Word from the Mouth: Week 5 - Hench-Lack-Of-Men edition!

Word from the Mouth: Week 5 - Hench-Lack-Of-Men edition!

Kevin Kousaie

Over the weekend we had a few teams have byes so there were only 3 games. It must have sucked for everyone that ended up playing in the rain. It is football and that’s the way it should be played. I’m just glad my team had the week off, I hate playing in the rain unless it’s tackle football. 

 

Week 3 Recap

 

We had 2 out of 3 good games and 1 blowout. I thought coming into the season that Jon and his team coming to play in division 1 were going to be good. They lost week 1 and have won against weaker teams now going forward they will be playing better teams and let’s see how they do. 

 

Outlaws vs Henchmen (46-19)

Let me start by saying welcome back Shyanne. Yes, you had a good game with 2 TDs and 2 picks, but really those shouldn’t count they were off of Jon. Last time I played a Jon team I had 3 picks, so step up or go back to be retired. This game was over before it even got started, Outlaws were playing a division 2 team, they had 3 guys from Old School, 2 from Nice TDs and an Iron Wolf. This game should never of been played. The Henchmen should have just conceded the game and allowed the Outlaws to get ready for their next game. Jon get your guys out to the field for the games, it isn’t fun beating up on an undermanned team, we would all prefer to beat up on the real squad so there are no excuses. Get your team out or ship out, that’s what I have to say about teams not bring their rosters out. Pull a KOLB and fold.

 

Outlaws vs 4Simbas (40-33)

This one ended up being a closer game than I anticipated. Both QBs did a great job of spreading the ball around and making sure everyone got involved in the game. These types of games are the best to watch and the hardest to play since you never know where the ball will go. It makes it really hard for the defense to cover everywhere and it only takes one little slip up and a guy is wide open. Going into the season I could tell you everything about Outlaws and very little about 4Simbas, but after watching them the last 2 weeks I have come to realize there are going to surprise a few teams. They do have a few guys from OG Panthers from a few seasons ago, but those guys that came back are solid. This game ended as a 1 score game, but 4Simba scored on the last play of the game to make it that and the Outlaws did not really care about giving up the score and more worried about getting hurt. I know in other leagues my teams have done that in the past. Outlaws are going to be in the top 4 and make the playoffs, so points against shouldn’t really hurt them. 4Simbas need to get going if they expect to make the playoffs.

 

Revolucion vs Gros Coqs (26-32)

These are two teams that have baffled me all season. One week Revolucion look like they can compete with anyone from time to time. All of their games have been one score games except in week 2 against the Trollers. This game was won because of a mistake that happens far too much with Raph throwing an interception that ended up getting returned. If Raph cuts down on the picks the Revolucion are a good team. Heck, week 1 they beat what people were calling a super team in the Henchmen. Gros Coqs will start playing better, but is it going to be too late? They still have a bunch of guys missing every week and Bitter Boys are only 1 game back but have also played 1 fewer game. Both teams need to figure crap out soon or they could kiss the playoffs goodbye.

 

GOTW (Game of the Week) - Trollers vs Outlaws 

QB- So this season both Steve and Max have been playing great. Steve is doing what he has been for years now working the ball short and taking shots every now and then. It seems like this season those shots are coming more often. He has already thrown more picks this season than he did all last season. He has still been putting up numbers and has kept his team undefeated. Max on the other had has taken huge strides since last year. He is completing a way higher percentage of his passes and seems to have figured out that spreading the ball around which makes it easier on him since defense can’t key in on one or two people. After watching Max play in the playoffs over the winter I thought he might have lost it, but the way he is playing this spring if he keeps it up there is no way he doesn’t win MVP. Sorry Steve, I know you’re my QB in another league, but here Max is my guy and he has been playing a tad bit better than you so I have to go and give the Advantage to the Trollers.

