Valentine’s Day, A Tribute to my Colleagues and Is E a Grade?

Peeze’s Playbook

Week 5/6: Midseason Review

By Paolo Della Rocca

 

For those of you who have been reading my article for a while, you know that my introduction is commonly about the things that have happened in my week or things that are going on in my life.  This week was Valentine’s Day and it was the Week that I was inducted into the FPF Hall of Fame for my efforts as a media contributor.  It is on this Valentine’s Day that I get to share my love for all my colleagues here at FPF.

Firstly, I wanted to acknowledge that to be recognized for my work by my peers, colleagues and the FPF community is truly an honor that is hard to express with words.  However, one of my goals as the head of FPF media was to build up interesting media personalities akin to your most beloved and despised characters on your favorite shows and movies.  It then became a tacit goal of mine to get all the media members inducted into the Hall of Fame before me.  While, the honor is great it does feel like a failure on my end that I did get in before several of my far more talented colleagues and friends.  As this is a division 6 article and many players may not be familiar with this particular group of people, I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute on the giants whose shoulders I stand upon to see further.

Firstly, none of my work would have ever been possible if FPF was run by a less outstanding person. Robert Campana is a great person, a close friend and someone who is secure enough to take chances on people he believes in. After my first season in FPF I wrote Rob an 8 page email about the ways he could improve the league.  Little did I know that when he would eventually hire me this would serve as my manifesto for my everyday contributions and for the shape of our media coverage moving forward.  The letter itself became key to my modus operandi as I felt as though what the league could do best was maintain interactions with its players.  I to this day endeavor to reply to feedback, speak to people who reach out and be as open with them as Rob was with me. I truly love Robert Campana.  He has become a close friend in the 5 years we’ve worked together and I have scarcely met anyone who allows his employees to operate with freedom and with creativity while allowing absolute trust with the brand he has spent years building.  I can’t thank Rob enough for not sending me to hell after he read my email.    

The next on my list is the most obvious name in the bunch: Eagle at Master Control. Eagle has spent the better part of 5 years dealing with my temper, my contrarian views and my borderline psychosis when it comes to achieving our vision.  I do mean OUR when I type OUR. I remember starting our coverage in the league and always looking to push the boundaries and change the way we, as a community viewed coverage of our sport.  One of the things I’ve always truly believed is that if we tried to be ESPN we’d only ever be a bad version of ESPN.  However, we can always be a better version of FPF.  Eagle has always worked hard to take my insane ideas and found ways to practically implement them. 

My current colleagues on the podcast, Moe Khan, Simon Dagenais and GM Koletheras are three of the most dedicated people I know.  Moe has taught me a lot about what it takes to prepare for live play by play (an art form I knew nothing about when insisting it be of paramount importance to the presentation of the FPF roadshow).  He also taught me how to script and prepare for a show.  In my first season working with Moe on a podcast, I was indignant and obnoxious.  He saw through that and understood that with his help I could mature into a better broadcaster and podcaster.  Simon Dagenais is a close personal friend who I would never have met if not for FPF.  I hated his articles and his coverage initially.  He represented the thing about sports media I hated the most.  Once we started working together I feared he would not understand our concept and our aesthetic.  However Simon is a truly hard working man and his level of preparation for all that he does makes my work a lot easier on a weekly basis.  George Michael Koletheras, is on one end of the spectrum, the reason that I am a contrarian while also being what give me perspective.  I can at times, be hard headed and frustrating to work with.  It is often my respect for GM and his knowledge that keeps me grounded.

The next group of people I wanted to draw attention to are not necessarily the most obvious.  My brother, David Della Rocca, is one of the strangest people you’ll ever meet.  He’s also someone with absolute vision and who is armed with the ability to turn a blank page into something truly beautiful.  If not for his graphics a lot of what we do would look like a lot of other leagues in this city.  He keeps us fresh and builds on our brand in a way that is easy to take for granted.  Working with him when we hosted Super Flag Bros. was one of my favorite experiences.  Along with Chapman “the Eternal Hunger” at Master control, we created what I believed to be a turning point in our media coverage.  While still in it’s raw stages, we wanted to bring the feeling of watching football with friends to FPF.  We wanted to take elements of late night TV and sitcoms and apply those ideas into our FPF coverage.  David “Duke” and Antonio “Chapman” were the first adopters on this and their commitment and belief in our concept was heartwarming.  Brent Bodkin also gets some love in here because he was next on board.  I feared that his traditional media background may conflict with our collective vision.  However, I was quickly proven wrong as we were able to deliver one of the most fun FPF media experiences that we’ve been able to put together. Furthermore, when I’ve had topics that I felt were controversial, Brent often served as my compass and often gave me the confidence I needed to create that content.

