Food For Thought (D4) – Week 10

 

With individual awards and All-Star selections behind us, flag-football has now become serious and no one wants their season to end before mid-April. Sadly, 16 teams are already on the proverbial golf course and eight more will be joining them after Sunday night. No matter how good you think you are, there is no room for error in the playoffs.

The time has come for your very own March Madness. Don’t miss out!

 

Jets (1) vs Primetime (8)

The Jets remind me very much of the 07-08 Montreal Canadiens who unexpectedly finished first in their conference after a season where stars seemed to align. With 8th and 9th place predictions looming over their heads, the Jets turned around their franchise by giving the reigns of the offense to former receiver Carl Dugas. One transfiguration later, the Jets are poised to reach the finals. With long-time Jets Billy Havik, Simon Bhatty and the imposing Dragann Mallette as his choice receivers, Dugas can also count on Mitch “Hands-of-Glue” Chiba to move the chains in critical situations. On defense, Mo Zerbo and Patrice Blouin provide a good dose of experience and play-making ability to a star-less but versatile defensive core. They have used many rushers this season and will most likely continue their rotating trend.

 

Meanwhile, Primetime seems to attract controversy like never before after their playoff berth was clinched due to a last-minute forfeit. Offensively, no team could be more different than the Jets. While the conference champions have four players with 5 TDs or more, Primetime relies mainly on gigantic two-way player of the year Derek Daoust. With 15 TDs and 11 INTs, Derek is a force on both sides of the ball. Nevertheless, if Primetime wants to edge out the Jets and finally reach the second round of the playoffs, they will need a concerted effort by all the Daoust brothers as well as role players Jesse Lisi and Brad Demers. The most important player in the upcoming match-up might actually be the rusher, Matthew Demetriou. If he can limit Carl Dugas’ time in the pocket and provide a timely sack or two, Primetime’s chances of winning this game will double. Finally, if QB Doug McKernan can rack up those rushing yards efficiently against a defence who chooses to keep their best rusher at the corner position (Patrice Blouin), the final score could translate into an unexpected upset.

 

Park-X Streets (2) vs Lobster Dinner (7)

“I would pay good money to play you. Honestly until you have a QB who can throw a spiral refrain from trash talking.” – Matt Young

With this juicy quote in the background, this battle between two of the best defensive teams in D4 should provide ample excitement and very little TDs. Park-X Streets just completed their best season ever in FPF against perhaps some of the best opposition they have faced since their franchise was founded. An unorthodox offence coupled with a dominating defence has propelled them to a surprising 8-2 record. While many have questioned their offensive abilities, there are no doubts concerning their stingy defence. Against the scary trifecta of Kyriakos Michelakis, all-star Niko Zermalias and the underrated Billy Seretis, there is not much opposing QBs can do. Together, they have more interceptions (22) than 29 D4 teams… Only Primetime (22) and the Jets (24) have managed not to get blown away by Park-X’s Big Three. Now, if we add the rest of the defence, the Park-X Streets are the uncontested interception kings with 28. The only problem is they have not been able to muster more than 30 offensive TDs this season. If they want to reach the quarter-finals they will need to capitalize on the turnovers they create.

 

Lobster Dinner, on the other hand, seem to have the uncanny ability to play just well enough to win. No matter the opponent. With an impressive win over The Family in week 8, they asserted themselves as a team no one could take on lightly. Lacking the magnetism of a super-star, they have woven their way unnoticed most of the season. Nevertheless, their considerable FPF experience makes them a valued opponent for any team. Their offence is slightly more efficient than Park-X’s and has a better chance of putting up points on the board. However, their defence, while efficient, does not possess the play-making ability the Streets are so famous for. The whole game will be decided on the offensive side of the ball where the team who succeeds in limiting its turnovers will most likely win the game.

 

Gators (3) vs Maximum Carnage (6)

With the addition of Shawn Haney, the Gators have provided some much needed depth on both sides of the ball this season. In the past, they used to rely so much on Jeff Chabot that, come playoff time, they would simply wither away. Now that Eddy Martinez and Brian Phaneuf have a lighter load to carry, their performances on defence have shown an increase from last season. Indeed, as a team, the Gators just completed one of their best seasons in terms of defensive efficiency. Now, all they need is QB Kevin Marlowe to translate his regular season success into playoff-time dominance and shed his Peyton Manning reputation.

 

The bruised and battered Carnage just completed a season smeared with untimely injuries. Now QB-less and with captain Brian Mongeau doubtful for this week’s match-up, they might be forced to play with only 6 bodies. Earlier this season, on the set of Breaking the Huddle, Dominik Podgorzelski said he preferred playing on a team with a short roster when asked if he was comfortable with an 8 player team. It is safe to assume his opinion has most likely changed in the last weeks. So, after a promising season, it looks like the end for Jeff Moscato, Thomas Zorko and the rest of Maximum Carnage…

 

Top Guns (4) vs Monstars (5)

After a tough loss in week 10, the Top Guns will need to step off the volleyball court and focus their energies on stopping the Monstars. Boasting such standouts as Maurice Kaddis (rusher), Jerry Charles (QB), Karl Lanteigne (receiver), David Caron (receiver) and Guillaume DePalma (D3 defensive all-star), the Top Guns have game-changing ability on both sides of the football. Against the ball-hawking Monstars, Jerry Charles will need to pull a similar performance (5 TDs, 0 INTs) to the one he mustered against them earlier this season. But this time, with Akeem Hoyte-Charles present at the start of the game, things might be a little trickier for the Top Guns’ offence.