 

WR- Outlaws have the number 1 guy in Smuda, but then there is a huge drop off. Smuda has over 400 yards and Remy who is number 2 has just over 100. I know they lost Andrew for the season and replaced him with Shyanne so that is a bit of an upgrade. The Trollers have a really close bunch of guys plus the latest arrival of JC. Ben is number 2 right now. I not sure what is a bigger shock to everyone this season after 3 games, that Kevin has the highest yards per catch on the team or that Josh has the least catches and yards on the team. Both of those are scary statistics.  But stats are a little overrated. Just because you have them doesn’t make you better then someone who doesn’t. So before I went to look at stats I figured that this was going to be very close from a stat stand point, but was I ever wrong. Outlaws need to distribute the ball better and stop feeding it to one person. Who are you Detroit? Steve doesn’t have the arm strength to be Stafford, but Smuda does have the size and the freakish ability to be compared to Megatron. I’m going to go ahead and give the advantage to the Trollers since they have been distributing the ball way better than the Outlaws.

 

Defense- This is a touchy subject for some of the Trollers. They used to be about playing great defense and only needing to score minimal points in order to win games. They seem to have gotten away from that this season. They have registered 0 sacks so far this season. They have gotten Andre back, so that number should pick up in a hurry. Even with 0 sacks they have still managed to pick off 10 balls, but have given up a horrible 95 points in 3 games. I know that it will come together, but it needs to be soon. Outlaws have sacked the QB 8 times and picked off 9 balls, but of those 9 picks it’s been 2 guys in Smuda and Shyanne. I hope that the other guys decide to step up and make a few plays. They do a solid job of making you work the ball down the field and capitalize on your mistakes. Shyanne is a ball hawk and is very dangerous when he chooses to play hard. Smuda must have magnets or something in his hands because the ball just ends up there more often than not. I’m going to go and give the advantage to the Outlaws in this area.

 

This is a match up that is always a close game and comes down to 1 or 2 little mistakes. I have played Steve enough times to know what will work against him on defense and we have played their defense enough times to know what we can do offensively. Same can be said the other way except this time the Trollers have the better offense coming into the game and Outlaws have the better defense, so who knows what is going to happen. 

 

Predictions 

I’m glad to see that not all the games are blowouts, so it makes it much more interesting and fun to make these picks. With KOLB no longer in the division or in this league at all (ed’s note: they’re in the Sunday Brossard league!) there were only 3 games last weekend. I ended up getting 2 out of 3 bringing me to a total of 9 for 12 for the season. Now here are my picks. You either love them or hate them, I don’t really care these are my picks and if you want me to pick you then play better. Picks are in bold.

Bitter Boys vs Revolucion

Henchmen vs Gros Coqs

Trollers vs 4Simbas NA

Trollers vs Outlaws NA

 

The games I did pick here are both toss ups. If Bitter Boys have the QB who played against the Trollers then I would take them, but I’m not sure if JS is back yet or not. I picked Henchmen because I’m not sure who will be there this week. I’m wondering when pick6 himself will be back from being the tallest person in Japan and ready to play some football. That is why I picked like that.

 

Power Rankings 

Last week we had our number 2 and 3 team play each other and this should have been a great match up but one team showed up with a roster and the other didn’t. I shouldn’t have to say this, but if you want to be a top team bring your roster and play. So now my rankings have to include this game even though the real team didn’t show up. So here we go.

#1) Outlaws

#2) Trollers 

#3) Gros Coqs

Henchmen you guys are going to hate and say that you should be above them while you are playing them this week show me you deserve to be up here. (ed’s note: I agree that if our team doesn’t show we don’t deserve to be in the top anything)

 

Final Thoughts 

I love writing these articles because it gives me another chance to voice my thoughts and let you all know what I think. It’s not as if I don’t talk enough while I’m at the field, but some of you guys miss it during the week (ed’s note: the lucky few…) so this is where you can come and get your fix. I’m glad to see that there is almost no garbage left at the end of the day which is a huge accomplishment considering how it was after week 1. I want to let you all know that either this week or next week we will be setting up some sort of canteen to sell drinks and we are also thinking about doing a BBQ eventually. I would love some feedback from you guys, the players, about this new idea we are thinking about doing. Last and most importantly remember have fun, play safe, and see you Saturday.

