SPORTS After a year of
SPORTS After a year of injuries, schooling, work obligations, homecomings, and weddings, a few former stars have found their way back into the Chaldean Football Federation (CFL) spotlight. After some brief time off, the league welcomes back “Dr. Daiwanna” Nolan Karrumi, “Acrobatic” Ernest Yeldo, “Lion hearted” Sinan Abdul, “Silky smooth” Ray Loussia, “Have a magical day” Branden Yono, and “Coach” Joey Kejbou. These additions loaded the draft with talent to supplement the phenomenal rookie class of last year. And at first glance the league looks deep with talent and evenly matched. The league is also sporting a new venue this year — West Bloomfield High School (sorry Eastsiders). play ball! Handicapping the Chaldean Football League BY JOEY JONNA BLUE Chris Zeer’s team has a whole new look this season and is looking to vastly improve the disaster of last season. And looking at his roster, he’s got the talent to do it. The additions of Nolan and Fadi to the Blue nucleus of Hawk and Dylan should give Chris all the firepower he needs. Look for Blue to run the ball often this season behind the best offensive line in the league — Dylan and Fadi blocking with Hawk in the slot. And with Nolan and second year playmaker Lance Samona on the outside, Blue can go vertical when necessary. On the defensive side of the ball, Mohawk will be manning the middle with Dylan leading the rush and Chris Zeer anchoring the defensive backfield. Steve Sagmani and speedy rookie Justin Saroki will also look to help the Blue D. Chris “I’m Nate’s brother-in-law and I run great middle screens” Sesi gives Blue a home run threat with his blazing speed. And Joe K will likely be snapping like he’s done so well for many years. WHITE Like Blue, White will also be looking to improve on a poor showing last season. With newlywed new coach Joey Kejbou leading the charge, they will be in a great position to do that. The big question mark for White this year will be the QB position, where league vet but first year QB Randy Narra will be lining up under center. All are anxious to see how he will stack up against real competition after a brief but extremely effective showing at the rookie game. The good news for Randy is that he can’t possibly play any worse than White’s QB from last year played. The other good news is he will have a war chest of big guns to throw the ball to. This ultra talented receiving core of Joey Kejbou, Ernest Yeldo and kind-of rookie Justin Orow should wreak havoc on opposing secondaries. And add the intensity of Lance Sitto along with the experience of Dennis Sarafa and JR Kizy to the mix and White should be strong. If Joey and Ernie can get back to old form and Randy can get them the ball, then White will be tough to stop. On the defensive side of the ball, Lance will be spending lots of time in the opposing team’s backfield. Rookie Mark Adamo will also be applying pressure on D and “I’ll bet you” that Chris Denha has another strong season in the middle. The D-backfield will be anchored by previously (and more than likely still) lockdown CB Kejbou. Athletic rookie Justin Orow will be on the other corner and Ernie will be over the top. Brandon Sitto will also contribute in the D backfield. BLACK If there is one thing you can set your watch to in the CFL it’s that Roy Sitto’s team will be in the playoffs. This year appears to be no different considering the fire power that Roy will have at receivers. Underrated JP Namou, who was cursed last year by having a QB who couldn’t get him the ball, will team up with CFL legend Karl Dalou and rising star Stefan Kalabat at receivers. “Go DEEP” will be a familiar theme in the Black huddle this year. And add “Associate Head Coach” to the list of names for “Showstopper” Jordan Rassan, who will undoubtedly impact every game in a variety of ways. Al “that was definitely NOT a hold” Abbo will return to a familiar place on the Black O-line and Joey Foumia will be applying pressure on the D-line. The Black D will again be strong despite the fact that the coach won’t play defense until the playoffs. Look for Gabe to work the middle while Stefan, Jon Sesi and JP hold it down in the defensive backfield. And versatile Nelson Bricko will make his mark somewhere after he returns from his honeymoon. Black has everything they need to make a serious run at the Chy Cup. YELLOW Are the inmates running the asylum? That