Playing For Keeps: Division 5A midseason breakdown and weekly picks

With the first half officially in the books and the second half already commenced, let’s take a brief moment to appreciate the enthralling season that has transpired before us so far. We’ve already had our fair share of blood, sweat, tears, heartbreak and emotional outbursts of “LETS GO!” Some early season favorites have turned out to be flops, while other overlooked teams have proven to be gems in disguise. As we continue our journey towards the big dance, it’s important to remember that the second half springs hope eternal. It’s possible for anyone on this list to salvage their season still, or at least build some momentum for spring. So keep fighting the good fight and keep bringing the level of intensity that has made this the most entertaining and unpredictable division to follow this winter. Today we’ll take a look at the mid-season review for 5A teams, 5B will follow-up within the week. Stay tuned and enjoy!

Division 5A

Conference A

Diablos (5-0, 172 PF vs 92 PA, +80)

What we like:

It’s safe to say at this point that the Diablos came into the season as severely underrated. They seem to have taken offense to a preseason 10th place ranking, and have been on a hunting spree ever since then. It was impressive to see them pull out tight wins against quality opponents in the first two weeks, and since then they’ve blown out softer matchups, looking like a confident team shaping into a quality contender along the way. We’ve been raving over the play of QB Francois Martin, who’s putting together the best season of his career and playing smart, error-free football. He’s a big-game gunslinger who’s now putting together an entire statistical season worthy of his talents. One key development for the Diablos success this year has been the emergence of Alexis Gaumont as a two-way star. As if this roster didn’t have enough of them already! With the dynamic duo of Gabriel Wiseman and Georges Elie-Voyer excelling as they always do, Gaumont’s ascension has now put them over the top in terms of quality depth. If you add the solid and steady contributions of Deguire and Desaulniers on offense, there’s just too much talent to be accounted for by the defenses in this division. Perhaps the best thing about this team is their blue collar character, as no one assumes a superstar profile, and everyone chips in wherever they can. This is demonstrated best by their incredibly distributed effort on defense. The play of Begin, Millette and Levesque have all been just as influential to the success of this team as any other names on the roster.

What can improve:

Martin is only completing 53.5% of his passes, which is a low margin for elite FPF quarterbacks. He’s gaining a mesmerizing 14.1 yards per pass however, which clearly indicates that the Diablos are comfortably running open in the intermediate-to-deep areas of the field. There have been many quarterbacks who’ve won championships with these kinds of numbers before, so this style of play could very well be sustained in the second half and playoffs. However, with tougher games on the horizon and the playoffs looming, windows will get tighter and better teams will eliminate easy deep balls, forcing you to march downfield with consistency. I’m curious to see how they adapt their play calling going forward, especially if they run into some resistance down the line.

Looking ahead:

With matchups against KGP Ra, Aliens and Longhorns coming up, we’ll have a good feeling for where this team stands by the end of the season. It’s been a fantastic first half, but it’s no time to get complacent as these guys will be tested all day in the second half.

1st Half MVP: Alexis Gaumont

Projection: 8-2

Longhorns (4-1, 167 PF vs 145 PA, +22)

What we like:

JM2K stepped right back into the saddle after a week off and didn’t miss a beat, as he shredded the Pandas and matched his outstanding seasonal 123 QBR. This team is a jolt of pure offensive adrenaline, coming at you in unrelenting waves. They pick apart your defense with sharp, crisp, penetrating jabs, baiting your defense to reveal its vulnerability, at which point they deliver the devastating blow. With a host of talented receivers to highlight, it’s been longtime underrated Vince Mancini who’s consistently carried the offense thus far, delivering 290 yards and 8 TDs at the midpoint. Adam Rosen is developing into the explosive, field stretching talent that this team needed him to be. Rounding out the offense is Patrick Jazon, who’s adapted nicely to the FPF game and contributed when called upon each week. Sustaining this team on defense has been the phenomenal play of rusher Francis Haley, who’s already reached 12 sacks in only 5 games. Previously known for being the premier rusher of the KTFL, Haley is now proving that he can disrupt a QB regardless of whether or not he’s wearing a belt. His play will surely generate DPOY talk if he can carry it into the second half.

What can improve:

If the old cliché that defenses wins championships rings true, then the Longhorns have something to worry about going forward. Allowing 29 points per game will be harder to justify heading into a tougher second half schedule. At some point this offense is bound to slip, and it will be telling to see if their defense can rise to the occasion and carry the load. Fortunately, FPF is an offensive game, and as long as you can outgun your opponent you’ll always have a fighter’s chance. Racking up seasonal records is fun, but if the championship is what they truly seek, they’ll have to show some improvement on the opposite side of the ball in the second half.

Looking ahead:

Ouch, this looks like the toughest second half schedule in the division. Good thing Moodie is well rested coming back from vacation, cause he will need to be sharp every game from here on out. The important thing for them in the upcoming slugfest will be to keep their legs fresh and make adjustments on defense. There’s no better path to success than to be battle tested come playoff time, and this team will certainly hold that distinction if they emerge standing after the next 5 weeks.