MFL Brossard Tryout this Sunday, June 23rd

MFL Brossard Tryout this Sunday, June 23rd

Jon Evans

The MFL is expanding to the south shore this July with games on Sunday morning and afternoon at Illinois park in Brossard!

 

This Sunday, June 23rd from noon until 4 pm we have a free tryout for any players who are interested in playing in Brossard this summer, so if you are anyone you know is interested in playing football on the shore just get in touch by messaging us on Facebook or by sending us an email at info@montrealflagfootball.com

 

 

La MFL s'étendra sur la Rive-Sud en juillet avec des matchs les dimanches matin et après-midi au parc Illinois à Brossard!

 

Ce dimanche 23 juin, de midi à 16 heures, nous offrons un essai gratuit à tous les joueurs intéressés à jouer à Brossard cet été. Si vous ou une personne que vous connaissez êtes intéressés, contactez-nous sur Facebook ou en nous envoyant un courriel à info@montrealflagfootball.com

Word from the Mouth: Week 4 - 4 By 1 Edition!

Word from the Mouth: Week 4 - 4 By 1 Edition!

Kevin Kousaie

Here we are almost at the half way point of the season and to my surprise all the teams have looked competitive. I figured going in that the Bitter Boys would struggle to stay together and end up getting blown out, but they have held their own.  The defending champs don’t look like the same as they have in past years and, yes, they are a good solid team when they all show up, but that hasn’t happened yet this year. KOLB is the only winless team, but have been in a really close game with the undefeated Outlaws. 4Simba looked like they might make a run at the playoffs this season. Henchmen have come on strong after a week 1 loss. Revolucion had a good tough game against Outlaws this week and lost by less than a TD. If they show up and play like this every week they will surprise a few teams and might creep into the playoffs. Outlaws and Trollers are the only undefeated teams left, but how long will that last? Outlaws have two games this week against Henchmen and 4Simba. Should Outlaws get by both those teams they will be playing the Trollers the following week where we could be left with one or no undefeated teams left.

 

Week 3 Recap

 

Henchmen vs KOLB (46-13)

Yes, the Henchmen won. Ya for you guys for beating a team that had 5 players and recruited my kid from division 3 to make the 6 players just so they could play the game. To me this was a win, but it doesn’t prove how good you guys really are. This week will do that when you play (read: beat) the Outlaws.

(Note the Henchmen are 1-1 going into this game and not 0-2 like the video says!)

 

Bitter Boys vs Trollers (38-40)

This was a very close game that shouldn’t have been that close. Bitter Boys were without JS behind center and they brought in Alex who was more than an adequate replacement. I felt going into the game (and I’m sure I wasn’t the only Troller that felt this way) that it was going to be an easy game. Boy were we all surprised. Bitter Boys are better than they look and should be in most of their games. Trollers will need to play better defense going forward if they don’t want every game to be so close. I know I felt that some of the defensive play calls weren’t right based on the situation. 

 

La Revolucion vs Outlaws (19-22)

Both QBs in this one seemed to be a little confused and each threw 3 balls to the other team. I expect that from Raph, but from Steve not really. This game was won by a safety and a convert. Raph you have been around long enough to know that when you’re in the end zone just throw it away and don’t take a sack. Close games are always won and lost by converts, not just in the MFL, but in football in general. Never thought I’d say this, but Steve got outplayed by Raph. I know that was hard to write I love bugging Raph and Steve is my QB on another team, still can’t believe I just did that. Going forward Revolucion need to play like this every week. Outlaws are going to be fine as Steve has been around and knows how to bounce back. 