Justin Blanchard also should get a nod here.  His emphasis on true and dedicated journalism helped keep me in check on many occasions.  Also, he would hate for this article not to include his name.  He really does love hearing/reading it.  Justin has also been tasked in past seasons with being my editor.  A task that I do not wish upon my worst enemies.  It is safe to say that if my writing was hall of fame worthy, it is largely due to him.

When I started covering higher divisions, a sense of panic swept over me.  I have not and will likely ever not play in any division higher than Division3/B.  Working with people with the gravitas of Marco Masciotra, Vinny Gualano and Matthew Kirouac was at a time somewhat intimidating.  However, it showed me that D1 people are people.  They also like being entertained with their sports commentary and they bought into our experience more quickly than I could ever have dreamed. From a player’s perspective they have also given me insight into the game to help me improve as a player far quicker than I would have done without their help.

All the other writers that I’ve worked with, Alex Holowach, Corey Walwaski, Francois Martin, Stefano Berardi, James Floreani, Matt Domon, Marc-Andre Desaulniers, Rehan Sarwar, Vince Nardone,  Yannick Doston (and many more that I am undoubtedly forgetting), thank you for everything you do.  I know that I can be challenging to work with.  I appreciate the hard work that you all do on a weekly basis.  These articles take time to research, vet, write and publish and without you we could not get the coverage that we have in this league. Whether or not you’re still writing for us know that your work is and/or was appreciated by me as well as everyone in FPF. Likewise Lance Daniel, Ryan Aridi, James d’Andrea and anyone who has been involved with Game of The Week.  You work has had an impression on our community and really elevates our written and spoken word.  Thank you guys for your contributions.

Perhaps, those who I need to thank the most are the people who brought me into FPF.  They are two names that the people reading this column have surely never heard of. Andrew D’Anna is the writer who I replaced in FPF.  He took me under his slender and bizarrely long wing and introduced me to this strange, beautiful community.  Also, if it weren’t for Daron Basmadjian who defended me often in the early days a lot of our vision for FPF would never have come to be.  Once his now wife grew irate that I drank a lot of beer from a vase given to his guests at his engagement party, I was certain he would cut me lose.  Instead, that appeared to strengthen our bond even further. 

Finally, the people who are most responsible for my impact on this league and for yesterday’s nomination are all of you.  The people that tune into podcasts, read the articles and continually demand more from FPF.  It’s because of you that we do what we do.  All of you had the power to run me out of this league at any time. Instead, your viewership and feedback and thirst for us to deliver more and more has allowed to be renegades and to push the envelope every season.  Thank you for never letting us rest on our laurels.

Without further delay, here’s my midseason breakdown for Division 6 and 6D.

 

Grading System

I will get complaints.  Mostly because people will not read a paragraph dedicated to my methodology. However here is how I approach my midseason reports.  Firstly, I rank you as I believe that you currently fit in the power structure of the division.  That is to say, the ranking component is entirely that of a week 6 power ranking.  The grades are a reflection of how a team is performing when I consider how I thought they would be performing at the onset of the season.  If I thought you’d be undefeated and you are currently undefeated you get a C.  A team that far exceeds expectations gets an A or higher and finally a team that is performing below expectations will perform at a D or F range.  The predicted record is how I think you’ll end the season and has nothing to do with the grade or the current ranking of your squad.

Division 6

 

1. Vick in a Box (5-0): This is there season to lose. They passed their litmus test having beaten Pension Plan in week 5. I have a feeling that we may see Vick in a Box holding a trophy come time for the roadshow.  Styles Trudeau has all the talent needed to have a dominant season.  I will say that at times he relies on his physical skills rather than making adjustments.  However, this may be a division where he can get away with it.