1st Half MVP: Vince Mancini

Projection: 7-3

KGP Ra (4-1, 157 PF vs 75 PA, +82)

What we like:

Welcome to the Dylan Garber breakout campaign everyone! With 933 combined yards and 24 total TDs through 5 games, Garber has taken the next step in becoming a serious FPF QB. He’s passed the eyeball test as well, with glistening reports of his ability to control the pace of his offense and consistently move the chains. His go-to weapon of choice has been Jonathan Garfinkle, who’s witnessed a transcendence of his own with 331 yards and 6 TDs at the midpoint, far exceeding his previous season highs. Garfinkle has been just as dominant on defense, with 7 INTs to his name. He’s the leading the 2-way POY candidate at the half, and will look to hold off competitors to secure his award going forward. The defense is allowing a mind boggling 15 points per game and has been propelling this team to the largest positive differential in the division. Greg Wainberg has been a secret weapon on defense, with 9 tackles, 2 INTs and 3 PDs.

What can improve:

As lame as it is to say as an analyst, there’s nothing substantial to critique this team on in the first half. They’ve played efficient, cohesive, aggressive football and their record reflects this admirably. If there’s anything to nitpick at it would be the distribution on offense, as 65% of Garber’s completions have gone to either Garfinkle or Cutler thus far. This isn’t an area of great concern since those are two phenomenal players, capable of getting open each week. However, against elite teams with a pair of shutdown corners this could prove to be an issue later in the season, especially if Garber doesn’t develop a rapport with his third and fourth receivers, or the confidence to continue his progression past the first two reads. Again, I may be grasping at straws here, but time will tell as they face stiffer competition going forward.

Looking ahead:

Like the two teams ahead of them, there’s some tough sledding ahead for this team in the second half. Playing against a series of opponents with a combined winning percentage of 65% will put pressure on them each week. This should be seen as a good thing for this developing team, as they’ll be able to realize their flaws and make the required adjustments before playoffs, when the real season begins.

1st Half MVP: Jonathan Garfinkle

Projection: 7-3

TDs and Beer (3-2, 114 PF vs 91 PA, +23)

What we like:

The offseason additions of Jonathan Grizzley and Kyle McGuigan have paid off handsomely for this team, as both players have taken control of this defense and shaped it into one of the most formidable units in the division. Thomas Mascarenhas is also having a strong first half, eating up whatever space remains and gaining the respect of the aforementioned star defenders. On offense it’s largely been the Keiller show, as Brandon and Myles have carried the mail for Brad Evans as expected. Evans has done a good job protecting the ball so far, averaging less than an INT per game while consistently giving his team a chance to win. Tough fought wins against the Aliens and LOB demonstrate the grit and potential that this team has when running on all cylinders.

What can improve:

An offense with these kinds of weapons will be expected to average more than 22.8 points per game going forward. We can attribute some inconsistency to the new unit trying to build chemistry on the fly, but their inability to operate smoothly against tough, experienced defenses like KGP Ra and the Tyrants is a bit concerning. Also, they looked anemic without Grizzley against the Tyrants, which suggests they may rely a bit too much on the dynamic duo to compete against the elite teams in the division.

Looking ahead:

They have a manageable schedule in the second half. Although there are no easy outs lined up in the next five, there are no world beaters on their schedule either. This may be the best possible scenario for this team, as they continue to build chemistry and confidence in each other while playing winnable games. I expect Brad Evans to level out his offense and attain the consistency that will make this team a feared opponent come playoff time.

1st Half MVP: Kyle McGuigan

Projection: 6-4

LOB (3-2, 118 PF vs 117 PA, +1)

What we like:

They emerged from the toughest part of their schedule with a winning record and some momentum heading into the half. Tough wins against KGP Ra and Aliens to begin the season proved this team’s mettle, and their ability to go 12 rounds with any team in the division will always give them a fighter’s chance. The roster is extremely well built and balanced on both sides of the ball. Jason Hovington has emerged as the main threat on offense, with 8 TDs already to his name. But the talent doesn’t stop there. Francois Deslauriers, Vincent Dagenais, Corey Johnson and GM Kolethras are all chipping in to keep the chains moving on offense. What I like most is the balance they’ve demonstrated on defense. With 11 INTs in 5 games spread out among 6 different players, it’s become apparent that opposing QBs cannot pick on any individual weak spot.

What can improve:

While Lonnie Johnson is having an epic season in division 4, he’s struggling to find the same groove in division 5. Throwing for 3 teams is an exhausting exercise, but we still demand more from the experienced gunslinger, and he’d be the first person to agree. This roster is composed of a fairly new arrangement of faces, therefore we must give him the benefit of the doubt for the first half, while he built the required chemistry and trust with his receivers. If his latest game is any indication of what’s to come, we can fully expect Lonnie to come out firing in the second half and propel LOB back up the rankings, while positioning himself among the top 5 QBs in the division.

Looking ahead:

A quick glance at their upcoming schedule shows winnable games in 4 of the next 5. The offense will find its groove during this time and the defense will continue to gel and create turnovers.

1st Half MVP: Francois Deslauriers

Projection: 7-3

Aliens (3-2, 158 PF vs 79 PA, +79)

What we like:

They came out of the gate like a bat out of hell and looked like a forerunner to run the gamut on the division. Then a sudden injury to their key two-way player brought then back crashing to earth…momentarily. What’s happened since then has been an inspiration for all teams who suffer a bump in the road, but won’t allow their will and desire to be repressed. The Aliens have revamped, reached deep and pulled out a concerted effort worthy of appraisal. Simon Bosquet Beaudoin has been the motor that keeps this team beating forward. Putting up a combined 25 TDs and 1000 yards in 5 games puts his on pace for the elite 2K and 50 club. His ability to read the field and make his teammates better is beyond compare among his peers. Alexandre Noel has stepped up to the plate and emerged as the go-to receiver this team needed. He’s also developed into the focal point of this defense with a team leading 6 INTs. He’s having a breakout season when needed most and has helped SBB lift the team on their backs. Mathieu Roy-Caissy has made a Terrelle Pryor like transition from former QB to effective receiver. Opposing defenses haven’t been able to figure out how to account for these pass-catchers while attempting to limit SBB’s lethal runs.

