Division E: The Quarterly Report

Welcome to Week 4 edition of the FlagPlus Football Division E article. The halfway point of regular season is just around the corner, and some teams are showing us not only what they are about, but how they will play the rest of the way. 

 

In this week’s article, I will take a look at the different categories of teams within Div. E. To do so, I will breakdown each team, place them in a specific category based off of their performance so far, and try to predict what their final record will be.

 

This is similar to my Winter Season article, entitled Tiers Of Success. The difference this time around, is I am using four different levels., and I am calling it the Quarterly Report. Yes, the name change is due to using 4 levels, but I because I think it just sounds better. What do you guys think?

 

I will revisit these rankings in Week 8, when I release a near the end of the season edition.

 

The categories are self-explanatory, and they are as follows:

 

● The Rest

● Pretenders

● Let’s Wait and See

● Contenders

 

 

The Rest

 

 

Le choix du Président (1-2) – This is a veteran team that despite their record, does have talent, with the likes of Jeremy Lavallée, Francis Lorrain, and Nicolas Lefebvre. The main problem with the team, as has been the case since their days as Les Huards, and Cette Équipe Là, is the lack of production at the Quarterback position. So far this year, QB Gabriel Béland-Lapointe, has completed 17 of 54 passes, for 187 yards, 4 TDs, and 8 INTs. He is on pace to finish with about 13 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. Needless to say, that simply won’t cut it, especially for a team that on paper, has the personnel everywhere else to make a playoff run. Final record (2-8).

 

 

Friday Night Tykes (1-2) – My first impression after playing this team in Week 1, was that they had are fast. My second, was that their Quarterback Tim Horner, has what it takes to be a successful QB in this league. Blessed with a strong arm and mobility, I honestly think he will continue to get better with more experience.

 

The addition of veteran Justin Peress, has been huge, as he not only is a play-maker, but his championship experience, will help a team who has 6 rookies, including Horner.

 

Despite their 26-20 loss to The Pension Plan this past week, I fully expect this team to get better as the season goes along, just like their QB. Final Record: (4-6).

 

 

Here For The Beer (0-3) – This predominantly rookie squad has two simple flaws, they simply can’t stop teams from scoring, and they have trouble scoring themselves. In three games so far, they have given up a jaw-dropping 152 points, including two contests where they gave up more than 50.

 

Offensively, the team has only been able to put up 26 points, and they were held off the scoreboard in their Week 1 loss to Dirty Mike n the Boys. It will be a long road to respectability for Here For The Beer. Leaning on a veteran like Ben Prevost, will be key for these guys as they try to learn what it takes to win in FPF. Final Record: (1-9).

 

 

Fourth & Twenty (0-3) – After finishing the last two winter seasons with 2 and 3 wins respectively, I wasn’t expecting Fourth & Twenty to make an immediate jump into the upper echelon of teams this year. What I did expect though, was a team that would at the very least, be in the middle of the pack with several others squads, that were battling for one of the final playoff spots. So far this year, the team has been a disappointment. 

 

With an experienced squad like this, that even has a few playmakers in Erik Ciaccia and Vince Menniti, the team who has scored more than 2 touchdowns only once this year, should be able to produce a lot more offensively.

 

Out of their remaining 7 games, Fourth & Twenty have at least 4 winnable games. We’ll see what happens. Final Record: (3-7)

 

 

Raccoons (0-3) – As you can expect with virtually all rookie teams, the first year is usually a little rough, and that has definitely been the case for the Raccoons. Despite their winless beginning however, there is bit of hope for the team, as players like Sébastien Gagnon, Vincent Sigouin, and Alexandre Sinigagliese, have shown promise. 

