We are quickly winding down the regular season, and in Division 4A, there has been plenty of action on both sides of the ball. We’ve seen Trapstars go 9–1 (with their only loss coming by forfeit), while Snowdon Deli Degens’ offensive attack has continued to be a nightmare for opposing teams.

We’ve also witnessed overtime thrillers, such as the Nighthawks’ comeback win over Rick and Marty in Week 9, along with standout individual performances like multiple 7-TD passing games from top QBs and 5-TD outings from receivers such as Reginald Prophete and Lewis Epstein.

The playoff race is nearly decided, with Bible Study facing Rick and Marty in a matchup that, depending on tiebreaker rules, could determine who claims one of the final spots in the top 12.

For this week, I’ll be going over the award races and giving my predictions for each category. Let’s get into it:

My Individual Awards Predictions

QB of the Year: Nicolas Katerelos

In consideration: Ryan Garber, Justin Goodman

With each of the three QBs mentioned missing at least a game, we unfortunately won’t have a “healthy” award race this time around. Each candidate has their respective case on why this award should be theirs. Goodman leads the division in TD passes and is second in passing yards. Garber has the best statistical season with an incredible 37:1 ratio, however, has missed 3 games so doesn’t have the full season numbers like his competitors. Katerelos is in the middle I find and the best of both worlds. Finishing with 8 games played, Katerelos finished with 39 TDs and 6 INTs thrown. He has more that twice as less INTs as Goodman and since Garber missed one more game, Katerelos is the QB who deserves the award more. I’m not against the committee voting for either other options as this race is very close.

Receiver of the Year: Rocco Christiano

In consideration: Gianni Casati, Reginald Prophete

Christiano had this award locked by Week 6 as by that point, he had 39 catches, 619yds and 15 TDs. With the offense of Bible Study completely falling off in the 2nd half of the season, who knows what Christiano’s numbers could’ve ended up being? It’s a long season but Christiano was on pace for a record setting season. Being on pace for both the 2nd most receiving yards TDs in FPF Senior history is no knock of how dominant he was in the first half of the season. If Bible Study can somehow find any glimpse of their earlier season success, Christiano can easily hit near 800yds. He’s currently leading in yards with over 100yds difference and is only two TDs from being at the top. Casati and Prophete have had incredible seasons but won’t be able to make much of an argument as both their regular seasons are done respectively. In my opinion, the easiest award to decide on, a great season from Christiano even if his productivity mainly came from the first half.

Defender of the Year: Richie Mondesir

In consideration: Sam Anastasopoulos, Felix Sebag

This is easily the hardest award in this division to decide on as each candidate has a strong case. Anastasopoulos leads the division with 8 INTs and missed a game. Sebag missed half the season but accounted for 16 sacks in 5 games. Sixteen sacks can normally win a rusher's DPOY and with him missing 5 games, what was he going to end the year if he pulled a full 10 games. Then you get Mondesir who is a recipient of this award many times. Even though he played all 10 games compared to Anastasopoulos’ 9, the three pick-6s are what I find to be the deciding factor and I think the committee would agree. Mondesir continues to climb the history books in pick-6s as he sits 3rd all time in both regular season and all competition defensive TDs. Being able to bring the ball back into the endzone from an INT is a skill and Mondesir has that on lock. Each candidate has a strong case on the award but those extra points will be the deciding factor.

Rusher of the Year: Felix Sebag

In consideration: Rodney Merisier, Samuel Côté

With FPF introducing this new award, it created a lot of buzz when it was first announced. In the past, it was tough for rushers with DPOY but not impossible. It would require a rusher to have a lot of sacks especially and hopefully the DBs wouldn’t have too many INTs. Rushers can get PDs or even TDs but QBs can also throw the ball before the rusher even gets the chance to make a play. It was mentioned that FPF would take the average of past rushing numbers for each respective division but in 4A. Merisier and Côté are the only other rushers with at least 10 sacks on the season. Sebag clears them while only playing 5 games. Even though he has a game with 7 sacks which is crazy to even think about, he’s gotten at least 2 sacks every game he’s played. He could’ve played two more games and would have the pace to hit 20 on the year. Segag is quick and uses his arms very well to not only close the gap for any run attempt for a TB but also is quick to deflagging a QB more he can make the throw off. Another case of what would be the story if he played more games but even at 5 games played, this award should be his regardless.

Two-Way Player of the year: Sam Anastasopoulos

In consideration: Justin Gauthier, Noah Lieblein

This was a tough award to choose because not going to lie, there weren't many receivers that I looked at first that had the top defensive numbers to match. Even though a lot of players in this division are two-way ballers, the statistics looked to be more skewed on one side of the ball for many. Rounding up the nominations are QB Justin Gauthier and offensive threat Noah Lieblein. Gauthier proved he can do anything on the field as he has 6 INTs with 2 pick-6s on defence but as a QB, finished with nearly 1300yds, 30 total offensive TDs. I don’t have him winning the award because I think his QB numbers are not two-way player kind of stats. They are very solid numbers in 8 games played but I think his competitors have better cases. Lieblein is 15th in yards as a receiver and also tied for 5th in TDs scored. He also brings a high level of defense with 5 INTs. This award race is very close and I think either Lieblein or Anastasopoulos can win the award but I’m going with the latter. I think Sam will barely miss winning DPOY but as he leads the division in INTs, his numbers aren’t far behind Lieblein as a receiver. He has 7 more receptions and trails Lieblein by 3 TDs and 10 receiving yards. It really comes down to whether you weigh the three offensive TDs over the 3 INTs on defence. With being a several time all-star, Sam I think will win his 2nd individual award, this being Two-Way Player of the Year.

Closing Remarks

We are in the final week before playoffs so make sure you get your 5 games and DO NOT FORFEIT your game this week or else you lose your playoff spot. 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.