Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 5

Fourth and Goal – Week 5

 

Welcome to the article that I’ve been simultaneously looking forward to and dreading. Instead of my usual content, I’ve opted to instead add some real substance to the article and give a rundown of every team, along with my projections of their end-of-season record and my thoughts.

 

As usual, feel free to take whatever I have to say with a grain of salt.

Bold denotes a playoff team

* denotes a top seed (divisional leader)

 

The Mid-Season Report

 

FTP {0/5/0}           

 

The caboose of the Division 4 train. It’s tough to see a team of guys that are friends have a tough outing in their first year as a team. Nigel Thomas has the league experience to lead this team, however with a difficult second-half schedule; magic is going to have to happen. The FTP defense is going to need to start creating turnovers in order to keep the games from being completely one-sided. While there is still room to add a higher division player, I don’t think that it would necessarily be the answer. Rather, getting together and practicing would help in getting this team all on the same page, and to minimize those costly drops. 

(Final season prediction: 0/10/0)

 

Turf Toe Inc. {0/5/0}

 

A winter team from the very beginning in 2005, Turf Toe Inc. have been on a steady decline, especially since the loss of QB Alex Nadeau-Piuze. QB inconsistencies have followed, but this season, TTI have handed over the reins to QB Jean-Francois Malette. Mallette has been doing an admirable job, however the TTI supporting cast is going to have to keep the ball in their hands and off of the ground in order to keep them competitive. However, I do anticipate a few close games in the near future, and especially a win. It’s evident that these boys know their football and are hungry for a win.

(Final season prediction: 1/9/0)

 

Team Bring It {0/5/0}

 

The baseball boys seem to have an enjoyment for playing musical chairs at the quarterback position. And yet, despite having had 7 different players throw at least one touchdown, their play and their learning curve has remained consistent. However, with the new acquisition of QB Zach Rocha and the athletic play that all these boys are capable of, I get the feeling that they are going to catch a few teams by surprise. Anthony Carosella and Costa Tsitouras are lightning-quick receivers who are able to make a play out of nothing. This is definitely a team with a lot of potential to grow.  

(Final season prediction: 2/8/0)

 

Les Jambons {0/5/0}

 

A brand-new yet solid team who got the short end of the straw. Les Jambons are a team with good chemistry and decent play, but they’ve been hit with arguably one of the most difficult schedules. Of the 10 teams they play, 8 are currently playoff-bound. Despite a game against High Rollers in which I see them winning, they are going to have to fight tooth and nail against every other team that remains on their schedule in hopes of pulling an upset. There are no standout players on Les Jambons, simply because Olivier Laurendeau is fantastic at being able to spread the ball around and having all the players contribute.

(Final season prediction: 1/9/0)

 

Those Guys {1/4/0}

 

After a tough first three games, the men in green are on their way back to looking like their former selves. The (re-)addition of Matthew Rankin seems to be helping the team’s overall confidence, but the entire offence is chipping in and making plays. The defense is able to hold their own, but the interceptions need to be kept to a minimum in order to have the defenders get a bit of a break. It’s evident that without worrying about suspensions or penalties, the core of Those Guys has strengthened both in maturity and in their football play.

(Final season prediction: 2/8/0)

 

Primetime {1/4/0}

 

A team constantly re-tooling. Being the former “bad boys” of the league, Primetime have seen their share of conflict. While this behavior seems to have been put behind them, they’re still struggling to stay competitive in games. While former two-way player of the year Derek Daoust can only do so much, there’s talk of a QB switch to James Eaglesham. Will this be what the franchise needs, or is it too little, too late? Only time will tell. They have their opportunity this week against a well-rounded Les Caves team.

(Final season prediction: 2/8/0)

 

Trapstars {1/4/0}

 

Hitting the ground running in game 1, the Trapstars haven’t been able to re-capture another victory up to this point. While poised to upset the conference-leading X-Men, a costly redzone penalty prevented them from coming up big. All things considered, Pedro Pana has managed to keep a good TD/INT ratio, and their offensive output is very strong for a 1-4 team. If the defense can come up with a few clutch stops now and again, those closely-contested games will fall into their favor. Laurent St-Onge is leading the team on both sides of the ball, and is definitely the man to step up and take charge.

(Final season prediction: 2/8/0)

 

Gators {1/4/0}

 

An enigma. Some say that the Gators are a strong team playing under their potential. Harsher critics claim that they are simply an overrated team that are finally crashing. I’m not yet conviced with either argument. I, personally, am of the opinion that the Gators are playing the same style of football that they were in their success days of Winter 2009, but the division has since changed drastically. They have strong and consistent offensive outputs, but their defense often relies on out-muscling their opponents rather than stopping them with finesse. I’d say that, combined with a lighter second-half schedule, the Gators just need to fine tune their way to a successful season.

(Final season prediction: 4/6/0)

 

High Rollers {2/3/0}

 

I’m unsure of what to think of High Rollers. They are an athletic bunch. While D5 standout David Polynice doesn’t seem to be having a comparable season, the ‘Rollers seem to wheel their way to success. QB Bauna Khim is having a good season, yet has a very low attempt number. The Rollers need to do themselves a favour on the offensive side of the ball, running a faster huddle in order to leave their opponents in the dust and giving them more time with the ball on O. Furthermore, it’ll balance the scales with their already standout defense.

(Final season prediction: 3/7/0)

 

Misfits {1/4/0}

 

Consistency, consistency, consistency. At times, the Misfits look like they can run with the strongest in the division. At others, they simply look flustered and confused. Nick Bawn has a fantastic arm, yet needs to rely more on finding weaknesses in defenses rather than forcing passes that aren’t there. Their defense is capable of coming up with numerous interceptions, but they have no consistency and no answer at the rushing position. I feel that coupling a more relaxed offence with a full-time rusher who will limit the amount of time that opposing quarterbacks have.