 

The main priority for this team going forward, should be finding a Quarterback. Through 3 games, the Raccoons, who go 14 deep, have started 3 different players at the game’s most important position. That is a recipe for disaster, and that’s been exactly what the team’s offense has looked like at this point, while averaging a shade under over 10 points a game (10.7). Take care of the QB situation, and better times will follow. Final Record: (0-10)

 

 

Sons of Mitches (1-2) – I played these guys in Week 2. Plain and simple, they have talent. There were points in the games where we couldn’t stop them offensively (having only 6 players, and forcing me to play full-time on D after I just played a game, certainly didn’t hurt their chances). We also failed to capitalize on our opportunities.

 

The problem with these guys, is they haven’t beaten anybody else. The it next 3 games are against Friday Night Tykes, Los Avocados, and the Little Giants. Sons of Mitches, will have win at least one of those games if they want to have a legitimate shot at the post-season. Let’s see how they fare. Final Record: (4-6)

 

 

 

FACE Jazz (1-2) – Despite their record, these guys have been in it to the end in both of their defeats, losing by a combined 7 points.The team finishes the regular season playing 5 out of 6 winnable games.

 

 

Last spring, FACE Jazz didn’t get their second win until Week 6. This season, led by once again by Joshua Hidalgo-Trivilidis, Eddy Rousseau, Josh Hannah, and now rookie Azeem Bailey, the team will have a good chance at surpassing that by mid-season. Final-Record: (5-5).

 

 

Montreal Raiders (0-3) – Hands down, these guys have the best jerseys in all of Division E. If FPF was a fashion league, the Montreal Raiders would go 10-0. Unfortunately, for this rookie squad, the only way to get wins is by beating other teams. Not to be too hard on this team, but a lack of chemistry, know-how, and talent Outside of Tevyn Nicholls, is what is standing in their way.

 

 

Having watched these guys play this past Sunday against the Smokin Axolotls, I can honestly say that there is no quit in this team. Despite losing 58-6, the team never stopped competing. It’s great to see that attitude, especially on a squad that is made up of rookies, except for the aforementioned Nicholls. When the good times come, and they eventually will, it will make them that much sweeter. In the meantime, get in some practices, they will help expedite the process. Final Record: (1-9)

 

  

The Pension Plan (1-2) – These guys are coming off their first win of the season, in upset fashion, as they knocked off Friday Night Tykes 26-20 Monday at Stade de Montreal, led by Defensive Back Anthony Siggia’s 2 INTs and a sack, as well QB Vince Pisano’s 3 TD passes. Congratulations Boys! This is a team with a lot of recognizable names in the FPF community, like Junior Spera, Joe Marziliano, Robert Trombino, and the aforementioned Siggia and Pisano, among others. All of that talent, makes it so surprising that they are sitting at 1-2.

 

 

Unless they can find some more productivity on offense (they have only hit the 20 plateau once this season) they will be in for a rough ride, as their remaining schedule includes games against solid teams like the Striking Samurais, Super Troopers, Just For The Reps, and One Speed: Power. Hopefully Pisano and the team, will be able to build off their Week 3 performance. Final Record: (2-8).

 

 

 

Let’s Wait and See 

 

 

The Expendables (1-2) – At first glance, this team has the appearance of a squad that can beat the lesser teams (The Pension Plan and Montreal Raiders), but falls short against the stronger ones (Pardon My Swag and Hot Boys Hotline).

 

 

 

Offensively, with players like Jason Hervieux and David Alfred, there’s no question that this team has some playmakers, and the near mistake-free play (7 TDs versus 1 INT) of Quarterback David Roaldi has been noticeable.

 

 

The defensive side of the ball appears to be a strong point as well, as they have yet to give up more than three TDs in a game. The only issue I have with them is their inability to force turnovers. While they collectively have two pick 6s (Hervieux and Marlon Perard) those are the only interceptions the team has recorded all season. That will have to change.

 

 

Going forward, with games against the Smokin Axolotls, Little Giants, Friday Night Tykes, and Striking Samurais, we will find out if the first paragraph about The Expendables is true or not. Final Record: (5-5).

