Division 5A/5B Preview – FlagPlus Football League

You’re here to prove something.

To prove that you’ve still got “IT”, that abstract concept that is as illusory as it is ephemeral. But you continue to chase it because once you grasp it there’s nothing as exhilarating. You feel your blood pumping and the sweat on your brow as the pressure mounts and victory or defeat is decided by a fraction of a moment. Effort left unused is unrealized potential. The carpet burn of the moment will feel far better than the sting of the loss will tomorrow.

For many of you, the time you spent on the field competing at a younger age was the single most enthralling time of your lives. In that space you were the most actualized versions of yourselves, attaining unsurmountable feats that would later become your fondest memories.

You return to this league because the excellence of FPF simulates that feeling more than anything else. Here you can be the star of your own dynasty, the king of your own domain. So on game day you shed your collared shirt and pleated pants and return to running on instinct and rejoicing in pure competitive pleasure.

Above all else, you have been and always will be an athlete. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And what the athlete needs more than anything else is to find his counterpart to compete against.

So here we find ourselves, division 5, the crossroads where upper divisional talents test themselves in new roles, and lower division teams try to prove their worth. There is an abundance of talent, grit and character in this division. I am thrilled and honored to be covering it. For the next 14 weeks I will be your chronicler. I’ll be analysing trends and presenting you with the most earnest insights possible. I can’t promise to see all of your games, but I promise to take a personal interest in your team, and I’ll always give a no-bullshit account of the division each week.

In return I simply ask that you make this the most entertaining division in FPF this winter. Give your all every game, and make us want to watch you more. Make yourselves undeniably the team that’s on everyone’s radar. If you do this, you’ll make our jobs easy and you’ll be praised for it accordingly. So with week 1 about to officially kick off in a few hours, leave your worries for a while and join me in celebrating our division with a breakdown of each team and a preview of the season to come.

5-A : Conference A

*In this section I’ll briefly highlight each team’s roster, followed by a season prediction, your strength of schedule rating and the toughest part of your schedule.

This will be the year FPF becomes acquainted with Lonnie Johnson as a premier signal caller. Throwing in a tough div 4-A will allow him to let his hair down in this division and take more of the gunslinging approach which plays into his strengths as a quarterback. Shutdown corner Josh “Norman” Cenacle demonstrated in spring season’s div D finals run that he is capable of taking out any team’s top receiver one-on-one. Look for young sensation Hovington to stretch the field on offense while veteran presences Kolethras and Deslauriers move the chains underneath. Vincent Dagenais is a breakout candidate at receiver, he poses a daunting combination of size, athleticism and catch radius, and it doesn’t hurt that he spent the fall building a rapport with Lonnie outdoors.

Prediction: 9-1 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-4

Globo Gym Purple Cobras

Resembling the Two and a Half Dabs and their 7-win season from div D this past spring, QB Maiorino is progressing in an upwards arc and looks to continue this momentum going into the year. There’s no secret that the offense runs through Taylor at receiver. If you want to stop them it starts and ends with him, which has been easier said than done thus far for opposing defenses. The loss of McFee’s production at receiver is concerning, but look to Joltopuf to be the next man up in this system-based offense.

Prediction: 7-3 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-10

Longhorns

Moodie is coming off the type of transcendent 2K, 50+ TD season which elite FPF QBs use to define their genre. It will be difficult to reproduce those numbers without gamechanging receivers Allen and Martin this year. Look for the Younghorn Adam Rosen to explode this season at receiver. Reliable vets Mancini, Chris Rosen and Dave Allen will need to chip in more production to make sure this offense doesn’t lose a beat.

Prediction: 7-3 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-10

Bruthers

This is the type of deep, talented and athletic roster which creates matchup nightmares for the opposition on both sides of the ball. They seem poised for a breakout year following an impressive 6 win season in div 4-A last winter. One major caveat however, departed is former QB and defensive star Bobby Mikelberg. This is the type of tectonic roster change which can’t be ignored. Into the spotlight steps Morgan Tajifel, whose previous stint at QB resulted in a 3 win campaign and a sub 90 QBR in 2015’s div 4. This mark will certainly need improvement but having super talented 2-way star Connar O’Brien full time will help. Eric Rapps may need to surpass his already impressive production from a year ago since Tajifel will no longer be available as the team’s go-to receiver.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: A Gut Check Time: Weeks 9-11

