For over a year, the Braves franchise has dominated both 6v6 and 5v5 in FPF and on the national stage. Going into Winter 2026, it was deemed that it would be the same. Fast forward a few months later, Braves are in the finals once again in both divisions but a new opponent may possess their biggest challenge yet: PartyCrashers. In both 5v5 and 6v6, PartyCrashers were at the top of the table all season, finishing 9-1 and 10-0 respectively while beating Braves in each format. Now, these two teams meet in the finals. A whole community of flag football fans are rooting for the Braves to lose. Will PartyCrashers get the job done when it matters most? Let’s recap how each team got to this point before we go over the championship previews.

Semifinals Recap

PartyCrashers def Flag Moi L’Sac in 5s and OneStop in 6v6

PartyCrashers would face off against Flag Moi in an anticipated rematch from their regular season thriller. Flag Moi would be at full strength in this one, attempting to replicate their regular season win. Things went well for them early as Alex Nadeau-Piuze’s team started off great, taking a 19-7 lead in the first half. Unfortunately, injuries would pile up quickly as two key contributors for Flag Moi exited the game, swinging momentum toward PartyCrashers. The 12-point deficit turned into only a one-possession game by halftime as Mamadi Kaba scored on the final play of the half off a deep throw from Emerson Peterkin. The Flag Moi team looked deflated after being forced to play a man down and would be held scoreless for the remainder of the game. It was an unfortunate way to go out as it looked as if Flag Moi would pull off the upset, but PartyCrashers took care of business and advanced to the finals in 5v5.

There was no time to rest as PartyCrashers were right back on the field looking to claim a spot in the 6v6 finals against OneStop. A team they defeated 41-0 in the regular season, this game was far from that result. The first half was slow and that benefited OneStop. The game was chippy, physical and there were multiple instances where the refs had to calm both teams down after OCs were given to each team. AJ Zeppetelli would score early and Kaba would respond later in the half, ending the first frame with an 8-6 lead for OneStop. Emerson would score to open the second half but on the following convert attempt, the ball somehow found itself in PartyCrashers’ own endzone, allowing Nicolas Knez to sack Jeanslee Alexis for a safety. It was a shocking moment as fans and referees initially didn’t know what to call since it’s never happened before that a player was sacked in their own endzone on a convert attempt. For those who don’t understand the play, the convert attempt started from the 10-yard line in OneStop territory, but multiple lateral passes by PartyCrashers brought the ball nearly 40 yards the other way. After discussion with the refs around the complex, it was ruled a safety, similar to if the defensive unit had returned a convert attempt for points.

OneStop would continue that momentum and retake the lead on their following drive, opening the door for the ultimate upset. PartyCrashers would eventually settle down, however, as Jeanslee scored twice in the final 10 minutes to end any hopes of an upset. The PartyCrashers defence stood tall without Mendel Joseph, who was representing Concordia at the East-West Bowl earlier that day.

Braves outlast matchups with Raw Dawgs and Vultures combination enroute to finals

Braves would have to face Raw Dawgs and Vultures back-to-back to claim a spot in the finals against PartyCrashers. With multiple players having history on both the Raw Dawgs and Vultures squads, these matchups always brought chippiness and trash talk between both sides.

In 5v5, Jo Maheu would push his team to a 14-point lead before Anthony Brisebois cut it to 14-6 just before halftime. Gab Champagne would come down with a nice INT off Jordan Panetta to open the second half, but the Raw Dawgs defence would stop Braves on the following possession, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as it remained a one-possession game. On the first play of their next drive, the Panetta-to-Dan Mancini connection that fans have seen for years was on full display with a perfect full-field touchdown pass, bringing Raw Dawgs within a 2-point convert of tying the game. The convert would be unsuccessful, meaning the Braves had a chance to make it a two-possession game on their next drive. Jeremy Murphy would find the endzone three plays later and James Drysdale would add the single-point convert, pushing the lead to nine. Needing to score, Panetta and the Raw Dawgs would not be able to capitalize, giving the ball back to the Braves and essentially ending the game.

