The Wrath of Khan (Div A) – Week 2

 

What did I learn from the second weekend of action? The Rainmakers might be snake bitten; Did the Shockers solve their quarterback situation? Is Kevin Wyeth on the verge of throwing for O.N.S.? What is considered the strength for the Sixers might be their weakness.

Dry “Makers”

I have to feel bad for the Rainmakers. Two games into the season, they’re in an 0-2 hole. They have played what are arguably the two best teams in DA (Goodfellas, Shockers). They have held their own against them. But what do they have to do to buy a win?

Clearly, the roster talent is there. Early on into their inception, the Rainmakers had a tackle mentality. But after a couple seasons, team captain, Ryan Kastner has molded this group into a flag team.

Yes, they are without the services of stellar receivers, Charles Antoine Sinotte, Bobby Mikelberg and Michael Chitiyat. If those two players are on the field, it changes the philosophies of the opposing defenses. Furthermore, they account for the majority of the Rainmakers offense with their game breaking abilities.

Unlike the Expos, who started the winter season with a 0-4 start and ended up losing in the D1 finals to the Express. The Rainmakers can ill-afford to slip up against a tough team in the Triple Sixers.

Kastner will have to rebound from this rough patch of sailing. He has the arsenal to make a deep run in the playoffs, but for now, it seems once again they will be in that second tier of quality teams in DA.

Who is Really Throwing for the Shockers?

Did the Shockers solve their quarterback problems with the acquisition of Rick Nincheri? In what was the worst kept secret within the FPF walls. Nincheri did not look out of sync as he was throwing to — of all groups, the Montreal’s Finest receivers (Karim Binette, Andre Knight, Akked Moore, and Kishon Thompson).

Nincheri instantly makes this team better at the quarterback position. He is a huge upgrade over the short-term solution of Thompson, but will he be there for the entire season? A player must play in only five games to be eligible for playoffs. Clearly, the Shockers are not going to back down their overtures to have Nincheri to throw in more games.

Shockers need to develop chemistry with their quarterback. Otherwise, they might become the FPF version of “Price Is Right”, each week a new quarterback.

Kevin Wyeth Saga Continues

Speaking of quarterbacks, it seems that there might a resolution to the Kevin Wyeth situation. With the Shockers quarterback domino following down, there is a chance that Wyeth might throw for O.N.S. The Stands are in dire need of a quarterback, and it all but makes sense for Wyeth to throw for a minimum five games to be playoff eligible.

Keep in-mind, he took a winter ’09 Pacman team to the second round of the playoffs. So he can unquestionably make an impact with O.N.S. Especially since he has a rapport with all these players stemming from the Chateauguay community.

However, did I sense a bitter sentiment from Shockers president, Rostyn Castleton during the taping of the WEPL? It seemed he was disappointed that Wyeth opted to not throw for the Shockers. Furthermore, he (Castleton) mentioned he (Wyeth) had the keys to the Porsche (Shockers) but might now opt for the Honda Civic (O.N.S.).

The one thing I will say, I have had the privilege to experience a Porsche Cayenne which is as fast as Randy Moss. However, a Honda Civic is a solid possession receiver in the mold of a Wayne Chrebet.

This could make a great storyline when these two teams meet in week four. Clearly one Shocker member is not happy with Wyeth’s choice of not playing, or maybe going to the O.N.S. this spring. But I don’t think Castleton wants to rattle his cage too much, because he could slice that Shockers defense in a few weeks.

Triple Sixer(s) Score?

It seems to this scribe, that the Sixers will have to have to put up scores of at least 35-points or more to win games. In what was considered the strength of the team, the defense, has been their weak link. They will need to come up with more stops.

With the likes of Patrick Jerome (D2 Winter defensive player of the year), Patrick Chenard (D1 two-way stalwart) how can anyone offense throw on this defense?

Factor in Mattieu Thuot, this team should be a top-three team in all defensive categories.

This weekend’s matchup against the Rainmakers will go a long way in the battle for the last couple playoff spots. Whoever wins this clash will have the upper hand in avoiding a potential death playoff match against the Goodfellas, and Shockers.

Inside The Numbers

Don’t look now, but it seems that Mercenaries quarterback, Carmine Pollice has taken back his throne as the best quarterback in DA. He is on pace for 70 touchdown passes, 2730 passing yards. Could Pollice reach these marks? If he does, it will go down as one of the greatest feats accomplished by this sure fire hall of famer.

But will fatigue set in for him, as Pollice has a huge outdoor touch football schedule. We will find out, but for now, Pollice is off to a Usain Bolt start.

Matt Norzil Receiver Award

The Goodfellas’ Marc Champagne leads all DA receivers with 183 receiving yards . However, what might be a surprise to many including members of the WEPL. Sitting in third place is ultimate possession receiver Adi Sharma who has 145 yards on 15 receptions. This is the very same player who is known for his defensive exploits and not his offensive greatness! I guess anyone could succeed with Pollice throwing the football.

Sack Numbers are Creeping Up Again

Well it looks like the art of the quarterback sack has not gone by the way of the dodo bird. After two weeks, Goodfellas rusher, Gabriel Cote leads the way with four sacks. However, things might heat up with Shockers acquisition of Jason Prince. He might surpass all these pass rushers, by the end of the week three games.

So I guess Cote should enjoy being at-top of the mountain. Otherwise, he will become the queen, once Prince becomes the King. I don’t mean the Rey Starwar’s Kingz, of course, I am referring to the king of the sack mountain.

Percentages%

5%, there will be an undefeated team in DA.

8%, that there will be a winless team.

12%, that Carmine Pollice will reach 70-touchdown passes.

20%, that the Ross Castleton will regret his choice words about Kevin Wyeth (maybe it was tongue in cheek)

25%, that Kishon Thompson will throw for four touchdown passes in a game.

30%, that Kevin Wyeth will be donning the O.N.S colours for five games.