TDS and Beer

The pair of offseason signings are impressive and impossible to ignore. Grizzley and Mcguigan are fierce competitors and complement each other perfectly. Grizzley’s explosive speed and space-creating offense; Mcguigan’s size, physicality and space-eating defense. This will be an exciting experiment to watch develop throughout the year. Oh, and Brad Evans is the reigning div E QBOY and returning his favorite weapon Myles Keiller on O. TDS and Beer dropped the mic this offseason, and left us all anxiously waiting for the encore.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 3-7

Aliens

Talk about an overnight success. This team, which had a solid 6 win season in div E, has ramped up phenomenally with only a few key roster moves. The addition of two-way, upper division star James Floreani to take the reins on D and streamline the O will pay off instant dividends. Reliable receiver Alexandre Noel was also brought in to support this unit and provide an excellent second outlet. However, the most impactful roster move was also the most subtle. Shifting SBB over to QB takes this team from a solid competitor to an instant contender. His speed is unmatched in this league and his ability to carve out a defense will be on display all season with this loaded receiving corps. A difficult schedule looms but you have to believe they will be up to the test.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: A- Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-3 & 6-8

Blue Devils

They finished with a 4 win season in div 5B last year, but amid major roster inconsistency Pat Riot showed glimpses of his old self, when he went by a different moniker and was consistently one of the most reliable lower division pivots. I expect to see more of this rejuvenation heading into the year with the most talented roster the Blue Devils have sported to date. With new additions Pharm and Pierre making major headway on both sides of the ball, Riot finally has the receivers to compliment his skillset and take some of the pressure off his back. A relatively easy schedule also helps their bid for the franchise’s first playoff berth.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: C Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-2

KGP Ra

The KGP Champs farm team is back once again with Dylan Garber looking to improve upon his career 77 QBR. He will have every opportunity under the tutelage of future Hall of Famer Phil Cutler, who will oversee the offense and help carry the load as receiver. Gabe D’amico-Mazza put up 14 sacks in div B this past spring and is an emerging star at the rusher position (for proof see his 6 sack performance in the week 10 video of Fun Boys vs Laval’s Finest). I’m looking at Garfinkle and Wainberg to step up and help Garber develop by carrying their share of the load on O.

Prediction: 5-5 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 4-7

Beer and Skittles

A roster that namedrops longtime FPF stars Garafolo, Kaye and Demchuck should be considered a major player in division 5 right? The problem is that the household names end there, and the rest of the lineup remains an unknown until further notice. I don’t typically bet on unknowns, and won’t begin here until I can see a sample. I’m curious to see who will orchestrate the offense as both Garafolo and Kaye are proven quarterbacks in this league. Regardless, the defense should be cohesive and formidable, as has become customary when discussing previous lineups directed by these respected league veterans.

Prediction: 4-6 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 6-9

Diablos

I really wanted to believe in this roster and rank them higher, but a recent bout with mediocrity has left me standoffish on this team until they create some hype on the field. Starting QB Martin has never generated the statistical production to match is physical prowess. He throws a heavy ball with a beautiful spiral and can apply deft touch when needed, but will need this to be his breakout campaign and show consistency throughout the year for Diablos to live up to their promise. Having Wiseman and Georges to move around the field at his disposal is a QB’s dream, and the Diablos will have every chance to exert their will and control their own destiny.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 8-11

Ace Athletics

The gritty boys of O.N.S. in div 2 have branched out on their own and will slum it with us this winter in our humble division. Outside of Chris and Jeff Millar, and Scott Payne, the roster largely remains an unknown at this point. Payne boasts and impressive career resume as receiver with the greatest ever FPF quarterback, but questions abound around this roster, beginning with who will distribute the ball. The defense should be able to use their savvy to consume inexperienced quarterbacks. We’ll learn about this team quickly as they lead off with a series of difficult opponents.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-4

Pandas

They finished with 3 wins in Div D this past spring, but as has always been the case with this core, they possess the implicit talent to bust out any given season. They hope for this winter to be the one as they return largely intact heading into the season. One simple way to improve is to end the musical chairs at quarterback. Suresh was the more effective QB by far last season and should be given a long enough leash to take risks and fail at times. He’s most effective when scrambling around and playing backyard football with his talented, athletic receiving staff. Last year, Bachaalani and G-Lajoie accounted for over 60% of their touchdown catches. Diversifying this ratio more equitably amongst the remaining receivers will help keep defenses guessing and potentially open up the field for Suresh this year. They have a softer schedule working in their favor.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: C Gut Check Time: Weeks 3-6

