Division D1: Final Midseason Reviews feat. Luke Moreau, Vincent Richard & Samuel Doyon
The final set of Division D1 midseason reviews is here. Over the past few weeks, we've taken a closer look at every team in the division, and now it's time to wrap things up before shifting our focus back to the action on the field. With only five regular-season games remaining for most teams, the playoff race is beginning to take shape. Every win and every point will matter from here on out as teams battle to secure one of the coveted postseason spots. This week, I caught up with Luke Moreau, Vincent Richard, and Samuel Doyon to hear their thoughts on the first half of the season and what their teams need to accomplish down the stretch.
Junior XL Special Ed. (5-0, 39.2pts for, 24.4pts allowed)
Overall Grade: A+
MVP: Dante Sparagna
My team has played well considering the circumstances, and I'm proud of where we currently sit in the standings. We've been together since 2024, but the roster has gone through several changes over the past few seasons. I truly believe this is the strongest version of our team yet. Everyone has embraced their role and, most importantly, we're having fun, even in the most competitive games.
Kyle continues to fill up the stat sheet no matter where he's lined up. Michael Schiller has become the glue of this team as our rusher, bringing energy every week and keeping the mood light on and off the field. Dante Sparagna is coming off a four-touchdown performance in the Division 3 Finals and remains the football mind of our team, helping us on both sides of the ball with his leadership and understanding of the game.
We've enjoyed regular-season success before, but the playoffs have told a different story. We've gone undefeated in each of the past two Spring seasons in Division E, yet we haven't been able to reach the finals. That's the standard we've set for ourselves this season. We know there are still some difficult matchups ahead, but if we can stay healthy and continue playing the way we have, I like our chances. At the same time, I know we're no longer flying under the radar. We've become one of the teams that opponents have circled on their calendars, and it's now our job to prove we belong there.
Double Dip (4-2, 31.5pts for, 24.2pts allowed)
Overall Grade: A-
MVP: Felix-Antoine Masseau
Double Dip is making its FPF debut in the men's division after being known primarily as a Co-Ed team. Sitting at 4-2, the transition has gone about as well as they could have hoped. I had the opportunity to speak with FPF veteran Vincent Richard about the team's first season in the division.
While Double Dip has gotten off to a strong start, Richard believes teams are beginning to figure out how they like to attack offensively.
"Defenses have started to adapt to our style of play. One of our losses came in heavy rain, so we couldn't attack deep like we usually do. We're a team that likes to stretch the field and mix in the short game, but the weather took away one of our biggest strengths. Teams are starting to understand our offense and defend it better."
Even with that adjustment from opposing defenses, Double Dip has found another way to win games through its defense. The team currently owns the second-best scoring defense in the division while ranking near the top in both interceptions and sacks.
Richard credits that success to the experience and communication of the defensive unit.
"A big part of our defensive success is the experience we have on that side of the ball. We have multiple guys who help with the play calling, everyone communicates well, and we always know where the receivers are. That communication allows us to make the right calls throughout the game."
The biggest obstacle for Double Dip hasn't been talent but availability.
"The biggest key for us is simply having everyone show up. We've dealt with a lot of absences this season, and I don't think we've had a single game where we had our full roster. There are always substitutes coming in, so we don't have the same chemistry with them as we do with our regular players. If our regulars can keep showing up and we continue communicating during the game, we'll be able to keep playing the great defense we've shown."
I think that's a fair point. This roster has enough talent to compete with anyone in the division, but like many spring teams, consistently getting everyone to the field has been a challenge. If they can finally string together a few weeks with their full lineup, they'll only become more dangerous heading into the playoffs.
When discussing his team MVP, Richard didn't hesitate.
"A lot of teammates have stepped up this season, but if I had to pick one, I'd say Félix-Antoine Masseau. He plays quarterback whenever Xavier isn't there, and even when Xavier is playing, he understands the position well enough to bring another point of view on offense. He also helps with the defensive play calling and is one of the guys who consistently shows up every week."
It's hard to argue with that choice. Félix-Antoine Masseau has become an invaluable piece of the roster, stepping in at quarterback whenever needed while also contributing on both sides of the ball. His player rating doesn't fully reflect the impact he has on this team. With four games remaining, Double Dip has all the pieces to establish itself as one of the top contenders in the division. If the roster can finally stay intact, this is a team that nobody will want to face once the playoffs begin.
