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| Anthony Toma
October 7, 2009
4:15:57 PM
Entry #: 3298073
| October 11th and October 17th … Winners and losers… haves and have nots… Chy Cup Champion and “Others”. This Sunday October 11th marks the start of yet another Chy Cup playoff, and this year is shaping up to be incredible. While Yellow is the clear favorite, Black has come out of nowhere to be an absolute force, Blue is loaded with talent (but decimated by injuries), and Green simply will not be denied and overcame incredible odds to make the playoffs.
Game 1: Yellow vs. Green
Defending champ Yellow will look to keep the train rolling versus a very resilient Green team.
YELLOW: Yellow has weapons at every position, but are most dangerous at the QB position with coach Nate Karrumi leading the charge. Although he can’t throw (kidding, kidding) he has demonstrated that he will do whatever it takes to get the W. Yellow is loaded at receiver and lead by Stefan Kalabat who is still recovering from a basketball injury, Justin Orow, Ray Dawood, Middle Screen Sesi, and center Branden “50 YD PER CATCH AVERAGE” Yono. Karrumi has confidence in all of them and will spread the ball around to whoever is open. Yellow’s line is anchored by Derek Putrus and rookie Max the Sheker. Yellow’s D, led by all-world Nick Ammori, also boasts tons of speed and will be flying around. The Yellow DB’s will have their hands full with Green’s big play receivers, so the rush will be critical. Yellow has had some defensive lapses this season, but they will certainly be focused for this game Sunday.
GREEN: There are three words to describe the Green team – tough, tough, tough. They have overcome injuries- most notably losing two way monster Tyson Yono- as well as many other roadblocks on their way to the playoffs. The offense is lead by none other than Russ Smith, the CFL’s all time leading scorer (approximately 37,000 points ahead of 2nd place Chuck Shuck), who has once again delivered an incredible season under center. Russ and coach Uncle Bobby Semaan will have them organized and ready to roll- assuming Nolan Karrumi arrives before the 2nd quarter and has his football gear with him. Karrumi and Norm Yono make a very explosive receiving core for Russ to throw to, and Bob will also be a factor in the passing game (he always is in the playoffs), especially around the goal line. Nellie Bricko has filled in well at blocker for Tyson, but he will have his hands full with Yellow’s monster rush. At a glance, Green’s DB’s seem beatable, but Ray Loussia, Derek D., and Cousin Chris have held it down well and have not given up many big plays. Nonetheless, they will be tested. Look for athletic rookie reserve Derek Rabban to be a factor in this game. Green will need a near perfect performance to win this one and Bob and Russ are the right guys to orchestrate that. They’ve scratched and clawed their way to this point, and there is nothing more dangerous than a wounded beast. A word of advice to Yellow- punt it out of bounds or Norm will make you pay!!
Game 2: Blue vs. Black
BLUE: Blue coach Chris Zeer is making his first playoff appearance as a coach and he is poised to make some noise. Lead by Zeer, Tony Attisha, and a very hungry (both figuratively and literally) and motivated Dylan Putrus, Blue should be a force. Injuries have plagued Blue, however, losing two key veterans in Dennis Sarafa and Gabe Zawaidah, as well as rookie 1st round pick Bret Burlingame- who has not seen the field since week 1. Always solid Pete Rabban has once again made his presence known on both sides of the ball and he will be a factor on Sunday. Randy Narra will also contribute on both sides of the ball. As usual, the gameplan should be to throw the ball to Tony early and often. When he’s on top of his game there aren’t many that can slow him down. If Bret is able to play, Blue’s D will get a big boost. Otherwise, it will be up to the Blue rush to slow Tarik down. Blue has all the tools, its just a matter of depth and heart at this point since they are basically playing with no subs.
BLACK: We’d all be lying if we said we weren’t surprised where Black is today after an 0-3 start. But here they are, lead by coach Tarik Kama, associate head coach (behind the scenes) Chuck Shuck Dalou, and Offensive/ Defensive/ Special Teams/ Motivating Coach Mike “Shak” Esshaki. The difference that Shak has made to this team is astonishing. They are organized and ready to roll every week. Tarik Kama has had another phenomenal season at QB, and is anxious to prove he can take a team all the way as a coach. JP Namou has made tons of big plays for Black on both offense and defense. Black has won each week with a total team effort. Everyone is on the same page (thanks to their wrist bands) and they will leave their hearts on the field every week. Sinan will impact the game on both sides of the ball, and Ernest “come ‘on back” Yeldo also adds veteran leadership (and quite a few picks from the safety spot). Look for a total team effort from Black. If they stay poised and together like they have for most of the season, they are a very very dangerous squad.
In the Chaldean Football League, you are measured by championships. 40 guys will take the field this weekend with the goal of CFL immortality and the right to hoist the cup. Good luck to all!!
Joseph Jonna
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