Word from the Mouth: Adopt Don't Shop! edition

Word from the Mouth: Adopt Don't Shop! edition

Kevin Kousaie

This past Saturday was a great day for football. It wasn’t extremely hot, and it wasn’t too windy. Sunday, on the other hand, was hot and humid with very little breeze in Brossard.

I’m a day behind on my writing this week as I spent Monday in Ottawa getting my new puppy, who is absolutely adorable., but he is a big sucky lala (ed’s note: I have no idea what this is supposed to mean and also adopt, don’t shop!).

The best thing about this weekend was that we were all at one location for the first time in weeks. This week we are back to the two locations, so please make sure you know where you are playing, and just a reminder that if you are changing locations for games that you will be given a few minutes of leeway so you don’t need to panic and the refs should be waiting for the players to show up and not just play because the team has 6 players, unless the team waiting on players is ok to start the game.

We only have a few weeks left in the season and with a bunch of teams fighting for the playoffs, now is the time to make sure you and your team are ready to go at the start of the game, because a slow start can cost you the game and possibly a playoff spot.

 

Week 10 Recap

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Gros Coqs (44-18)

 

Most of the time this would be a much closer game than this, but this week Gros Coqs were missing a bunch of players including their QB Dom and safety Boris. I know Dom might not make up for the 26 points, but with Boris there as well they score more and give up less. Yes, this was a dominant game from Outlaws and everything was working for them. Steve was on point, all Jafar did was score TDs and converts, and like always Ariel just picked off balls. Outlaws are in playoff form right now and looking for 5 or 6 in a row, but it might be a little harder this season.

 

Division 2

 

With only two D2 games this week and Terry refereeing one of them and Will playing in the other, they will know more about what happened in those games so stay tuned for MFL Access tomorrow night to find out what happened in this division.

 

Division 3

 

RawSauce vs Jagerbomb (12-34)

 

Jagerbomb owned the first half of this game and then in the second half they open up the half with a quick 45 yard bomb to Felix and after the convert they were up 22-0. After that Jagerbomb started to relax a little on defense which allowed RawSauce to score twice, but that didn’t stop their offense from scoring as well. JF scored another 2 TDs this week, but with only 2 games left might not get the record set by Smuda last year for most TDs in a season.

 

Panaches vs Jackrabbits (51-27)

 

I just don’t get it. Why have Jackrabbits been just so-so all season? They have a good roster and loads of experience. Panaches have a few players and have learnt the game as the season has gone along, but to blow out a team like this is very impressive. I was able to get a few words from Nico after the game and he said that he was playing like sad monkey tears. I was also talking to JC who was back after missing a few weeks with an injury and he said he was out there playing, but was also taking it a little easy so he wouldn’t get re-aggravate the shoulder again. Panaches can still make the playoffs, but need to win out and get lots of help since they have given up the most points up to now.

 

Bines vs Old School (20-22)

 

Old School owned the first half of this game or at least up until they allowed a score with under 30 seconds left. Second half Bines scored on their first two drives while Old School only scored once. With both teams using a lot of clock on those drives, when Old School got the ball with just over 7 minutes I figured it was over. Dahic moved the ball a little, but forced a pass that was picked off by Jean-Simon and it looked like Bines had some life left in them. It only took David 3 plays before giving the ball right back, now all Dahic had to do was gain a few first downs and the game was over.

 

Average Joes vs Idaho Udapimps (26-12)

 

I spoke to a few players from Idaho after the game and they all said the same thing. We have players hurt, we are taking time to heal up, we already made the playoffs and we feel that no one wants to play us in the playoffs once we are healthy. I want to see these two teams play again with complete rosters and both teams playing hard, like their lives depend on it. 

 

Division 4

 

Sour Peeps vs Phoenix (6-31)

 

In this game Mario wasn’t playing because of an injury and he would have helped out, but it wouldn’t have made much of a difference (ed’s note: because Kevin’s just too damn good!). For the first time in a while, Phoenix came out and played hard. By hard I mean running good routes, communicating on defense, and doing what a roster with this much talent should be doing. I want to say that Sour Peeps might not have a bunch of wins or be a very good team, but they do come out and play hard and have lots of fun.

 

Bouchers vs Wizards (26-12)

 

This game turned out to be a lot closer than most expected. I can tell you from watching both teams a few times now, that once Wizards start showing up as a complete roster and know the game better, they will be a dangerous team. Bouchers I thought might have been able to put up more points in this game. I guess with Lukas missing his main target in Felix that would play a huge role, except this week Xavier stepped up with a huge game scoring 3 TDs. Bouchers have a huge roster and to me that will be their downfall in the playoffs.

 

Sooners 45 vs Airborne (6-27)

 

Ok, let me say I saw this game and it wasn’t pretty Airborne ran 3 or 4 different plays all game and it kept on working. Sooners 45 looked really bad and didn’t seem to know what to do. At one point they ran the same play two or three times in a row. On one drive they went deep on every play before turning it over on downs. I can tell you if they play like this in the playoffs, they will be out in round 1. After the game a few players from Sooners mentioned how we missed a few calls and just like in every game, that happens. I didn’t say it then, but I will write it now, when you complete only 4 passes you aren’t going to win games no matter what the refs call.

 

Super Friends vs Canal Club (36-14)

 

From my understanding in this game Canal Club was at a pool party drinking before the game and there was talk that they might forfeit the game. They showed up drunk and got destroyed. After the game I spoke to Jacob and Alex, and we all agreed on the same thing about Canal Club, and I would love to share it but I feel that I might end up seeing them in the playoffs and don’t want to ruin my plans just in case. This game might have gone another way if it was played again, but we won’t find out unless they meet in playoffs.

