Contenders, Pretenders, We’re Not Sure Yet, and Down Goes The Alpha-T’s, Down Goes The Alpha-T’s!!!

Welcome to Week 10 of the FlagPlus Football Division 3 Winter Season.

Last time out, I told you that I would give you guys my annual Contenders, Pretenders, and We’re Not Sure Yet article.

Before I jump into that, something else of equal importance, took place this past Monday at Stade Hebert. The Alpha-T’s finally lost a game, as they fell (33-28) to The Crew.

This was a really good game. Some of the usual names weren’t in attendance, as The Crew were missing Quarterback Jean-Samuel Coderre, and The Alpha-T’s, were without Defensive Backs/Wide Receivers Julien Bellavance, Emile Beaudoin, and Elliot Lambert. Nonetheless, as we’ve throughout the history of football, it’s next man up.

The first half of this contest, was dominated by The Crew, who were up (12-7) at the half, and then quickly made it (19-7), almost immediately after the break, on a 10-yard TD by replacement Quarterback Jean-Daniel Chevalier, to Wide Receiver Mikael Paiement.

The Alpha-T’s, would answer right back, Jesse Dupuis, would find his favorite target, in Mathieu Houle, for a TD, to bring their team to within 5 points (19-14).

After forcing a turnover on downs, that inexplicably saw The Crew elect not to punt deep in their own territory facing a 4th and long, The Alpha-T’s, grabbed all the momentum, and more importantly, their first lead of the game, on a 2-yard TD by Mike Pierrecin, who came up with 3 clutch catches on the drive, as well as the 2-point conversion.

To their credit, The Crew, would answer right back, as Jonathan Bigras, would pick up a first down on third and long on a crossing route, then move the chains again on a 13-yard gain, before scoring a 5-yard touchdown. The 2-point convo was no good, but The Crew now led (25-22).

The Alpha-T’s, got the ball back and were looking to reestablish the lead, with 5 minutes to 5 plays. After hitting Pierrecin, again on a number of tight throws, including that the speedy Wide Receiver seemingly stole out of the hands of Defensive Back Gab Couture, Dupuis, went back to the well one too many times, as in the redzone, he was picked off by Chevalier, who proceeded to race past Dupuis, on the way to the house for the TD, and to increase their lead. The 2-point convo was good this time, making the score (33-22) The Crew.

The Alpha-T’s, were able to score on their final possesion, as Anthony Lapointe scored a touchdown, but it was too little, too late.
Final score (33-28) The Crew.

Since Week 11, of last Winter Season, The Alpha-T’s, have gone undefeated, and in the process, added the Division C championship to their mantle, and have weathered virtually every team’s best shot at knocking them off the top of the mountain. Congrats to them on keeping the streak for so long.

Tip of the hat to The Crew. Replace players or not, they got the job done. Very few other teams can say that.

 

I think it’s actually really fitting, that on this week, the same one as the 48th anniversary of Smokin’ Joe Frazier beating the great Muhammad Ali, in Ali-Frazier 1 at MSG, on  March 8th, 1971, in what many peoplexsee as the greatest heavyweight fight of all time, that we see an FPF heavyweight go down as well.

 

And yes, if you’re wondering, when I wrote the Headline for the article, I was saying it to myself in Howars Cosell’s voice.

 

Now, with all that wrapped up, without further adieu, here we go…

 

Contenders

 

The Alpha T’s (8-1)

As I mentioned above, they suffered their first defeat not only of the season, but in over a calendar year. For the Alpha-T’s, the loss might be a positive, as the pressure to go undefeated once again, is finally off of them, and all they have to focus on is winning.

The flip side of course, is whether or not this was just a one-off, or the crack in the armor. Luckily for us, and unlucky for The Alpha-T’s, we will find out this week, as they close the regular season with another tough matchup, as they square off with a Dirty Dawgs team, who is coming off of a tough loss of their own.