The next game featured QB of the Year Ben McMahon attempting to send fans home happy by eliminating the Braves in 6v6. Kevin Donnet would immediately give Vultures life, sacking Jo on the opening play of the game for a safety. Vultures and Braves would then exchange a set of unsuccessful drives before McMahon found Mancini to take an 8-0 lead. Murphy would somehow be left completely unattended in the Vultures secondary on the following drive for a touchdown after a miscommunication by the defence. Murphy would score his second TD of the game after another defensive stop by Braves, but Brisebois would respond on the final play of the half, giving Vultures momentum heading into halftime along with possession to open the second half.

On 4th down, a run by McMahon would see multiple Braves defenders miss the tackle, leading not only to the first down but also to a long touchdown. A conversion by Brisebois extended the lead to nine. With time winding down, it looked as if Vultures were on the verge of pulling off the unthinkable. Jo and the Braves, however, remained completely unfazed despite needing two scores and at least one defensive stop to survive. William Trottier would find the endzone on their next drive to keep the game alive. Vultures would convert a tough 4th down through Felix Clairmont before finding themselves facing another crucial 4th down attempt. This time, McMahon would not be able to connect with his target, giving the ball back to Braves after Vultures had a chance to ice the game.

Gab Champagne would score in the final minutes, giving the Braves a 3-point lead. With one final chance to win the game, McMahon would be intercepted by Jeremy Murphy in the closing minute, ending the game and propelling Braves to yet another finals appearance.

Division 1 and 5v5 Competitive Finals Preview

2 teams. 2 games. PartyCrashers and Braves will meet on Sunday evening in both of the men’s top divisions in FPF in hopes of winning two championships. While the community of FPF will mostly be rooting for PartyCrashers, Braves are coming into these two games hoping to ruin everyone’s fantasy and give another reason why they are still the best team in all of FPF. I got the chance to speak with both Jo Maheu and Francois Hogue about their teams’ perspectives on the rivalry and how they will approach championship Sunday.

Honestly, this feels bigger than just another championship matchup. Don’t be surprised if momentum completely shifts the energy around the complex several times Sunday night. Both teams have a roster full of playmakers. From Emile Chateauvert dipping past four defenders for a touchdown or Jeanslee Alexis making defenders miss en route to a rushing score, both teams have several dynamic ways to score. If these two games were presented on a bigger stage for viewers, they would not be disappointed with the level of flag football talent they would witness.

Athleticism vs Experience 

The Braves have been here before. Under the bright lights and pressure of championship football, they have consistently delivered. Nothing is new at this point for them. It’s been over a calendar year that they have been winning in FPF and on the national stage. With a mix of veterans and youth, this team has set a standard of excellence. Whether it’s adding new pieces like Gab Champagne or Jeremy Murphy over the years, their chemistry is unmatched and they seemingly get better with every championship win.

Jo made it clear that regular season Braves and playoff Braves are almost two different teams. “A lot of the time we just show up and play for fun. There’s no crazy game planning, no new plays, and we’re often missing players too,” he explained. “At some point, finding motivation for regular season games becomes tough, especially when everybody expects you to win anyways.” But what helps them in the playoffs, according to Jo, is that “the Braves team you see in the postseason is not the same team you see during the regular season. Everybody flips the switch. There’s no passengers on this roster.”

Looking at PartyCrashers, they ride off the athleticism of their roster. From CFL experience, U SPORTS talent and just pure athletic ability, we might not see another team as explosive as this one. They are still young for the most part and are just entering their prime years together. They have the ability to be more athletic than Braves when comparing the full roster top to bottom, but the experience of Braves is something that simply cannot be taught.

Watching PartyCrashers live almost feels different than watching most teams in FPF because every skill player looks capable of scoring the moment they touch the ball. Whether it’s Emerson Peterkin stretching the field, Mamadi Kaba making defenders miss in space or Fritzgerald Cenatus taking over defensively, this team constantly puts pressure on opponents to play nearly perfect football.

Frank believes the biggest separation for PartyCrashers is not only the talent but the bond within the group itself. “We are a tight group. We are confident in ourselves. We play with a lot of heart and we have a lot of fun together,” he said. “It might look easy, but we work hard behind the scenes.” He later laughed while naming several of the playmakers on the roster, saying, “There’s a lot of special playmakers! Mendel, Polo, Fritz, KC, Zeek, RJ, Jordanson, Medley and Emerson!”