What can improve:

The loss to LOB exposed their early season lack of depth. But since then they’ve diversified significantly and have seen remarkable progress across the board. Still, with volatile roster turn over the past few games it still remains a bit unclear as to who will be qualified come playoff time. I have no doubt they’ll sort this out before the playoffs, but they’ll need to ramp up as much as possible while they still can.

1st Half MVP: Alexandre Noel

Projection: 6-4

Globo Gym Purple Cobras (3-2, 157 PF vs 123 PA, +34)

What we like:

Their offense has been humming along scoring 31.4 points per game. QB Eric Maiorino is on pace for 50 TD passes and 2000 combined yards, which is elite quarterback territory. He’s proven to be nearly unstoppable when he mixes in runs with his quick hitting offense. He’s definitely in the top 5 QBs of the division discussion. The distribution on offense is well spread out among Joey Taylor, Zack Zwirn and Alex Joltopuf, who are all capable of taking over a game if left unaccounted for. Taylor has once again emerged as the star of this unit, as he’s arguably leading the receiver of the year race at the midpoint with a hefty 339 yards and 10 TDs. They laid the hurt on an overrated Les Verges Folles team in week 4, and have beaten the teams they needed to beat thus far.

What can improve:

A close loss to a dominant Diablos team can be seen a positive testament to their place in the division, but a 2-score loss to an inconsistent Pandas team the following week definitely raised some concerns. This team is scrappy, efficient, aggressive, but far from dominant at this point. Their defense is the main concern right now, as they’ve only managed 1 INT per game against the softer teams on their schedule in the first half.

Looking ahead:

They’ll need to take some of the pressure off the offense in the second half, as they’ll be playing against teams that will force some stops and challenge them in lower scoring games. I see some rough patches ahead as they struggle to hold the floodgates on D, but they’ll be in a better overall place from it come playoff time.

1st Half MVP: Eric Maiorino

Projection: 5-5

Pandas (2-2-1, 103 PF vs 98 PA, +5)

What we like:

They’ve played every game with heart so far and have shown the type of combative character that will make them thorns in the sides of their opponents each week. Their athleticism, size and speed on defense create matchup problems for opposing QBs, who struggle to find open windows against them. They played the Diablos and Longhorns tight – two of the elite first half teams – and gave us surprising results against GGPC and TDs and Beer. Thomas G-Lajoie is their energizer on defense, seemingly everywhere at once and always with his nose for the ball. Alexandre Bachaalani has been a two-way monster, carrying this offense with 11 receiving TDs and 2 INTs on defense. Sacha Saint-Amand is another underrated defender with an ability to gobble up space on the field. There’s no reason why we should expect a letdown from this defense in the second half, as they continue to propel their team towards a playoff berth.

What can improve:

The musical chairs at QB has once again limited this team’s potential for growth. They lack the ability to win in high-scoring shootouts, which is a necessary step for any team hoping to reach the next level of development. Nirosh Suresh has once again shown glimpses of being a capable flag quarterback, but hasn’t been able to establish any true rhythm or chemistry while alternating with Ryan Kharouf. 13 passing TDs at the mid-season mark is just not good enough at this point, and they’ll need to make some difficult decisions if they want to emerge from the glut of mediocrity this year. They have all the pieces to do it, it’s now just a question of the willpower to make the tough but necessary decisions. They should make those decisions fast however, because undeveloped potential can rapidly become lost potential in the fast changing, always improving FPF environment.

Looking ahead:

They have some winnable games coming up on their schedule. It’s fair to say the toughest part of their season is behind them. If they can make the required changes on offense and sustain their smothering defense, they should be looking at a playoff spot in 5 weeks from now and will be a team that none of the favorites will want to play in the first round.

1st Half MVP: Alexandre Bachaalani

Projection: 5-4-1

Bruthers (2-3, 109 PF vs 155 PA, -46)

What we like:

Things were looking so good for them just two short weeks ago. They had just beaten LOB in a highly anticipated game, and Morgan Tajfel was looking like he was on the cusp of a breakthrough at QB. They’ll need to shake off the past two losses and get back to that winning mindset in the second half. Adam Browman and Daniel Adler are forming one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the division, with 572 yards and 13 TDs between them. Tajfel has had an astounding first half on defense, with 15 tackles and a trio of INTs and PDs. He’s shown the capability of moving the ball at QB, with 916 combined yards, but needs to get a bit better at finishing in the redzone going forward.

What can improve:

The main problem with this team has been the gaping holes on defense, having allowed 31 points per game in the first half. Outside of Tajfel they seem to be lacking some game changers, as the rest of the roster has as many INTs combined as their QB. They’ll need to be more opportunistic going forward, as they look to win a few more drives for their offense. Someone will need to step up and support Tajfel, who’s doing everything he can to get this team to the playoffs.

Looking ahead:

A surprising loss against a depleted Keyport Lock team did not bode well for their confidence heading into midseason. However, upcoming matchups against Les Affreux and Ace Athletics will give them a chance to gain some redemption heading into a difficult final 3 game stretch.

