Division 5A & 5B Week 6 Recap – FlagPlus Football League

Week 4

Here’s another edition of the weekly recap. It was a short week for me, add in Valentines day AND my girlfriend’s birthday and you get a very busy week overall, so my apologies for being a little bit late.

I can assure you that all my picks and predictions were done in time, I saved the recaps and interviews for last. I also want to thank everybody for always being a good sport and having fun with the questions. I know you guys are busy too, so it means a lot that you guys will dedicate some of your time to me and the league, outside of your games.

Good luck to everybody this week! See you at the field.

Recaps

Spartans 27 vs. Broccasion 12

While the score may not indicate it too much, the defenses were the bright spots on both sides in this one. Both quarterbacks threw two interceptions, one that was ran back by Owen Bujarski for half of Broccasion’s total output for the game. Alexandre Noel and his Spartans were forced to do a lot of their damage on the ground, rushing for just over half the amount of passing yards in the game with the help of Andrew Grant.

The first half saw a tight game as each team tried to figure the other out. It seems like as soon as the Spartans saw what Broccasion was doing, they were able to eliminate Kristian Cerantola and Michael Timmis almost completely and the Broccasion offense stalled mightily.

Things went much differently for the Spartans in the second half. While he did throw a pick, Justin Cerantola wasn’t able to really do anything with it and then failed to convert on fourth down. Alexandre Noel still managed to spread the ball around and take advantage of a shorter field for much of the night to convert when it counted.

This game puts both teams in the middle of the pack for the playoffs and it will be interesting to see the adjustments made down the stretch. I think that the Spartans have the better roster but we all know that Broccasion has made the dance more times than not. Both teams will look to upset some of the big dogs if given the opportunity.

Outlaws 45 vs. Tip Top Shape 13

Stephen Harripersaud, the man, the myth, the legend, continued his dominance last week and he’s really starting to help his argument for lower division QBs deserving some love for the Hall of Fame. He makes putting up 45 points look like a day at the park and it’s not as if Tip Top Shape are a bad team. Quite the opposite actually, especially with David De Andrade manning the defense.

The first half was an explosion of points by the Outlaws. David De Andrade looked uncomfortable and threw errant passes often, sometimes to the other team. Harripersaud took advantage of the smaller field and was able to use his plethora of weapons to score with ease, led by one of the best trios in the league, Kevin Smuda, Shyanne Stewart and Josh Levine. 6 different receivers caught at least 2 balls each from Harripersaud which showed off his ability to spread the ball and take what the defense gives him.

The second half saw much of the same – turnovers by Tip Top Shape while trying to get back into the game and the Outlaws coming right back and punishing them for their mistakes. Tip Top Shape’s offense was fairly one dimensional and the playmakers for the Outlaws were able to stop it in its tracks.

Outlaws showed first hand why they are a top team in the Division that will perhaps be fighting for the championship and Tip Top Shape showed that while they are a strong team, may be a piece or two away from being in the final four.

Dope Boys 20 vs. Les Barons 19

This game was pretty back and forth from the very beginning, with most of the scoring coming in the first half and then both defences seemed to figure the other out and have the upper hand. In their first drive, Dope Boys utilized the middle of the field and Guillaume Godard only needed to complete 3 passes to march the field and score. Marc-Antoine Viens missed on his first two of the game but after a short pass to Louis-Philippe Savard, hit Simon Boudreau-Pineault on a deep 28 yard pass for a touchdown. Neither team converted and we had a tie game at 6.

Both teams traded scores yet again but Marc-Antoine Viens was able to take advantage of the extra point to give them a 1 point lead. 3 plays later, Godard tied it up on a 10 yard pass to Felix Menard. Since it didn’t work the first time around, Godard decided to go for two and he made a beautiful pass to the corner to convert. Dope Boys up 7.

On their first drive of the second half, Marc-Antoine Viens was able to sustain a long drive for what would be the last score of the game. Unable to convert, the score stayed 20-19 for Dope Boys. Both teams stepped up on defence and didn’t allow another score, with several stops on fourth down. I think if you replayed this game 10 times, each team would win 5 of them. Two truly well matched sides.