 

4Simba vs Gros Coqs (32-31)

This game was a shocker, this was also the GOTW video. You can see that the video captured a lot of big plays but it also missed what really went on during this game. Louis Dufour went off for 2 picks, 9 tackles, 3 catches, 2 scores, and 66 yards. He was by far the most dominant player on the field. Normally I would be saying that Dom was, but not today. I said this before and I’m sure I’ll say it again: converts. Gros Coqs did have the ball and a chance to tie it after they scored with 2 seconds remaining in the game. They elected to go for 1 then changed their mind and called a timeout to go for 2. Right before the score I had said to Ben that if they score I would go for 2 and spread everyone out and run. Dom had been killing them all day with big runs when they left the middle open. They score call a time out go for 2 and you’ll never believe what happened. Bad snap over Doms head, that’s it game over. After the game I asked Dom what he was going to do on the convert and he wasn’t sure or he wasn’t going to tell me. This was a heck of a game and I’m sure Les Gros Coqs will be looking to avenge this loss next week against La Revolucion, but to get another shot at 4Simbas it will have to wait until the last week of the season (ed’s note: second to last and last week matchups!) which could have playoff implications.

 

GOTW (Game of the Week) - Outlaws vs Henchmen

 

QB- Here we have two of least mobile QBs in the division and both play the same sort of style. They control the clock and play it safe more often than not. Neither one has great arm strength (ed’s note: wat?), but both can make all the throws needed to win a game. This will come down to who is the smarter QB. Steve is very good at drawing up plays to get guys open. Jon is the same way, but some of his plays are predictable based on formations. I think both QBs are good enough to win this game, but I think Steve will have a few new wrinkles to his offense and that will be the difference in the game. Advantage Outlaws

 

WR- Both rosters are pretty stacked and it is hard to guess who will be there or not be there. Henchmen have Svetna, Andrew, Kris, Dahic, Demario, Carmelo and the sure handed Francis (on every 3rd or 4th ball thrown to him). So that is a tough lineup to stop, but on the other team Outlaws have probably the most dominate player ever in the MFL in Smuda. The Outlaws also have some of the fastest guys in the league with Vince and Remy. Both Adams are solid but I have heard a rumor going around that Andrew might be done for the season. I have to go ahead and give the advantage to Henchmen.

 

Defense- To me defense starts with the rusher and Henchmen have been going by committee and have had both Carmelo and Andrew rushing. I figured that Carmelo would have been a safety from how he performed in the past at that position. Outlaws do the same with Remy and Durant rushing. Dahic is a great safety and the ball should go nowhere near him unless you want it to get picked off. Outlaws have only 1 person with picks on their team and that is Smuda. To me when I watch the Outlaws play and see him as the 1 high safety I would attack that all day knowing he isn’t as fast as some of the other guys out on the field. Smuda might not be the fastest guys but it is rare that he gets caught out of position. I will have to go and give another advantage to Henchmen. 

 

Outcome of this game will be determined by who controls the ball and the clock. I think Outlaws are going to be at a disadvantage with Andrew possibly out and Eric maybe missing again. Plus it might rain and I think Steve will have a harder time dealing with it. I think Henchmen will pull out the victory, but I had to flip a coin to see what came up. 

 

Predictions

I’m glad that this past weeks games were a lot closer except for one which was lopsided. I was able to pick 2 of 3 games correctly. So on the season I’m sitting at 7 out of 9 so far this season. Will I be able to keep it up all season? 7 more weeks and we will know. Predictions in bold.

Outlaws vs Henchmen

Outlaws vs 4Simba

Revolucion vs Gros Coqs

Bitter Boys vs KOLB (ed’s note: this game is cancelled and moved to a later date)

That is how I see the weekend playing out. I might be wrong but 77% of this season I have been right so you can all but guarantee that I got at least 3 games right. Who is going to prove me wrong?

 

Power Rankings 

We ended up with what some people are calling an upset last weekend when 4Simba beat Gros Coqs. I even got that game wrong, but it makes it difficult to pick games or do my power rankings when teams come with a different roster every week.