With the athleticism of PartyCrashers also comes the energy they bring every single week. Each game, no matter the stage, feels loud when they are on the field. They also bring the support of much of the FPF community and I expect the noise in Brossard Sunday night to be electric. When a team wins constantly, people naturally want to see the downfall eventually. That’s what Braves have become.

Jo understands that reality better than anyone. “Nobody wants to see a team win 11 championships in a row. People hate dynasties. Everybody wants to see them fall,” he admitted. “But our motivation is just winning championships. Every playoff game and every tournament we enter, the expectation is that we need to win it.”

Unlike most teams facing a dynasty, PartyCrashers are fully embracing the support from the FPF community. “It’s a pleasure to feel supported,” Frank said. “We already have the biggest expectations for ourselves, so I don’t think outside expectations can add to it. We know what we want.”

Will either format expose any weaknesses?

Braves have built the foundation of elite 6v6 and 5v5 concepts over the past few years. Looking at PartyCrashers, not only have they built their own identity within flag football, but they have also elevated it with overwhelming athleticism and pace.

The double-QB looks within Jo, William Trottier and even Guillaume Béland in the backfield have always caused havoc no matter the format. PartyCrashers bring their own version of that with Jeanslee and Emerson. Both are quick, athletic and capable of making full-field throws at any moment.

If I were to give an advantage strictly based on format, I would lean PartyCrashers in 6v6 and Braves in 5v5. The extra player in 6s gives PartyCrashers another athletic body that can become impactful, especially vertically. On the contrary, 5v5 tightens the field and feeds into the Braves' strengths, especially offensively in short-yardage situations.

Still, neither side is interested in splitting championships. Frank kept his answer simple when asked if PartyCrashers carry the same championship-or-bust mentality as Braves: “Yes. We want to win everything.”

Jo echoed the same mentality from the Braves side. “There’s only one standard on this team and that’s winning championships,” he said. “We don’t go into a weekend thinking, ‘Okay, let’s at least split the finals.’ No. We want both.”

What makes this night fascinating is that neither team would truly leave satisfied with splitting championships. Playing two championship games back-to-back against the same opponent creates a different type of mental exhaustion because eventually adjustments disappear and the game becomes about execution, composure and who still has legs late in the night.

How much does the regular season matter?

These teams played each other once in each division and PartyCrashers came out victorious both times. Even though Braves have lost regular season games before, they have consistently responded when championships are on the line.

In Division 1, both quarterbacks were rolling, throwing for over 275 yards each. The difference? PartyCrashers scored on every possession whereas Braves did not. Jeanslee was clinical, rushing only once and using every second behind the line of scrimmage perfectly without being sacked. Every time PartyCrashers scored or got a stop early in the game, the sideline energy grew louder and louder. Eventually, time simply ran out on the Braves. If you want to check out the highlights of the Division 1 game, click here.

In 5v5, Jo did not play and while Trottier has proven to be a capable quarterback in the past, three interceptions usually spells defeat against a team like PartyCrashers. Both teams were also missing key pieces, including Emerson and Gab.

Despite those wins, Jo insisted the playoffs are a completely different environment. “They came into those games with a really high energy level and a lot of motivation,” he said about PartyCrashers. “You could tell they were playing for something. They wanted to upset us and they had something to prove. I don’t think we matched that energy at the time.”

Jo also knows exactly what the environment will feel like Sunday night. “They’re going to have the whole league behind them wanting to see them beat us,” he said. “We know that, and we’ll be ready for it.”

Frank, meanwhile, believes PartyCrashers succeeded by focusing on simple football principles. “Winning the turnover battle, being poised, successful execution, focusing on what we control and playing well for the full 80 minutes,” he explained. “Also having fun, playing our game and our style.”

One thing PartyCrashers have undeniably proven is that no matter the format, they can beat Braves. Frank also believes people still underestimate the overall level of talent within the roster. “People don’t know yet to its full extent how great they are,” he said. “There’s some special, special players on the team. Important also, the QB game of Jeanslee, I think, is still underrated.”

