Preseason Preview

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am back.

So many things. SOOOOO many things. I don’t even know how to start this whole process, so bare with me.

I guess I can start by introducing myself for the few of you who do not know me; Simon Dagenais. I’ve been in this league since 2010. Been a member of the FPF media staff since, eurrm, 2012? (I’d ask for confirmation, but I doubt anyone keeps track of this).

For those of you who have read my articles in the past, you’ve grown accustomed to my rants, ridiculous notion of reality and callouts. For those of you who haven’t, here’s a few things you should know:

1. I tell it how it is. If you play well, you’ll receive props and pats in the back. Don’t expect me to give you credit for dropping a game-winning TD.
2. You can love me or hate me, as long as you read me, I’ll be happy.
3. Although I do tend to pick on certain players here and there, I mean no disrespect. Hating me and feeling X are two very different things. I love feedback; good or bad. Please, either hit me up publicly on Twitter or email me directly ([email protected]). Facebook also works. I mean no harm nor do I mean to insult any given player; let me know if I’m out of line. Many of us live for the thrill of the game and the competition (Div C isn’t Div E), I’ll point highs and lows, but the purpose of these articles is to give you guys something to read and enjoy, not a reason to feel bad about yourselves.
4. That was a long disclaimer, but I feel it was necessary. You won’t have to read it again; it’s out of the way now.
5. I love to be surprised. I love upsets. If I predict you to lose and you win, it only makes me happier inside. Prove me wrong.

I will try to stick to a given format every week. It serves many purposes: easier for me to write, easier for you guys to skip to the part you really enjoy, etc. Starting next week, you will be rewarded with my very famous segments and I might decide to include something new, I do not know yet. Time will tell.

My returning segments should include my Power Rankings, Players of the Week, Thoughts of the week (it’s my favorite after all), Predictions, Fantasy matchups and maybe something else, I’m not good at planning things that far ahead.

As mentioned above, do not be afraid to contact me; I’m nicer than I look. Twitter works (@DagenaisFPF), email isn’t checked as often, but it’s a nice way too ([email protected]). I post a lot on Facebook, so messages there is probably one of the fastest ways to get in touch with me. I’ll be scorekeeping in Lachine every Sunday night and playing Mondays at the new Dome so that’s another way to talk to me; in person, you know, the good ol’ way.

This week’s article will not feature my usual segments as, well, no one has played yet and there’s only so much I can write about. Here’s my preseason article; the season preview.

**Important added notes: Please be aware, the new venue FPF is using this season (Stade de Montréal) near Papineau and the 40 WILL NOT allow players to have their personal belongings on the sidelines / turf. You cannot bring your bag along with you like we all do at Lachine or Brossard. You WILL NEED to use the Locker room assigned to your team and leave all your belongings there. Bring a lock. You don’t bring your bag with you in the gym, Stade de Montréal doesn’t allow it neither. It is what it is, gentlemen. Might make for cleaner sidelines!

Let’s get started.

 

Week 0 – Preseason

First of all, I’m pleased to say I’ll be writing Division C this season again. I did a good job (according to my own standards, you know, the only ones that really matter) last Spring season and I expect myself to do an even better job this time around. The disclaimer is out of the way, so I don’t need to be nice no more. Beware.

 

Thoughts of the Offseason

• I figured the title thoughts of the week was a bit of a lie, so yeah.
• For everyone who hasn’t seen the “Beyond the scenes” for the road show, it’s actually pretty entertaining and fun to watch. Give it a go.
• Every season, I look at the registered and there’s always serious question marks; How did this team fit the cap? Can they be defeated? Etc. This season is no different.
• I’ve been a writer for a while now and I have to say, writing about my own team remains a task I despise every single time.
• Looking at schedules, I can’t help but feel bad for 69ers and how BRUTAL their schedule is (according to my preseason ranking that is). They are basically playing 7 of the top 15 teams in the division. Good luck boys.
• For some reason, my autocorrect doesn’t autocorrect “BRoccasion” into Broccasion, but does for like every other word. And I do that typo WAY too often. Frustrating.
• For the most part, No Fly Zone and Coyotes amassed the most votes for top of the division. I’d LOVE to see them lose their week 1 game.
• We are bound to have another gorgeous season. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
• I’m a bit sad Coyotes don’t get to play NFZ this season. Would’ve been a heck of a clash.
• Yep, the new BF1 looks amazeballs.
• The fact that a team went out and named themselves Ebola is pretty awesome in itself, but Stockton Slap takes the title for best team name this season in Division C.
• TV Shows have become a serious trend nowadays. If I have one recommendation to make is to watch Banshee. It’s absolute fire. You’re all adults; I’m allowed to recommend it.
• I actually had a 10 minute long debate with Peeze about Horse meat vs Beef. Yes, it’s better than actual work.
• I expected so much more thoughts. Kinda disappointed.

