Division 6 Mid-season Report

Welcome to Week 7 of the FlagPlus Football Division 6 season.. The first half of the season firmly in the rear-view mirror, I thought what better time than for my annual Mid-Season Awards article. As soon as I started writing, it I realized that I had already listed my choice for QB, Rusher, and Wide Receiver of the halfway point in last week’s article (Good job me). So, instead of doing that, I wanted to pick up where Peeze and I left off on this week’s podcast, where we broke talked about each team’s best player.  

 

Instead of talking about each team’s MVP however, I want to take a general look at where each squad is right now, and where I expect them to finish.  

 

Here we go… 

 

Conference A  

 

East

 

Mogadishu Pirates (5-0) 

The best team in Conference A, and arguably in D6, the Mogadishu Pirates have proven that they can win both big and small, as they have proven they can not only put up points, but they can also use a suffocating defense that has held 3 opponents to a touchdown or less so far this season.  

 

M.G finishes off the regular season against 5 very good teams. While they have a chance to slip up during that stretch, it would not surprise me, or anybody else anybody if they didn’t. 

Final Record: 8-2 

 

Savage Mode (3-1-1) 

Led on both sides of the ball by Two-Way Player of the Year Candidate Daniel Sananes, Savage Mode, has looked like a solid team so far in their debut season.

 

While they don’t have a dominant number 1 receiver, the team has a by-committee approach, that has multiple receivers making contributions, thus making it harder for opposing defenses to figure out who to stop.  

 

On the other side of the ball, besides Sananes’ 5 interceptions, the team will need to find some other players to create turnovers, as a group of Savage Mode’s Defensive Backs are stuck at 1 INT.  

Final Record: (6-3-1) 

 

 

Sticknmovers (2-2-1) 

A bit of an up and down season by the first-year squad. The play of Wide Receiver Ben Toulch, Rusher Benjamin Szwimer, and Defensive Back Jon Werbitt, has been impressive. Where the rest of the production will come from is the biggest question mark surrounding this team.  Although they finish with a easy schedule that only sees them play one team with a winning record, the Sticknmovers will definitely need to answer the aforementioned question, if this squad wants to solidify a playoff spot, and do some damage in the second season.

Final Record: (5-4-1) 

 

Los Avocados (1-4) 

Outside of Quarterback Josh Vasquez, this team has no FPF experience, and it shows. A putrid offense that has scored more than 2 touchdowns only once this season, along with a defense that struggles to stop opponents, is a recipe for disaster, and that’s what this team has looked like more often than not, despite their best efforts.  With a tough schedule to finish out the season, Los Avocados might want to turn their attention to evaluating the roster, and looking at spots to upgrade for next season. 

Final Record: (1-9) 

 

Rogue Squad (1-5) 

This is another squad (sorry for the pun) that might want to turn their attention to the spring season. The team’s (1-5) record is a bit surprising, given the presence of veteran Wide Receiver Erik Ciaccia. With games against FBG and One Speed: Power, to close out the regular season, there is a good chance that the Rogue Squad will be able to add to their win total, and get out of the East basement.  

Final Record: (2-8) 

 

West 

 

Goon Squad (4-0-1) 

One of the biggest surprises in all of D6, the Goon Squad’s only blemish on the season, was a Week 3 20-20 tie against the Broke Boys. Led by QB of the Year candidate Massimo Cicchini, and an impressive group of Wide Receivers headlined by  Matthew Cocolicchio, Simone Marzella, Matthew Gagliardi, and Michael Covillo, this team can definitely go all the way.

The team’s defense should also not be over-looked, as it has already registered 11 interceptions.

  

With a pretty soft schedule the next 5 weeks, there’s a good chance the Goon Squad, could end up with a zero in the loss column.  

Final Record: (8-1-1) 

 

 

Broke Boys (3-2-1) 

With the lethal combination o0f Cameron Wilson, Shamar Joassaint, the team with the second best offense in Div 6, must find a way to stop opposing offenses, as they have given up the 6th most points in the entire division. If the Broke Boys can solve that crucial part, they have a good chance to make some noise this post-season. With the Ravens, Smokin Axolotls, Mogadishu Pirates, and Rolling Rock left on the schedule, double B better figure it out sooner than later. 

Final Record: (6-3-1) 

 

 

Sons of Mitches (2-3) 

In all honesty, I like this squad. They are fast, tough athletic, and can make some plays on both sides of the ball. The only problem with this crew, is that they haven’t beaten anybody impressive so far. To be labeled as a contending team, you have to beat other winning teams. So far this year, Sons of Mitches are 0-3 in those matchups, as they’ve lost to the Broke Boys and Goon Squad. 