Freebandz

Rebranding the weapon X roster that finished 1-9 in div D was a wise move by captain Andel. Worrell and Donnet will continue to carry the mail on O, as they both proved capable of being gamebreaking receivers when given the opportunity. The individual pieces of this team are all up to par with the standard of this division, but somehow this roster lacks the overall cohesion which separates the wheat from the chaff. Spagnuolo debuts his career at QB this in what feels like another transition year for this franchise. Until they find their QB of the future the doubts surrounding them will persist. It was just bad luck to be given one of the most brutal schedules in the division.

Prediction: 1-9 SOS: A Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-6

Conference B

Les Verges Folles

Loosing McGill Redman Morisette will hurt the D more than their O, as he had a very average season at QB despite overall team success last winter (6-3 Div 5A). Bringing in former Maloudes QB Quiviger will prove to be a sound addition once he shakes off the rust of an extended absence. Lafortune is an incredible QB as well, but he also happens to be the team’s go-to receiver and can help them more by resuming that role once again. Greenbaum should be relied on more this season on offense as he showed himself to be an untapped asset. They’re a dark horse team now thrust into the spotlight as a contender.

Prediction: 8-2 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 4-7

Jaguars

This team turned many heads last winter when they stepped onto the Flag turf and saw rapid success. The offense is poised for a breakout Campaign. QB Janvier had an excellent rookie campaign and now sees the 3-headed monster of Hall, Capro and Desrosiers return intact. Absent from the roster are former defensive stars Lucate and Paul, how the D will account for these departures will determine if this exciting team can take the next step and enter the elite this season. Early indicators point to a high octane offense compensating for the D.

Prediction: 8-2 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 6-9

Les Affreux

Last I checked its winter out, which means that it’s Lemieux’s turn at QB for the Red Machine. He and Domon alternated last year en route to a pair of underwhelming team records, although both QBs deserved better outcomes. Joly, Dubois and Jackson all return to form a formidable receiving trio. Missing all world rusher Bellefeuille will need to be addressed quickly, as Les Affreux’s strong seasons have usually began with a dominant rush. I fully expect them to be focused and aggressive heading into the season, with a promising outlook ahead.

Prediction: 7-3 SOS: A- Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-10

Tyrants

A fan favorite amongst FPF staff media and a long time staple of FPF’s lower divisions, it’s a pleasure to welcome the Tyrants back for another season. Equally nice to see is the return of gamechanging rusher De Kovachich, who provided a much needed spark to this franchise last time they competed in spring 2015. Andre Frederick is a 2-way weapon who needs to be present for this team to be serious. Niktaris is a steady and capable QB who will give his D a chance to win games each week. I’m interested to see what impact veteran addition Sean Collins will have on this team, hopefully he will add some much needed roster depth to this team who have traditionally lacked it.

Predictions: 7-3 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 3-6

Woofpack

Despite a 3 win season last winter, the defense – led by Mergenard, Mondesir and Alzamora – was rock solid and propelled this team throughout their offensive struggles. Tam is truly a mercurial man at the pivot position, seemingly capable of picking apart a zone with adept playcalling and deft touch; while at other times favoring opposing cornerbacks as his preferred targets with back foot lobs into coverage. We’ll have to wait and see what persona Tam presents us with this season, but I’m confident the year long hiatus spent snapping for higher division QBs did him some good. However, it literally all starts with a good snap, and the Woofpack will need to address the center position early if they hope for this to be the year where everything comes together.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-10

Dope Boys

Returning from a 6 win season in this division last year, but without starting QB Eric Lalonde, questions immediately gravitate towards the pivot position. Whoever receives the keys to the castle will inherit offensive star Robbi Dejean and 2-way stud Ridwan Abdur. The defensive unit remains largely intact and should once again smother opposing offenses. How rapidly the O can gel will determine just how far this team’s aspirations will ride this year.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-11

Untitled Seth Galina Team

The Blackshirts have rebranded as USGT, with the team’s namesake stepping back into the helm for another go-around. Taylor’s returning presence will help steady the ship during the QB transition, and Pampena will also be around to step into the receiving role previously assumed by Galina. Look for Marceaux to carve out a larger role on offense as this team tries to shake things up this season.

