Division 1: Week 10 Power Rankings + Jeremy White Q&A
We’re back with another Division 1 article. Week 10 featured plenty of games, and with the recent ice storm postponing two matchups, we unfortunately missed out on even more great flag football.
Week 11 will be a shorter slate with only four games, but it still gives several teams a chance to bounce back from earlier losses or get themselves back on track.
I’ll start with my Week 10 power rankings before getting into a Q&A with EZW quarterback Jeremy White, who I had the chance to film last week and also line up against as a receiver.
Week 10 Power Rankings
1️⃣ PartyCrashers (6-0)
Last Week: -
PartyCrashers continued their momentum with 2 big wins. They beat EZW to start their week and beat Fins Up after a late TD pass caught by Jeanslee Alexis. PartyCrashers are on a heater and with a rematch against EZW and finishing the week against Royaume Luminiare, I would be surprised if they drop any of these two games with a near full lineups
2️⃣ Vultures (5-2)
Last Week: -
It’s been a quiet week for Vultures as they did not play in Division 1 due to their game against Royaume Luminiare being postponed due to weather conditions and they are also off next week before a clash against Braves in Week 12. Big concern is to Ben McMahon who is nursing a lower body injury so hopefully the time off can give him an opportunity to heal up.
3️⃣ Braves (4-4)
Last Week: -
Also on a break, Braves are going to be back in Week 11 with two big games after nearly three weeks off. They will begin with a matchup against EZW and follow that up with OneStop just 24hrs later. I think both these games I’d expect the Braves to win but with how they played prior to this break, it has been shaky at times. With that all being said, you still can’t count out the champs on any given week.
4️⃣ Fins Up (4-4)
Last Week: +1
Even though they lost to PartyCrashers, they were very close on pushing the game into OT. Fins Up have had solid wins and close losses this season and it’s a huge step from Fall 2024. They don’t play in Week 11 and will have some time to prep before their Week 12 matchup against The Infantry where I nearly have it as a 50/50 split on who will win that game.
5️⃣ OneStop (2-4-1)
Last Week: +1
It was a well needed dominant victory for OneStop over EZW. Michael Caparelli would throw as many incompletions as TDs with 6 that night and it was their first win since Jan 21 in their season opener. I was interested to see their matchup against The Infantry but with the ice storm warning, we will wait for that later. OneStop will need their best game in order to battle the Braves Monday night.
6️⃣ The Infantry (2-4)
Last Week: -2
The Infantry lost 43-26 to Royaume Luminiare in Week 10 where I was not expecting it. Based on the stats, Kevin Wyeth struggled with connecting with his receivers with nearly as many incompletions as completed passes, it was a rare sighting for the GOAT QB. With their game against OneStop being re-scheduled, they will regroup now in Week 12 for a matchup against Fins Up that they consider a must-win to get back on track.
7️⃣ Royaumme Luminiare (2-4)
Last Week: +1
Royaume Luminiare would win a game over The Infantry where Jesse Dupuis would only throw 1 INT which is a season best for him this season. Samuel Lapierre would lead the team with 3 receiving TDs and Royaume Luminiare had control of this game seemingly the whole time. They didn’t play against Vultures but will have a big test in Week 11 against PartyCrashers where they would hope to give them their first loss if they are undefeated by that point.
8️⃣ EZW (1-5)
Last Week: -1
EZW lost two big games, first against PartyCrashers and ended the week in a tough loss to OneStop. This team is still finding its footing and with any Division 1 team, you can’t count them out on any given week. They have the biggest Week 11 with a rematch with PartyCrashers to open up and they will look to avenge their Week 10 loss. To close things out, they will play Braves the following night.
Q&A with EZW’s QB Jeremy White
Even though you’ve been playing in FPF for close to 10 years now, you’re still one of the younger QBs in Division 1. What’s one piece of advice you’ve picked up from some of the more experienced quarterbacks in this division?
I think one of the things I picked up from elite QBs in the division is to keep it simple. I used to try and create plays on the spot or generate big plays by doing too much. On the other hand, I would watch Kevin Wyeth play and it felt like he had 4-5 plays he would run all the time. He had those plays mastered, and he would execute them at such a high level, he was basically unstoppable. I try to keep that in mind when I play. I will say though, these defenses in D1 are no joke, so you better have a trick or two up your sleeve.
