We are back into another week of flag football in Division 4A. With 16 teams in this division, only 12 will make the post season. For this week, I will take the teams seeded from 11 to 16 and give them a probability of whether I feel they can make the push to claim their spot. Following that, I have a player spotlight with Rick and Marty’s rusher, 6ft 7 Michael Schiller. A good friend of mine, teammate and sometimes opponent, we will get to know the tallest rusher in FPF today.

Playoff Watch

11-seed Rick and Marty (3-4)

Opponents Remaining: Dak To The Future, Trapstars, Bible Study

Probability: 85%

Probably the safest team in the hunt is Rick and Marty. It’s unfortunate as they were getting close to full strength and Schiller is now out for a few weeks recovering from a dislocated finger. They only need one win out of the three remaining games and I can see a victory over either Mofos or Bible Study to clinch a playoff berth.

12-seed Ball Hawks (2-6-1)

Opponents Remaining: Ducks

Probability: 30%

Ball Hawks sit with the final playoff spot but they would either need to beat Ducks and even if they win it’s not a guarantee as other teams below have more games to be played. The tie to Ambush also hurts as missing the extra point can be the reason a team jumps them.

13-seed Bible Study (2-5)

Opponents Remaining: Dak To The Future, Ambush, Rick and Marty

Probability: 40%

The Bible Study offence started strong and as of late, it’s cold and non-existent. They do have three games remaining and only trail Ball Hawks by a single point. Evan Vavinis will need to get back into his early season run and if you have to throw it to Rocco Christiano every play, it might lead to that. The game against Rick and Marty might be their win and get in scenario depending on how things play out.

14-seed Nighthawks (2-7)

Opponents Remaining: Snowdon Deli Degens

Probability: 15%

The best offence out of all these fringe playoff teams but their defence hurts them. If they don’t beat Snowdon Deli Degens, their season is over. If they can pull the upset, they will hope that they will be tied with Rick and Marty as they don’t have the tie-breaker over Bible Study. They also only have one game remaining so there’s not much they can do but root for the teams facing their competition.

15-seed Team Ethnik (1-5)

Opponents Remaining: Ducks, Mofos, The Last Chance, Dak To The Future

Probability: 65%

Team Ethink sits at 1-5 but the reason why I give them a 65% chance is because they only face one top 8 seed to finish the season out of four games. It’s possible they go 0-4 in that stretch but if they can win 2 games, it will come down to if the teams ahead of them can lose their remaining games. If they can win 3 of their final 4 or better, then it should be enough to clinch one of the remaining spots.

16-seed The Last Chance (1-7)

Opponents Remaining: Mofos, Team Ethnik

Probability: 10%

The Last Chance is on a similar path as Team Ethnik but they have two less games to do so. They also face Team Ethnik in Week 13 so it’s possible either it’s the biggest game of the season for them or they are playing spoiler. Before we get there, a must win over Mofos is needed for any chance of a playoff berth.

Q&A with FPF’s Tallest Rusher Michael Schiller

What’s your story with flag football?

Football has always been my favourite sport. I used to play flag when I was younger  but stopped playing for a long time. My elder brother was one of the first members of the FPF league back in the day so when I got the invite to make a team with my friends I was excited to join.

What’s one thing people should know about you before watching you play? 

Expect the unexpected. Whether it’s trash talk that makes you take a double take on the drive home or a jump ball over 3 people, I’m gonna make you think about the game when you leave the field.

What’s something you’re still working on?

I’d say I’m still working on all aspects of my game, I want to keep getting better at everything. Specifically body control on the sidelines for deep balls. Given the fact that we play on so many different fields. Maintaining an awareness of the sidelines and where I am on the field when coming down with the ball is something to keep working on.

What’s something football has taught you about life?

I think Football is an amazing teacher for how to treat your friends and how to make new ones. Learning how to best communicate with your teammates and devise a strategy calmly while losing or under pressure is a great way to learn communication skills that can be applied in the real world.

What separates you from other players at your position, outside of your height? 

My focus on the small details. I don’t care if I’m running a 5 yard hook 10 plays in a row, I’m gonna give my defender a different release every time. I love the game within the game. There’s nothing more satisfying than being a rusher and hearing the opposing quarterback complain, or the fear in their eyes when I tip the ball for a pick. I think my intensity and focus on the little things is what separates me from the rest. 

How would your teammates describe you?

I consider myself a hype man for whatever team I’m on. I’m gonna keep talking trash and hyping my team up even if we’re down by 50. If we need a big play they know they can count on me to put my body on line.

What’s a moment you’re looking forward to this season?

Winning another chip with the boys. Last season was my first season without a chip and I can’t say it felt good. Gonna have to make up for it with at least one championship this season. 

Jersey number story?

Just my lucky number.

Closing Remarks

Thanks Mike for being part of this week’s article. Each week we are inching closer to the playoffs and every game matters more than the last which will result in an exciting finish. 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! That’s all I have for this week and 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.