Categories: DivisionDivision 4ADivision 4BMen'sWinter

Week 9’s recaps, awards, random thoughts and a look at what Week 10 offers

Make it happen.

We’re two games away from the Playoffs. I wish I could say I play FPF to enjoy 10 games of football per season and get a thrill out of it, but I’d be lying. I play 10 games during the regular season to, 1-Qualify, 2-Practice for the real season that begins in 2 weeks time. The Playoffs wouldn’t be as hot as they are if everyone would make it in, let’s be real. Everybody wants to take the field on April 9th in Brossard and have a shot at seeing their name on the glorious Trophy. Make it happen.

Every week, I’ll be giving you playoff hopes just like this one that are true for 99% of us. Every week, the race gets tighter for many of you. Whether you won or lost the previous week, it’ll impact your upcoming future; maybe your girlfriend will finally stop busting your balls that you are busy on a Saturday with something other than her or maybe you’ll be stuck staying home with the kids while it’s the wifey’s turn to go out with her friends since your season’s over, everybody hopes this season prolongs forever because playing FPF sounds so much better than Exhibit A or B. Make it happen.

TCO and Local 89ers are the ONLY team in Division 4 that is out of contention (nothing here to see, move on, according to our beloved Brent Callender). So, unless I named your team in the previous sentence, don’t give up just yet. You are still mathematically “in” the race and, trust me when I say this, I’ve seen crazier things in my FPF lifespan.

Make it happen.

Let’s get started.

 

Week 9

I know this number is confusing. We’ve played 8 games, but we’ve also had a bye week. Only 2 weeks left. Make them count.

 

Thoughts of the Week

  • A friend of mine introduced me to Jay Pharoah this week. He’s awesome. Check him out HERE
  • Peyton Manning AND Calvin Johnson retiring. This really is the end of an era.
  • I’m not sure what’s worse: Never being in contention or pissing the game away.
  • Many, many key absences this week as most of you fought for a playoff spot. It really shows how we all have a real life too.
  • Division 4B two-way players had a week. So many studs made plays. I even had to leave Catellier’s 4 TD performance off the board…
  • Mean Machine won with, well, a completely different roster. Like, Completely. I must say, I’d rather see that than a forfeit.
  • No Name had the night they needed.
  • Vnation pull one of the biggest upset of the week to remain relevant in the playoff race. Well done boys.
  • Really, TCO vs DHPD… The battle of the longest team names. Such a pain to write without acronyms.
  • With the way the games ended this week, the playoff race picture got a lot closer than I had anticipated.
  • For once, I actually feel like my recaps are well-written. I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.
  • Quote of the week belongs to Eddy Lee: “Write about me”, but I must say Steen’s “ Don’t pick against me” was quite enjoyable as well.
  • It’s always a pleasure to hear people mention they read what you write, even when it’s negative.

 

Players of the Week

Division 4A

  • Sammy Feder (Coyotes): Can’t ignore him this week as he throws for ANOTHER 7 TD performance and even adds a pick on defense. C’mon, Sammy, give others a chance.
  • Morgan Tajfel (Bruthers): 117 receiving yards and 4 TDs is always remarkable, regardless of your team’s success. What a night.
  • Steve Hovington (Playground): Took some time, but Hovington got going and got going STRONG. Heck a night as he posts 143.2 QBR and an 7:0 ratio.

 

Division 4B

  • Eddy Lee (Hooligans): You have to see it to believe it. Offensive hat trick (3 catches for 3 TDs and 86 yards) + Defensive hat trick (3 picks including a pick-six). He REALLY wants his award.
  • Steven Legault (Friends with Benedicts): Getting 2 TDs with me throwing is quite impressive, but he also got 2 picks off a QB known for playing safe. Legault had a night.
  • Steve Robert (War Pigs): Without being the QB, he threw a bomb for a TD, rushed for a first down, caught 2 TDs and made 3 Picks. Is there anything this guy can’t do?

