Division C: Mid-Season Report Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of the Mid-Season Report. Last week we looked at 12 Division C teams. More specifically we looked at where they are, what they have done, and what I think they will do in the second half of the season. Like I said in last week’s article, don’t look for grades.

Here we go…

Idaho Udapimps (6-0)

They are the consensus top team in Division C. A big reason for their success is their top ranked defense which allows an average of 17 points a game. While their offense isn’t the best, the third-place ranking isn’t bad at all, as the unit puts up 42 PPG.

Looking at their remaining schedule, IU faces the West Island Boys, Big Fat Bats, Air Laval, and Fins Up. Finishing with a perfect regular season record won’t be easy. The question now is, do we take the team or the field? I am picking Idaho Udapimps.

Team MVP: Brady Ohanessian – When your team sits undefeated, there are a lot of players to choose from when trying to pick a team’s most valuable player. This squad is no different, but the name that stands above the rest is Quarterback Brady Ohanessian, who has looked like an elite passer with 33 touchdowns, a 69% completion percentage, and only four interceptions.

Prediction: (10-0)

Backfield Penetration (3-3)

This team is deep as they come, as they 19 players who have suited up for at least one game. That depth will be tested down the stretch as they close out the regular season against Air Laval, Team Ethnik, Killer Rays, and a huge matchup with Friends with Danny.

Looking at what they’ve done so far, they have a signature (42-8) blowout win over Les Petites Carottes last Sunday in Laval. The victory gave the team two victories in their last three games. Let’s see if backfield Penetration can build off the momentum, they got from their win over Les Petites Carottes.

Team MVP: Raffaele Morelli – Rushers deserve some love too, and Morelli leads the Division with 12 sacks, and is the driving force behind a defense that has 13 interceptions and three touchdowns.

Prediction: (6-4)

West Island Boys (4-2)

They are coming off a stunning loss to Mengoose, where the West Island Boys couldn’t get off the field on defense or stop the numerous crossing routes run by their opponent’s Receivers, which neutralized the effectiveness of Rusher Julian McLaren-Thompson.

On offense, the team simply couldn’t find a rhythm as missed throws and dropped balls were the story of the game on that side of the ball.

The team is trying to pull off a delicate balance of trying to win while developing a succession plan in-season, as they are starting to transition to life without starting Quarterback Zack Stacey, who will be leaving the team at season’s end, and giving reps at the position to the fast and athletic Nicholas Di Maulo.

The West Island Boys will look to rebound from their surprising loss, but it won’t be easy as they take on Idaho Udapimps, in what should be a thriller Sunday night in Brossard. Following that contest they take on Win Diesel, Les Renards Vifs, and Bleue Dry. They have the hardest remaining schedule in Division C. Let’s see how they handle it.

Team MVP: Skylar Bayliff – He leads the team in touchdown receptions, interceptions, pass deflections. He is basically the straw that stirs the drink.

Prediction: (7-3)

Bleue Dry (3-3)

This team missed the playoffs last year in Division D. This season they have appeared to have all but locked up a spot to the dance, as they currently sit in the 11^th spot in the standings.

A key to their success this year has been the improvements shown by Quarterback Frederic Juneau. The former All-Star tossed 45 touchdown passes last summer with just six interceptions. So far, he has thrown 22 TDs and nine INTs. Although he might not surpass 45 TD, his improvement of his completion percentage (52.5% to 65% isa huge jump, and a big reason why the team’s offense averages nearly 30 points per game (29.1).

Bleue Dry is coming off a heartbreaking (48-42) loss to Big Fat Bats last Tuesday at Marie Vic. They will look to rebound exactly a week later with another tough test as they take on Jagerbomb, as they attempt to snap their two-game slide. After that, they also go head-to-head with Air Laval, Mengoose, and West Island Boys.

Team MVP: Felix Cossette – He leads the team in touchdowns and has five in his last two games. He also is first in interceptions with three.

Prediction: (5-5)

Win Diesel (6-1)

After their (40-20) blowout loss to Fins Up, Win Diesel responded in a big way one night later as they pulled out a (33-32) win over the Rico Ryders, curtesy of a defensive stand on the last play of the game that saw the WD shutdown the 2-point conversion attempt their opponents.

Win Diesel has three games left before the post-season. They will take on Big Fat Bats, West Island Boys, and Trapstars. All three of those games will push the resolve of Win Diesel and force them to prove that they can knock off veteran squads with big game experience.

Team MVP: Will Sebag – He is the best player on both sides of the ball for his team, and he can use his size and speed to make plays no matter what position he plays.