My Prediction

The first matchup is the 5v5 game at 7:30pm on Sunday. Both teams have talented rosters from top to bottom. Both quarterbacks have unique skillsets and have helped raise the standards of flag football quarterback play in Montreal. The receiving groups are loaded with national talent and rising U SPORTS athletes while both defences thrive off momentum swings and big plays.

For this game, I expect it to be extremely close. I can see one team taking a two-possession lead at some point, but I would expect the trailing side to answer quickly. Mendel Joseph will likely have responsibilities against James Drysdale, Murphy or even Gab at times. Mendel is their best defender, but he cannot cover everybody. That is why having elite defenders such as reigning DPOY in Fritz, Jordanson, RJ, and Frank himself rushing is so valuable.

PartyCrashers’ offence will be matched by Braves defenders Gab, Murphy, Drysdale, JD Chevalier, and Phil Pharand at rusher. Any turnover by either defence will completely swing momentum.

Jo expects the margins to be razor thin. “I think fans should expect two really tight battles,” he said. “These types of matchups usually come down to one play or one drive.” He also added that fans should expect “a more poised Braves team compared to the regular season.”

Primarily due to their 5v5 experience and composure, I predict the Braves will narrowly win the 5v5 championship. It will take one key stop late in the game and I think Braves might get it, forcing PartyCrashers into risky throws late.

Prediction (5v5 Competitive): Braves def PartyCrashers 38-35

Without much of a break, these teams will be right back on the field with the same roster in 6v6. And honestly, it feels like the Division 1 game may end up being the true climax of the night.

Depending on the result of the 5v5 final, the emotional energy entering the 6v6 game could completely shift the night. Legs get heavier. Emotions get louder. Mistakes become easier to make.

For PartyCrashers, if they lose the first game, I expect them to use that frustration and energy to become even more aggressive offensively in the second final. By the second championship, it may genuinely feel like the Braves are playing against the entire complex.

Like I mentioned earlier, I think the 6v6 format slightly favors PartyCrashers. The larger field allows their younger athletes to stretch the defence vertically nearly every play. For the Braves, they will need to match that tempo and after already playing one championship game beforehand, fatigue may start becoming a factor.

Even though Braves have been successful in 6v6 for years and have experience playing back-to-back finals, eventually games become more predictable when facing the same opponent twice in one night. I believe PartyCrashers’ athleticism will become more noticeable as the night progresses. Even if Braves know when PartyCrashers are likely running man coverage, the younger group may simply be hungrier in key moments.

That mentality is why the Braves are still dangerous no matter the scoreline. As Jo said earlier in the week, “Anybody can be the guy who changes the game.” Whether it’s a huge catch, a key sack or a momentum-shifting interception, Braves always seem to find a way to produce one massive play when they need it most.

Frank made it clear what kind of football fans should expect Sunday night: “Efforts, Fun, Energy and Heart! We will give our very best!”

Eventually every dynasty reaches the point where somebody truly believes they can end it. Unlike previous challengers over the years, PartyCrashers do not look like a team hoping to beat the Braves. They fully expect to.

I know both teams are striving for two championships and I believe both sides would still leave disappointed if they split. But in the second game, I think PartyCrashers finally break through. Their athleticism, energy and explosiveness eventually overwhelm Braves late in the game, ending the dynasty in Division 1 flag football.

If the Braves lose the second game, it won’t just feel like losing a championship. It will feel like the end of an era in Division 1.

Prediction (Division 1): PartyCrashers def Braves 44-32

Closing Remarks

Whether it ends with Braves continuing one of the greatest dynasties FPF has ever seen or PartyCrashers finally breaking through, Sunday night feels like the type of championship event people will still be talking about months from now. Both teams are back in 5v5 Competitive next season, but PartyCrashers are not in Division A, removing the opportunity of a double-finals rematch next season. With Nationals just over a month away, I would fully expect both sides to field rosters there as well, and maybe we get one final rematch on the national stage.

With that being said, that’s the end of the articles for both Division 1 and 5v5 Competitive. It was a pleasure for me to get to know a lot of the top end talent of players in both these divisions and by capturing great flag moments over the past few months. I encourage you to reach out this Sunday in Brossard to catch the finals between PartyCrashers vs Braves or watch the games on the livestream on Youtube! 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.