 

Recaps

Division 4A

  • Although Bobby Mikelberg had a pretty impressive night throwing for 271 yards, Steven Hovington STOLE the show on Saturday night in his matchup as Playground finally pulled themselves together offensively and torched Bruthers for 47 points in Hovington’s impressive 143.2 QBR night. Both offenses showcased some great route running and good deep threats as Playground ended into halftime with a 27-25 lead, but the game took a much different turn for Bruthers in the 2nd half as David Centomo showed his defense and it’s done and Hovington kept dealing strikes and finished the night impressing not only us, but his teammates as well. If Playground can keep this sort of tempo going, they just might sneak into the playoffs!
  • The Fellowship of the Ring had a pretty important matchup this Saturday against Eskimo Brothers. Sure, it wasn’t divisional, but it was still a must-win for Fellowship if they wanted to keep their destiny within their own hands. Sadly, Mercille had other plans and couldn’t make the game leaving his team scattering for a QB last minute. It’s not that Roadley Trohatos was bad, he did quite fine using the weapons in front of him, but he lacked experience when the game was on the line and made one too many mistakes that allowed Stachowski to punch in the final blow. With little time left on the clock and few plays, you’d expect TFOTR to step it up and make a stop, but Eskimo Brothers isolated Maxime Giroux on one side of the field and gave Shawn Steen a chance to make a play on a jumpball that gave them 30+ yards and a shot at the endzone; which they didn’t miss. Eskimo Brothers not only stay alive, but gain a pretty good lead and seed with the win as they progress to 4th spot in Conference A.
  • It’s not that TCO is playing poorly, but they really cannot catch a break. Showing up to the field with 4 guys will do that to you though. Getting Burrell and Armenti last minute saved face as TCO played with 6 against another 6-man roster in D’s Nuts and both teams grinded the win as much as possible. David Daoust found ways to move the chains with his legs move than his arm and managed to hit Blouin on the 2nd to last play of the game, on a 4th down, on a sick toe-drag to push themselves up by 6 points against a struggling TCO group. Bondoux played valiantly, but you can really feel like TCO gave up on the season a few weeks ago and they are just trying to reach the end of the road. In some way, it kinda felt the same way for D’s Nuts.

 

Division 4B

  • Keyport Lock grabbed a 6th player in Gino Di Fazio to complete their roster for the night as Rosenblatt played with a very scattered crew, but still managed to fed his favorite targets in Jeremy Cola and Yoni Lehrer to turn their Saturday night game into a serious blowout. Taking away the deep ball against, well, Balls Deep, seemed to have worked perfectly and Lamorte looked like a lost soul trying to get ANYTHING working as their defense kept allowing Rosenblatt to look like a serious QB of the year contender. After watching Lehrer make a crazy circus catch for an interception in his own endzone, I must say, Keyport’s defense really stepped up a notch since our encounter and are really starting to look like finales’ contenders. If Rosenblatt can keep his numbers up, he’d only need one or two stops a game, which is what his defense will give him on a weekly basis. Back at full roster next week, I expect Keyport Lock to keep rolling through their matchups.
  • War Pigs were facing an uphill battle against formerly undefeated Bromigos and a loss would’ve meant a season-ender for the men in red, but Guillaume Tremblay tweaked his playbook, added a few trickeries and took Bromigos by surprise one too many times as his offense put up 31 in an impressive victory. Steve Robert had a night picking off Larose-Laurent 3 times as he grew accustomed to the opponents’ playcalls and knew what was coming his way. Bromigos aren’t quite out yet, but this one hurts as their playoff hopes are slowly fading away as a 2-0 season turned into a 2-6 deficit and a 11th It’s not over yet as they can still pull the upset, but you can see the team’s not playing like contenders anymore.
  • Smash Bros added Papich a few weeks ago to give them the edge they lost at the beginning of the season and he’s paid dividends ever since. Facing All Black who turned from Lapointe to Dupuis under center, the game was much closer than I had anticipated. In fact, Cohen couldn’t seem to utilize his weapons properly offensively in the first half, but a monster one-hand interception from Papich and Catellier’s speed on offense turned the tables around to give them a 22-14 lead heading into the 2nd All Black managed a comeback behind Dupuis’ impressive speed and athletism, but it simply wasn’t enough to get their third win of the season as Smash Bros nailed the coffin shut and walked away with their playoff hopes still alive. The change at QB for All Black has made a tremendous difference and the team’s finally looking like the playmakers I expected them to earlier this season; it’s a bit late, but it’s not too late for them as they could still upset and punch their tickets in the next 2 weeks.

