Division D2: Midseason Reviews Continue feat. Tyler Cousins & Jordan Allard
Last week, we kicked off the Division D2 midseason reviews, and with the schedule entering one of its quieter stretches, it's the perfect opportunity to continue. Week 6 featured only one game, while Week 7 has just a single matchup on the schedule. With only eight teams earning a playoff berth, every remaining game becomes increasingly important. This week, we'll take a closer look at five more teams as the race for playoff positioning begins to heat up.
Texas Whales (6-0, 40.3pts for, 19.7pts allowed)
Overall Grade: A+
MVP: Elio Cariglia
I believe this is the first A+ I've handed out across all of my midseason review articles this season, and Texas Whales has earned every bit of it. Last spring, they finished 4-6 in Division E while my Sophomore XL squad went 10-0. Fast forward one year and both teams sit undefeated in their respective Division D divisions, with Texas Whales looking every bit like a championship contender.
Speaking with quarterback Tyler Cousins, he didn't point to one star player or one specific improvement. Instead, he believes the biggest difference has been the chemistry this group has built over the years.
"I'd say the biggest reason behind our success this season is our chemistry as a team. It continues to grow every season. At any given moment we know anyone could make a play when it matters most. That makes it hard on defenses when they can't overcommit anywhere on the field or you'll get punished for it."
It's been fun watching this team grow. Texas Whales has largely kept the same core together while adding the right complementary pieces, and since last spring they've gone 8-2 over the fall and winter before opening this summer with six straight victories.
Cousins also credits the defense for taking pressure off the offense.
"I feel like this team has been on an upwards trend for the past couple seasons now and bringing the same roster back has made a difference. As a team we just know what it takes to win now. Having a defense like ours takes a big weight off my shoulders. It's not a matter of if we'll get a turnover... it's when."
He's not wrong. Texas Whales is tied for the division lead in interceptions while being the only team allowing fewer than 20 points per game. That balance has made them one of the most complete teams in Division D2.
Of course, whenever a team starts 6-0, people begin talking about finishing 10-0. Cousins isn't interested in that conversation.
"When you're sitting with an undefeated record there's always pressure to finish off the season 10-0. But it's all about taking it one game at a time. We know that a perfect season means nothing if you can't follow it up when it matters in the playoffs. That's our biggest focus this season, finding a way to take home the division title."
When it came time to discuss the team's MVP, Cousins admitted it was nearly impossible to choose just one.
"It's such a cliché answer but I can't pinpoint one MVP on this team. On offense we've had Alessandro Daniel and Elio Cariglia contribute in huge ways with nine TDs each. Then on defense Alessandro and Chazz have been leading the way with big plays all season long. Samuel Tejera has quietly had a couple pick sixs while also tallying 30+ receptions on the season. Dante Talarico has made big plays on both sides of the ball and Corsi has been elite as a rusher. Everyone has found a way to contribute and that's exactly what we need with playoffs on the horizon."
I completely understand that answer. If I had to choose one player, I'd lean toward Elio Cariglia. He's tied for the team lead with nine receiving touchdowns while adding three interceptions defensively. Chazz Pisanelli has also made another Defensive Player of the Year case with four interceptions and three pick-sixes.
Texas Whales have talent all over the field, but more importantly, they have chemistry. Their schedule eases up compared to the beginning of the season, but they can't afford to take their foot off the gas. Right now, the biggest obstacle between Texas Whales and a championship might simply be themselves.
Viscious & Delicious (6-1, 40pts for, 31.3pts allowed)
Overall Grade: A-
MVP: Anthony Robichaud
Viscious & Delicious has quietly put together one of the best seasons in Division D2 and currently sits tied for second. Their only loss came back in Week 2 against the undefeated Texas Whales.
Anthony Robichaud is putting together an All-Star caliber season with 39 touchdown passes compared to only two interceptions. He's also surrounded by one of the deepest receiving groups in the division and is on pace to have five different receivers finish with at least 20 catches.
The biggest concern remains the defense. Despite the 6-1 record, they're allowing the third-most points per game in the division. Fortunately, that same defense continues to create momentum-changing plays, ranking inside the top four in both interceptions and sacks. If the offense has an off night, the defense will need to be able to carry more of the load.
