Championship Game Wrap-Up

The Bell Sports Complex in Brossard was the scene of the FlagPlus Football Division E  championship game this past Sunday. Going head-to-head for all the gold was the (8-2)Smokin Axolotls versus the (5-4-1) Trinity.

There was a lot of hype leading up to the game, as both teams came into the game confident that their team would win, and both teams felt like they weren’t getting the respect they deserved, both from each other, as well as from other teams, and media members.

The Smokin Axolotls won the coin toss, and chose to receive the ball to start the second half. Maybe the aforementioned hype as well as the big game spotlight got to Trinity on their first drive of the game, as J.F Marquis threw two incompletions, one on a deep route to Antoine-Dansereau-Leclerc who had at least 2 steps on his man, and another pass to the flat that was nearly picked off by S.A Defensive Back Jason Kokolakis. The only positive yardage that was gained was a 2-yard throw to receiver Alexandre Samson. On 4th down, the visitors punted.

The Smokin Axolotls now had the ball, and they stuck to the formula that had been so successful for them this post-season, as they methodically marched the ball downfield with short passes to snapper Martin Geary. Now facing 3rd and goal at their opponent’s 1-yard line, the Rossie connection struck once again, as Jordan hit Jason on a goaline slant for a touchdown, to cap the lengthy drive, and give his team a 6-0 lead. Unfortunately for S.A, the 1-point conversion was no good.

After their abysmal first series, Trinity shook it off and answered back with a long drive of their own, as Marquis hit snapper Benjamin Danserseau-Leclerc (the team’s second brother combination) on the right sideline for a gain of 9 yards, and then hit Erik Scattolin for a gain of 5 yards over on an out for a first down.

Two plays later, Trinity showed that the brother magic was in their corner as well, as Jean-Felix hit Vincent Marquis for a TD on a jump ball at the front left corner of the endzone to get his team on the board.

The next drive for the Smokin Axolotls startd off deep in their territory, as they were called for offside. Facing 1st and 15, Rossie hit Kokolakis and Wide Rreceiver Chris Brockwell for short gains. After a third drop by WR Joseph Sifakis, S.A decided to go for the first gamble of the game, as they chose to go for it on 4th down inside their own 15-yard line.

Luck appeared to be on the Smokin Axolotls’ side, as Rossie threw a pass underneath to Geary on 4th and 1, and the snapper came up with the catch while falling to his right despite tight coverage from Antoine Danserau-Leclerc.

After a deep pass to Jason Rossie that put the ball just passed midfield, Benjamin Dansereau-Leclerc came up with a big sack that resulted in a 5-yard loss for the Smokin Axolotls’ offense. After a short completion to Geary once again, Jordan Rossie hit Kokolakis for a gain of seven.

Now facing 4th down again, Rossie looked for his reliable target Geary. Much to the surprise of the majority of people in attendance, and even to the those in the braodcast area, Rossie threw a corner route to his snapper who isn’t known for his deep speed. Unfortunately, the 4th down magic wasn’t working this time, as the beautifully placed ball by Rossie was dropped by Geary. The resul;t of the play was a turnover on downs.

Trintiy would make their opponents pay for their gamble, as after a 13 yard gain by snapper Guillaume Foucault, Marquis found Wide Receiver Alexandre Jubenville who ran a beautiful wheel route, on the right sideline for a TD.

Trinity was able to add to their lead, as Marquis found Samson for the 1-point conversion.

On their next drive, the Smokin Axolotls came close to tying the game, as Rossie, after another Dansereau-Leclerc sack, tried to hit Brockwell and Sifakis on deep routes, but both players weren’t able to come up with the ball.

Trinity got the ball back with one play left, and Marquis brothers tried to coneect again , as Jean-Felix went deep to Vincent, but the WR who beat his man in Smokin Axolotls’ Defensive Back Steffan Fennes, dropped the ball in the endzone. That was a wasted opportunity, and also the end of the first half.

The first drive of the second half stared badly for the Smokin Axolotls, as after another Rossie to Rossie connection, Trinity’s Vincent Marquis jumped the route on a deep pass to Jason, and came up with the interception. After back-to-back drops by Samson and Jubenville, Marquis failed to hit Foucault over the middle, and Trinity was forced to punt.

After another long drive that saw them slowly march the field, the Smokin Axolotls now had the ball inside the Trinity 5-yard line. After drops by Rossie and Brockwell, and a third sack by Dansereau-Leclerc that put the ball back at the 10 yard line, S.A failed once again on fourth down, as Rossie tried to force a ball into his brother that sailed incomplete.

After both teams exchanged punts, the Smokin Axolotls got a huge gain from Brockwell, as he caught a short pass on a hook on the left sideline, and then broke out of a Alexandre Samson tackle attempt, and ran the ball all the way to the Trinity 1-yard line.

One play later, the Rossie brothers got their team to within 1, as Jordan found Jason for a touchdown on an identical slant route that worked for them on their earlier TD. Jason Koklakis tied the game up at 13 apiece, as he caught the 1-point conversion in the back of the endzone.