 

For the Monstars, this game will be all about one thing: DEFENCE. If Ryan Aridi can put enough pressure on Jerry Charles while Anthony De Carvalho and Akeem track their receivers like prey, they will have a chance at the W. Factor in some key plays on both sides of the ball by Moh Azab and Jad Aridi and you have a winning formula. Now let’s see if Andrew Funamoto can avoid throwing a pick to Guillaume De Palma…

 

The Family (1) vs Sharks (8)

After a second season of 9-1, the Family will be looking to continue their domination against the red-hot Sharks. Well-balanced on both sides of the ball and with two-time QB of the Year Maxime Forget at their helm, The Family seem too strong for their inconsistent opponent. However, their loss to Lobster Dinner three weeks ago is still fresh in the minds of all their opponents. That game broke the veil surrounding them and showed that they can be defeated. While their offence is bound to score 30 points every game, their defence has shown some slight openings in recent weeks. If they wish to make another run for the championship, X-factor Samuel Bibeault will need to find his game-breaking ability and chip in with one or two interceptions.

 

With no pressure at all, the Sharks will be eager to draw first blood against The Family. Very solid in his team’s last three wins, QB Nicolas Ostiguy will have the opportunity to rattle his opponents with some early, productive runs. If Shawn McAlpine and David Horwood can continue their good work on offence while Alex Blanchet and Laurent Morreau stay sharp on defence, anything can happen. Blanchet will be the player to watch on the Sharks’ side as he pressures Maxime Forget and contributes on offence.

 

X-Men (2) vs Barbarianz Squad (7)

With their most important win of the season, the X-Men have clinched their division and avoided a tough match-up with Hard Knocks. Instead, they will be facing off against all-star Maiko Zepeda and the Barbarianz Squad who clinched their playoff spot with an impressive win over Hard Knocks. The addition this season of former D1 player Wade Williams has definitely changed the complexion of the X-Men’s offence. Now a three-headed monster formed of Nicholas Abelhauser, Suhael Brohi and Williams, this offence is one of the most productive in all of D4. While their defence is not flamboyant, they are one of only nine teams to allow less than 200 points. Moreover, they show the 7th best differential: +86. Add to this that their QB Gautama Swaminadhan is coming off a career season and you have all the makings of a D4 finalist.

 

Surfing on a three game win streak, the Barbarianz Squad are playing their best football this season. With Maiko Zepeda driving the defence and occasionally the offence, the Squad had its struggles but seems to have finally arrived to destination. Mark Ferraro and Stéphane Baganizi, on offence and defense, respectively, also chipped in this season. A large question mark looms over this team as only six players have qualified for the playoffs. Will their short roster hurt them in the second half? Most likely…

 

Longhorns (3) vs Patriotes (6)

Two high-flying offensive teams are featured in this match-up. While the Longhorns might lack some athletic ability on defense, their offensive prowess is undeniable. Two of their receivers have garnered more than 400 yards: Chris Rosen and Domenic Tosi. Nevertheless, we might see QB Jon Moodie shy away from the deep ball and complete more throws to receivers running shorter routes. This might be the time to shine for Karim Yasmine and Vince Mancini as Rosen and Tosi will be covered more closely. Don’t underestimate snapper Dave Allen’s presence in the red zone as few players have the size to defend him efficiently.

 

For the Patriotes, the secret to a win will be to capitalize on turnovers. If the Pereda brothers can pick the ball off at least twice, the win shouldn’t be too far away. Also, Patrick Trahan will need to elevate his game and get some sacks for his team. After a performance of 7 sacks in four playoff games, including three in the Spring finals, he has not been able to muster more than 7 in a ten game season. QB Étienne Chauvin will be holding the offence’s reigns as he will couple precise passes and timely runs to reach the end-zone. If you are the Longhorns, you need to beware of that tricky fake run + long pass play that Chauvin nails to perfection.

 

Hard Knocks (4) vs Sphinx (5)

Still showing some rookie inconsistencies, Hard Knocks will be looking to make a name for themselves against the dangerous Sphinx. With a lethal offensive game led by young CIS recruits Philippe Podtetenev and Kris Bastien, Hard Knocks is bound to score points in a bunch. The only flaw in their master-plan will be their inconsistent defense. They don’t seem to have grasped the intricacies of the FPF defensive game yet. This will hurt them against the Sphinx’s big guns. Ultimately this game might be a shootout, escalating to over 75 points.

 

With five receivers accumulating 200+ yards in the season, QB Étienne Cloutier has many options on offense. Nevertheless, nothing beats the winning formula of exploiting all-star snapper Mathieu Fafard. Who wouldn’t throw to the ‘receiver of the year’? His dominance has freed up space for players like Raymond Barisselle who shone on both sides of the ball. On defense, Olivier Ouellet has shown a flair for important sacks that will be helpful in the long playoff run that the Sphinx plan on having. However, for their wish to be fulfilled, their defense will need to show more aggressiveness and especially more interceptions.

 

Once again, I hope you have enjoyed this article. Good luck to all for this weekend’s games. And remember, this could be your last game this season, so give it your all!

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