One last time.

With only one week left in the season for some of you (many of us have already played their 10 games and get a “bye week”), there’s very little time to waste.

Either this is your last game until mid-May, your last practice before the real season begins or your last shot at redemption and making the playoffs, Week 11 is bound to be great in many ways.

Nothing beats seeing the underdog pull off the upset to make it into the playoffs; it’s one of the reason why FPF is so great.

Let’s get started

 

Week 10

With a handful of key matches last week, Week 10 was blessed. Division 4B has clinched entirely with last week’s results and Division 4A is on its way there as well (with only 3 teams left on the bubble).

As many of you played for a chance at the playoffs or better seeding, there was very little doubt we were in for a hell of a ride.

 

Thoughts of the Week

• Division 4B was the first Division in FPF to have all teams clinched.
• Div4 doesn’t fail to impress has we might have a 3-7 team make the playoffs and some serious preseason underdog finish atop the division.
• I’m actually curious whether or not Golden Flashes can pull off the upset this week.
• I’d feel bad for ZOO if they win this week and can’t get in because Nobodies couldn’t do their job. Smh.
• Remember, there is no games this week; only this weekend.
• Playoffs officially start Saturday March 25^th. Be ready.
• With March Madness in full effect, I’m already in a playoff mentality. 
• I’m really happy with how Division 4 turned out as a whole. 
• I can’t help but wonder who’ll be the cinderella story this season. 

 

Recaps

Division 4A

• In their last game of the season, Aztec Sasquatches showed up ready to ball on Sunday night and did just that against the what looked like unprepared Eskimo Brothers. Sure, the first half was laced with a strong Eskimo Brothers defense provoking many incompletes from Fred Mallette, but he still managed to punch one in before halftime and went into the break with only a 7 point deficit (13-6). Zach Stachowski’s offense looked more than OK as he was spreading the ball around and finding holes in the Aztec Sasquatches’ defense, but the 2^nd half revealed a completely different story. Starting with a pick-six from Fred Mallette to turn the tides over, Zach Stachowski kept trying the deep ball to his speedsters on the outside and ended up with 4 interceptions on the night. Were his reads good? The receivers were somewhat open, but his ball placement wasn’t as good as I’ve seen him over the season and Dbs (including Olivier Blanchard-Rousseau who got 2 of those 3) feasted. All in all, a rough night for Eskimo Brothers yet a way for Aztec Sasquatches to finish on a high note.
• Nobodies started off the game without their full squad on Wednesday night against Flying Weasels and, honestly, it could have been WAY worse, but they still managed to hang in there for the most part. Although Nicolas Saro’s offense struggled, the 13-0 deficit they suffered at halftime (their 6^th player showed up late in the 1^st) wasn’t too shabby. Sadly, their second half performance was far from good enough and Flying Weasels’ defense adjusted to the now 6-men offense properly. Jonathan Lemieux benched himself late in the 2^nd when the game was pretty much over and Etienne Guilmain did a decent job as a backup scoring on one of his two drives. All in all, Nobodies’ offense simply couldn’t get anything going the entire night and their defense suffered due to the amount of turnovers; not exactly the way you want to finish your season heading into the playoffs.
• Golden Flashes needed a win to stay alive in the playoff race in Division 4A and their upset win over Gotham Knights allowed exactly that to happen. Although both QBs struggled to get anything going most of the night, both defenses played great football and Golden Flashes simply got the better of GK in a game that didn’t matter that much to them. In fact, with a 18-6 lead in the 2^nd half, it looked all said and done until Bruce Candussi connected with his brother on a ridiculous play (Yannick Doston slightly tipped the ball, Mikey Candussi caught it, many tackles were missed and he took the probable interception to the house for a Touchdown instead). And just like that, we had ourselves a game. Golden Flashes lost no time and countered with a TD of their own to put the game to bed; the defensive stop at the end was just the cherry ontop. All in all, GF remains alive whereas GK suffers another bad performance and sits as a low ranked team headed into the playoffs; nothing they can’t survive.

