The Wrath of Khan (Div A) – Week 8

What did I learn from the eighth weekend of the FPF season?  We still don’t know who the best team is. A prediction I made to Paul Kamel, came to fruition. The Shockers might have a trick up their sleeve. Is someone fed up within the Empire?

Who is the Best Team?

We still don’t know who the best team is! Entering the week eight slate of games, many FPF pundits figured the Mercenaries were the king of the hill after they conquered the Goodfellas. This week, it was a different tune, as the Mercenaries were thoroughly dismantled 47-32 by the hungry, and humble Kingz.

This was a measure of revenge for the Kingz, who were left with a bitter taste in their mouths after their early season loss to the Mercenaries. It was especially sweet for the blue shirts to show up the more celebrated and heralded Mercenary roster.

It seemed, the Kingz made all the necessary adjustment during the game. It was led by all-world QB Frank Lebeau who had seven touchdowns passes compared to the five thrown by Pollice.

Furthermore, he threw no interceptions, while Pollice was picked off twice. Guess who had the two interceptions? Frank Lebeau! Both turnovers created by him were perfect coverage reads to be at the right place at the right time.

What makes the Kingz dangerous is when everyone (including Rey Starwar) is incorporated into the offense. It was evident, when five receivers caught footballs from Lebeau, and their best player, Alex Lever didn’t even factor into the touchdown department.

To date, this was the best output by the Kingz, who displayed a determination to prove that they are legitimate contenders.

But for now, even though they sit in third place, it might be better off for them to play in the opening weekend of the playoffs rather than have the bye week. We’ve seen teams lose their chemistry flow because of the one week layoff.

A Prediction I Made

Last weekend at a social event, I made a prediction to the G-Men‘s own Paul Kamel about how I strongly believed the Rainmakers would defeat the Shockers.

My bold prediction came to reality, as the Rainmakers finally got the gorilla off their backs for a much needed win over the spiraling Shockers.

They looked like the real Rainmakers team that everyone envisioned prior to the start of the season. Ryan Kastner resembled a confident quarterback who didn’t allow the tenacious pass rush of Gary Bloomfield deter him. He equaled his season high of pass completions (19). When Kastner is accurate, he is awfully tough to stop.

But what cemented the victory for the Rainmakers, was the play of Bobby Mikelberg. He accumulated 121 receiving yards, and his four touchdown receptions almost equaled the five total touchdown receptions by the Shockers.  The much heralded Shocker defense had no answer for him, as he looked in vintage form.

In order for the Rainmakers to make a run for one of the last DA playoff spots, they will need a lot of help.

First off, it starts off with them taking care of their own business. Some are suggesting they’re putting all their poker chips in for the week.10 battle against O.N.S., in what will be, in all likelihood, a duel for the last postseason ticket.

But the one major problem that remains, O.N.S. still has a golden game in-hand which they could cash in for a playoff ticket. That being said, they’re going up against the two best teams in the Goodfellas, and Mercenaries. Good luck with these two monsters, O.N.S.

 All the Rainmakers can hope for is that the O.N.S. does not win this weekend, and they come out victorious. Otherwise, if O.N.S. wins one of two games, (and a combined Rainmakers loss), they will be officially eliminated from the playoff race.  

 The Shockers Might Have a Trick Up their Sleeve

The downward spiral continues for the Shockers as they lost a fourth consecutive game. But that might not be main story. According to reports, team president, Ross Castleton has a trick up his sleeve.

Fred Dupuis, who has a finger injury, and so far, has played in only one game with the green and black! Most would assume he will not be eligible for the postseason. However, he might be able to play, given that a doctor may have checked his finger. Therefore, there will be legitimate medical note coming to the FPF committee.

If that is the case to be, he will be given the games he has missed, thus, resulting in him being eligible for the playoffs. Some will argue, how come he was not in-person to account for the games he was injured? As a result, this might open up a Pandora’s box of questions if Dupuis is allowed to play.

Never discount the Shockers from any conversation. This will be an intriguing weekend at the Lachine complex.

Problems With the Mercenaries?

Don’t look now, but there could be problems in the Mercenaries camp. It seems that all-world receiver Matt Norzil, is not too happy with his role in the offense.  In fact, he displayed his dissatisfaction when the Kingz scored a very late touchdown in the game, and a disappointed Norzil walked off the field.

It seems like he has not developed the successful chemistry with Carmine Pollice, which he had with Benny Goodfriend during the Texas All-Stars D2 winter championship run. On the other hand, maybe the Mercenaries offense is not utilizing him the best way possible.

But from what was said on the sideline from Norzil, his style of being brash, confident, happy-go-lucky happy, and having a colorful flag belt does not fit the mold that Pollice has setout for the rest of team.

The best example I could think of is having former Miami Hurricane great, the late Jerome Brown, playing for Joe Paterno and Penn State.  It just wouldn’t workout, because Paterno prefers players who are clean cut, and robotic as opposed to carrying a swagger.

Fast forward to 2010, Pollice (Joe Paterno), has not meshed well with Norzil (Jerome Brown) and his style. Team captain, Gino Di Fazio did talk to Norzil after the game, so maybe things are patched up. But for now, I would say there is a small crack in the Mercenaries armour. 

Percentages%

3%, that we see another tie this weekend.

10%, that Carmine Pollice will reach 55-touchdowns for the season.

10%, that the Goodfellas falter in their two games to lose their grip on first place.

12%, that the Shockers can win their last two games to finish with a .500 record.

20%, that the Kingz will keep their total points against below 200 for the season.

20%, that the last playoff spot will be determined in week.10.

25%, that the Triple Sixers will finish with an above .500 record.