 

Power Rankings

Division 4A

  1. David Hurley, Pet Detective (8-0-0): Once again, DHPD shutouts their opponents’ offense. Quite the performance.
  2. Les Maloudes (7-0-1): Strong win to get that momemtum going.
  3. Coyotes (7-1-0): You’re killing me here Feder. 21 TDs in 3 games?
  4. Backyard Bullies (7-1-0): I’m happy I don’t have to face these guys any time soon.
  5. Broccasion (6-2-0): That win has them clinching a playoff berth. Welcome to the playoffs Bros.
  6. Eskimo Brothers (5-3-0): Offense is finally starting to roll and Eskimo Brothers are chasing seeds.
  7. 5-Star (4-3-1): What a win.
  8. Recipe 4 Disaster (4-3-1): With Ryan Aridi back, R4D are contenders again.
  9. Frosty Bronsons (4-3-1): Don’t count them out just yet.
  10. Warhawks (4-3-1): Tightly hanging on to their #2 seed.

 

Division 4B

  1. Keyport Lock (7-1-0): Sitting atop the Conference and the Division. They don’t even need their full roster to blow out teams.
  2. The U (7-1-0): They crush a playoff team. Strong statement.
  3. Crimson Tide (7-1-0): Destroyed the #1 seed in the other conference. Tide is looking GREAT.
  4. Mud Dogs (6-2-0): No longer under the radar. Sorry, boys.
  5. Friends with Benedicts (6-2-0): Defense wins championships.
  6. Longhorns (6-2-0): Seized their division and keep climbing my rankings.
  7. A-Squad (6-2-0): The loss worries me, but it’s still regular season and doesn’t mean much.
  8. Show me your TDs (4-4-0): They needed this win and defense got it done, finally.
  9. Red Sharks (4-4-0): Regardless of the opponents, these guys battle.
  10. Hooligans (4-4-0): The Eddy Lee show continues.

 

Playoff Standings

As many of you know, it’s that time of the season again where I tabulate the Playoff Standings and let you guys know what is up. Yes, these are official, no they aren’t made up like my Power Rankings. They will be kept up to date regularly. Enjoy.

Legend:

Name in bold: Clinched playoffs

Star (*) next to name: Clinched division

Name strikethrough: Eliminated

Division 4A

A

Team

GP

PTS

W(P-F)

DIV

PA

  

B

Team

GP

PTS

W(P-F)

DIV

PA

1

David Hurley, Pet Detective*

8

16

8

[4-0-0]

108

  

1

Backyard Bullies

8

14

7

[3-0-0]

134

2

Les Maloudes*

8

15

7

[3-0-1]

109

  

2

Warhawks

8

9

4

[2-1-1]

223

3

Broccasion

8

12

6

[3-1-0]

152

  

3

Coyotes

8

14

7

[3-1-0]

162

4

Eskimo Brothers

8

10

5

[2-2-0]

188

  

4

5-Star

8

9

4

[3-1-0]

235

5

Recipe 4 Disaster

8

9

4

[3-0-1]

197

  

5

Frosty Bronsons

8

9

4

[0-3-0]

201

6

Jagerbomb

8

8

4

[1-2-0]

233

  

6

Bruthers

8

8

4

[3-1-0]

241

7

Still Teamless

8

8

3

[1-2-0]

210

  

7

BearSkins

8

6

3

[1-3-0]

232

8

69ers

8

6

3

[2-2-0]

248

  

8

Team Ethnik

8

5

2

[2-1-1]

212

9

D’s Nuts!

