The GM’s Scouting Report (Div C) – Week 8
13-07-2013 12:00 AM
I was very excited to compile this list. It was a source of much debate between Simon and I, and we knew from the get go that it would be a tough one. I’ve eliminated players who play higher divisions as eligible, and we decided to go with the top 25 players of this season, meaning we went with the statistical performances of the 25 best of Spring 2013. Obviously going to be a cause of much debate, here is a list of my top 25, with Simon’s below it in italic. Simon’s full list can be found in his article for reference.
Without further ado, my top 25:
25. Pierre-Marc Lachaine (Monstars)
If there’s one person to be afraid of on this list, it’s Lachaine. With fantastic athleticism, and using his size to his advantage, P-M is a rough person to have line up against you. He’s, quite simply, a shutdown defender. He’ll use his size and weight to make sure that no receiver will catch a pass in his zone. Whether it’s on offense or defense, you don’t want to be going up for a pass against P-M, as his physicality will certainly dictate the play and he will be the one coming down with the ball.
{Simon’s pick: Peter Rose}
24. Peter Rose (The Commission)
Whenever Peter’s name is mentioned, it’s hard not to automatically associate his name with the Young Guns dynasty. Peter was a core member, and has back-to-back championships to his name. However, as the league’s talent has pool has gotten bigger; Peter has continued to be a top performer. His field awareness is unmatched, and it’s a safe bet to say that he’ll be a top performer game-in, game-out.
{Simon’s pick: Ryan Aridi}
23. Jonathan Legault (First Downers)
Legault is not only the utility defender on this list in that he’s capable of playing virtually any position as a defender; he’s also a formidable receiver. With the perfect match of height and speed, he’s the player that his team will consistently look to make the big play on the team. Whether it’s a deep play or in the redzone, Legault would be the player that you’d feel safest throwing the ball to, as you know that he’s going to be the one to make a play on it.
{Simon’s pick: Fred Saleh}
22. Jeremy Anderson (#NoRegard)
Why go for fancy stats when you can simply erase a player off of the statsheet? Whenever there’s a big-play receiver that #NoRegard need to cover, it’s up to Jeremy. Using his physicality and defensive mind, Jeremy will line up head-on with your best receiver and make him look like nothing all game. Jeremy has the defensive knowledge to keep opposing QBs guessing with his formation calls, and enough skill to back up the smack talk.
{Simon’s pick: Etienne Chauvin}
21. Hinsley Adams (One Night Stands)
As a rusher, Hinsley is so good that he doesn’t even NEED sacks to be successful, generating INTs and incompletions instead. With the speed that he possesses, he’s able to pass the line of scrimmage and get in the QBs face with an insane amount of speed. With the angles he takes and the ability to cut on a dime, Hinsley doesn’t even need to worry about QBs beating him. With that, opposing QBs know that they’re going to have to go with their first read or throw it away, unless they want to be sacked.
{Simon’s pick: Sebastien Pereda}
20. Cory Pecker (Legends)
While he’s easily dismissable due to the fact that he’s not a familiar face in FPF, Cory’s been putting on a show for all of Division C to witness despite this being only his second season. Deceptively fast considering his size, Cory is as big of a threat throwing as he is on the run. He’s been a driving force in his team’s runaway-train success, and we’ve seen the impact it has on the team when he’s not in the picture. With more time in the league, expect to be hearing his name again and again.
{Simon’s pick: Doug Gelevan}
19. Sebastien Pereda (Patriotes)
A monster two-way threat, he has the capability to be everywhere on the field at once. With an intense quiet demeanor, Sebastien often opts out of the talk and lets his game be his response. An incredible jump height matched with great hands and the ability to fight for any ball, Sebastien has been the franchise player on his team year after year. If there’s someone that you want to place a safe bet for consistency, go with Sebastien.
{Simon’s pick: Kendal Mayers}
18. Frederic Thuot (Real Deal)
The best way to describe Fred Thuot: the football equivalent of a vacuum cleaner. Thuot has the ability to snag any and every pass that comes his way. Nimble on his feet and the ability to avoid tacklers allows Frederic to gain those ever so important yards after completion that are almost just as important as the completion itself. On a team full of recognizable names, it’s perhaps the one we’re not used to hearing that’s doing the most damage.