#1) Trollers

#2) Outlaws 

#3) Henchmen 

Here we go, the Henchmen have made it into my list. I wonder if they will be able to stay there after this weeks match up against the Outlaws. This is the week that we see if they are for real or if they are just here trying to play with the big guys.

 

Final Thoughts

The season is starting to get interesting and should stay that way for the rest of the season. Already it looks as if it could become a two team race in the western conference between the Trollers and the Outlaws. The East looks to be a little closer especially with 4Simba beating Gros Coqs this past weekend. We still have plenty of games left to go and anything can happen at any point. So please remember to play hard, have fun, be safe, and I’ll see you all Saturday.

Word from the Mouth: Week 3 - 17 Points! edition

Word from the Mouth: Week 3 - 17 Points! edition

Kevin Kousaie

This past week came and went with most of you guys picking up your garbage and I’m glad to see that happened. Since we might have the trash under control moving forward we can get to the next new implication. No longer are players allowed in-between the fields where the Refs are. Sometimes we need some space or like to talk about something we saw without having to hear from a bunch of players. I also think that the captains should go over the rule book and know the rules a little better when it comes to subs. 

I didn’t get to see any division 1 games live so I’m going to give a quick little recap of each game, so no one feels left out.

 

Week 2 Recap

 

Outlaws vs Bitter Boys (43-24)

Outlaws will need to learn how to start a game properly if they expect to beat some of the better teams in the division. It might have had something to do with the 3 subs they had that brought them up to 8 players which is a violation of the rules (ed’s note: one of those subs was actually a roster player, so my bad. Still, everyone should be aware of the sub rules!). Maybe the commissioner has given them an exemption from that rule since Steve and Eric both don’t play defense. My feeling is that if they are allowed to do that then they need to specify which of the subs is only playing defense and that player isn’t allowed to play offense or it should count as a forfeit. Just my feeling on that. The first half was a lot closer than anyone could have thought except maybe Jon. Bitter Boys were up 18-14 at half. Then I heard that it kind of fell off for Bitter Boys after that. I know JS, their QB, hurt his calf so that could have been what pushed them over the top. Outlaws started playing better and Bitter Boys started being the same old Bicker Boys as they were last year when things aren’t going their way. Overheard after the game that Outlaws wanted them to feel like they had a shot in the first half and let them hang around. Not sure how much of that is true (ed’s note: it’s not), but we will never find the truth out (ed’s note: we did). The first half was good; second half was a wash. I want to see what both teams can do playing a complete game. 

 

4Simba vs Henchmen (6-34)

Guess it was nice for Henchmen to get their first win as a team, but it was against a 4Simba team that was short players. Henchmen are stacked with talent that are still getting used to each other. 4Simba will need to find at least 6 guys to show up every week to have any sort of chance to win a few games and challenge for a playoff spot. Jeremy will need to do a better job of getting the ball to his playmakers. The 3 receivers that got stats this week are solid players and can do some damage if the opportunity presents itself. This game was over by halftime as Henchmen just controlled the flow of the game minus the first drive from 4Simba.

 

KOLB vs Gros Coqs (25-42)

This was the closest game of the weekend with the difference 17 points. Yup, you read that right, 17 points. This game was going on at the same time as another game, but Dom was at the other field watching the other game going on. I had a chance to ask a quick question and he said it wasn’t even close and that they were just having fun. He also said KOLB wasn’t as good as they were last week and didn’t know how they pushed Outlaws to overtime. I know Gros Coqs are a top team when their roster shows up. I can also tell you that if and when KOLB plays the way they can they can beat anyone. 

 

La Revolucion vs Troller (20-46)

This will be short and sweet. Raph came back to reality after being named player of the week for week 1. We got Raph from last season back. It wasn’t a pretty start for him or the team. 3 picks and 1 turnover on downs in their first 4 possessions. Short fields led to fast and easy scores for the Trollers. I say that it was a lot of bad breaks this week for Revolucion. They are a decent team and will perform better as the weeks go by. For the Trollers everyone did manage to get a pick except Josh, and 5 picks are good, but they need to find a way to get a better and more consistent pass rush if they want to win back the title. I know I talk a lot of crap about Raph, but he has been around forever and 1 week looks great and the next looks like crap. I just want to see the old Raph that was more consistent passing the ball and would mix in a few runs here and there. 