Prediction: 5-5 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-4

Trapstars

They’ve been trappin’ in FPF since Young Jeezy was in the streets. It’s a pleasure to see the boys return for another shot at glory. There are few QBs who spread the ball around as equitably as V. Richard. With the departure of top receiver Plante, he’ll need to rely more than ever on vintage staples Azizi, F. Richard and St-Onges. What the team lacks in pure athleticism they more than make up in veteran savvy and competitive spirit. They will need to summon much more willpower this year if they hope to improve on last season’s mark.

Prediction: 4-6 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 2-4

Keyport Lock

Keyport followed up an incredible 2016 winter season with a terrible spring campaign. The current roster looks nothing like either of the past 2 Keyport teams. Lacking the premier field stretching receiving talent of previous seasons, this roster iteration will need to dig deep and pull out a concerted, gritty effort to support their QB. Farag and Lehrer will be counted on to carry the mail for this unit and their numbers will likely be called upon ad nauseam as they pile up ridiculous catch totals. This season will be Rosenblatt’s ultimate test at QB, if he can pull this unit together and shape them into a formidable threat he will deserve serious consideration for the QBOY award come 10 weeks from now.

The schedule difficulty is no friend to them either.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: A- Gut Check Time: Weeks 5-9

Preachers

Gauthier is an underrated talent at receiver and I’m excited to see him get the amount of targets he deserves en route to a breakout offensive campaign. The question mark is the man throwing the ball, as Labonte will need to lower his turnover mark and increase his completion percentage for things to go as planned. Lindor is a nice 2-way add as he brings his experience and competitiveness to this team seeking an identity early on.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: A- Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-4

Supply and Command

They felt a culture change was needed after a mediocre spring season and chose to shake things up at the game’s most important position. Despite a solid statistical season, Blanchard handed the reins over to veteran Paolo Della Rocca. The latter is returning from a year long hiatus at the position, in which he contemplated serious topics such as homebrewed beers and superhero comics. During brief recesses in porcelain meditation he also reflected on the rocky opening act to his career at QB, and contrived a concrete strategy to achieve transcendental QB enlightenment and attain his inner Chakras. Peeze is one of the sharpest minds in FPF and is adept at calling plays that maximize space for his playmakers. The major questions revolve around whether his arm can match his mind. Working against him are the departures of superstar receiver Edghill and his counterpart Lindor. The return of Blachard to receiver and the addition of freshly minted champion Alex david will serve to counteract the departures. In the end this will always come down to the Peeze show, as the D will do enough to keep them competitive, but the tough wins will need to be orchestrated by the man himself.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 4-7

Flagrant Fouls

Following a 6 win season in this division a year ago, the team lost their starting QB Olshansky and will look to hire internally to replace him. Rockman will serve as placeholder in week 1 while Freedman is away, in expectation that Freedman will assume the role thereafter. Expectations don’t always translate to reality however, as Rockman could keep the position with a strong showing in week 1. Regardless, it’s encouraging to see Castiel return as the defensive heart and Godstein maintain his position as a 2-way star. Leblanc will look to provide the type of reliable production at receiver that is needed throughout a QB transition. I cannot believe that a team without a firm plan at QB will thrive in FPF, especially when they’ve been assigned the most difficult schedule in the division.

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: A+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 2-6

Bunch of Rookies

As the name accurately describes, it will be difficult to judge this team until we sample the product on the field. Spearheaded by defensive stars lazzara and Gomes, this team sports an impressive top 3 rounded out by Goyette. Whether they will be too top heavy will be the major concern as we wait to see how all the rookies develop early on. The QB position is also an early question mark, as nobody on their roster instantly strikes you as an inspiring candidate. There are too many unknown factors here to tell at this point, so let the kids play and let’s see what happens. I have no doubt there will be more to come from this team.

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 3-6

5-B: Conference A

Friends in Low Places

Jordan Bellemare has demonstrated reliable consistency at the pivot position throughout his 4 seasons of work. This year they handed the reins over to veteran Danny D’Amour, who takes his first full time crack at QB in over 6 years of FPF action. Kevin Smuda returns to carry the load on O, his size and jumping ability are unmatched in this division. Look for Justin Santillo to emerge and assume some of the massive production left behind by D’Amour’s departure from receiver. Justin Matteo is an emerging stud at the rusher position in this league and looks to have his breakout campaign following an impressive showing in div B this past spring.