Regardless of what happens this week, TAT’s, are still the class of Division C, and you can be rest-assured, that they will come back with a vengeance the rest of the way.

Remaining Opponents: Dirty Dawgs

 

 

Les Maloudes (8-1)

Their only blemish, was a Week 1 (37-32) loss to Les Studs. Since then, the veteran squad has reeled off eight straight wins.

Just as impressive as their win streak, has been their defense. Headlined by names like Sebastien Thibault, Marc-André Paradis, Louis-Philippe Paquette, and Francis Janelle among others, Les Maloudes, have given up a D3 low 139 points, and haven’t allowed an opponent to score more than three touchdowns since Week 2.

As the saying goes, defense wins championships, and Les Maloudes, are definitely putting that to the test.

Remaining Opponents: The BrotherHood

 

 

Blue Chips (7-2)

If championships were handed out in the regular season, Blue Chips, would be a multiple time champs. Unfortunately trophies only get handed out in the post-season, and that is exactly where Jordan Mitchell, and his squad, have fallen short, since they moved up to Div. 3/C.

This team is hard to read. They have tough victories over South Harmon Institute of Technology, and BearSkins, but have suffered losses to The Crew, and a good at the time, Trinity squad. Furthermore, since the midway point of the season, the only team they beat with an above .500 record, is the Jaguars.

No one questions if this team has the talent, and explosive play-making ability, on both sides of the ball to match up with just about anybody, but talent alone, doesn’t win a championship.

Is this the year Blue Chips puts it all together?

Remaining Opponents: Junkyard Dogs

 

 

Les Studs (7-2)

With 392 points scored and counting, Les Studs, are without a shadow of a doubt, the best offense in all of division 3. Led by the odds on favorite to win Quarterback of the Year, in Samuel Caron, this team can score from just about anywhere on the field, at any given time.

For as impressive as they have been on offense, the Les Studs defense, has been as equally unimpressive . he only question mark surrounding this team, is their defense.

Despite having Two-Way Player of the Year candidate Félix Laflamme, as well as solid contributors in Emmanuel Kerfella, Olivier Frechette, and William Nkaye among others, Les Studs, have given up more points than any other team, with 298.

The fact that they have a (7-2) record is shocking, as you rarely ever see teams with such a generous defense, still bbing among the best teams in a given division.

One of the hardest things to do for a team, is to change their identity mid-season, let alone in the playoffs. For Les Studs, to get where they want to go, they’ll need to do exactly that, by showing they can play at least a little defense.

Remaining Opponents: Big Ballers

 

 

Dirty Dawgs (6-2)

They are coming off of a tough (39-24) loss to The Commission, in which turnovers, and their inability to get stops in the second half, killed them.

Besides last Sunday, their only other loss, was a (33-28) defeat at the hands of Les Maloudes, in Week 2.

Offensively, this team is stacked with talent. With Dave Chitayat, Jordan Panetta, Cal Pienaar, and redzone threat Sahar Cohen, Quarterback Ryan Lelinowski, has a ton of reliable playmaking options to throw to. In fact, what makes this offense so dangerous, is their ability to makes opposing defenses have to pick their poison.

As a whole, the group has taken a step forward. Last year, the Dirty Dawgs played a time of possesion game, where they dinked and dunked their way up the field, killing time off the clock before eventually scoring. This season, their offense has taken more deep shots, and Lelinowski, does good job of mixing in the run from time to time as well.

On defense, this team is led by the trio of Defensive Backs Jean-Christophe Binette, Daniel Tsyplenkov, and Rusher Cal Pienaar. All three have the ability to impact a game, and have done so throughout the season.

The only red flag that pops up, is points allowed. Aside from their Week 1 (24-0) victory over Big Ballers, the Dirty Dawg, haven’t kept an opponent under 30 points all season. That can definitely be problematic come playoff time.

Remaining Opponents: The Alpha-T’s, Olympia Performance.