 

Division 4B

• Les Blues Branleurs continue to impress as they get their 6^th win of the season over The Expendables on Saturday night in a 31-6 victory. Minh Ton-That played QB for the first time this season in Olivier Pilotto’s absence and fared quite decently throwing 4 touchdowns to just one interception and secured the win for his boys. With 9 games played and a playoff spot secured, LBB can write this one season off as a nice win and set their focus on the upcoming playoff race; next week’s game against Obamacare should be a pretty nice test and warmup game as to see just how well they’ll be able to compete next weekend.
• Jagerbomb’s offense continues to impress as Simon Duchesne tosses 5 touchdowns to 4 different receivers in a 33-26 win over Game Changers on Sunday night. Without any of his usual go-to guys, Anton Sakiz had to improvise and learn to use his new receivers which seems to have caused small hiccups earlier in the game before really finding his rhythm in the 2^nd half. All in all, Game Changers provided a nice challenge to Jagerbomb who keeps improving and climbing up the seeding while Game Changers are happy to simply be in the playoffs and ready to make noise. Gabriel Moreau-Paquette had another nice game to add to his resume while Jagerbomb fortifies its position as a top contender in Division 4B.
• Although both Gators and Rancerz managed to clinch a playoff berth prior to their game, we all know how important finishing on a positive note and improving one’s seed can change the entire playoff race comes week 12. In a very close and chirpy game, Gators’ lost their cool and, well, the game as they amassed a ridiculous amount of flags late in the 2^nd when they had only a 2 point lead over Rancerz. Down 2, Gators allowed Rancerz to march the entire field via penalty yardages before not having 6 bodies on the field to defend the redzone (and Vinny Gualano still managed to make plays). At the end of the day, both QBs had rough outings (far below what we’ve been expecting of them lately) and the action got the better of them. Riccardo Desrosiers continues to impress on jumpballs and making big plays down the sidelines providing a nice addition to Louis-Christophe Lafontaine offensively.

 

Players of the Week

Division 4A

• Jean-Alexandre Erroa (MVE): I’ve mentionned in the past how much of a game-changing impact he can have on his team; this week was no different. 32 rushing yard, 1 rushing TD, 1 sack, 119 receiving yards and 3 receiving Tds. He basically filled up the entire game sheet.
• James Nowakowski (Frosty Bronsons): Although he’s had off nights, last week was NOT one of them; 8 passing Tds, 229 combined yards and a pick-six on defense. WOW.
• Kevin Wilson (Past Our Prime): 37 receiving yards, a receiving TD and 2 interceptions; both brought back for 6. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday night.
• Wade Jr Shallcross (Golden Flashes): To keep his team alive, he managed to finish with 86 receiving yards, 2 receiving Tds, 2 interceptions on defense (one was for 6). I guess he did go all out.

 

Division 4B

• Angelo Garofalo (Team Ethnik): I haven’t mentioned him a lot this season, but he’s been quietly putting up big numbers yet again. This week’s just one more proof of how talented he really is: 101 receiving yards, 4 receiving Tds and 3 Pds.
• Daniel Goloff (Mean Machine): Sure, his offensive performance (222 combined yards, 5:1 ratio) is decent, but his defensive performance is the reason his name is featured here: 3 tackles, 2 Pds and 4 (yes FOUR) interceptions. WOAZA.
• Jad Aridi (Get Off My D): Although he’s a known 2-way monster in higher divisions, this week he’s shown Division 4 why that is with 90 receiving yards, 2 receiving Tds, 1 interception and a PD. Oh, and the upset win too.