 

Preseason Rankings

Over the years, I’ve learnt a few things about these so-called articles. First, people love Power Rankings. Luckily for you guys, its preseason and I’ve decided to write up an entire Preseason Rankings of all 26 teams in the division.

Ontop of that, I’ve decided to ask around and include other media members to share their very own preseason Power Rankings (I’ve only asked for their top 10; they aren’t the writer of Division C, after all) in order to compare with my very own.

For the most part, we tend to agree on which teams belong in the top 10. Order varies, but at the end of the day, we seem to all think alike (somehow).

Here it is.

**I ranked them in order of how strong of an opposing they’d end up being if you’d faced them and not how they’ll finish the season. Meaning? Record doesn’t always show dominance. A tough schedule could have the best team end 8-2, 9-1; its summer, guys miss left and right. Plus, I hate predicting perfect seasons.

 

	Peeze	James	Terry	Justin
#1	No Fly Zone	Coyotes	Top Sauce	No Fly Zone
#2	Coyotes	No Fly Zone	Coyotes	Top Sauce
#3	Honey Badgers	No Big Deal	Jagerbomb	Coyotes
#4	La Sauce	La Sauce	Stockton Slap	Stockton Slap
#5	Brunch Buddies	69ers	Honey Badgers	Broccasion
#6	Top Sauce	Keyport Lock	Broccasion	Honey Badgers
#7	Stockton Slap	BearSkins	69ers	Eskimo Brothers
#8	Show me Your TDs	Jagerbomb	Eskimo Brothers	Show me Your TDs
#9	BearSkins	Broccasion	Warhawks	Brunch Buddies
#10	Keyport Lock	Eskimo Brothers	Keyport Lock	Keyport Lock

 

 

1. Coyotes

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: After winning this Winter Div 4A championship, Coyotes are entering our Spring season as one of the favorites to make the Final Four. By adding Dylan Weiss to replace the injured Jake Rashkovan, Coyotes are sticking to what works and what they know; small roster, same group of guys. Speed over size. Expect Sammy Feder to gun for that QB of the year award once again as he was unstoppable last season and can only improve from there. With the same good ol’ weapons, Coyotes will look to produce 40 burgers weekly; can their defense step up once again?

Predicted record: 9-1

2. No Fly Zone

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: No Fly Zone are back with an absolutely ridiculous roster. Last Spring’s version was strong, but guys were missing left and right and Walwaski wasn’t performing oh-so-well under center considering the division he was in. With the addition of Vinny Gualano and Kevin St-Pierre to the mix, it’s hard to imagine any QB NOT performing. Maybe we’ll even see Humes under center. Regardless, they bolster probably THE best supporting cast of the division alongside the nastiest defense. And I’m stuck playing them week 2.

Predicted record: 8-2

3. Honey Badgers

Strenght of schedule: Easy

Analysis: Initially, I overlooked this roster. After consideration, Honey Badgers are scary. With talent all across the board, so many playmakers and McKernan at the helm of it all, this offense will make great things. Not only do they have a possibly very prolific offense, but their defense can hang with the best any given day. This could be McKernan’s award-winning season.

Predicted record: 9-1

4. Broccasion

Strength of schedule: Easy

Analysis: The Bros are back with the addition/return of Johnathon Louis whose adding great speed to an already steady supporting cast for Cerantola to excel with. With last few season’s regular season success, we can expect Broccasion to, once again, end atop the mountain and gain a strong seed into the playoffs. Don’t doubt the Bros; they’ll make you regret it.

Predicted record: 8-2

5. Stockton Slap

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: This is the kind of team that’s either going to emerge ahead of the pack and absolutely dominant behind a nasty defense and a steady / efficient offense led by Joey Taylor or hit a wall and struggle to finish .500. From their ranking, you guys have guessed where I stand; they’ll crush the division. Joey Taylor has been piling up numbers as of late and Division C will not stop him. On the flip side, the defense is bound to create headaches for their opponents with household names like Brent Callender, Matthew Rupcic and Sami Beg are finally reunited under the same banner.

Predicted record: 8-2

6. No Big Deal

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: The name is deceiving; this team is a Big Deal. A mix between The U and Recipe 4 Disaster gives us something to fear heading into the season. With two very able QBs on the roster and so much size, people will have a hard time stopping this offense and getting by on defense. The addition of Jordan McLaren alongside this already strong cast is simply an embarrassment of riches.