Les Gros Coqs 24 vs. Les Carcajous 0

You can probably tell by the score, but this game was one sided from the very start. It’s been a tough season overall for Les Carcajous and I would actually say that they did pretty well in this game besides for a few plays that got away from them. They can certainly benefit from a little bit of guidance from a player or team that has been around the league awhile and I think they’d be just fine.

For example, they started the game with a wide receiver, Steven Boulay-Bourque, line up behind center for a planned running play which was easy to defend for Les Gros Coqs. Thinking back, it may have made sense if they did not have a lot of faith in their quarterback which may not be that farfetched. Benjamin Reid finished the game only completing 5 passes on 16 attempts and it’s not as if he tried to run a lot, just once for 2 yards. I think Les Carcajous punted on every drive except for their last one in the second half. They will need to add shorter routes, hooks and slants, in order to try and move the chains. Reid made a few nice throws deep but the timing wasn’t there and he was picked off twice.

For Les Gros Coqs, this was probably just what the doctor ordered. They’re a well organized squad with several weapons on both sides of the ball. They took advantage of baited Les Carcajous with a few short routes and then hitting Alexandre Bresse, Victor Nolin or Boris Gagnier deep a few times. Dom Lefort had it fairly easy as the defense was often pretty obvious and he was able to pick his spots prior to the snap.

Both halves we’re relatively similar, with Les Gros Coqs scoring twice in each and Les Carcajous not really able to mount any kind of rhythm. One will be fighting for a playoff spot while the other should try things outside of their comfort zone in preparation for next season.

Power Rankings

Division 5A

Super Saiyans (6-0)
Outlaws (6-0)
Rollin’ with Mahomies (5-1)
GLC (5-1)
Bruthers (4-0)
No Show (3-1)
Voodoo (4-2)
Spartans (3-2)

Division 5B

The Process (5-0)
Bruins (5-0)
The U (4-1)
EZW (4-2)
Takeover (5-2)
Honey Martin (4-1-1)
Le Speakeasy (5-2)
Sterdam (3-2)

Corey’s Love ‘EM & Hate ‘EM

It’s been a short week for me, so this is the first thing I completed to make sure that I got my predictions together in time. I can guarantee you that these were made prior to the 6pm start of the week on Saturday!

5A Quarterbacks I LOVE in Week 7

Justin Cerantola – Broccasion – I think he’ll have another strong opponent. He has a great knowledge of the game and should be able to pick a subpar defense apart.

Joel Houle – Ravens – They’ve been improving every game and I think they can finally put it all together this week.

5A Quarterbacks I HATE in Week 7

David De Andrade – Tip Top Shape – A rough schedule in this stretch of the season I think he’ll struggle again this week.

Brandon Aylward – Tents & Hammocks – He’s been playing well, but he has a date with what I think is the best defense in the Division. He’ll be in tough.

5A Wide Receivers I LOVE in Week 7

Nicolas Saro – Rollin’ With Mahomies – Nobody has been able to stop him so why would anything be different this week?

Adam Rosen – Longhorns – Regardless of who plays QB for them, he’s been the one constant on offense.

5A Wide Receivers I HATE in Week 7

Vincent Marquis – Palpatine – The Spartans have been one of the more underrated teams this season and their defense is the reason why.

Kevin Donnet – Dream Chasers – He’s in tough against a very good GLC team, I think he’ll put up pedestrian numbers which would be a disappointment for him.

5B Quarterbacks I LOVE in Week 7

Emile Plante – A-Town – It looks as though the Punishers defense hasn’t been able to stop people lately so I’ll take the trend to continue this week.

Stephane Larosiliere – Black Knights – I’m calling it, I think he’ll have his best game of the season this week. Give me at least 6 TDs.

5B Quarterbacks I HATE in Week 7

Benjamin Reid – Les Carcajous – He hasn’t had an amazing season, but I think he’ll continue to struggle even more so against the big and athletic Black Knights.

