Division 1 and 2 Report Cards – FlagPlus Football League

I was never the type of student who was excited about receiving my report card. I was the kid who knew I’d probably get grounded right after I handed the report card over to my parents. Lucky for me, I found a glitch in the system right around grade 10. I don’t know that I personally benefited from this, but I can assure you my overall average did. I still don’t know to this day if what I was doing was legitimate in terms of basic education, either way, I had 3 gym classes every semester. I was able to always get into the Ultimate sports class (which is just another gym class) and fitness. So I basically I had gym, ultimate sports, fitness, math, English, French, and science. All of a sudden I became an honors student… Nothing like stacking the odds in your favor to save yourself from a speech you had already heard. Maybe I neglected my education, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking high-school is where you will actually sharpen your brain. High school is just another daycare for your parents to go to work with their mind at ease. My point being, I had a problem, I fixed it. I was no longer dreading the day I would pick up my report card.

Now some of you may be anxious about this report card knowing I can be harsh. Some of you may be looking forward to it. At the end of the day a little healthy constructive criticism should be welcomed, if you want to get better. You either win or you learn!

Team Report Card Div1:

Your grade will be from 1-100%. Your grade is based on your season as a whole up to now and may change by week 10. This grade will also be based on my expectation of your team and whether or not you’ve lived up to them.

Montreals Finest:

QB: 96.5%

Offense: 93%

Defense: 97%

Overall: 95.5%

Passing with flying colors. It is no secret that they are the best in this league. At this rate they will easily win another championship without breaking a sweat. They have the best defense in the top division and an offense that seems unstoppable.

Flag Moi L’Sac :

QB: 91.5%

Offense: 79.75%

Defense: 94.5%

Overall: 88.6%

Excellent grade for a team who hasn’t been in the league all that long, well merited. The expectations were high and they’ve answered the bell. Second best defense and quality play from their offense. You’re doing everything in your power to find success, only left to do is hire a hit man to take out Kevin Wyeth.

D-Boys:

QB: 93.25%

Offense: 88%

Defense: 94%

Overall: 91.75%

D-Boys are near perfect on their first season in division 1. Love’em or hate’em, you have to give credit where it’s due. What can I say, nothing is ever perfect, continue working with what works and maybe find and hide an ace in the whole. We’ll have to see how suspensions to two key players affect them.

Rainmakers:

QB: 94.9%

Offense: 83%

Defense: 81%

Overall: 86.3

Ryan Kastner pulls that grade up significantly. A hot and cold team who seems to never have that x-factor to make that extra push for a championship. Perhaps mixing up your defense and shooting more guys into gaps? Turnovers are needed, badly.

DK:

QB: 93%

Offense: 90%

Defense: 78%

Overall: 87%

Respectable grade keeping in mind it’s their first crack at division 1. They’ve been adjusting every week and hopefully they’ll be ready when it matters most. Until then they need to clean up their defense.

Express:

QB: 68%

Offense: 58%

Defense: 84%

Overall: 70%

I had higher expectations then what they’ve served up so far this season. In a division driven by stellar quarterbacking, Patrick Chenard needs to be better for his team to find success. The offense needs players to step up and make plays for their QB.

Terror Squad:

QB: 73%

Offense: 55%

Defense: 63%

Overall: 63.7%

It could be worstebut I wouldn’t be racing home to show my parents this report card. A lack of chemistry between Tam and his receiving group has been obvious. They need to tighten that defense as well to relieve the offence of extra and unwarranted pressure.

Demons:

QB: 86.5%

Offense: 85%

Defense: 69%

Overall: 80%

The learning curve for any new team playing together is inevitable. That being said they are always in the game and are just missing the ability to close up games. Managing the clock earlier in the game may help put you in better situation on that last drive.

Division One Awards:

My top three players (in no particular order) as of this week, in the lead for the award: Keep in mind I probably value things differently than you…

Quarterback of the year:

-Rochdi Benadelkader (DK)

-Kevin Wyeth (Montreal’s Finest)

-Marco Masciotra (D-Boys)

Receiver of the year:

-Patrick Jerome (Terror Squad)

-Serge Pilon (DK)

-Charles-Antoine Sinotte (Rainmakers)

Defensive player of the year:

-Ryan Aridi (DK)

-Kishon Thompson (Montreals Finest)

-Olivier Bourdages (Montreals Finest)

Two-way player of the year:

-Serge Pilon (DK)

-Kishon Thompson (Montreal’s Finest)

-Patrick Jerome (Terror Squad)

Team Report Card Division 2:

Cold Fusion:

QB: 94%

Offense: 87%

Defense: 86%

Overall: 89%

This group is extremely well balanced. If they can have their core group of guys show up every week they should be able to sweep the rest of the season. One thing they absolutely need to change is their strategy for extra points.

