And so it begins! Week 1 in the bag, 13 more to go!

Back again! Welcome to Week 2 of FPF and already things are heating up! I apparently toss a coin to predict games in 5A, but am practically an Oracle in 5B. Out of all 40 teams between both 5A and 5B, only 6 teams didn’t face off in week 1 but will get their chance this week! There were some stellar performances and some teams that are already looking to pull away from the pack. I’ll be focusing more on team breakdowns for 5A this week and switching to 5B next week. I love FPF, but I can only write so much!

So without further ado, let’s dive into Division 5 and see what Week 2 might bring!

FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH:

5A: I’m not sure if it’s a scoring error, but it looks like VULTURES put up 30 points against STEPBROTHERS, did not bust their cap at all, but STEPBROTHERS recorded the win? I have no idea what happened here, but STEPBROTHERS putting up 9 INTs can’t become a common occurrence. Both teams have a bye week, so let’s see how they re-enter the action in week 3.

5B: I somehow had a brain fart last week and called WIN DIESEL – LE SPEAKEASY for some reason… Apologies. Either way! I picked them to beat VENGEANCE, and they did just that. WIN DIESEL should chug along just fine to the playoffs, but will VENGEANCE get their… Vengeance… and beat TOP Gs this week?

Random Thought – Almost every team that won, scored 25+ points in their games. Will 4 TDs be enough to win games in this division? I suspect Extra Points will factor heavily to games this season, especially with the new Overtime rule.

5A: Mistake #2, (hope everyone is keeping up) Even though in my game breakdown I chose WEST ISLAND HABIBIS to win, I somehow indicated BANDITS in the Games of the Week. Showing me just how wrong I was, Nicholas Di Maulo had such an excellent game that I can’t help but make him one of my weekly picks! Luckily, HABIBIS scored the 32 points I predicted, showing that I know (at least a little bit) of what I’m talking about. BANDITS almost overcame the challenge and scored 28 points!

5B: PACK A PUNCH got a decisive win over TLM instead of the 1 point victory of last season. Stefano De Seta definitely showed up to this game, but did not have a repeat performance of 2 INTs. Yet, somehow still, PACK A PUNCH won by an even bigger margin. 7 INTs were thrown between both QBs, as they both looked evenly matched this game. Marc Antoine Martin became QB for PACK A PUNCH while Michael De Seta came down with a receiving TD. Will these 2 teams find themselves against each other again in the playoffs?

20% of teams will not make it into the playoffs this season for both 5A and 5B (It’s only 4 teams eliminated each). I’m estimating that teams will need at least 3-4 wins to stay out of the Elimination Zone.

Multiple receivers almost hit the 100 yards receiving this week, and most of them got a call out below in my Weekly Picks. However, a receiver that didn’t get a top spot but should get an Honorable mention because they actually got the closest without scoring a TD – Thomas Desforges of LES TONDEUSES. His first FPF game of his first Season and he gets 99 yards receiving! Great start to a promising Career.

1st Stats are in! As I stated before, each week I’ll be ranking my top players: 2 QB’s, 4 Receivers, 4 Defensive Players, 2 Rushers. A player can only be my top pick in 1 Category, so if you killed it on Offense and on Defense… Sorry, you’ll only be seeing your name once! I’ve been in the league for a few years now and am all too aware that Stats don’t tell the whole story of a game: Maybe you’re a defender that didn’t have any balls thrown to their side because the QB knows you’re dangerous? Maybe a mobile QB never gets sacked, but throws 2 INTs due to pressure from the rusher? All of this, and countless more of your efforts on the field may generate 0 stats, but do generate a giant impact. This portion is not to exclude anyone who may have had a good game that did not show in stats, but rather inspire friendly competition between positions. That being said! If you think you’ve done/are doing a great job that deserves some recognition, hit me up! I would love to fill my article with boasts about players!

A QUICK GLANCE AT THE COMPETITION:

VICE CITY

Oh Boy! This GTA game was the first one I ended up playing and always brings back sweet memories! I have a feeling this FPF team is going to do the same. A team of what looks like family and friends – half of VICK IN A BOX has recruited some relatives and have put together a new Div 5 team. I assume we will be seeing Jeff Tayeh back at the QB position after having the time of his life last winter, putting up 43 TD’s! He is joined by Max Burah: VICK IN A BOX and FPF regular, 6 time All-Star, 2 time Champion, and Offensive power house. Do not underestimate his size, Max is a speedy high flier that can put the moves on if needed.

