Weekday Quarterback (D3) – Week 2

 

While week two of the season come and gone, we have already witnessed some games that could become key factors down the stretch when it comes to playoff spots and seeding. For anyone who has watched multiple games this season, they will be able to tell you that there are certain teams that are slipping and they are slipping very quickly. This week we will take a look at some of the teams who need to find a way to pick themselves up or they risk falling into obscurity by mid-season. We will also take a look at some of the players who have been a big surprise early in the season. Certain players have put on an excellent performance, yet people around the league might never have heard about them. Let’s get started with some headlines.

 

KGP Champs lose a tight game to the 2-0 Bandits

How bad is it getting for KGP? It depends who you ask at this point. KGP continues to be an enigma for those who have watched them since their inception into FlagPlus Football. They started off so well and it seemed as though it was only a matter of time before this team became a champion. It all began to fall apart when Phil Cutler had that devastating knee injury which he continued to play through. You have to respect what he has done for this team as well as some of the other core guys such Oliver Saleh, Nick Schouela and Simon Leblanc. The problem has been to get more production out of the role players on this team. It has not happened the way they would like, and if they don’t pick up a win next week we could see this season’s playoff hopes be “done like dinner” by week five. In terms of the Bandits early season success, my counterpart on the WEPL said it best. The Bandits have played weak teams early on and their 2-0 record cannot be used as an effective barometer thus far.

 

GPK falling off the map following a second consecutive loss

GPK has managed to stay under the radar over the past few seasons, despite the fact they have been a consistent team, that wins enough games to sneak into the playoffs. They always found ways to win games when they needed them most, and are much better than meets the eye. Their issue comes down to playoff success. Before they can worry about the playoffs, though, they are going to need to find a way to put some wins in the bank over the next few weeks. As the season goes on, it becomes more and more difficult to win games when teams realize they are fighting for their playoff lives. GPK is going to need to get more out of the star player, Erik Legarde, who is a phenomenal athlete, as well as QB Mike Stagg and both Matthew Brethour and Jason Smith. All of whom have both played a big part in their past success. Mediocrity is no longer an option for this team and I would not be surprised to see them turn it around, but time can run out very quickly. They get a chance to get back in it with consecutive games against the Titans and Sandlot Saints who have zero wins on the season.

 

Dip Dip Dip?

Is it getting quieter in here? Where has the voice of Dip gone over the past two weeks? We are used to hearing them talk about their early season success before they all go off on vacation prior to playoff time (okay that only happened once!) I actually enjoy the crazy ranting by this team on the FlagPlus Football Facebook wall. They keep things entertaining and they do their best to rile up Ara Ekmekdjian before each weekend. These guys are example of a team that finds ways to win enough games to sneak into one of the last few playoff spots on a consistent basis. Starting off 0-2 and losing two very close games is a bad sign for them as they usually thrive of winning games that come down to the end. They were involved in a shootout in week 1 versus the Cobras, and lost at the end of the game versus DK, who had just added top flight receiver Matthew Norzil, in week 2. I expect DIP to win this weekend versus the Raiders, who have little experience in the league, but then face a tougher schedule after that. They will need to steal a few games in the next three weeks.

 

Flight of the Conchords annihilate the Warriors minus Norman Weekes

On a more positive note, FOTC is putting on a show two weeks into the season. If you want to see what it means to have an efficient offense, that can kill you slowly, go watch Martin Tougas and company go to work. I do not think anyone wants to see this team on their schedule right now because they seem to be in playoff mode, while other teams are still struggling to find themselves. What makes it even scarier is that there is no player that you can focus on to try and stop on their offense. Everyone gets touches and everyone gets the ball in the end zone. Put aside the excuse that the Warriors were without their QB, because Norman Weekes does not play on the defensive side of the ball, so giving up 36 points is inexcusable. For the Conchords, the addition of Patrick Duplessis, who was a member of the 2010 Pheonix team in D2, only makes FOTC more dangerous.

 

Who has surprised us so far this season?

Let’s start at the QB position. There is one player whose name may be familiar to many people, yet we do not think of him as a QB. Angelo Garofalo, has led his Souljah team to a 2-0 start and his performance is the biggest part of that success. Garofalo has passed for ten touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception so far this season. He has been the biggest surprise, in my opinion, and he will need to keep playing at a high level as teams begin to gun for his undefeated squad.

The Bandits are off to a good start thanks in part to the strong performances of QB Jimmy Kiraly, through the first two weeks. Kiraly has passed for eight touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions. He also has a 71.1 % completion percentage, which is very important for a team that will continue to rely on ball control and limiting its mistakes.

At the receiver position Gordon Stanway has been a great addition to the Briscoe High Hawks quick score offence. He is tied for the league lead with five touchdown receptions through the first two weeks, and has quickly become the go to receiver for former QB of the year Scott Kelly. While he has been a factor in the league before, he has taken on a bigger role so far this season.

We have not yet discussed the success Terror Squad is having early in the season and one of the players who continues to perform at an extremely high level is Alexandre Giroux. Giroux has four touchdown receptions to go along with his 134 yards receiving. Tam Villaydeth needs a number one receiver and Giroux has emerged as that guy so far, following up on a solid Spring season.

Defensively we are seeing the emergence of a strong defensive back that plays for none other than SWAT. Rashawn Perry is becoming a big play guy on the defensive side of the ball, as he has recorded three interceptions in two games and has returned one for a touchdown. He has also recorded five tackles and three passes defended. The label or “Ryan’s younger brother” is disappearing quite quickly, if you ask me.

 

Power Rankings

1. 1. D-Boys (2-0) – Defending champs are unbeaten so far, and until they are beaten they deserve to stay on top. The addition of Daniele Gentile has been huge for them.

2. 2. SWAT (2-0) – Nathan Thompson is playing great and they have found a gem in Rashawn Perry. Expect SWAT to keep winning

3. 3. Dirty Birds (2-0) – Quietly putting teams away. The addition of Stephan Osman makes this team even more dangerous, as his size and speed will definitely help them.

4. 4. Souljahs (2-0) – Angelo Garofalo is playing extremely well and they have put 77 points in two games. I do not think anyone would have expected that from them two weeks ago.

5. 5. Monarchs (2-0) – A team that has experience in the upper levels of FPF and has now taken a step back to find themselves. Stephane Chartrand has been out of this world for the Monarchs so far.

6. 6. Flight of the Conchords (2-0) – Martin Tougas is on pace for 50 touchdown passes this season. If their defense can continue to get stops at clutch times they will be very hard to beat.

7. 7. Trojans (2-0) – Undefeated, yet they are not leading their division. They will be in a battle all season long with a tough SWAT team. Who will slip up first?

8. 8. Rude Bwoys (2-0) – Another team that keeps quiet and goes about its business; which is winning games. Can they continue this hot streak? It will be tough to tell, they barely snuck out with a victory this past weekend.

9. 9. Maniax (1-1) – Are so dangerous every time they take the field. When this team gets at full strength and figures out its QB situation they can win the whole thing. Never count this team out. Expect Tony Khoury to find a solution soon.

1010. Bandits (2-0) – Undefeated right now, possibly thanks to the weak opponents they have played. I expect to see this team at 3-2 by week 5 unless they really shock the FPF community.

 

Remember to tune into the Weekly Extra Point Live on flagplusfootball.com for more information on division 3. Moe Khan, Alex Porras and I breakdown some of the news from around the league as well as make our picks for the week to follow. Have a great week and see you all on Saturday and Sunday.