 

Power Rankings

Division 4A

1. Still Still Teamless (8-0-1): Can they push their way to an “undefeated” season?
2. Les Maloudes (9-1): First in Conference B, Les Maloudes really look like the top dogs right now.
3. The Commission (8-2): 3^rd by default, The Commission really took Division 4A by storm this season.
4. 69ers (7–2): Underrated the entire way, 69ers can no longer be seen as anything but a top contender.
5. Flying Weasels (7-2): Their 7^th win clinched their #2 seed. The only question is how will they perform once week 12 hits.
6. Frosty Bronsons (6-3): After a short hiatus from my rankings, the Bronsons are making a comeback!
7. Eskimo Brothers (5–3-1): Late games are tough, but not an excuse. Eskimo Brothers CAN bounce back from this.
8. TOPSZN (5-4): With one game left that’ll decided who they play Round 1, TOPSZN will have one more “practice” game before their real season begins.
9. No Name (5-5): I was promised a W and they’ve delivered. Now sitting as the 4^th seed, No Name is poised for a strong run.
10. Backyard Bullies (5-4): With a strong divisional record and still a game left to be played, the Bullies can really shift the tide in their favor.

 

Division 4B

1. The Alpha T’s (10-0): The only team in the division to finish with the glorious 10-0 status. Congratulations.
2. Get Off My D (7-2-1): Their win over The U this week convinced me; they’re a true contender this season.
3. A-Squad (8-2): Locked in as the 1^st seed in Conference A, A-Squad finished strong and proved how talented this roster really is.
4. The U (6-3): Probably the best team in the division with 3 losses.
5. Jagerbomb (7-2): Slowly taking the division by storm with a whoopin’ 14 points already.
6. Blue Chips (6-3): This week’s loss shows they aren’t untouchables, but still remains a high seed in my rankings.
7. Les Blues Branleurs (6-3): Is this the year LBB makes a deep playoff run? Sure looks that way.
8. Mud Dogs (5–5): As a 6^th seed, Mud Dogs can do some serious damage in the playoffs or fall flat. Which one will it be?
9. Sphinx (6-2-1): Currently 3^rd in Conference B, Sphinx is definitely the best team I haven’t mentioned in a while.
10. Rancerz (5-4-1): Kept their cool and took down a heavily favorite last week. Well deserved spotlight.

 

Playoff Standings

Every week, I’ll keep the standings tabulated for Division 4A and 4B and post it in my article. This way, you guys can keep track of where you actually are and what needs to be done.

 

Division 4A

Conference A	Team	GP	PTS	Wins	PA	Div Record		Conference B	Team	GP	PTS	Wins	PA	Div Record
1	Still Still Teamless	9	17	8	241	[4-0-0]		1	Les Maloudes	10	18	9	184	[4-1-0]
2	Flying Weasels	9	14	7	169	[3-1-0]		2	69ers	9	14	7	219	[3-1-0]
3	Frosty Bronsons	10	12	6	252	[3-2-0]		3	The Commission	10	16	8	196	[4-1-0]
4	5-Star	9	12	6	201	[2-2-0]		4	No Name	10	10	5	206	[1-4-0]
5	Eskimo Brothers	9	11	5	241	[2-2-0]		5	TOPSZN	9	10	5	282	[3-1-0]
6	Backyard Bullies	9	10	5	221	[4-0-0]		6	Gotham Knights	10	9	4	258	[2-3-0]
7	Junkyard Dogs	10	10	5	272	[2-3-0]		7	The Tide	9	8	4	260	[4-0-0]
8	Big TDs	9	6	3	299	[2-2-0]		8	Nobodies	10	8	4	268	[3-2-0]
9	Bad Case	10	6	3	330	[2-3-0]		9	ZOO	9	6	3	278	[1-3-0]
10	Golden Flashes	9	6	3	194	[1-3-0]		10	Aztec Sasquatches	10	6	3	286	[1-4-0]
11	Damps 25/8	10	6	3	298	[1-4-0]		11	MVE	9	5	2	301	[1-3-0]
12	Nonna’s Sauce	9	2	1	280	[0-4-0]		12	Past Our Prime	9	4	2	322	[0-4-0]

• Due to Nobodies losing this week, ZOO is officially eliminated from playoff contention (forced 3-way tie if they win, their Divisional Record remains the worse).
• Conference B is now set in stone. The only thing that can change is possible matchups !
• Big Tds will make the playoffs if they win OR lose and allows 31 points or less and Golden Flashes lose.
• Golden Flashes will make the playoffs if they win + Big Tds lose.
• Bad Case makes the playoffs if Golden Flashes+Big Tds lose+ Big Tds allow more than 31 points.

