Division D Week 3 Recap

What a great week in sports.

I think that if you are reading this and playing in FPF, you have at least some kind of appreciation for sports and competition in general.

It’s been an eventful week as the Cavaliers blew their chance to shock the world and take Game 1 and the Stanley Cup Finals sit tied at 1. To be fair, I’m in the group of the population that blames the refs for taking the game away from the Cavs. While J.R. Smith’s bonehead move was one of the worst we have seen, it didn’t cost them the game. The refs overturning a charging foul and George Hill missing the free throw are what caused the loss in my opinion.

I’ve been enjoying the NHL Finals just as much as it’s been great to see Vegas perform as well as they have and to see Ovechkin finally compete for the cup. Sidney has enough already, Ovi deserves a chance. I used the word chance on purpose as I see the Cup ending up in the desert but I am sure that’s not an unpopular opinion.

When it comes to FPF, I want to personally thank Steve Sanner for being who he is. Tie game against The Sheriff and only because I threw two second half picks, Steve picks off Luis Begin with 2 plays remaining and runs it into the endzone to give us a 6 point lead and only 1 play remaining. I’m not even mad that he celebrated on his way into the endzone and we had to play with 5 on the last play of the game. If you get a pick 6 to put your team up with less than 5 plays left, I’m pretty sure you have the right to do whatever you want.

Other than the short recap of our game, there were a few upsets this week and that’s one of the best parts of FPF. Division D as a whole has been competitive in year’s past and this season should be no different. I can easily see a team going undefeated during the regular season and losing in the first round, there’s just that much parity 

For the recaps which we will jump into soon, you’ll see that the theme of the week for D1 was 1 point victories. As for D2, we saw experience triumph over newly formed teams.

Finally, “You Ball, You get the Call” taught me a few things this week. Shoutout to Joey Taylor for making me look up what a Baby Kangaroo is called and for an added laugh, I encourage you to check out the urban dictionary definition as well.

The other point that caught my eye were a few comments by Jean-Christophe Ferland and I wonder if that will create some bulletin board material for David De Andrade. As they say on youtube, let me know in the comments. I mean, check out the interviews below to see what I mean.

Finally, last but not least, here’s your game of the week between Ball So Hard U. and Les Blues Branleurs filmed by the very talented and controversial Lance Daniel. For those playing in Div D who don’t have a lot of experience in the higher divisions, I also recommend checking out his Unofficial Game of the Week this week to catch a game between #NR and Freshmen.

 

 

Week 3 – Recaps

 

Division D1

Gotham Knights 28 vs. Blazin’ Bayou 27

I can tell you from experience that if the other QB throws 2 interceptions and you have a relatively perfect game and still lose, it can be one of the more frustrating things to happen in FPF. That’s exactly the situation that Dilan Daoust found himself in as Gotham Knights managed to keep the game close even though they gave Blazin’ Bayou a few extra possessions and the Knights’ closed out the game with an one more extra point than the Bayou.

The teams were incredibly even matched in this game. Both teams managed about 165 yards of total offense and each QB utilized most of his wide receives without anybody really having a huge game. 5 receivers in this game had 40 yards or more and everybody had at least 2 catches. If that’s not well balanced, I don’t know what is. The biggest surprise for me in this game was the impact Mike Collard had in the losing effort. Chris Rivest is known for his ability to extend plays and use his legs but he only managed 11 yards and was sacked 3 times and the pressure by Collard forced 2 interceptions on top of that.

Ultimately, as I have said in the past, the game came down to extra points. The experience of Rivest won out and Daoust’s only mistake cost them. It’s only Daoust’s 2nd full season playing QB, so I expect him to get even better and I put the blame more on the Bayou defense which was not as swamp like as they would have hoped. Daoust went 3 for 4 and Rivest was perfect which was the story of the game. One mistake can cost you when you’re playing against a worthy opponent. Most of us know that all too well.