Black Vipers (4-2, 34.4pts for, 32pts allowed)
Overall Grade: B+
MVP: Yoan Doyon
Black Vipers currently sit at 3-2, but they're a team that could easily be higher in the standings. I had the opportunity to speak with FPF newcomer Samuel Doyon about his transition to flag football after spending years playing tackle football.
Doyon has wasted little time making an impact. He's second in the division with nine receiving touchdowns and has quickly become one of Mathis Coulombe's favorite targets. While he's known as a defensive back in tackle football, I can personally attest to his offensive ability after he mossed me for a touchdown earlier this season.
For Doyon, the biggest adjustment hasn't been catching passes but rather it's been adapting to the defensive rules in flag football.
« Je te dirais que le plus gros ajustement est défensif. Étant corner de base, on m’a toujours appris à utiliser mes mains et être physique lorsque permis et au flag c’est tout le contraire. J’apprends les règles et les techniques qui fonctionnent à chaque game et je pense que ça commence à être bon. Par contre, je pense que mes ball skills m’aident beaucoup côté offensif! »
His chemistry with quarterback Mathis Coulombe has also played a major role in his early success.
« Le fait de connaître Mathis à l’extérieur du terrain et de m’impliquer beaucoup dans notre équipe nous a permis de développer une bonne chimie. J’ai aussi su montrer dès le début que j’étais une target fiable et dynamique, donc le reste s’est fait naturellement. »
Even with one of the most explosive offenses in the division, Doyon believes the team's biggest challenge is still finding its identity on defense.
« Du côté défensif, je pense qu’on n’a pas encore trouvé notre identité et on continue de travailler fort là-dessus pour trouver un système qui marche pour toute la gang. Mais on s’améliore à chaque pratique et on scratch ce qui ne fonctionne pas. Du côté offensif, je pense qu’on est une équipe très complète et compétitive. Tous nos gars sont des ballers et sont prêts à step up quand c’est le moment. On doit simplement continuer sur notre lancée et surtout éviter les revirements comme la game contre Junior XL. »
I think that's a fair assessment. Our defensive game plan had Coulombe play into our game,, and it resulted in four interceptions, including two pick-sixes. Even with that performance, I came away impressed with Coulombe. As he continues gaining experience and building chemistry with his receivers, I expect his reads and decision-making to keep improving.
When it came time to name a team MVP, Doyon went with someone who might not receive all the headlines.
« Honnêtement, je vais y aller avec un underdog et c’est zéro du favoritisme parce que c’est mon frère. Je pense que chaque gars de l’équipe irait pour la même personne, mais je dirais que notre joueur par excellence c’est Yoan Doyon. Il prend tous les rôles qu’on lui demande et fait des big plays à chaque fois qu’on en a besoin. On avait besoin de rusher, il nous a donné cinq sacks en trois matchs. Contre ton équipe, il a tip une balle pour un touché et a lui-même fait un catch spectaculaire à la fin du match pour remonter le moral de l’équipe. C’est un vrai DOG. »
Sibling bias or not, it's hard to argue with the production. Yoan Doyon has embraced every role the team has asked of him, whether it's rushing the quarterback or making timely plays offensively. If Black Vipers can establish the defensive identity Samuel spoke about, they'll become one of the more dangerous teams in the division heading into the playoffs. The offensive firepower is already there and now it's about putting everything together before the postseason begins.
Bend Don’t Break (2-3, 31.6pts for, 26pts allowed)
Overall Grade: B
MVP: Josh Notte
Bend Don't Break finds itself in unfamiliar territory, sitting at 2-3 after dominating recent regular seasons. I spoke with veteran Luke Moreau about the team's slower start, and while he acknowledged the improved competition in the division, he believes availability has been the biggest factor.
"I would absolutely say the competition is better this season. But nonetheless I still think we have the guys and experience to compete with anyone in our division. Our slow start has come after three close losses where attendance wasn't great. As we get everyone back, we're going to see better results."
That's the reality of the spring season in FPF. Vacations, work schedules and other commitments often prevent teams from fielding their full roster. Even so, Bend Don't Break has remained competitive in nearly every game they've played.
Moreau also pointed to the little mistakes that have made the biggest difference.