Predicted record: 7-3

7. La Sauce

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: After last season’s disaster, La Sauce moved down a division to retweak their roster after suffering a few changes and are looking to regain their contenders’ title once more. With Francois Raymond back under center full time and more than enough weapons (the addition of Salim Cherkaoui can’t hurt), expect La Sauce to make noise sooner than later. Known for their defense, it’ll come down to whether they can post more than 20 points per game to gets Ws.

Predicted record: 6-4

8. Top Sauce

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: After last season’s stumble in the playoffs, Top Sauce is back, moving up, with a revamped roster and known talent. Vince Nardone finally has the receivers he’s been looking for to feed and his defense has the pieces he wanted. With guys like Maxime Giroux, Justin McLean and Chris Milard, Nardone shouldn’t have any problem finding open receivers systematically. With so much speed on offense, Nardone could make another run at QB of the year.

Predicted record: 6-4

9. Show me Your TDs

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: SMYTDs had an astonishing offense behind Addona’s career season this Winter, but their defense was a serious lackluster and costed them a few wins. This time around, with the addition of friends/FPF veterans Kevin Lubin and George Elie-Voyer, expect Addona to have more weapons to toy with offensively and the playmakers he needed last time around on defense to make a difference. It’s tough to imagine SMYTDs not being contenders at this point.

Predicted record: 7-3

10. Brunch Buddies

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: Friends with Benedicts are back under a different, yet, similar name. Same core, but now Captain Paolo Della Rocca tweaked the glaring hole defensively as the team featured no rusher adding FPF veteran Jonathan Lyristis to step things up and add speed offensively to a team that was already too fast for my own good. Time will tell just how talented Brunch Buddies can really be. 

Predicted record: 7-3

11. BearSkins

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: The boys are back with a very similar, yet different look. The return of Aleksander Papich can only help Etinson offensively and Catellier will look to replace the role Peterson left vacant with his departure. Aside from these few changes, BearSkins are pretty much the same team that made a playoff push in 4A last Winter so we can only expect similar results from them this time around too.

Predicted record: 7-3

12. Eskimo Brothers

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: Eskimo Brothers caught fire late in the season last Winter after Corey Oliver emerged as top tier talent alongside Shawn Steen and Stachowski finally had the 1-2 punch he needed to post numbers on a weekly basis. With a slightly tighter roster, expect the Bros to put their best foot forward and have the best players on the field at all times. With a tough schedule ahead of them, the road won’t be perfect, but they’ll make the most of it. Don’t take these guys for granted, they’ll make you see regret it.

Predicted record: 6-4

13. Keyport Lock

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: Keyport Lock took their division by surprise last Winter by finishing 9-1 and the #1 seed. This time around, they’ve added Ryan Aridi to compensate for the increase in cap space and add some much-needed speed to an already strong offense. With Aridi’s ability ontop of Lehrer’s size, Cola’s route running and Gerville’s dominance, Keyport Lock is in for another good season to finally put last Spring’s behind them for good. 

Predicted record: 5-5

14. Warhawks

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: Probably the best team with a .500 predicted record in the entire list. Warhawks tend to dominate and then fall flat the very next week. With so much talented surrounding Mallette once again and the added experience, sky’s the limit for these guys; it’s really just a matter of showing up to games and taking them seriously BEFORE half time. With the players to ball in Division C, I expect Warhawks to take more than one opponent by surprise and have a season they are proud of.

Predicted record: 5-5

15. Jagerbomb

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: The Jagerbomb core is back for another season under Duchesne’s leadership. With all pieces the same as last Winter aside from Philippe Poulin’s absence and Cedric Nuckle being replaced by Mendy Cardichon, I expect big things from Jagerbomb. They’ve been known to be giant slayers but fall flat when they face “weaker” opponents. With a forgettable season last Winter, Jagerbomb will look to get things started again and I’m happy I’m not in their way in the first few weeks of the season

Predicted record: 5-5

16. Gotham Knights

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: A revamped version of the old Mongoose are back in Division C under the Gotham Knights banner. With Chris Rivest back under center and added talent around him, we can expect Rivest to keep all of his games close. With many playmakers on defense, expect Gotham Knights to create turnovers and frustrate offenses. They might not put up 50 every week, but they’ll win the close games and winning IS everything.