 

 

South Harmon Institute of Technology (5-3)

After a (1-2) start to the season that saw them fall to Blue Chips, and inexplicably lose to The Magicians, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, are playing their best ball of the season, as they have won four out of their last five contests, including statement wins in the last two weeks over The Commission, and BearSkins. Their only loss in that span, was by 3 points to The Alpha-T’s (36-33) back in Week 7.

Offensively, this team has a lot of weapons. Whether it is hitting the big man Kevin Smuda, in the back of the endzone, Snapper AJ Raskovan in the flats, or Jordan Allard, Zack Goldstein, Marty Friedman, or Josh White, on the intermediate and deep routes, Quarterback Jake Applebaum, calls a good game, and is able to keep opposing defenses guessing.

The only question with this team, is will they be able to generate turnovers in the post-season, seeing as that they only have produced 5 so far.
With championship experience already under their belt, and the ability to match score for score with anybody, the South Harmon Institute of Technology, are definitely a contender to win it all. Let’s see if they can.

Remaining Opponents: Trinity, Scored your GF.

 

 

Lightweight (5-3)

I went back and forth on whether to put this team in the Contenders category, or the We’re Not Sure Yet spot. I went with the former, because they are playing their best ball of the season right now, and because they came within a touchdown of another team on this list, in Les Studs, earlier this year.

Truth be told, this team reminds me of the Los Angeles Chargers. They can go score for score with anybody in Div. 3.

On both sides of the ball, they have some playmakers in Justin Lerner, Justin Blanchard, Cory Kennedy, and Hendrick Ambroise, who might not be superstars ala Keenan Allen (needs to stay healthy on a consistent basis), Melvin Gordon (ditto), Casey Hayward, and Denzel Perryman. Rusher Francois Hogue, even provides the team with a little bit of that Joey Bosa/Melvin Ingram pass rush.

Let’s jump to the biggest comparison, Phillip Rivers, and Simon Dagenais. Despite coming excruciatingly close, neither player has won a championship. Both passers have the ability to match throw for throw with anybody in both the FPF and NFL respectively, and it looks comical, and slightly painful, watching either QB run with the ball.

Can Lightweight, continue their hot run, and put it all together come playoff time? We’re about to find out.

Remaining Opponents: Top Sauce, Trinity.

 

 

Pretenders

 

 

Martine et le flag (5-3)

Yes, they have a (5-3) record, and sit in first place in the Conference A West, but truth be told, Martine et le flag, play in the worst division, and all five our their wins have come against sub .500 teams.

Despite all that, this team does have talent, and a defense that has allowed the second least amount of points in all of D3.

That defense in particular, has stood out over the last three weeks, as they have held opponents to two touchdowns or less.

On offense, while they haven’t been as dominant, Quarterback Samuel Bédard, has quietly put together a solid campaign, with 26 touchdown passes, and just 6 interceptions, including 9 TDs, and 1 INT combined, in his last two games.

Martine et le flag, come into this week having won two straight. Their remaining schedule, sees them play two other teams without a winning record, in Olympia Performance, and Scored your GF. While beating both squads might not move the respect the needle, it would help this predominantly rookie team, hit the post-season on a roll.

Let’s see what happens.

Remaining Opponents: Olympia Performance, Scored your GF.

 

 

BearSkins: (5-3)

In my Mid-Season Report, I talked about how the BearSkins were a team a solid team, with championship pedigree, but they lacked speed.

Well, 5 weeks later, both things are still true, as Marco Bertoldi, and Vinny Gualano, are the only real game-breakers the offense can consistently realy on to take the top off a defense.

One of the positives about this team is their veteran leadership and smarts. While I have them on the Pretender list, this isn’t a team you should sleep on, given their winning history.

Currently on a two game losing streak, the BearSkins, finish the season Sunday night against TOPSZN. Priority number one besides snapping out of their mini slide, should be working out the kinks, specifically on defense, where they gave up 51 and 48 points respectively the last two weeks.