is the question Yellow will face this year after flashes of brilliance last year. This loaded team, lead by All- World coach Natham Karrumi, expects to use the valuable experience from last year to blow the doors off this year. This year figures to showcase more of an aerial attack as opposed to last year’s predominantly running offense. Add “comebacker” Ray Loussia to an already super-talented receiving core of Acho brothers and Nate will have lots of options. Both Anthony and Tim Acho expect to build on last year’s impressive rookie campaigns. And with linemen like Derek Putrus and Sinan Abdul, Natham will have all day to 40 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2008
throw. DP will also be piling up sacks this season on the defensive side of the ball. The “Hulk” Justin Kasgorgis, Nick Ammori and Branden Yono will handle the rest of the defensive front. And look for Nate to line back up at corner this year where he, Marvin Yeldo and some combination of Achos will be tough to beat. Yellow has all the weapons they need and one more year of experience under their belts … look out! RED Anthony Toma’s team appears to have upgraded from the team that fell just short in the Chy Cup last year. Red will have familiar faces Ray Dauod, Tarik Kama, Brian Najor, Scotty George, Mike Toma and Bruce Toma all back from last year. Add Pete Rabban, Mike Zeer and the “Fearless” John Kattoula to that mix and Red looks like a juggernaut. Red’s offense will likely be similar to last year with Tarik and Ray making play after play and exploiting opposing defenses every way possible. It’s always hard to say who’s going to play where on Red, but one sure thing is that AT will use his personnel effectively. The Red D will be very tough like always, torturing opposing teams with a variety of looks and schemes. Look for very strong seasons from Pete Rabban and Scotty George who excel in AT’s system. And look for Brian Najor and Mike Toma to make lots of big plays like they did all of last year. The challenge for AT this year will be dealing with an aboveaverage amount of … let’s just say for lack of a better term … strong personalities. The huddles probably won’t be quiet, but no one is better at rallying the troops towards a common goal than AT. GREEN Bobby Seman and the Green Machine are back in full effect to defend their title. The key to that title defense will be the reigning CFL MVP Tony Attisha. Tony absolutely had his way with the league last year, posting record numbers and dominating on both sides of the ball. Also back from the Chy Cup team of last year are stars Tyson and Norman Yono, the best QB in CFL history Russ Smith, Bash “Wait, what time is the game?” Taki, and Ramy “Blah blah blah, blah blah blah, blah blah blah” Sulaimen. Key additions to the squad are Derek Dickow and Danny Shaba. The receiving core of Tony, The key to that title defense will be the reigning CFL MVP Tony Attisha. Tony absolutely had his way with the league last year, posting record numbers and dominating on both sides of the ball. Derek, and Norm plan to shred defenses like last season. Look for “oily” Derek D to have a huge year in a reunion with Russ. And Russ, coming off a monster year, has the “good problem” of finding ways to get all these weapons the ball. With Bob and Tyson blocking, there will be plenty of time to distribute the ball. On the defensive side, Tyson and Norm will be using their crazy combos of speed and steroids … er, strength … to make offenses miserable. Ramy and either cousin Chris Roumayah or Bash will round out the defensive front. Tony and Diddy will hold it down on the corners. Green is the early favorite to repeat as champs and are loaded again on paper. But like they say, the game ain’t played on paper and the rest of the league will be bringing their “A” game every week and looking to dethrone them. S U B S C R I B E ! SUBSCRIPTIONS DUES 12-Month subscription I wish to subscribe to the Chaldean News for 12 issues Please fill in your name and address below: Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________ State _____ Zip _____________________ Phone ______________________________ E-mail _____________________________ Please mail the form, with a check made payable to: The Chaldean News, Attn: Subscriptions 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 PHONE: 248-355-4850 www.chaldeannews.com AUGUST 2008 CHALDEAN NEWS 41
