Word from the Mouth: Bombs Away! edition!

Word from the Mouth: Bombs Away! edition!

Kevin Kousaie

We were finally able to resume our winter season this week. It went off without any problems other than some sloppy play which was expected after three plus month off. This week we should have some nice weather again and a few extra games this week. The league has also scheduled a few tryout games, so if you know anyone interested in coming out and seeing what it’s all about get them to come out. We could always use more players and teams. The spring season is filling up fast and there are only a few spots left, though there still is plenty of room in Brossard.

 

Division 1 Recap

 

D#Nasty vs Joey’s Lovers (12-27)

As expected this game started off very poorly for both teams, guys couldn’t catch or seem to convert so the ball went back and forth for the first half and it was a close game up until then, but afterwards it fell apart for D#Nasty. Let me start by saying that D#Nasty only had six players and when you add in the time off it really showed. D#Nasty dropped balls that they would regularly catch and they were exhausted by the time the game ended. Steve did what he normally does and takes what the defense gives him and gets everyone involved in the game. I have always liked D#Nasty, but this season just didn’t work out for them.

 

Les Boys vs Joey’s Lovers (27-40)

Going into this one I had Les Boys winning and was I ever wrong. They didn’t look good at all and you could see the rust in their play. I think the biggest difference in this game was the fact that Joey’s Lovers had just played a game before so they were able to build off it. The big turning point in this game was before half with under one minute left and Joey’s Lovers having the ball in a tied game and they were able to go in and score leaving only one play left for Les Boys, then they got the ball back to start the second half and marched down and scored again making a tie game quickly into a two score game.

I also want to point out that Steve almost got a few delay of game penalties for taking his time to walk onto the field and get into his huddle, the clock is running and you might have the lead, but it’s a dick move to waste all that extra time and to not think the clock is running. Think about if you were down and the other team did that, you’d be pissed. Somehow with all this time off Joey became a star and in two game he had 4 catches, 1 TD, 2 1-point converts, 7 yards, and 2 tackles. You have finally reached your peak, time to hang it up and retire on a high note LOL.

 

Les Boys vs Henchmen (12-21) 

I flipped a coin to pick the winner of this one and the coin was right. Jon came out throwing a bomb to start the game off. Well was it really a bomb the ball only travelled 20 yards or so in the air before Kris ran it in the rest of the way. With all joking aside you could tell that the rest did Jon some good. His arm looked fresh and he even had a little zip on the ball. Les Boys played a better game in this one, but still dropped a few that they would normally catch. A few plays that really stick out to me in this one was a dropped pick from Kris along the sideline a muffed snap from Hugo where he was falling backwards and had he caught the snap would have been ruled down and lost six or seven yards and what ended up being the most critical play of the game which was a sack for a safety from Cat “Rib Eye” Boucher. Les Boys biggest enemy this week was poor clock management.

 

Power Rankings

 

#1- Henchmen

#2- Petits Phoques

#3- Joey’s Lovers

 

This is the last ranking of the season and finally Joey’s lovers have made my list. After last week I had to put them up they had a huge win over Les Boys who really struggled this week with two losses. Petits Phoques are at number two and with the week off I hope they aren’t too rusty next week. Henchmen just seem to find a way to get it done. They lost two players and found two very good players to replace them, can they keep it for the last week of the season?

 

Final Thoughts

I hope everyone is ready for the last week and this is where everything will be decided, who gets in for division 2 and what seed everyone is in division 1. It has been a very interesting season with so much still on the line. We will soon know everything that we need to and the playoffs are right around the corner.

Normally I tell everyone that this is a game and we are all out here for fun and exercise, but this week that all has to get thrown out if you want a shot at the title. Some teams are looking to get a favorable match up for next week and others are out there fighting for their playoff lives. I want to wish everyone playing this week good luck as well as the teams sitting at home hoping for a little miracle.

See you Saturday play hard stay safe and remember this could be your last game of the season so don’t hold back. 

