Division D2: Every Game Matters Down the Stretch
Week 8 marked the gradual return of games after a relatively quiet two-week stretch. At the time of writing, only one matchup remains on the schedule, as New Kids 2.0 takes on Viscious & Delicious later tonight.
Last Thursday, I was on the sidelines filming for CRV Media during the matchup between New Kids 2.0 and Team Ethnik. After heavy rain throughout the previous game, it looked like this contest might not even get underway. Before kickoff, I had a chance to speak with New Kids captain Joe Morgese, who talked about the growing pains his team has experienced this season. Talent has never been the issue for this group. Instead, it's been getting everyone to the field consistently. Even for this game, Morgese had to find a few last-minute substitutes just to fill out the roster.
The opening 10 minutes were competitive as both teams traded touchdowns. The momentum completely shifted when Zack Sebestyen came away with an interception, setting the stage for his brother Justin Sebestyen to score the first of his three touchdowns on the night.
From that point on, Team Ethnik took control. Morgese and his receivers never seemed to find their rhythm, something that isn't surprising given the revolving door of players throughout the season. On the opposite sideline, Benoit Lawlor was in complete command, spreading the ball around to multiple receivers and leading Team Ethnik to a commanding 25-6 halftime lead.
Lawlor's lone mistake came when Richie Mondesir intercepted a pass, but New Kids couldn't capitalize on the turnover. If there were an MVP of the second half, it would have been Denzel Eadie-Lowe. The veteran defensive back recorded two interceptions, including a pick-six where he perfectly read Morgese's eyes before taking it back the other way to effectively put the game out of reach.
After beginning the season 0-3, Team Ethnik has completely turned things around. They've now won four consecutive games and currently sit fifth in the standings. More importantly, they control their own playoff destiny heading into a huge matchup against Richter BFO next Tuesday in Brossard.
For New Kids 2.0, the story has gone in the opposite direction. After opening the season 2-0, they've now dropped five straight. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but only barely. They'll likely need to win out, beginning with tonight's game against Viscious & Delicious. Given the inconsistency of both the roster and the on-field play over the past month, it's difficult for me to believe they'll be able to string together three consecutive victories.
Questions to Consider
Will Tyler Cousins throw an INT at any point this season?
Tyler Cousins has played six games this season as the quarterback for the first-place Texas Whales and has yet to throw an interception. For any quarterback, regardless of the division, that's an extraordinary accomplishment. Whether he's throwing short hooks, intermediate routes or letting his speedy receivers get behind the defence, opposing defenders simply haven't been able to come away with a takeaway. I put a poll on the Facebook Page and you should chime in if you believe Cousins will achieve the historic feat or not
I know Cousins is much more focused on the bigger picture of bringing Texas Whales a championship, but what he's accomplishing individually deserves recognition. I wasn't able to go through every quarterback season in FPF history, but among the top quarterbacks I checked, the last player to complete a regular season without throwing an interception was Jo Maheu, who recorded 54 touchdown passes and zero interceptions over eight games with DA Braves during the Spring 2024 season.
The level of competition in Division D2 isn't the same as Division A, but Cousins has an opportunity to accomplish something even more impressive by potentially playing ten games without an interception. I'm not sure we'll see another season like that anytime soon. Whether he finishes the year perfect or not, it's already been a remarkable campaign for both him and Texas Whales.
Can Trinity sneak into the top 8?
At the moment, Trinity sits just outside the top eight, but of all the teams currently outside a playoff position, they own the best point differential. On Saturday, they picked up a massive 19-12 victory over Super Saiyans, thanks largely to the two-way performance of quarterback Raphael Bernier.
The game didn't start the way Bernier would've wanted, as he threw an interception on just his second pass attempt. He quickly responded by intercepting Jordan Allard and returning it the other way for a touchdown. Bernier then settled into the game, throwing a touchdown pass before recording another interception on the final play of the first half.
The second half became a defensive battle, but after Super Saiyans threatened to take the lead, Bernier came up with his third interception of the afternoon before leading Trinity down the field and finding Vincent Marquis for the game's final touchdown.
It was exactly the type of win Trinity needed. Looking ahead, the schedule is favorable, with games remaining against teams below them in the standings, along with a crucial matchup against Shockerz, who currently occupy the final playoff position. From this point forward, every game should feel like a playoff game for Trinity.
Who’s the best defender in the division?
The Defensive Player of the Year race might be the most difficult award to predict in Division D2.
Without even looking at the statistics, players like Chazz Pisanelli, Richie Mondesir, Olivier McDuff and several others immediately come to mind. Then you have the veteran rushers, including Jean-Sébastien St-Arneault and Gianni Johnston, who continue to impact games every week.
Whether you value pass coverage or quarterback pressure, nobody has truly separated themselves from the field.
Pisanelli currently leads the division with three pick-sixes, but Denzel Eadie-Lowe continues to build his case with interceptions of his own, even if Pisanelli has played one fewer game. The same can be said for the rushers. One dominant performance can completely change the conversation.
With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, this award is still up for grabs. It could take a game with three interceptions and a pick-six, or a five-sack performance, for someone to finally separate themselves from the pack. However it plays out, this race should be one of the most entertaining to follow over the final stretch of the season.
Closing Remarks
Week 8 gave us plenty to think about heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Team Ethnik continued its impressive turnaround, Trinity kept its playoff hopes alive with a statement victory, and Tyler Cousins continues to put together one of the most efficient quarterback seasons we've seen in recent memory.
With only a few weeks left before the playoffs, every game becomes more meaningful. Teams are fighting for seeding, others are simply trying to get into the top eight, and the individual award races remain as close as ever. We'll be back next week with more action, more storylines, and another look at how the playoff picture continues to unfold.