 

 

DGC (1-2) – The second-year team just got their first win of the season with a 28-14 victory over Fourth & Twenty. They got solid play from Two and a Half Dans’ vet Danny McFee, who playing QB, threw for 148 yards, and 4 TDs. The big question, is will McFee, who was making his debut for the team, be another part-time player, like Joey Taylor was for them last season? If he isn’t, he and a soon to be returning Cory Werner, (the team has really missed his ability to rush opposing QBs) the fortunes of this team will definitely change for the better. Let’s stay tuned and see what happens. Final Record: (5-5).

 

YAMAJO (1-2) – The team with the most interesting name in all of Division E, had me and just about everybody fooled after their Week 1 beat down victory over Sons of Mitches (37-19). Since then, the team has put up a combined 20 points in losses to Pardon My Swag and Just For The Reps. Unless you have the ’85 Bears or the ’00 Ravens as your defense, that simply won’t cut it.

 

 

While I know YAMAJO isn’t as good as their Week 1 performance would indicate, I am also pretty sure they aren’t as bad as the last 2 weeks have shown. The key of course, is figuring out who this team really is. On the surface, they have a lot of talent in Terrence Dobson, Anton Sakiz, Alvy Mizelle, and Dvd Joseph.

 

While the team’s last two games weren’t against cream puffs, the fact that looked so hopeless offensively, speaks volumes. Over the next 5 contests, they face a brutal stretch that includes games against One Speed: Power, Dirty Mike n the Boys, and the Greendale Human Beings, but also sees them play Prime Time and The Expendables. YAMAJO, will need to go at least 2-3 over that period if they want to be taken seriously. Final Record: (4-6).

 

 

Farmers (1-2) – As surprised as I am to see the Pension Plan struggle this season, I am nearly as shocked to see the Farmers play as bad as they have so far. This is a team who showed in the Winter Season, that they cannot only compete, but they can also put some points on the board. With last year’s experience, which saw them make the playoffs, along with the addition of Corey Greenaway, and a full season of Jonathan Legault (he only played 4 games for them last year), I expected this squad to not only qualify for the post-season, but to also make some noise once they got there.

 

 

The two biggest problems facing this team, has been the absence of Legault, who has yet to suit up for the team this season, and the play of Quarterback Benoit Robidoux. Already this year, the second-year passer, has 7 interceptions, which ties him for second most (Thomas Prevost of Here For The Beer) in the division. In the team’s two losses, Robidoux, has thrown 6 INTs, whereas in the Farmers’ victory, he was only intercepted once. Needless to say, the QB and the team have proven they can play better. I am banking on them doing just that the rest of the way, which is why they end up in this category. Final Record: (5-5).

 

 

 

Striking Samurais (2-1) – This is an interesting team, not just because of the name but also due to their roster. There is a solid mix of vets including Eddy Lee, Kevin Marcil, Etienne Vaillancourt, and yours truly, mixed with six rookies who all show a lot of promise.

 

 

Breaking in a first-year QB is tough, but Marcil has gotten better each time out. The more he learns to trust his receivers, and not try to run the second his first read isn’t there, the better he will become. The same thing can be said about the rookies on the team. Final Record: (5-5).

 

 

Moss City (2-1) – Secretly one of Division E’s best defensive teams, Moss City, who yet to give up more than 19 points a game, have a number of ball-hawks on that side of the ball. Where the team must improve is clearly on offense, where they have only topped that total once this season.

 

 

For the offense to pull its weight, they will need someone else other than Benjamin De Tilly to step up their game. If you take away the rookie’s 13 receptions, the next closest player has 5. The need for other production has become even more important, given the wrist injury WR Sifax Kaced, suffered last week. Final Record: (5-4-1).

 

 

Hot Boys Hotline (3-0) – Has there been a quieter undefeated team? While doing research for this week’s podcast, I was surprised to see that they were undefeated. Guys, it’s only Week 3, I haven’t had nearly enough time to watch everybody play yet.

 

The other thing I noticed, is the combined record of their first 3 opponents was 1-7. Not exactly a murderer’s row.