"We've always had a lot of close games and in the past we've been good at managing those late-game situations. This year we've had one or two mistakes in big moments that have cost us. We've lost a couple games because of penalties on third-and-long and fourth-and-long situations where we weren't disciplined enough. We're an emotional team that plays hard, but I know those early-season mistakes will turn around and help us in the playoffs."
Having watched this team over the years, I agree. Bend Don't Break has the experience and chemistry to clean up those mistakes, making them a dangerous team if they can find their rhythm before the postseason.
That process begins with a big matchup against my Junior XL Special Ed. squad, a rivalry Moreau knows well.
"I think our game against Junior XL is a big one. They're a team we're very familiar with and we've had a lot of fun, close games over the years. They're off to a hot start and are the top dogs in the division right now, so it should be a fun one. Their quarterback is also a close friend of mine, so it's always fun lining up against him."
There will certainly be plenty of talent on the field, with players like Dom Weidner, Jonah Lazarovitz and Ryan Quesnel capable of changing the game on any given play.
When it came to naming his team MVP, Moreau immediately recognized someone who doesn't always receive the spotlight.
"Our unsung hero has always been Josh Notte. He's our rusher and absolutely changes the game on that side of the ball. But his offensive game is also amazing. He plays a bit of a running back role for us, catches a lot of check downs and can make multiple guys miss. Unfortunately, he suffered a bad ankle injury and will likely miss the next handful of games. We're just hoping he'll be ready by the playoffs because he's an absolute game changer."
I couldn't agree more. Notte's impact extends well beyond rushing the quarterback. His versatility gives Bend Don't Break another weapon offensively, and his absence will certainly be felt over the next few weeks.
Even with a losing record, I believe Bend Don't Break is much better than the standings suggest. While I was hoping to beat them in our matchup, I would still be surprised if this veteran group isn't sitting comfortably inside the top eight by the time the regular season comes to a close.
Judith (2-4, 23.8pts for, 35pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C
MVP: Vincent Bolullo
Judith may sit at 2-4, but I believe this team is better than its record suggests. Samuel Desrochers is playing quarterback for the first time and, honestly, he's shown a lot of promise. I played against him earlier this week in what I thought was one of his best performances of the season. Like any first-year quarterback, accuracy is something that will come with experience, but he already has the playmakers around him to continue developing.
Judith pushed my team until the final whistle on Monday, and that game showed me that their record doesn't tell the full story. What has surprised me most is the defensive side of the ball. With several experienced veterans on the roster, I'd expect them to be generating more stops. My team MVP, Vincent Bollulo, reminded everyone what he's capable of against us, recording two sacks and returning an interception for a touchdown.
The playoffs aren't out of reach, but Judith will likely need to win out to give themselves a realistic chance. It's a difficult task, but looking at the remaining schedule, it's certainly not impossible. More than anything, I hope this group returns next season. With another year of development for Desrochers at quarterback and the veteran core still in place, I think Judith has the potential to become a much stronger team moving forward.
Garni Comme Mac (1-4, 34.8pts for, 44.2pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C-
MVP: Phillip Roberts
It's been a disappointing start to the season for GMC, but considering the inconsistency of their roster, it's not entirely surprising. That's been the story of this group of friends for years. When everyone is available, they arguably have the best offense in the division. Just look at Week 7 as an example. My Junior XL Special Ed. team defeated a GMC squad that was without both Ben McMahon and Felix Clairmont. Two days later, with a much more complete roster, they exploded for 60 points against Studz in what many would call the game of the year.
You can't teach the amount of talent this team has, but talent only matters when it's on the field together. Their playoff hopes are still alive because of the ceiling this roster possesses. That said, I have a hard time seeing them crack the top eight unless they can consistently field their core group for the remainder of the regular season. If they do, they'll become one of the most dangerous teams in the division almost overnight.
Closing Remarks
That officially wraps up our Division D1 midseason reviews. I'd like to thank Luke Moreau, Vincent Richard, and Samuel Doyon for taking the time to answer my questions and share their thoughts throughout the process. Hearing directly from the players always gives a better perspective on what each team has accomplished and what they're still working toward.
Now it's time to get back to football. With less remaining games in the regular season, every matchup becomes that much more important as teams fight for playoff positioning. Over the coming weeks, we'll be back with game recaps, previews and setting the tone ahead of playoffs. The second half of the season is where contenders separate themselves, and Division D1 should make for an exciting finish.