Division E: Questions and Statements Edition

Welcome to Week 5 of the FlagPlus Football Spring Season. If you blinked you missed it, but after this week’s slate of games, the first half the season, which has been marked by excitement, surprises, and solid play, will officially be in the books.

 

 

As we march towards the second half of the season, and ultimately the playoffs , there are a couple of questions that need to be answered, and a few things that need to be addressed. I will attempt to look at both topics, in this week’s article called Questions and Statements.

 

Here we go…

 

 

Despite the loss of the dynamic Alex Joltopuf, the Greendale Human Beings haven’t missed a beat, and are clearly the team to beat in Division E.

 

 

I’ve mentioned plenty of times, that you can only play who is on your schedule. As true as that is, teams and more specifically players, should not overlook other teams based on their record. This past week, we saw the Farmers, Here For The Beer, and FACE Jazz, knock off huge favorites in the Little Giants, Striking Samurais, and Los Avocados respectively. As former New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Herm Edwards once said, “You play to win the game.” That applies for both sides.

 

 

As much as people try to bash this division for not having elite Quarterbacks due to the low rating passers need to have to throw here, and because the majority of teams are mostly made up of rookies, or players with little experience, I beg to differ. Div E, has a lot of good young arms, in Avery Lalla, Clay Sequira, Jared Buck, and Danny Aylward to name a few.

 

 

With more experience and patience, there is a good chance that in the next few years, they will start to be the first names mentioned when people talk about FPF Quarterbacks, like QBs Kevin Wyeth, Frédéric Viens, Jonathan Maheu, Rod Mashtoub, and Marco Masciotra are now.

 

 

Stef Fennes absence has been felt on the podcast, but even more so on his team the Smokin Axolotls squad, where last season’s Division E championship runner’s up, are currently sitting at .500, and face a murderer’s row of games, over the next month, ( Super Troopers, Pardon My Swag, Greendale Human Beings, and TBA) then close out the regular season against two opponents they can’t sleep on, in Los Avocados, and The Expendables. Good luck guys!

 

 

For me personally, playing in Div E so far, has been a lot of fun. Standing on the sidelines watching games and taking notes the last couple of seasons, I knew the football and competition was intense, but being in the game and seeing it first-hand, has really shown me what it’s all about. I like it.

 

 

There were a number of key off-season additions to a number of rosters this spring. Zach Zwirn to the Super Troopers, Daron Migdesyan to the Greendale Human Beings, Derrick Fontana and Jonathan McQueen to Dirty Mike n the Boys, Corey Greenaway to the Farmers, Jason Rossie to the Smokin Axolotls, Jared Buck to Just For The Reps, to name a few. Through the first 5 weeks of the season, it appears that all of the moves have paid off. What’s see what they lead to in the second half.

 

 

As is the case every year, there is a reason that the man, the myth, the legend, Leo Gervais, is the head official here in FPF. Game in, game out, Leo is always professional, approachable, and is always good for a joke and/or story or two. Whenever you have a question, or you don’t agree with a call, Leo will talk you through it during and after the game, and always with respect. What more can you ask for?

 

 

Unfortunately, it’s part of the game, but injuries have claimed more than a few players, with some of them even being lost for the year. Frank Kaye, Alexis Bessette, Mike Addona, and Dylan Segal, are just a few players that have been bitten by something bigger than just the regular injury bug.

 

 

Will the Smokin Axolotls regain their form?

 

 

Last year’s team went all the way to Week 7 before they suffered their second loss of the season. As I mentioned earlier, the team is currently sitting at 2-2, and will have to battle through a very tough schedule over the next month. How they fare in those matchups, will likely determine iwhether or not they make the playoffs.

 

 

Who can stop the Greendale Human Beings?

 

 

This has to be the question any team who thinks they are a championship contender has to be asking themselves. At times this season, (especially this past Tuesday) their offense has looked unstoppable, and their overshadowed defense, has been lights-out as well.

 

 

As far as the question is concerned, Pardon My Swag, came excruciatingly close, but that was in Week 1, and close doesn’t count. TBA, tried Tuesday night in Brossard, and they got destroyed 39-19. Up next, is the Homosapiens tonight. Good luck.

