A New Season Begins!
Ben McMahon
29-01-2025 02:13 AM
After a quick holiday offseason, we’re back! Welcome to the first Division 1 article of the season. Whether you’re a longtime article reader or a newcomer, I’m excited to bring you all the division 1 action, analysis, and updates throughout the year.
This season kicks off with some important changes to the division 1 6v6 format, with new rules that could shake up the competition. We’ll be breaking down these adjustments and how they might impact teams moving forward. As always, expect intense matchups, and plenty of surprises along the way.
Let’s dive into the action—Division 1 is back!
Key Rule Changes for Division 1 6v6
This season, Division 1 6v6 will see some significant rule adjustments, bringing it more in line with the 5v5 format while maintaining its own unique style of play.
1. First Downs at Midfield
Unlike other 6v6 divisions where a first down is gained by advancing 10 yards, Division 1 will now follow a midfield-based first down system. This means that teams must reach midfield to earn a new set of downs, rather than picking up yardage-based first downs throughout the drive. This change could lead to more high-stakes moments on both offense and defense.
2. Drives Start at the 5-Yard Line
In previous seasons, teams began their drives from their own 10-yard line. Now, just like in 5v5, all offensive possessions will start from the 5-yard line. This adjustment slightly extends the field teams must cover to reach the end zone, making long drives more challenging and rewarding.
3. Turnover on Downs Resets the Ball
A major shift this season is how the ball is placed after a turnover on downs. Instead of the opposing team taking possession at the spot where the previous offense was stopped, the ball will now reset to the 5-yard line—just like in 5v5. This change eliminates field position advantages gained purely from defensive stops and ensures every new drive starts fresh.
These updates are designed to create a faster-paced, more dynamic game with increased strategic depth. As teams adjust to these new rules, expect some interesting tactical shifts and exciting plays throughout the season!
Power Rankings
1️⃣ Braves (2-0-0) 🔥
📊 Record: 2-0-0 | PF: 63 | PA: 26 | PD: +37
The Braves take a not surprising top spot in the first power rankings of the season. The chemistry the team has on both sides of the ball is probably the best in all of FPF. Quarterback Jonathan Maheu is as elite as they come and is surrounded by amazing talent. They will most likely remain as the number 1 in the power rankings unless another team convinces me otherwise!
2️⃣ Allstars (1-1-0) ⏫
📊 Record: 1-1-0 | PF: 55 | PA: 68 | PD: -13
The Allstars find themselves as number 2 in the rankings even with a 1-1 start to the season. We know what this team is capable of so I can’t have them any lower than the number 2 spot this early on in the season. Gabriel-Charles Dabe Champagne who usually plays with the Braves has decided to team up with Kevin Wyeth this winter. That is going to be very interesting to watch this season. I’m sure there will be plenty of highlights!
3️⃣ Flag moi L’sac (1-1-0) ⏫
📊 Record: 1-1-0 | PF: 77 | PA: 68 | PD: +9
Here is another team I felt I couldn’t have any lower in the rankings this early on in the season. A proven squad with great chemistry who can beat any team.
4️⃣ Royaume Luminaire (2-0-0) ⬆️
📊 Record: 2-0-0 | PF: 54 | PA: 47 | PD: +7
At 2-0, Royaume Luminaire has started this season strong, Their next 2 games will tell us a lot on where this team stands in the rankings
5️⃣ Party Crashers (2-2-0) ⬆️
📊 Record: 2-2-0 | PF: 107 | PA: 86 | PD: +21
Party Crashers may have the best athletes in the division. They may lack the flag experience that the top teams have, but if they can build chemistry during the season they may be a dark horse in the playoffs. For now they occupy the 5th spot on the power rankings
6️⃣ Run it Twice (1-2-0) ⏬
📊 Record: 1-2-0 | PF: 64 | PA: 103 | PD: -39
A rough start for Run it Twice, their attendance has their biggest obstacle. They need to have a consistent roster that shows up to games.
7️⃣ Blessed (0-3-0) ⏬
📊 Record: 0-3-0 | PF: 108 | PA: 130 | PD: -22
The season didn’t start as planned for Blessed but I am not counting them out. Quarterback Stephen Haripersaud is coming off a Fall season in which he won quarterback of the year, he will find ways to win.
Matchup Previews & Predictions
Saturday, Feb 1 – 22:00
📍 Complexe CN [1]
🏈 Allstars (1-1-0) vs. Party Crashers (2-2-0)
📝 Prediction: Allstars
The Allstars come into this matchup looking to make a statement after a mixed start to the season. With a 1-1 record, they need a strong showing to stay at number 2 in the rankings. Their defense will be tested against the high-powered offense of Party Crashers.
The Party Crashers have been explosive offensively but inconsistent overall. While they’ve scored a lot, their defense has struggled to close games, making them vulnerable. If the Allstars control the tempo, they should come away with the win.
Sunday, Feb 2 – 19:00
📍 Stinger Dome [B]
🏈 Flag moi L’sac (1-1-0) vs. Run it Twice (1-2-0)
📝 Prediction: Flag moi L’sac
Flag moi L’sac is a team that I couldn’t confidently put any lower than the number 3 spot in the rankings due to their history. They play a struggling Run it Twice team that has shown flashes of great play, but cant put it together every week.
Monday, Feb 3 – 21:00
📍 Stade Hebert [3]
🏈 Braves (2-0-0) vs. Blessed (0-3-0)
📝 Prediction: Braves
The undefeated Braves enter this matchup as the clear favorites, boasting the best defense in the league (only 26 points allowed) and a dominant +37 point differential in only 2 games. Their overall level of play makes them the team to beat.
Blessed, on the other hand, has been struggling to find their footing. While their offense has put up a solid 108 points, their defense has been a major liability, allowing 130 points in three games. Against a team like the Braves, that could spell trouble. Unless Blessed finds a way to significantly improve defensively, the Braves should remain unbeaten.