Word from the Mouth: We're Back, Baby! edition!

Word from the Mouth: We're Back, Baby! edition!

Kevin Kousaie

Hello everyone and welcome back. I know it has been a hard few months with everything that is going on. I hope everyone was safe and were able to stay healthy. If you have been missing sports you won’t have to wait much longer. We are back baby and it’s about time. I know I have been missing watching sports and have been stuck watching crap that happened years ago. I have seen a few Korean soccer games, but really, it’s soccer and if I wanted to see acting I’d just put on a movie. Like most people

I have caught a little of the UFC, now all the stars want more money or they are retiring, fudge them all bunch of babies.

Who knows what’s going to happen with baseball? My bet is a strike. The owners want to keep too much of the profits and the players are going to get screwed. What should happen is that the owners should take the loss of income if they want a season. The players have contracts and should not play for anything less than a prorated fee. That is what should be done but that won’t happen watch and see.

The NBA is planning on 22 teams playing 8 games each and figure out seeding after that. The NHL are putting 12 teams in each conference in with top 4 getting byes. Both leagues should have ended their seasons and started planning for next season.

Oh, the Olympics, let’s postpone them a year, fine go ahead and do that. Then the Prime minister of Japan can say that even next year they might not be able to host them unless there is a vaccine. The sports world is all fudged up at the moment, but at least we are getting back to the game we love.

We should all thank Jon for what he has put together here and how he has been able to get us back faster than other leagues around. (ed’s note: I swear I didn’t write that!)

 

Division 1

 

This is where I would normally write about last week’s games, since we haven’t played in a while I will just be talking about each team a little and what to expect from them in the last few weeks of the season and playoffs.

 

Henchmen

Right now they sit at 6-1 and in first place. They still have two really tough games left on their schedule. This is an experienced team that is led by Jon at QB. Jon is great at managing the clock normally except this season he has Sam and Max who are able to score from anywhere on the field. The big draw back for this team is Jon and his arm strength, he has had a few months off so maybe he’ll be able to last 5 games (ed’s note: that’s arm constitution!). If they get down two scores early the ducks might start to fly and then it’s all over for them.

They will finish season 8-2

 

Les Boys

They are another team that is sitting at 6-1 with a little tougher schedule that Henchmen. This team is stacked with guys who can play whether it be tackle football or flag they are all pretty athletic. Fred is killing it on the offensive side of the ball he has more catches than the next two guys combined. Even when they have been down late Hugo has found a way to rally the team and get the job done, even if he had to do it with his legs. On defense everyone has made an impact one way or another with no one really separating from the rest.

They will finish season 8-2

 

Les Petit Phoques

They are 6-3 with one game left. I’m not really sure what to say about these guys looking at the roster they might be the best by far in the division. They are all quick, athletic and know what they can do. Dom is a threat to run at any moment and when he does have fun trying to get that flag. All this team needs to do is show up with their full roster and they could very easily be holding the title at the end. Let’s just hope they won’t pull what was done in the fall season.

They will be 7-3 when the season is over.

 

Joey’s Lovers  

Right now they are 4-3 with so much talent and yet so little success. They should be a better team than this and this is why I can’t stand Joey and his Lovers. Some people refer to Steve as the GOAT, or at least Andrew does, but Steve seems to be struggling with all the new guys on the roster. They have enough talent to win, they should feel lucky to still have a few game left to get it all together. I see them being one and done in playoffs. Sorry Joey another season and no title again.

They will finish 5-5 this season.

 

D#Nasty

This team is 1-7, what a disappointment. These guys struggled all season long. The field is wider that they are used to they had to deal with injuries, they are also playing stronger teams than they are used to. I will give them credit for sticking it out. They were in most games and with a break here and there they would be right there with the top teams. There a good team that the record doesn’t show. At least they were able to win a game.