1st Half MVP: Morgan Tajfel

Projection: 4-6

Beer and Skittles (1-3-1, 103 PF vs 139 PA, -36)

What we like:

They showed some promise in the first two weeks, playing Longhorns hard and dismantling Ace Athletics. Angelo Garofalo and Benoit Demchuck are true competitors that can measure up against any duo in the division. Simon Locas is on pace for over 30 catches and is having a nice “comeback” year after a 2 year hiatus from the league. Chris Canelho has made an impact with limit opportunities on offense, and looks to establish himself as more of a regular threat in the second half.

What can improve:

Zero INTs on defense! Zilch, nada, zippo…Not only that, but they only have 1 sack to go with it. So this team is not putting any pressure on the quarterback, and they’re putting even less pressure on the receivers to find open holes. Something will have to change drastically for them to have a glimmer of chance to make the playoffs. It seems to be more of a personnel issue than a scheming issue at this point, as many of their players are readjusting to the speed of FPF after several seasons off. Let’s hope they can get a spark going soon or this will be a long and unfortunate season for a veteran team that deserves better.

Looking ahead:

They have a few difficult games ahead mixed in with winnable ones. They’ll need to beat the Blue devils this week and build some momentum quick if they hope to turn things around in the second half. I have confidence that the second half will be better than the first.

1st Half MVP: Angelo Garofalo

Projection: 3-6-1

Blue Devils (1-4, 109 PF vs 160 PA, -51)

What we like:

They’ve looked rejuvenated over the last 3 weeks, having beaten Ace Athletics and played tight games against a couple of tough opponents. Pat Riot is having a remarkably poised and efficient season for a 1 win team, with 978 combined yards and a 17-1 TD-INT ratio. His QBR is among the top ranked in the league and he’s played much better than his record indicates. Maxime Chateauneuf is having another strong season and is on pace to challenge his career highs in yards and TDs. Jean-Philippe Rousseau has also chipped in as a complimentary player on offense, with 137 yards and 3 Tds of his own. Enrico Pierre has been the two-way talent that we expected him to be coming into the season, as well as bolstering the defense with 2 INTs and 5 PDs.

What can improve:

The defense has been as porous as swiss cheese, allowing 32 points per game and compiling less than an INT per game. Brendan Parm is doing his best to lead this unit with with 13 tackles and 3 PDs, but outside of him and Pierre there isn’t much to fear for opposing QBs. They’ll need to scheme a way to outplay their combined individual talent on defense, if they want to salvage the season and make a run for a playoff spot in the second half.

Looking ahead:

4 of their next 5 games can be classified as “winnable” games, as the toughest part of their schedule is certainly behind them. We’ll know within the next two weeks if this team can summon the will power to mount a second half comeback.

1st Half MVP: Pat Riot

Projection: 3-7

Ace Athletics (1-4, 83 PF vs 142 PA, -59)

What we like:

Scott Payne and Brandon Bouchard have been having encouraging seasons at receiver for this team despite the early season struggles. Payne has excelled at the highest levels of FPF with the best QBs in the history of the league. He’s one of the most talented receivers in this division and deserves better support from his teammates in the second half. Bouchard is an FPF rookie but quickly making a name for himself in this league as a reliable second weapon on this offense.

What can improve:

They’ve failed to score 20 points in 4 of their first 5 games. The quarterback situation is a mess, as they’ve only completed less than 39% of their pass attempts. The Millar’s, who account for half of the team’s INTs, haven’t shown up consistently to games in the first half. This team lacks the ability to match up defensively with their opponents and make enough stops to keep their offense in the game.

Looking ahead:

In all honestly it looks bleak ahead for this team as they enter a difficult stretch against playoff bound teams. They should use these experiences as springboards upon which to build their future rosters. There’s definitely talent on this team, it’s just a question of finding the right combinations that will bring out the best in everyone going forward.

1st Half MVP: Scott Payne

Projection: 1-9

Freebandz (0-4-1, 73 PF vs 166 PA, -93)

What we like:

What a pleasant surprise it was to see them come out motivated last game and tie the Fighting Galinas while scoring 30 points! The team that looked dead in the water a few weeks ago has suddenly shown distinct signs of life, as Hasari Worrell eclipsed 100 yards receiving in the game and Jarryd Taylor had an astonishing 3 INTs, with 2 of them being returned to the house for 6! Despite the an offense holding them back for the most part, Worrell and Kevin Donnet have managed to produce respectable numbers going into the half. Worrell has especially impressed with 303 yards and 5 TDs. Andel Thomas-Gordan is doing his best Mr. Fantastic impression on defense, stretching all over the field to the tune of 14 tackles, with a pick 6.

What can improve:

Any time you enter the season with a rookie QB, there’s bound to be some growing pains. There’s no hiding the fact that Stefano Spagnuolo has struggled in his first showing, with twice as many INTs as TDs so far. However, wants most encouraging is that he keeps his head up and continues to sling the ball each week. Coming off his best game of the year – where he completed 81.3% of his passes – there’s reason to be optimistic heading into the second half for this team. As long as he keeps feeding Worrell and Donnet he’ll make his life easy and notice some rapid progression.

Looking ahead:

The schedule makers may have overrated this team coming in, as they were granted an extremely difficult opening schedule. The good news is that the backend is far more appealing than the front. They arguably have 3-4 winnable games in the next 5, and if they can gain some momentum early on they will definitely be an interesting team to follow down the stretch.

