Tier 4: Grading the Field, Part 2 — More Team Reviews and a Chat with Tyler

We are approaching Week 8 and games matter more than ever. As much as the outdoor weather brings a level of flag and vibe that can’t be replaced, we are now back indoors for the rest of the season due to the Canadian weather. Last week, we went through team reviews for half the league and now this week, will cover the other half. Like last week, we will have a special guest in Tyler Stewart who readers will get to know in a bit. Before we get into the core of this week’s article, let’s go through my fantasy lineup from last week.

QB: Dylan Boudreau (vs Sans Pression)➡️ Stats: 12/20 133yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 2 rushes for 17yds, 1 TD

Total: 23.02 pts

WR: George Spano (vs Monstars)➡️ Stats: 7 rec, 38yds, 3 TDs, 1x 1pt convert

Total: 29.90 pts

WR: Fabrice Tremblay (vs Team Ethnik)➡️ Stats: 5 rec, 36yds

Total: 8.60 pts

Rusher: Lucas Diamantopoulos (vs Reborn Prospects)➡️ Stats: DNP

Total: DNP

DB: Émile Bolullo (vs Team Ethnik)➡️ Stats: 1 INT, 1 TD

Total: 8.00 pts

DB: Jean Gardy (vs Show me your TDs)➡️ Stats: 1 tackle

Total: 0.00 pts

Flex: Ryan Vanslet (vs Bend Don’t Break)➡️ Stats: 2 rec, 80yds, 2 TDs

Total: 22.00 pts

Flex: Agostino Giagnacovo (vs Voodoo)➡️ Stats: 2 rec, 21yds, 1 sack

Total: 5.10 pts

Defence: NoFlagsGiven (vs Voodoo)➡️ Stats: 6 INTs, 2 PDs

Total: 13.00 pts

Team Total:109.52 pts

For this week, we will get to knowTyler Stewart. Stewart has been playing in FPF for quite some time, having success as a receiver and playing for QB nowadays. Playing in Tier 4 as the reigning champions withNoFlagsGiven, I was able to get a chance to talk to him this week.

I currently play quarterback forNo Flags Given, and we’re heading into our third season as a team. I originally started playing flag football in 2021 withSave a Horse, where I played as a snapper. A group of friends and I from Châteauguay joined together back then, and I’ve been playing year-round ever since.

I’ve been playing for a few years now, and it’s definitely been full of ups and downs, but also a lot of learning along the way. With flag being such a fast-paced and offensive game, you really need to be able to score quickly and often. It makes a huge difference having teammates who run their routes properly, trust the process, and buy into the plays — and of course, having speed never hurts either.

This one’s the easiest question without a doubt — it’sGloGang. I played with them last season whileNoFlagsGiventook the summer off. They tried to get me back, but I had to stay loyal to the boys. Plus, my sister’s boyfriend plays for them, and since we’re both betting men 💰 I’ve got a little extra motivation to put some money on that one!@Sifax😉

If you go back to that season, we dealt with injuries & new subs coming in mid-season — but we never let it faze us. Especially during the playoff run, we started every single game from behind and had to fight our way back, including being down 14–0 to start the finals. It just goes to show the importance of playing until the final whistle  like I mentioned before to score quick and score often.

My original goals were to win a championship, throw 50 touchdowns, and hit 2,000 passing yards in a single season — and the boys helped me achieve all of that over the last two seasons. Now, my next goal is forNoFlagsGivento keep climbing tiers together as a team and eventually compete in a higher division.

This is a very athletic team, but I think coming into the season we let a few games slip away by assuming things would be easy. There are some really strong teams in our division this year, but I’d say we’ve finally found our rhythm and are ready to make a serious playoff run.

Honestly, I can’t name just one person — all the boys have improved so much since we first signed up. Everyone’s playing at such a higher level now. What’s most impressive, though, is how we’ve grown together as a team — learning to trust the defence, trust your zones, and trust the guy beside you. As for the chemistry, the way the boys get fired up for each other is something not many teams have like we do. 

To see more of how our team is, check out our vibes on our IG @noflagsgiven_fpf

https://www.instagram.com/noflagsgiven_fpf/reel/DQQPnZrjK46/

“In the summer I like to golf with my friends, and in the winter I go snowboarding. Outside of that, I spend most of my time working, playing flag football, and spending time with my wife and our puppy.” - NoFlagsGiven teammates

Offensive Grade: C-

Defensive Grade: D

Team MVP: David Collette

The numbers are a little inflated due to two forfeit losses, however,Airs Universitystruggles even when they are able to put a roster onto the field on both sides of the ball. In games they play, they average 19.2pts a game and still allow 37.8pts a game.Duncan Cookhas been the QB of this team for several seasons due to his deep ball ability and seemed promising if he was able to limit his high INT numbers but hasn’t really played much as QB this season. It’s been a mix ofConnor HoustonandAlexei Dikranianwho both haven’t been terrible but limit the offence.Colletteseems to be the lone bright spot on both sides as he has 471yds with 8 TDs along with 4 PDs. A team where I had higher expectations than the 1-7 record and hopefully in the future they can put a more consistent roster as two forfeits in the season hurts in the standings.