 

Weakest Link vs GOATS (12-6)

 

This game was horrible. Marvin is not a good QB and needs to relax and understand that not only is he new at playing QB, but his team is also new and learning the game. As for GOATS, they just need to learn the game better and maybe next season drop down a division and they will get better and maybe get a few wins.

 

Cereal Killers vs Black Diamonds (24-12)

 

After weeks of not having players showing up, Cereal Killers showed up with 7 and all at the start of the game. Both teams are decent, but to me Cereal Killers are a more complete team, where Black Diamonds are all about Gabriel. I’m not sold on either of these teams though. Both teams struggled in the first half with only Cereal Killers scoring once and second half had a little more offense, but not much.

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix vs Los Pollitos (32-26)

 

This game was a lot closer than it should have ever been. To start the game, we had to wait for player on Los Pollitos to show up and we didn’t take points which we are allowed to (ed’s note: he’s like a superhero of kindness!). In the game there were a few things that stuck out to me. The first one was a pick 6 by Louis-Phillipe to me which I thought it was a catch, but the ref who was in position to have a view of the play didn’t see it. On the play Dave caught the ball and was bringing it to his body then the defender hits at the ball or rips it out and runs it in for a score. Then the big thig I noticed was whenever we went into trips Kat was all alone running her route and she made Los Pollitos pay for that as she scored 4 TDs. The last play that I remember was on a convert where Dave ran a post and had two or three steps on his defender, and I throw it to the middle back end zone and out of all people Joey who is running a six hook from the slot catches the ball at the back with a little assistance from Dave keeping him in. For Los Pollitos, they are better than their record, they just drop too many balls and aren’t completely comfortable on defense.

 

Bucks vs Drama Club (0-50)

 

Dick move by Drama Club. That’s all I’m going to say about them. You have to think about it being the other way around.

 

Knight Triangles vs Hard Target (19-0)

 

At half this was a scoreless game and it looked like neither team wanted to win. Second half was more of the same as neither team could move the ball and there were tons of picks. The only reason why it didn’t go to OT was Knight Triangles were able to score on very short fields in the second half. For a team that has so many wins, they don’t look good and at this point of the season and who know what they will look like in the playoffs. Hard Target is still fighting for a playoff spot, but it will be tough for them to get in. They need to win and maybe get some help.

 

Heisenberg vs Improbables (27-26)

 

Who knew this was going to be one of the better games in the division this weekend? Mathieu wasn’t there as QB for Improbables, so Charles filled in and did a nice job, but without him playing WR they were left shorthanded on offense. How a halftime speech can change a game. The first half was all offense and no defense, with scores all over the place. The second half each team only scored once. It looked like Improbables were going to win the game as they were driving the ball and had a lead, but the drive stopped when they couldn’t convert a fourth and 15 with 4 plus minutes left. Ian now needs to get something done if they want to win. After a few passes, Heisenberg wasn’t too far from the endzone when Ian took off running after beating the rusher and made a player miss his flags as he gallops into the endzone and gives his team a one-point lead. Charles now has a minute left, but after a few plays and only gaining 12 yards, he threw a pick and just like that the game was over.

 

Cyclones vs Remplacants (19-18)

 

I just don’t get it, we have a cap, but yet that cap doesn’t seem to mean candy canes when you are adding a sixth player to fill out your roster. I understand that Cyclones are a Free agent team, but if everyone else has to play by these rules why shouldn’t they? It just doesn’t seem fair for the rest of the teams (ed’s note: says the guy with D1 players on his D4 team…). A few weeks ago, everyone was talking about how good these two teams were and to me the magic has worn off. Cyclones are only good when Yann has his top three targets and Remplacants just don’t seem to know what to do in key situations. Remplacants forced a punt with 5 minutes left and Pierre then led them on what could have been a game tying drive if not a game winner. Pierre threw the ball to Leonidas all drive except for one play when he went to his center Mike. I just don’t get how a team like Cyclones could allow a team to drive with the game on the line using one player only. That should be an easy stop. After Remplacants scored they missed the convert and were down by 1. All Yann needed to do was get a first down to end the game and he got one and kept on playing which makes no sense and if he threw a pick would have cost his team the game.

 

Mimosa Crew vs Titans (25-20)

 

Let me clear a few things up for everyone. Mimosa Crew last season wore jerseys that resembled the Miami Dolphin’s jerseys. Not anymore, as they are wearing pinnies (ed’s note: well, thank you for clearing that up for us, it was really weighing on our minds). After seeing Mimosa play for the first time this season, I’m shocked that they have won as many games as they have. What do I say about this game? Titans only scored in the first half by a lucky play that bounced off one of their player’s hands into another one while he was in the endzone. Then in the second half they played better on both sides of the ball, but not enough to win the game. Curren told me before the game he was banged up and couldn’t run so I figured that the way it has gone for them all season that it was going to be a long game with tons of drop balls. Even with Curren banged up, he still ran for 60 yards and a TD off 7 carries. He was also 12 of 19 passing, which is not bad for a guy we all thought could only run. I know no one cares, but (ed’s note: that should be the title of your articles) to me when you talk about MVP you have to think about Curren being included in that conversation. His team sits at 6-2 and the roster isn’t very good from top to bottom.

 

That is all of this week’s recaps. I covered a little bit more than I should have, but I had a few things to mention about a few teams from what I saw or heard afterwards plus with only 2 weeks left I wanted to make sure I covered every team at least once this season.

 

Players of the Week

 

Man, oh man, is the end of the season ever coming fast. With this week in the bag, we only have 2 weeks left and that means teams only have 1, 2 or 3 games left and that limits your chances to get my vote. I know most of what I’m putting in my surprise bag I just haven’t figured out how to pick my winner. I have thought about doing it at the end of season get together, but figured that would never work since you would have to be there to win and that would mean at least 100 people and then we need a way bigger venue. I might see if I can get it announced on the Podcast or maybe I’ll just get Jon to post up on Facebook and I can always do it in my article before the first week of the playoffs are played. I will figure it out and then let you all know. Now here are this week’s winners.