1st Half MVP: Hasari Worrell

Projection: 3-6-1

Conference B

Jaguars (4-2, 179 PF vs 114 PA, +65)

What we like:

They cruised through their first 4 games, with the offense humming at a rate of 30 points per game. Jimmy-Lee Janvier was the top rated QB in the division as of week 4. He’s having a remarkable sophomore season and has been the consistent force behind their early success. Woodly Stephan Appolon is one of the premier deep threats in the division. With only 13 receptions he’s managed to pull off 310 yards and 8 TDs. Everyone knows where he’s going, but they’re still incapable of stopping him. Aurel Desrosiers and Valéry Shelder are the possession receivers for this group, and move the chains while setting opposing defenses up for the eventual dagger. On defense, Darryl Dorcely is on pace for 20 sacks, and is one of the leading candidates for DPOY. Hugo Hurtoise has been a field general, with 22 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 PDs and 1 INT to his credit.

What can improve:

We took our time in anointing these guys as the top team in the conference, because we weren’t sold on their opponents in the first 4 games. While it’s true that you can only beat who’s put before you, their recent losing streak against slightly more challenging opponents has somewhat validated our initial hesitation. You need to beat the best to be the best, and until we see them knock off one of the premier teams in the division, there will always be skeptics in calling these guys favorites.

Looking ahead:

The final 4 games on their schedule are all challenging, but winnable, games. I’ll be avidly following this team for signs of progression heading into the playoffs. They’ve been flirting with the tipping point of success for the first half, let’s see if they can sway the balance and stake their claim for contender status.

1st Half MVP: Jimmy-Lee Janvier

Projection: 6-4

United Seth Galina Team (3-1-1, 147 PF vs 132 PA, +15)

What we like:

They boast the strongest 1-2 punch at receiver in the division. Dylan Taylor and Seth Galina have already combined for 523 yards and 17 TDs, creating a daunting proposition for opposing defensive captains looking to stop them. Daniel Marceux and Sergio Sicoli have provided excellent support as complimentary pieces on this offense. The defense looks every bit like a unit lead by experienced, upper divisional talent. Emilio Pampena, Taylor and Galina have combined for 7 INTs, 4 sacks and 7 PDS, forming a versatile trio that has put the team on their back. Galina has already returned 2 of those INTs for points. Frankie Martella is having a solid first half of his own, chipping in defensively and helping solidify the front line.

What can improve:

As good as they’ve been, their most impressive win has come against a sluggish Affreux team. The recent tie against Freebandz is most concerning, as it suggests either complacency or an aspect of their game which needs refinement before playoffs. Pampena has had a good season so far, on pace for 40 total TDs, but will need to limit the INTs a bit in the second half.

Looking ahead:

The next two weeks (7 & 8) will be exam period for this team, as they’ll measure themselves against some of the toughest teams in the division. The results of those games will give us a good indication whether they’re ready to be considered a serious contender heading into the playoffs. Their final three games are against solid, middle-tier teams, which will give them a good fine-tuning before the tournament begins.

1st Half MVP: Seth Galina

Projection: 6-3-1

Les Verges Folles (3-2, 153 PF vs 149 PA, +4)

What we like:

These guys were my favorites coming into the season, I was enthralled by their combination of size, speed athleticism and aggression. They’ve scored over 30 points in 4 of their first 5 games. Zacharie Quiviger has been having a fantastic season thus far, posting a beautiful 121 QBR and throwing 21 TDs to only 3 INTs, which is elite turnover ratio territory according to Peeze’s 7:1 rule. Helping him reach that plateau has been perhaps the best-rounded offensive unit in the division. Shawn Lafortune has shared the wealth with comrades Nassim Ouadhi and Jocelyn Legault, who have all chipped in to keep defenses honest. This unit also shows quality depth, as 7 different receivers have registered at least 1 TD on the season. With so much talent spread out it’s no wonder they’ve been able to maintain a winning record, despite major struggles on defense.

What can improve:

If this team is on the cusp of falling from contender status in my mind, it’s entirely because the defense has looked like swiss cheese on far too many occasions in the first half. The loss to Trapstars was shocking, but what was more concerning was allowing 41 points to Bunch of Rookies the following week, and 38 points to GGPC the week after. Samuel Chenier has started to look like a decent rusher in recent weeks, but this team failed to apply any pressure whatsoever on opposing QBs at the outset of the season. Championship teams find a way to make stops no matter what their issues may be, and if this team has hopes of making a late playoff run we’ll need to see more complete eofforts like the win vs Jaguars.

Looking ahead:

The tough part of their schedule is over, and they can use the next weeks to build some confidence on defense and pad their record going into the playoffs. However, they’ve already shown that their capable of being upset, so they’ll need to buckle down and not take any games lightly from here on out.

1st Half MVP: Zacharie Quiviger

Projection: 7-3

Keyport Lock (3-3, 132 PF vs 117 PA, +15)

What we like:

They looked dead in the water following an injury to Jeff Rosenblatt three weeks ago, until fortune struck in the form of a magnificent snow storm, and their hopes for a second half revival were reignited. With 2 players from their active roster available for their game against Bruthers, Chris Olsen stepped into the quarterback role and led the rag-tag gang of substitute misfits to a surprising victory. The latest news is that Olsen will inherit the reigns for the remainder of the season and Keyport couldn’t have made a better choice. His athletic, quick-rhythmed, chain moving style of offense will mesh well with the current cast of big game possession receivers. Yoni Lehrer, Daniel Farag, Neil Rubin and Sam Mashtoub form one of the best-rounded receiving groups in the division. They possess the individual talents to strike at all depths of the field.

