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| Derek D
October 24, 2011
2:44:55 PM
Entry #: 3823435
| 2011 CFL Championship Game Preview
By Derek Dickow, CFL Commissioner
Another year of excitement, expectations, trades, missing teeth, cracked ribs, bruised egos and football – and it all comes down to this.
Football fans of the community, please join your family and friends for the 2011 Chy Cup Championship Game 8:00pm this Saturday, at West Bloomfield High School.
Team Black, 6-5, coached by Tarik Kama, beat the one seed Team Green and a squad filled with speed and quickness. Their reward is a championship matchup against the defending champs in Team White, 7-4, coached by Joey Jonna.
Black has the tools
In their final game of the regular season, in a must win situation, they were able to beat Team Red on the final play of the game. When asked about the team’s energy and ability in the playoffs, Kama said, “Red woke up a sleeping giant, and everyone is feeding off each other”.
When asked what Kama thought about playing White for the Chy Cup, “these (teams) are the best matchups to ever play in the CFL, two great QB’s and defensive minded teams.”
The veteran Kama has been an explosive and versatile player his entire career. He can break down a defense and score on a quarterback keeper on any given play. He’s got the weapons and skills, but the question of late has been, can he finish?
Arguably the best lineman in the game, CFL All Pro Dylan Putrus, is looking for his first Chy Cup win. He will protect Kama along with a rotation of veteran Bash Taki and Joey Foumia, who will also provide a strong rush. Derek Rabban adds speed and quickness at the center position and can get behind the defense in a hurry.
Kama will throw to the ageless wonder and CFL Legend Karl Dallou. Known by many nicknames to many people, and different kinds of people, he gets the job done year in and year out and has five Chy Cup wins. He is Kama’s go to guy in the clutch and for good reason. “Shuck, I got it shuck.”
Kama will also find rookie of the year candidate in Andrew Shango. Shango proved that when he gets to the field on time, he can contribute to his team. But Kama’s primary target on this night will be star John Paul Namou. JP has been the most consistent receiver Kama has in terms of route running, spacing and sure hands. Look for JP to have a great game on both sides of the ball if Black wants to win.
Kama adds reserves Vinny Kejbou and Paul Kejbou to fill in at times for Steve Sagmani and Chris Denha who are both out with season ending injuries.
Defending champs, business as usual
“Battle is a good word to describe our season. We started off hot at 4-0, and three of those wins went right to the wire, (on the) last play and last drive. The second half has been different, but we have played for each other and picked each other up and those values came to the surface yesterday”, said Jonna.
Having won it all last year after a two-year retirement for White, Jonna elected to make minor tweaks to his lineup. He protected his core, including team and arguably league MVP, in Jordan Rassam. Rassam is an All Pro Lineman who is strong and fast enough to warrant the punt return duties as well. Rassam must be accounted for on both sides of the ball is no stranger to the big stage or playing under pressure. CFL Legend and 26-year veteran, Ramzy Kizy, Jr., will also protect Jonna from the line.
Jonna’s primary target is his star wideout Tim Acho. Acho provides length and speed and has been Jonna’s favorite receiver all year. Look for Acho to spread the defense enabling Jonna to find second year star Mike Sesi, another deep threat. Playing the slot receiver and linebacker is Nick Hermiz, who is pound for pound the toughest player in the league. Jonna will find center Danny Shaba on important conversions to keep drives alive.
Defensively, Lance Samona, has been a valuable piece for Team White. His ability to read opposing QB’s has given the White D the extra push they’ve needed all season. Derek Dickow plays at the linebacker position along with Hermiz and will add energy and effort along with veteran Brain Najor. Najor will rush on the opposite side of Rassam and will look to contain the left-handed Kama.
Chy is good for the body
Expect to see a very tough battle between these teams, especially at the line. There is no shortage of speed, strength or experience and that will factor in for the winner of this matchup.
The team that wins will pull flags, limit mistakes and outscore their opponent. Or as Dallou would say, “come on shuck, unbelievable, brashed baba to me, in my opinion, go to sleep.”
Preview Notes
The league started prior to 1981, but this is the 31st Annual Chy Cup game.
You do not want to miss Noor Toma singing the National Anthem at 8:00pm sharp.
The WCFL Championship Game will be played at 6:00pm
Team Blue, Coached by Dani Jajou and Captained by Linda Zetouna vs
Team Black, Coached by Tyson Yono and Captained by Francesca Kesto
Concessions will be available and donated by Papa’s Pizza and Absopure Water.
Donations are graciously accepted at the gate and all proceeds raised from this event will benefit the Team Jen Cancer Foundation.
About Team Jen:
TEAM JEN CANCER FOUNDATION was founded July 2011 by a group of girls that called themselves "sisters through Christ". Their dear friend and sister, Jennifer Yatuoma, was diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago and has been nothing but a positive and great person to all. This foundation is a way to reach out to friends & families who have been affected by such a terrible disease. The word CANCER should never scare anyone it should ONLY make them stronger. Be the army of support for others. Helping should come from the Heart. We appreciate life so much more when we can make a person smile. A cancer patients’ only wish is to be cured by the grace of God. With that Grace comes angels such as ourselves to make sure they are stress free and mentally strong. Prayers go out to everyone who has lost someone with Cancer or continuing to battle Cancer. There are soldiers who are out there fighting for their lives that need us more than ever! God Bless. Thank you so much for the support and love!
With questions & donations please contact teamjen302@gmail.com
For more information on Team Jen, visit facebook.com/teamjencancerfoundation
For more information on the CFL, visit www.chaldeanfootball.com
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