Offensive Grade: B+

Defensive Grade: A-

Team MVP: Luke Moreau

Bend Don’t Breakmight not be the flashiest of teams but they score points at their pace and slow down the game with their aggressive defence. In the top 10 of INTs, a large part is due toQB Luke Moreauwho plays both ways and had 4 INTs on defence along with a pick-6. As QB, he’s efficient with 66.3% completion and has 20 TDs in 5 games. His go-to receiver inDominic Weidnerhas been heavily used as he has 340yds and 7 TDs so far. Initially, I felt that this team would beat the teams I’d expected and lose to the much better ones but that changed when they beat mySophomore XL Exchange Students in the final seconds last weekend. They were able to be in control the whole game and proved to bring back that previous championship pedigree. If they can have a strong finish to the end of the season as they have games against 4 teams in the upper half of the standings, it might be the momentum they need for another championship run.

Offensive Grade: A-

Defensive Grade: A

Team MVP: Alex O’Neill

This team has the perfect mix of athletes who are very skilled and eager to make plays all around the field. A mix of previouslyTD BlitzandBrothermen,Briscoe Hawksis a team not many others would want to face in playoffs.QB Alex O’Neillmight be the most efficient QB with only 1 INT on 78.4% and also has 2 INTs with a pick-6 on defence. On offence,George Spanoleads the team with 11 TDs but with 4 players in double digits in catches, the ball is evenly spread. On defence, they get INTs andFabrice Agelusis a lockdown defender on the backend.Winny Fokohas 9 sacks which is tied for 2nd in the division. My question is how will this team play in the playoffs as they have been great in the regular season and when stakes are higher.  Nevertheless, if they can solve those issues, they will be a hard team to beat for anyone in the playoffs.

Offensive Grade: B

Defensive Grade: A-

Team MVP: Agostino Giagnacovo

IfGloganghad a move explosive offence, I would say they are close to be finals favorites. Their defence is near perfect being in the top 7 in INTs, sacks and points allowed. They have playmakers no matter who’s on the field with their large roster fromGiagnacovowho has 7 sacks toTyronJoneswho has 2 pick-6s on the season. They also have 5 players with at least 2 INTs on defence. A surprising tie withFlag Dealersand forfeit loss toTexas Whalesis holding them from being an undefeated team and duel-threatQB Neil Loiselhas been playing well. Having 4 TDs per game and 11.5yds per run is a great way to keep defences guessing. IfGlogangcan unlock another level to their offence andLoiselcan add a few more TDs per game on slightly better efficiency,Glogangis in a good place to make a deep run.

Offensive Grade: B+

Defensive Grade: C+

Team MVP: Charles Presser

A team withCharles Presseras QB normally is normally a top offence and with his duel-threat ability,Monstarsis competing with the best. With 29 total TDs (4 from the ground),Presseris able to use his legs to get into great field position and use a very balanced offensive attack with 5 players scoring at least 3 TDs so far. The issueMonstarshas is their defence is keeping games close but in a bad way.Ronen Friedmanis a promising rusher and there is talent on the defensive end but it seems that for every good play on defence, the next play or drive will be the opposite. Their record can easily be 5-1 or even 2-4 with the amount of close games they have had. If they can’t figure out a way to get more stops on that side of the ball, making a deep playoff run will be difficult, even with this good offence.

Offensive Grade: A-

Defensive Grade: B

Team MVP: Amine Encina

The reigning Tier 4 champs are back looking to add another championship onto their resume. They have always had an explosive offence under the arm ofStewartas they average the 7th most points per game. A big reason is the connection betweenStewartandEncinawho has 321yds and 7 TDs on only 16 receptions. This team loves to score and withEncinaleading the charge with support fromKyle DanielandJesse Quinsey, it’s tough to stop. On defence, it’s always been a question with this team as this season they don’t have much of a pressure when it comes to sacks but they have ballhawks andEncinaleads the team with 6 INTs so far. They have lost some close contests against good teams so this might be a test for what the playoffs will look like in terms of competition. AsStewartexplained earlier, he feels that the team has found their rhythm and I can’t count these guys out of another deep run and potential repeat as champions.