 

 

How will TBA respond?

 

 

As I mentioned above, TBA got spanked by the Greendale Human Beings 39-19, in a game, that in all honesty, was over by halftime. Before the game, the rookie team looked like the best bet to stop GHB, given that their offense averaged 35 points a game, and they hadn’t given up more than 20 points on defense. Obviously it didn’t matter.

 

 

What did matter however, is what the Greendale Human Beings were able to do on both sides of the ball to TBA. On offense, whether it was Danny Aylward moving the ball with his feet, or through the air, his team picked up yardage with ease, as Aylward, carved up the middle of their defense in particular, with the help of his brother Brandon, who looked like an arrow going through the snow. And that’s my annual Jim Harbaugh reference…Stupid Jed York…Sigh…

 

 

On the other side of the ball, the pressure provided by the aforementioned Migdesyan, helped limit the passing attack, as he didn’t give QB Clay Sequira, much time to set his feet and make throws (especially the deep passes that the team heavily relies on). Simply put, the first-year passer was on the run all game long.

 

 

Standing on the sideline, it looked as if TBA was in a state of shock at what was happening before the final whistle was sounded. They even started arguing with each other at various points. They’ll have to snap out of it quick, as they face three championship contenders over the next 4 weeks, in the Super Troopers, Smokin Axolotls, and the SPARTANS.

 

 

The secret is now out on how to beat TBA. Let’s see how they adjust.

 

 

Who is the best Wide Receiver in the division?

 

 

Zach Zwirn, Brandon Aylward, Will Power, Rory Semerjian, Edouard Valme, Anthony Siggia, Brandon Keiller, Kevin St-Pierre, Simon Viens, Brenden Sabloff, Eddy Lee, Thomas Zorko, I could go on. Clearly, there are a lot of candidates. We have half a season left, so we’ll definitely get an answer sooner or later.

 

 

Are the Super Troopers ready to ascend?

 

 

The force is strong in them. Sorry, I had too…They got their Quarterback Gabriel Wiseman back, Rusher Zachary Alberts-Gill, is starting to find opposing QBs, Zach Zwirm, has lit the division on fire no matter who he is catching passes from, and most importantly, they are currently on a 2-game winning streak.

 

 

Their next 3 games are against the Smokin Axolotls, Le choix du Président, and TBA. If the Super Troopers can sweep that three games stretch, or at the very least go 2 for 3, they’ll be no doubting the answer to the question.

 

 

Who will be the first winless team to win a game?

 

 

The candidates are the Montreal Raiders, Raccoons,and Fourth & Twenty. Despite their records, all three teams have talented players, and have mostly just fell victim to a lack of execution.

 

 

Low and behold, all three teams will go up against each other over the next two weeks. First up is the Montreal Raiders versus the Raccoons, tonight in Lachine, followed by Fourth & Twenty taking on the Montreal Raiders, June 19th at Stade de Montreal. Don’t sleep on these games, they should be good ones.

 

 

After Dirty Mike n the Boys, who is the best team defensively in Div E?

 

 

When you give up only 31 Points after 4 games like Dirty Mike n the Boys have, you know you’re doing something right. I’ve talked in detail during previous articles, as well as the podcast, about the off-season additions that the team has made, so I won’t go into it again here. Simply put, as good as the Greendale Human Beings have been offense, DMNTB, have been just as good on defense.

 

 

To answer the question, I am looking at The Expendables, Moss City, Just For The Reps, FACE Jazz, Little Giants, Los Avocados, and the Hot Boys Hotline. Just to be clear, I am not saying that any of those teams are as good as Dirty Mike n the Boys, but that hunt for the second best defense is pretty close.

 

 

Who is the biggest sleeper in Conference A?

 

 

As of right now, the candidates appear to be the Farmers, West Delisle Squad, YAMAJO, and the Striking Samurais.

 

 

Each team has its strong points, and their flaws. It’s a matter of exploiting the former, and limiting the latter, the closer we get to the playoffs.