Grade: A-

Key Players: Max Burah, Styles Trudeau

Predicted Record: (9-1)

 

2. Fighting Flamingos (5-0): Once I noted that Stephen Harripersaud was on this team, I felt that this team is too strong for this division. This team’s defense will be solid if unspectacular.  They will make few mistakes and Mathieu Lacharite adds to what I expected to be a strong defense.   Stephen Harripersaud is a great play caller and gets guys open all game long. 

Grade: C+

Key Players: Stephen Harripersaud, Troy Lendvay, Myles Keiller

Predicted Record: (9-1)

 

3. Pension Plan (5-1): Heading into the season I expected Pension Plan to be one of the strongest teams in the division. Quarterback Vince Pisano knows how to pace the game in his favor and the familiar cast is one of the most consistent in Division 6. None of the ways that I’m describing this team sound particularly sexy but, that’s how this team gets their wins.  Smart and efficient football is their MO. They bank on you making mistakes before they do and they’re often right.

Grade: B

Key Players: Anthony Siggia, Vine Pisano, Junior Spera

Predicted Record: (8-2)

 

4. Channel 4 News Team (4-1): I don’t, as yet believe in C4NT. They have a +/- of +15 despite having accumulated 4 wins so far this season.  I will state that the win over The U does a lot to ease my concerns.  This was their first win where they beat their opponent by more than 7 points.  There is no doubting the raw talent on this team but the lack of refinement on the offensive side of the ball has me worried on their behalf.  Either way. C4NT has half a season to put these fears to rest

Grade: C+

Key Players: Greg Castiel, Noah Groper, Jonathan Perez 

Predicted Record: (6-4)

 

5. 2 Flags, 1 Cup (4-1): I’m surprised with how well this team has done off the bat. Zach Jaunieaux has the physical skill set and has show at times that he is a dominant receiver and DB in this league. His speed is a true force but after falling into the QB position when other plans didn’t pan out and with no experience at the position, there was little to be expected of Jauniaux.  The team stands at 4-1 and stood their own against one of the division favorites (Fighting Flamingos). I think their greatest challenges lie ahead but for the moment they round up my top 5.

Grade: A+

Key Players: Zach Jauniaux, Alex Deslauriers, Ryan Vanslet

Predicted Record: (6-4)

 

6. The U (3-2): Their only losses came to Vick in a Box who I’ve touted in this article as the best team in division 6 and to Channel 4 News Team who are a tough matchup for anyone in the division. The U have remarkable athletes and save for one game, have had solid performances from quarterback Evan Frank. The U have lost some key players in this season’s version of their roster.  However, they are still a team to look out for as the season wears on.  I think that they’ll be tested by most of the teams on their schedule but they should be victorious in more of them than

Grade: B

Key Players:  Kyle Pedvis, Matt Litwin, Mikey Schwartz

Predicted Record: 7-3

 

7. Practice Squad (3-2): Perhaps the best team that no one is talking about. Definitely a well-balanced team who has shown the ability to score as well as defend.  Their division, seems to lack top end talent and should have the path paved for them to enter the playoffs as one of the top seeds.  Their schedule doesn’t seem to truly test them and I expect to be a lot of blow outs in their path.  However, I don’t expect this to be indicative of post season success. The defensive duo of rusher Andrew Knopp (16 sacks so far) and Zack Goldstein will likely pose a threat to opposing offenses.  However, they won’t face a complex offensive system often throughout the season.

Grade: B

Key Players: Ryan Castiel, Andrew Knopp, Zack Goldstein

Predicted Record: (7-3)

 

8. Blitz Babes (3-2): I wouldn’t venture to call them babes but I would venture to call them blitz. That doesn’t make any sense.  However, I will say that this team is fast, smart and communicative.  The offensive system relies too heavily on Matthew Gottlieb buying time and wide receivers winning matchups.  In time more will need to be done schematically.  However, their speed affords them the ability to win more matchups then they lose and their defense will keep them in most games. What’s interesting is that this team seems to have advanced beyond the heavy reliance on Eric Vasko (week 5’s 3TD performance not withstanding) and has become more dynamic because of it.