8

6

3

[1-3-0]

202

  

9

Playground

8

5

2

[1-2-0]

209

10

No Name

8

6

3

[1-2-0]

219

  

10

TOPSZN

8

5

2

[1-2-0]

260

11

Cougars

8

6

3

[0-4-0]

290

  

11

The Fellowship of the Ring

8

4

2

[1-3-0]

226

12

Tony’s Championship Orphans

8

0

0

[0-3-0]

245

  

12

ZOO

8

2

1

[1-3-0]

263

 

Division 4B

A

Team

GP

PTS

W(P-F)

DIV

PA

  

B

Team

GP

PTS

W(P-F)

DIV

PA

1

A-Squad

8

12

6

[4-0-0]

158

  

1

Keyport Lock

8

14

7

[3-1-0]

139

2

Longhorns

8

12

6

[4-0-0]

207

  

2

The U

8

14

7

[3-0-0]

168

3

Mud Dogs

8

12

6

[2-1-0]

158

  

3

Crimson Tide

8

14

7

[3-1-0]

186

4

Sandlot Saints

8

10

5

[1-2-0]

165

  

4

Friends With Benefits

8

12

6

[3-1-0]

169

5

Hooligans

8

8

4

[2-1-0]

183

  

5

Red Sharks

8

8

4

[2-2-0]

197

6

Show Me Your TDs

8

8

4

[2-2-0]

225

  

6

J’s

8

8

4

[2-2-0]

207

7

Mean Machine

8

8

4

[1-3-0]

250

  

7

Les Affreux

8

6

3

[2-1-0]

191

8

Golden Flashes

8

6

3

[2-1-0]

226

  

8

Suicide Squad

8

6

3

[2-2-0]

242

9

VNation

8

6

3

[1-3-0]

208

  

9

Balls Deep

8

6

3

[1-2-0]

260

10

Renegades

8

4

2

[2-2-0]

308

  

10

War Pigs

8

4

2

[1-2-0]

302

11

All Black

8

4

2

[1-3-0]

253

  

11

Bromigos

8

4

2

[0-4-0]

225

12

Local 89ers

8

2

1

[0-4-0]

237

  

12

Smash Bros

8

4

2

[0-4-0]

279

 

Interesting notes regarding the playoff standings:

  • The only reason 5-Star hasn’t clinched yet is because Playground has 2 more divisional game left and could, possibly, tie 5-Star at 9 points and force the tiebreaker to go to Points Against.
  • Keyport Lock holds the #1 Seed due to their amazing PA. Unless they drop a game and FWB wins out, Keyport will remain the #1 Seed over The U as long as their PA remains lower (the margin is pretty vicious)
  • The race is 4B Conference B is impressively tight; the picture will be much, much clearer in next week’s article.
  • It would be a serious shame if 5 points gets you into the playoffs in 4A Conference B. I mean, that’s not even 3 wins…!
  • Mud Dogs remained under the radar most of the season, but has now clinched playoff berth. Congratulations boys!
  • This season’s biggest disappointment: The Fellowship of the Ring lies 11th. It’s still mathematically possible for you guys to jump in, but last week’s loss seriously hinders that option.
  • After a horrible start of the season, D’s Nuts! could possibly rally and make a final push into the playoffs and God knows the Daoust are vicious opponents when playoffs come knocking.
  • I do not foresee any changes neither in the seeding nor who makes the playoff for 4B, sadly.
  • 4A Conference B is about to get WILD.
  • How are 8 to 11 tied at 6 points in 4A Conference A? Next week will be interesting.

 

The Chase

Division 4A

Les Maloudes: Chasing past No Name as they shut their opponents’ playoff hopes and survive another week before their game against DHPD.

David Hurley, Pet Detective: Chasing past TCO as the Farewell Tour continues and whoever takes the snaps for TCO will have a long night ahead of him.

 

FlagPlus Fantasy Football

Last Week’s Winners

Maxime Giroux vs Shawn Steen: Shawn Steen

Ted Griffin vs Laurent Ladouceur: Ted Griffin

Dylan Drake vs Jordan Moses : Jordan Moses

Brent Callender vs Devin Daoust : Brent Callender

George Elie-Voyer vs Anthony Addona : Anthony Addona

Dustin White vs Kevin Lubin : Dustin White

Fernando Massa vs Steve Crompton: Fernando Massa

Jeremy Cola vs Corey Williams : Jeremy Cola

 

Division 4A

The Head to Head

  • Jordan Moses (5-Star) vs Rich Humes (Backyard Bullies): For the first time, my Head to Head this week features two QB that also play defense. Both higher division studs, they’ll face off in a very important match for 5-Star this weekend.Who’ll have the bigger impact when the final whistle is blown?