 

 

Who is the best defensive player in Division E?

 

 

Right now, I would put my money on FACE Jazz’s Joshua Hidalgo-Trivilidis. But, we still have 6 games to go, and players like Valentin Hoyau, Clay Sequira, Daniel Hernandez, Alexander Franco, Dylan Drake, Daniel Bornstein, and Jason Hervieux, to name a few, will have so something to say about it before it’s all said and done.

 

 

Who is the best 2-2 team?

 

 

We currently have a jaw-dropping 14 teams with that record, and every sub division has at least one. To make this more interesting, I will pick one team per conference.

 

 

 

In Conference B, I am going with the Super Troopers. While all the reasons I mentioned earlier are more than justifiable for my selection, I am also going with the fact that they are a just a third year squad, and they have shown that when their backs are against the wall, they can still pull out a victory. That is something that a lot of teams – especially the young ones – don’t know how to do.

 

 

For my Conference A choice, I am going with YAMAJO. Led by the versatile Terrence Dobson, and some solid playmakers in Anton Sakiz, Dvd Joseph, and Jack Antaki, they have scored the second most points (96), out of all the (2-2) teams in Conference A.

 

 

They are coming off of a statement (39-19) win over One Speed: Power. Their next 2 games will be no cake walk either, as they face Prime Time and the Expendables. Let’s see how they do.

 

 

Who is the biggest sleeper in Conference B?

 

 

I have to go with Moss City. They have a stellar defense having allowed only 55 points, and they are a play away from being (3-1). They have 3 easier games coming up, before facing their toughest challenges of the season in Week 8 and 9, with matchups against the Hot Boys Hotline, and TBA respectively. I not only expect Moss City to be (5-2) coming into those last two contests, I think they will knock off one of the two favourites.

 

 

When will Stef Fennes make his Spring Season podcast debut?

 

 

He had to pull out due to work last night. Due to his hectic travel schedule, responsibilities, and this great weather which leads to terrace and drinking related distractions, I am going to go with Week 6. What do you guys say?

 

 

Will we see a more exciting matchup this week than Zach Zwirm versus Rory Semerjian?

 

 

Speed versus speed, power vs power. Both players can make highlight plays on both sides of the ball, and they have the ability to change the game at the drop of a hat. 

 

 

Both of their team’s offenses (Super Troopers and Smokin Axolotls), revolve around these two studs. 

 

 

If I have to give an edge, it will be to Zwirn, who entered the league in 2013, and has been wowing us since 2014. Although only in his second season, Semerjian, is capable of almost anything,  so the experience factor might end up being moot. 

 

 

I’ll be at the game tonight, I pray they cover each other at a few times.

 

 

Who will lead Division E in passing yards?

 

 

The main man Peeze, did it in the Winter Season. Right now, he sits in third place, with 710 yards, trailing only the Homosapiens’ François Deslauriers (734) and the Hot Boys Hotline’s Tom Gatehouse (750) yards.

 

 

Right on their tails, are Danny Aylward (Greendale Human Beings/699), Shane Hughes (Little Giants/646), Jordan Rossie (Smokin Axolotls/626), Stephen Harripersaud (Prime Time/598), and Josh Vasquez ( Los Avocados/591). Clearly, the top 3 Quarterbacks aren’t safe.

 

 

How many teams were affected by the Quarterly Report?

 

 

Unintentionally, The Expendables were before I corrected my error.

 

 

It appears that Los Avocados, Little Giants, One Speed: Power, TBA, Pardon My Swag, Striking Samurais, Homosapiens, and the Smokin Axolotls, were as well, but in a negative way. On the flip side, Dirty Mike n the Boys, the Pension Plan, Hot Boys Hotline, Here For The Beer, Super Troopers, YAMAJO, FACE Jazz, West Delisle Squad, and Prime Time, experienced the opposite. The power of the pen/tablet is real!

 

 

Are shoes with no socks a thing?

 

 

I was at an F1 party at The Beatrice Friday night (free food, cigars, and drinks, plus models everywhere=great times) not a bad way to spend a Friday night at all my friends.