Offensive Grade: A+

Defensive Grade: B

Team MVP: Nicolas Katerelos

The best offensive team in my opinion is undefeated and poised to make a championship run. I was able to see their matchup withRum & Cokelast week and the offence behindKatereloswas unstoppable, scoring 56 points.Katerelosis in the running for QB of the Year and havingCharles-Antoine NadeauandSamuel Delandis in my opinion the best duo at receiver at this point in the division when they are both on the field. Their defence isn’t bad but against teams who are capable of scoring points, they are able to just score more. That can work in the regular season but in the playoffs, that is my only worry. IfKaterelosisn’t on his game for even a half, does this defence have enough to stop another top offense. It might not matter due to their fire power but for being at the top of the standings, they might be seen as the team to beat come playoffs.

Offensive Grade: C-

Defensive Grade: D+

Team MVP: Mathew Antonios

Show me your TDshave had a rough awakening into Tier 4 this season. Known asGamblersin Tier 5, this team wanted to play the extra games and decided to sign up two teams in the men 6v6 division. Tier 4 is the biggest in the league and with this season having a lot of talented teams, the talent is a gap for these guys, for now. Give them a few more seasons and I can say otherwise.Mathew Antoniosis a two-way player for this team who makes plays all over the field with his speed and IQ on defence.QB Chris Toroyanwould have to limit his INTs and sacks taken but for a first season in Tier 4, I’ve seen much worse and he should be optimistic for better success. I giveShow me your TDscredit as they compete every game and were even able to get their first win overBible Study. I told them that they shouldn’t give up and look at improving game by game and if they can use this experience to grow, they will be better in future seasons.

Offensive Grade: B+

Defensive Grade: A

Team MVP: Ryan Vanslet

My team knows I won’t sugarcoat things and won’t be biassed towards them. The last few games have been rocky as we haven’t had a full strength squad and recently lost a heartbreaker toBend Don’t Break. TheVanslet-to-Vansletcousin connection is working asRyanhas 14 TDs in 6 games and 4 INTs on defence.Anthony Moustachealso leads the division in INTs with 7 andMichael Schilleris probably the tallest player in FPF playing rusher disrupting every play with his long reach. TheXLteams have not had recent regular season struggles but have had underwhelming playoff loses. For this team this season, they are one of the best defences but it’s heavy towards thoseMoustacheandRyanfor good reason. When teams in the playoffs can focus on the best players, you need role players to step up when the pressure is on but also role players need that opportunity to be given a chance. Even though I’m not playing any regular season games, there’s a slim chance I play in the playoffs if my recovery goes well which can benefit the defence but this team has the recipe without me to do damage as they are doing right now.. This team right now has all the ingredients to win a championship but can they fight adversity when they play a tough team when it matters the most in the playoffs?

Offensive Grade: C

Defensive Grade: B-

Team MVP: Kyle Martel

Super Troopersonly started their season in week 4 but would have 7 games in the month of October and currently have a 3-4 record.QB Kenny Boutilierhasn’t been bad but it isn’t one of his best seasons.Martelhas been his main guy with over 300yds and 4 TDs. HavingGiovani Antonaccion the team is great but when he’s not at games as he’s only played in 3, the offence isn’t as great. On defence they haven’t been able to generate much turnovers even though they have guys in positions to make plays. With a rotation at rusher, they are able to generate pressure on the opposing QB but without the INTs or turnover on downs, it puts more pressure on the offence to match. With three games remaining, their playoff spot isn’t guaranteed but they are in control of their destiny as being the 20th seed.

Offensive Grade: A-

Defensive Grade: B

Team MVP: David De Andrade

QB Benoit Lawlorloves stretching the field andTeam Ethnikhas been able to put up points at will. With 35 TDs in 7 games,Lawloris able to elevate the offence to compete with the top teams.De Andradeleads the team with 12 TD and by havingSimon Duforthaving 8 TDs of his own, teams have issues keeping up. Even in their two losses againstReborn ProspectsandUncle Rico’s Ryders, they put up 31 and 41 points respectively. On defence, they have a very fast rusher inAlain Kebwho has 9 sacks so far and is competing with the best to lead the division in sacks. What concerns them with me is generating INTs as they do rank in the bottom half so far.Team Ethnikshould be fine regarding a playoff berth but if they can build towards being a better defending team, it would ease the pressure onLawlorand the offence.

Offensive Grade: B

Defensive Grade: A+

Team MVP: Daniel Alessandro

Texas Whalesare on pace to have their best season since joining FPF a few years ago. Even without the forfeit win overGlogang, this team still averages over 35pts a game.Tyler Cousinshas been solid for his team as QB, developing with new additionAlessandrothroughout the season and seems to have found a premier top receiver. With solid contributions from centerSamuel TejeraandElio Cariglia,Cousinswould just need to limit his INTs which he has done a good job at improving at. For their high point total, a large part is due to the defence and with averaging a pick-6 a game, it elevates their defence into a scary unit. They have athletes all over the field and if they can keep this pace, it can cause havoc come playoffs. My only concern is even thoughTexas Whalesis 5-1 and have a heartbreaking loss toReborn Prospects, the strength of their schedule otherwise isn’t near the top. It’s a big division and no fault to them for taking care of business wherever is playing against them but I would want them to either make statement wins for the rest of the season or if they can win against bothDragon MagiqueandTeam Ethnik, I think that would answer my question on if they are a contender or pretender.

