Tier 2: A Ton of Offense, Statement Wins, and Power Rankings

The second half of the season is officially underway. More than a few teams took the opportunity to make a statement.

Offense and more offense were the theme of the game between Shake & Bake and Jagerbomb, as both teams combined for 114 points in the (64-50) victory for the former last Sunday at Loyola.

Both Quarterbacks had a great Thanksgiving, as they feasted on the opposing defense. Simon Duchesne and Marc-Andre Reeves combined for 15 touchdowns. Their Receivers ate too as nine out of the twelve who caught a pass, scored at least one TD. Leading the way for Jagerbomb was Laurent Foucault, who had three to go along with a game-high nine catches for 95 yards.

Shake & Bake had more of a collective approach, as Matthiew Visockis, Emile Descoteaux, and Mikael Arseneau, each recorded two trips to the endzone.

Despite being lit up in the contest, both defenses contributed to the scoring too, as each unit recorded a pick-six. Simon Duchesne would run back a Reeves INT for a score, while Arseneau would do the same to Duchesne.

Even though this game set the mark this year (so far at least) for the highest scoring game in Tier 2, conversions would play a huge role in the outcome. Jagerbomb would only convert on one the entire game. Shake & Bake’s extra point attempts would go a lot better, as they converted seven of eight, including going a perfect three for three in the second half. That is an extra 10 points that helped turn the contest.

Shootouts are fun. With four weeks left in the regular season, and then the playoffs still to go, here’s to hoping some other teams will break the 114-point plateau that Shake & Bake and Jagerbomb set.

The Vultures handed Idaho Udapimps their first loss of the season this Wednesday at Mare-Victorin. Last week I talked about how this matchup could be a potential Finals preview, and it didn’t disappoint, with both teams traded exciting plays and big moments, and clutch performances.

Offense was not an issue for either squad, as multiple players stepped up for their team. For the Vultures, while the newly crowned best Receiver in Tier 2 James Drysdale had a quiet night with two catches for just 10 yards, another Drysdale took over the contest, as Anthony, demonstrated why he is a big-play threat, catching all six passes that were thrown his way for two touchdowns and a game-high 105 yards. He was joined in the endzone by teammates Felix Clairmont, Sanders Armand, and Kevin Donnet, who scored the game-winning TD on the final play of the game.

Idaho Udapimps wasn’t lacking at Receiver, as they were led by Manu Allard-Roy, who had a game-high 10 receptions to go along with 76 yards and a touchdown. He would be outdone however by teammate Jerome Hovington, who led all players with an impressive four TDs in the contest, cementing himself as one of the best pass-catchers in FPF.  

The win for the Vultures, certifies them in the eyes of many as the top team in Tier 2. The question now of course is can they prove it come playoff time when they might have to take on Idaho Udapimps again? We shall see.

For Idaho Udapimps, the loss had to sting. Not only does losing on the last play of the game make it hard to sleep at night, but it came two days after a thrilling (47-46) OT win over Kiss My Outlaws. When you’re a good team, you always feel like you will win any game that you play. A loss is never fun, but losing like that stays with you for a long time.

The Infantry rode a five-touchdown performance by underrated two-way player Charles Olivier Vachon, to a (50-35) win over Fins Up, Monday night in Chateauguay. Make no mistake, the fourth-year veteran didn’t have a bunch of short-yardage scores. Three of his trips to the endzone came from 19, 25, and 31 yards.

His impact didn’t end there, as he also added an interception off Quarterback Will Power to end the affair.

The Infantry held a slim four-point lead at halftime, but then proceeded to outscore their opponents (30-19) after the break. The team simply came out and took care of business in the second half and locked down the victory.

Looking at the big picture, it was a statement win for The Infantry, and yet another reminder that they are a true championship contender.  

Top 5 Power Rankings

1.Vultures

Their thrilling (33-30) win over Idaho Udapimps solidified the Vultures as the top team in Tier 2.  If that wasn’t enough one night later with a banged-up James Drysdale who barely played more than half the game, they still manhandled a Backfield Penetration squad who had both Jordanson and Jeanslee Alexis available. They might not lose another game the rest of the way.

Last Week: 2nd

2. Shake & Bake

They dropped a 60 burger (64 to be exact) in their win over Jagerbomb. They also gave up 54 in the process. That’s both impressive and alarming at the same time. Shake & Bake has a bye this week, but when they return to play, they have a big showdown with The Infantry next Monday in Chateauguay. A win could potentially put them back in the top spot in the power rankings, but more importantly, it could land them in first place in the standings.

Last Week: 1st

3. The Infantry

They scored a strong win over Fins Up that sees them jump from five to three in the standings. The schedule does them no favors however, as they take on Les Monsieurs Chats and Shake & Bake next Sunday and Monday respectively. Can The Infantry pull off the sweep?

Last Week: 5th

4. Idaho Udapimps

They lost to the new number one team on the list, but the fact that it was only a three-point defeat, saves them from dropping in the rankings. IU has a chance to rebound next Sunday when they take on Jagerbomb. Let’s see what they do.

Last Week: 4th

5. Les Monsieurs Chats

Don’t look now, but Les Monsieurs Chats have won three in a row. They handed the Vultures their first lost of the season two weeks ago, and then they scored convincing victories over both The Commission and Rico Ryders. The team has a bye this week, but they return to action next Sunday in a big matchup with The Infantry. A win for the cats would see them climb the rankings and put the rest of Tier 2 on notice.

Last Week: Not Ranked

Picks

The Commission vs Fins Up – N/A

Rico Ryders vs Fins Up – Fins Up (My pick for Game of the Week)

Never Overtime vs Arouch – Arouch (Upset Special)

The Commission vs Kiss My Outlaws – N/A

Backfield Penetration vs Arouch – Backfield Penetration

Last Week: (5-2)

Regular Season: (14-11)

Upset Special: (1-5)

That is it for This week. Good luck to everyone in their games today and this coming week.

If you liked the article, hated it, or simply felt like I left something out, please feel free to contact me at [email protected], or on the FPF Facebook page.