{Simon’s pick: Brian Lariviere}
17. Shane Paquette (Wolverines)
I can’t think of a better 4th down or redzone target than Shane Paquette. Size, speed and HANDS OF GLUE. As a center, you want someone who’s going to box out a defender that gets in his way, and that’s just what Shane excels at. He’s big, he’s smart and he’s talented. Shane leads his team (and most of the division) in receptions, despite the fact that he’s the only one on the team who doesn’t understand the Armenian audibles and simply gets open for the catch instead.
{Simon’s pick: Niko Zermalias}
16. Jonathan Makris (Special Delivery)
Love him or hate him, it’s hard to deny the talent that Makris possesses. He’s tall without sacrificing speed, and he runs routes that leave defenders flat footed trying to figure out what just happened. While his demeanor might often get the best of him, he’s a big two-way player and an asset on either side of the ball. If we could see an attempt in future seasons of Makris trying to keep himself more composed, I’d be scared to see just how good a football player he could become.
{Simon’s pick: Frederic Thuot}
15. Vinny Gualano (Backyard Bullies)
Speaking of fiery tempers: Vinny Gualano. However Vinny has played with the best of them and has learned an immense amount. He’s taken that knowledge and mixed it with his athleticism and talent to create a force to be reckoned with. Having played under some of the more elite quarterbacks in this league (Pollice, Nincheri, Peterkin and Lebeau) Vinny has excelled with all of them due to how good of a receiver he is. A player who can definitely hold his own.
{Simon’s pick: Francois Deslauriers}
14. Kyle Lebofsky (Broccasion)
Even before the Broccasion team became a household FPF name, Kyle Lebofsky was a standout player. With the ability to make things seem effortless, Kyle can make those highlight reel plays when it seems like it’s all on the line. Despite his notoriety, he’s still able to find himself shedding defenders and scoring points when it counts, as well as stopping them on defense. Proof that it’s not all about showmanship, Lebofsky is the classic example of a talented team player who steps up and just gets it done.
{Simon’s pick: Rich Humes}
13. Shawn Haney (Darkside)
If you’re going to talk, you’d better be able to back it up. Thankfully Haney has that ability and then some. Even more, Haney has the ability to make the big plays WHILE running his mouth. A ballhawk in every sense of the word, Haney likes to give his receiver space and bait the QB, and then swoop in out of nowhere to make the big play.
{Simon’s pick: Kyle Lebofsky}
12. Sean Brophy (KGP Champs)
Likely one of the names on the list that you’re not used to hearing. An unfamiliar name and an unfamiliar face gives Sean the advantage over most players: opposing QBs try to test him and defenders often leave him uncovered. However, make this mistake and Brophy will make you pay for it. A leader in both touchdowns and interceptions, Sean is a standout two way player whose name you should learn, because we’ll be hearing it a lot more as the seasons progress.
{Simon’s pick: Maxime Cote}
11. Nicolas Gendron-Vallee (Golden Eagles)
In my opinion, one of the only players on this list who can literally play every position on the field, from Quarterback to safety and rusher, and everything in between. Gendron has great speed and fantastic cuts, allowing him to burn players on both sides of the ball. Paired with great football knowledge and experience playing every position makes Nicolas quite possibly the free signing of the year.
{Simon’s pick: Sean Brophy}
10. Marco Bertoldi (The Incredibles)
Watching Marco play is something else. I don’t think there’s another player on this list who gives 100% effort on every play quite like Marco. For a player of his size, Marco’s footwork is insane, making him lightning-quick and super difficult to tackle. Pair that with some of the best hands in the division and a ballhawking ability, Marco has always been one of the most entertaining players to watch in the league, as he’s always putting on a show.
{Simon’s pick: Cory Pecker}
9. Hugo Lalonde (Golden Eagles)
Watching Hugo run and lay himself out for a deep pass is definitely something to awe at. Hugo is probably one of (if not the fastest) player in Division C. Having energy to burn, Hugo will be the target that always goes deep, just waiting for the opportunity to catch a safety on a misstep and put 6 on the board. Don’t let his size fool you, Hugo’s spot in the top 10 is merited by his receiving prowess and he’s definietely a player not to turn your back on.