 

 

For the team to get the respect I am sure they feel they deserve, they will have to beat some tougher competition. Their first real test will come tonight when they take on the Smokin Axolotls, and one week later when they face Pardon My Swag. An upset victory over either, or both veteran teams, will help the Hot Boys Hotline, get what they are surely looking for. Final Record: (7-3).

 

 

Prime Time (0-2-1) – Hands down, this is the best winless team in Div E. They’ve played 3 of the top teams in the division, and came away within 2 plays of being 2-1. Close only counts in horse shoes however, so their record is what it is.

 

Based off of their next 3 games however, (Fourth & Twenty, YAMAJO, and Moss City) I expect Prime Time to be 3-2-1, and in prime position (please excuse the pun) to strike for a playoff spot. Final Record: (4-6).

 

 

Just For The Reps (2-1) – This a veteran team who if everything breaks right, can go all the way. The addition of Quarterback Jared Buck, was huge, and finally gives the team another passer who can get them to championship weekend.

 

 

The one blemish on their record so far, is a 19-7 Week 2 losses to Dirty Mike n the Boys. There’s no shame in losing to an elite team, but the fact that they’ve been the only team that Just For The Reps has faced with a winning record, certainly raises more than a few eyebrows.

 

 

Despite the talent on the team, they won’t get any respect until they beat a good team. Weeks 7 through 10, see them play Pardon My Swag, One Speed: Power, Prime Time, and the SPARTANS. We will definitely see what kind of team JFTR is by then. Final Record: (6-4).

 

 

 

Pretenders

 

 

 

Los Avocados (3-0) – You can only beat the teams that are on your schedule. That is the argument that Los Avocados players and fans must be saying. For those on the other side of the fence, the fact that they have beaten 3 teams with a combined 2-7 record, doesn’t really inspire fear. 

 

Records aside however, this team is light years better than they were last year, because of last year’s experience (they finished 2-7-1), but more so due to the addition of Thomas Zorko. So far this season, the FPF veteran, has led the team in all offensive categories by a landslide.

 

 

Helped by a extremely easy schedule, Los Avocados, only face two tough challenges, in Week 6 versus the Greendale Human Beings, and Week 9 versus the Smokin Axolotls. Knocking one of those top teams would be huge. Final Record: (8-2).

 

 

One Speed: Power (2-1) – Any team with the dynamic Will Power, has a weapon that can score from anywhere in the field at any given moment. Add in the play-making ability of Daniel Bornstein, Lucas Blanchard, and Jean-Sébastien Roussy, and this team has the power (pun intended) to beat anybody.

 

 

As with most teams, their success hinges on the Quarterback position. Peeze is a smart play-caller, but his inability to throw the ball accurately and consistently, is the only thing holding the offense back. When the good Peeze, as I like to call him shows up, this is a tough team to beat. Unfortunately for OSP, he is not always a consistent visitor. Final Record: (6-4).

 

 

West Delisle Squad (2-1) – This team had the Striking Samurais beat last Sunday as they were up 12-0, and looking in full control just before halftime. After finally getting a stop, SS, scored before the whistle, and carried that momentum the rest of the game, to hang on to a 20-19 victory. How the team responds after suffering their first loss of the season will be huge.

 

 

Led by two-way threat Michael Khazaka, and QB Alexandre Delisle, the first-year team has two good building blocks, which will be crucial. Those two, plus a more than favorable schedule, should see this team finishing with a solid record. Final Record: (7-3).

 

 

Spartans (2-1) – They end up here based on the Alexis Bessette injury. If the two-way stud is able recover enough from his knee injury to make it back this season, I would have more confidence in them.

 

 

Even with him in the lineup however, this talented team does have a history of folding like a chair in the post-season, so his eventual return doesn’t guarantee them a championship. What his absence does allow them however, is a chance for other players to get better, by getting his targets, and taking the load on their shoulders. Let’s see how this works out. Final Record: (6-4).

