Division D2: Shockerz Finding Their Groove
I've had the conversation with a few players in Division D and they've brought up an interesting idea: what if the winners of D1 and D2 met in a final championship game to crown the true Division D champion?
As a player in Division D myself, I'd absolutely love the idea. At the same time, it does take away from the accomplishment of a team winning the division they battled through all season long. It's probably more of a fun conversation than something realistic, but it's an interesting debate nonetheless.
When looking at D2, Texas Whales continue to sit atop the standings at a perfect 5-0. Every team has at least one win, but that doesn't mean anyone can relax. The teams sitting on one victory are already feeling some pressure, especially with only eight playoff spots available. Even teams sitting at two wins aren't necessarily safe. A small losing streak in a division this competitive can quickly change the outlook of a season.
One team currently sitting in the middle of the pack is Shockerz.
In the past, Shockerz tested the waters in Division 5C and Division E without finding consistent success. When they made the jump to Division D, I initially had some concerns. Those concerns quickly disappeared when I saw the offseason moves Kody Starke and company made.
Keeping younger brother Anthony and defensive leader Christopher Cassamajor was important for maintaining the culture that the team had built. However, if they wanted to compete in Division D, they needed more firepower.
Experience Arrives for Shockerz
Instead of continuing to rely solely on younger players, Shockerz went in the opposite direction and brought in proven FPF veterans with years of high-level experience. With the addition of the following guys, they bring over 15 championships between them and a list of individual accolades.
One of the biggest additions was Danny D'Amour. Ten years ago, D'Amour was making 500-yard seasons look routine. Those seasons may be behind him, but great receivers don't suddenly forget how to run routes, find space and catch footballs.
Another key addition was Gabriel Wiseman, one of the most versatile players in FPF. While many know him as a rusher, he can impact a game in just about every phase. Through four games, Wiseman already has six sacks, which is tied for fourth in the division and already the most by a Shockerz player in team history.
Kody emphasized just how important those additions have been.
"Adding players like Gabe and Danny were crucial for the level of competitiveness our team strives to have," Starke explained. "Having history with some of the other guys on the squad like Joey and Matt has made the process feel seamless."
He went on to explain why Wiseman has been such a difference maker.
"A rusher like Gabe is a necessity for any team. Having the QB scrambling and forcing them into uncomfortable situations creates opportunities for not only the defense but our offense as well."
As for D'Amour, Kody believes his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.
"Danny continues to impress me weekly with his football knowledge. His ability to read and adjust constantly has made all the difference, especially in crucial moments."
Another veteran addition was Matthew Rupcic. While he hasn't played a full season since 2024, he continues to bring value on both sides of the ball and currently leads the team with two interceptions.
Perhaps the biggest offseason acquisition, however, came at quarterback.
Joey Taylor arrived with years of FPF experience, including success in higher divisions and Co-Ed. While I haven't personally watched him play yet this season, the results speak for themselves.
With six receivers currently on pace for at least 20 receptions, Taylor has done an excellent job spreading the football around.
"His trust in all of us speaks for itself and the trust we have in him is immeasurable," Starke said. "He distributes the ball all around, trusts us to make plays and get the YAC."
Kody was quick to remind people that Taylor's success shouldn't surprise anyone.
"Joey isn't a QB anyone should sleep on. It might be his first season with the Shockerz but definitely isn't his first in FPF and it shows. He's got a fun way of dissecting the defense and can get the ball where it needs to be when it needs to be."
With the offense averaging 31 points per game, it's safe to say Taylor has helped elevate this group.
What's impressed Kody most through the first half of the season isn't necessarily the statistics.
"We all have the same mindset and we all have the same goal when we step onto that field," he said. "Defensively we're finding our groove and focusing on communication. With 50 percent of our roster being in their first season with the squad, that's normal. But we're tightening up every single drive."
That chemistry will be tested this weekend against the 1-4 Brewers. While the records may suggest an advantage for Shockerz, Kody isn't buying into that.
"We don't underestimate any team, so record isn't necessarily relevant at this moment of the season," he said. "We've got all the pieces. Time to show the full picture."
Looking ahead, Kody admitted there is one matchup circled on his calendar.
Texas Whales.
"Who doesn't want to compete with the top teams?" he said. "It being our last game of the season, I expect us to be at our sharpest. Full of heart."
I mentioned earlier that teams sitting at two wins are far from safe. The good news for Shockerz is that their schedule gives them a chance to build momentum heading into the second half.
Whether that final game against Texas Whales ends up being a battle for playoff positioning, a statement game, or simply a measuring stick against the division's best team, Kody and the Shockerz seem ready for the challenge.
Closing Remarks
That's all for this week's article. As we continue moving closer to the midpoint of the season, the playoff picture is slowly starting to take shape. Some teams are beginning to separate themselves from the pack while others know that every game from here on out carries a little more weight.
I'd like to thank Kody Starke for taking the time to answer my questions and provide some insight into the Shockerz and their transition into Division D. It's always interesting to hear directly from the players and learn more about the stories behind the teams.
Over the next few weeks, I'll be diving into my mid-season reviews and award races, taking a closer look at the players, teams and storylines that have defined the first half of the season. With only eight playoff spots available and plenty of head-to-head matchups still to come, there is still a lot left to be decided in Division D2.
As always, if you'd like your team, a teammate or even yourself to be featured in a future article, don't hesitate to reach out to me at the fields or on social media. I enjoy learning about players and teams that I may not be familiar with and helping tell their stories.
Good luck to everyone taking the field this week and I'll see you all again soon for the mid-season reviews.
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