Prediction (7-3)

The Commission (1-5-1)

The tie they scored to start off their regular season versus the Big Fat Bats in Week 2 is the main reason they are still hanging on to a playoff spot, as well as proof that they are better than what their record indicates.

This team is loaded with talent, but a constantly changing roster, and a plethora of crunch-time mistakes have repeatedly cost this team time and time again.

To clinch a spot to the dance, this team must find a way to squeeze together at least two more victories. With matchups against WAREHOUSE, Trinity, and Mengoose, the schedule will give them a chance to do exactly that, even though TC has failed to so on multiple occasion so far. Will they finally snap their five-game losing streak and secure a playoff spot?

Team MVP: Richie Mondesir and Matt Peacock – two guys who hate losing are trying their best to keep things afloat by making plays while the rest of the team works through its inconsistency and bad timing.

Prediction: (4-5-1)

The Penetrators (3-2-1)

Their record is decent (my team would kill for that right now), but if you look beneath the surface, they haven’t beaten a good team, as their wins have come against WAREHOUSE, Trapstars, Team Ethnik, and they have a (28-28) tie against the winless Killer Rays. They also have a four-point loss to Bleue Dry which is nothing to be ashamed of, but their two-touchdown loss to the Big Fat Bats, give truth to statement about the quality of their wins. 

The Penetrators have games left against Les Renards Vifs, Pacemakers, Never Overtime, and Air Laval. Winning at least two of those would not only help them climb the playoff positioning ladder, but perhaps also boost their credibility.

Team MVP: Nicholas Fon – The second-year player is having a solid season, as he leads his team in targets, catches, yards, touchdowns, and tackles.

Prediction: (4-5-1)

Killer Rays (0-4-1)

The first of the winless teams to make this version of the list, the Killer Rays have the most talent of the three teams still searching for their first win, but just like others, they lack execution and an offense that can produce consistently.

Turnovers are a big problem for the unit, as Quarterback Tyler Bianchi has 12 interceptions to go with only 15 touchdown passes. Bianchi is a dual-threat passer, as evidenced by his 221 rushing yards and 12-yard average, but teams have forced him to have to make big time throws, and the results haven’t been there yet.

This team struggles on defense, as they have only three interceptions, and a unit that gives up an average of 38.2 points per game. That needs to change.

On tap, the team has a matchup with Friends with Danny, followed by Backfield Penetration, Pacemakers, Team Ethnik, and Nighthawks. Two of those contests are winnable. The question is, can the Killer Rays handle their business?

Team MVP: Jared Arany – The Rusher has eight sacks and is the team’s only real threat on that side of the ball. If this team has any hopes of turning their season around and making a late playoff push, it will first start with their defense, with Arany serving as the key.

Prediction: (1-8-1)

Big Fat Bats (5-0-1)

This team has surprised many with their start, as they currently in the true contender conversation. The Big Fat Bats have shown they can win close games and blowouts, which is the true sign of a good team.

Offensively, they have been potent, as only six teams have scored more than the 226 points the BFB offense has put up. The unit is led by Quarterback Michael Caparelli, who has put himself in the QB of the Year award conversation, with 25 touchdown passes and only three interceptions in just five games played. The connection he has developed with his top two targets in AJ Zeppetelli and Manu Allard-Roy has been a strong one as the trio has combined for 14 TDs.

The Big Fat Bat’s only blemish on the year was a tie versus The Commission, that feels like a lifetime ago. They wrap up the regular season with games against Never Overtime, Win Diesel, Idaho Udapimps, and Team Ruthless. Two easy games, and a pair of Game of the Year candidates. You can’t ask for anything more than that. Let’s see what happens.

Team MVP: Michael Caparelli – He has been a surprise entrant into the best Quarterback award, but his steady and sometimes spectacular play have guided his team all year.

Prediction: (8-1-1)

Air Laval (2-2)

The workings of the schedule have confused many including yours truly, and this year is no different as it has frustrated me beyond my wildest dreams. The fact that most teams have played six and in some cases seven games, and Air Laval, has only touched the field four times is crazy to me.

When they do have to play, this team has looked good over their last two games, as they have put up a combined total of 82 points versus the Pacemakers and Trapstars, while surrendering just 46.

The team’s remaining schedule sees them play Backfield Penetration, Bleue Dry, Les Renards Vifs, Idaho Udapimps, Team Ethnik, and The Penetrators. Due to the brilliance of the schedule, this team will basically play those last four contests over a 13-day period. Good luck.

