Like it or Not (Div 3)

This is officially my first article ever as an FPF critic and I can honestly say that I am thrilled. For some of us the off-season has been intolerable.  Week after week we log onto this site reviewing last year’s statistics, lying to our subconscious mind that we deserved superior faiths. The drug that FPF has become is irreplaceable. As we wait patiently for our fix, the masterminds think of different ways to tweak it to make our game day highs that much better. Nonetheless, the wait is finally over.  No more buts and what-ifs; week one has arrived. It’s time for a relapse.

 

Don’t want to bore you all to demise with my offseason itch for the league so lets move on to some serious business!

 

Headlines

-The implementation of a cap system this season is at the top of my headlines. Whether you like it or not, the system is in. You can no longer hide in divisions you don’t belong. The system challenges your integrity as a team and as a player, like a fair slap to the face from your grand mother telling you to wake up! Already after week one you can see what the system will do to the league. The word parity has been used and abused like your dog’s favorite first toy, but that’s the truth. If you were insulted or overjoyed when you saw your rating, I suggest you keep it to yourself. 

 

-I’m not going to lie, I’m really happy I wasn’t in attendance for The Commission Vs F.T.W game.

 

Any matchup that finishes 7-6 in FPF challenges the use of our cap system. The two teams collectively unruffled 91 yards through the air and 5 INT’s. I’m a DB, so I appreciate good defenses, but with that many turnovers I feel like there should have been at least 60 points on the board! Is it a lack of offensive talent for both sides, or was this a classic case of rust? Only time will tell.

 

-BANG BANG! The Buddays move up to DIV 3 and make a statement. Bar none, one of the better-looking rosters on paper in this division and they proved me right this week. Defense came up with 3 INT’s and only allowed 8 points. Certified Fly Guyz seemed to be missing a key player in Alex Pereda, and it obviously affected the team. Leandre Ethier had a field day and is quickly on pace for a 50 TD season. CFG need to rally the troops and put this one behind them immediately!

 

Best Team Names

I feel like this season has a lack of imagination and originality. So for a second year in a row Lazy But Talented is at the top of the ranks when it comes to best team names. Another that caught me off guard especially when you look at the roster is Les Monsieur Chats! I didn’t take Corey Greenway for a cat guy.

 

Is it going to be an Incredible year?

The Incredibles dominated division 4 last season. Finishing 13-0, making breakfast, lunch and dinner out of their playoff opponents! Are the Incredibles ready for Division 3? After making key off-season additions, the Incredibles were robbed a repeat this summer in division C. It’s been a short off season for the men in red and the weight of the team lies on the play of quarterback Greg Stern. Will they buckle in the higher division? Or will they rise to the challenge? Only time will tell the tale of the men in red.

 

Power Rankings

-Keep in mind this is my opinion based on past statistics and my future projection of the team.

-This is a pre-season power ranking not taking week one results into consideration.

 

Top 10:

10-USUAL SUSPECTS

This is the team that no one wants to line up against. Intimidation in this league is not usually part of any conversation but when it comes to Shawn Haney’s teams- don’t lie to me, I know you’re nervous. Terry Tam, Leon Holder and Shawn Hayney are some of the names on this roster. A blend of physicality, speed and athletic ability makes this roster very attractive. The key to their success is whether teams will be able to force Leon to throw. Give him a chance to beat you with his legs and you’re cooked.

 

9-KGP CHAMPS

Led by their quarterback Phil Cutler, KGP is a steady stream of dominance. They have a perfect combination of athletic ability and speed to make their play ever hard to match up. Fred Saleh and Sean Brophy are in my top 3 wide receiver combinations in this division. The only reason KGP finds themselves this low in the rankings is because when the playoffs roll around, the champs are nowhere to be found.

 

8-OCEAN’S SEVEN

This roster is ridiculous. For those who don’t know, this team once went 9-1 in division 2. A mixture of Gmen and Smoking Aces, this team looks amazing on paper. Nareg Yessayan is one of the guys I respect the most in this league. A physical freak on offense; he’s a nightmare for any defense. Boys you find yourself at number 9 because history has proven that Gentile (whom I love) has a knack for self-imploding. If this team can keep its composure, I believe they can be very successful.