 

Texas BareManz 19 vs. Ice Up 18

In our second game of the week, Texas BareManz edge out in an extremely close game that wasn’t short of a little bit of controversy. Interestingly enough, the winning QB in this game also threw 2 interceptions and his opponent did not throw any. It makes you think just how important starting with the ball may be. I know most teams prefer to start with it in the second half, but a huge part of me thinks you can do more damage by setting the momentum quickly in the first half.

Both Jack Zergiotis and Andrew Treffeisen threw for under 60% completion and it was difficult for either to figure out the opposing defense. Ice Up got their first touchdown from Max Marini, however there final two scores were to Jordan Mcinnis who did not have a huge presence in this game on offense but made up for it by scoring late to give Ice Up the lead. Right before that, though, Eric Paquette picked up Andrew Treffeisen in their endzone to give them a chance. 

The controversy that I alluded to earlier was on the ensuing drive. While BareManz were driving, one ref called a flag guarding penalty while the other ref said it was fair play. The reason why this was such a big play in the game was because both teams argued the call at length and the arguing would eventually be the down fall for Ice Up. The arguing meant that there was just enough time for BareManz to eventually score on 4th down on a nice pass to the ever so dangerous Jaylan Grandison on 4th down.

Both teams should be just fine as the season unfolds but it was a huge positive for Texas BareManz who got their first win of the season against a strong opponent. It should lead to some confidence that will spill over into this week against a strong team in Beer View Mirrors.

 

Division D2

 

Touched by An Angeletti 37 vs. Thunder Buddies 6

Touched by An Angeletti wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in this one as they scored on the opening play of the game and that set the tone for the rest of the game. Thunder Buddies QB Frankie Scalzo did a good job at holding onto the ball and meticulously moving down the field and holding possession but just couldn’t seem to punch it in. On two different drives, Thunder Buddies were within reach, but interceptions in the endzone for touchbacks by both Mike Knopp and Cory Schiffman were huge momentum killers.

After a pretty stingy first half by both defences, we entered the second half with Touched by An Angeletti up 13-0. The second half was more of the same as Feinberg scored twice more and Frankie Scalzo also got one this time on a pass to Myles Keiller. Both Keller and Mathieur Kieljan saw a lot of targets and catches in the losing effort.

While both teams have a good amount of experience and skill, this was the difference between a team in the upper echelon of the division against a team that will most likely be fighting for a playoff spot at the end of the season. Now at 0-3, Thunder Buddies will have some soul searching to do to turn things around. There are tons of positives on this team but something just doesn’t seem to be working. As for Touched by An Angeletti, if you don’t know about them by now, you should probably play closer attention.

 

Blazed and Confused 16 vs. Dream Breakers 32

I’m beginning to think that Blazed and Confused are taking their name a little too literally. It hasn’t been a great start to the season for these guys and this game wasn’t much better, although kudos to them for getting their first points of the season. To be fair, I tip my hat to them because most of their team is new and they look to have wanted a challenge and not simply entered into division E although I’m pretty sure they would fit in the cap.

Dream Breakers made it look pretty routine and had a strong game. Sebastien Dallaire used Philippe Pettinicchi for the short game and hit Philippe Lefebvre and Pierre-Alexandre Tache on deeper routes. Ramez Popal-Hamidi, Pierre-Alexandre Tache and Youri Belanger all had big games defensively as well for 7 tackles, a sack, 2 pass deflections and 3 interceptions combined. Regardless of who their opponent was, being 2-1 is much better than being 1-2, especially seeing as they have a date with the Baby Kangaroos this week. 

For Blazed and Confused, something’s gotta give. It may be worth switching things up, including possibly a change at QB in the hopes of getting in the win column. Because most of their guys are new, I won’t begin to suggest I know what could work, but I can tell you that the formula hasn’t worked so far. Things won’t get any easier over these next 3 weeks coming up as they play against 3 teams who all have winning records.

 

Power Rankings

 

A few upsets this week caused for the biggest change in the Power Rankings to date.