They will finish with a record of 1-9

 

Ataboy

So far they are 0-8 will they get a win? This team should be disgusted by how they played this season, I know I am. Going into the season I thought they might be able to compete, especially since they played in Brossard in the fall as a team. I’m guessing they didn’t learn much over there. They have pieces to be able to win I just shocked that they can’t. JC needs to put the team on his back these last two games if they want to save a shred of dignity and get at least one win.

With that being said JC will pull it out and they finish 1-9.

 

That is it for Division 1 Looking forward to see you all out there this week.

 

Predictions

 

(ed's note: these predictions were from before the schedule change, but these games are still going to be played, so I left them up!)

 

I have decided to make my picks short, sweet, and right to the point this week. We have all missed football and now we get to see who I’ve picked to win after 3 plus month off.

 

Joey’s Loves vs Petit Phoques

They are younger and more athletic and this time off won’t make a difference to them.

 

Les Boys vs Joey’s Lovers

They are the better team with fewer weak spots.

 

Les Boys vs Henchmen

This is the first matchup this season between the two teams and I have them splitting their matchups so I flipped a coin for this one.

 

Henchmen vs Ataboy

Ataboy isn’t a good team and Henchmen will walk all over them in this one.

 

D#Nasty vs Ataboy 

Ataboy win and get their only win of the season no other reason than a coin flip.

  

Power Rankings

 

#1- Petit Phoques

#2- Henchmen

#3- Les Boys

 

This is how I had if before the break and why should it change now. All four playoff spots are locked in so does it really matter where you are all ranked in my rankings. Everyone should be looking towards the playoffs and figuring out the matchup they want and how to get it.

  

Final Thoughts

I hope that everyone is glad to be back it’s been way too long. This week we have moved to Parc Etienne-Desmarteau, so please make sure you know where it is. I also want to remind all the captains to check their emails on Saturday morning in case we have to change locations (ed’s note: if a change is needed, we are moving literally 2 blocks away to parc Sainte Bernadette, so it’s not a big change!). I will be at the field by 9 am so that the teams playing in the first game have a chance to get out and warm up beforehand. I want to thank everyone for reading. Remember to go out play hard have fun and be safe. See you all Saturday.

Dome Closure Due to Coronavirus

Jon Evans

Concordia University has informed us today that the Stinger Dome where we play our winter season games will be closed for the next 3 weeks, so unfortunately all games are currently suspended and we will inform everyone once the situation is updated.

 

Thanks for your understanding and patience.

Interview with the Mouth: Ball Dropping Frenzy Part 2

Kevin Kousaie

Questions for Stu

 

Q- What is it that you bring to this team to help them win?

A- I try to bring a positive attitude to the team and to the field every game and of course our wristbands

 

Q- What’s the biggest difference with this team to some of the others you have played on?

A- I’ve played a few great teams with a lot of great guys in the MFL over the years, but despite being-at 0-7, nothing but great attitudes and smiles on these guys great teammates.

 

Q- You are one of the nicest guys in the entire MFL and everyone that knows you seems to get along with you. Has there been any incidents where you weren’t the nice guy and got really mad at a player? What made you snap?

A- thanks Kevin, happy to say no incidents at all.

 

Questions for Guillaume

 

Q- What has been the hardest part about having new players every season?

A- What I find challenging in a (completely) new roster of players is having to reestablish a “playmaking” complicity within the personnel.

Carrying over a core of 3 to 5 players, from one season to the next, gives teams an advantageous collaboration between teammates.

I’m still learning 6 on 6 football. Connivance would be an important asset for a successful season.

 

Q- What is it going to take for you to evolve into a more consistent passer? One week you look like you have figured it out then the next you look completely lost.

A- I need to play more games at the position of quarterback. (20 or 30 more)

As I answered earlier in the interview, the speed at which the plays are developing is fast for me. Reading the defense takes me too long (1-2 seconds too long).

I try to compensate my reactions by throwing harder than necessary (eg: overthrowing, breaking the nose or fingers of my receivers)

I am not athletic enough (yet) to avoid the rusher with confidence and allow more time for the players to run their patterns.