What can improve:

I’m a bit concerned with the size of their roster right now. Excluding Rosenblatt, they only have 6 players who have registered 3 games or more thus far. They’ll need any subs they hope to qualify for the playoffs to make every game in the second half to have a chance. Going into the playoffs with the current 6 players – with no established QB – would be a disaster if they make it that far.

Looking ahead:

Difficult games loom ahead in the next 3 weeks. The new roster formation will be put to test right away, and there’s no grace period for a slow integration. They’ll need to win at least 1 of those 3 games to have a chance for playoffs.

1st Half MVP: Daniel Farag

Projection: 5-5

Dope Boys (2-1-2, 109 PF vs 95 PA, +14)

What we like:

Defense has been the backbone of this team so far, as they look to look to achieve a second consecutive winning season in division 5A. Guillaume Godard and Robbi Dejean form perhaps the most talented secondary pairing in the entire division, and have combined for 7 INTs, 4 PDs and 3 defensive TDs. Although they aren’t yet as well-known as some of the more established household names in the division, these two are rapidly ascending the list of guys QBs need to look out for on a weekly basis. Complimenting them has been the versatile play of Ridwan “R-Eazy” Abdur, who’s filling up the stat sheet with a pick-6, 3 sacks and a pair of PDs to boot. Nicolas Desrosiers and Felix Menard round out this well-balanced unit that has created a dreamy 5 defensive TDs in the first half.

What can improve:

They can thank their defense for carrying them this far, because the offense under QB Xavier Comtois has been sluggish at best. 650 combined yards and 12 TDs just won’t cut it at the half way mark. They’ll desperately need to figure out a new formula going into a second half with tougher opponents on the schedule. They’ve proven in the past that they possess the talent and capability to move the ball on offense, but they just seem to be stuck in neutral so far this year. With their current display of defensive prowess they don’t need their offense to lead the league in any category, but they definitely need them to elevate their game enough to at least compliment the defense, and capitalize on a few more of the extra drives provided to them.

Looking ahead:

4 of their remaining 5 games are against experienced teams that will not beat themselves, and who find ways to put points on the board each week. This will be troublesome for a team that has struggled to score on offense as much as these guys have in the first half. I hope that they don’t let their current record delude them into being complacent heading forward, because they’ll have a rude awakening within the next few weeks. As fantastic as the defense has been, they’re playing at a level that will be difficult to sustain all season, and they’ll need their offense to step up and carry some of the burden.

1st Half MVP: Guillaume Godard

Projection: 4-4-2

Les Affreux (3-3, 166 PF vs 140 PA, +26)

What we like:

They’ve been competitive in every game so far this season. There’s nothing wrong with splitting the first 6 games while playing a tough nosed style of football. Although dealing with a lingering injury to his throwing arm recently, Jonathan Lemieux has been having another solid year at QB for the boys in red. The two-headed monster of Jean-Daniel Joly and Martin Jackson have come up huge for this team on both sides of the ball, as they’ve combined for 13 receiving TDs and 8 INTs on defense. The always stellar play of experienced veterans Mathieu Dubois and Mathieu Domon has been a major factor in maintaining the level of consistency these guys have shown each week. Michel Ladouceur has had a fine season at rusher for them thus far with 7 sacks, maintaining constant pressure on the opposing QBs and forcing quick throws into a ball hawking secondary.

What can improve:

As good as it is to see them playing hard and beating the teams they’re supposed to beat, for a longstanding lower division team like this with championship aspirations it would be encouraging to see them create a few upsets in the second half. There’s not much that separates a win from a loss when top teams compete against each other, but finding a way to tilt the scale to their side is what the great teams do. They’ll have a few more chances to impress us with a big win in the second half.

Looking ahead:

They are one of the fortunate teams that drew a balanced schedule throughout the entire season. The second half won’t be any tougher for them than the first, and they’ll have a chance to make the minor adjustments needed to set themselves up with major dark horse appeal come playoff time. They will be an intriguing team to follow in the second half.

1st Half MVP: Jean-Daniel Joly

Projection: 5-5

Flagrant Fouls (2-3, 129 PF vs 142 PA, -13)

What we like:

Coming into the season with a big question mark at QB was an unsettling prospect for team otherwise largely intact from a winning 2016 season in the same division. However, watching Adam Rockman develop at the pivot position as been a bit of a refreshing revelation. He made the necessary adjustments after a turnover filled opening 2 weeks, and had been keeping the scoresheet clean until the minor setback vs LOB. I expect further progression from him in the second half as he continues to learn the fundamentals of the new position. Zach Godstein, Adam Guillemette and Marty Freedman have proven to be reliable outlets for their rookie QB. Godstein has been remarkable on both sides of the ball for this team, with 2 INTs to go along with his receiving TDs. Jesse Castiel has also been a standout defensively for this team, matching Rockman with 3 INTs for the team lead.

What can improve:

Despite creating a fair amount of turnovers, the defense has been allowed too many points in the first half. 4 of their first 5 games has seen them allow over 30 points, which puts a lot of pressure on their developing QB to play mistake free football. They’ll need to devise a way to get more 4-and-outs or punts in the second half if they hope to get over the hump of middle-tier teams.