 

Remaining Opponents: TOPSZN

 

 

The BrotherHood (5-4)

Arguably the most talented team in all of Division 3, the problem with these guys is availability, and constant change. According the team’s starting Quarterback Lonnie Johnson (he only got the job in Week 4 ), he has played less than four games with All-Star Wide Receivers Theo Ojeaha, Jamal Gittens, Quaysie Gordon-Maule, and Khalil Kerr in the same game. Clearly, that’s not a recipe for success, or chemistry.

Currently sitting at (5-4), and one point out of fourth in Conference A, The BrotherHood, control their own destiny. If they can knock off Les Maloudes, in their regular season finale, and get a little help in the form of losses by Martine et le flag, and Lightweight, The BrotherHood, can finish as high as third.

The question of course, is who will show up for their playoff game?

Remaining Opponents: Les Maloudes.

 

 

KGP (4-5)

Another team with the talent to go all the way, but for various reasons, haven’t been able to put it all together consistently, to be considered a serious threat for the title.

One of those reasons, is because they haven’t beat a winning team all season.

Another reason, is their defense, which has only held three teams to under 30 points all season.

Continuity and eligibility are two other reasons, as currently, only five players on their roster, would be able to play in the playoffs if they started today.

On a positive note, despite having thrown passes to a jaw-dropping 21 different receivers, Quarterback Phil Cutler, has put together a QB of the Year-esque season, with an impressive 43 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

In short, despite having to juggle the roster numerous times this year, their offense is still dangerous, and can maybe propel them in the post-season – if they get there of course.

Remaining Opponents: The Magicians

 

 

Trinity (4-4)

At the midway point of the season, Trinity was a 1-loss team. During that time, I also talked about how they were a good team with a lethal offense that averaged 37 points.

Five weeks later, Trinity has added 3 more losses to their record, and they have proven both statements false.

In their 4 games since the midway point of the season, they have looked like anything but a good squad, as Trinity, has averaged less than 16 points a game (15.75), including 2 contests where they only scored a touchdown.

The biggest number to look at though is 3. That’s the number of games that Trinity has lost in a row.

Currently sitting in seventh in Conference A, Trinity, can climb all the way to second, due to the fact that they play in weak West division, provided, that they catch Martine et le flag.

No matter who they face in the first round of the playoffs, Trinity, has the look of a one and done team.

Remaining Opponents: South Harmon Institute of Technology, Lightweight.

 

 

Scored your GF (3-4)

With Quarterback Arno Desjardins, and Wide Receivers Bruno Provencher, Philippe Laramée, Benjamin De Tilly, and Francois Laramee among others, this offense has been explosive, as they come into the stretch run averaging 35 points a game, which places them in the D3 top 5 in scoring.

Unfortunately for Scored your GF, we play defense in this league too. With no viable Rusher, and only one true playmaker in the secondary, in Provencher, this team just can’t get stops. Look no further than 3 out of their last 4 games, where they have given up 46, 59, and 42 points respectively. Ouch.

Remaining Opponents: Freshmen, South Harmon Institute of Technology, Scored your GF.

 

Cougars (4-4)

Let me get the obvious out of the way. This is a complete different team when All-Star Wide Receiver AJ Gomes is in the line-up. In 6 games played, the two-way threat, leads the Cougars with 6 interceptions, and is third in receiving, with 399 yards, and 8 touchdowns.

The most important numbers however are wins and losses, and the Cougars are (4-2) when he plays, and (0-2) when he doesn’t.

Don’t get it twisted, this team does have talent outside of the 4-time All-Star, namely in Dante Sparagna, and the rookie duo of Wedens Alexandre, and Jason Owoki, the latter of whom has been the team’s MVP this season.

Simply put, the trio, bring speed, and big-play ability on both sides of the ball.

