| Anthony
November 1, 2007
9:21:59 AM
Entry #: 2450297
| IT'S FINALLY HERE… WIN OR GO HOME! CFL Playoffs 2007
November 1, 2007 - 09:00 AM --
October 31, 2007- Ahhh, football in November. Plenty of story lines surround this year’s CFL Playoffs- Can AT get his first Chy Cup as a coach? Will the Green Machine rise again? Will the Acho’s be on the field Sunday morning? Will Roy call his team to let them know they have a game Sunday morning? We’ll soon find out…
Game 1: Red vs. Yellow
The big question here is “Will the Acho boys play?”. Coach Karrumi has been able to field a competitive team without his 1st and 3rd Round picks, but there is no doubt that their athleticism and big play ability will be missed against an all around solid Red team. Red has virtually no holes on either side of the ball. If Ray Dawood shows up by gametime and Tarik avoids injury, they will be very tough to beat. Karrumi and Yellow, on the other hand, have played most of the year short handed. But speaking from experience- “Don’t ever count Nathan’s team out!”. Nate, behind his monster line, has had multiple come-from-behind victories this season and has played some of his best ball in crunch time.
QB- This game features the two most athletic QB’s in the league. Tarik is virtually impossible to beat when he’s in a groove but the true test will be if things don’t go his way early. Nathan has consistently put up points with his arm and legs, but this is his first playoff game under center. EDGE: RED
WR’s- This obviously depends on the health of the Acho boys. You know what you’re getting with AT and Ray, and that’s consistency and a home run threat. What has surprised everyone though, is the play of rookies Mike Toma and Lance Samona. If the rookies make plays when given opportunities (Tarik throws to them once or twice a game usually) then Yellow will have their hands full. Yellow’s combo of Achos plus Nick Ammori and Chris Sesi is very athletic and they lit up the scoreboard when they were healthy. But unfortunately for Yellow, their status is unknown. EDGE: RED
LINE- Red’s combo of Bruce Toma and Brian Najor easily makes up the best receiving lineman in the league. Najor is one of, if not THE favorite target of Tarik. But Yellow’s line is just plain physical. There were run plays this year where Yellow ran the ball and Derek Putrus and Fadi Gully hit three guys a piece. EDGE: YELLOW
DEFENSE- Injuries and uncertainty again come into play for Yellow. When healthy, they are scary fast and athletic. But with looming injuries to the Achos, Derek Putrus, and Joey Foumia, Yellow better have a good scheme. Red’s D on the other hand is tough year in and year out. They are always prepared and always seem to be in the right position. Scotty George has been an absolute terror for QB’s this season. And AT and Ray are two of the best flag pullers in the league. EDGE: RED
COACH- Karrumi has overcome huge adversity this year with injuries, player disputes, and 6 rookies on a 10 man roster. But still they were competitive each and every week. That is good coaching. But still, there is no substitute for experience. AT’s team will be prepared and focused. EDGE: RED
Game 2: Green vs. Black
The Green Machine is back! Green steamrolled through the regular season with a full cast of superstars and legends. Tony has dominated both sides of the ball like the league’s best player should. And Chuck, Ty, Norm, and Bob do nothing but make plays. But the story of the year has been the play of 28 year old Russ Smith. Russ has made play after play, read after read, and adjustment after adjustment. Simply put, he has been brilliant. Black, on the other hand, has had their ups and downs. But despite their difficulties, Black is loaded with talent. Both Roy and the Showstopper play their best ball in November, and that makes Black scary. But they can only do so much so it will be up to game breaking rookies Stefan Kalabat and Justin Kasgorgis if an upset is going to happen.
QB- Both Roy and Russ have loads of playoff experience and that will show come Sunday. But Russ has been unstoppable all year long and there is no reason to think that won’t continue. EDGE: GREEN
WR’s- Black has plenty of talent at this position with Derek D, Justin, and Stefan. Derek proved last year that he can shine on the big stage, but the real key for Black will be the big play ability of Kalabat. We’ve all seen flashes of brilliance and plays where it looks like no one can cover him- but we’ve also seen a couple of deep balls go off his fingertips. But the true test will be what happens from here on out. Green is crazy loaded. Shuck is consistent and never drops the ball (even when he shows up to the field plastered). Norm has been getting open and busting off long TD runs after the catch. And Tony has been nothing short of amazing catching everything near him. Edge: GREEN
LINE- There is a reason they call him the Showstopper. He’s a fierce blocker and his hands are glue. And Al Abbo is always solid. But the speed and strength combo of Bob and Tyson is just too much. EDGE: GREEN
DEFENSE- Black has the talent and potential to be the best D in the league. The question is will they be. I expect Jordan and Justin to wreak havoc on their rush. Roy will throw himself in at LB/ Rush and he’ll make plays. And Derek, Stefan, and Sesi is a strong DB combo. If they can put it together, they can slow down the Green machine. Green has been steady on D all season, making all the necessary plays. EDGE: EVEN
COACHING- Bob has probably had three team meetings this week along with numerous game planning sessions. Roy doesn’t even know half of his team’s phone numbers. But Roy is one of the best game day coaches there is. If he gets a fast start, look out. Still, Green has a whole coaching staff with Shuck, Russ, and Tony to go with Bob. EDGE: GREEN
Hopefully there will be two close, hard fought games this weekend. Chy anyone?
Joey Jonna
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