Division D2: Midseason Reviews Wrap Up feat. Peter Cote & Emile Skaf
We’re nearing the end of our midseason team reviews, with only four teams left to break down after this week. The schedule has remained quiet, with just one Division D2 game taking place between Bandits and Stealzz. I was playing on the neighboring field and had the chance to catch parts of the game. Bandits took control early with a 20-7 halftime lead and never looked back, cruising to a 29-point victory. They continue to strengthen their case as one of the top contenders in the division, and we’ll talk more about them shortly. For now, let’s wrap up the remaining midseason reviews.
Shockerz (2-3, 29.6pts for, 31pts allowed)
Overall Grade: B-
MVP: Danny D’Amour
After I spoke with Kody Starke in mid-June, Shockerz have only played once, falling 40-32 to Viscious & Delicious. Looking solely at the final score, you'd probably feel optimistic about where this team is heading. However, after holding a six-point lead at halftime and being outscored in the second half, it's fair to say they'll feel like it was a missed opportunity.
This team is significantly stronger than it has been in previous seasons with the addition of several veterans from 100%. Currently holding the final playoff spot, I believe they'll need to knock off either Texas Whales or Bandits to truly secure their postseason berth. Their other three remaining games are matchups I expect them to win, and dropping any of those would likely put their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.
Interestingly, those games against Texas Whales and Bandits come to close out the regular season. If Shockerz can pull off one or both upsets, it would not only lock in a playoff spot but also give them plenty of momentum heading into the postseason.
4th Down Freaks (2-3, 25pts for, 28.6pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C+
MVP: Massimo D'Ipolito
4th Down Freaks might be a new team on paper, but there's no shortage of FPF experience throughout the roster. I had the chance to speak with veteran Peter Cote about how the first half of the season has unfolded. While the 2-3 record may not jump off the page, Cote believes the team is still searching for its identity rather than playing its best football.
"This season has been very up and down. We are still trying to find our rhythm on defense even though we have the least points allowed. This is the first season this team is together and we're looking to find our groove on offense as well."
It's interesting to hear him say that because, statistically, 4th Down Freaks already boasts one of the best defenses in the division. With the amount of talent on that side of the ball, there's reason to believe another level is still there to be reached.
Despite sitting below .500, Cote isn't worried about the playoff picture. Having experienced an unlikely championship run himself, he knows that simply getting into the postseason can be enough.
"As for playoffs, I have one championship and it was in a season we went 5-5 and just carried our momentum until the end. We beat a 10-0 team in the finals with a comeback in the second half while allowing zero points. So really, we're just looking to replicate that season."
That's a great point. With no first-round byes in Division D2 this season, every playoff team starts on equal footing. If 4th Down Freaks can sneak into the top eight, they'll have just as much of a chance as anyone to put together another Cinderella run.
When discussing the team's MVP, Cote found it difficult to settle on just one player.
"It's hard to say because every different game has a different playmaker, but ultimately John and Mass are very solid players, as well as Louie."
He highlighted both Jonathan Bottazzi and Massimo D'Ipolito, while also making sure to recognize Louie Cote. If I had to break the tie, I'd lean toward Massimo D'Ipolito. His impact on both sides of the ball has been tremendous, leading the team in receiving touchdowns while also pacing the defense in interceptions. Louie Cote also deserves recognition, leading the team in receiving yards and continuing to develop into one of the roster's most reliable offensive weapons. We also can’t forget the connection the Bottazzi’s have on the offensive end either.
For Cote, however, the biggest challenge has been something that statistics can't show.
"Another point I missed is our availability. As you can see, it's always a different group of guys out there. That's our biggest downfall. Once we find our groove, I'm confident things will run smoothly."
I think that's the biggest question surrounding this team. The talent is clearly there, but consistency in the lineup has been difficult to achieve. If 4th Down Freaks can finally field the same group week after week, they'll become a much more dangerous opponent. They'll get an immediate opportunity to prove that against the undefeated Texas Whales, a matchup that could reveal whether this group is ready to make the kind of playoff run Cote experienced with Parlay Tilters.
Bandits (5-1, 37.3pts for, 19.2pts allowed)
Overall Grade: A
MVP: Simon Girard
One of the most experienced teams in Division D2 is off to another strong start, with Bandits sitting at 5-1. Now entering its 12th season in FPF, the roster has naturally changed over the years, but one thing has remained constant: the culture that quarterback Emile Skaf has built.