 

Division 4B

Conference A	Team	GP	PTS	Wins	PA	Div Record		Conference B	Team	GP	PTS	Wins	PA	Div Record
1	A-Squad	10	16	8	218	[5-0-0]		1	The Alpha T’s	10	20	10	229	[5-0-0]
2	Jagerbomb	9	14	7	188	[2-2-0]		2	Get Off My D	10	15	7	205	[4-0-1]
3	The U	9	12	6	209	[4-0-0]		3	Sphinx	9	13	6	171	[1-2-1]
4	Blue Chips	9	12	6	192	[3-1-0]		4	Team Ethnik	9	12	6	228	[3-1-0]
5	Les Blues Branleurs	9	12	6	159	[1-3-0]		5	Rancerz	10	11	5	240	[2-2-1]
6	Mud Dogs	10	10	5	292	[4-1-0]		6	STL Cougars	10	11	5	282	[1-3-1]
7	Gators	9	9	4	256	[2-2-0]		7	Game Changers	9	9	4	245	[3-1-0]
8	Obamacare	9	8	4	209	[2-2-0]		8	Sandlot Saints	9	8	4	231	[1-3-0]
9	V-Cieux	9	6	3	307	[1-3-0]		9	Mean Machine	10	8	4	280	[1-4-0]
10	Small Giants	9	4	2	238	[0-4-0]		10	Falcons	10	6	3	335	[3-2-0]
11	J’s	9	2	1	324	[1-3-0]		11	Green Lantern Corps	9	4	2	277	[1-3-0]
12	Vikings	9	2	0	287	[0-4-0]		12	The Expendables	9	0	0	351	[0-4-0]

• Division 4B is officially set. Only seeding can change now.

 

Picks of the week

I’m sitting here wondering why I wished Yannick Doston good luck last week… My 1 point lead is no more as Yannick scored 14/23 vs my weak 13/23 and we’re back tied for the last week of the season.

May the best man (me, obviously) win.

 

Division 4A

Nonna’s Sauce vs Big Tds: Big TDs

MVE vs Past Our Prime: MVE

TOPSZN vs 69ers: 69ers

Eskimo Brothers vs Golden Flashes: Eskimo Brothers

Flying Weasels vs Backyard Bullies: Backyard Bullies

The Tide vs ZOO: The Tide

Still Still Teamless vs 5-Star: Still Still Teamless

 

Division 4B

V-Cieux vs Gators: Gators

Les Blues Branleurs vs Obamacare: Obamacare

Small Giants vs Jagerbomb: Jagerbomb

The U vs Blue Chips: The U

Sandlot Saints vs Green Lantern Corps: Sandlot Saints

J’s vs Vikings: J’s

The Expendables vs Team Ethnik: Team Ethnik

Sphinx vs Game Changers: Game Changers

 

That sums it for this week’s article. It’s always a pleasure to write and hear back from you guys. After all, the content is meant 99% for you. I keep a percent for me; ranting here and there is fun after all. You can always reach me via twitter @DagenaisFPF or via email ([email protected]). I’ll be at Lachine every Sunday night and Hebert every Wednesday night scorekeeping so you can stop by and chat. Don’t hesitate. Until next time…! I fear I might be stuck eating 10 hotdogs.. Then again, it hardly sounds like a bad thing… You should get more than 2 Eagle. C’mon.