Ryan Kharouf – Finessers – Yacoub Telemaque and Richie Mondesir have been playing lights out and I think they’ll have Ryan’s number this week.

5B Wide Receivers I LOVE in Week 7

Jimmy Marneris – A-Town – If I’m going to take his QB, give me Marneris to get back on track this week.

Dynell Pierre – Black Knights – Hate to do this twice in a row, but I think this is the week Pierre finally dominates and his numbers jump off the page.

5B Wide Receivers I HATE in Week 7

Matteo Marino – ORSA – Andrew Langburt and company are great at preparing for their opponents and I think they’ll keep an extra eye on Marino this week.

Ryan Lelinowski – Kneed Help – He’s in tough against an underrated opponent this week.

“You Ball, You get the Call”

Another week goes by and we’re seeing a lot more outstanding individual performances in 5B and I’m not sure why. Does the cap have that big of an impact? Most would argue that with a smaller cap, we still see studs in both divisions but the depth isn’t quite the same and I would say that this theme tends to prove that.

Overall, it’s great to see guys have such fantastic games and stay humble. I’ll admit, I tend to prefer when they’re not so humble, makes for a fun read. Either way, here’s a few interviews with some of FPF’s best.

Tents & Hammocks – Danny Aylward – 8 catches, 80 yards, 3 TDs, 2 tackles, 1 INT

How has it been handing over the reins to Brandon?

It’s been easy giving my brother a chance at QB considering I’m still throwing in 4a. We have chemistry together regardless if which way the ball is going. Been really fun to see my brother put in pressure situtations where it’s all on him

Between you and Alex you guys have around 95% of the offense. Do you worry that you guys will be too predictable or do you think there’s not another team that can stop both of you?

Big game against Super Saiyans coming up, how will you guys prepare?

We face a good opponent tonight in Super Saiyans and look forward to bringing our best with us. Should be an exciting game, just gotta stick to what we know works.

Outlaws – Stephen Harripersaud – 21/29, 225 yards, 7 TDs

It was great seeing you Saturday, you seemed to be at the field even longer than me. Does the wife or girlfriend ever get upset at losing a Saturday night?

I’m married so the wife understands that on Saturday nights for a few weeks of the year I have to go out play some football. I make up for it during the off season.

How big has the emergence of Shyanne been for you? He’s always been good but it just seems like he’s on another level this season.

He has been a huge part of the success this season. He has always been a good player but needs to stay motivated so maybe all the jabs we have given him over the last few season has worked out in our favor

The only box not checked off under your name is the all star box. Is that something you ever think about or a goal of yours?

That is correct I havent made an all star game yet but that only measures individual success and I’d much rather win a championship with my team than make an all star game. Remember there is no I in team and that’s what really matters!

Longhorns – Eugene McLaren – 24/30, 181 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT, 1 rush, 4 yards

You’ve played extremely well in your two games with the Longhorns, is there a possible permanent change on the horizon?

Thanks for the kind words. There’s no permanent change in the horizon. John Moodie spearheads this offense. He injured his shoulder so I’m just stepping in until he’s ready to go. I usually only play 35+ in the winter. I play with the Longhorns in the spring but John still throws!!

You guys had a fantastic game offensively, what worked so well?

Well honestly it wasn’t that our opponents didn’t play well on D. Every QB can relate to what I’m about to say, it was one of those games when the O looked like they were full speed and the D in slow motion. When you’re able to see the field like that you end up having a great game. I usually get one or two of those types of games a year. Having the receivers I had including Adam Rosen makes life a little easier at QB also. Besides the tip interception I think the guys caught all the balls except the poorly thrown ones. It was a great offensive game all around. We just all played well.

As a league vet, tell us something about yourself we may not know about?