With 5 plays left, Trinity had a chance to make magic. After an incompletion on a deep ball to Antoine Dansereau-Leclerc on 1st down, Marquis hit Foucault for an 8-yard gain over the middle. After a Jubenville drop on a wide pass to the right sideline, the two were able to connect on a shovel pass one play later.

On the last play of the game, and facing overtime, Trinity Quarterback Jean-Felix Marquis evaded the rush of Chris Brockwell, and threw a bullet to the goaline to his brother Vincent Marquis who came up with the tough catch while falling to the ground, and his Jordan Rossie drapped all over him. No signal was given at the conclusion of the play, as the referees had to come together to discuss the non-call.

After talking amongst themselves, both side officials called the play a touchdown, as they deemed that Vincent Marquis flag had crossed the goaline as he made the catch. (remember in FPF, the ball does not have to cross the line to ensure a touchdown) Trinity started jumping for joy, while as expected, the Smokin Axolotls were enraged by the call. Instant replay in the broadcast area, showed that the correct call was made. Final score Trinity 19-13.

Talking to both sides after the game, both teams acknowledged that it was a hard-fought game, that could have went either way.

For the Smokin Axolotls, it was definitely a tough way to lose, but they should have nothing to hang their heads about, as they have a remarkable season, and look like a team to be reckoned with from now on. I fully expect them to make another long playoff run this coming winter.

For Trinity, their rookie season had the perfect ending. They have the chemistry, speed, confidence, and now a championship under their belts. If they are able to keep the team together, the future definitely looks bright, and they will have a great shot at adding even more hardware next season.

Before I forget, as promised last week, here are my choices for the end of the season Div. E Awards.

 

Quarterback of the Year

Michael Solimene (The Warriors)

Brad Evans (TDs and Beer)

Charles-Olivier Lavigne (Beastmode)

Mathew Yanakoulias (The RoadRunners)

Jeremie Ledoux (Les Bonhommes Jaunes)

Jordan Rossie (Smokin Axolotls)

Winner: Brad Evans (TDs and Beer)

 

Wide Receiver of the Year

Vincent Marquis (Trinity)

Felix-Antoine Lavigne (Beastmode)

Steven Kristselas (The RoadRunners)

Nathanael Niedermann (Gyr)

Alexis Labonte (Gronky Kong)

Akeem Gordan (Tigers)

Jameel Greenidge (Tigers)

Justin Lerner (The RoadRunners)

Marc-Antoine Vallee (Les Bonhommes Juanes)

Myles Keiller (TDs and Beer)

Alexis Bessette (SPARTANS)

Jean-Christophe Ferland (Beastmode)

Winner: Jameel Greenidge (Tigers)

 

Rusher of the Year

Nathanel Niedermann (Gyr)

Charles-David Martel (SPARTANS)

Benjamin Dansereau-Leclerc (Trinity)

Sammy Falletta (Victorious Secret)

Nick Grenon (Suh-Tang Clan)

Cedrick Jette-Lemay (Aliens)

Alex Torres (TDs and Beer)

Winner: Benjamin Dansereau-Leclerc (Trinity)

 

Two-Way Player of the Year

Charles-David Martel (SPARTANS)

Fred Casgrain (Gyr)

Antoine Dansereau-Leclerc (Trinity)

Vincent Marquis (Trinity)

Pat Deschenes (TDs and Beer)

Alexis Bessette (SPARTANS)

Alexis Labonte (Gronky Kong)

Daniel Chan (Gyr)

Winner: Charles-David Martel (SPARTANS)

 

Defensive Player of the Year

Daron Migdesyan (The RoadRunners)

Matthew Gagliardi (Goon Squad)

Alexandre Samson (Trinity)

Jameel Greenidge (Tigers)

Vincent Marquis (Trinity)

Marc-Antoine Vallee (Les Bonhommes Jaunes)

Nathanael Niedermann (Gyr)

Winner: Vincent Marquis (Trinity)

 

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Nathanael Niedermann (Gyr)

Zackary Alberts-Gill (Super Troopers)

Jeremy White (Beastmode)

Michael Solimene (The Warriors)

Mathew Yanakoulias (The RoadRunners)

Stefano Solimene (The Warriors)

Will Power (Smokin Axolotls)

Winner: Michael Solimene (The Warriors)

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Benjamin Dansereau-Leclerc (Trinity)

Januson Vas (The Warriors)

Sammy Falletta (Victorious Secret)

Nathanael Niedermann (Gyr)

Dustin Best (TDs and Beer)

Alexandre Jubenville (Trinity)

Winner: Nathanel Nidermann (Gyr)

 

Sadly, the Spring Season of FlagPlus Football is officially in the books. We now have to wait an agonizingly long 5 moths until the Winter Season kicks off in January. Thank-you to everybody who has taken the time to read my articles this season. A special thanks also goes out to the readers who sent me not only sent me feedback, but also tips, and information that made my work that much better, I appreciate it. The process started in mid May, and in the blink of an eye, we are almost in mid August. The time flew by quick, and I can honestly say I had a blast writing for you guys. 

Take care everybody, rest and rehab your injuries, and in some cases broken hearts. I’ll see you guys in January.

Cheers!