3 FEB 07 Power Rankings

1. "Diamond Cutters"------ The Diamond Cutters of DC, solidified their patented teamwork and put the doubting Thomases in their place this week with another impressive showing over the Hawks and Conquest. Now, something needs to be said about one specific individual, with a "Southparkesque" tone, "Timmay." Apparently, he laid some good blocks on Conquests big men this week, thus cementing his presence as an intangible cutters playa. What about that chunky dude with Bulldog Jowls, who plays line next to RedRum? Is he part of the secret formula to give Strawman pass protection? In either case Strawman proved he can still play quarterback in lieu of the Gunn's absence. I wonder how long it is going to be before teams stop Zone Defense against the Cutters, and start double teaming Radar? Oh wait that won't work because now Mcgrath is catching TDs as evidenced by this weekend. Oh and forget about Jorge falling off his game, as I heard the crazy Dominican practices daily. Finally, Felipe again thrashed defenses this week, good luck Nova learn to play man if you expect to beat this team.





2. "Hawks" -----I don't know these two individuals names, see here: Hawks #81 and Hawks #23 basically, these two individuals along with QB Ottskie, who unfortunately hurt his leg, but seems to have virtual turbo boosts bring terror to the grounds of Nova. #81 is their Offensive threat, where #23 brings a defensive barrier akin to the cutter radar. One of the main reasons they lost to the Cutters can definitely be attributed to the fact that this team seems to go for it on 4th down, every time. These rugby dudes simply have never heard of punts, nor do they want to be associated with such strategies. The Hawks simply do not have respect for any Nova defenses to worry about punts, so far it worked...until the Diamond Cutters showed them their folly. Either way, this team is still #2 for speed and trickery.





3. “Conquest”---First things first, something needs to be said about the Qb situation. Ali or Jack Frost? Well, granted Ali took a month hiatus, but Jack Frost has not fully adapted to the cold as evidenced by last week's game against the Cutters (4 INTS). Nor, did Jack Frost show, that he was ready to show the threat of scramble. Granted, he was throwing against a skilled secondary, I'm beginning to think that its time for Ali to come back in because of his added skills in--unorthodox scrambling--and the ability to get hot. If Theo can get some assurances that ALi is going to stick around, the argument can be made that Ali is technically a Nova veteran since he has been around since May-June 06. I still recall the days that Ali and Gus Nunez decided to try out for the Maddawgs and Ali was looking at me and Dustin in pentagon City park like we weren't skilled. I said, "Ali--we arent the ones being tested, lets see you throw the rock."

Well, Ali did and he did not like the fact that Madcap was dropping some balls, and he thought Gus was horridly out of shape. Like most new players Ali also stated that he played in a cooler tackle league and that his boys were better than the best Nova had to offer. Apparently he has changed his mind. Either way, Ali has been around awhile now, and I think Theo needs to show some loyalty to the league and give Ali his starting spot back, period. The "Twins" and Athar are also good peeps, but anyone who doesnt have 6 months, is always searching for something else, maybe Im wrong, maybe they too have proven themselves playing in the frigid conditions. Either way, I will leave conquest at #3 as Maddawgs have not gained any power from last week.




4. Maddawgs------Shak'nBake Ron and Grover Cleveland are starting to show that they are becoming extremely valuable to the Maddawgs. Ron is getting better/smarter and showing toughness in the cold, looking for patient opportunities--with help from Evan and the wrecking ball for added protection. Evan continues to improve, as seen against the Field generals with the batted pass. Put a 5'6 guy versus a 6'5 and you can see Evan caused quite the problems against their Qb. Overall, this team continues to be a threat to the above three--and should be dangerous come playoffs. Lets not forget about Andy B as well helping the injured dogs, grover, kofi Levon and Tj, and Madcap rest until they recover fromt heir wounds.

5. "Nonamers"---- People have predicted it would happen, they would rise to the talent on their team. Despite their record, this team is looking dangerous. Of interest, one of their players "Nique" may be on the cutting board. Jason is beginning to see--that if he continues to show no discipline to the troops, they will march their happy asses to some pickup game. Intel sources say, that Nique decided to play pickup this weekend, and said screw the Nonamers. In the end, its quite possible that the Nonamers would pick up the vet--Julian and take away from lucian's pickup playerbase. He's a nova veteran--who believe it or not is a marine biologist that chills with jellyfish in a wetsuit all day. He can play all sides of the ball and is a great defender. As far as Nique, I think they will let him back regardles, which truly isnt fair for the team and the other receivers. Especially , since it seems Jason found his game again. Shout outs to notorious BH for doing what he can to assign defensive strategies to this team, because they are starting to click. Question did Gene show?

6. “Field Generals”---Last week was an abberation, because both Billy and Mitchell were missing. Somehow Roger coaxed Mike D to play for the Generals again, but more and more it seems the Upper deckers will give Mike D a starting offensive Tight End slot to lure him away. Question, is Roger an alien? When i talk to him, he seems like he is on an ethereal plane, hailing Venus--maybe its just me but he' a wierd sort.

This is a tough call for Mike D as he too thinks it might screw up league dynamics, by highlighting the fact that players have too much power and such a reality makes our tentative "trading" system negligible. San Fran hit it right when he said, "Players dont abide by trade guidelines as seen in Nova History,---look at the cutters, who coerced a Maddawg trade by pursuading Jorge to resign if the Dawgs didnt trade him---look at Mean gene who shows up when he wants, and doesnt abide by the trade system--willing to play for any team----look at Lucian and company just walking off the Field generals team---look at Dan the Man just joining the Merks cuz he felt like it." Finally, its posible Mike D will go right to Lucian's group if he can play QB every time. In the end, Im thinking this team should try Sean at Qb to see what happens, even though Mike is doing well, Sean is a faster mofo. Watch them try this change and see the Field Generals improve. ROger being injured hurts this team significantly.

7. “Upper Deckers”—This team now has a Qb who can scramble and throw--albeit while he is jumping, and they have a loyal player base. See the Upper deckers showing up with a bunch now? Anyways, this team laid an asswhoopin on the Sixteen Candles....and apparently it was so bad, that Big ROn just quit. Sources say, he just sat on the sidelines when it was 3-0. Then after the game Ron just walked of, because of the pain that encased his heart. Could the Upper Deckers destruction be the end of the Candles? Will COach D's play calling help this team with some upsets next week?

8. "Sixteen Candles"---This team has lost its battle with attrition and oppossing squads simply do this: If Del is Qb---guard Ron tight...and vice versa. The team doesnt seem to care if the rest of the members are happy as seen by several squabbles this past week. Why dont the candles recruit from the pickup pool? Will they show up next week? They seem to be less dangerous in the cold, but to a certain extent all teams are suffering from this malady, the Candles--are falling prey to desertion and need to make some cuts from players refusing to show up on time.


9. The Extrordinairres---The team still needs some organization, before it ever gets a real chance at beating the better teams. Some emerging players are showing up, but Im beginning to wonder if this team is all of the same family--as they all bare similar chin lines, hair and faces.



10. The “Mighty" Merks----The day will come when the Merks win their first game, and I expect Athar S, to take them out to Lima, so they can celebrate their win. Ather and the Quest, you have been there--losing allt he time, how about you let them have a win,--but make it seem like they played hard. I mean you have to have el sypatico compassion for this team. One of these days--they will pull the upset.