While he doesn’t always throw the prettiest ball when he’s under pressure, Quarterback Erminio Iadeluca, does a good job of leading his mostly young squad (he is a coach after all), and always gives his crew a chance to win.

Currently at (4-4), they sit tied points wise with KGP, and Trinity to the 8th and final playoff spot in Conference A. They do hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Trinity, after beating them (48-19) back in Week 8, and they have a game on-hand on KGP.

Why then, might you be asking did I put them in the Pretenders category? It’s because of their record.

While they beat Lightweight (38-25) all the way back in Week 1, they lost to other contending teams like Les Maloudes (24-19), Les Studs (52-47), and an up and coming Sweat & Beers team (37-36). In fact, besides the Lightweight game, their only other significant victory was a (36-34) win over The BrotherHood in Week 2.

While the presence of Gomes, will make them a tougher out come playoff time – if they manage to hang on and qualify (not a certain given that they finish with LGM and The Commission in a 5 day span), I don’t see this team going very far.

Remaining Opponents: LGM, The Commission.

 

 

Junkyard Dogs (3-5)

Where and how did it all go wrong for the Junkyard Dogs? Back in early February, I went out for drinks for my birthday. Among the people that came through, was my friend, and former teammate Rob White. Naturally, we talked football for a portion of the night.

At the time, his team was going through injuries, including one to himself, but he and I both felt that the Junkyard Dogs, had more than enough talent to weather the storm.

Two days later, the both of us were proved right, as Junkyard Dogs, hung in for a tough (39-37) win over Les Studs. Since then however, the team has fallen on their face, and hasn’t been able to get up, as they have lost four games in a row, their latest, a (39-31) heartbreaker to KGP, which saw Phil Cutler and company, drop 26 second half points on JYD.

With 6 points on the season, they currently sit one game out of the last playoff spot in Conference A, behind the Cougars, Trinity, and the aforementioned KGP, who they have a game on-hand on, but lose the head-to-head tiebreaker to.

The Junkyard Dogs ‘ final two regular season games aren’t exactly a cakewalk either. Let’s see what happens.

Remaining Opponents: TOPSZN, Blue Chips.

 

 

Top Sauce (3-5)

The fact that they sit only one game out of a playoff spot, speaks to how much weaker Conference A is compared to Conference B. Nonetheless, here we are.

As I have said throughout the season, with names like Kenton Lowe, Justin McLean, Chris Milard, Vince Nardone, and G.M. Kolethras, this team is not short on talent.

One of the things hurting the team, is the lack of dominant Rusher, as Chris McCarthy, leads the way with 3 only sacks.

This team is a modern day even Steven, as they have scored, and given up exactly 191 points.

If Top Sauce, wants to end up having more points scored, than allowed, they will need to wake up offensively, and find a spark force unit that has been held to two touchdowns in 2 out of their last 3 games, which both resulted in losses.

Remaining Opponents: Lightweight, LGM.

 

 

TOPSZN (2-5)

At the midway point, I said that Top Sauce, was the most disappointing team in all of Div. 3. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the new title holder. TOPSZN!!!!

Where do I start with these guys? Unlike Top Sauce, the core of this team has been together for what seems like forever.

They have playmakers on both sides of the ball, and with the addition of former The Commission Defensive play-caller Eddy Lee, I though a team which usually choked in the playoffs, would have a good chance at taking the next step.

For his part, Lee, has held up his end of the bargain, as he leads the team with 4 interceptions, ashes another new addition in Jaylan Grandison, who has 4 INTs of his own, to go along with 2 offensive touchdowns.

The main problem, with these guys is Quarterback, or a lack thereof, as the team’s regular starter in Jarryd Taylor, has missed al but 4 games this season. When the Concordia Stingers Wide Receiver is lined up behind the Snapper, he has thrown an impressive 22 TDs, and 4 INTs, and TOPSZN, is (2-2).