Predicted record: 4-6

17. The Commission

Strength of schedule: Easy

Analysis: Submitting only 5 players is bold. In fact, it’s quite bold. Expect The Commission to rally up the missing pieces before the season begins (they won’t actually play with 5, c’mon). With Sean Avraam back under center and weapons like Keeshon Mayers and Daryus Lattimore, The Commission will not go down easy offensively. Looking forward to seeing the rest of their roster.

Predicted record: 5-5

18. TOPSZN

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: Last season, TOPSZN was a good team that simply couldn’t get it done when it mattered most. This time around, with a stronger receiving corps and defense, expect TOPSZN to be contenders in every single game. With question marks at the most important position, TOPSZN are left with the same old dilemma as always; who’s throwing? If they can find a QB that fits their system, TOPSZN could finally have the season they expect out of themselves. If not, they’re in for another tough outing.

Predicted record: 5-5

19. Evolution

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: A few known FPF veterans alongside unknown commodities is usually what represents Div C teams and Evolution is exactly that. Led by Phil Cutler, Rick Cummins and Chris Kaliotzakis, expect Evolution to bolster a gritty defense and put up points on the board. Will it be enough for Division C? Time will tell. With good weapons all around, it’ll come down to whoever lines up behind center and his ability to perform as receivers should be more than able to make plays every given week.

Predicted record: 4-6

20. MVE

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: Playground is back under a new name. With Hovington’s added experience under center, expect the boys in red to start the season as strong as they finished last Winter’s and to keep building on that momemtum. With Derek Daoust’s return and Vincent Lauzon’s addition, MVE could actually turn from pretenders to contenders before week 5 rolls in.

Predicted record: 4-6

21. No Name

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: After last Winter’s end of the season push, No Name is back and looking to build upon that momemtum. With a very similar core and a, possibly, a new QB in the works, No Name are looking to shake things up. Expect last season’s mishaps to be a thing of the past and guys like Grizzley, White and Roy to make plays on a weekly basis for the men in yellow.

Predicted record: 3-7

22. Varennes

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: A healthy mix of Outlaws / Healthy Scratches are back in Division C with Vendrame at the helm. With ridiculous playmakers in Vendrame, Jacques and Laliberté, expect spectacular plays from these guys week-in and week-out. I’m yet to see how good the rest of the team is, but these guys could quickly turn into serious contenders; they are only ranked low because there are too many question marks for me yet to really rank them properly. Time will tell.

Predicted record: 3-7

23. 69ers

Strength of schedule: Tough

Analysis: Known for their regular season ups and downs, but their steady plays in the playoffs, 69ers make the list at a very low seed knowing very well they might just make the playoffs at the bottom of the ranking again and shock us all. With Dean Demetriou under center this time around, someone else will need to step up and make plays for the team to compete offensively and keep themselves in the game. 69ers are too good to finish a season winless.

Predicted record: 2-8

24. Former Tomahawk

Strength of schedule: Easy

Analysis: Tomahawk Nightmare renamed themselves and decided to move up into Division C this Spring to challenge themselves. With more than able players, they should be able to challenge every given team on their schedule. They’ve always been known for their gritty defense so I expect that aspect to remain their strong suit; it’s just a question of whether Marquis’ offense can excel in Division C.

Predicted record: 2-8

25. Killa Beez

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: Hooligans are back with a very similar core, but different name this Spring season. Without last season’s star player Eddy Lee, Killa Beez will look a bit different this time around, although they have the playmakers to make it happen regardless. Osman’s experience under center will serve him well entering his 2nd season at the position and I fully expect him to play much better this time around. Can Massa have another ridiculous rushing season?

Predicted record: 2-8

26. Les Blues Branleurs

Strength of schedule: Average

Analysis: Les Blues Branleurs are back this Spring season and added some lower division talent in Schaefer, Fontaine and Coutu to remain in Division C. Assuming Schaefer will play QB for LBB week 1, the transition period might be a bit steep for the pivot who had a good season in Division 5B last Winter. With time to add new players (as they’ve already have since registration), LBB’s roster might still change since they do have cap room remaining.

Predicted record: 2-8

 

This is it for me this week. I’ll be around so don’t be shy to stop and say hi. I’m scorekeeping on Sunday nights in Lachine and playing Mondays at Stade de Montréal for the most part. I’m also reachable via my twitter (@DagenaisFPF) or my email ([email protected]). I post on Facebook, so you can direct message me there if you prefer; either way works, really. I’m always happy to talk football. Until next time! PS, to please Eagle’s endless plea, I’m bringing back my ultimate segment, the last-line-of-the-article call out. So this week, for you Bird, I’ll have to point that you obviously paid Lance Daniels to make you look good in those behind the scenes because we all know that’s not how you really are. So much bossier.