 

Division 1

 

Offense

- JC Ferland had 7 catches for 81 yards and 3 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Ariel Librati made 5 tackles, had 3 picks and ran oneback for 6.

 

Division 2

Offense

- James Langshaw had 13 catches for 164 yards and 3 TDs.

Defense

- Vincent Deziel made 4 tackles, had 1 pick which he ran back for 6 and he also picked off and ran back a 2point convert.

 

Division 3

Offense

- Will Power was 31 of 39 for 324 yards, 8 TDs, 1 1point convert and 1 2point convert.

Defense

- Rob White made 5 tackles, had 2 sacks and a pick.

 

Division 4

Offense

- Xavier Bonneau pulled in 11 passes for 119 yards and 3 TDs.

Defense

- Olivier St Onge made 6 tackles, had 2 picks and ran one back for a TD.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Katherine Blondin made 8 catches for 42 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- Benjamin Malette made 6 tackles and had 3 picks.

 

There are this week’s winners. Congratulations to you all and good luck to everyone trying to make my list over the next few weeks. Just remember if you ball out and put up great stats win, lose, or draw you have a chance to make the list.

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 9

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 9

Kevin Kousaie

Predictions

 

Another week down and once again Jon has managed to cheat his way to the top again. I don’t know what’s going on but I need to get my shit together or else. Willie has said he was planning on making a comeback in the second half of the season and that hasn’t been going to well for him, until now at least. With only 3 weeks left of making picks before the season is over Willie might have to take a few long-shots in hopes of pulling it off.

This week I am taking my time with the picks and looking at everything just so I don’t finish last again, once was enough for me. Here are my picks in bold like always.

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Gros Coqs

Right now, they are playing like the better team.

 

A-Team vs Bitter Boys

They have the better roster, they are faster, more athletic and shouldn’t have much trouble in this one.

 

Centurions vs Trollers

I know Centurions needed subs this week and I’m not sure who they are missing and because of that I’m taking Trollers.

 

Division 2

 

Outlaws vs Marvels

I went with Outlaws because of Steve and I have more confidence that his team will show up to play right from the start.

 

Iron Wolves vs Redzone

Both teams are pretty equal and for me the deciding factor was which team is more consistent and that would have to be Iron Wolves.

 

Division 3

 

RawSauce vs Jagerbomb

They are the better team, and they show up every game.

 

Panaches vs Jackrabbits

I think JC might be back this week and if so it so gives them a huge advantage, if not Nico still gets it done.

 

Thunder Buddies vs Iron Wolves

I just think that with Willie playing with Jon all these seasons he knows what Jon will do and that gives Thunder Buddies a huge advantage.

 

Bines vs Old School 

I like both teams here, but could only pick one and ended up going with Old School just because of experience.

 

Average Joes vs Idaho Udapimps 

I think both teams are very good, but this season Average Joes hasn’t lived up to the hype from years past.

 

Division 4

 

Sour Peeps vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my teams games.

 

Bouchers vs Wizards

I know Wizards are looking for subs and that might hurt them but what has been hurting them is not showing up for games.

 

Sooners 45 vs Airborne

They are too young and fast and Airborne won’t be able to keep up.

 

Super Friends vs Canal Club 

Jacob and Alex are good, but Francois is better, and he will be the difference in this game.

 

Weakest link vs GOATS

This is going to be a very bad game both teams aren’t very good and the only reason I picked Weakest Link is because of Marvin.

 

Cereal Killers vs Black Diamonds

Cereal Killers should be able to win this game if they show up on time. They will also need to stop the deep ball to Gabriel which I think they can and avoid him while they are on offense.

 

Division 5

Bucks vs Drama Club

Drama Club is going to win and because they all care so much about stats it will be by a lot.

 

Los Pollitos vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my teams games.

 

Knight Triangles vs Hard Target

They are the better team and are more organized.

 

Heisenberg vs Improbables

I have played both teams and Improbables are the better team and have way more experience and upside than Heisenberg.

 

Remplacants vs Cyclones

Cyclones are missing too many players and Remplacants just keeps adding more good players to their team.

 

Mimosa Crew vs Titans

I have a feeling that Curren should be able to run all game long if he wants to and that will be the difference.

 

There you have it, my picks for the week.

 

Power Rankings

 

With the end of the season in sight and knowing what each team brings to the field every week making my picks has become easier and easier each week. This week I did have a few hard calls to make, but that’s why Jon pays me the big bucks.

 

Division 1

#1- Outlaws

#2- Centurions

#3- Gros Coqs

 

Division 2

#1- Iron Wolves

#2- Tannantes

#3- Marvels

 

Division 3

#1- Jagerbomb

#2- Thunder Buddies

#3- Idaho Udapimps

#4- Jackrabbits

#5- Manitoboys

 

Division 4

#1- Canal Club

#2- Mustard Tigers

#3- Bouchers

#4- Super Friends

#5- Sooners 45

 

Division 5

#1- Phoenix

#2- Knight Triangles

#3- Cyclones

#4- Drama Club

#5- Remplacants

 

If you remembers last week’s list, you will see a few changes were made this week. I can tell you that there were a few more changes I wanted to make, but without enough data or reasoning behind it I left it this way. I didn’t want to hear from players or teams about how could I do this and why wasn’t this done. Right now this is how I have it, but next week I can tell you some changes will probably be made, but let’s wait and see what happens this week first.

 

Final Thoughts

 

I talked about how we should treat the refs in my intro and now I will do what has been done a few times already this year and talk about rosters. As a team captain, I received an email before the season started about a forfeit deposit and how if your team forfeits a game their deposit would be used to pay the other team for the missed game.