CLR Forces:

QB: 90%

Offense: 74%

Defense: 93%

Overall: 86%

It has taken me a lot to rally behind this group. They have been near perfect on the season but haven’t really been challenged. If the defense continues to step up and shut down the opposition this team’s future looks good. Frederic Dupuis has to come up with different ways to attack deep; his playbook is becoming predictable.

Chernobyl Circus:

QB: 96%

Offense: 85%

Defense: 86%

Overall: 89%

Patrick Chenard definitely looks like he has a lot more chemistry with this group then his division 1 team. They are globally well balanced and have been efficient on both sides of the ball. Speed at rush is a problem. Alexandre Gatier has the ability to take away a lot of angles with his wingspan, but he is easily beat for runs and or time.

Shakalooinz:

QB: 81%

Offense: 56%

Defense: 93%

Overall: 76%

A team who lives and dies by their defense; they’ve won a game by scoring 12 points. Unfortunately that won’t cut it when you’re up against a decent adversary. Ryne Bondy needs to slow down the game and keep it extremely simple. If you’re going to rely on your defense to win games, at least keep the turnovers down to a minimum.

Clockwork:

QB: 98%

Offense: 98%

Defense: 74%

Overall: 90%

Extremely powerful offense led by Marco Masciotra. These guys live and die by the sword. They have yet to die, nor do I think they will. I think Marco is smart enough to fix the defensive tweaks they may need to make to give themselves a better chance in the future.

Flag Football Fantasy:

QB: 75%

Offense: 89%

Defense: 95%

Overall: 86%

They have one of the best defenses in division 2. Unfortunately Nathan Taylor has been strong-armed into throwing for the past 3 weeks. He’s lived and learned but I have no doubt Nate would rather go back to catching passes from a healthy Benny Goodfriend. Hopefully his injury doesn’t keep him sidelined for much longer.

Wolverines:

QB: 77%

Offense: 61%

Defense: 89%

Overall: 76%

They are currently tied for 7th overall, which is better than what I gave them credit for but also a product of their schedule. Tony Tabet does what is required for his team to always stay in games, but he’s going to have to do more than that if they want to beat playoff teams.

Served With Ice:

QB: 85%

Offense: 69%

Defense: 91%

Overall: 82%

The unstable roster is quite a concern in my eyes. Leading into the playoffs you want your chemistry to be on point. One turnover because of miscommunication can very quickly end your playoffs.

O.N.S:

QB: 97%

Offense: 99%

Defense: 45%

Overall: 80%

Overall grade is not where it should be for this group of guys. You can’t count on two interceptions by Brian Lariviere every game to get you through tough times. I’ve said it all year, this defense needs to change the way they line up and they need to do so quickly.

Legends:

QB: 93%

Offense: 85%

Defense: 83%

Overall: 87%

I’ll hand them their report card personally.

Wolfpack:

QB: 84%

Offense: 81%

Defense: 65%

Overall: 77%

Pascal Murray is a very confident quarterback, but you cannot allow 35 points per game and think you will win the majority of your games. The defense needs to step up. 3 interceptions as a team after 7 games is not nearly good enough.

Gladiateurs:

QB: 95%

Offense: 93%

Defense: 71%

Overall: 86%

Putting points on the board seems to be child’s play for this group. The chemistry between Frank Lebeau and his receivers is bar none of one the best in flag. The addition of Alex Nadeau-Piuze has had an immense impact on both sides of the ball. A tune up defensively is required moving forward. Less predictability and perhaps having bodies moving around pre-snap could help hide your coverages.

Usual Suspects:

QB: 75%

Offense: 73%

Defense: 68%

Overall: 72%

Usual Suspects hasn’t had the kind of season expected from a talented group of guys. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is how you close up your season. They are one point out of a playoff position and that’s what they should focus on. Leon Holder needs to continue keeping his composure, easier said than done when it sometimes feels like his receivers are playing against him.