 

 

Little Giants (3-0) – Yes, they are undefeated, but in all honesty, they haven’t played a top team yet. That will all end in Week 7 when they face the Homosapiens, followed by a game against Dirty Mike n the Boys seven days later.

 

 

One positive about this team, besides their record, has been the play of Dylan Boisvert and Dylan Drake. So far the duo has combined for 24 receptions, 358 yards, and 8TDs. If both players can keep up their solid play against stiffer competition, than they could definitely be be put in another category. Final Record: (7-3).

 

 

Contenders

 

 

Homosapiens (2-0-1) – This veteran-laden team has the talent to go all the way. It seems like they get better every week. After making his nane in FPF as a Wide Receiver the last several years, François Désaulniers, has shown that he is a capable Quarterback as well, with 16 touchdown passes and a 108.5 QB Rating. As a former WR, he knows that it’s important to keep his targets happy, and he has done exactly that, as he has spread the ball effectively.

 

 

The only question I have about this team is at Rusher. So far this year, Jonathan Brown, and G.M. Kolethras, have a sack apiece. That obviously won’t cut it. If they guys are able to add a legit pass Rusher, or find one from within, they have a legit chance of going all the way. Final Record: (7-3)

 

 

Super Troopers (1-2) – Most teams would have folded without their QB, but the team has been competitive with the likes of Jonathan Doughlin and Adam Bradshaw behind center, and they picked up their first win Monday night, when they knocked off the SPARTANS 24-20.

 

The imminent return of Quarterback Gabriel Wiseman, will give this team another huge boost, as they try to climb back up the ladder. If the veteran had been present from the start of the season, chances are, their record would be a lot better. Teaming him with Zach Zwirn, will give defenses something to think about.

 

 

Due to their tough schedule, getting into the playoffs should be the main goal for this team. Once they do that, anything can happen for this talented team. Final Record: (5-5).

 

 

Smokin Axolotls (2-1) – For Stef Fennes’ team, the return of WR Jason Rossie has been huge. With him back in the fold, not only does it give Quarterback Jordan Rossie, a target who he is familiar with a comfortable throwing to, the older Rossie also doesn’t allow teams to focus their game plan on shutting down explosive Wide Receiver Rory Semerjian.

 

 

Where Jason Rossie’s presence is felt the most though, is on defense, where he is extremely smart, and he gives the team another player like Fennes, who makes offenses have to change their game plan.

 

 

How far this team goes will depend on their Quarterback. During the final 5 games of the season including playoffs, the younger Rossie threw 20 TDs versus only 2 IINTs If the pivot can recapture that type of play once again, the team who literally came within a play of winning the championship last spring, could find themselves staring at a chance for redemption. Final Record: (7-3).

 

 

Pardon My Swag (2-1) – This is a deep team with a lot of firepower on both sides of the ball. How far they go will depend on a number of things, the most important of which, is how will QB Avery Lalla preform in the post-season. Despite his amazing transition from FPF Jr to the adult league last winter, that saw him 22 touchdowns, after taking over as the position in Week 11, Lalla struggled in their Semi-Final game against the Greendale Human Beings. While the game was against the eventual champs, Lalla looked flustered most of the evening, didn’t see open receivers, and missed a lot of throws he normally would make. While the performance could definitely just be a case of the first time jitters in a game of that magnitude, it definitely bears watching. Final Record: (9-1).

 

 

Greendale Human Beings (3-0) – Clearly the best team in Division E, the Greendale Human Beings, can beat you in pretty much any fashion. The addition of Daron Migdesyan, has made these guys that much harder to beat. In 3 games, the FPF veteran has 5 TDs and 3 sacks. Offensively, his presence, forces teams to not be able to roll their coverage solely to Brandon Aylward, in an effort to stop arguably the best Wide Receiver in the division. Yes, this is a case of the rich getting richer, as GHB has the best offense in Div. E.