 

Luckily for Goon Squad, they have a chance to silence the critics, as they have remaining games against Pardon My Swag, Greendale Human Beings, Savage Mode, and the N.W.O left on the schedule. 

Final Record: (3-7) 

 

 

DGC (1-4) 

Despite the fact that their only win came against the next team on the list in FBG, the DGC, were a play away from beating both the Sons of Mitches and the Ravens. Going forward, this feisty team has at least two winnable games remaining on their schedule in The Money Team and Los Avocados. Let’s see if what DGC does. 

Final Record: (3-7) 

 

FBG (1-4) 

Another team that might be better than their record indicates, as FBG, has lost close games as well. Luckily for them, they close out the regular season playing losing teams in 4 out of their 5 games. If this team could get a bit more production out of the QB position, they could see themselves climb out the bottom of the West. 

Final Record: (4-6)

 

Central 

 

Goofy Goobers (4-1) 

The dynamic rookie duo of Ryan Shapiro and Max Burah, have this team playing a lot better than anybody, including yours truly had thought, and given them a huge spark offensively. 

 

On the other side of the ball, the dangerous combo of Jarryd Taylor and  Daniel Pisaturo, have set the tone defensively. If the team can one to two more contributions on a consistent basis from some other members of their roster, they’ll really be in business. 

Final Record: (9-1) 

 

Rolling Rock (3-3) 

This team started off the season looking like the club we all have seen over the years, but three straight losses to the Warriors, Smokin Axolotls, and Goofy Goobers, have burst the team’s bubble. This is a critical point of the season for the veteran squad, as they close out the campaign against 4 more top end teams.

 

Rolling Rock, will have to finish at least .500 in that stretch to not only maintain some semblance of respectability, but to possibly even make the playoffs. 

Final Record: (5-5)   

 

Channel 4 News Team (3-2) 

This team definitely put the rest of the division on notice with a shocking 24-6 blowout win over Victorious Secret last Sunday night. With arguably the best defense in D6, Channel 4 News Team, has only allowed two teams to score more than 20 points on them. It’ll be really interesting to see how they fare against heavyweights Super Troopers, as well as the Ravens and N.W.O.  

 

It will also be interesting to see not only what receiver other than Tyler Baliesh, steps up their game, but more importantly, who the team will roll with at QB, as they have tried Greg Castiel, and Gabriel Salo, already this season. 

Final Record: (5-5)

 

Dez Nuts (2-3) 

QB Justin Ferrara, has looked good so far this season, with 12 TD passes, and only 1 INT. The team’s pass-catchers led by Jono Mandracchia and Bo Giroux, have been solid as well. The squad has two tough games coming up against the Warriors and Savage Mode, but than finishes with a softer schedule over the final 3 weeks. Let’s see what happens.   

Final Record: (4-6) 

 

Farmers (1-4) 

Marc-Antoine Jette, has been a beast on both sides of the ball so far this year. The rookie has an impressive 7 TDs and 6 INTs. For the team to add some more W’s in the win column, they will need other players to step it up, and help on both sides of the ball.   

Final Record: (2-8) 

 

 

Conference B 

 

East 

 

Smokin Axolotls (4-2) 

Despite losing a lot of firepower this off-season, the Spring season Division Div E finalist, have proven that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Credit to team captain Stef Fennes, for finding quality replacements for Jason Kokolakis, Will Power, and Jason Rossie. Defense is still the crew’s backbone, as they have held 4 teams to 2 touchdowns or less.  

 

That strong will be tested however, as they close out the regular season with games versus the Broke Boys, Warriors, Savage Mode, and Pardon My Swag. 

Final Record (7-3) 

 

Super Troopers (3-2) 

Led by sack-master Zackary Alberts-Gill, this is an aggressive team that can make plays and turn around the game at the drop of a hat. The only red flag about his team besides their ability to hit the deep ball, is the fact that they haven’t beaten a contender yet. While they have the talent to do so, they fell short against the Greendale Human Beings and Smokin Axolotls.

 

Next up for Gabriel Wiseman and the crew, is a potential game of the year matchup with the Mogadishu Pirates this Sunday night at t he Stinger Dome. They also have games versus the Ravens, Victorious Secret, and a rising Channel 4 News Team. Let’s see what happens. 