Looking ahead:

They have a fairly difficult second half schedule, similar to their first. They’ll need to create at least one upset in the second half to obtain a .500 record and give themselves a solid chance to make the playoffs.

1st Half MVP: Zach Godstein

Projection: 5-5

Preachers (3-2, 109 PF vs 89 PA, +20)

What we like:

Loïc Robidoux and Patrice Lindor have led one of the most fearsome defensive units of the first half, combining for all 7 of the team’s turnovers thus far. Experienced standouts like Kevin Gauthier and Franck Ngandui have supported the defense admirably, creating the balance that has allowed this team to prosper. They’ve won all the games that they should have won on their schedule, and have set themselves up for a potential playoff berth if they can just sustain their play going forward.

What can improve:

Quarterback position has been a disappointment so far. After dabbling at the position in the past, Nicolas Saro took the plunge full time this season, and has been experiencing major growing pains in the first half. He is a smart football player and a gifted athlete, but he seems to lack the poise at times to stay in the pocket and read his full progression before trying to bail out and scramble. We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt so far and expect some progression in the upcoming weeks, but he’ll need to make the necessary adjustments if he wants to lead his team to a nice playoff run. If they can sort out the offense this could be a sneaky dark horse team once the games start to really matter.

Looking ahead:

Their schedule eases up significantly in the second half. They’ll have every opportunity to build the chemistry and confidence in their quarterback which is required for a late season run. I expect them to finish with a solid record and some swagger going into the big dance.

1st Half MVP: Patrice Lindor

Projection: 6-4

Tyrants (3-3, 131 PF vs 169 PA, -38)

What we like:

It’s been a rollercoaster ride of a first half for this well-respected FPF franchise. They looked flat for the first 3 games with George Niktaris throwing as many TDs as INTs, before Phil De Kovachich stepped into the helm and provided them with a spark that commenced a three game winning streak. By no means a polished QB, De Kovachich none the less protected the football and did just enough with his arm and running ability to scrape out some hard fought wins. I believe that the QB change sparked more of an emotional wake-up call to the defense, who had to elevate their game to support the offense in the departure of Niktaris. Another major impact has been to addition of Prince Copperfield, who’s 4 INTs in 4 games coincides remarkably well with the Tyrants elevated play of late. Copperfield is a game-changing talent on defense, seemingly capable of taking away half the field by himself. This was crucial for a team that was getting exploited deep in the opening few games of the season.

What can improve:

Niktaris had a horrible first half, but has proven to be a reliable QB option in the past. De Kovachich did an admirable job when called upon, but will admirable be enough to stand toe-to-toe with the top gunslingers in the division? There’s a lot of questions at QB going into the second half, and we hope for the Tyrant’s sake they can address these sooner rather than later.

Looking ahead:

3 of their final 4 games are winnable with a solid effort, setting them up nicely for a late season run following a whacky first half. As the old sports cliché goes: “it’s not how you start, but how you finish.” The Tyrants are set up to finish strong and head into the second season with momentum.

1st Half MVP: Phil De Kovachich

Projection: 6-4

Bunch of Rookies (2-3-1, 167 PF vs 175 PA, -8)

What we like:

The offense has experienced an enlightenment following the switch to Jonathan Goyette at QB. They’ve scored an extra 14.75 points per game since the change, and have made themselves much more dangerous by unleashing AJ Gomes upon opposing secondaries. Goyette is throwing 5 TDs per game and distributing the ball well to the likes of Gomes, Anthony Lazzara and Domenico Manno. They have 10 INTs on defense, displaying phenomenal ball hawking ability for a team with so many players still learning the nuances of the flag game.

What can improve:

It doesn’t matter how many points you score on offense if your leaky defense continues to allow so many points scored against them. Despite the impressive turnovers created, this team has shown its inexperience in its inability to stop the opposition from scoring at will. Despite the first half issues, I fully expect a unit led by the talented and passionate Lazzara to figure things out and make the adjustments needed.

Looking ahead:

Not a difficult second half schedule by any means, but they’ll need to generate some stops. They’ll be playing a few scrappy defenses so it’ll be interesting to see if their D can finally win them a game when called upon. Don’t sleep on this team just yet, as they may surprise us with a late season run once they figure out how to put all the pieces together at once.

1st Half MVP: Jonathan Goyette

Projection: 4-5-1

Woofpack (1-3-1, 130 PF vs 174 PA, -44)

What we like:

Yacoub Telemaque has been having a phenomenal season on both sides of the ball, doing everything he can to pull his team out of their early season funk. Corey Walwaski was the addition this team needed at snapper, providing a safety blanket of Terry Tam and stepping up at the quarterback position in a big way in Tam’s absence. Although he tore apart one of the leakiest defenses in the division, he gave the Woofpack exactly what they needed at the critical moment of the season, hope. It will be interesting to see if they decide to make the switch to Walwaski full time in the second half.

What can improve:

For a team that has always fed off of its defense, to see such a passionless display by this unit has been one of the most disappointing developments in the entire division. Talented players like Richie Mondesir and Jerome Mergenord are game changers for A-Squad in division 4, but seem to have left their desire to compete and lead behind in the higher division. This defense has been a doormat for the most part, and needs to take some pride in their play in the second half. Whoever throws on offense going forward will be inconsequential if they can’t find a way to make a stand on D and win some momentum. Finding a permanent solution to the rusher positon could be a good place to start, as Telemaque has succeeded when called upon, but constantly rotates between safety and rusher. Rusher is arguably the most important position on defense, and even though it isn’t the most glamorous, you’ll be hard pressed to find championship caliber teams who don’t have hungry and effective rushers.