Grade: B+

Key Players: Adam Smolar, Noah Wiltzer, Matthew Gottlieb 

Predicted Record: (5-5)

 

9. Los Banditos (3-2): Their team name was illicitly stolen and their jersey looks like one set for a team ready to play against the guards in a Longest Yard remake. Their game against the streaky Clinkers is concerning as is a tight win over a struggling Farmers team.  They have a good defense but they do not make enough adjustments and it allowed them to get shredded.  This is the mark of a talented yet inexperienced group.  Vincent Benjamin has also only played two games and that needs to be there if Los Banditos want to be a real threat.

Grade: B+

Key Players: Loic Savoiz Seguin, Vincent Benjamin, Vacho Lachev

Predicted Record: (4-6)

 

10. Tough Lungs (3-2): Tough Lungs are in a mediocre division and have a chance to claim the top seed. I do not think that will help them however.  A thread that you’ll see running through this article is that solid teams who rely heavily on one player are hard to trust down the line.  Tough Lungs have been relying on Lerner.  Or rather, Lerners.   Of Matthew Lerner’s 14 touchdowns, 9 of them have gone to brother Justin Lerner.  It’s something that there opponents will key in on for the rest of the season.  I expect this to be a 6 win team and that may be enough to win the division.  At the moment, I just don’t think it will be.  They do have the tie break over Practice Squad so time will tell if that will be helpful come week 11.

Grade: C-

Key Players: Justin Lerner, Matthew Lerner, Daron Migdesyan

Predicted Record: (6-4)

 

11. Sticknmovers (2-2): This team is fast and talented across the board. The offensive system lacks structure and the defense simply plays too much man defense. Benjamin Szwimmer is an elite pass rusher but all the man defense puts too much emphasis on him for that defense to be successful.  They will lose games where receivers get lost in coverage and they will face teams that are as athletic as they are.  They’re 2 wins are by a combined 3 points.  That isn’t a sustainable model.  I’ve said that about a few teams in this article but that’s the case here as it is a fairly prevalent issue in the lowest divisions.  

Grade: C

Key Players: Joseph Salzman, Matthew Zoltak, Benjamin Szwimmer

Predicted Record: (4-6)

 

12. One Speed:Power (2-3) by Simon Dagenais: Or should we say One Speed:Disappointment? In all seriousness, we’ve come to expect better things from this core group of guys in Division 6. After a handful of decent seasons, to see them below .500 at this point of the season isn’t exactly what we’ve anticipated coming into this Winter season. Etienne Vaillancourt is yet to make a splash with his new team being one of the most exciting signings of the offseason and the team relies a bit too much on the Daniel Bornstein-William Power tandem to really be successful. Although the defence did manage 11 interceptions in 5 games (very impressive), the lack of sacks and Pds is a bit concerning. With a difficult upcoming schedule, OSP will need to find their rhythm and get things in motion if they want to consider themselves actual contenders this season.

Grade: D

Key Players: William Power, Daniel Bornstein, Paolo Della Rocca

Predicted Record: (5-5)

 

13. Bruins (2-2-1): Heading into the season, the addition of Gabriel Wiseman at quarterback and on defense is a move that would surely help this group. This was my thinking coming into the season and it has been rewarded but the Bruins play.  Wiseman had thrown 17 touchdowns and  6 interceptions and he’s leading his 3 defense with 3 interceptions.  One could also argue that the addition of FPF rookie Alexandre St-Arnaud who’s 5 touchdowns has helped pace the team’s offense.

Grade: B+

Key Players:  Gabriel Wiseman, Antoine Hyunh, Alexandre St-Arnaud

Predicted Record: (4-5-1)

 

14. Clinkers (3-3): Clinkers are truly unpredictable. At times they look like the best team in the division.  Other times they’re games are a comedy of errors that end in surprising defeat.  This is problematic for teams who have championship hopes.  In the games that they’ve won, Marc-Andre Desaulniers has thrown 19 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  In the three losses, Desaulniers has thrown 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.  Clinkers have a tough schedule and will end the season with 4 teams who have 2 losses between them.  Another issue is Desaulniers reliance on Luis Begin.  Begin is one of the most talented receivers in the division but the best teams in the division will scheme against him.

