The Wrath of Khan (Div A) – Week 6

 

What did I learn from last weekend’s games? The Kingz might be closer to first place! With their big win, did the Sixers alter the DA dynamics? The most highly anticipated game is only three weeks away.

Kingz Are Close to Checkmate

The Goodfellas are in first place with their huge 39-27 victory. But the Kingz are not too far off from their newly formed rival in DA.

WEPL’s own, Daron Basmadjian, said it perfectly, the Kingz are now the legitimate number two seed in this division. His comments were further cemented, as early on the Kingz fell behind 13-0, but scrapped their way back to make the game competitive.

They proved a lot of skeptics wrong that they could compete with the big dog of this division. In fact, on numerous occasions the Kingz had the Goodfellas leaning on the ropes. But their left hook came up short when it mattered most!

What led the Kingz to losing the game were too many dropped balls. There was a few times that collectively the Kingz developed angst towards the football. Late in the second half when the game was close, they could not hold onto the ball. Especially, when they were inside the redzone, and came up lame.

Furthermore, quarterback Frank Lebeau has an excellent rapport with his receivers. But it did not help the Kingz this week since only three players caught passes when there are five receivers on the field. It made life easier for the Goodfellas to run their defensive coverage on the Kingz offense.

Finally, it seemed that the Kingz simply ran out of gas. Nathan Taylor made a spectacular interception, and had a few Kingz whiffing at his flag, until he finally was caught.

Just like Roger Federer, who earlier this week, was on the ropes in a near first round upset at Wimbledon. The Goodfellas were able to find a way to defeat the Kingz. But the next time these two teams play (week.10), it might be a different story.

Sixers Are Party Crashers

The Triple Sixers are primed to alter the dynamics of DA. They were the best team on the football field against the Shockers.

As Mercenaries own, Donald Shepherd pointed out during the taping of the WEPL, the confidence has grown exponentially on Karim Chaoual’s face. With the Sixers playing against the Shockers. It seemed like he was unfazed going against the best of FPF.

Chaoual did not panic at all throughout the game. In fact, at one point, he made Ross Castleton an innocent bystander as he whiffed right by him for 11-huge yards. Furthermore, he used a balanced attack that had five different receivers catching balls from him. It was difficult for the Shockers to pinpoint on one receiver.

By the way, it seems that Pat Jerome has not lost a step from his lower body injury. Even though he was held to one catch, that reception was good for a 40-yard touchdown!

Pretty good for a player, who many consider the lethal weapon on the team! But his service was not needed on this night, as it was a full team effort.

It has been an agonizing learning process, but for them to get a victory over a team above them (Shockers) has to be a huge confidence boost for their morale. They could potentially finish with a record of 6-4 with upcoming games against the Goodfellas, O.N.S., Rainmakers, and Kingz. Thus, it would force the Shockers to potentially be the fifth seed in the playoffs.

The Stump Bowl

If everything goes according to script for the last playoff spot, the most highly anticipated game will be played in the last weekend of the season. The Rainmakers and the O.N.S. will likely be battling for the sixth spot.

Now, what makes it even more intriguing, if both teams come into the game winless, the slogan will be; “who wants it more”?

However, heading into the last third of the season, one has to consider, are the O.N.S. the actual favourites to claim the sixth spot? Presently, even with a game in-hand, they could not cash in on Sunday night as they lost to the Triple Sixers.

It seems, the pressure is somewhat getting to this team, as team captain, Ryan Brewster took a critical “OC” penalty. Kevin Wyeth has yet to find any successful connection with his teammates. This is surprising considering he has been phenomenal with whoever he has played with in FPF.

Sitting on the sidelines during their loss, a great point was made by a member of the WEPL, it seems that the Shockers need Wyeth, and that he needs them as well. It is ashamed that a marriage that was considered to be rock solid has been diluted to small pebbles.

If I am the Rainmakers, I just continue on course of what they are doing. Eventually a break will come there way. But for the FPF, a battle between potential winless teams would be great background drop for the last week of the FPF season.

Shepherding The Mercenaries

Can anyone stop Donald Shepherd? The answer is no. He is having a “Paul Kamel” like season, as the new redzone target for Carmine Pollice. So far, he has 24 receptions, 14 of them have gone for touchdowns.

Shepherd has used his size to his full advantage. Just ask the O.N.S. They had no answers to stop him. He almost equaled the total of amount of O.N.S. touchdowns (five) to the four his caught against them. It seems that he is in the zone. As a result, it has opened up the lanes for his cohorts such as Matt Norzil, and Shayne Stinson to have great statistical seasons.

Shepherd might be the difference for the Mercenaries being the second seed in the playoffs, as opposed to playing in the opening round. But for now, he has the inside track for receiver of the year, and he deserves to win this award.

Percentages%

10%, that the O.N.S., and Rainmakers will be winless by the time week ten arrives.

15%, that Shepherd will finish with 25 touchdowns this season.

20%, that the Triple Sixers could potentially finish in the top three of DA.

20%, that the Shockers will ever have the same lineup for two consecutive games.

30%, that the Goodfellas will finish undefeated in the regular season.