 

(ed’s note: there were at least 2 interceptions against Raph that hit his own players in the hands that were popped up for picks, as well as dropped easy passes on critical 3rd and 4th down plays, so I’m putting this on the receivers more than Raph)

 

GOTW (Game of the Week)

I had a lot of thinking to do in choosing this game. I just wasn’t sure which game I should have gone with. I ended up choosing this one because I know most of the guys plus they have a guys who show up normally.

La Revolucion vs Outlaws

QB- Steve is a guy who will go short more often than not, but will take a shot here and there. He likes to be in control of the game and how it is playing out. Most of his throws are to guys that are open. That isn’t because his guys are that much better than the other team, it is from play design. Raph on the other hand will take shots all over the place. He will try and fit the ball in to tight windows instead of taking the sack and having another play. Both guys have similar arm strength, I might even think that Raph has a little bit more. The big difference is that Steve plays safer and is more controlling with the ball. I have to give Outlaws the advantage because of how the two QBs play. 

 

WR- Smuda is the number 1 receiver on the Outlaws but I think that Justin can and should be able to match up well against him. They are both of similar size or at least height speed will go in Justin’s favour. Outlaws have so much speed on their roster it is ridiculous. They can all catch the ball, just don’t try and chase them after cause they will be gone. This is what makes them such a dangerous unit: Smuda for jump balls, Eric for short yards since he never drops anything, and everyone else for mid to long balls. Revolucion have guys that can play and make plays if they can hold on to the ball, they couldn’t do that this past week. Other than Justin no one on their roster pops off at me (ed’s note: wat?) as being a guy that we need to focus on and take away. After last season I figured that Gabe would take a bigger role on the offense but that hasn’t happened yet. I will say that Peter looks like he could be a nice piece for them. Overall I don’t think that Revolucion can keep up with the speed of Outlaws so they will have to outsmart them. I don’t see that happening so the advantage goes to Outlaws.

 

Defense- Tackling will be a big key to any success Revolucion end up having. Speed is not in their favor, shit they couldn’t even catch me last week so how they going to catch the Outlaws receivers? If Revolution play smart and fundamental defense they might have a chance at a few stops. Eric is a good rusher who will need to get after Steve fast all day. Take his first read away and you’ll be fine. Outlaws have 2 very good rushers in Remy and Adam. Remy is faster, but not as tall and Adam is still fast but has a few more inches on him (ed’s note: wat?). On the back end they have Andrew, Adam, and Smuda who can pick off almost any ball and then you have Vince short who rarely misses tackles. I just played Revolucion last week and their defense is basic and tackling was weak so the advantage has to go to the Outlaws.

 

Overall this should end up being a good game. Key points to the game if Revolucion want to have a chance: start fast and capitalize on the slow starts that Outlaws have had so far this season and don’t dig yourself into a hole because you won’t come out of it. Outlaws will need to shut down Justin and let Raph find someone else to beat you. Get in Raph’s heads early and often to throw him off his game. Outlaws take it by 2 scores.

 

Predictions  

Last weeks games were all blowouts as the closest game was 17 points, so it was easy for me to pick those games. I went 3 for 3 last week, so as of now I’ve gone 5 out of 6 so far this season. Will I be able to keep it up or are we going to get closer games where the picking is harder. Only time will tell. Here are my picks in bold.

Henchmen vs KOLB

Bitter Boys vs Trollers NA

La Revolucion vs Outlaws

4Simbas vs Gros Coqs

 

Power Rankings

With the teams I had at 1 and 2 last week playing each other there will be some definite changes being made to my top 3. The top 2 teams were an easy decision for me to pick it was the 3rd place team that was the tricky one. 