Prediction: 8-2 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-11

Hot Boys Hotline

QB Gatehouse has shown steady improvement in each of his first 5 seasons. His progression arc suggests he’s on the cusp of a breakout seasons ahead. Resident go-to receivers Grauer and Chernyak both return to support the system-based offense. They will need a return to form from rusher Archer in order to reach the next echelon of elite divisional teams. I’m expecting a big season from this team. A soft schedule sets them up nicely for success.

Prediction: 8-2 SOS: C Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-9

Takeover

An 8 win team in this division last winter, their D was suffocating, allowing only a fraction over 20 points per game. Power, Arceiro and Brission return to fuel the offense once again. It’s not difficult to notice that the departure of Domon leaves a significant hole in the defense. They won’t be able to replace his field presence with a single player, so they will need to come together as a cohesive unit to overcome the loss. Despite a solid but unspectacular season, Einheiber will need to elevate his production a notch higher to account for the loss on D.

Prediction: 7-3 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-5

X-Men

Following a 9 win season in div 5A last winter, they will need to go back to basics without all-world player Kevin Boustany, who was replaced with, well, nobody. How will this departure impact Swaminadhan’s play? As he was simply spectacular last year with his top receiving weapon consistently getting open past the secondary. Brohi caught 47 passes last season, how many more can he handle as the X-Men account for the lost production? Who will emerge as the complimentary receiver this year and take some pressure off Brohi? There remains some unanswered questions about this roster, which could result in some regression. I expect them to fill the void with intelligent play design and crafty veteran moxie in a division full of up and comers.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: A- Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-6

Spartans

QB D’Andrea showed promise in his first full year of FPF play, let’s see if he can adjust his play to meet the slightly higher competition level of this division. The terrific trio of Alexis Brissette, Martel, and Grant will certainly cause matchup problems for opposing defenses. Daniel Hernandez has been the steady anchor of this D throughout their first 2 seasons. It will be interesting to watch how opposing QBs attempt to attack this balanced unit on D. They are a definite dark horse contender going into the season.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-4

Tip Top Shape

De Andrade is one of the top 2-way talents in the division and I expect him to make further strides following a promising rookie campaign at QB. Returning top receivers Campbell and Martelly will give them a boost, but their QB does a good job distributing the ball to all his weapons, including veteran snapper Bellhomme. I’ll be interesting to see how a team that allowed a paltry 14.7 points per game in div 6 will adjust to the higher competition. I’m a big fan of these dominant div 6 teams throwing their hats into our division this year.

Prediction: 5-5 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-4

Rednecks

Pierre and Beuchamp return to spearhead the offense while Stumpf patrols half the field on D, making QBs pay for their repeated folly in testing him. This team’s season depends on QB Forgues taking the next step in his development and turning some ints into TDs this season. Offense will need to score more in this division for this team to thrive. They have the tools in place to accomplish their goals.

Prediction: 5-5 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-6

Mad Bears

The Mad Bears and Les Albatross split apart and find themselves competing in the same conference, this will be interesting. Receivers Chouillard-Laliberte and Brisson highlight the roster and will provide the QB with a lethal combination of athleticism and speed. The question is who exactly will be throwing them the ball? Thibault and Durand-Tremblay both seem like capable choices, with Thibault presenting another potent receiving weapon if they decide to go with the latter. Mad bears look better on paper than their other half Les Albatross, but we anxiously await their week 5 matchup to settle the score once and for all.

Prediction: 5-5 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 4-8

All Hooks

QB C-O Lavigne had a terrific season in div E this past season despite a mediocre team record. Receivers Ferland, lavigne, White and Lapointe present a balanced rotation capable of giving fits to opposing defensive playcallers. The defense is powered by Lapointe and intimidating rusher Coutu. They could take advantage of an early soft schedule to build confidence and surprise us as the season progresses.