Team MVP:  – Emile Taillefer and Gabriel-Charles Dabe Champagne – The former McGill Receiver turned QB has 23 touchdown passes and only three interceptions while completing an impressive 62% of his passes, while his top weapon in Dabe Champagne, has been a monster with 20 catches for 371 yards, 12 TDs, and average of 19 yards per catch, good for third in the division.

Prediction: (6-4)

Pacemakers (2-4)

Jason Rossie is a veteran Quarterback who has won a lot of big games in this league, and has a solid group of Receivers, but right now his offense is struggling as there only four other teams who have produced less than the 128 points his unit has put up. Turnovers have been a problem, as Rossie has 12 interceptions to only 18 touchdown passes, to go along with a 59% completion percentage. For a team that is currently clinging to one of the six final playoff spots, they will need to improve that area in a hurry.

Defensively, this steam has some big-time performers in Shane Williams, Chris Brockwell, Emerson Peterkin, and Zachary Vincent, but the unit is still susceptible to giving up big plays. They also are getting enough support from their offense, which leads to them being on the field too much.

Looking at their remaining games, this team has a chance to turn things around as they have arguably the easiest remaining schedule. They take on Trapstars, Killer Rays, The Penetrators, and Nighthawks. Can Rossie get his team, and more specifically their offense back on track?

Team MVP: Zachary Vincent – Defensively, he leads the team in tackles with 20, and four pass deflections. On the other side of the ball, he is tied for the team lead in touchdowns with four as well.

Prediction: (5-5)

Trapstars (2-5)

They are coming off a much-needed win over The Commission Wednesday night in Laval. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the veteran squad.

With three games remaining, the Trapstars have a chance to solidify their spot in the post-season, as they close out against Pacemakers, Jagerbomb, and Win Diesel. Can this team pull off an upset against one of the final two teams?

Team MVP: Jordy Melnik – The red head is bringing all the spice to his team, as he leads them in touchdowns with 12, and both tackles and interceptions, with 20 and two respectively.

Prediction: (3-7)

Nighthawks (0-5)

One of three winless teams remaining, the Nightshawks are deep and have talent, but inexperience at Quarterback with Fabrice Robillard behind Snapper, and a defense that hasn’t surrendered less than 25 points this year and remarkably has produced only one interception, has been a huge hole to climb out of.

Looking for their first victory of the year, the team has a prime opportunity as they take on one of those other winless teams in Team Ruthless this Sunday. If they can’t get a win there, they will have to try and get one versus either Mengoose, Rico Ryders, Pacemakers, or the Killer Rays, the other team searching for their first win.

Team MVP: Reginald Prophete – He is the one of the few shinning stars in a dreadful season so far, as the second-year blazer leads the team in yards and touchdowns with 334 and seven respectively.

Prediction: (0-10)

Picks

Rico Ryders vs Les Petites Carottes – Rico Ryders (Upset Special #1)

The Penetrators vs Les Renards Vifs – Les Renards Vifs

The Commission vs WAREHOUSE – The Commission

Idaho Udapimps vs West Island Boys – Idaho Udapimps

Nighthawks vs Team Ruthless – Team Ruthless (Upset Special #2)

Big Fat Bats vs Never Overtime – Big Fat Bats

Trinity vs Never Overtime – Trinity

Backfield Penetration vs Air Laval – Backfield Penetration (My pick for Game of the Week)

Jagerbomb vs Bleue Dry – Jagerbomb

Killer Friends with Danny – Friends with Danny

Pacemakers vs The Penetrators – Pacemakers

Les Petites Carottes vs Jagerbomb – Les Petites Carottes (Upset Special #3)

Bleue Dry vs Air Laval – Bleue Dry

Last Week: (8-5)

Regular Season: (44-17-1)

Upset Special: (5-6)

That is it for this week. Enjoy the long weekend, and if you have kids, let them enjoy their summer vacation, and make sure they play outside. Too many screens and not enough exercise and fresh air.

Before I go, last week I mentioned that I would announce the release date for the episode with new FPF Owner Jeff Rosenblatt, on my podcast The 514 Show. It will be available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and wherever else you get podcasts on Monday July 1^st. Make sure to download, share, and check it out. I will be recording an episode with our old boss man at FPF, in Rob Campagna this week. I’ll let you know as soon as we decide a release date for that. In the meantime, we put out new episodes EVERY Monday. Take a listen, download, and share.

If you liked the article, hated it, or simply felt like I left something out, please feel free to contact me at [email protected], or on the FPF Facebook page.