                Grade: B

Key Players: Luis Begin, Phillipe Aussant, Marc-Andre Desaulniers

Predicted Record: (4-6)

 

15. Goon Squad (2-3): Discipline is set to befall upon Goon Squad. In their week 6 match between themselves and Sticknmovers there was a physical altercation that made me feel ill.  While I’m certain that it was not unprovoked, a Goon Squad player chased down a player of the opposition pulling, clutching and attempting to punch his opponent.  It was truly appauling and there is never a reason for fighting in a recreational league.  If you disagree, there are other leagues in the city that is more tolerant to stupidity.  That said, I do like the team for their efforts on the field. Massimo Chicchicni has had a somewhat underwhelming season so far but has been dependable nonetheless. They have taken advantage of their “should win games” but will need to have an upset or two if they want to jump from the middle of the pack.

Grade: C

Key Players: Massimo Chicchini, Michale Covillo, Matthew Cocolicchio

Predicted Record: (4-6)

 

16. The Pack (2-4): I may be little emotional about this one. I wanted the Pack to be an elite Div6 team. I expected Daniel Krebs to be the front runner for quarterback of the year and for The Pack to be the team to beat. Thus far, I haven’t gotten what I’ve expected out of The Pack’s season.  Their toughest games are behind them but I haven’t seen enough consistency to expect a much better outing in the second half of the season.

Grade: D-

Key Players: Daniel Krebs, Corey Laxer, Andrew April

Predicted Record: (4-6)

 

17. Flonkerton (2-3): What is troublesome is that this is a solid team. Joshua Vazquez has shown growth over the last couple of seasons. I’ve had the pleasure to play with “Oathbreaker” Evan Ely Nolet, he can catch everything and it is surprising to see how little he is involved on the offense.  Despite, the depth of talent, this team has yet to find their rhythm.  Beating Tough Lungs and Practice squad is a good start and hopefully this is an indicator of things to come.

Grade: C-

Key Players: Rico Tulino, Zackary Alberts Gill, 

Predicted Record: (3-7)

 

18. Guardians (1-4): Season two of the Kevin Marcil quarterback experiment is proving to be as difficult as season 1. Take it from me, the quarterback position is difficult and past success in other positions is no guarantee of success behind the snapper.  This team is a strong defensive group.  However, they have a tendency to keep the same defensive look throughout the game.  Experienced quarterbacks will learn which zones to exploit. There’s been some roster inconsistency as only 2 players have played all 5 games.  There is a lot wrong with Guardians but, it is improving and they aren’t the easy out that their week 2 whipping would lead you to believe.

Grade: C-

Key Players: Kevin Marcil, Michel Ladoucer, Maxime Girouard

Predicted Record: (2-8)

 

19. Not Fast, Just Furious (1-3-1): When I saw that Jared Buck was throwing again in division 6 I thought it was some sort of typo. However, the team is closer to last winter’s The Spanish Inquisition than last spring’s Here for The Beer. I still believe that it is the kind of team that can and will likely upset a team or two in the playoffs but for the moment, their schedule is brutal and we haven’t seen enough from NFJF on either side of the ball.

Grade: D

Key Players: Jared Buck, Chad Buck, Benjamin Borque

Predicted Record: (2-7-1)

 

20. Farmers (1-4): This is not the Farmer’s roster that I expected to see this season. They lack fire power on offence and replacing Corey Greenaway on defense is nearly impossible.  However, while that has been the narrative for the season, let’s take a moment to evaluate their season so far.  They have played a singular game against anyone with a record superior to .500. The later half-ish of the season is a murderers row and I don’t see a lot of winnable games for Farmers on their schedule.

Grade: F

Key Players: Benoit Robidoux, Simon Viens, Maxime Potvin

Predicted Record: (1-9)

 

21. Hopeful Division 6 Champions (1-4): What’s frustrating about Seth Galina’s now named team is that there are moments where it looks good.  At the moment, Seth Galina is relying too heavily on pre-snap reads and expecting defenses not to adjust.  Division 6 is hardly what it used to be and as such quarterbacks need to expect a variety of defense and different looks.  Daniel Marceux has also been single handily responsible for several errors.  This team would save a lot of yardage by simply moving to a silent count.  In essence, HD6C are watching teams make adjustments while not making any adjustments of their own. 