This season we have had a few teams not show up and that’s not fair to the team you are playing. Captains, get your players in line and even if you don’t have enough players for a team, you can always let Jon know, post in the Facebook group that you need subs, and request them on the MFL site as well. A lot of players enjoy their games on Saturday and to show up and not get a game in is pretty shitty.

Also on the same topic of rosters, everyone needs to know the rules for rosters so you don’t forfeit a game that way. As of game 7 that your team is playing you are no longer allowed to have subs to bring your numbers up past 6 players, except for when your QB doesn’t play defense, in which case you’re allowed up to 7 players. Yes, even if you stay under cap, you’re still not allowed to be over 6 players  (or 7 if your QB doesn’t play defense). Rules are rules, and we all have to follow them. Those are just a few things to remember when you submit your roster. This is the last reminder about roster rules at least until the playoffs where the rules for subs are the same as above except you don’t get to pick who you are allowed as a sub.

Now you get my weekly reminder. By now you should all know that we are playing a game, so remember to go out, have fun, enjoy yourself, and don’t kill anyone. Good luck to everyone this weekend and all games are being played at Le Ber this week.

 

 

Word from the Mouth: Yelling at the Refs! edition

Word from the Mouth: Yelling at the Refs! edition

Kevin Kousaie

Where should I start this week? Do I talk about how being on vacation is great, but coming back from it sucks or how officials should be treated?

I will start by telling you this week is going to suck for me. I have to catch up on all my paperwork, do training with 85 employees, do some training myself, and all while doing my regular work, oh and I’m going to have to do a regulator audit.

It will be a long week, but when Saturday comes at 930 for my first game, I will have to let some steam off. Jaf you available to ref? This week there were a few refs who got yelled at and that should never happen even when you feel they are wrong. I was one of those players that was yelling up a storm at the ref because I had to wear pinnies as the home team. I shouldn’t have lost it on him, but he if he wasn’t sure and didn’t want to listen to me telling him that I was the home team, he could have just looked at schedule to see that I was right all along. The worst part is that both teams had green shirts, but they were completely different shades of green. I’m looking into the matter and will expect a formal apology and his letter of resignation on Saturday. I know it was nothing to get upset about, but Jaf has it in for me, that’s it that’s all.

Moving forward from this week on, let’s all show the refs some respect and treat them like we would want to be treated, unless you like being treated like crap, then do the opposite.

 

Week 9 Recap

 

Division 1

 

Outlaws vs Centurions (46-12)

 

My game was going on at the same time as this game and I only got to see a few plays. I noticed that Centurions were missing their regular QB and he would have helped out a bunch, but with the score what it was they probably still lose. Outlaws completely dominated the game. After starting with a pick on their opening drive, Steve led Outlaws on scoring drives the rest of the game. Centurions were able to move the ball at time, but just weren’t able to punch it in for scores and you won’t be able to keep up with the Outlaws offense when they are playing like this. (ed’s note: I saw this game and Centurions easily could have had 3 TDs if it weren’t for drops, so it certainly could have been closer).

 

Division 2

 

Marvels vs Redzone (28-27) OT

 

In case you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the OT of this game filmed by our sideline reporter Willie on the Facebook player group. Now let me tell you how it got to OT. In the first half both teams feel each other out and were able to put up points. Right before half, Redzone had the ball with under a minute and looking to answer after Marvels scored. Mike was taking what the defense was giving him and that was his guys being open in the middle for 10 yards each time. After using timeouts and having a few passes fall incomplete Mike hits Tristan for a 24-yard score and then they went for two where Fred was open and made it a 20-13 game. Second half was more of the same. Now here is the play that changed the game. With just over two minutes Redzone was on the two-yard line and looking to seal the game. Mike steps back looks for one of his players and Jeremy jumps the route from his safety spot to keep Marvels in the game. On the ensuing drive, Max was just picking apart the Redzone defense with short plays and working the entire field. On the last play of the game Max finds Haney in the back of the endzone alone for the easy score. Now Marvel needs the convert to tie it and Max found Max for the 1point convert and the tie. We go to OT where both teams get their first convert and Marvels got their second. With the game on the line Mike decided to go for two and was unsuccessful. That was it. I also want to mention that Jose made a heck of a catch on a fourth down late in the second half while stretching out and using his fingertips to pull it in.

 

Division 3

 

With all 4 division 3 games being played at the same time and Willie getting to play in the other game at my location, I only have one D3 game this week.

 

Iron Wolves vs Old School (33-28)

 

This game turned out to be closer than I expected. Iggy was hurt and wasn’t able to run routes, so he stepped in at QB and Jon went to play receiver, this was a downgrade at both positions, but more so at WR (ed’s note: thanks). Dahic went out and threw a pick on his second pass, to Jon out of all people, and it didn’t take Iggy long before finding Ribeye aka Cat for the score. Cat was also hurt on the play and with only being 6 players were allowed to get an emergency sub from at the field to fill in and make them 6. After a few possessions each and a turnover on downs, Old School was able to get on the board with Max running down the sideline for a 24-yard score. Iron Wolves marched right down to score on an 8-yard pass to Gabriel who had slipped on his break, but was able to get up to his knees and pull the pass in. At half the score was 20-14 Iron Wolves. Second half started with Iron Wolves having the ball and using up 7 minutes of clock on their scoring drive. With the way Iggy was using the clock in the second half, Old School needed a stop or a turnover that never came. Dahic led Old School on scoring drives on both their possessions in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. Old School might not have all the big names or the stars of the division, but they are a team that gets overlooked a lot. Dahic has some good weapons around him, but they just need a break here or there in order to rack up a few more wins.