Without their duo-threat QB, TOPSZN, is (0-3), as the team has been forced to use Lee, Justene Edwards, Jaylan Grandison, and Benjamin McMahon at the position. All four of those players are good receivers, but none will ever be mistaken for a legit passer.

With three games remaining in their disappointing season, the only option they have left, is spoiler. Can they pull it off without or without Taylor?

Remaining Opponents: BearSkins, The Magicians, Junkyard Dogs.

 

 

The Magicians (1-6-1)

Roster shuffling as I saw this past Monday, when they were missing ¾ of their team, too many turnovers, and an overall lack of chemistry, and cohesion, has killed them this season.

When they have their full roster present, including “hired” guns Jordan McLaren, and Jason Prince, along with Tony Khoury, this is a tough team, as evident by the fact that they beat South Harmon Institute of Technology, hung in tough with The Commission, and dominated Sweat & Beers in the first half of their Week 7 meeting.

Unfortunately, having the entire team present, was not a luxury that The Magicians, had very often this year.

The only thing they can take solace in is playing the role of spoiler, which they’ll have tonight, when they take on KGP.

Remaining Opponents: KGP, TOPSZN.

 

LGM (1-7)

Despite having a laundry list of names on their roster, the one thing this team has lacked the whole season, is playmakers on both sides of the ball.

On defense as a whole, they have 4 interceptions, two of them hauled in by Antoine Martineau.

It isn’t much better on the other side of the ball as their leading receiver in Charles Baillargeon, has a grand total of 262 yards.

I have to admit, that I am surprised by their offensive struggles, given the presence of Hall-Of-Fame Quarterback Alex Lever. I honestly thought this team would be playoff bound heading into the season. Unfortunately, drops passed, and interceptions will doom any offense.

Going forward, if this team elects to play in a lower division like D1 or D2 in the Spring Season, they would probably have a much better result.

Relegated to the role of spoiler, LGM, has the first chance to do that this Wednesday at Stade Hebert, when they take on the Cougars.

Remaining Opponents: Cougars, Top Sauce.

 

 

Olympia Performance (0-6-1)

Standing on the sideline watching their game against The Magicians, Monday night at Stade Hebert, I couldn’t help myself from pulling for them to get their first win of the season.

Unfortunately, Olympia Performance, couldn’t snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, but they didn’t lose either, as they were able to hold on to a (26-26) tie, and get their first point of the season.

Two key things to point put, was the addition of former All-Star Wide Receiver Shawn Haney, and rookie Quarterback David Mather. The two connected three times for 52 yards and a TD.

In his FPF debut, Mather, also made a number of other big throws, and showed the ability to keep plays alive with his feet. Most importantly, his presence, allowed Saskatchewan Rough Riders Slot Receiver Cory Watson, to go from QB to his natural position.

As I said after playing this team in Week 7, this squad has talent. It’s unfortunate that it took them to Week 9 to find a legitimate Quarterback.

While they were eliminated from the playoffs weeks ago, Olympia Performance, has a chance to play spoiler. Let’s see what they do.
Remaining Opponents: Martine et le flag, Freshmen, Dirty Dawgs.

 

 

Freshmen (0-8)

They have arguably the best jerseys in all of FPF, let alone Div 3. Unfortunately, they forgot to bring some offense with them. With 94 points scored, they are the division’s lowest scoring team.

Even though they made the smart move of adding All-Star Danny D’Amour, he has done very little to help an offense that hasn’t scored more than three touchdowns in a game all year.

Every season we see this. A new team, with little to no FPF experience, joins the league, and mistakenly thinks they are too good to play in the lower divisions. They instead signup in one of the three higher ones, and proceeded to get embarrassed.

On the positive side, this team has at least one piece to build around, in WR/CB Jérémi Thompson O’Reilly. His 7 TDs, and 3 INTs, leads the team in both categories. Let’s see if he can lead the Freshmen, to their first win of the season in their flank two games.