Grade: F

Key Players: Charles Migner, Seth Galina, Corey Wener

Predicted Record: (2-8)

 

22. Potatoes(1-3-1): This offshoot of NWO features Samuel Lamothe at quarterback and while it isn’t the only change, his play simply needs to improve the Potatoes want to succeed. It is impressive that 6 players have scored 2 touchdowns however, it would appear that someone needs to step up for this team. Furthermore, while rusher Billy Kourtogluo has already recorded an impressive 6 sacks, the defence has only recorded 4 interceptions.  Until the prime potato rises to the top, I expect this team to struggle.

Grade: D

Key Players: Billy Kourtoglou, JJ Cosentini, Pietro Mignacca

Predicted Record: (2-7-1)

 

23. Diablos (1-4): This is what I expected from Diablos. I played a preseason game that featured Michael Deguire at quarterback. My impressions were that he had a cannon and that his play calling resulted in plays that were very difficult for a novice quarterback to read.  The result has been 13 interceptions and only 14 touchdowns thrown as well as an astounding 13 sacks allowed.  Francois Martin is on this team, he needs to take his protege under his wing and help him improve his game.

Grade: C

Key Players: Francois Martin, Alexandre Noel, Charles Verrault  

Predicted Record: (2-8)

 

24. Cugi Squad (0-5-1): Disorganization, ineptitude and temper tantrums. I believe that sums up the season for Cugi Squad.  This is ultimately confusing to me because, while last season was tough for Anthony Bozzo and co, the last time we saw them compete at this level, this group dominated the competition.  The absence of the suspended Vincent Vincelli huts but I expected Anthony Bozzo to find solutions in his absence.  Unfortunately, the entire game plan seems to have moved toward throwing solely to Richard Bozzo who has 26 more catches than the next receiver on this team.

Grade: Is E a grade?

Key Players: Anthony Bozzo, Vincent Vincelli, Richard Bozzo

Predicted Record: (0-9-1)

 

Division 6D

 

1. Air Force 1 (5-0): The knock against Air Force 1 is that they do not consistently blow teams out. However, there style is methodical and it will work in games where they need to put up a lot of points or if they need to keep it close.  If I had a pick for which team had the best chance for going undefeated it would be AF1.    They haven’t lost yet and they’re tougher games are likely behind them.

Grade: A+

Key Players: Simon Blais, Nicolas Lessard, Edoard Arsenault

Predicted Record: (10-0)

 

2. Sick Bick (4-0): This team was veritably unknown to start the season. However, they have been fun to watch and have a ludicrous point differential of 103.  They are explosive and have won every game except for one by no less than 20 points.  Sick Bick have already beaten Ball So Hard U and will face Green Monster and Broke Boys before season’s end.

Grade: A+

Key Players: Benji Seigler, Mitch Fergenbaum, Jake Titleman

Predicted Record: (9-1)

 

3. Broke Boys (4-1): Their only loss came in week 1 which I don’t factor too heavily in my analysis. Teams are relatively unknown to each other in week 1 and it isn’t a true representative example for most teams. Since then none of their game shave been close. The closest game in that stretch was a win over Black Sox by 14 points. Cameron Wilson does get hit with the turnover bug now and again.

Grade: C

Key Players: Evan Young, Thomas O’Neill, Cameron Wilson

Predicted Record: (7-3)

 

4. Green Monster (5-1): Green Monster’s path looks easy until they will hit a potential speed bump stretched over week 8 and 9. Green Monster has finally had the offensive showing that we will need to see moving forward.  The first part of the season saw them try to win games where they only score three times.  If there offence looks like it did against Baker Boys, Green Monster can have a strong second half of the season.    

Grade: A-

Key Players: Billy Guay, Darnell Kevis-Riley, Patrick Jazon

Predicted Record: (7-3)

 

5. Quackers (3-2): Julien St-Laurent has been a revelation as a new receiver in FPF. They are a fun team to watch and their defence seems well organized and coordinated.  They were the only team to keep up with Air Force 1 so far and their win over Vultures stand out as an early season statement win.  Armed with a wicked jersey, Quackers look ready for a late playoff run.