 

Division 4

 

Mustard Tigers vs Sour Peeps (52-13)

 

This game was never close. Mustard Tigers are a much stronger team and for them to even give up 13 points is shocking. Brian was on fire all day long spreading the ball and getting everyone involved. I can’t really say much more about this game since it was so one sided.

 

Phoenix vs Wizards (25-0)

 

This was a forfeit since Wizards didn’t show up since they weren’t going to be able to field a team. At least Phoenix was able to get a scrimmage from players that were around.

 

Super Friends vs GOATS (46-2)

 

Just like the Mustard Tigers game this was completely one-sided right from the opening whistle. Super Friends are a good team, but what surprised me about this game was the fact that Jacob had so many incompletions in this game and still managed to put up 46 points. GOATS need someone with loads of experience to join their team and help them out on both offense and defense. GOATS just seem lost when they are out there playing their games. Jon get them help, please.

 

Black diamonds vs Flamingos (18-12)

 

In the only close game of the weekend in the division, you have to wonder how this game turned out like this. I feel Flamingos are the better teams and just didn’t show up to play this weekend. What is more alarming is the fact that Lesniak threw 5 picks and pretty much to only 1 receiver all game and they won. I have multiple questions about this game and here they are. How did Dimitri throw 3 TDs and have a pick 6 and his team only get 12 points and lose, or when you look at the play by play after last play it shows score as being 18-18, why was there no OT. Jon, we want answers. (ed’s note: I’m looking into it!)

 

Cereal Killers vs Weakest Link (8-24)

 

Cereal Killers were only 4 players to start the game and were forced to give up 12 points and it would have been 18 if the rest of the team showed up 45 second later. Weakest Link were only 5 players and really needed those points. Marvin before the game tells Cereal Killers that he isn’t allowed to play WR because they would break cap and, yes that is true if they were 6 players, but they weren’t. In this game, Cereal Killers inexperience showed as they were playing a team of only 5 players and instead of just going short all day and making Weakest Link decide to stop rushing since they weren’t getting pressure, they kept looking for the big plays which weren’t there because Marvin can go sideline to sideline even with a broken arm. After both teams not doing much in the first half, Sam got a pick on the second to last play of the half where Marvin was finally able throw a TD and the half ended 18-0 Weakest Link. Second half was more of the same lots of incompletes and overthrows. Marvin was tired of his team not running proper route and catching the ball that he went WR for one play and caught a 25-yard TD. At this point Marvin knew the game was over and Weakest Link played the last little bit of the game soft and allowed Cereal Killers to go down and score and then Marvin gave up a safety to make it 24-8.

 

Division 5

 

Improbables vs Phoenix (6-25)

 

This game started out with Mathieu using 10 plus minutes of the clock and not being able to score, but it was a nice little drive by him. He was hitting on short passes and even tried to go deep once or twice. In my head as the drive is going on, I’m thinking ‘are we going to even get the ball in the first half?’. We did and it only took two plays before Larry found the endzone on a streak down the sideline. On their next drive Mat connects with my shirtless brother Alex for a first down before getting sacked by Khalil, then throwing an easy interception to me. We go down and score, but only after converting on a third down on the drive and then scoring on fourth down from the one-yard line. On the next few possessions both teams exchange picks and at half the score was 13-0 Phoenix. Second half Phoenix started with the ball and we drove down to score while using up 9 minutes of clock. Mat put a nice scoring drive together after that by hitting multiple receivers short and marching down slowly. With us getting the ball back and Improbables not being able to stop us all day we were able to score again and used up a bunch more clock making it impossible for Improbables to comeback. This was a great game and we all had fun and that’s what really matters.

 

Drama Club vs Remplacants (19-18) OT

 

I can’t believe that this game was this close and even went to OT. Let me start by saying Remplacants not cool what you guys have done with your roster. You added Brandon a few weeks back knowing he wasn’t there for playoffs and still added him and now you have given him the boot to add Ben and James so you can be stronger for the playoffs. I get it Jon has allowed it, but still not cool. You have a 10- or 11-man roster adding players this late should never have been done. Looking over the stats and seeing the play by play it really seemed as if no one wanted to win the game. It was back and forth all game long with no one putting any separation between them when they had the chance. Drama Club gave up the tying score with 2 seconds left in the game, but were lucky enough to prevent the convert. In OT Remplacants started with the ball and were no good on their convert attempt. Simon, who is a veteran, was able to call a play that got Ben open for the easy convert and gave them the win.

 

That’s it for this week’s recaps, hope you enjoyed.

 

Players of the Week

 

We only have a few more weeks in the season and it’s time for everyone to step up their game not only for a chance to win my player of the week, but to also give their team a chance at making the playoffs. Now is the time where you need to start showing up and balling out. Time to show people that you are the big dog on the block and not the little scared dog that barks at everyone walking by and can’t do anything about it. Ball out and maybe you make my list these last few weeks.

 

Division 1

Offense

- Max Rosenfeld went 21 of 27 for 282 yards, 8 TDs and 3 1point converts.

Defense

- Nicolas Paquin made 4 tackles and they were all sacks.

 

Division 2

Offense

- David Marcotte grabbed 7 passes for 74 yards, 3 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Jon Evans made 2 tackles and had 3 picks. (ed’s note: madness!)

 

Division 3

Offense

- Alexandre Szaplipski had 7 catches for 110 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- Jerome Hovington made 6 tackles and 3 sacks.

 

Division 4

Offense

- Brian Mustard was 22 of 34 for 267 yards, 8 TDs and 4 1point converts.

Defense

- Thomas Leclerc had 2 picks.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Nicolas Hurtubise was 16 of 32 for 157 yards, 4 TDs and 1 1point convert.

Defense

- Samuel Gernet made 4 tackles, had 1 sack, 2 picks and returned 1 for 6.

 

There you go, week 9’s winners, keep it up everyone one and any week you might make the list if you haven’t already. Ball out, have fun, put up some crazy numbers and next week is yours.