While Max Burah has brought along Coby Burah, a recent addition to VICK IN A BOX out of FPF JR. (Guess what I’m thinking here…definitely brothers…), it looks like Wessam Tayeh has recruited the other half of the team. Jad, Jeff, and Wessam are all Tayeh’s, and with the recent performance Jeff has shown, it doesn’t surprise me that more and more Tayeh’s are coming out of the woodwork! Now that Jeff will most likely take the role of QB, and Nick Zamor being the unrated wild card, will Nick Richard be able to settle into a role that isn’t QB? He is a solid defensive player that has already racked up an impressive amount of INT’s, but will he join the offensive side of the ball this season?

I expect this team to take others by surprise and be underestimated, though it may take them a season or 2 to find their footing in a higher division.

Prediction 5-5

THUNDER BUDDIES

Rain or shine, clear skies or gray, lightning and thunder, THUNDER BUDDIES are coming out to play! Having won the Co-Ed 3 Championship last season in Spring, and the Winter 2022 Div 6 CHampionship, THUNDER BUDDIES are coming back up to try and tear up Div 5! Having found success in virtually every Division they enter, this is a competitive playoff team every season and should not be underestimated. Terry Babalis has really sunk into the QB spot, having had 2 back to back 40+ TD seasons, not losing stride with an apparent injury that is currently preventing him from being as mobile as he would like. Out of the gate, I think this team may be one of the better teams in the division and probably has the Finals in mind already. Other teams will need to watch this team throughout the season and find ways to adjust to their gameplay, or we could be seeing a Hat Trick of Championships!

All of that is easier said than done. Despite picking up new talent: Benjamin Faubert, Quentin Leduc, and Simon Dumas, THUNDER BUDDIES will be bringing back a large cast of their returning players: Well known BLESSED player, David Gutkovski, will continue his run with the BUDDIES looking for another double-digit TD run this season. David was this team’s number #1 receiver last Championship run and I expect him to do it again this season. He is joined by FPF veteran, jack of all trades, and superstar, Will Power! Due to his wealth of experience and Championships under his belts, you can put Will anywhere on the field and he is a threat. I expect him to be the playmaker of the team.

Simon Valiquette and Nicolas Poitevin, recent additions to FPF and the THUNDER BUDDIES team, are each hoping to keep their Season:Championship ratio – 1:1. While new addition, Nicolas Cloutier, will be looking to show that he can keep up with these champs and make a splash in his familiar stomping grounds. This team can go the distance, don’t sleep on them!

Prediction: 9-1

RICO RYDERS

I don’t know who Rico is, but he apparently has a bunch of RYDERS who claim his name in FPF! This team came into existence last Spring and continued into the FPF Fall cup (Tier 3). They were initially a successful team, due to their players’ familiarity with the league and a fantastic performance by QB – Mathew Yanakoulias. Mathew can put up big yards, big TDs, and sometimes, big INTs. In his first season with the RYDERS he continued this trend by putting up 41 TDs, 1800 yards, and 14 INTs. Now, a few seasons later and a steady roster of consistent players. Mathew is looking for his first Championship! He is joined by part time rusher, part time defensive asset, and full time offensive juggernaut – Daron Migdesyan. If that wasn’t enough: Long time FPFer, Greg Kristelas, continues to bring his ball-hawk, INT skills to this team. Averaging 3 TDs a season and a handful of PICK-6’s to his name, Greg Kristelas, how could this team become even more challenging to beat?! Enter Justin Lerner….

2 time Champion, 10 time All-Star, 8 time individual award winning, Justin Lerner has to be the power house of this team! He has played a little bit of everything and is incredibly difficult to cover. With an average of 10+ TDs a season and 2 seasons of 20+ TDs, Justin Lerner may just have to be double teamed in this division. Being a regular to Div 3/C, I will be looking to Justin to be the flavor that elevates this team. Daniel Caruna and Jay Yanakoulias are both recent recruits to FPF. Daniel officially joined in 2017 but after his first season, has not played again until he joined up with Jay in Division E in Spring 2023. They have both put up some good numbers, but the rookie that caught my attention the most is Denis Koutavas! With excellent performances in both Winter and Spring of 2023, I will be looking at Denis to potentially be the 2 way player of this team.