Grade: B

Key Players: Julien St.Laurent, Karim Sy-Morissette, Frankie Scalzo

Predicted Record: (8-2)

 

6. Ball So Hard U. (4-1): In their toughest game so far this season (and only loss), BSHU still managed to score 5 times. My guess is that they will win more of those games then lose them.  This team is a group of friends and communication is their strength.  They can be a handful when the game doesn’t go their way but if they can temper their rage into competitive fuel this will continue to be an exciting team to watch moving forward.

Grade: B-

Key Players: Joe Buffone, Joe Mordgese, Dominic Mangione,

Predicted Record: (8-2)

 

7. GOAT Depot (2-2-1): An early season bye combined with a week 3 beating at the hands of Sick Bick. In their two wins both were blowouts.  They do run a little hot and cold but the best that GOAT Depot is a team that can put points up on anyone.  Joseph Haddad already has 274 yards earl in the season.  Their next 4 games are difficult for GOAT Depot but it will be a chance for them to show that they can compete with the best.

Grade: A

Key Players: Joseph Haddad, Sebastien Avakian, David Fontaine

Predicted Record: (6-3-1)

 

8. Sunday Touch Boys( 2-3): So the start if this season after an interesting fall cup have many of us scratching our heads. Twenty two touchdowns through 5 games is probably enough to get most teams to three wins.  Their schedule was hard to begin the season but it won’t ease up one bit.

Grade: D+

Key Players: Mark Bellini, Remi Montalto, Jason Hervieux

Predicted Record: (5-5)

 

9. A Determiner (3-2): A Determiner’s record alone justifies splitting Division 6. It is clear that this team is good enough to compete in this division which is nice for a team that has struggled in previous seasons.  Their style of play is frustrating as it lets opponents stick around long enough to eventually get the upper hand.  This may eventually cost AD.  But in the meantime they’ve built so good season long equity and will likely end the season as one of the top dogs.

Grade: B

Key Players: Gabriel Beland-Lapointe, Phillipe Tremblay, Jeremy Lavallee

Predicted Record: (6-4)

 

10. Vultures (2-3): Vultures came into the season as an expected favourite and they have delivered on some weeks. The ETC and SZN union has proven fairly fruitful but I expected Vultures to be more competitive against the top teams.  Instead Vultures have essentially been scavengers and picking off the weakest teams.

Grade: D+

Key Players: Benjamin McMahon, Kevin Donnet, Anthony Drysdale

Predicted Record: (6-4)

 

11. Blacksox (3-2): I can’t hide my bias in this one. Having been a part of Blacksox history I’m happy to see this team doing well.  They are 3-2 but this was the only team to have not won a single game in the FPF Cup.  Mike Addona is heavily involved in the offence and defense and they are learning at a rapid rate. His brother, Anthony Addona is a legitimate Division 3 caliber threat and the Black Sox have now gotten all the more explosive. Having signed quarterback Michael Tsatsoulis 

Grade: B+

Key Players: Mike Addona, Anthony Addona, Nico Lanni 

Predicted Record: (5-5)

 

12. DGC (3-2): DGC’s first two seasons saw very few positive moments. Adding Stef Fennes at quarterback and on defence will certainly allow them to learn the game which is important for a new team.  Fennes doesn’t have a particularly strong arm but he can help infill a route tree and concepts that will be effective this season and beyond. Winning their third game is a good sign but man their last few games are a dreadful route toward a potential playoff berth. 

Grade: B

Key Players: Stef Fennes, Andrew Di Mele, Davide Cannucci

Predicted Record: (4-6)

 

13. Krackens (1-4): Krakens are a team that is improving by the week. Their vest days are ahead of them but there schools features several of the top teams in the division.  Etienne Beauchamp looks the part in the pocket.  Krackens have taken a while to get started but there fortunes seem like they’re ready to turn at any moment. 

