Hey everyone, we are back for the rest of the team reviews. We are able to kick off Week 9 so each game will matter much more. Teams have already separated themselves from the back where others have a lot of climbing left. With all the team success, there are individual performances that are shaping towards adding accomplishments to talented players. 

Team Reviews

Ambush (3-1, 28.5pts for, 21pts allowed)

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Overall Grade: B+

MVP: Dante Girardi

I cannot tell you how happy Dante Girardi is not playing QB. As talented as he is at throwing the ball, there’s a level of enjoyment he has playing receiver and currently on pace to shatter any receiver career high he’s had so far. Bringing a Team Canada player in Gabriel-Charles Dabe Champagne is the ultimate game changer. Champagne is still getting used to playing QB but as someone who subbed for this team, Champagne looks calm and collected with the ball in his hands. He has a deep arm without trying, is lightning quick running and on the defensive end, can track throws all over the field. Ben McMahon and the returning Phil Roberts have been solid contributors on both sides but the concern for Ambush is what it has always been; playoff availability and health. I expect them to be comfortably at the top of the table and if they are healthy come playoffs, don’t be surprised to see them in the finals. 

Ball Hawks (1-5, 23.5pts for, 29.5pts allowed)

Overall Grade: C-

MVP: Jerry Beauboeuf

I’m surprised with the struggles Ball Hawks are having so far in 4A. QB Richie Mondesir is coming off strong back-to-back seasons in Division D and Tier 4 but with 10 INTs so far, it hasn’t looked pretty. I’ve had glimpses of Ball Hawks’ games and it seems to be miscommunication between Mondesir and his receivers. Giving up 29.5pts per game is actually not terrible for a 1-5 team but for a division in which the top 12 make playoffs, Ball Hawks need a push and sooner rather than later. Their remaining schedule isn’t a cake walk but they are able to pull off a few wins if they play the game I know they can play. 

Dak To The Future (2-2, 27.3pts for, 21.3pts allowed)

Overall Grade: B+

MVP: Justin Gauthier

After winning their first two games comfortably, Dak To The Future have lost back-to-back games against teams at the top of the table in heartbreaking fashion. Their average win margin is 15.5 compared to when they lose, it’s 3.5pts. Justin Gauthier is having a solid season at QB but his completion rate at 48% is concerning when approaching playoffs. Having solid receivers in William Chamberland and Alexandre Marchand has eased him in avoiding turnovers and Gauthier is making plays on defense with 2 INTs and a sack. With only 4 games played, I am curious on how this team will fare by the end of the season. They don’t have the toughest remaining schedule so it would be eye opening to me on what their output will look like.

Mofos (2-3, 22.4pts for, 23.6pts allowed)

Overall Grade: B-

MVP: Samuel Côté

It’s hard to look at Mofos as they have had games where they looked solid and other games they have been underwhelming. Tiemoko Sanogo is an athletic QB who is known to use his legs but with only 10 passing TDs so far, how much can his rushing ability can lead them. He leads the division with 4 rushing TDs but will he be able to maintain that for the rest of the season? With no receivers over 20 targets yet shows that the volume is limited but it’s also spread out. Samuel Côté currently has 8 sacks so far, being a game changer on the defensive side. Mofos have played solid defence this year but they do have teams who are known to put points on the board. Those games will be a true test whether they can hold on to a playoff spot till the end.

Nighthawks (1-3, 35.8pts for, 35.5pts allowed)

Overall Grade: B-

MVP: Reginald Prophete

Close losses to Trapstars and Bible Study alter the record Nighthawks could’ve had. Fabrice Robillard usually has concerns with turning the ball over but with only 2 INTs so far, he’s on pace for his best season at QB as he also has 16 TDs in three games. Reginald Prophete leads the team in all offensive stats, primarily due to a 5 TD and 174yds output against Black Vipers in Week 7. Nighthawks score points but the team are able to pick apart the defence. With only 3 INTs in four games, they can’t expect their offence to be this efficient and win the game. With vets such as Yvan Salomon and Gerry Vincent, they have the advantage with 6 games remaining. If the losses keep adding up, their playoff hopes will be over before they know it.

Nut N’ Run (3-1, 32.3pts for, 24.8pts allowed)

Overall Grade: A-

MVP: Samuel Deland

Nut N’ Run is where I expected them to be, near the top of the table. Nicolas Katerelos has only 2 INTs, both being to Gabriel-Charles Champagne for Ambush in their only loss which isn’t something unusual to hear. Katerelos loves his offence and the chemistry with his receivers seems to keep improving each season. Daniel Garcia is a guy to watch out for. He has great hands, is very fast and can turn the corner at a dime. With this already talented Nut N’ Run offence, I’m enjoying my popcorn seeing this offence play. The only concern I see is their defence which is usually the case when your offence is this talented. Will Poirier has the only sack this season and this team isn’t used to relying on their defence. If their offence takes a hit at any point, can their defence step up? That’s a question to be answered in the playoffs as Nut N’ Run shouldn’t have issues reaching the big dance.

Rick and Marty (2-2, 20.8pts for, 34.0pts allowed)

Overall Grade: C+

MVP: Noah Groper

After winning Division D in a thriller, Rick and Marty are back. This season has been concerning however as they pose the worst offence in the division. A team that has playmakers such as Noah Groper, Brennan Burke and Jonathan Perez, it’s alarming that they are struggling to score. Marty Freedman didn’t play in their last game but only scoring 12pts to Mofos is surprising. Their defence hasn’t been up to par as of late either as they have allowed 38 and 58points respectively in their recent games. Michael Schiller is a 6ft 7in rusher who takes away a good part of the field but when he isn’t there in action, the defence still needs to make plays. As someone who knows Marty and this team well, I do expect them to get back on track after an underwhelming first half of the season.

Trapstars (6-0, 38.3pts for, 23.7pts allowed)

Overall Grade: A

MVP: Felix Sebag

The number 1 team in 4A ranks in the top 5 in both offence and defence. Whether it’s Ryan Garber or Noah Lieblein throwing, this team has been together in different variations over the years and their chemistry and flag IQ continues to show. Cooper Young and Felis Sebag are currently in the top 12 in TDs scored. Speaking of the latter, Sebag also leads the division with 14 sacks in 4 games. In every game he’s played, he’s had at least two. What I’m intrigued to see is the rest of the season for Trapstars. I think their last four games will be much tougher compared to their first six. If they can continue this streak, it feels as if only a forfeit loss due to the boys travelling will slow them down. Their next two games against Ambush and Nut N’ Run will be their toughest tests of the season.

Closing Remarks:

There you go Division 4A with this week’s article. If you don’t agree with my take, I’m always open to hearing what you have to say so don’t be shy and approach me!. The latest episode of the First & Goal Podcast is now up on Youtube so go check it out! As always, if you didn’t get a chance to respond or want to be included in future pieces, you can reach me on Facebook or Instagram @keyoncyrus.