SEMIFINAL PREVIEW – Intermediate
NATIONAL FLAG RANKING
As flag football continues to surge in popularity across Canada, one of the most anticipated events of the spring calendar is just around the corner.
From May 9–11, Concordia University Stadium in Montreal will play host to the 2025 National Flag Ranking 5v5 Flag Football Tournament — a marquee event bringing together multiple talent levels from across the country in what promises to be a weekend of high-intensity competition and community celebration.
Divisions for All Ages and Levels
The tournament features a wide range of divisions catering to youth and adult players alike. For younger participants, co-ed brackets include 10U through 16U, with additional girls-only categories at each age level. Adult divisions include Men’s Pro, Men’s Gauntlet (with tiered skill levels), University, Ladies Only, and Co-Ed/Mixed, where teams must field at least two female players at all times.
The format guarantees every team at least four games — three pool play matchups followed by a single-elimination playoff bracket. Games are fast-paced, with 24-minute run time clocks and just one minute for halftime. Adult games will be played Friday and Saturday evenings, while youth games run Saturday and Sunday during daytime hours.
Organizers are clear that division sizes are capped. Once filled, additional teams will be placed on a waitlist. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
Hardware and Cash on the Line
In addition to competition, teams will be playing for prizes. Champions in the Men’s Pro Division will earn a $1,500 cash prize. Other adult divisions, including University, Ladies Only, Gauntlet, and Mixed, will see $500 cash prizes awarded to winning teams. Youth division champions will also receive rings.
A Weekend Worth the Trip
With the tournament taking place in the heart of Montreal, teams are encouraged to treat the event as a full-team experience. For many squads outside of the city, this tournament presents an opportunity to blend competition with camaraderie — and enjoy the sights, culture, and food of Montreal along the way.
Registration Now Open
The entry fee for teams is $375 CAD, with rosters capped at 12 players and 2 coaches. Teams must carry a minimum of six players to be eligible. Registration is available now at NationalFlagRanking.com
Youth divisions will require age verification, and any attempts at roster manipulation will be met with strict disciplinary action. National Flag Ranking has emphasized its commitment to fair play and competitive integrity across all divisions.
SEMIFINAL PREVIEW –
After dominant quarterfinal wins, the table is set for a great showdown between X-Men and Primal—two of the most explosive teams in the division. These squads are no strangers to one another, having split their two regular season meetings, each winning by a single score.
X-MEN (7-3)
Last Meeting: Def. Primal 27-26 (Week 14)
Quarterfinals: 46-0 win over Gamblers Anonymous
What They’ve Done Well:
The X-Men boast one of the league’s top statistical quarterbacks in Noah Swaminadhan, whose 123.7 QB rating, 38 touchdowns, and 69.8% completion percentage have powered an amazing offense. His chemistry with his receivers Zack Sebestyen (991 yards, 20 TDs) and Justin Swaminadhan (761 yards, 13 TDs) is on full display. Defensively, Zack Sebestyen leads the team with 6 interceptions and 28 tackles, making him a two-way threat.
This team is peaking at the right time. After an inconsistent middle stretch, they’ve won three straight and just had a playoff shutout.
What They Need to Do to Win:
- Throw It: Noah’s been sacked 24 times—more than any other QB. If Primal and Dorcely bring pressure, the offense could stall.
- Spread the Ball Efficiently: Though Zack and Justin are top-tier options, getting more out of secondary targets like Alessia Rotiroti and Felix Renaud could break open the game.
PRIMAL (6-4)
Last Meeting: Lost to X-Men 26-27 (Week 14)
Quarterfinals: 38-18 win over Five Guys
What They’ve Done Well:
Led by Mederic Lauzon, Primal has quietly become one of the most dangerous playoff teams. Lauzon’s efficiency and poise (28 TDs to 5 INTs) have been easy to see when he plays. Jean-Philippe Régnier (585 yards, 14 TDs) is the go-to target, while Antoine Chabot (478 yards, 9 TDs, 19.9 YPC) brings a big-play element.
Defensively, Alexandre Roel and Chabot lead a great defence with 9 combined interceptions. They’ve also been opportunistic in the red zone and score off turnovers—something they’ll need to replicate against the high-powered X-Men offense.
What They Need to Do to Win:
- Capitalize on Turnovers: The X-Men can be vulnerable to mistakes when under pressure. If Roel, Chabot, or Shelder Valéry can create takeaways, Primal will have the short fields it needs.
- Control the Tempo: Slowing the game down to limit the number of possessions for X-Men could be a difference-maker. Sustained drives with short-yardage success will be key.
This will be the third and most important chapter in the X-Men–Primal trilogy. The margins have been razor-thin in each contest, and both quarterbacks are capable of putting up 5+ scores in a blink.
The X-factor might be defensive discipline. If either team gets rattled by deep strikes or gives up preventable scores, that could open the floodgates.
Prediction: X-Men 34 – Primal 32
It’s hard to bet against the top QB in the division with the best WR duo in tow. But Primal has the talent and firepower to pull off the upset—if they can force mistakes and convert in the red zone.
SEMIFINAL PREVIEW
BLEUE DRY 7.1 (8-2)
Why They’re Dangerous:
This team is a well oiled machine. Led by QB Frédéric Juneau, Bleue Dry 7.1 scored over 35 points per game while allowing the fewest points in the division. Juneau’s chemistry with his receiving corps is elite — with five receivers over 300 yards, this unit is deep, versatile, and capable of burning defenses in every way.
Giovani Antonacci (541 yds, 17 TDs) is a red zone menace and also leads the team with 6 interceptions on defense. Samuel Sicard and Yvan Desjardins stretch the field, averaging over 15 yards per catch. On the other side of the ball, Bleue Dry thrives off turnovers — 17 INTs between Antonacci, Sicard, Desjardins, and Eric Namts.
Keys to Victory:
- Control the pace: CTE can score in bunches, but Bleue Dry is built to grind out drives and play mistake-free football. Keeping the tempo methodical favors them.
- Keep Barazzoni guessing: Mixing up zone looks and baiting throws in the middle of the field will be crucial to disrupt CTE’s QB rhythm.
CTE (5-5)
Why They’re Dangerous:
Statistically speaking, no one slings it like Barazzoni. He leads the division in passing yards and attempts, and despite some turnover concerns (15 INTs), he can light up any defense on any night. CTE dropped 42 points in the quarterfinals and looked in rhythm — fast, aggressive, and confident.
Their receiving corps is deep and experienced. Nicholas Gomes-Risso is the big-yardage guy (574 yds), while Sebastian Gomes, Anthony Lazzara, and Massimo D’Ipolito have proven reliable targets who know how to find soft spots in zone coverage. They don’t rely on a single playmaker
Keys to Victory:
- Protect the football: Bleue Dry thrives on takeaways. Barazzoni must be smart with the ball, especially in tight windows and on broken plays.
- Attack vertically: Bleue Dry has a strong defense, but their few weaknesses show up on deep crossers and sideline shots. CTE has the athletes to test them there.
Prediction: Bleue Dry 7.1 – 40, CTE – 32
Juneau’s offense is too efficient, too balanced, and too experienced to bet against. But don’t count out CTE — they’re the kind of team that can catch fire at the perfect time.