|
| Derek D
October 17, 2012
10:59:48 AM
Entry #: 3994713
| Chy Cup Preview
By Derek Dickow, CFL Commissioner
New Champs in 2012
This year brings one guarantee for the CFL - there will be a new champ. Two teams, who took care of business in the playoffs, will play for the ultimate sport trophy in our community – the coveted Chy Cup.
Team Black, led by coach and quarterback Tarik Kama, is making their second straight appearance in the championship game against Team Red, led by coach and 25 year veteran Anthony Toma.
Two Different Styles
Black started the season with predominantly the same roster from last year. “Most of the players on my team have been the same for the past three years,” said Kama. In fact, many of his core players have been with Kama for longer.
All league lineman Dylan Putrus, star John Paul Namou and the incomparable Karl Dallou (aka shuck, aka Chuck, aka the perm, aka ok you’re off, aka you’re the richest) give Kama consistency and talent at their respective positions.
Kama offered, “We added Derek Putrus and that gave me a chance to get free with extra protection. Our offense averaged 26 points per game and clearly we were able to move the ball, but our defense has been solid as well.”
Red developed their magic the old fashioned way. In a pivotal preseason move, Toma traded away quarterback Russ Smith, the greatest quarterback in the history of the CFL, for two way electric star Max Sheker.
“Comparing the other coaches’ rosters, I thought having an impact player was important for our team. Quarterback Chris Zeer was coming back (after a shoulder injury) and that allowed me to entertain a trade. I waited on Zeer and that was a huge benefit for us. Plus I thought there was value in having a two way player like Max,” Toma said.
He continued, “I made another trade with Blue that went in my favor and we haven’t lost a game since.” Toma’s strategic trades and effort by example have helped propel his team into the championship game.
Quarterback Breakdown
Kama has proven to be a deadly quarterback in his career. He can make all the throws, has the ability to throw on the run and can beat you with his quickness. His receivers are the same from last year and they know what their quarterback’s tendencies are. An observation on Kama is if you get to him early he can get flustered and will try to force throws.
Zeer, on the other hand, is a traditional pocket passer. His preference is to drop back, let plays develop in front of him and hit his targets. This has been the most talented receiving core Zeer has had in recent memory and he is taking nothing for granted. A common perception of Zeer is he relies on the deep ball and has trouble finding his check downs.
Quarterback Advantage: Black (but slim)
Offensive Weapons
Black’s receivers are comfortable in their role no matter who their QB has been this year. Kama will throw to Namou and Dallou on important possessions and spread the field with second year star Andrew Shango. He will also look to his center, though that job is split between Peter Namou (younger brother of John Paul Namou, bert Nabil) and Derek Rabban at times. Kama is also not afraid to use brothers Derek or Dylan Putrus on lineman releases, as both are capable of making plays.
Zeer will throw to veteran Joey Kejbou, athletic Stefan Kalabat and playmaker Pat Kinaya. Pay attention to the line because Zeer will find Sheker as well. Sheker provides a solid forth option for Zeer as a blocker, but also has the speed to go the distance. Zeer will also find his center and coach Toma on important possessions. Providing time, space and holding down the defensive rush for Red has been league favorite Fadi Gulli. Gulli is a crafty a lineman and can be an important option to Zeer on release plays.
Advantage: Even
Defense Wins Championships
Black features a formidible defensive rush with the likes of Dylan Putrus and veteran Joey Foumia. They will bull rush Zeer and try to force him out of the pocket and out of his comfort zone. Black splits the field with the speedy Derek Rabban and Peter Namou at the linebacker position and in short zone coverage. Playing in the backfield and expected to makes plays on Zeer’s deep throws are John Paul Namou, Dallou and Shango.
Red does not have a typical lineup on defense – they are built more like an all-star team. At the rusher positions they feature Sheker and impact player Aws Ayar. Ayar attacks the quarterback using his feet and strength and must be accounted for. Coach Toma splits the field with fan favorite Norman Yono, Jr., who provides football IQ at the linebacker position. Veteran Bash Taki will also assist in the short zone cover two scheme, and in the backfield are Kejbou, Kalabat and Kinaya.
Advantage: Red
Although I give a slight edge to Red, we expect a great game. There is no added pressure or influences needed whether you are a player or a coach. This is the CFL and when you are playing for the Chy Cup that in itself is a huge honor and thrill. This Saturday a coach that hasn’t won the Cup is going to win.
It’s going to be a great night for football.
Team Black: Record 9-2
Coach: Tarik Kama
Dylan Putrus
John Paul Namou
Karl Dallou
Andrew Shango
Derek Putrus
Derek Rabban
Peter Namou
Joey Foumia
Reserve: Paul Kejbou
Team Red: Record 8-3
Coach: Anthony Toma
Pat Kinaya
Max Sheker
Joey Kejbou
Norman Yono, Jr
Chris Zeer
Stefan Kalabat
Aws Ayar
Fadi Gulli
Bash Taki
Reserves:
Pat Kashat
Andrew Boji
|
