Divison 4 Pre-Season Rankings

First off, I’d like to introduce myself for those of you who don’t know me. My name is Raff Morelli and I will be covering the division 4 articles this season. I have played football virtually my whole life and have been apart of FPF since 2018. My passion for football stretches beyond the gridiron and that is why I am so excited to finally be writing for the league. Still unsure of what my articles will look like week to week, but  I felt you guys deserved a little teaser and some early power rankings as the season starts off here in early January.

WAY TOO EARLY POWER RANKINGS

Keep in mind I created these rankings before week 1 began and having this many teams in one division made it really difficult to select just 10 teams. So if I left your squad out of the top 10, show me why you deserve to be there. The season is a long one and you’d be surprised how much can change week to week. 

1. Kiss my Inlaws 

Fresh off an FPF Bowl win Kiss My Inlaws are back with ‘Iggy Magnets’ under center. The team rostered is a little different then the one that won the bowl last fall but is just as strong. Normally, losing a player like Marvin Steinberg would be a huge loss for any team but with the additions of 4x all star Mike Pierrecin and former 2-way player of the year Vincent Benjamin they have the pieces needed to make a deep run in the Div 4 playoffs and are my favourite to be the leader of Group H at seasons end.

1. T.H.E R.E.E.T 

The last time T.H.E R.E.E.T stepped off an Fpf field, they were crowned undefeated division 5 champions. They finished their season 10-0 and were a force in the playoffs. Their QB, Santino Sparagna, had an incredible year. He had thrown for 1400 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions. His brother, Dante Sparagna, was his favourite target as Dante finished the season with  over 400 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. But T.H.E R.E.E.T is more than just Santino and Dante. They have a number of talented players, including Dawson Pierre, who is one of the best university athletes in the province. I expect this group to have continued success despite moving up a division. Group B is theirs to lose. 

3. 4th & shlong 

Despite 4th & shlong being a fairly new team their spring 2022 season was definitely no fluke. They finished the season with an impressive record of 9-1 but unfortunately their season came to an abrupt end as they had forfeit their first playoff game. I expect them to have a strong season with Michael Caparelli slinging the rock as he topped 50 passing touchdowns in his last season. With a strong core of Wide receivers they should have no issues putting up points. If they can handle things on the defensive side of the ball they should be a top 5 team in the division. 

4. Bruins 

With FPF veteran Gab Wiseman, the bruins have consistently been a top team in the lower divisions of FPF. This groups last season together in Division 4A was a great one ending with a record of 7-3. Unfortunately their season was cut short by small giants who had their number beating them twice, once in the regular season and ending their short playoff run. I predict their WR duo of Rocco Christiano and Zach Zwirn to be one of the best in the division. In winter 2022, Rocco Christiano scored an absurd 21 TDS!! Although that might be tough to repeat, expect the Bruins to score at will. 

5. Vultures 

With the amount of pure talent on this roster I have no choice put to put them top 5. One of the leagues most recruited players and my early favourite for WR of the year James Drysdale is part of the squad. My assumption is Ben McMahon will be the signal caller for the season as the appeared as their Q for last two seasons and had a phenomenal  spring season throwing for 2000 yards and scoring 58 total TDS! Over 6 wins on the season for them should come easy and although I expect Dime and bougie to give them a challenge for the top of the division I predict the vultures to have the best record in group G. 

6. Dime and bougie 

This young squad, led by Quarter Back Jules Regimbald, will give everyone they play a challenge. Many of these players have recently played in an international junior flag tournament where they won first place representing Canada. Coached by recent Hall of fame inductee, AJ Gomes, these guys know how to play flag and absolutely have the athleticism to play in this division. In FPF, this team had a great season last fall in tier 3 losing a close semi final match to none other then the tier 3 bowl winners Kiss my Inlaws. I expect this young core to keep winning games and getting better every season, definitely a team to watch. 

7. Blue Dreamers 

In my attempt to be as unbiased as possible when I write about my team I can’t help but be excited about this season. After his 2 year QB hiatus, Alessandro Barazzoni is back as the Blue Dreamers Quarter Back. His mobility and accuracy is exactly what this team needs and if he can keep his turnovers to a minimum I truly believe he can be in the QB of the year discussion. With #1 receiver Nick Groppini, and recent FPF athlete Massimo D’ipolito, these two should be Barazzoni’s go to guys and primary scorers. I do believe Group F is one of the strongest in the division, but my assumption is that the Blue Dreamers narrowly finish 1st in the group. 

8. Ballz Deep 

We all know that flag football is a team sport but there are a handful of players in FPF that can change the outcome of games single handily. Isiah Allard is one of those players and unfortunately for division 4, this Div 1 talent is here to play for Ballz Deep. If I were Justin Weir, who has played many season as QB already, I would give Isiah the ball as much as possible. Isiah might also be one of the best rushers in FPF, but it is my understanding he isn’t supposed to be their #1 rusher…..PHEW! Their defensive anchor, Ryan Dobbs will have to make an impact and force some turnovers if they expect their team to have a deep playoff run. 

9. Bandits 

Although i’m not extremely familiar with many players on this roster, after playing against them in tier 3 last season what I can tell you is that they like to play fast, physical and simply play hard until the last play of the game regardless of the score board. Over the last 2 season I don’t think anyone has tied as many games as the bandits. If they can start they games off a little stronger I’m sure they can turn those games into wins. They are my favourites to finish the season atop group D. 

10. Trap Stars 

Trap Stars have been a solid FPF team and find a way to win close ones. I expect them to be in the thick of it and have to sweat out wins week to week as their schedule seems to be one of the more difficult in the entire division. Im unsure whether their QB will be Cooper Young or Ryan Garber but it is clear that their QB play will be vital to their success as they often end up in shootouts. 

I can’t wait for this season to kick into full gear and have the FPF content flowing. Good luck to everyone in division 4 and as always, I love to talk football so feel free to reach out on facebook or instagram and discuss anything you think i’m right about, wrong about or completely missed out on!