I’m 41 years old and have been out (completely) of football (organized football) since I was 18....22 years. 

2 or three more seasons, then div 1 teams will be fighting over me to play for them.

 

Q- In the beginning you and your brother were on the same team, why did you guys split and go your separate ways? Was he jealous that you were the good looking brother?

A- That’s a question for my brother... 

He prefers playing in Brossard. Sunday is family day with my wife and kids.

Maybe he doesn’t want to play for an inexperienced quarterback

 

Questions for Dave

 

Q- We have played on the same team for years now, normally you play with more intensity. What has happened to it this season?

A- The intensity is always there, it’s my natural state on the field. But my occupations at work, at school, and at home take a wider space on my life than before. As you may know, growing kids takes a lot of time and energy. (ed’s note: this sounds like you’re growing them like plants, and this is what I will assume you are doing)

I didn’t play last fall for the reasons mentioned above and that’s why I’m a little rusty, but I hope I’ll be 100% in shape ready for the spring.

 

Q- If you could improve one thing about your football skill set what would you change and why?

A- When I was young, I played contact football for over 10 years including university in Mexico (yes sir, there is American football in Mexico, and it is very popular) and compared to my teammates, I was never the biggest or strongest, but I was fast. So, I think I would improve my game if I could recover some speed.

 

Q- Are you finding it hard to play at a lower skill level than you are used to? Normally you play division 1 with top teams and now you are down here in the lower bracket.

A- I am a sports addict; I play football and other sports as a therapy to maintain a balance in my life. Of course, I enjoy competing with the best and I like winning. As I told you before, I used to play football at a high level. But then I had a tough knee injury that took me out of sports for over 7 years. I just started playing again when this league started.

So now, every time I go on the field to play, I see it as a blessing and I try to enjoy it, regardless of the team I play with.  

 

I want to thank everyone for taking part, it was a lot of fun. See you all out there over the next few weeks. Good luck and have fun. Don’t get hurt, because you will only have a few weeks to recover spring season starts sometime in May.

 

 

My Picks Division 1

I was horrible with my picks this week and I got both games wrong. I’m not sure if it is because teams wanted to prove me wrong of if there was an error with the guys doing the scorekeeping. I know that Joey did the first game and he is out to get me, so there is that possibility. I did the second game and that just happened to be the game Joey was playing in. He did walk in with a stack of cash before the game and left pretty poor afterwards and that is the reason I gave him 1 catch for 3 yards as his stats in the game. Now let’s get to this week’s picks so I can redeem myself.

 

Les Boys vs Henchmen

This was a hard choice for me to make. Do I go with Jon and his slow work the ball down the field strategy or the big plays from Hugo and Les Boys. I am leaning towards Henchmen because it is easier to get short yards consistently rather than huge chunks at a time. Henchmen will win if they can keep it a close game and slow the clock down. In order for Les Boys to win they need to be on the same page defensively, have no blown coverages and if they can get up early and force Jon to throw deep they will win the game.

 

Joey’s Lovers vs Petit Phoques

I’m going to give a little respect here but not much. I have them picked to win but in order for that to happen they need to play like they did this past week. They will need another star performance from Joey and if Adam decides to show up and be the defensive star that would help. Should Adam show up maybe Marvin can see how to get a pick instead of a few PD. I found it really hard to pick against Petits Phoques. but every week different guys show up. If this was a playoff game it would have been an easy choice with Petits Phoques all the way, but it’s not.

Interview with the Mouth: Ball Dropping Frenzy

Kevin Kousaie

I have decided to mix it up a little with this week’s article, instead of one player from a team I have picked a few players from Ball Dropping Frenzy. I figured it was time to talk with a few of them and see what is going on with the team. I will be speaking with Dave, Guillaume, and Stu. They are all older players that have been around and have an abundance of knowledge about the game. I figure I’ll ask the group a few questions that are the same and a few that are just for them. Guess we will have to wait and see how this turns out.