 

Division D1

1. All Hooks (3-0) – My new number 1 team. They have looked unbeatable and have the second best +/1 minus in the Division.
2. Half-A-Stars (3-0) – Solid all around, but just a touch less explosive than All Hooks in my opinion.
3. Show Me Your TDs (3-0) – There’s just something to be said about their chemistry and confidence of this team.
4. Homosapiens (3-0) – Team does not look like they have any holes, but they have not been blowing out teams either.
5. Gotham Knights (3-0) – Only winning by a point concerns me a little bit, but the record speaks for itself.
6. B.D. Bandits (3-0) – Ok, I lied a little bit. I will try to be as objective as possible. Throwing our team into 6 as one of the 6 unbeaten teams. Huge game against Takeover this week should be a great test.
7. Moss City (2-1) – Out of all of the teams that sit 2-1, they have impressed me the most. Their only loss comes against my number 1 seed and it was by two points.
8. Ice Up (2-1) – Interesting to see these guys slip up, but they have the potential to bounce back quickly. I’m not overly concerned.

 

Division D2

1. Cheat Code (3-0) – I think this team can go undefeated. Their biggest challenges will be this week against the Longhorns and maybe against Tough Lungs and Ball So Hard U. They lucked out, schedule wise.
2. Baby Kangaroos (3-0) – Are Joey Taylor and Zach Zwirn the best 1-2 punch in Div D? I think they make a case for it.
3. Touched by An Angeletti (3-0) – Their numbers are a bit inflated because of a forfeit, but they have come to play when needed.
4. Adonis A’s (2-0) – Definitely my surprise of the season. I’m looking forward to seeing them play Baby Kangaroos and Green Lantern Corps back to back.
5. Green Lantern Corps (2-1) – Lost to a very good opponent but still have them as my best 2-1 team.
6. Hot Boys Hotline (2-1) – As I’ve been saying, an athletic, experienced team who can sometimes shoot themselves in the foot as they did this past week.
7. Tough Lungs (2-1) – They beat the team just below them who were undefeated coming in.
8. Wrecking Crew (2-1) – One game does not a season make – however they will have to turn things around quickly against Full Senders and Green Lantern Corps in the next two weeks.

 

Predictions – Week 4

D-1

Show Me Your TDs vs. Homosapiens – Show Me Your TDs

The Sheriff vs. Smokin’ Axolotls – The Sheriff

B.D. Bandits vs. Takeover – B.D. Bandits

Comeback SZN vs. Diablos – Diablos

Super Saiyans vs. Half-A-Stars – Super Saiyans

Texas BareManz vs. Beer View Mirrors – Texas BareManz

Ice Up vs. Gotham Knights – Ice Up

For The Show vs. Supply and Command – For the Show

All Hooks vs. MTL Freshmans – All Hooks

Moss City vs. Fun Boys – Moss City

Green Hornets vs. Blazin’ Bayou – Blazin’ Bayou

Renegades vs. The Brotherhood – The Brotherhood

 

D-2

Adonis A’s vs. Blazed and Confused – Adonis A’s

Green Lantern Corps vs. Sunday Touch Boys – Green Lantern Corps

Baby Kangaroos vs. Dream Breakers – Baby Kangaroos

Wrecking Crew vs. Full Senders – Wrecking Crew

Longhorns vs. CheatCode – CheatCode

Ball So Hard U. vs. Voodoo – Ball So Hard U.

Mutation vs. Thunder Buddies – Mutation

Browns de Boucherville vs. Team Ethnik – Team Ethnik

Grabuge vs. Les Blues Branleurs – Les Blues Branleurs

Tough Lungs vs. Touched by An Angeletti – Touched by An Angeletti

Hot Boys Hotline vs. Vick in a Box – Hot Boys Hotline

 

“You ball, You get the call”

Shoutout to Justin Lerner who had 4 TDs this week. If anybody of you speak to him, let him know he should check his message requests! Also to Khalil Kerr with a huge two-way game with 5 offensive TDs and two interceptions!

Also, in what is our most controversial entry ever, Francois Martin made the list this week. It’s controversial for two reasons. Firstly, he’s the other writer for the division and secondly, he gets the nod in a week where his team won by default anyways. The question is, should the stats count?