{Simon’s pick: Vincent Jacques}
8. Fred Saleh (KGP Champs)
Defending against Fred Saleh is like trying to step in front of a freight train. Using his size to his advantage, Saleh comes in with such speed like a bat out of hell that defenders are afraid to get in his way. While we’re so used to hearing Olivier’s name, it looks like the youngest Saleh is the one who really means business this year, and is one of the contributing factors to his teams runaway success this year.
{Simon’s pick: Greg Stern}
7. Greg Stern (The Incredibles)
I could practice day in, day out for a year and still not have the throwing mechanics that Greg Stern has. Making things look effortless, Stern throws a deep bomb that is rivaled by few. The perfect complement to the receivers on his team, Stern knows exactly which plays to call and exactly what ball to throw to catch the defenders sleeping. A man who likes to make an impact throwing to his teammates, you’ll be hard-pressed to see him leave the pocket; instead of rushing TDs you’ll see Stern cut up defenses and let his receivers go up for the perfectly thrown ball he sends their way.
{Simon’s pick: Jordan Moses}
6. David Polynice (Real Deal)
Everywhere at once is the best way to describe David’s play. Using his Vanier football training to his advantage, Polynice is the one to be most afraid of, despite the famous names on his team. David goes up for a pass unlike anyone else in the division, largely due to the fact that he can jump virtually four feet off of the ground. A natural athlete and an even bigger baller makes us question why we haven’t heard David’s name more in the past; he’s definitely been a hidden gem up until now.
{Simon’s pick: Jonathan Legault}
5. Tony Tabet (Wolverines)
Forget perceptions and swag points. Tony has learned from the best and has become an elite quarterback in and of himself. Cutting up defenses at will, Tony’s completion percentage rarely falls below amazing. He doesn’t need to force or rely on anything, and will patiently wait for his time to strike. I don’t think that there’s anyone in the division who’s smarter or has more football knowledge than Tony, and he has the ability to convert that into his play as well.
{Simon’s pick: Vince Nardone}
4. Kevin Lubin (Golden Eagles)
The quickest running QB in the division, and the strongest arm in the division makes Lubin a huge threat. Even bigger if you consider just how much ground he covers on defense as well. He’s a name we hear season after season with good reason: his play merits it. The fact that teams attempt to get into his head to beat him rather than going at it by skill tells you just what a formidable foe Lubin is.
{Simon’s pick: Nicolas Gendron-Vallee}
3. Jacob Peterson (The Incredibles)
Everything that Peterson does looks effortless. It’s incredible (pun intended) just how fast Peterson is, and how he can shake defenders as if it was nothing. He’s got a great ability to judge a pass, which often means he’s sitting waiting to pick off a pass before the receiver even knows where it’s going. You’ll rarely see Peterson boast or talk smack; that’s just wasted time for him that he’d rather be using to score on your defense.
{Simon’s pick: Kevin Lubin}
2. Vince Nardone (The Incredibles)
If you want to measure a player’s importance, look at the team before and after their arrival. With the core intact (including Stern) the Incredibles are 1 for 1 with a championship with Nardone in the lineup. The only player this year to have scored a hat trick on both sides of the ball in the same game (3 INTs and 3 TDs) you’d be hard-pressed to find a player who’s more well-rounded than Nardone. Don’t let this nice guy fool you, he shows up to win and will accept nothing less.
{Simon’s pick: Phil Cutler}
1. Phil Cutler (KGP Champs)
You just can’t argue with success. Cutler has stood toe to toe with the division’s best and continuously comes out on top. He’s a leader, a general and a monster. Never leaving the field and seemingly full of energy, Cutler can do everything at once. It’s no lie that Cutler is having the greatest season he’s ever seen and is carrying his team to the top of the division, and there is no one in my opinion who deserves the #1 spot more than he.
{Simon’s pick: Jacob Peterson}
Honorable Mentions:
Richard Humes
Niko Zermalias
Brian Lariviere
Obvious choices based on past performances:
Robbie Robinson
Patrick Chenard
Craig O’Brien
Adam Crystal
Ineligible due to the fact that they play Division B, but certainly merit it
Sean Kennedy
Ryan Aridi
Matthew Bishara