Remaining Opponents: Scored your GF, Olympia Performance.

 

 

Big Ballers (0-9)

Another team with some speed and talent, but the lack of a legit Quarterback has killed them all year.

With 26 catches for 361 yards, and 5 touchdowns, Gabriel Poisson, is a superb talent. Imagine how much better his numbers would be if the team had a better option at QB.

I told you earlier this year that David Polynice is also very talented, but he’s wasting his talents at QB. During the rare times that he did get to line up at Wide Receiver, the former McGill Redmen Cornerback, posted a more than respectable 5 receptions, for 90 yards and a TD.

Even with a legit option at QB, Div. 3 might still be a bit too high for the Big Ballers, but an upgrade wouldn’t least give them a fighting chance.

Remaining Opponents: Les Studs

 

 

We’re Not Sure Yet

 

 

(4-4) Jaguars

With 91 points scored over the last to weeks, it’s clear that scoring points isn’t a problem for the Jaguars.

While they haven’t been as dominant on the other side of the ball, they did hold the equally explosive Blue Chips offense to just 21 points in Week 7, and last week, limited the Big Ballers, to just 1 touchdown.

Outside of those games however, still exist question marks on defense, as they have surrendered 51 points to Scored your GF, just two weeks ago.

They also have a lack of playmakers on that side of the ball as besides the 8 sacks produced by Rusher Jeremie Dorzin, they only have 5 total interceptions, produced by the core of their team.

This team is at their best in a shootout. Quarterback of the Year candidate Jimmy-Lee Janvier, is the definition of a true gunslinger, as he loves to chuck the rock early and often. Come playoff time though, those throws won’t always be there, and the window to co plate passes gets smaller the farther you advance.

 

Remaining Opponents: The Commission, Sweat & Beers.

 

 

Sweat & Beers (5-3)

At the midway mark of the season, Sweat & Bears, had a (2-3) record.

I had accused them of never playing a complete game, and they were lacking a consistent playmaker:

“The problem with the team, is that they don’t play a complete game. Either they play rock solid defense, and their offense starts to stall, or their defense can’t gets enough stops, and their lights it up…Finding a balance, as well as finding a player, who can consistently step up and make a play at a crucial time will be key for Sweat & Beers, if they want to turn their season around.”

Fast forward 3 weeks later, and the team has won three games in a row, with a solid combination offense and defense.

During their recent surge, the one constant, has been the play of Rocco Christiano. As a QB against The Magicians, the fourth year vet, threw for two touchdowns, added 2 more on the ground, and recorded an interception on defense.

The next week versus the BearSkins, playing as Wide Receiver, Christiano, caught 3 passes, for a game-high 120 yards, and 3 TDs, to go along with two INTs, and pick-6 on defense. Wow.

Finally, last week against Top Sauce, Christiano, had a modest by his standards game, as he registered 3 catches for 67 yards and 2 TDs.
Pretty impressive.

Add all that on to the superb performances of the team’s regular QB Rob Robinson, who has posted 11 TDs and 3 INTs in his last two contests, and WR/CB Chris Williams, who has put up 2 TDs, and 3 INTs of his own during the team’s winning streak, and you can see why Sweat & Beers, are playing their best football of the season.

The only question of course, is can they keep it up?

Remaining Opponents: Jaguars, The Crew.

 

 

(5-3) The Commission

They started off (0-2), made a Quarterback change, saw the offense continue to struggle, relied mostly on their defense during a 4-game winning streak, lost a heartbreaker to the South Harmon Institute of Technology, where that same defense only produced one stop, then won a tight one, in a must-win game versus the Dirty Dawgs last Sunday at Stade Hebert.

The up and down season for The Commission, has been frustrating. Overall, they have more firepower than last year’s team, and since Week 2, they have the same Quarterback in Chris Olson, who helped lead them to an (8-0) record last winter. Aside from a few questionable decisions, and the usual one “Why in the world did you throw that pass?” interception per game, the veteran QB, has done a good job.