Grade: D

Key Players: Anthony Beauchamp Frezza, Etienne Beauchamp, Helder Santos Vieira 

Predicted Record: (3-7)

 

14. Replacements (2-2-1): This is a good group of guys who have worked hard to keep games in close enough proximity to have a decent first half record. Frank Teoli-Colatrella has a lot to learn.  He tends to force balls into coverage rather than take what the defence is giving him. On defence they’ve intercepted 10 balls and recorded 6 sacks, they’ve provided plenty of opportunity for the offence that has yet to hit their stride.

Grade: B

Key Players: Martin Gangon-Dorval, Jean Pierre Nahra, Jason Comtois

Predicted Record: (3-6-1)

 

15. Fourth & Twenty (2-1-2): I was ready to write off Team 420 Blazin’. I thought this season was a wash for them.  However, it takes a bizarre sort of human to get new information and not change their opinion.  420 beat Sick Bick in what can only be categorized as the biggest upset in all of FPF this season.  My worry remains that they have yet to score more than 3 touchdowns in a single game.  I don’t want to rag on their accomplishments.  The defense looks solid but they will need to score more often to consistently win games.

Grade: C

Key Players: Erik Ciaccia, Mark Haggarty

Predicted Record: (3-6-2)

 

16. Here for the Beer (1-4): Whether it’s been losing to DGC 6-0 or getting crushed by Sick Pick, I feel like it’s safe to say that Here for the Beer have noted a successful season so far. However, a one point victory over the Replacements is definitely a good sign, as is Makis Porrazzo fighting through 3 interceptions and allowing his team to score 13 second half points (which was enough for the win in that game).

Grade: D

Key Players: Adamo Albanese, Makis Porrazzo,  

Predicted Record: (1-9)

 

17. Raw Sauce (1-4): Save for the one game where they were completely out classed by a strong Broke Boys team, Raw Sauce have been “in” all their games save for a week 6 loss to Black Sox. The second half of their schedule is littered with winnable games from this point on.  If they can win those then we’ll. Have a true litmus test by which to gauge this team. 

Grade: D+

Key Players:  Marc Antoine Leveillee, Yvan Desjardins, William Plante

Predicted Record: (3-7)

 

18. Brewers (1-4): Wicked uniforms…you know when I’m starting with that the rest will not be very complimentary. Scott Glendenning threw into the 5th game and it was not a better showing. He completed 6 passes and threw 5 interceptions.  In the end it doesn’t actually matter who throws this season unless the Brewers can develop an offensive system that fits their personnel.

Grade: C

Key Players: Frank Iantosca, James Moulton

Predicted Record: (1-9)

 

19. Pine Riderz (0-5): I scarcely have been more wrong about a team. After a few minutes of research I determined that Pine Riderz may be too strong for division 6. The team has several player who play football at the CEGEP level and appear to have a decent amount of athleticism. However, Alex Noivo has not seemed to deliver as the team’s pivot and the team has allowed a division high 144 points in 5 games.  There is something here however, they will need to learn the game and make some roster decisions next season.

Grade: F

Key Players: Daniel Mattoscio,

Predicted Record: (1-9)

 

20. Baker Boys (1-5): Adding Jonathan Lyristis is a huge acquisitions for the Baker Boys. Lyristis is a fierce competitor and one of FPF’s all time leading receivers. He recorded a touchdown and two huge sack in Baker Boys only win this season.  This is a team that’s needed a piece to be able to truly compete.  Let’s hope this singular addition will be enough moving forward.

Grade: C

Key Players: Jon Lyristis, Andrew Francheschini, Joey Musumeci

Predicted Record: (2-6)

 

Thursday’s Turn-Up Turnips

It’s finally over, a definitive review of all 44 teams in division 6 and 6D. Remember that if you disagree with any of this you can feel free to let Simon know of your displeasure by hitting him up on Twitter @DagenaisFPF.

For further analysis, tune in to the official FPF podcast Calling the Audible, where Moe Khan Simon Dagenais and I work to annoy GM Koletheras as we discuss ribs in parking lots, robotic dogs and cars in space. Tune in to Facebook live on the FPF Facebook page on Thursday nights at 7:00pm, watch it later on www.youtube.com/flagplus or download the podcast on iTunes or Podomatic!

Thank you all, falettinme be mice elf agin.