Final Record: (6-3-1) 

 

Blitz Babes (3-2) 

This team is coming off of the biggest upset of the week, with a 24-19 win over the Greendale Human Beings. With an easy schedule remaining, let’s see if thee double B can gain some momentum, and make a push for the post-season. Wherever the squad goes, team MVP Matthew Gottlieb (provided he stays at DB and WR instead of QB, and the underrated Eric Vosko, will lead the way. 

Final Record: (7-3) 

 

Greendale Human Beings (3-2) 

This team looked like they were among the elite in the division earlier this season, but with a surprising loss to the Blitz Babes, this team is in danger of falling back into middle of the pack territory. With a schedule that only sees them play one top tier team left in the N.W.O, the Greendale Human Beings with have plenty of chances to right the ship. Helping them do just that, will be the Aylward brothers (Danny and Brandon), the criminally underrated Alex Joltopuf, and redzone threat Rohan Bennett. 

Final Record: (6-4) 

 

Bruins (1-4)  

The move down from D5, was supposed to help the B’s get some wins. So far, the B’s have only found the win column once. Although they aren’t getting the results they want, the team has shown some promise for the future, with talented players like Jerry Waskiw, Antoine Huynh, Victor Terceira, and  Nelson Pereira. 

 

 Although their only W of the season came in Wek 1 with a victory over the Rogue Squad, the team has a chance to add to their total in the over the final 5 weeks, with  games against FBG and One Speed: Power. Another to key to success, would be fixing an offense that has scored more than 3 touchdowns only twice this season. Their 41-26 loss to the Smokin Axolotls. Was a step in the right direction offensively. Hopefully they can build on it. 

Final Record: (3-7) 

 

West  

 

Ravens (4-0-1) 

I’ve talked in the past about the team’s struggles offensively. At the end of the day however, the Ravens have a zero in the loss column, so they are obviously finding ways to get the job done. With remaining games against the Super Troopers, Victorious Secret, Channel 4 News Team, Broke Boys, and Victorious Secret, the one point lead that the team has for the top spot in the West, will definitely be tested, as will the poise of first-time Quarterback Gabriel Boyer. How the second-year player responds as the competition gets tougher, and the race for the playoffs heats up will be huge for a team that appears to play up and down to their competition. 

Final Record: (7-2-1) 

 

Pardon My Swag (4-1) 

This veteran squad got a dose of youth and play-making ability with the additions of two-way stud Michael Khazaka, and FPF Jr Quarterback Avery Lalla. Both players have been instrumental in Pardon My Swag’s (4-1) start to the season, and blended in nicely with vets Brad Evans, Alex Torres, and Myles Keiller. The play of Quarterback Jesse Racine, has also been impressive, as the 6-year vet has quieted the critics including yours truly, with his solid play.   

 

The schedule-makers have done Pardon My Swag no favors, as their final 5 games are against the Sons of Mitches, Warriors, Rolling Rock, Smokin Axolotls, and the Mogadishu Pirates. Let’s see how the guys with the swag fare. 

Final Record: (7-3) 

 

The Spanish Inquisition (2-3) 

Maybe these guys should change their name to the Buck Brothers, as both Chad and Jared, have been great for the first-year squad. The problem however, for the third place team is, no one else has really stepped up so far. While Rusher Benjamin Bourque’s 4 sacks are promising, the team will need a lot more help than that if they want to make the post-season.  

Final Record: (4-6) 

 

The Baker Boys (1-4-1) 

Quarterback Marc-André Senécal, and Wide Receiver Joey Musumeci, have been a lethal combination this season, as they’ve connected for 6 TDs so far this year. Just like The Spanish Inquisition, the question is, where will the rest of the team’s production come from? For the Baker Boys to find win number 2, they will need to figure it out sooner rather than later. 

Final Record: (1-8-1) 

 

The Money Team (1-4) 

This team is a play away from being 3-2. Unfortunately, football is a game of inches, and The Money Team is still scratching to get theirs. With only one receiver with more than 100 yards receiving this season in Brian Moriello (how does that happen?) the offense desperately needs someone to step up and take control, and make a play. Who exactly that will be, is a mystery that needs to be solved ASAP. How Lusson Pierre and Marco Testa aren’t dominating is beyond me. 

Final Record: (1-8-1) 

 

Central 

 

Warriors (4-1-1) 

I think it’s safe to say that the Warriors are back. After starting the campaign 0-1-1, the team has won 4 in a role, and scored over 30 points during the streak, as Quarterback Michael Solimene has picked up where he left off from the Spring Season.  