The EZW franchise started back in 2018 and you had already been in FPF for a couple of years by then. You still play with some of the guys from those early teams — what’s the bond like with those teammates both on and off the field?
To me, that’s the most beautiful thing about flag football, and sports in general. I’ve known these guys for so long, and we’ve been through so much together. All those emotions, the highs, the lows. We’ve always had each other’s backs, and I know we always will. It’s a bond like no other, and they truly are family to me. On the field, I think our bond is on display. We understand each other on another level and it brings all of us higher together. I feel really blessed to play with this group and to have these guys in my life. When I started EZW in 2018 in Division 6, I just really wanted to have my friends come together and be competitive in a sport that we all love. Looking back, I’m very much honored by the history of EZW, the amazing people that have been a part of it, and the brothers, the OGs that are still choosing to play with me every season. I have a lot of love for all my guys on and off the field and I will always be there for them.
EZW is still relatively new to Division 1 compared to some of the other established teams. What’s something you’ve seen from your group that can help build a strong foundation moving forward in this division?
I know we have what it takes. The margin for error is so low in this division, every team is great. One play can be the difference in the whole game. I believe we just need to be more consistent and merge a little bit more as a team. A big part of it is on me, as we need to score more points. I feel like I haven’t been at my best these last few games, and it cost us. I have to be better if we want a chance to win against the best. The other element we need is to be more cohesive. We have a few new players this season, and I think it took us some time to figure it out together. We need to play better as a unit, especially on defense. That being said, I have full confidence in my team and myself. Our record is obviously not great, but I really like where we are at. I see our growth every game, and I’m confident that we’ll be ready for anyone come playoff time. I know we can win against any of the other teams in this division.
This weekend you’ve got two big matchups against the undefeated PartyCrashers and then Braves the next night. Do you approach both games the same way, or does the game plan change depending on certain teams and players like Mendel Joseph or James Drysdale?
Mendel and James are definitely players you have to be aware of when you are scanning the field, but I wouldn’t say our game plan changes that much. We like to play our game and be aggressive. Don’t get me wrong, I will be sure to know where they are at all times, but both of these teams are stacked all around. There is a reason why these teams dominate the way they do. I have a lot of respect for everybody on both teams. These games bring the best out of us, because we know we have to play at our best to win. That’s what it’s all about, and that will be our approach this weekend.
It hasn’t been the start you probably hoped for, but in Division 1 we know the playoffs can feel like a whole new season. What’s one positive you’ve seen from your team that could cause problems for other teams later on?
I would say our confidence. We know who we are and we know we belong in D1. We trust each other, and we will continue to get better and grow as we finish the season. We got some dogs over here. They say everything is amplified in the playoffs, and our confidence will be as well. The last championship we won, we started 0-3, so the record really doesn’t matter to me. I have complete confidence in my team, and I know we will be ready for the playoffs.
You’ve also spent time coaching at the provincial and CEGEP levels. Is there something you’ve learned from coaching that has helped shape the way you approach playing flag football?
Of course. Being both a player and a coach is extremely beneficial to both roles. I’ve always been a little obsessed with flag football and coaching just offered me an opportunity to try things, and see them from another perspective. I was also lucky enough to coach the same brothers I play with, Samuel Pelchat and JC Ferland, and I believe it helped us challenge ourselves in a différent way, which also deepened our bond even further through flag. As I started playing QB, I would think a lot about my play designs, my play calling, my communication, my confidence. These key parts of me as a player were crafted throughout my years as a coach. The key elements I would try to pass on to my players, I try to emulate myself with my team.
You’ve already won championships and several individual awards in FPF, but you’re still on the younger side compared to some of the veterans in Division 1. At this point in your career, what are you still striving for?
Wins wins wins. When I started playing, I was very much into the stats and all that, but as I played and missed chances, lost championships, what always stuck with me were the ones I lost. I love to compete, and I love doing it with my brothers. At this point, I’m just striving to be on top with them. There is nothing given, and I feel blessed for every opportunity I get. Each season is championship or bust, and every season is extremely important, because you never know how long you’re going to be able to play. The day I stop playing is the day my body will not allow me to do so. Until then, I will continue to compete at the highest level possible, with my brothers, and I will cherish every moment.