Division E1: A Tight Race Enters the Final Stretch
Field Notes • Division E1 • Week 9
With only a few weeks remaining before the playoffs, Division E1 continues to be one of the most competitive divisions in FlagPlus Football. Armed Robbery and TuneSquad currently share top spot with identical 7-1 records, while South Shore Crashouts remain right behind them at 6-1 with a game in hand after another impressive victory.
While the top eight teams qualify for the postseason, every game still matters as teams continue battling for the best possible playoff seed and the momentum that comes with it heading into August.
The Race for First Place
| Seed | Team | Record | Remaining Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Armed Robbery | 7-1 | Underdogs (4-4) South Shore Crashouts (6-1) |
| 2 | TuneSquad | 7-1 | Practice Squad III (5-3) Bastion (3-5) |
| 3 | South Shore Crashouts | 6-1 | Airs (5-3) Sans Pression (4-4) Armed Robbery (7-1) |
While every team in the top eight is currently in a playoff position, finishing near the top of the standings can make a big difference once the postseason begins. Armed Robbery and TuneSquad have been the standard all season, each sitting at 7-1, but South Shore Crashouts remain within striking distance with a game in hand.
After defeating Bastion 42-24 this past week, South Shore has quietly put itself in a position to challenge for first if it can continue its strong form. With only a handful of games remaining, expect all three teams to treat every matchup like a playoff game as they look to finish the regular season on top.
Four Games to Watch in Week 9
Underdogs vs Armed Robbery
Underdogs have proven they can compete with some of the division's better teams, but they'll face one of their toughest tests yet against an Armed Robbery squad looking to hold onto first place. An upset here would shake up the standings. Quentin Leduc has had a great season in the games he's played, and if he's under center this week, I like the Underdogs' chances in what should be a hard-fought battle.
🟢 Prediction: Underdogs def. Armed Robbery
TuneSquad vs Practice Squad III
TuneSquad has little room for error with Armed Robbery tied atop the division. Practice Squad III, meanwhile, continues fighting to improve its playoff position, making this a matchup with plenty at stake for both sides. These two veteran teams are no strangers to one another, and the spotlight will be on Garner Ross to lead TuneSquad's offence while Vincent Demers, the division's leading rusher, looks to keep Practice Squad III on schedule.
🟢 Prediction: TuneSquad def. Practice Squad III
Airs vs Midtown
Both teams find themselves in the middle of a crowded playoff picture. A win here could provide valuable momentum while also creating some separation heading into the final weeks of the regular season. Airs have an opportunity to establish themselves as the clear leader of the group chasing the division's top three teams, while Midtown continues to battle for a playoff spot despite dealing with ongoing roster issues. Both offences are capable of putting up points, but I think Airs' defence will be the difference-maker in this one.
🟢 Prediction: Airs def. Midtown
Shnitos & Benitos vs Sans Pression
Every season has a few games where the expected result gets flipped on its head. Sans Pression enters Week 9 riding a two-game winning streak, while Shnitos & Benitos have dropped three straight. Momentum is a funny thing in sports, though. Teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive often find another level, and I expect Shnitos & Benitos to make Sans Pression earn every point. This has all the ingredients to be much closer than the standings suggest.
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🟢 Prediction: Sans Pression def. Shnitos & Benitos by one possession
Key Takeaway
The battle for first remains wide open, but the teams behind the top three also have plenty to gain or lose as the playoff picture tightens.
Closing Remarks
While the battle for first has deservedly grabbed the attention, I'm just as interested in the race behind the top three. Airs have an opportunity to separate themselves as the best of the chasing pack, while teams like Practice Squad III, Midtown and the Underdogs are all capable of changing the playoff picture with a strong finish. Don't be surprised if the final standings look much different in a few weeks.
Week 9 should be another exciting one in Division E1, with plenty still left to play for across the standings. Whether it's the battle for first place or teams looking to improve their playoff position, every game has something at stake as the regular season begins to wind down. I'll be back next week to recap all the action, see how these predictions turned out and continue following one of FlagPlus Football's deepest divisions.
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