 

Division D1

 

Fun Boys – Scott Mironowicz – 11/18, 146 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 4 rushes, 76 yards, 2 TDs, 3 tackles

After a frustrating start, how does it feel to get the first W and against a very good team at that?

Yea it always feels good to win, especially after the slow start that we’ve had. We had the same problem last season so hopefully this win will point us in the right direction. We all stepped up and made plays to get a much needed win to build off of.

After finally getting to play you a few weeks back, I got to see how much of a dual threat you can be. Is there a reason why you don’t use your legs more often?

I run when I run.. I had a lot of success this past week but it doesn’t work out like that all the time. I’m not as fast as I used to be so I’m trying to work on being a more effective passer. Plus, I think it’s more fun to throw the ball and get the other guys involved. They deserve the ball in their hands as much as I do!

Who’s been your most under the radar player that’s had a big impact on the team this year?

Almost don’t want to say anything to try and keep it that way but his stats make it hard to hide- Wade Taylor. He had two huge interceptions last week, he snaps and also has very reliable hands

 

Half-A-Stars – Andrew Langburt – 18/29, 197 yards, 5 TDs, 3 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PD

Congrats on the back to back player of the week nods! I’ve never had anybody go 3 times in a row, how much would that mean to you?

The best part about being on “you ball, you get the call” is that your team likely won the game, which has been the case so far this season. Don’t get me wrong I love the stats, but without a win the stats don’t feel as good!

Playing on the Coyotes for so long, did you learn a lot of your game from Sammy Feder?

I tried to take as much from him as possible. He’s an unreal quarterback who’s extremely smart and talented. I took what I can from him because our skill sets are obviously different but his playbook is a great reference point and big help to me as a QB.

As I sit here and watch Game 1 of the NBA Finals, if you were a player on either team, who would you compare youself to and why?

I’ve gotta go with the GOAT Shaun Livingston. Riding the coattails of superstars to 2 championships (which I did with Coyotes) while contributing a little too.

 

All Hooks – Thomas Coutu – 1 tackle, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 Def. TD

With victories against Moss City and The Brotherhood so far, would you consider you guys have the best team in the Division?

I think that it’s fair to say that we have a pretty solid team all around. With a solid mobile QB like Charles-Olivier, with a pair of hands like Jeremy has and the big step up in D of Samuel, I strongly believe that we have the potential to be the best team in our Division. After last season’s disappointing loss in Semi, our goal this season is to be the best team and win it all.

Do you have any personal goals for the season?

I do have personal goals. Every season I want to make a difference on my team whether it’s by rushing or receiving but I definitely want to keep my streak of double digits sack season and finally be on the all-star team as a rusher. That would be the ultimate personal goal

Would you compare yourself to any of the pass rushers in the NFL? Who would you pick and why?

I have to go with Von miller! He’s a great rusher and dresses well for those reasons I’d say he’s the NFL rusher player i can compare myself to.

  

Moss City – Andrew Farrier – 16/19 – 202 yards, 6 TDs

Relatively new player and only playing in the spring season, can you share a bit about your background and what got you into flag?

I used to play football at College Jean-Eudes with a bunch of the boys on Moss city. Ben Vanier told me that he was starting a team, and I thought it would be a great way to spend time with my old high school friends.

Does any competition ever arise between you and Arno about the starting QB role?

No competition ever really arises. It all kind of works out as I’m away at school all winter, so he is the guy for the winter, and I am the guy for the spring as he is a little less available in the spring. We will occasionally sub in for each other when once of us can’t make it, but thats about it.

Coming off two games where you guys have put up 50+ points, what’s been working so well?

There are a lot of factors that go into producing points offensively. As we all know it takes everyone to get an offense running, so some days everyone is just a little more on task. It also depends on the pace of the game. The amount of drives we get offensively obviously changes our scoring opportunity by a fair amount.

 

Division D2

 

Baby Kangaroos – Joey Taylor – 10 catches, 88 yards, 3 TDs, 1 PD

Fair to say that this last game was your toughest competition of the season? How did you guys manage to get the W?