 

 

Getting back to the question, I must’ve seen at least 15 dudes wearing either jeans or dress pants with dress shoes or sneakers, but no socks.

 

 

Let me just say that I love shoes. It’s honestly one of the first things I notice about a person. Nike, Timbs, Puma, Vans, Lacoste, Clarks, ALDO, Vibram, leather, suede, crocodile, if it looks good and feels good, I’ll wear them.

 

 

Just to be clear, I wasn’t the only person to notice the no socks. Two different models, and a buddy of mine noticed it too.

 

 

Anyways, I hope this isn’t the start of yet another lame trend. I was going to say this was a millennial-inspired thing (as most lame trends are), but nearly half the people I saw doing this, we’re at least 8-10 years older than me. For shame!

 

 

How, you may be wondering, does this tie into FPF? Unless you live under a rock, you know that today is the F1 race. As you can expect, traffic will be a headache and a half for the early games, so leave early. BAM!!!! Connection made!!!!

 

 

Which team has been the most disappointing so far?

 

 

I give my vote to Just For The Reps. They have veteran team with championship game experience (Spring 2015 as Wax On Wax Off), playmakers on both sides of the ball, and an upgrade at the QB position. Despite all that, they find themselves sitting at (2-2), and have all the signs of a team who beats the lesser teams in Le choix du Président, but losses to the better squads, like Dirty Mike n the Boys, and the West Delisle Squad.

 

 

Just For The Reps, has a chance to turn things around, let’s see what they do.

 

 

Who will lead the division in sacks?

 

 

If you would have asked me this question before the season began, I would have automatically said the Super Troopers’ Zachary Alberts-Gill, especially after the third year vet had a record 29 last year.

 

 

After a slow start to the season, Alberts-Gill, recorded his first two sacks last week versus the Homosapiens. While I’m sure he’ll rebound, he is currently behind a number of players, including Paul-Olivier Couvrette (Striking Samurais), Daron Migdesyan (Greendale Human Beings), James Thorpe (FACE Jazz), Justin Matteo (Just For The Reps), and Olivier Thompson (West Delisle Squad).

 

 

 

What will the Finals matchup be?

 

 

For now, I think it will be a rematch of Week 1, with the Greendale Human Beings taking on Pardon My Swag. This can definitely change though, as I think Dirty Mike n the Boys, and the Hot Boys Hotline, will have something to say about it.

 

 

Elite 8

 

 

1. Greendale Human Beings – Another week goes by, and they are still the class of the division. Last week against TBA, started a month-long stretch of games against teams with a combined record of 10-5-1. Will GHB be able to maintain their perfect record? Last Week: 1st.

 

 

 

2. Dirty Mike n the Boys- The best defensive team in the division, have made the leap from seventh to second, due to their play on both sides of the ball. Whether it’s Tyler Doucette helping make a stop, or Jared Gallant coming up with a big catch, blowing out their opponents, or squeaking out a victory, these guys know how to win, and seemed primed for a collision course with the Greendale Human Beings for the Conference A championship. Last Week: 7th

 

 

 

3. Hot Boys Hotline – They answered their critics by beating a solid opponent in the Smokin Axolotls (32-24) Sunday night in Brossard. Quarterback Tom Gatehouse has quietly put together a solid season so far, throwing 16 touchdown passes to just 3 interceptions. The team will need him to continue his stellar play, as the journey to the post-season doesn’t get any easier. They face a big test tonight, when they take on Pardon My Swag, tonight at Stade de Montreal. This should be a good one. Last Week: N/R

 

 

 

4. Pardon My Swag – I can’t drop these guys too far after losing to Dirty Mike n the Boys by 6 points. How the offense, and the team for that matter, responds will be key, not just for tonight’s aforementioned game against the Hot Boys Hotline, but against two other stout defenses in the Smokin Axolotls, and Just For The Reps. Last Week: 3rd

 

 

 

5. TBA – Yes, as I said earlier, they got smashed by the Greendale Human Beings last week. This ranking however, has to do with the fact that I had them ranked too low on my previous list, and more importantly, virtually every team I had put in front of them outside of GHB, Swag, Dirty Mike, and the SPARTANS (more on them in a second) lost. Despite the setback, these guys are a legitimate championship threat. I don’t expect them to drop any lower. Last Week: 8th.