The Commission:

QB: 65%

Offense: 46%

Defense: 85%

Overall: 65%

They are borderline failing on the season, not yet mathematically out but hanging by a thread. Every game is a playoff game from here on out and you need to stop praying for teams in front of you lose. The offense needs to find a way to give Zan Symonds easier throws. Perhaps moving parts around on offense and keeping it extremely simple will be the way to go. Slow down the game, put up points and allow your defense to play with a lead.

Les Monsieurs Chats:

QB:82%

Offense: 66%

Defense: 77%

Overall: 75%

Totally underperforming, they have everything and more in place to be successful. Even their defense, who should legitimately be one of the best in this division, is under performing. I can understand the defense having a hard time locking down with Alexandre Lemire learning the rusher position and honestly not doing a very good job. But the offense has no excuse, be better!

#NoRegard:

QB: 59%

Offense: 39%

Defense: 74%

Overall: 57%

Booting your quarterback off the Island, survivor style, has yet to pay off. If anything this decision should have waited until the off-season. As for now, you have the second worst offense in division two and have shown no signs of improvement Injuries have played a key role, especially Travis Moses’. The Titanic crashed this season. If you survived, this is where you start over from next season.

TMT:

QB: 85%

Offense: 75%

Defense: 58%

Overall: 73%

Very respectable grade, especially for a team who is playing their first season of flag. If they would have had their full roster all year, I believe they would have had a much better record. Use this season to find out what works and what doesn’t. Continue working, this season is not yet in the books and you still have a chance.

BC et Les McGonagals:

QB: 55%

Offense: 24%

Defense: 85%

Overall: 55%

This is the only team who is officially out of the playoff picture. This is a good opportunity to try new things, put people in different positions. One thing is certain, you need to find and trust your QB. A Foundation still needs to be laid in their case and I think that’s a good place to start.

Division Two Awards:

Again these are in no particular order. They are the top three contenders as things stand right now for each individual award. Keep in mind the players who play in division one will not be recognized here.

Quarterback of the year:

-Francois Lebeau (Gladiateurs)

-Cory Pecker (Legends)

-Jordan Panetta (Served With Ice)

Receiver of the year:

-Adam Bailey (Flag Football Fantasy)

-David Polynice (Chernobyl Circus)

-Chris Pinsonneault (O.N.S)

Defender of the year:

-Jordan McLaren (Cold Fusion)

-Theo Bekelis (Wolverines)

-Malu Boukassa (Chernobyl Circus)

Best two way player:

-Adam Bailey (Flag Football Fantasy)

-Hakim Kasbi-Filiatrault (The Comission)

-Jordan Panetta (Served With Ice)

Division 1 Freaks of the Week:

QB: Alex Nadeau-Piuze ~13/13 for 213 yards and 7 TDs~ the impressive stat line to me is the QB rating of 158.3 which is perfection. FREEEAAAK alert.

WR: Theo Ojeaha ~5 Receptions for 100 yards and 3 TDs~ unfortunately this performance was overshadowed by the scuffle that took place at the end of the game.

DB: Akked Moore ~6 tackles 1 INT~ when he’s called open to play D he holds it down like it’s no one’s business. He would be a full time defender on any other roster.

R: Felix Prevost ~2 Sacks and 1 PD~ fresh off a Kish award he might merit another one with another dominant game.

Division 2 Freak of the Week: *For players who do not play in division one

QB: Francois Lebeau ~18/22 for 236 and 7 TDs~ shredded a defense at will, Frank is heating up at the most opportune time!

WR: Rich Humes ~4 catches for 90 yards and 3 TDs~ I feel like I say this often but Rich is one of the most underrated players in flag.

DB: Alex Nadeau-Piuze ~2 Tackles 2 INTs, 1 PD and a Defensive TD~ Alex is known for his stellar game at QB, he’s now on a mission to show us the other tricks he’s got in his bag.

R: Frederic Rousseau-Blass ~4 Sacks and a TKL~ Can’t ask for much more out of your rusher!

The KISH Award for week 7:

*for the best two way player of the week.

L N/A

My Picks Division 1:

Terror Squad (+12) VS Montreals Finest

DK (+4) VS D-Boys

Flag Moi L’Sac (-6.5) VS Express

Demons (+4.5) VS Rainmakers

Last week I was 4 for 4 once again. That makes me 15 for 20 on the season, 75% winners.