 

The last 3 games of the regular season, sees the gold and blue take on Pardon My Swag, the Smokin Axolotls, and the Mogadishu Pirates, in what could be the game of the year. The team’s underrated defense which is led by Savva Stefanidis and Januson Vas, will definitely be tested. 

Final Record: (7-2-1) 

 

N.W.O (3-0-2) 

The veteran squad has proven year-after-year, that wit Michael Sanchez leading the way, they can put up points on anybody. This year however, despite the presence of play-makers Stephen Tirelli, Vito Notturno, and Peter Mignacca, the defense has been the problem, as they have struggled to generate turnovers and sacks. For a team that usually breezes through the regular season, they will absolutely have to solve those two big issue if they want to make a long post-season run.  

Final Record: (6-2-2) 

 

Victorious Secret (3-1-1) 

One of the best turnaround stories in all of FPF, Victorious Secret is not the doormat that they used to be. That’s great for them, and for the entire division. Despite coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Chanel 4 News Team last Sunday night, I expect this team to rebound, as they are led by two-way play-makers Giovanni Bavota and Vince Pisano, and fantastic Rusher Sammy Falletta.  

 

The play of Quarterback Domenic D’Onfrio will be huge down the stretch, as this team who is experiencing winning for the first time, will be tested with games against the Rolling Rock, Super Troopers, and Ravens. 

Final Record: (6-3-1) 

 

Cette Équipe Là (1-4)  

In all honesty, I like this team. They are hard-working, and have a never-say-die attitude that is refreshing.  

 

So far this year, the tea’s biggest play-makers, have been the Nicolas Lefebvre, Philippe Tremblay, and Jean-Sébastien Doré. Getting Lefebvre and Tremblay early and often the ball on offense, will be key for Quarterback Gabriel Béland-Lapointe’s, and the team’s success. 

Final Record: (1-9) 

 

One Speed: Power (0-5) 

The biggest shock of the season has been the play of this squad. I’ve said in the articles, as well as on the podcast, that the acquisitions the team made this year in Will Power and Lucas Blanchard, combined with a veteran core made up of the likes of Delta Rarocca, Antonio D’Aversa, and of course Peeze,  would make these guys a contender.

 

Clearly, that hasn’t been the case, as a disjointed offense and a overall lack of chemistry have doomed a One Speed: Power team that has been stuck in neutral (sorry, I had to) all season. While I do think they will avoid going winless, if this season has taught me anything, it’s that anything is possible. 

Final Record: (1-9) 

 

Picks (favorites in bold) 

Broke Boys vs Ravens – Broke Boys 

 

FBG vs The Spanish Inquisition – The Spanish Inquisition

 

Goofy Goobers vs Cette Équipe Là – Goofy Goobers

 

Los Avocados vs Greendale Human Beings – Greendale Human Beings

 

Sticknmovers vs Bruins – Sticknmovers 

 

Channel 4 News Team vs n.W.o. – N.W.O (My pick for Game of the Week) 

 

Mogadishu Pirates vs Super Troopers – Super Troopers (Upset Special #1) 

 

DGC vs The Money Team – DGC 

 

Farmers vs One Speed: Power – One Speed: Power (Upset Special #2) 

 

Rogue Squad vs Blitz Babes – Blitz Babes 

 

Savage Mode vs Smokin Axolotls – Smokin Axolotls 

 

Sons of Mitches vs Pardon My Swag – Pardon My Swag 

 

Dez Nuts vs Warriors – Warriors 

 

Goon Squad vs The Baker Boys – Goon Squad 

 

Rolling Rock vs Victorious Secret – Rolling Rock (Upset Special #3) 

 

*My apologizes for last week, I realize too late, that I didn’t pick a winner for The Spanish Inquisition/The Money Team game. I’ll take a loss for that one. 

 

Last Week: 8-6-1 

 

Season: 27-20-4 

 

That’s it for this week. Just a reminder once again, to tune in to the FPF YouTube channel or on the flagplusfootball.COM website, on Tuesdays from 9PM – 9:30PM, to hear the Division 6 podcast, hosted by Paolo Della Rocca, Stefan Fennes, Antonio D’Aversa, and yours truly. It’s a lot of fun, you guys should check it out, it gets better and better each week. 

 

If you liked the article, hated it, or simply felt that I left something out, please feel free to reach me at [email protected]