Prediction: 5-5 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 8-11

Les Albatros

Having lumbered through a 2 win season in 5-A, Les Albatros return with a somewhat weaker lineup, losing several keys plays to the Mad Bears. QB Lafontaine struggled in half a season of work, but seems like the top option to win the position heading into the season. Hopefully he took advantage of the full offseason to fine tune his playbook and get some reps in. Receivers Guertin, and Primeau will give him viable options in the passing game as they face a tough road ahead this winter.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: B Gut Check Time: 6-10

Big R Express

The Cougars of last winter’s div 4A sport returning QB Adamo Iadeluca, who spearheads this roster with his solid FPF resume. Adamo is a confident signal caller and throws a beautiful ball. The question is that beyond receivers Siggia and Spera, will there be enough depth on this team to make a deep run?

Early expectations are doubtful, but the Cougars have a history of surprising us when we least expect it. This is a gritty team.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 8-11

Consultants

A cross-pollination of the Vikings and VPC, what should we make of this team going into the year? Chris Williams will be their go-to receiver and Hoyte-Charles should be a top 2-way talent in this division if he plays healthy. There are too many unknowns though, leading back to the crucial QB position. Hopefully their experience can count for something as they embark upon a surprisingly difficult schedule.

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: A- Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-5

Black Knights

Formally known as Get On Deck, who return from a 2 win season in Div D this past spring. Receiver Lajeunesse is the man on campus for this offense. Will Larosiliere get another chance at QB? If so this will likely be his defining season and he’ll need his roster to step up and help him bear the load. Having Michael Café all season will certainly help bolster this lineup.

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: C Gut Check Time: Weeks 6-9

Conference B

Jagys and Chill

Daloze felt the sting in his first full season at QB, but he gets a pass because adapting to QB in FPF is a difficult, challenging, and multiple season process. I’m looking to see progression in his second stint with a similar roster returning intact. Having seasoned veteran Duchesne on his side for a full season will help his chances as he streamlines the playbook. Doston will need to produce another stellar season as the 2-way force on this roster. Faced with a cake walk schedule, their chances hinge on the pivot position because the rest of this roster is ready to win now.

Prediction: 9-1 SOS: C- Gut Check Time: Weeks 6-8

Dreamville

Assuming the record label name of the most underrated rapper out there, our Dreamville is similarly spearheaded by the most underrated player in the division. Langburt is a thorn in the side of anyone he competes against, but he’s also a terrific deep zone defender capable of reading the play off the snap and crashing towards the ball at top speed. Supposed QB Saleh thrived with Les Pitriotes in this division last winter, posting 2K total yards and 45 TDS during a 7 win season. Get on the bandwagon now while there’s still room.

Prediction: 8-2 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 6-10

SABRFC

They turned many heads by posting a winning record in a strong div D this past spring. The loss of McGuigan is devastating to this defense, but they’ll have no choice but to pick up the pieces and devise a counter-strategy. My expectation is that we’ll see a better season from QB Hamilton, as he continues to mature at the position. Receiving Marini has proven utterly unstoppable in his first 2 seasons with this team, and there is little to hold him back this year. I’m interested to see if this roster can reproduce the hype they generated this past spring.

Prediction: 7-3 SOS: B Gut Check Time: Weeks 8-11

Roadrunners

QB Yanakoulias does a nice job spreading the ball among his capable receiving corps. Heading the unit is 2-way player extraordinaire Justin Lerner. If their QB can avoid the sophomore slump and progress in relation to his solid rookie campaign, this team will be well positioned to make a run despite the fiercer competition. They’re definitely a team to keep an eye on going into a soft schedule.

Prediction: 7-3 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-2

Trinity

They will bring their smothering defense to our division and look to test their mettle versus superior QBs this season. I always like rosters who stick together while advancing divisions, and this one is no exception. J-F Marquis looks to improve on his rookie performance and will have every chance to do so with his top 2 receivers in V. Marquis and Leclerc. Defense defined this team previously but as many teams quickly discover while moving up, offense is key in FPF and they will need to ramp up that side of the ball to compete with the big dogs in this division.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 7-11

Big Fun Part Mix 8

90’s babies can appreciate the name drop, hearkening back to a time of backwards caps, Macdonald’s, after school cartoons and epic skateboard flops. If this description still defines your existence then you are the golden child. I really want to discuss Nolet’s long awaited return to QB, or Franzese’s veteran impact on D, but all I can do is play Crazy Frog and I’m Blue (Da ba dee) on repeat while pounding down Tang and rocket candies. Thanks a lot, fellas.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 8-11

Genie

21 points per game on O just won’t cut it this year. They enter the season with new hopes of improving upon last year’s inaugural season. A positive sign is that leading receivers Barbeau and Piette are returning to spearhead the unit. Like many others in this review article, QB Guillette will need to show marked improvement for this team to thrive this year.

