected, and well liked in FPF. Once the Goodfellas clash with the Mercenaries it will be a great chess matchup of Pollice’s supposed right-hand man (Benabdelkader) against the taskmaster (Pollice). Benabdelkader knows the strengths and weaknesses of Pollice which will make this a great battle.

Lapierre has become a solid quarterback, as he continues to lead his teams deep into the playoffs. He is on the verge of winning an FPF title.

This could be the season, where the disciples surpass the torchbearer. But, I am confident they would acknowledge that Pollice has been instrumental in their development.

Kevin Wyeth Situation

This came as a complete surprise to everyone involved with the Kevin Wyeth situation, and his decision not to play this spring. Yes, there was interest from O.N.S. to have him throw on their team. But initially, the Shockers thought it was set in stone that Wyeth would be donning the green and black.

Last week, I did speak to Wyeth on the phone, and he did mention that this summer will be a busy season for him. This is understandable, given that the FPF is a recreational, not a professional league. Everyone has their lives beyond the Lachine walls.

But where does each team go from here? The Shockers know very well, they can “buy” time before making a decision on their quarterback position. They do have an easier path on their schedule before their big week five showdown with the Goodfellas.

As for O.N.S. their offense was stuck in reverse. Team captain, Ryan Brewster will need to come up with a quick resolution. He is well connected within the tackle, touch, and Chateauguay communities. But they can ill-afford to go any farther than they have by having a rotational quarterback system.

Did Wyeth not want to offend anyone? It seems the sentiments echoed by some of the Shocker players, was he did not want to offend them given the history he has with a few of the players from Montreal’s Finest. However, they (Shocker players) wouldn’t have taken it as a slight against them if he had opted to sign with O.N.S.

Final Verdict: Remember, teams need to get a player eligible for five games in spring. It won’t come as a surprise, if Wyeth does appear by the middle of the season, but with whom? That is to be determined. But for now, Wyeth is content with his decision, and he will be back on a FPF field sooner or later at his own discretion.

Fearless Predictions

I am sure whoever I have playing on August 15th will be golfing by August 1st. However, it is fun to scribe down my predictions on the standings, and potential finals matchup. So without further ado, here is what I think will happen.

Goodfellas, (10-0): The talent is all there. The acquisition of Nathan Taylor will give them a shutdown cornerback on defense. Something that they lacked last season as the Ruff Ryders of Happiness! The only downfall could be themselves from a potential trip to the finals.

Mercenaries, (8-2): With my two losses prophesy. There is not much room for error since they’re 1-1. But they have the potential to be devastating with Carmine Pollice at the helm. They have one of the premier snappers in FPF in Donald “Gargantuan Arms” Shepherd. Gino Di Fazio is a sound player. Lest we not forget Matt Norzil, who went down with an injury in the first game. But when healthy, could be a game-breaker.

Shockers, (6-4): They are the defending “DA” champions. They have a solid nucleus of Montreal’s Finest players. But they don’t have a quarterback. Until they can rectify this situation, they will need their defense to play some offense. They got their wish in week one, just ask Andre Knights as he galloped by Carmine Pollice on his way to the endzone.

Rainmakers, (6-4): They are no longer the unknowns. They have been a contender in FPF since their inception. They have gone to the “DA” finals way back in ’08 but came up short against a stacked Kingz team. They have a bevy of players that could change a game whether it is Ben Leger, Derek Kastner or Bobby Mikelberg. Now, can they put it together, and win an FPF title?

Triple Sixers, (5-5): They could be a legitimate darkhorse in this division. Finally Karim Chaoual has decided to test his skills in a higher division. It helps to have all-world athlete, Patrick Chenard on-board. Pat Jerome will be a difference maker playing a full competitive FPF season. They could surprise a team or two along the way.

Kingz, (5-5): Kingz lost two key ingredients in Andre John, and Pat Jerome (Triple Sixers). They will need to win games with their smarts, and ability to maximize the play clock. Rey Starwar always has a trick up his sleeve in game planning for their opponents. Francois Lebeau will need to manage the game well for this club.

O.N.S., (3-7): Unless Wyeth abruptly decides to join the Golden Domers; it is hard to believe this team having any impact in “DA”. They have one solid receiver in Brewster, but that is it. Their defense is horrendous, and they don’t have anything else going for them. It will be a long season for them. That is unless Wyeth is throwing for them.

Playoffs:

Quarter-Finals: 3) Shockers over 6) Kingz, 5) Triple Sixers over 4) Rainmakers

Semi-Finals: 2) Mercenaries over 3) Shockers, 1) Goodfellas over 5) Triple Sixers

Finals: 1) Goodfellas over 2) Mercenaries