This week, I’ll be breaking teams into three categories: contenders, finals hopefuls, and Cinderella watch. Contenders are the teams I expect to win it all. Finals hopefuls are teams that can make a run and potentially take down a contender. Lastly, the Cinderella teams are those with the talent or experience to pull off an upset or two, in true March Madness fashion.

With only 66% of teams making the postseason, there’s still a tight race for those final playoff spots, with several teams fighting to crack the top 14.

To wrap things up, I’ll also have my final spotlight of the week featuring longtime friend Nelson Massa-Norville, who has made the transition from tackle football to flag, like many players across FPF.

Contenders

Bend Don’t Break (8-0)

Bend Don’t Break has proven all season that they are the best all-around team in 5B, and the question now is whether they can finish the job and win the championship. Even as clear favorites, their close win against We Ain’t Done With the 90’s showed that the gap may not be as large as their point differential suggests. Still, this team has the full package. Luke Moreau is a strong candidate for QB of the Year and even Two-Way Player of the Year, while Dominic Weidner and Jonah Lazarovitz are both in the mix for WR of the Year. Bend Don’t Break has been dominant all season long, and anything short of a championship would likely be seen as a disappointment, but the road to that title is easier said than done.

We Ain’t Done With the 90’s (7-1)

We Ain’t Done With the 90’s, the team that gave Bend Don’t Break a real challenge, sits second on my list of championship favorites. After falling short in the Division 6 final last winter, this group, led by Jamie Ojeaha, is looking to bounce back with a 5B title. The addition of Justin White might be the biggest move in the division, and he could be the piece that pushes them over the top. With nine interceptions on the year while also leading the team in yards, White has made a major impact on both sides of the ball. That said, I do have some concerns. If playoff teams limit turnovers and this defence isn’t creating interceptions, will the offence be able to keep up with higher-scoring teams? In Division 6, they were able to get away with it, but in 5B they are currently in the middle of the pack, averaging 26.3 points per game. Still, this is a team that has been to a final before, and there’s no doubt they believe they can get it done this time around.

Chateauguay Community College (7-1)

Sitting with the second-highest points per game at 34.8, CCC has had no trouble putting up points this season. Their only game under 30 came in Week 3, which also happens to be their only loss, showing how effective Zachary Gaudette has been leading a balanced offence. With six receivers over 20 targets, the ball is spread around well and this team can move it with anyone on the field. Defensively, they’ve also shown depth, with nine different players recording at least one interception. My main concern heading into the playoffs is how they’ll handle a mobile or patient quarterback. Dimitri Gilleron leads the team with just three sacks, and if they face a QB who can avoid turnovers and exploit that, it could become an issue. CCC has the talent across the board, and anything less than a top-four finish would likely be seen as a disappointment.

Finals Hopeful

Demons (7-2)

This team has a strong case to be considered a contender, but I have them just outside that tier as a finals hopeful. The main question is how their style of play will translate in the playoffs. QB Ben Eglencyan is excellent at evading rushers and consistently picking up first downs with his legs, but it remains to be seen if that will hold up against stronger competition. Their schedule has also been relatively light, with a surprising loss to Chomedey Chodes and a one-point offensive shootout against Chateauguay Community College. In that game, Neil Wright reportedly took over at quarterback midway through, so it’s unclear whether Eglencyan was injured or struggling. Still, among the finals hopefuls, this team arguably has the strongest case to win it all. Defensively, they’re just as dangerous, with three players ranking in the top 10 in interceptions, giving opposing quarterbacks multiple threats to avoid.

Angry Birds (5-1)

Angry Birds are a team that could easily move up or down this tier by the end of the regular season. They’ve only played six games so far, but have won every matchup since their season-opening loss to PSTM. Domenico Manno has done a much better job protecting the ball compared to last winter, and with Lucas Crivello, Alessandro Barazzoni, and Matthew Iuliano leading the offence, they’ve become a tough group to stop. Defensively, they’re also solid, with a rusher like Tristan Koutsoumbas who can make an impact. The biggest question is how this team will perform in the playoffs. They had a close loss to my McGill Swim Team earlier in the season, but they’ve improved since then. At the end of the day, playoffs are about getting hot at the right time, and this team has the experience to make a deep run.