My picks Division 2:

Cold Fusion (-8) VS BC et Les McGonagals

Chernobyl Circus (-3) VS Gladiateur

Usual Suspects (+4.5) VS Served With Ice

O.N.S (+5.5) VS Flag Football Fantasy

Wolverines (-2.5) VS #NoRegard

Les Monsieur Chats (+4.5) VS Legends

Wolfpack (-6) VS The Commission

TMT (+1.5) VS Shakalooinz

Clockwork (-3.5) VS CLR Forces

Last week I was 6 and 3, which makes me 36 in 54 on the season, 67% winners.

Power Rankings Div 1:

In the brackets is where you’ll find my pre-season forecast of each team. I will not be re-adjusting…we’ll just have to see how the cookie crumbles.

1- Montreal’s Finest 6-0… (9-1 for 1st overall)

2- D-Boys 5-1… (7-3 for 2nd overall)

3- Flag Moi L’Sac 4-2… (5-5 for 4th overall)

4- DK 3-3… (4-6 for 5th overall)

5- Rainmakers 3-3… (4-6 for 6th overall)

6- Terror Squad 1-5… (3-7 for 7th overall)

7- Demons 1-5… (2-8 for 8th overall)

8- Express 1-5… (6-4 for 3rd overall)

Power Rankings Div 2:

In the brackets you can find the record I believe you will finish with. It is in most cases not the same as my pre-season. If the record is BOLD, it is because it has not changed and is still the same as my pre-season.

1- Cold Fusion 6-1… (9-1)

2- CLR Forces 5-1-1… (6-3-1)

3- Clockwork 5-2… (7-3)

4- Legends 5-2… (7-3)

5- Chernobyl Circus 5-2… (8-2)

6- Shakalooinz 4-2-1… (5-4-1)

7- Flag Football Fantasy 4-3… (5-5)

8- Served With Ice 4-3… (6-4)

9- Wolverines 4-3… (4-6)

10- O.N.S 4-3… (7-3)

11- Gladiateurs 4-3… (5-5)

12- Wolfpack 3-4… (4-6)

My game of the week:

TMT 2-5 VS SHAKALOOINZ 4-2-1

The table is set for what should ultimately be a playoff game. TMT is currently sitting in 9th place in conference A but is 2 points away from a playoff spot. Shakalooinz are sitting in 3rd place in conference B but after this week they could possibly be 1st and looking at a potential first round bye.

You technically shouldn’t know much about either team unless you’ve seen them play this year. Two squads who are relatively new to the league but whom are quickly finding ways to be talked about. I’ve seen both teams play numerous times this season, and I’ve been impressed by both groups.

Defenses:

Shakalooinz holds a clear advantage in this category. They have the second best defense in division two and currently allow an average of 19 points per game. Meanwhile, TMT’s defense has been giving up on average 35 points per game, they gave up 57 to Clockwork. Both teams seem to have a hard time causing turnovers, the difference lies in Shakalooinz ability to force punts. Another key note is both teams lack sacks. Although they have the speed to get to the QB, neither team has a rusher who’s been a game changer.

Offenses:

Shakallooinz’s offense has nothing to brag about this season. On the other hand when TMT’s top guys show up, they have shown that they can score at will. James Arenas Michel is a receiver you need to keep your eye at all time. TMT has speed, size and a very confident quarterback in Tshitshi Bukasa whose presence is very much needed and appreciated. Bobby Mikelberg would be up for every award if he wasn’t playing in division 1, needless to say you need your best DB overseeing his every breath.

QBs:

Ryne Bondy is a respectable quarterback in division 2. He does not have the ability yet to take over a game and put the team on his back, but he also won’t put your team at risk. He protects the ball well enough to give his team a chance. Luckily for him, his defense is always up to the challenge and has his back. Tshitshi Bukasa is among the best quarterbacks in Canada when it comes to tackle. In his first season of flag he has shown his high football I.Q. He translated and adapted to this style of football and has dominated the field. He is a dual threat; his legs bail him out of any jam he may find himself in.

My pick: Although I’d love for TMT to win and jump into a playoff seed, my pick is Shakalooinz; not by much!

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Sorry for the delay this week! Once again good luck to everyone! If you missed it here is the link to the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAwAvYTOzFY Follow me @VinceNardone for very little action on twitter or stop me at the field to chat. Till next time… Get better, make adjustments, learn and move forward.