With two favorable matchups before finishing the regular season against Richter BFO, they'll have a great opportunity to continue building momentum before another test against a fellow contender.
Super Saiyans (3-3, 33.7pts for, 27.8pts allowed)
Overall Grade: B
MVP: Greg Derfel
Super Saiyans could very easily be sitting at 5-1 instead of 3-3. Their last two losses came by a combined four points, and according to quarterback Jordan Allard, the smallest mistakes have made the biggest difference.
"I think it just comes down to too many mistakes. When games get down to the wire, a punt, turnover on downs or a missed convert at the beginning of the game could come back to bite you. And on the other side of the ball, not getting enough stops on fourth down or creating turnovers."
That answer is a little surprising considering how experienced this roster is. If anything, Allard proves that even with the experience his team has, it really comes down to executing when it matters most.
"For us it's about the experience, having guys that have been in the league or have been around the game for a long time, being able to communicate what we see out there to put each other in a position to be successful."
Those veterans will be tested over the coming weeks with matchups against Bandits and Richter BFO.
"We're definitely looking forward to those matchups. I think for us it's limiting the mistakes and turnovers and being as efficient as possible on offense. Hopefully coming away with some stops on the defensive side to take some pressure off the offense. When we play at our best we feel we can compete with anyone."
I agree. When this team is clicking, it has the experience to beat anybody in Division D2.
When discussing the team MVP, Allard immediately pointed toward Greg Derfel.
"The team MVP in my eyes is Greg Derfel. He brings the energy each and every week, plays extremely hard and is one of the most unselfish players I've ever played with. He'll line up anywhere we need him to, all he cares about is getting the W."
Derfel may not lead the team statistically, but those are often the players who become the difference-makers once the playoffs arrive. If Super Saiyans qualify, don't be surprised if he's one of the biggest reasons they make a deep run.
Trinity (1-5, 23.5pts for, 29pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C
MVP: Hugo Quintin
With four games remaining, the sense of urgency is at an all-time high for Trinity. Now in its third season together, the team is on pace for its most difficult year after back-to-back 5-5 campaigns. The schedule certainly hasn't been kind. Trinity has already faced Texas Whales, Viscious & Delicious and Richter BFO, while also dropping one-possession games to both Crown Boyz and 4th Down Freaks. Raphael Bernier has played well at quarterback, but the offense hasn't quite found that extra gear needed to steal those close games.
Hugo Quintin has been the team's biggest offensive weapon, sitting second in the division with 12 receiving touchdowns. Defensively, Trinity has been respectable, but generating turnovers has been the issue. The team has only three interceptions all season, making it difficult to capitalize on extra possessions. The remaining schedule is much more favorable, but Trinity will likely need to win out if it wants to return to the playoffs.
Brewers (1-4, 22.8pts for, 36.2pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C-
MVP: Jeffrey Lefebvre
Brewers find themselves in a similar position to Trinity, although they do have a game in hand. The two teams will meet on July 18 in what could become one of the biggest games remaining on both schedules. Peeze has no shortage of receiving options around him, but the offense needs to finish more drives after averaging the fourth-fewest points in the division. Defensively, Brewers has struggled even more, allowing the most points per game in Division D2 and putting tremendous pressure on the offense each week.
Jeffrey Lefebvre continues to lead by example, pacing the team in receiving while also accounting for its lone interception this season. If the defense can find a way to create more stops, Brewers still have a chance to make things interesting down the stretch. Looking at the remaining schedule, though, I have a difficult time seeing them pick up more than two victories. Hopefully they prove me wrong because this veteran group is certainly capable of playing better than its current record.
Closing Remarks
Special thanks to Tyler Cousins and Jordan Allard for sharing their thoughts on the first half of the season. Player interviews always add another layer to these reviews and provide insight that statistics alone can't capture.
Next week, we'll wrap up the final batch of Division D2 midseason reviews before shifting our attention toward the playoff race and individual award discussions. As always, if you'd like your team or one of your teammates featured in a future article, don't hesitate to reach out.