Green Lantern Corps was definitely toughest game we’ve had to date, the first two weeks were a breeze so it was a fun competitive game. It wasn’t really that close a game, they scored with 1 play left when we were playing not to get hurt to make it less than 2 scores but they were also missing their best player so I’m sure we’ll see them again in future.

Do you and Zach have any kind of friendly competition going as to who can have a better season?

We knew at the beginning of the year we were the two best WRs in div D2 so there’s for sure competition among us. We’re always talking trash to each other after a TD which fuels the fire and makes us compete even harder.

Definitely curious about how you guys came up with the team name. Who proposed that and how did it stick?

You’ll have to google what they call a baby kangaroo that will give it all away. Fun fact: Also google the urban dictionary of baby kangaroo, it’s pretty funny

 

Longhorns – Jon Moodie – 25/32, 234 yards, 7 TDs, 3 rushes, 7 yards

After two tough losses to start the season, is there a weight off your shoulders after getting your first W?

Not really, we just go out and play one week at a time. The season is 10 games and we always find a way to turn it around.

Things obviously won’t be as easy as last season, but what went into your excellent game this week?

We always have a hard time in spring with missing guys. Last week we had the full team and some great new additions to the Longhorns franchise 😉 Everyone had a job to do and everyone did their part giving us a good win.

Can you explain the hot and cold start?

I just think we got beat by a better team those weeks. We will have a couple more this season as there are a lot of good teams in this Division.

 

Full Senders – Emilio Cecere – 7 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD, 5 tackles, 2 INTs

You’ve had some tough opponents to start the season, how does it feel to get your first win and against a very strong team?

It definitely feels good to get a win, but we don’t really gauge it on how good the team is or not. To be honest I feel like we can win every game regardless of the team we play.

Can you explain the differences in performances so far? What’s been the biggest change between your win and losses?

The difference in performance firstly starts with rust. None of us have really played football in a little while and some of us never have. We just had to get into the groove and start running a little bit hahah. The second thing is attendance. The first game we had 6 players and the second we had 5 for a good period of the first half so everyone was always gassed. If we know our plays and we have all our guys we can definitely be a dangerous team because we’ve got some athletic guys out there who want to win.

Most guys on the team seem to be new, where did you find everybody?

The new guys on the team are all old buddies we went to highschool with. So we have a good time out there playing football with the boys and that’s a really important part of the game.

 

Team Ethnik – Jean-Christophe Ferland – 6 catches, 97 yards, 2 TDs, 1 tackle

Qu’est-ce qui a contribué au gros match offensivement cette semaine?

Le retour de benoit lawlor au poste de quart! David est aussi un tres bon quart arriere mais la chimie que notre groupe de receveurs a avec benoit fait toute la difference!

Quelle a été la plus grande différence entre la semaine 1 et les 2 dernières semaines?

La cohésion en defense! Nous avons appris à jouer les uns avec les autres et nous communiquons beaucoup mieux!

Qui est le meilleur receveur de votre équipe et pourquoi?

Bonne question…je dirais moi, car je crois sincerement que je suis le meilleur receveur de la division! Cependant je dois dire que la chimie que nous avons avec notre quart arriere fait de nous un groupe de receveurs tres dangeureux!!

 

Voodoo – Kevin Marcil – 5 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs, 1 tackle, 2 sacks

Back to back strong games by both you and the team as a whole, does this season feel different than the last?

This season is no different from the others , we always have the same mindset of sticking to the gameplans and giving our bests efforts games after games. I think we’re always looking to have a good season to qualify for the playoffs and make a deeper run each time.

For those who don’t play on multiple teams, is it hard to commit to playing that often? Any challenges that arise?

It’s hard for everybody to play in multiple teams. It takes time in your personal schedule and sometimes for people that has a family to take care of it’s complicated. Personally, for me it’s fun playing with different guys and have different responsibilities/positions from a team to another.

What’s the best part about playing with Frank?

You know what’s nice about playing with Frank Kaye ? He knows how to makes guys elevate their games when the moment comes. He’s a great teacher for rookies also .