 

7-NoRegard

A ball-hawking defense is always appreciated when you can combine it with a successful offense. Alex Holowach has proven his ability to slice up top notch defenses. This defense in my mind is comparable to the Seattle Seahawk D. The height they have at corner is priceless for any cover two. Having the ability to keep three short in this league is rare but very valuable. The combination of Moses and Mayers is in my top 3 wide receiver pairing. Success for this team lies on Holowach’s ability to assess risk.

 

6-LES MONSIEUR CHATS

A division 3 team with a dominant CIS player is scary. Greenaway on any defense is an exceedingly strong foundation. The veteran presence and experience on this team should not be neglected or underestimated. Simon Provencher is a dual threat and will hurt you when you’re not looking. On top of everything, they seem to like cats, so that places them here at number 6!

 

5-LES BUDDAYS

A new team to this division but don’t be naïve, they belong here. An undersized team with speed that kills- Les Buddays are one of my favorite rosters. With receivers like Shayne Turgeon, Jason Charbonneau and Vincent Barriere, they are a headache for any defense. Last years’ runner up in the Division 4 finals, Les Buddays shorten their roster and are ready for business. Let the mismatches begin!

 

4-PRESTIGE WORLD WIDE

Lever and the boys are at it again, another good-looking roster put forth by Alex Lever. A combo threat at QB and center that will shred your defense is a combination from hell. I’ve often said that the center position is extremely important and often neglected by defensive schemes. Anthony Comeau is going to have another all-star season and bring this team deep into the playoffs. Is there defense going to be up to par? I believe Lever can rally the boys and make it work!

 

3-B.D BANDITS

The B.D Bandits broke a lot of hearts last year when then lost in the playoffs- a game I believe they should have had. With a change at QB, I am not sure this will prove to be fruitful, but it was most likely done to stay under cap. This is a top 3 defense in this division, no argument there.  Can their offence do the job without Kelly’s unorthodox ways? Sanner is the key player on both sides of the ball. If you try to force a ball, you will find yourself back on the sidelines guaranteed. My only concern are all the changes: will they gel fast enough?! Only time will tell.

 

2-VPC

This is no Cinderella team. Their bump and grind style of play will work on the majority of the teams in this division. Rob Robinson is in the top 10 players in this league. A dual threat quarterback is one of the most valuable assets any FPF team can invest in and don’t neglect his stellar defensive abilities. With Louis Richard’s sure hands, VPC is going to punch you in the gut until you quit. Not a team you want to try to match up with.

 

1-BIG TD’S

“PUT THE TEAM ON MY BACK” is what J. Springer is willing to do. Day in and day out Springer will do his best to get under your skin. He probably has an ankle collection at home from all the people he has embarrassed on the field.  If you disagree with my analysis on this one then go look at their roster now! Rick Cummins, Jason Prince, the Cesari brothers and the aforementioned Springer is not a line up you want to deal with! They have an overload of FPF experience. Mix that with a new talented quarterback in JC Collin, and you have some true potential to get over the hump. I believe the key to their success is going to be their ability to play ‘man’ against anyone. Don’t bank on stopping their offense; just try to keep up. Tensions could rise if they’re not successful but I don’t think that will ever be the case.

 

Before I wrap up my first article, I would like to take a moment to thank all of the people who took a lot of time out of their personal schedules to better this league! This off-season was one for the history books and it took a lot of work! I want to say on behalf of the half decent souls in this league that we appreciate all the efforts made to make this amazing league even better!! Thank you.

 

Keep in mind some teams who play a late Sunday night game could be statistically neglected in my weekly article since I submit Monday mornings. I am not one to think that my opinion is the only viable one. Your opinions matter so if you want to debate anything I welcome any conversation whether it’s through multimedia or on the sidelines! Looking forward to seeing you all on the turf. Until next time… get in the gym.

 

My pick for week 2 :

CFG VS FUH > FUH

FTW VS LBT > LBT

INC VS EUD > INC

GEG VS LEG > GEG

BDB VS BTD > BTD

SNS VS BRU > SNS

AFC VS OC7 > OC7

#NR VS COM > #NR           

VPC VS BUD > BUD

USU VS LMC > LMC

HOH VS RUD > RUD

CLK VS PWW > PWW

KGP VS MNG > KGP

MOO VS ARK > MOO