 

Group Questions

 

Q- What have been the biggest struggles for the team this season? You guys have tons of experience and enough knowledge that you should be one of the better teams.

Stu- We really never played together before this winter so our biggest struggles have been getting to know each other’s weaknesses and strengths.

Guillaume- We’re struggling because I haven’t played up to division 2 standards. I’m too slow in reading the development of the play and finding an open receiver or open spot to throw to. The game is still a little bit fast for me. I also feel that I should be more athletic to compensate for my slowness.

I don’t believe that we have a “ton “of experience. I feel that we are 1 to 2 seasons away from achieving sufficient knowledge, to better understand the game and make the necessary adjustments to improve the success rate of our plays.

Dave- I was the last one joining the team because I came in late for the season and they had lost a player to injury. So, they accepted me and I joined after two or three games. You say we have tons of experience but, while some of the players had already played in the league, some others have less experience and we all are learning together.

The biggest challenges have been, perhaps, learning a new offensive system and also, each player has been discovering his/her own potential on defense.  As I mentioned, I was the last one to join, so I needed to know them and get used to play together with them.

 

Q- What changes need to be made to make this team successful?

Stu- I think with some full team practices and some time we could be stronger on both sides of the ball.

Guillaume- Other than playing more games with the same regular players, we don’t have to change much. We’re improving every week. Since week 5, we have been able to keep opponents within 8 to 16 points.

Dave- Compared to the beginning of the season, we have improved a lot on defense; we allow fewer points and yards than the first weeks. However, we still need to improve on intensity and don’t stop running until the whistle is blown.

On offense, if we all run our routes properly, for sure, someone will be open and our QB will have more options to throw the ball. At the same time, we might need to work on our strategy on key plays and red zone to capitalize with points the good work.

 

Q- Now that you guys are officially out of the playoff hunt are you going to play spoiler and beat some of the teams that are in the hunt?

Stu- Not too sure about spoiler, but a W before the end of the season will defiantly be nice for the team.

Guillaume- Yeah! We can spoil the fun for other teams!

Dave- You bet. We’ll continue to work hard for our first victory of the season and we’ll enjoy it of course. It would be the base to continue improving for later seasons.

 

Q- You get to pick any player in the division to help the team who are you taking and why?

Stu- That’s easy. TERRY BABALIS, He can wear out your entire defense in one run. Hands-down Terry, tired of chasing him.

Guillaume- I would not add anyone. We have all the talent we need, just have to keep getting better together. If anything, I would ask Stephen and Jon to teach me how to make quick reads and better decisions.

Dave- In the division there are many talented players and good athletes, but rather than taking players from other teams, I think I would work with the players we already have. If they get to master the fundamentals of the game and with some practice, some of our players could be dominant in some of the positions.

 

Q- Who is the team leader and what have they done to improve the team?

Stu- That’s tough. We have a few good choices with Dave or Mustafa, but I’ll go with Guillaume Maynard for putting together our playbook and giving us a chance to win every game.

Guillaume- I think Dave Cano as emerged as a leader in our team (along with Mustafa and Stuart). He gives all he has on every down and always is positive.

Dave- Our captain Mustafa took the risk and the responsibility of putting the team together. Also, every team needs a leader on the field commanding the offense, and that is Guillaume for us. He brought together a playbook and he tries to convince us about his ideas.

 

Q- What do you guys see as being the big difference in the young guys playing today than when you were growing up?

Stu- Gloves. Everybody wears gloves.

Guillaume- A lot more players with football knowledge and football experience today. When I was 18-25, football was starting to find its place in our culture. There were almost no organized leagues back then. Now, well...

Dave- I don’t see a big difference on them. The difference I see is that today there are a lot more opportunities to play the sport than some years ago (more leagues, more tournaments, more facilities, etc.) and young players have a wider choice.

 

Ed's note: This is a long interview, so we're dividing it over two days. Individual questions and Saturday's picks are up tomorrow!

Leagues
Montreal Flag Football League