When I asked Skaf what has allowed Bandits to stay competitive for so many years, his answer wasn't about talent or championships.
"Bandits are in their 12th season. Over the years I've had many players come and go, but what has stuck with us was the fun and appreciation of being able to play the game while remembering that we're blessed to be physically able to play. That, combined with our never-stop-playing spirit. I can't tell you how many games we've won on the last drive or the last play. I always tell my team to be happy to be here and play until the very end. The team has embraced that completely. It truly is the Bandit mentality."
That mentality has translated into one of the best starts in franchise history. Their only loss came a few weeks ago against Viscious & Delicious, while every one of their victories has been by at least two possessions.
When discussing what has made this season different from previous years, Skaf pointed to continuity.
"Guys like JP, Rodney, Simon, Cedric, Ricardo and Angelo have all been with Bandits for four or five seasons now, while this is my 12th year. We know our style. We're ready before the refs are, we catch teams before they're set and we play fast. We may not be the fastest or most athletic team, but we're mentally ready every play. Everyone knows their role and we don't argue—we just play."
I've played against Bandits before and that's exactly how they operate. They might not overwhelm teams with athleticism, but they're one of the smartest and most disciplined groups you'll face.
Even at 5-1, Skaf believes the team still has another level to reach.
"We have to play better defense while keeping the offensive pressure we've had all season. The key in this league is simple: score on every possession and stop the other team as much as possible. If we score six times, we're usually in a good position to win. We definitely need to tighten up our defense, but it's getting there. The biggest challenge is having everyone available because we all work full-time jobs."
The schedule favors Bandits over the final few weeks, giving them a great opportunity to continue building momentum heading into the postseason.
When it came time to name his team MVP, Skaf admitted it wasn't easy.
"I've learned to just have fun and not put pressure on myself, and that mindset has slowly spread throughout the team. Every player contributes almost equally on offense—JP, Rodney and Angelo all have specific roles—but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be Simon Girard. He plays incredibly well on offense and covers a massive amount of field on defense. I think he deserves his first All-Star appearance."
It's hard to disagree. Girard currently leads the team in receiving yards and has become one of the biggest home-run threats in Division D2. His speed and hands make him difficult to contain, while his defensive range allows him to impact both sides of the ball.
Skaf also made sure to recognize the rest of the roster, particularly the team's selfless approach.
"Special shout-out to our rushers. Me, JP, JC and our new member Emmanuel have all rotated depending on availability. I'd say we're a very selfless group, and that's another reason for our success."
Bandits has yet to capture its first championship in franchise history, but this group has all the pieces to make a serious run. With the experience, chemistry and identity they've built over 12 seasons, don't be surprised if this is the year the Bandit mentality finally results in a title.
Crown Boyz (1-3, 15.8pts for, 25.5pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C
MVP: Matthew Teixeira
I'll say this first: the grade I gave Crown Boyz is based solely on their first four games. They have the advantage of having the most games in hand, and through those opening weeks, it looked like they were still trying to find their identity.
Their last game came over a month ago, and they haven't even reached the toughest stretch of their schedule yet, which begins this weekend against Bandits. Because they've only played four games, there's still plenty of time to change the narrative. If they can put everything together during the second half of the season, they certainly have the athletes to make a significant run.
Matthew Teixeira has been one of the team's most consistent contributors on both sides of the ball, and with the football background throughout this roster, I expect Crown Boyz to look much different over the final weeks of the regular season than they did at the beginning.
Closing Remarks
With the final batch of Division D2 midseason reviews now complete, it's time to turn our attention back to what happens between the lines. I'd like to thank Peter Cote and Emile Skaf for taking the time to answer my questions and provide some great insight into their teams. Hearing from players who have spent years in FPF always adds another layer to these articles and helps tell the stories behind the standings.
Starting this week, we'll be back to our regular coverage with game recaps, previews, and storylines from around the division. As the playoff race begins to tighten, we'll also start keeping a closer eye on the individual award races, where several players are already making strong cases for year-end honours. With only a handful of weeks remaining before the postseason, every game from here on out will matter a little bit more.