 

I sound like a Cowboys fan by saying next week is your week, but we all know the Cowboys have no shot in the next 5 years at least. (ed’s note: but then it’s their year!)

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 8

Predictions and Power Rankings Week 8

Kevin Kousaie

Predictions

 

Another week down and another upset. Jon won his second week in a row and was over 80% with his picks. I was a disappointing 66% this week and the worst part about it is that I was tied with Willie. Do you know how that made me feel knowing I was only as good a Will? 

This week we have a bunch of big games that can go either way. When I make my picks I will think long and hard as to who I should take, maybe I need to change the batteries in my crystal ball and maybe that will help me to get back to my winning ways again.

Here are my picks and like always they are in bold.

 

Division 1

 

Gros Coqs vs A-Team

This is a really strong roster and they have been playing as a team and with that they should be unstoppable.

 

Bitter Boys vs Trollers

Trollers win this one in a game closer than it should be. Trollers have the stronger roster, but you never know which players will show up to play.

 

Outlaws vs Centurions

Outlaws get revenge from the loss earlier in the year. Steve now has his roster set in and they are all on the same page this time around.

 

Division 2

 

Outlaws vs Tannantes

Outlaws come out on fire and win this game by 2 scores.

 

Marvels vs Redzone

I think with having the week off it hurts Redzone, plus Max seems to be finding his stride right now.

 

Nice TDs vs Iron Wolves 

Jon takes it slow and picks apart the Nice TDs defense all game long.

 

Division 3

 

Idaho Udapimps vs Thunder Buddies

This is the start of Thunders Buddies tough schedule and with the way Idaho is playing defense, I’m not going to be surprised to see Willie throw at least 2 picks.

 

Manitoboys vs Chiefs

Manitoboys are a team that play together and I can’t say the same for Chiefs.

 

Old School vs Iron Wolves

I feel that the Iron Wolves roster is a little bit more complete with fewer weaknesses.

 

Bines vs Jackrabbits

With what I have seen from both teams roster, I have to go with Bines winning this game.  Jackrabbits are going to be missing a few players and this will hurt them.

 

Division 4

 

Mustard Tigers vs Wizards

They have loads more experience and should be able to win this game with ease.

 

Sour Peeps vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my teams games.

 

Super Friends vs GOATS

They have the better team with the best player on the field in Alex.

 

Black Diamonds vs Flamingos

I’m not sure who will be playing for Black Diamonds this week, but it wont matter as Flamingos have a solid roster and just need to worry about the deep ball.

 

Cereal Killers vs Weakest Link

Cereal Killers are a good bunch of players and if they all show up shouldn’t have any issues in this game.

 

Division 5

 

Improbables vs Phoenix NA

I don’t pick my teams games.

 

Hard Target vs Cyclones

There is no one on Hard Target that will be able to stop Lazar, Eric, and Jayden all at the same time. So that means Yann will be able to pick and choose who he wants to go to all game long.

 

Bucks vs Los Pollitos

Samuel is the best player on the field and will be able to do whatever he wants to do all game long.

 

Drama Club vs Remplacants

I think they are the better team and should be able to win. I also know something else, but won’t put it out there in the article.

 

There you have it my picks for the week. Good luck to all, but just a little bit more for the teams that I have picked.

 

Power Rankings

 

As you will see below a few changes had to be made a I might have even kicked out a team or two for some fresh blood in my rankings. Let’s see what I think of your team and the division as a whole.

 

Division 1

#1- Centurions

#2- Outlaws

#3- A-Team

 

Division 2

#1- Iron Wolves

#2- Outlaws

#3- Tannantes

 

Division 3

#1- Jagerbomb

#2- Idaho Udapimps

#3- Thunder Buddies

#4- Average Joes

#5- Bines

 

Division 4

#1- Canal Club

#2- Mustard Tigers

#3- Bouchers

#4- Super Friends

#5- Sooners 45

 

Division 5

#1- Phoenix

#2- Knight Triangles

#3- Remplacants

#4- Cyclones

#5- Drama Club

 

There you have the rankings for this week and I know I might have left a few teams off my list that deserve a spot on the list. I’m not just looking at records, I take your roster, teams you have played, games you have won and games you have lost all into consideration when I make my list. I can’t fit every team on my list because where would the fun in that be. You need to earn your spot on my list its not just given to you. Win and keep winning and eventually you might make the rankings.

 

Final Thoughts

This week I don’t have much to say (this is a lie, I have lots to say) (ed’s note: he stole my ed’s note!). With the NHL awarding the Stanley Cup to the Colorado Avalanche this past week and the NBA wrapping up a little while back when Golden State won it all, all we have left to watch for the next few weeks is baseball, the CFL (ed’s note: and the USFL!). I know I didn’t include golf or tennis, but are those really sports or just hobbies? 

The NFL is only a month away from training camp and that means we get to see some top-notch pre-season games that no one plays in anyways. That also means College Football will be starting late August as well and I can’t wait.

I don’t know how you feel, but to me the best football to watch has to be NCAA (ed’s note: literally the only football that matters). The players seem to have more fun and the schemes are so different depending on the teams you watch. In college you can see it all, the NFL has become such a copycat league that it just gets boring to watch. I like defense and I like seeing players get laid out and that just doesn’t happen in the NFL anymore.

Going over the middle use to be for big strong tough receivers now everyone goes over the middle like there isn’t anything to worry about. Those use to be the best hits, now if you breathe on a guy too hard you might get flagged. I know comparing players from different eras is hard because of the rules but anyone who watched football in the 80’s and 90’s knows these guys are soft. I won’t be surprised to see the NFL turning more into flag in the future. (ed’s note: You keep saying that!)