#1) Trollers

#2) Outlaws 

#3) Gros Coqs 

 

I know I left Henchmen off my list but I just feel that loss to Revolucion hurts you way too much to put you up here at this time. I’m open to shuffling the top 3 around but right now those are my top 3 and you can only end up here by playing better. Win and then you might see your team up here next week.

 

Final Thoughts

I really hope that we get more games like in week 1 with the overtime game. I hate watching blowouts they aren’t fun for anyone. Yes, some players like to pad stats, but really all we want are good close games that aren’t over by half time. Teams that have been missing players, get your guys out so you have a full roster this will make the games more interesting. Let's go out play safe and have some fun. If you got something to say you know where I am so feel free to come see me before or after your game, but do not come in-between the fields where no players are allowed. Thank you.

Word from the Mouth: Week 2 - West is Best Edition!

Word from the Mouth: Week 2 - West is Best Edition!

Kevin Kousaie

Hello and welcome back. This past weekend we opened up the spring 2019 season. It was nice to see everyone back, having fun and enjoying the weather, except for 1 game which had some rain. This week I had the pleasure of participating in some way with three Division 1 games and let me say that if the season is like this all year we will have to wait until week 10 to see what playoff matchups are going to be. To start the season we had inter-conference play and the west dominated.

 

Game Recaps

 

Trollers vs Gros Coqs

All I’m saying about this game is that Gros Coqs showed up with 3 or 4 players and the rest subs. Trollers walked away with the win by 15 but to me that meant nothing. Trollers will need to get better in order to make the playoffs and Gros Coqs will be a way better team once their full roster is there.

 

Henchman Formerly Team Evans vs Revolucion

This game was a lot closer than I expected it to be. From the teams rosters and with the assumption that Raph was going to be throwing I felt that Henchmen were going to walk all over Revolucion. Boy was I surprised. Raph had a great game throwing and keeping his team close all game. Great job Raph. See I don’t just talk trash about you I also let you know when you play well. There were a few plays that some were game changing in this one. On Revolucions second drive it was extended due to a penalty that took away a pick and allowed them to score a few plays later. You can’t be yelling at QB while you are rushing and the ball is still in his hands, if you want to yell “ball” once it is thrown go for it, I know I do when I rush. On Henchmen’s last 2 drives Jon did what Jon does and choked with a chance to take the lead throwing 2 picks and 1 of them was in the red zone on third down. This was a game that could have been different if it hadn’t been week 1. Henchmen will get better the more they play together and Revolucion should get better as the weeks go by. I hope Raph’s arm hold up all season cause he looked like the Raph from a few years ago and not the one from Division 2 last fall. Good game both teams.

 

Outlaws vs KOLB 

I had very little expectations for this game going in. I figured that Outlaws were going to walk all over them like they did last time they played in the finals a few seasons ago. That was until the start of the game and the weather rolled in with the rain. Knowing Steve and how he has played in the rain before I totally flipped figuring KOLB had a good chance to win and might get some sort of revenge for that humiliating finals loss. Outlaws did not look like they have before. They weren’t running crisp routes, they were dropping balls, and balls were getting over and under thrown. I was kind of embarrassed for these guys the way they looked. Im not taking away from KOLB dominating the first half of the game as everything went right for them that could in the first half. Second half rolls around and the clouds disappeared, stopping the rain, and everything flipped in the game. Outlaws were able to play the way they have in the past and crawl their way back in from a 20-6 deficit. What ended up as a huge play was a safety by Remi where all he had to do was touch Jonathan since his flag fell while dropping back. Got to check those flags regularly so they are in tight. I can’t remember if it was on Outlaws second to last or their last score if KOLB hit it up in the air and allowed Outlaws to come down with it to tie up the game. I wonder how Smuda feels now that he got called for illegal touching on what would have tied the game with a little over a minute left. Yes they scored on fourth down and what was the last play of the game to tie it but that would have given time to KOLB to try and score. This one went to overtime, who saw that coming? KOLB scored on their first attempt putting pressure on Outlaws who answered with ease. Outlaws scored on their second possession and now out of something Jon has done in the past went for two and a chance to win the game. KOLB went with a throwback pass then QB ran a swing pass where he caught the ball but slipped and ended up short. That was the game 28-27 in what ended up as the best game that I saw from division 1. 