 

 

As good as they are however, they will be tested, as their next 4 games come against opponents who have a combined total of one loss. Up first might be their toughest test, as they take on TBA Tuesday night in Brossard. Final Record: (9-1).

 

 

TBA (3-0) – These guys are another threat to walk away with the title. Armed with one of, if not the best QB in the division, in Clay Sequira, this team can put up points with anybody.

 

 

The other side of the ball is where they have a few questions marks, the biggest one being pass rush. Three games so into the season, they have zero sacks. Who will step up? The other is turnovers, while they have recorded 5 INTs, 3 of them were by Sequira. To beat the elite, items teams in any division, you have to capitalize on mistakes. Most of those squads don’t make many, but when they do, you have to pounce. Can TBA do that? Final Record: (8-2).

 

 

Dirty Mike n the Boys (3-0) – Taking a page out of my book, Jordan Allard has smartly built his team from the defense out. So far this season, that D has made an impact, as 3 of their 7 interceptions have been returned for scores.

 

 

How far they go, will depend on their offense. After putting up a whopping 58 points in Week versus Here For The Beer, Allard’s team hasn’t reached 20 since. The loss of Dylan Segal to a back injury has definitely hurt, but they did add a solid replacement in Jared Gallant, from FPF Jr, as his size and ability present matchup problems for the opposition. If they can even out their play on this side of the ball to at least come close to matching their defense, these guys will go really far. Final Record: (8-2).

 

 

That’s it for the Quarterly Report. As I said at the top, this is just the first edition. So don’t get upset, there is still A LOT of football left to be played, so teams still have more than enough time to change their spot, and prove me wrong. 

 

 Picks

 

* I know the article and especially this section is late this week (my apologies) but the scores haven’t been put on the site as of publishing, and even if they were I would make sure other to check. I did find out the outcome of my team’s game versus FACE Jazz, but since I don’t predict my games, it obviously doesn’t matter.

 

Here For The Beer vs Little Giants – Little Giants

 

Striking Samurais vs FACE Jazz  – N/A

 

Hot Boys Hotline vs Smokin Axolotls- Smokin Axolotls 

 

Dirty Mike n the Boys vs Pardon My Swag- Pardon My Swag (My pick for Game of the Week #1)

 

The Pension Plan vs DGC- DGC 

 

One Speed: Power vs YAMAJO- One Speed: Power

 

Super Troopers vs Homosapiens – Homosapiens

 

Fourth & Twenty vs Prime Time  – Prime Time

 

Raccoons vs Moss City – Moss City

 

SPARTANS vs Le choix du Président- SPARTANS 

 

Farmers vs Los Avocados – Los Avocados 

 

 

Last Week: 13-1

 

 

Season: 32-9-1

 

 

Marc-André’s Picks

 

 

Dirty Mike n the Boys vs Pardon My Swag 

 

The Pension Plan vs DGC

 

One Speed: Power vs YAMAJO 

 

Super Troopers vs Homosapiens 

 

Farmers vs Los Avocados 

 

 

Brent’s Picks

 

The Expendables vs Montreal Raiders  – The Expendables 

 

Just For The Reps vs West Delisle Squad- Just For The Reps 

 

Greendale Human Beings vs TBA – TBA  (My choice for Game of the Week #2 and my Upset Special)

 

Sons of Mitches vs Friday Night Tykes – Friday Night Tykes

 

Hot Boys Hotline vs Smokin Axolotls- Smokin Axolotls 

 

 

Last Week: 5-0 (Do you want to just buy me the pitcher of beer now Marc-André?)

 

Season: 7-3

 

That’s it for this week guys. I apologize for putting out the article so late, I had a wedding and a bachelor party to attend this weekend, and the article took me a lot longer than I thought it would. Things will be back to normal next week.

 

As for this week, as I said at the top, this is just the first edition. So don’t get upset, there is still A LOT of football left to be played, so teams still have more than enough time to change their spot, and prove me wrong.

 

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 Twitter @BADBEWS51