Looking ahead:

Very difficult second half schedule, coupled with a disappointing first half record. They can start by showing a bit more fight in the upcoming weeks. This still a talented core that can turn it on in the blink of an eye. It all starts with the will to compete.

1st Half MVP: Yacoub Telemaque

Projection: 3-6-1

Supply and Command (2-4, 121 PF vs 172 PA, -51)

What we like:

Their offense has shown glimpses and spurts of promise throughout the first half of the season, which has allowed them to remain competitive in most games. Justin Blanchard and Alex David form an intimidating receiving duo, and lead the league in receiving yards between any two players. With an astonishing 690 yards and 14 TDs between them, they’ve been providing Peeze with consistent outlets to move the ball down field. Blanchard has also been having a dominant season on defense, with 8 INTs in only 6 games. He would be running away with the 2WPOY award if he weren’t playing in higher divisions. David and Mike Addona round out the defensive unit statistically.

What can improve:

Despite some nice receiving stats, there’s a lot that needs to improve in the second half for this team if they hope for a better outlook. The obvious area of concern is Peeze’s unhealthy habit of turning the ball over. Even if he’s had games with nice passing yard totals, 19 INTs is far too much for an entire season, let alone a 6-game stretch. He’s the first person to admit that he needs to make some serious adjustments to his game, as teams tend to catch up to his play calling by the second half of games. However, he should be credited for his perseverance and aggressive play calling style. I always prefer a QB who goes down slinging the ball over one who plays timidly and fails to register any stats. All he needs to do is trade in a few INTs for TDs and we’ll be singing his praises by playoff time. Furthermore, for a team with such experience and brand name appeal on its roster, we all expected them to be a lot stingier on defense than they’ve been in the first half. The extra turnovers from their offense doesn’t help things, but they need to find a way make some defensive stands and steal a few games even if their offense flutters.

Looking ahead:

Putting themselves in a 2-4 whole was not ideal, and they’ll need to go 3-1 from here on out to give themselves a good chance of making the playoffs. The good news is that after a tough next game against LOB, they have the potential to win out the final 3 games if they play to their utmost potential. A lot of things will need to go right for this team to gain a second chance, but we’ve seen some magical things from these guys in the past, and I wouldn’t count them out just yet.

1st Half MVP: Justin Blanchard

Projection: 4-6

Trapstars (1-4, 90 PF vs 136 PA, -46)

What we like:

They gave us the first huge upset of the season by knocking off Les Verges Folles in week 2. Furthermore, they were competitive in every game for the first 3 weeks, losing by a matter of inches each time. Vincent Richard has been an inspiration defensively, doing everything he can to keep his team in games while compiling 2 INTs, 4 sacks, 3 PDs and a TD. Laurent-Philippe St-Onge has 2 INTs of his own, to go along with 14 tackles. He and Said Azizi have been the anchors on offense as well, leading the team in yards and TD receptions.

What can improve:

The record has certainly been disappointing for this long standing FPF franchise. The main problem is that their passing game, led by Richard, lacks any teeth. If you can’t move the ball through the air in FPF, it doesn’t matter how solid your running game is, opposing defenses will eventually clamp down on you. I have a hard time seeing how a team that’s played a certain way for so many years will be able to change their habits mid-season and make the necessary adjustments going forward. I think the best thing they could do now is just continue to play scrappy, passionate football and try to squeeze out a few tough fought wins in the second half.

Looking ahead:

Following this week’s game against Diablos they’ll have some winnable games on their schedule going forward. They just need to keep their heads up and continue bringing the same fire each week. That’s easier said than done when staring down another losing season, but I trust this core to find a way to play for pride even if the season slips away from them.

1st Half MVP: Laurent-Philippe St-Onge

Projection: 2-8

Predictions

Division A

Alex Danny

Longhorns Globo Gym Purple Corbras

TDs and Beer Untitled Seth Galina Team

Beer and Skittles Beer and Skittles

Pandas Pandas

Aliens Aliens

Diablos Diablos

Bruthers Les Affreux

Jaguars Jaguars

LOB LOB

Les Verges Folles Les Verges Folles

Bunch of Rookies Preachers

KGP Ra KGP Ra

Tyrants Tyrants

Division B

Alex Danny

Bye Week Bye Week

Rednecks Jean Coutu

Dreamville Dreamville

X-Men X-Men

Roadrunners Roadrunners

Les Bigs Les Bigs

Spartans Spartans

Friends in Low Places Friends in Low Places

All Hooks All Hooks

Trinity Trinity

Jagys and Chill Jagys and Chill

Harambe’s Disciples Takeover

Mad Bears Mad Bears

That does it for the first half of our division breakdown. If you have any feedback, concerns, comments or just want a shoulder to lean on you can reach out to me @alexholowach1 on Twitter, or hit me up on Facebook. If you’re craving more div 5 content please see Nic Belleau’s French article, he truly is the best quality writer on this staff. Otherwise, check out the Calling the Audible podcast featuring Peeze and Moe Kahn, it’s a healthy dose of sophisticated silliness to get you through the week. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and make sure to check back in later this week for the div 5B midseason breakdown!