Catch & Flex (5-2)

When this team is clicking, they play a very strong brand of flag football. Defensively, they’re well-rounded with players like Richie Mondesir, Dallas Odem, and Muyiz Idris covering all three levels of the field. Elijah Dupuy has also been a major factor with eight sacks on the season, forcing quarterbacks into quick decisions that often lead to interceptions. Offensively, Alex O’Neill leads the way and, with a 74% completion rate, has shown he can be efficient and make the most of every throw. My main concern lies with the offence, as only three players have over 10 targets in Mondesir, Idris, and Standly Williams. It raises the question of whether that trio is enough to carry them deep into the playoffs against stronger defensive units. O’Neill has also had a few uncharacteristic performances, including a game against We Ain’t Done With the 90’s where he seemed out of rhythm without any clear reason from the opposition. If he can stay composed and consistent, this team has the potential to make a deep playoff run.

Cinderella watch:

Deep Zone Penetrators (4-4)

Sitting at 4–4, Deep Zone Penetrators are an interesting team. They rank fourth in the division with 19 interceptions, showing their ability to consistently create turnovers. Yann Dika-Balotoken leads the way with seven interceptions, including a pick-six. Offensively, Samuel Langlais has been productive with 27 passing touchdowns and three rushing scores. On paper, their numbers don’t reflect a .500 team, especially considering most of their losses have been close. However, they’ve only faced one top-five team so far, which leaves some questions about how they match up against stronger competition. With games remaining against Angry Birds and Demons, their finish will say a lot. If they get into the playoffs, they could be a team that higher seeds won’t want to face.

McGill Swim Team (3-3)

My McGill Swim Team has had its ups and downs adjusting to Division 5. The roster is mostly the same group that was a final play away from a championship appearance last winter, but we haven’t quite played at that same level yet. It’s still been a transition, but the experience we have in playoff situations is why I have us on Cinderella watch. If we can make the playoffs as a lower seed, I believe we have the experience to pull off an upset or two. Nothing is guaranteed, but with four games remaining, we still have the opportunity to secure our spot.

South Shore Crashouts (3-5)

South Shore Crashouts are similar to Deep Zone Penetrators in that they have the potential to surprise a higher seed that might be expecting an easy win. First, though, they need to make the playoffs, as they currently sit outside the top 14. They close out the regular season against Les Mangeux de Beignes and the Jamaican Bobsled Team, and if they win out or even split those games, they’ll have a chance to get in, though nothing is guaranteed. The quarterback situation has been unstable, with five different players attempting passes, but I’d expect Justin Pace to take over moving forward, allowing Mathis Pilon to be used more effectively as a receiver or running back. Pilon can change a game on either side of the ball, with three pick-sixes while also leading the team in receiving. If I’m a top seed, this is not a team I’d want to face, especially if they have a full roster come playoff time.

Player Spotlight with Nelson Massa-Norville

For people who don’t know you yet, who are you? How did you end up playing flag football?

I’m Nelson, for those who don’t know me yet, and I’ve been playing in FPF for about two years. I ended up playing flag football just because of my love for the game of football. I grew up playing tackle football at Sun Youth and still wanted to play the game I love, which led me here. My brother was playing when I was a teenager, so that kind of gave me the motivation to start a team and play nowadays.

What’s something people wouldn’t expect about you?

People might not expect how competitive I am when I’m on the field.

How would you describe your game in your own words?

I’d describe my game as just balling and doing whatever it takes to make a play or a tackle. Just straight grit.

What role do you love playing, even if it doesn't shine?

Playing halfback is where I feel I excel the most. It may not get a lot of shine, but I always want to do whatever I can for the team to get the dub.

What’s one thing you’re trying to prove this season? 

One thing I’m trying to prove this season is that we’re here to stay and dominate.

Trash talker or quiet competitor?

You’ll hear me talk a lot of trash as that’s just in my nature.

Closing Remarks

Thanks to Nelson for being part of this week’s article. If you don’t agree with my take, I’m always open to hearing what you have to say so don’t be shy and approach me! As always, if you didn’t get a chance to respond or want to be included in future pieces, you can reach me on Facebook or Instagram @keyoncyrus.