 

Position Matchup

  • Cédrick Nuckle (Jagerbomb) vs Corey Oliver (Eskimo Brothers): This week’s WR matchup as two top receivers going at it. Nuckle has come up big for his QB this season, but Oliver is really turning the heat up in recent weeks. As both teams fight to remain in the playoffs, who will shine the brightest?
  • Alex Sepasi (BearSkins) vs Kristian Cerantola (Broccasion): We all know Cerantola loves to use his legs to either gain time or move the chains. If the opposing rusher isn’t up to par, Cerantola’s offense will massacre whatever it faces. Can Sepasi have a night?
  • Anthony Frezza-Beauchamp (Les Maloudes) vs Jonathan Grizzley (No Name): Two fantastic DB turned-QB will face off this week as No Name attempt to upset one of the top seeds and remain in the playoff race. This game isn’t as important to Frezza, but can he really allow to head into the playoffs on a bad streak?

 

Division 4B

The Head to Head

  • Paul Santache (Smash Bros) vs Martin Jackson (Les Affreux): Two very different style of football, yet, two highly versatile ball hawks. With their teams struggling, can any of these two guys give their team a spark and have an impact on the game by themselves? If any can, it’s ought to be one of these two.

 

Position Matchup

  • Anthony Lapointe (All Black) vs Jackie Lindor (Golden Flashes): In a must-win matchup for both teams, their defense must step up and it starts with some of their best DBs. Who’ll have the biggest performance this weekend?
  • James Lacroix (Bromigos) vs Julien Rivest (Vnation): After turning into their QB’s favorite target, both of these speedsters now that a whole new weight on their shoulders; can they do enough to seal the deal on Monday?
  • Mike Addona (Show me Your TDs) vs Stephan Osman (Hooligans): Nothing is set in stone and these two QBs are going at it as a possible week 12 preview. Addona is known to put up stats, but can he get the much-needed W?

 

Previews

Division 4A

  • Recipe 4 Disaster is graced with Ryan Aridi’s return, which not only solidifies their defense but also opens up so many passing routes for Applebaum’s offense; we’re finally starting to see him comfortable under center again and that’s a dangerous thing to see. Warhawks have steadily been playing well, but they need to kick it up a notch if they want to keep up with R4D and stay relevant. R4D are contenders this season with Aridi back, can Warhawks keep this one interesting to show they are as well? The win would mean a 2nd seed for Warhawks, a loss could see them drop some, but at the end of the day, all you really need is to clinch and be prepared to face what’s to come. If Mallette can spread the football around and feed all his weapons, we might just see a great offensive shoutout that’ll leave us on our hunger for more when playoff time comes.
  • In the battle for the 8th seed, Team Ethnik takes on Playground. Simply put, winner as tiebreaker and knocks the other team out of the playoff race. Playground had a night last week as Hovington finally felt comfortable in the pocket and was able to utilize Vincent Lauzon who can’t seem to stick around long enough. On the flip side, Joey Taylor can’t seem to get his offense going ever since that monstruous week quite some time ago and Team Ethnik has been suffering ever since. Something needs to change if Ethnik wants to keep up with Playground as I expect them to put up a strong 30; can Ethnik do the same or will they see their season go down the drain this weekend?
  • The Fellowship of the Ring will have their QB back this week and could, quite possibly, not only play spoilers but also make the final push to earn an extra game and a chance at, well, a Ring (Although FPF doesn’t give out rings…). Taking on TOPSZN, loser goes home and it’s bound to be a great game; athletes against athletes. If Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren is allowed too much time in the pocket, he drops dimes and runs around moving the chains, if Mercille’s receivers are allowed free releases on most routes, they carve up defenders like it’s Thanksgiving. This, to me, is really a coin toss and whoever shows up to play will take this one home. I expect a battle of the deep ball in the late 2nd half and we’ll finally see who has bragging rights on jump balls.