I can’t find too many flaws with this team as long as they all show up! Despite going 5-5 in the Tier 3 Cup, I think this team will finish top 5 in the Division this season.

Prediction: 7-3

DEATH BATTLE BREAKDOWN:

PASTA ARRABIAT vs SKEEYEE:

I’m shocked that PASTA ARRABIAT lost their first game after having such a strong season in the Fall Cup! But coming out against STRAPAHOLICS is no easy task. Nic Delisi struggled to get his offense moving against the STRAPAHOLICS, but should fare better this week against SKEEYEE’s defence. Although I would have initially given the edge to PASTA ARRABIAT for this game, SKEEYEE’s performance against THUNDER BUDDIES was actually quite good. Scoring 3 TD’s against the studs of THUNDER in your first game is a good achievement and makes me reconsider how ready PASTA will be.

I think this game will come down to which QB can be the most focused. Nic Delisi (PASTA ARRABIAT) went 1 TD / 2 INTs in his game, while SKEEYEE’s, Arthur Dagenais, only did slightly better with 2 TDs // 5 INTs. Arthur will need to ensure that he does not turn the ball over and use his legs if he can. Getting 30 rushing yards in a game means 3x 1st downs, and keeping the ball in your hands. Jules Normandin and Julien Le Guehennec will need to step up once again to bail Arthur out and limit INTs. On the other side of the ball, Nic Delisi knows all about rushing and can grab a TD with his legs if you’re not careful. They can capitalize on turnovers with the help of Carmelo Di Giovanni and Matthew Vertullo, who have become critical on offense now that we haven’t seen Joe Morgese on the roster.

This could be anybody’s game, but with the offensive targets and experience of PASTA ARRABIAT, and their rusher Marlon Pace who just had a 17 Sack season, I gotta give it to P.A.. Good luck to the SKEEYEEs!

Prediction: PASTA ARRABIAT 26 – 19 SKEEYEE

BREWERS vs PACKING PACKERS:

In my first article of the season, I noted that BREWERS might not get that many wins, but that they should keep the fire going. They came out against a TOP G team that had secret superstar: Thoby-Hans Lang on it. BREWERS are back again this week with another opportunity for a win! PACKING PACKERS is a new team to the league that seems to have been orchestrated by recent FPFers: Maxime Brissette and Guillaume Cote. I’m not sure who will be the QB for this team, and although PACKERS are full of new talent, having Maxime and Guillaume already play for a great team like DIME AND BOUGIE, is a giant plus.

Jeffrey Lefebvre will take his position at QB against the PACKERS, and with 1 game already under their belt, I think BREWERS will be able to win this hard fought game. Although Jeffrey was able to spread the ball to most of his receivers, Frank Iantosca, was the offensive player of their game. Receivers for BREWERS will need to ensure that they are catching all of those difficult passes and getting Y.A.C. (Yards After Catch). If BREWERS defense can come up with 1-2 turnovers this game, and capitalize on 1 of them, I think they will be able to send the PACKERS PACKING!

Will BREWERS be able to find the special ingredient and brew up a win? Or will the PACKERS come up as the surprising under-dogs? I expect this to be a low scoring, high turnover game, with BREWERS sneaking out the win!

Prediction: BREWERS 20 – 12 PACKING PACKERS

ZACK’S TOP WEEKLY PICKS:

QB (1): Nicholas Di Maulo (THE WEST ISLAND HABIBIS) – 21 Attempts / 13 Completions (61.9%), 133 Yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 0 Sacks // 7 Rushing Attempts, 93 Yards, 3 Rushing TDs

QB (2): George Spano (NOTORIOUS C.I.G.) – 23 Attempts / 17 Completions (73.9%), 186 Yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs, 0 Sacks

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WR (1): Matthew Cadogan (STRAPAHOLICS) – 5 Targets / 4 Receptions (80%), 41 Yards, 3 TDs