I think the first step for that to happen will be how the 2028 Olympics in LA goes when it is introduced as a new sport. The NFL has donated millions for this to happen and should it go well, wait and see what happens with the NFL.

I think it’s funny that in the NFL roughing the passer is almost the same as in the MFL. You can’t touch a QB in either league, but the difference is one is contact fully equipped and the other is no contact flag (ed’s note: Football equipment doesn’t protect against arm, hand, or knee injuries. In fact, football equipment is generally designed to protect the hitter, not the guy getting hit. Defenders are bigger, faster, and stronger in the modern NFL compared to your “glory years” and giving them carte blanche to hit QBs just leads to injuries and third stringers playing the position, which leads to garbage football since the complexity of the position has grown exponentially in the past decades and the gap between the top QBs and the next level is comparatively enormous. I don’t think that’s something you want. In fact, I generally think people calling modern football “soft” just have no idea how much the game has changed and how bad the league would be without those rules in place.) Just think about that (ed’s note: no).

Before I let you go, please remember the roster rules, and don’t break them, because no matter how much you complain, the rulebook is available to everyone on the MFL website so go take a look. At the end of the day it’s on the team, not the league.

Finally, just remember that we are playing a game for fun, so go out have some and try not to kill yourself or anyone else in the process. (ed’s note: that sounds pretty soft to me)

 

 

Word from the Mouth: The Commish Can't Count! edition

Word from the Mouth: The Commish Can't Count! edition

Kevin Kousaie

This week I’m going to try and keep my article shorter than normal. I’m on vacation this week and it’s a lot harder to write while I’m at home rather than work. I have a few things to do around the house and with the wife and girls out of the house I have to clean up after myself for once, take care of all the animals, and keep the kitten away from me while I write since she has a thing for eating laptop screens.

With the final stretch of the season heading our way captains should have all received an email about the sub rule. Just in case you didn’t see it the rule states that as of your team’s 7th game you are only allowed subs to bring you up to 6 players or 7 if your QB doesn’t play defense. Last week we had a team forfeit because of it. That team captain (Jon Iron Wolves D2) should have realized that they were at that point. In the end it didn’t matter because his team still lost, but that left Steve with a decision to make, take the score as is or make it 25-0 for his team. It is a hard choice to make since Outlaws D2 scored more than 25 points, but they gave up more than 0, remember that tie breaker is head-to-head followed by points against.

Last week was a scorcher on both Saturday and Sunday and I’m looking forward to this week where it is calling for rain (ed’s note: only a tiny amount early in the morning at the moment), but let’s remember that I’m saying this on Monday so things can change from now to then.

 

Recap

 

Division 1

 

Bitter Boys vs Gros Coqs (13-26)

All I know about this was Dom was back playing QB after getting banged up last week and that JS wasn’t there for Bitter Boys, so Jon filled in and we all know what that means a slow short passing game. You would have figured that Gros Coqs would win this game easily, but that wasn’t the case. Bitter Boys had it tied up at 13 at half and both teams struggled in the second half until Gros Coqs scored with under 6 minutes left. Once Jon got the ball back and the way he was trying to use the clock it was like he was playing it as the last possession of the game, but when your first 3 plays are 2 incomplete passes and a muffed snap you should punt and hope your defense can do what they did most of the second half (ed’s note: you went from “there’s not enough time!” to “you should punt!” real fast). Instead, Jon went for it and threw a pick. Gros Coqs punched it in a few plays later and that was the game.

 

Division 2

 

Iron Wolves vs Outlaws (33-35)

This turned out to be a good game that didn’t matter after Kris stepped onto the field for Iron Wolves. Jon, the person who wrote the rules, broke them by having a sub and bringing their roster up to 8 players (ed’s note: not an excuse, but I genuinely thought it was our sixth game!). Steve had pointed it out to me right away just so that I was aware of the situation since we had talked about it during the week on the group chat which Jon is on. I can only remember a few plays from this game, and they are all things that teams and players need to remember. Svetna made a miraculous catch along the sideline with 1 hand that was ruled a catch by me. Kris pointed out that he only had 1 foot in, which was right, but he got that one foot down twice, so it was the right call. Near the end of the game Iron Wolves had just missed their 2-point convert to tie the game up and needed a stop on defense. Outlaws on third and two completed a pass that the receiver was falling while making the catch and he might have been falling before the line, but was awarded the first down. Everyone should know that as soon as the player is falling, the spot goes back to where they started to fall. It’s the same as when a receiver is bobbling the ball and gets de-flagged; it’s not where he finally gets possession of the ball, it’s where he was de-flagged. Last thing, don’t forfeit games because your teams roster isn’t correct.

 

Division 3

 

Manitoboys vs Jackrabbits (18-28)

This was a game that was missing all the stars. Manitoboys were missing all their height and a great tackler and Jackrabbits were without speed and their top QB which left them with Raph or Nico taking snaps. I said in last weeks article it was going to be a long day for Raph at QB and that wasn’t the case. Raph balled out, picking apart a depleted defense, but he can only play against who shows up. Manitoboys have a fantastic roster, but their biggest issue is players showing up and that has been the case all season. All I know is when Nico is scoring 20-yard TDs on you it was either a great play call or a blown coverage and I’d bet on the latter. Leon scored with a few minutes left but when they failed on the 2point convert the game was over at that point as long as Raph was smart with the ball and didn’t turn it over and used up some of the clock and made Manitoboys use their timeouts. I know it’s not fun to just kill the last few minutes of the game and doesn’t look good on the stat sheet, but a win is a win and that’s all that matters, especially when you’re the backup QB. Raph relied heavily on his former teammate Gabe who went off for over 100 yards on 9 catches.