 

Division 4B

  • Renegades were plagued with a really tough schedule, but that’s no one’s fault at the end of the day. Yes, I do feel bad for them, but there’s only so much we can do. Their playoff hopes are still alive and vivid as they face Suicide Squad this week. In my book, Suicide Squad has everything it takes to make the leap from middle of the pack to clear frontrunners, but, somehow, they simply haven’t been able to get anything going whatsoever. Lubin has been playing below average and his receivers need to start catching footballs before their season is over. Lubin’s an experienced QB and knows how to manage an FPF game; it’ll be the difference maker as he faces Renegades who tend to struggle down the stretch. With the athletes SSquad has, it’s just a question of clinching a seed before they can finally do some serious damage.
  • Smash Bros kept their playoff hopes alive last week with a close win over All Black and will have to pull another rabbit this week if they intend to remain in the race and take over Affreux’ spot by playing spoilers. Smash Bros are known to use the deep ball as their favorite go-to play, but we’ve started seeing throws underneath to hooks and slants and allow receivers to get yards by themselves which is finally showing growth in their playcalling. Affreux are great at taking away the deep throws and won’t give any easy throws to a fairly new QB so it’ll come down to guys like Catellier underneath rather than the usual Santache on top. I expect Lemieux to finally bounce back from his slump and get those TDs to help his team move in the right direction, so it’ll only be a matter of Cohen keeping up with Lemieux against a gritty defense.
  • A-Squad have hit a rough patch recently and, well, so have Sandlot Saints. In the battle for the first seed of the division, it’s tough to say who’ll have the upper hand as Kraemer won’t let Telemaque run around freely and vice versa. Both QBs will also play rusher and as they hold the two most important positions in FPF, the game will, literally, fall on their shoulders (and legs). Kraemer doesn’t use the deep ball as much as Telemaque and his offense is much more methodical, but he also doesn’t have the same guys A-Squad runs with. Alessandrini’s presence could be a serious game changer this week if he decides to come help out his friends, otherwise I see A-Squad pulling away in the 2nd half as the Saints won’t have any answers for Junior Luke’s size and speed.

 

Picks of the week

Although I pulled impressive moves down in 4B, 4A remains costy and unpredictable as I TIE Doston this week and remain 3 points away from him with only 2 weeks left. This is bound to have an epic finish as we both conclude this week’s prediction with a 14/23. I mean, it’s a decent number, but I need to do better. Much, much better.

May the prediction Gods help me and curse Doston.

 

Division 4A

Recipe 4 Disaster vs Warhawks: Recipe 4 Disaster

69ers vs Still Teamless: Still Teamless

Team Ethnik vs Playground: Playground

D’s Nuts! vs Coyotes: Coyotes

The Fellowship of the Ring vs TOPSZN: The Fellowship of the Ring

5-Star vs Backyard Bullies: Backyard Bullies

Tony’s Championship Orphans vs David Hurley, Pet Detective: David Hurley, Pet Detective

Eskimo Brothers vs Jagerbomb: Eskimo Brothers

Broccasion vs BearSkins: Broccasion

Les Maloudes vs No Name: Les Maloudes

ZOO vs Frosty Bronsons : Frosty Bronsons

Cougars vs Bruthers : Bruthers

 

Division 4B

All Black vs Golden Flashes: Golden Flashes

Renegades vs Suicide Squad: Suicide Squad

J’s vs The U : The U

Crimson Tide vs War Pigs: Crimson Tide

Smash Bros vs Les Affreux: Les Affreux

Red Sharks vs Balls Deep : Red Sharks

Longhorns vs Friends With Benedicts: —-

Show me Your TDs vs Hooligans: Show me Your TDs

Mean Machine vs Mud Dogs: Mud Dogs

Bromigos vs Vnation: Bromigos

Local 89ers vs Keyport Lock: Keyport Lock

A-Squad vs Sandlot Saints: A-Squad

 

That sums it for this week’s article. It’s always a pleasure to write and hear back from you guys. After all, the content is meant 99% for you. I keep a percent for me; ranting here and there is fun after all. You can always reach me via twitter @DagenaisFPF or via email ([email protected]). I’ll be at Lachine every Saturday night scorekeeping so you can stop by and chat. Don’t hesitate. Until next time…!