Hmm that’s tough. I guess I can say I like helping people out. Since this article is going to be for div 5, it’s a great opportunity. Tip for new or less experienced teams. Go on the flagplus site and watch some high division games. You can pick up good plays on O and see which formations the D’s run. The biggest tip I can give, and this applies to all lower divisions, 4-5-6, stop throwing deep every play! The big bomb is fun but the chance of completing that throw is low. Chew up the field. It’ll still only take you 3-6 plays to score. Flag is based on turnovers and extra points. Too many missed shots down the field and you have to punt. A short hook with a missed flag is worth anywhere from 10 yards to a TD. Try the higher percentage completions first. If you can average 3-4 yards per play you’ll march all the way down the field. Going back to the first tip, watch how many deep passes occur in higher divisions. Stick to hooks, ins, outs and slants!!! Have a great end of season to everyone and good luck in the playoffs!!

The Process – Andrew Langburt – 13/21, 170 yards, 5 TDs, 3 rushes, 61 yards, 1 rush. TD, 3 tackles, 3 PDs

A dominant performance all around, would you call this your best game of the season for Process because of so little mistakes?

As a quarterback, whenever there is a game that you score on every drive/ don’t have any turnovers that’s always a good game and usually gives you a pretty good chance to win so I was definitely happy with this one and the win is all that matters

How did La Brume attack you guys and how did you have success?

La brume is a really athletic team which was hard to defend against but we try to make adjustments in game to make it tough on them. I think our experience gave us a leg up in this game

Let’s set the record straight for all of those reading. Why do you film your games, what goes into it and how much tape do you watch during the week?

It started because whatever sport I played the only replays I would have were the ones left in my head so I decided to start filming games in every sport I play for fun for myself to watch and always to show highlights to my entire family and friends. It doesn’t take me long to cut the tape maybe two hours a week.

Tropic Thunder – Richie Mondesir – 2 catches, 44 yards, 1 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 PD, 2 Def. TDs

Was that a statement game for you guys? Did you guys do anything different?

Not even, its was just one of the first games that almost everybody showed up to play.

Two pick-6s in one game! Is that your best defensive game ever?

Nah bro, not even.

You guys have a ton of weapons, has the issue been a lack of chemistry so far?

Well I’ll put it that way… Our playbook was too complicated and we had a brand new QB, it wasn’t a great combination to start.

Bruins – Gabriel Wiseman – 19/26, 155 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 2 rushes, 11 yards, 1 TD, 2 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 Def. TD

We talked quickly beforehand and you mentioned this one was a tale of two halves for you guys.

What were the changes made midway through the game?

There isn’t anything that changed really, it’s just the outcome that was completely different. In the first half, we were stopping their offense on third down here and there, just to get scored on the down right after. An unfortunate drop to start the game went straight into the db’s hands for a pick returned to about the one yard line. Everything seemed to be going their way. In the second half, that same drop happened to their offense giving us the ball with good field position and we felt like everything was going our way this time. They are definitely a good team that can beat any team in 5b including us, so we have to be careful when playing good teams like them.

Can you let the rest of us know how much of an impact Zach has had on the team?

Zach is a great player all around whether it be with Bruins or not. The tides shifted in that second half with his interception, so that shows his impact on yesterday’s game. On offense, he has a lot of experience in the better divisions, great hands so he makes me look good, but he’s doing the work. I could probably close my eyes, throw the ball and there are a lot of chances he comes down with it.

Is this the best Bruins team ever?

I cannot speak for the Bruins fielded in the 2018 Fall bowl because I did not get to see them play, other than the championship game that was filmed, and was not part of the team, but this year’s Bruins is probably better than all Bruins teams I have been a part of.

Fighting Flamingos – Alexandre Delisle – 15/26, 230 yards, 6 TDs, 1 rush, 10 yards

Deep ball seemed to work really well, was that the plan coming in?

It wasn’t the plan to be honest, but we try here and there to go deep, and it really worked well last game.

How valuable is Troy to the squad offensively and would you say he’s your favourite target?

Troy is an amazing athlete. He opens up everything on offense that’s for sure. I wouldn’t say he’s my favorite target, but I do know there’s not a lot of guys on can cover him one on one that’s for sure.

Who decided on the name and jerseys and why?

I don’t know, I just joined the team this year, but I’m guessing it’s our captain Brad Evans