Division F: Rain, Rivalries and Playoff Implications in Week 8
Week 8 brought the schedule back to normal with nine games on the slate. With only four weeks remaining before the playoffs begin in the second week of August, the standings can change quickly. I had the chance to watch a few games this past week, and here are my biggest takeaways.
Week 8 Headlines
WestLuc get back in the win column
It was a rainy Thursday evening in Laval as WestLuc looked to snap a four-game losing streak against the Jamaican Bobsled Team.
With both Aaron and Aidan Lasry in the lineup, WestLuc looked much more comfortable offensively despite the difficult conditions. The rain affected both teams throughout the night, leading to several drops, slips and inaccurate throws. The biggest question became which team would adapt first.
Early on, it was WestLuc.
Quarterback Aaron Lasry quickly adjusted by relying on short passes, shovel passes and taking what the defence gave him. Outside of an early interception, WestLuc moved the ball efficiently and built a two-touchdown lead while the Jamaican Bobsled Team struggled to sustain drives.
Steven Polizzi did everything he could to keep his team in the game, but as the rain intensified, the connection between him and his receivers became increasingly difficult. WestLuc's 13-point halftime lead quickly grew to 19 after Aidan Lasry intercepted a pass early in the second half and set his offence up with great field position.
The weather never let up, but WestLuc handled it much better than their opponents. It was a much-needed victory that keeps them in the playoff picture. Both teams currently occupy lower playoff positions but still have plenty of opportunities to climb the standings over the final month. For WestLuc, the biggest takeaway wasn't just the win, it was how they adapted. If they can carry that same approach into the final month of the season, they'll be a difficult matchup for any team in the playoff race.
Clique du Chateau’s losing streak continues
Earlier that evening, my Junior XL squad fell to Perfect Timing, who were able to move the ball almost at will against our defence. I'll have more on quarterback Justin Veilleux and Perfect Timing in the coming weeks.
Before my next game at 10 p.m., I stayed to watch Clique du Chateau take on Sharknado, my first opportunity to see both teams in person.
After only a handful of throws, I immediately questioned how Clique du Chateau entered the game with a 1-3 record. Gabriel Mercier throws an excellent deep ball and has one of the stronger arms I've seen in Division F. As the game progressed, however, it became easier to understand the struggles.
There were several occasions where his receivers either couldn't get to the football or weren't on the same page with him. In the red zone especially, Mercier seemed to lock onto his first read instead of working through his progressions. If he can improve that aspect of his game, I genuinely believe he has the arm talent to play at a higher level.
For Sharknado, Hugo Limoges constantly found ways to create pressure and force mistakes. Mercier threw at least two red-zone interceptions, yet Clique du Chateau still managed to take a lead into halftime.
Everything changed early in the second half.
Colin L. Legault returned an interception for a touchdown to tie the game before later catching the game-winning score.
Although Sharknado followed that victory with a loss to Sweet Bonanza, they've now scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games after failing to reach that mark in each of their first three contests. The move to Mercier at quarterback appears to have given the offence new life.
Vicks Doghouse beat Gamblers in friendly rivalry game
A friendly rivalry took place Saturday afternoon at Concordia as Vicks Doghouse squared off against Gamblers.
I only caught the final portion of the game, but Vicks Doghouse controlled much of the action from the opening whistle. Both teams know each other well both on and off the field, making for an entertaining matchup.
Quarterback Chris Toroyan completed only 10 passes, but five of them went for touchdowns. That's a testament to both the field position his team consistently enjoyed and how efficiently they capitalized on their opportunities. In fact, Vicks Doghouse's average starting field position was around midfield for much of the game.
On the opposite side, Alex De Luca produced a similar statistical performance, but his two interceptions proved to be the difference.
The win moves Vicks Doghouse to 2-5 and keeps their playoff hopes alive. For Gamblers, the margin for error is now extremely small. They'll likely need to win out, or at the very least win two of their final three games, to have a realistic chance of finishing inside the top 16.
Week 9 GOTW
Saturday July 18, 2026: Aladeen FC vs Devious Dogs
Easily the game of the week. The two teams currently sit 3rd and 4th in the standings, with Aladeen FC boasting the best defence in the division while Devious Dogs continue to be one of the league's most explosive offences. The matchup between Guillaume Perrier and Michael Del Grosso should be one to watch, as both are capable of making game-changing plays on either side of the ball. With both teams chasing the top seed, this game could have major playoff implications. I don't expect either team to run away with it, but I'm giving a slight edge to Devious Dogs in what should be one of the closest games of the week.
Closing Remarks
Week 8 brought the schedule back to full speed, and with only four weeks remaining before the playoffs, every game feels more meaningful. Some teams managed to stop the bleeding, others continued to build momentum, and a few now find themselves with little room for error. As we head into Week 9, I'll continue following the playoff race closely, highlighting the biggest performances, key matchups, and storylines as the regular season begins to wind down.
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