Speaking of offense, the additions of Joel Malkin, and Keeshin Mayers (technically he’s a re-addition), have more than paid dividends, as both Wide Receivers, do a good job at using their size and speed to get open. Adding those two to the speedy Julian McLaren-Thompson, and the self-proclaimed “World’s Best Snapper” Domenico Benevento, and this team can keep up with anybody offensively.

While the team lacks their usual ball hawks on defense in Eddy Lee, and AJ Gomes, Mike Young, Meïs N’Garane, and Malkin, have really stepped up in key situations, and when he is in the lineup, Rusher Zackary Alberts-Gill, is just about the best in the league.

There are only two things that can hold this team back. The first is injuries, as Cornerback Kenny Boutilier is lost for the season with a fractured ankle, and the aforementioned Alberts-Gill, has missed time.

The second, is themselves. A bad interception, and a safety on the ensuing drive, that gave The Alpha-T’s the ball back, and saw them score a few plays later, came back to bite The Commission, in their Week 2 5-point loss to TAT’s.

No disrespect to the South Harmon Institute of Technology, because they deserve full Mark’s for the win, but blown coverages on defense, and multiple dropped passes on TC’s final offensive possesion played a key role, in their loss to Jake Applebaum, and company.

Remaining Opponents: Jaguars, Cougars.

 

 

The Crew (4-5)

On Monday night at Stade Hebert, they did the unthinkable, in handing The Alpha-T’s, their first loss since Week 11 of last Winter Season. Congrats!

As I said earlier, The Crew, got the win, with several new additions to their lineup.

Come playoff time however, Jean-Daniel Chevalier, and Jason Courchesne, will not be eligible to play.

This team was already good enough with the imported players, but I think after losing three games in a row heading into the TAT’s game, the use decision to add extra help, was about replacing missing players (most notably QB Jean-Samuel Coderre), and solidifying their post-season spot. Mission accomplished.

When the playoffs do in fact start, will we be seeing the team that manhandled The Commission, beat Lightweight, and almost blowout Blue Chips, or will it be the squad that lost to the Dirty Dawgs, BearSkins, and got crushed (53-26) by Les Studs?

We’re about to find out shortly.

Remaining Opponents: Sweat & Beers.

 

 

 

Elite 8

The Alpha-T’s

Les Maloudes

Les Studs

South Harmon Institute of Technology

Dirty Dawgs

Blue Chips

Lightweight

The Crew

 

 

Picks

Dirty Dawgs vs The Alpha-T’s- Dirty Dawgs (Upset Special #1 and My pick for Game of the Week)

KGP vs The Magicians – KGP

The Commission vs Jaguars – N/A

Top Sauce vs Lightweight – Lightweight

BearSkins vs TOPSZN- TOPSZN (Upset Special #2)

Olympia Performance vs Martine et le flag – Olympia Performance (Upset Special #3)

Les Studs vs Big Ballers – Les Studs

South Harmon Institute of Technology vs Trinity – South Harmon Institute of Technology

Les Maloudes vs The BrotherHood – Les Maloudes

Scored your GF vs Freshmen – Scored your GF

Cougars vs LGM – Cougars

Last Week: (7-4-1)

Season: (63-35-1)

 

 

That’s it for this week. Next time out, I will back with a look Week 11, and early glance at some potential playoff matchups.

 

Since today is March 9th, take a few minutes and listen to the greatest a song or two from the greatest rapper of all time, Biggie Smalls. R.I.P. #backwhenhiphopwashiphop

 

If you liked the article, hated it, or simply felt like I left somthing out, please feel free to reach me at [email protected] or on Twitter@BADNEWSB51

 

Good luck to everybody in the their games. This took me a heck of of a lot longer to write than I thought it would, but it’s worth it.

 

Cheers!