Prediction: 6-4 SOS: C- Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-6

Harambi’s Disciples

Someone had to go and do it. 2016’s most referenced meme was bound to poke its furry head soon enough. J-Williams is teaming up with the Mitchell brothers to right the terrible wrong that was committed that faithful day in Cincinnati Zoo. We don’t know much about the rest of the roster yet, but hopefully they’ll be the hero vigilantes that this team deserves. With a bag of unknowns surrounding such a talented core, some of these rookies could pan out to be quite good.

Prediction: 5-5 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 4-8

Knights

Deslauriers and Horwood of Sea Assasins fame are branching out on their own to bring us this new creation. Although I’m never a fan of teams recycling names from established FPF alumni (See Knights Circa 2014), I’m looking forward to see how this team develops throughout the year. It wasn’t long ago that we witnessed an unknown team called The Sea Assassins take the league by storm in their first few seasons with a high flying offense that opposing defenses weren’t ready for. We’ll wait and see if this team can follow a similar path.

Prediction: 3-7 SOS: B+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 6-11

Bye Week

Welcome back Cody Hemsley and co. It’ll be interesting to see how the time off affects this roster, particularly early on as they immediately face the stiffest part of their schedule. Blouin is an explosive receiver and will have the chance to be the go-to on this roster.

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: B Gut check Time: Weeks 1-5

Jean Coutu

There isn’t much to rate this team on in preseason. Hamel and Cote are returning FPF players who will need to quickly teach the rest of their brethren the intricacies of the flag game. Let’s hope the boys can score the right medication to allow them to compete in this division.

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 1-5

Les Bigs

Another team I can’t rate yet due to lack of previous experience. I am, however, curious to see the combined weight of these boys. Or maybe it’s one of those ironic names and this team leads the division in speed. Either way, best of luck fellas, and welcome to the league.

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: B- Gut Check Time: Weeks 3-7

Buckeyes

Sorry boys, not enough roster experience to rate you fairly. Looking forward to get to know you guys throughout the season. Remember not to bust the ratings cap (400). Keep the flags unimpeded and remove that jewelry before stepping onto the field!

Prediction: 2-8 SOS: C+ Gut Check Time: Weeks 2-5

Predictions

I will pit my prognostic skills versus my esteemed colleague Nic Belleau each week in this section. I had to brush off my crystal ball for this one, hopefully it’s fully calibrated and ready to go from the onset. Special guest and long-time FPF connoisseur Danny D’Amour has chimed in to share his perspective as well. Not many people know these divisions as well as he does and his input is appreciated. Let’s see if I can beat him on his home court:

Division A
Alex	Danny
Longhorns	Beer and Skittles
Aliens	Bruthers
Globo Gym Purple Cobras	Globo Gym Purple Cobras
LOB	KGP Ra
Diablos	Pandas
TDs and Beer	Freebandz
Supply & Command	Supply & Command
Jaguars	Jaguars
Dope Boys	Woofpack
Trapstars	Bunch of Rookies
Les Verges Folles	Les Verges Folles
Les Affreux	Les Affrex
Tyrants	Untitled Seth Galina Team

Division B – Week 1
Alex	Danny
Harambe’s Disciples	Harambe’s Disciples
Dreamville	Dreamville
Jagys & Chill	Jagys & Chill
Trinity	Trinity
SABRFC	RoadRunners
Big Fun Party Mix 8	Bye Week
Black Knights	Black Knights
Spartans	Consultants
X-Men	X-Men
Friends in Low Places	Friends in Low Places
Takeover	Redmen
Hot Boys Hotline	Albatros
All Hooks	Mad Bears

That’s it for this week. Welcome back to the best league on earth. I wish everyone a safe and competitive season this year. If you have any feedback, concerns, comments or just want a shoulder to lean on you can reach out to me. I’ll be following division 5 religiously this year so rest assured that a strong effort, winning record and statistical merit will get you mentioned here often. I’m looking forward to see how our division shakes out in the first few weeks. You can be sure that I’ll be keeping a close eye on your production starting today. Let the games begin!