WR (2): Sébastien Champagne (BANDITS) – 9 Targets / 6 Receptions (66.67%), 86 Yards, 2 TDs

WR (3): Quentin Leduc (THUNDER BUDDIES) – 4 Targets / 4 Receptions (100%), 53 Yards, 2 TDs

WR (4): Joey Notaro (NOTORIOUS C.I.G.) – 9 Targets / 7 Receptions (77.78%), 96 Yards, 1 TD

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DB (1): Benjamin McMahon (VULTURES) – 6 Tackle, 2 INTs, 2 TDs

DB (2): Kevin Donnet (VULTURES) – 0 Tackles, 4 INTs, 1 TD

DB (3): Nick Richard (VICE CITY) – 7 Tackles, 1 INTs, 4 PDs

DB (4): Charles-Olivier Cyr (IN N’ OUT) – 3 Tackles, 2 INTs, 3 PDs

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RUSHER (1): Coslense Clariveau (SLEEPING ALL-STARS) – 1 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 1 TD

RUSHER (2): Matt Kirouac (STRAPAHOLICS) – 0 Tackle, 2 Sacks, 1 PD

QB (1): Tyler Havlena (BETWAY BANDITS) – 27 Attempts / 12 Completions (44.44%), 146 Yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 0 Sacks // 4 Rushing Attempts, 31 Yards, 1 Rushing TD

QB (2): Raphael Dufour (LES TONDEUSES) – 25 Attempts / 14 Completions (56%), 206 Yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs, 0 Sacks // 1 Rushing Attempts, 7 Yards

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WR (1): Thoby-Hans Lang (TOP G) – 9 Targets / 7 Receptions (85.7%), 98 Yards, 2 TDs

WR (2): Anthony Mungiovi (BETWAY BANDITS) – 11 Targets / 7 Receptions (63.64%), 87 Yards, 2 TDs

WR (3): Adam Antel (TUNESQUAD) – 9 Targets / 6 Receptions (66.67%), 66 Yards, 2 TDs

WR (4): Massimo Massari (LES TONDEUSES) – 4 Targets / 3 Receptions (75%), 67 Yards, 2 TDs

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DB (1): Étienne Dicaire (KICKING ASSETS) – 2 Tackles, 2 INTs, 1 TD

DB (2): Dave Gordy Lang (TOP G) – 3 Tackles, 3 INTs, 1 PD

DB (3): Joey Poce (PACK A PUNCH) – 9 Tackle, 1 INT, 1 TD

DB (4): Alexis Aubé (LES SACRIFIES 2) – 2 Tackles, 1 INT, 5 PDs

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RUSHER (1): William Seguin (LES SACRIFIES 2) – 2 Sacks, 1 PD

RUSHER (2): Jake Holman (WIN DIESEL) – 0 Tackles, 2 Sacks

GAMES OF THE WEEK:

LES PETITES CAROTTES vs RUDBOYZ

SLEEPING ALL-STARS vs STRAPAHOLICS

NOTORIOUS C.I.G. vs BANDITS

RICO RYDERS vs VICE CITY

PASTA ARRABIAT vs SKEEYEE

THUNDER BUDDIES vs DUCKS

PREDICTION RECORD: 4-4

THE HOOLIGANS vs TUNESQUAD

VENGEANCE vs TOP G

LES TONDEUSES vs WIN DIESEL

GREEN MONSTER vs THREAT LEVEL MIDNIGHT

PARLAY TILTERS vs KICKING ASSETS

LES SACRIFICES 2 vs RAMPHINS

BREWERS vs PACKING PACKERS

MACCABEES vs WILD WEST WRANGLERS

PACK A PUNCH vs RETIRED ALL-STARS

PREDICTION RECORD: 7-1

That’s it for Week 2! Continue to practice your plays and positions while the season is fresh! If there is an idea or upcoming milestone you might want me to write about/cover in my articles, don’t be a stranger, let me know! If you want to see more accurate info about your teams, your players, your rivalries – send them to me! Comments, Criticisms, and Concerns are welcome… unless it’s about my Capitalization of random words. I stand by them! Also, check out the First episode of Calling the Audible – the official FPF podcast – available on Youtube and …. Probably somewhere else too!