 

GOTW (Game of the Week)

Trollers vs Revolucion 

I want to start by saying I hate covering my own team, but these two teams have had a few good battles in the past and it looks like this could end up be a great game. Revolucion has improved dramatically from last season and should get better with time. The other game I was going to go with was Gros Coqs vs KOLB, but not sure who is going to show up so I went with this game. 

QB- Here we have Max and Raph going head to head. I think the truth of the matter comes down to how Raph plays if he plays like last week then he can compete with anyone in the division. I’m just not sure he can keep that up all season. I still think that Max need to improve on his reads a little more, but he did a great job of spreading the ball around last week. I have to give the advantage to Trollers that is until I see more than 1 game from Raph. 

WR- I personally think that Justin might be the best receiver on the field when these two teams meet this week. Except it isn’t about which team has the best receiver, it’s about which team has the best group of guys and after Justin, Gabe, and you can throw Fred in there as well, there isn’t anyone that will scare you. They will catch the ball, but not make plays afterward. For the Trollers you have Ben, JC, Andre when he comes and Josh who can all hurt you, and I also forgot about Dave who is underrated and often over looked. (ed’s note: Mike?) I just can’t see many teams being able to slow them down and because of that I have to give the advantage to the Trollers.

Defense- This was the easiest of the 3 categories to give the advantage to. After the way the Trollers played against an undermanned Gros Coqs team. They did manage to get 4 picks, but no sacks and still gave up 37 points. That isn’t going to cut it. The Trollers normally have a good defense, but it doesn’t look like it this season. For Revolucion They pulled off 2 picks with at least 1 more that was clearly dropped along with 2 sacks. Getting pressure will be the key this week and I think Revolucion has a clear advantage in that area. Eric has started the season off strong and should only get stronger as the season goes by. The advantage goes to Revolucion.

Overall I think that Trollers will be able to win this one, but it should be a close game. I did forget to mention that this will be the first time JC is playing his former team and they might want to show him and the rest of the league not to think of them as a gimme game. 

 

Predictions

The first few weeks are always the hardest to predict since I don’t know all the teams that well yet. As the season goes on I get a better feel for who is who and what teams are capable of. Last week I went 2 for 3. Not suck a bad start to the season. This week here are the matchups remember bold is winners.

Outlaws vs Bitter Boys

4Simbas vs Henchmen

KOLB vs Gros Coqs

Revolucion vs Trollers NA

 

Power Ranking

Last week I ranked teams 1-8. I have decided to cut it to the top 3 from here on out. Last week was based off rosters and this week it is based off performance. 

#1) Trollers 

#2) Revolucion

#3) Outlaws 

I know I’m going to hear about this all day on Saturday but guess what if you don’t win you shouldn’t be in the top 3. Yes KOLB could have made it in with the tight loss but they got edged out by the team that beat them in OT. Henchmen choked it away and Bitter Boys played a team that I have no info on. So play hard next week and win and this list will be changing again.

 

Final Thoughts

I hope everyone enjoyed week 1. It looks like the completion level has jumped way up from last fall and this should make for a very fun and intense season. Everyone who is bringing bottles and garbage to the field with them needs to take it with them when they leave. Last week a big bag of garbage was left behind and it’s not cool. We get the field time from the ACES which is for kids and they shouldn’t have to pick up after us grownups. I don’t want to repeat this every week and after week 3 I will be talking to the commissioner about fining every team that played on that field or better yet have wins turned into losses. Get your acts together and stop leaving your garbage all over. Play safe have fun and see you all Saturday.

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