Offensive Grade: A-

Defensive Grade: A-

Team MVP: Noah Lieblein

The Peckersare one of two undefeated teams left in Tier 4 due to their well balanced play.Liebleinhas been keeping the offense near the top of efficiency with over 75% completions and having a spread out offence with six different receivers over 10 receptions. It truly shows the chemistry is there for this group. On defence,Leibleincurrently has 3 INTs and a pick-6. RusherNathanTwikalso has 7 sacks in four games showing that he can be one of the best. What I think stands out withThe Peckersis their ability to control each game at their pace. They aren’t at the top of points because they don’t always throw deep andLiebleinalso doesn't throw the ball away as he only has 3 INTs so far as QB. Similarly toTexas Whales, I do think they have had an easier schedule than most but have taken care of business each time. I’m eager to see their last three games againstBend Don’t Break,Uncle Rico’s RydersandRichteras their finish at the end of the season can prove if they belong with the best teams in Tier 4 come playoffs.

Offensive Grade: A+

Defensive Grade: B+

Team MVP: Peter Bakopanos

Last season this team struggled in Tier 2 and with a change in roster, they are able to compete in Tier 4 and are in championship conversations. With one of the best offences in the division,QBMathew Yanakouliasleads the group with 39 TDs and with five different pass catchers over 200yds, they are the strongest receiving core so far.Justin Lernerleads the team with 12 TDs andDaron Migdesyanseconds him with 7 TDs.Bakopanosleads the team in receptions with 36 and on the defensive end, has two pick-6s and is at the top in INTs for his team withDallasOdem.Lucas Diamantopouloshas 8 sacks so far and is disrupting every QB he faces. Their only loss is toRichter andUncle Rico’s Rydersis primed for a championship run. Their points allowed is of a concern and if they can lower that with a few more stops, they might be a top 4 team in December.

Offensive Grade:C

Defensive Grade: C-

Team MVP: Laurent-Philippe St-Onge

For Vice City, it hasn’t been a great season so far, however, they have four games remaining and they would need to play their best to win a playoff berth.QB Dylan Boudreauis slowly getting back into rhythm after missing the early part of the season with an injury and is finding solid connection with his main targetSt-Onge. For this offence, they don’t generate much points on a consistent level and to make the playoffs, they need to score against the good teams they face. On defence, they are towards the bottom in sacks and INTs which doesn’t help.Vincent Richardleads the team in INTs with two and I think would need to be the defensive spark for things to get better. It’s not over yet andVice Cityhas shown a glimpse of positivity in their win againstSans Pressionand loss toStudzbut time is running out for them.

Offensive Grade: C

Defensive Grade: C-

Team MVP: Kevin Marcil

By moving down to Tier 4, I was expecting a better outcome forVoodooby this point.Marcilcontinues to be a two-way star for this division but he can’t do it alone ifVoodoowants to achieve team success. WithMarcilhaving ⅚ INTs for the team and 12/27 of the teams total offensive TDs, a lot is revolve around him. Credit toQB Frank Kayewho is playing despite his long resume of FPF experience but this season has been tough as he’s leading the division with 21 INTs thrown. This group of guys enjoy playing together and that’s what matters. When looking into a post-season berth, they aren’t out of the equation completely but they would need to win out and get plenty of help.

QB: Dante Girardi (vs Show me your TDs)

WR: Martin Bergeron (vs Studz)

WR:Jeffrey Lefebvre (vs Flag Dealers)

Rusher: Alain Keb (vs Brewers)

DB: Vincent Richard (vs NoFlagsGiven)

DB: Neyshan Boisvert (vs Super Troopers)

Flex: Matteo Gerardi (vs Bend Don’t Break)

Flex: Amine Encina (vs Vice City)

Defence: Dragon Magique (vs Dog Walkers)

Thanks for reading this week’s article ahead of the games for Week 8. With playoffs slowly approaching, get your 5 games played or your medical notes sent to the league so you are playoff eligible. Thanks toTyler Stewartfor his time and good luck to his team for the remainder of the season. If you haven’t watched the newest episode of theFPF weekly podcast 1st & Goal on YouTube; hosted byBrent BodkinandQuaysie Gordon Maule.The rest of the regular season will be competitive so keep playing and next week I’ll look over the stats for the award races!