 

 

 

6. SPARTANS– I told you I would get to them shortly. Yes, they beat Le choix du Président (20-18) Tuesday night, but realistically, that is a game they’re supposed to win. Even without stud two-way threat Alexis Bessette, James D’Andrea ‘s team still has a lot of firepower. The fact that they got shutout in the second half of the game, speaks volumes. Last Week: 4th.

 

 

 

7. Los Avocados – Just when they were making believers out of me, they go and wet the bed against the Farmers. Truth be told, this team has talent, but they haven’t beaten anybody of substance, which makes their spot in the rankings shaky at best. Their next game is this Monday against a Sons of Mitches team, who I can say from first hand experience, will take you out if you sleep on them. Let’s see how Los Avocados respond. Last Week: 3rd.

 

 

8. West Delisle Squad – Except for a stumble against the Striking Samurais in Week 3, all these guys do is win, which is exactly what they did last week versus Just For The Reps. A convincing win Tuesday night against Le choix du Président, will convince us that they truly belong on the list. Last Week: N/R.

 

 

 

Picks

 

 

Pardon My Swag vs Hot Boys Hotline – Pardon My Swag (My choice for Game of the Week)

 

 

Little Giants vs The Expendables – The Expendables

 

 

Farmers vs Dirty Mike n the Boys – Dirty Mike n the Boys

 

 

Homosapiens vs Greendale Human Beings – Greendale Human Beings

 

 

Just For The Reps vs The Pension Plan – The Pension Plan (Upset Special #1)

 

 

Smokin Axolotls vs Super Troopers – Super Troopers

 

 

Montreal Raiders vs Raccoons – Raccoons

 

 

Fourth & Twenty vs Moss City – Moss City

 

 

Sons of Mitches vs Los Avocados – Sons of Mitches (Upset Special #2)

 

 

Here For The Beer vs FACE Jazz – Here For The Beer (Upset Special #3)

 

 

DGC vs One Speed: Power – One Speed: Power

 

 

YAMAJO vs Prime Time – YAMAJO

 

 

TBA vs Friday Night Tykes – TBA

 

 

Le choix du Président vs West Delisle Squad – West Delisle Squad

 

 

Striking Samurais vs SPARTANS – N/A

 

 

Last Week: 4-10 (That was embarrassing)

 

 

Season: 36-19-1

 

 

 

Brent versus Marc-André

 

 

 

Marc-André’s Picks

 

 

Smokin Axolotls vs Super Troopers – Super Troopers

 

Montreal Raiders vs Raccoons – Raccoons

 

TBA vs Friday Night Tykes – TBA

 

Le choix du Président vs West Delisle Squad – West Delisle Squad

 

DGC vs One Speed: Power – One Speed: Power

 

 

My Picks

 

 

Farmers vs Dirty Mike n the Boys – Dirty Mike n the Boys

 

Homosapiens vs Greendale Human Beings – Greendale Human Beings

 

Pardon My Swag vs Hot Boys Hotline – Pardon My Swag

 

Little Giants vs The Expendables – The Expendables

 

Here For The Beer vs FACE Jazz – FACE Jazz

 

 

Last Week: 1-4 (WOW, did I get my butt kicked last week)

 

Season: 8-7

 

 

 

That’s it for this week guys. Next time out, I will get back to a more traditional article. I like to change things up and freshen up the articles from time to time, because it provides a more interesting read, makes the writing  process more fun, and it also challenges me creatively.

 

 

Once again, don’t forget to tune into the weekly podcast every Wednesday night, with Peeze and I, and eventually the main man Stef Fennes. In this week’s episode, we will look at what is the best summer beer, and since we play every game indoors, which jersey is better for this time of year, dark or light?

 

 

Enjoy the games, and I’ll see you guys next week!

 

 

If you loved the article, hated it, or simply felt like I left something out, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or on Twitter @BADNEWS51