 

Division 4

 

Phoenix vs Mustard Tigers (6-9)

When you see a score like this you automatically think this was a defensive game and you wouldn’t be wrong, especially when you see the stats. Mustard Tigers had 6 sacks, really 5 and a pass that was backwards in the endzone for a safety and 3 picks on defense. Phoenix had 3 sacks and 5 picks. After the game I spoke to Brian and he agreed with me that this was a horrible game and neither team could move the ball and when it did get moved it was a first down maybe two at tops. The way the game started for us on Phoenix, I thought it was going to be a breeze. We stopped Mustard Tigers on the first drive of the game, then we went in and scored with ease, and followed that up with a pick, but then it fell apart for us. We weren’t in tune, running wrong routes, me missing reads, once or twice guys switching spots and that screwing with me. I can tell you that when Brian hit Victor for their only score, he was lucky Victor made a great adjustment on the ball. Victor ran a hook and go, and the single high safety came down on Tom which allowed the pass that was way inside to be caught by Victor. That was all the excitement from this game.

 

Sooners 45 vs GOATS (46-0)

This game was never going to be close. Goats were missing their QB and even with Goldrick filling in it made no difference. Sooners 45 looked like a really good team in this game, but they didn’t have much resistance to go against. Diego didn’t need to use his legs in this game as he spread the ball all over going 20 of 24 for 217 yards and 7 TDs. Sooners didn’t get stopped once on offense and they walked all over GOATS like they weren’t even there. I really don’t know how I felt about this game, ya Sooners looked good, but they played such a bad team that it’s not worth really talking about. With a name like GOATS you expect a team to be great, I’d settle for even good but they are horrible. A name change needs to happen. (ed’s note: they’re an FA team, they could, you know, improve…)

 

Division 5

 

Phoenix vs Bucks (19-6)

This was a fun game to play, but never was Phoenix ever in trouble of losing this game. Bucks are a good fun team to play, but lack size and speed. I originally wasn’t going to play in this game and Joey was going to make his first ever start at QB, but he’s gone away to Tennessee for law school. On his way back to the airport Dave, his lyft driver, said that he had to sit in the back as the front seat was for his Ukelele. Not only did Joey miss his one shot at playing QB, he also got put in the back by a musical instrument. Now back to the game. Phoenix didn’t have much trouble moving the ball and instead of just going to Vince and Khalil all game I spread the ball and got everyone involved. Before the game I told Khalil I was going to get his sister Myriam into the endzone and at one point of the game we were on the 1 yard line and Bucks didn’t rush anyone and I was just sitting there trying to get her the ball as everyone was running around open after about 5 plus seconds Khalil is like this is enough and to just throw the ball which he caught for a 1 yard TD. Pascal had a good game for Bucks, but couldn’t run like she normally does. Early in the game she was going to Kayla and Steve and was moving the ball, but then she got away from that as the game went along. Pascal also had an interception in this game. This team is fun to play against and they are smiling the entire time that they are playing, they have also improved dramatically since week 1 and that’s great for them, hopefully they come back in the fall.

 

Hard Target vs Heisenberg (12-15)

Hard Target looked like they were going to runaway with this game as they jumped out to a 12-2 lead at half. Heisenberg were so bad in the first half that it looked like they had no shot at coming back. Slowly but surely, Ian got Heisenberg going and was able to find the endzone on their first two drives of the second half. What I don’t get is the fact that Morgan didn’t use Jon and Ben more in the second half of the game. I know you might want to spread the ball around and that’s fine, but anytime you need a play the ball should have been going in their direction. A lot of new teams don’t know this, but should. With little time left in the game when you have the ball and you are up, if the other team can’t stop the clock you might want to just end the game. This week Heisenberg had the ball with just under a minute and a half left and Hard Target having no timeouts left they could have ended the game, but on first down threw a pick giving Hard Target another shot at winning the game. Morgan threw up a pass and was lucky that there was pass interference on the play before he hits Ben for a 7-yard gain. With a minute left Morgan has time to drive the last little bit to get the score, but threw a bad pass and it was picked off by Juan and the game was over.

 

There you have this week’s recap, hope you enjoyed. Look out for a special Podcast this week from Terry and Willie.

 

Players of the Week

 

This week we had a few games that were forfeits and that sucks for the player that didn’t get to play their games or even if they did teams just trying new things having fun. I really can’t bring myself to pick a player from a game that was a forfeit unless the game was played and only afterwards was it changed to a forfeit because of CAP violation.

 

Division 1

Offense

- Kevin Smuda had 7 catches for 81 yards and 2 TDs

Defense

- Jonathan Svetna made 2 tackles, had 1 pick and picked off and returned a 1point convert for 1 point which was the difference in the game.

 

Division 2

Offense

- James Langshaw caught 6 passes for 53 yards and 4 TDs.

Defense

- Tameem Riman made 2 tackles and had 2 picks.

 

Division 3

Offense

- Raph Levy was 26 of 37 for 239 yards, 4 TDs, 2 1point convert, 1 2point convert and ran 2 times for 8 yards.

Defense

- Gabriel Laplante had 2 tackles and 1 pick.

 

Division 4

Offense

- Diego Castro Arellano was 20 of 24 for 216 yards, 7 TDs, 2 2point converts and ran 2 times for 20 yards.

Defense

- Tyler Znoj made 6 tackles all 6 were sacks.

 

Division 5

Offense

- Arron Desrochere made 4 catches for 52 yards and 2 TDs.

Defense

- Justin Kocemba made 2 tackles and had 2 picks.

 

There you have it, this week’s winners and remember you only have a few weeks left to get your name into the drawing. Just go out have fun and do your best, all you can do is hope that you do enough to get your name up above in the last 4 weeks. Guess we will all have to wait and see.

Leagues
Montreal Flag Football League
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
Division 4
Division 5
Women's Division
Brossard Div 1
Brossard Div 2
Laval
Winter Div 1
Winter Div 2
Winter Div 3
Winter Women
Aces Flag Football