(Final season prediction: 4/6/0)

 

Lobster Dinner {1/4/0}

 

The tuxedo-clad gentlemen have had trouble catching breaks. They are putting up fantastic numbers, and are competitive in every game they play, but have consistently fallen short at the end. In all honesty, there’s really not all that much I would suggest to change. With a considerably lighter second-half of the season, I’d say that Lobster Dinner are going to sneak into the playoffs. You heard it here first.

(Final season prediction: 5/5/0)

 

Certified Flyguyz {1/3/1}

 

A team quarterbacked by QJFL Monarx QB Pier-Luc Beauregard. In the running for the best jerseys of the year, this team looks as good as they play offensively. However, they’re spotty at the best of times on D, which allows their opposition to get that bit of life necessary to edge them out of the win. In all honesty, it may even come down to simply switching defensive calls now and again, to keep the opposition guessing. If they embrace a little bit of change, and think outside of the box at times, they’ll be soaring high over their opponentz.

(Final season prediction: 3/5/2)

 

Flight of the Conchords {1/3/1}

 

As I told FOTC this past weekend: It’s about time. After missing playoffs in Division 3, the move down is understandable. However, they didn’t really seem to get out of that slump. With this win over 69ers, they look like a reborn phoenix rising from the ashes. (See what I did there?) They have a difficult schedule overall, but seem to rise to the occasion anyways and play to their competition. With many former all-stars, and a strong (but not always present) QB, they’ll be able to turn their season around…they just need to want it a little more.

(Final season prediction: 3/6/1}

 

Marauders {2/3/0}

 

The Marauders have a huge pickup in Hugo Beausoleil, but they need to get on the same page as him. Costly drops aside, they have the experience and the knowledge to really do some damage. If they step up in clutch situations, they’re going to do some real damage. Also noteworthy is the two-way season that Sébastien Michaud is having, heavily contributing and making plays on both offense and defense. As it remains though, they’re currently on the outside looking in, playoff-wise.

(Final season prediction: 5/5/0)

 

Mongoose {3/2/0}

 

Former spring finalists, Mongoose have a history of catching fire at the right time. This was especially evident in their big win this past week against the Marauders, which gave them a jump to a currently playoff-bound team.  However, they’ll get a taste of what the playoffs are set to look like as the five remaining teams they’re set to face are all playoff teams as well.  With a fantastic TD/INT ratio, and 4 players with 4 TDs or more, they’re able to keep up with the best of them. Let’s see if they’re ready to catch fire again.

(Final season prediction: 4/6/0)

 

Dillon Panthers {2/3/0}

 

A team with a giant question mark above them; with the giant unknown currently being the injury to QB Patrice Blouin’s hand. Even if all is lost, all is not lost as Gordon Stanway still has time to be playoff eligible. While Adam Bailey will not be eligible to play due to divisional restrictions when Ben Joseph is on the roster and Chris Smith won’t be back due to the fact that he lives outside the province (Who needs Chris Smith?), this win was huge for the Friday Night Lights alums. Trevor Ruffner is a legitimate two-way threat, and after their 0-3 start, this team is on track to being a divisional darkhorse. A little fine-tuning and comfort with the QB transition should be all that is necessary.

(Final season prediction: 5/5/0)

 

Discount Double Check {2/3/0}

 

One of the funnier team names to date, Discount Double Check are another 0-3 team that managed to turn things around. They have a hard-hitting offense, but have a very spotty and undisciplined defense. QB Mike Sayegh (I’m disappointed that there was a typo on the site) has the ability to find the open receiver for the touchdown with relative ease, but the “go big or go home” defensive style may be hurting. I know that everyone prefers INTs to tackles, but sometimes you need to play it safe. All in all though, despite being a brand-new team, they have standout players in Bryan Fuchs and Eric Rapps.

(Final season prediction: 6-4-0)

 

Beers {3/2/0}

 

As everyone says, reminiscent of the former Titans team. I’m sure Beers would be the first to tell you that they are their own team.  However, Gabriel Coté seems to be having a case of “deep-it is”. A former D1 alum (with arguably the most important catch in a championship run), Coté should be the first one to tell you how important it is to take what the defenses give you. With a very aggressive and smart defense, if the punting and offensive turnover on downs are kept to a minimum, Beers can continue on their successful run.

(Final season prediction: 6/4/0)

 

Golden Eagles {2/2/1}

 

With this player release business behind them, things can finally go back to normal for the Golden Eagles. Or can they? I’ve mentioned in the past that the strongest thing that the Golden Eagles had going for them is their group cohesiveness and their chemistry. Will the drama of their captain and QB having wanted to release himself from the squad take its toll on the trust and togetherness? They’ve made a successful jump from D5 to D4, and have gotten important acquisitions in Tam Villaydeth, Hugo Lalonde and Chris Olson…but will they make it to the postseason? They have the on-paper roster for it, but can they keep what’s made this team a standout?

(Final season prediction: 4/4/2)

 

Dragons {2/2/1}

 

Arguably the most gentlemanly team in the league. The biggest problem that the Dragons seem to have is that they consistently find themselves playing catch-up, and thus making the game slightly harder and more stressful for themselves. Maybe something as small as taking the ball in the first half could make all the difference? Simon Dagenais is a quiet and composed leader (who chronicles the move from Division 5 to Division 4 in Andrew D’Anna’s “The Goal Line Stand” article) who is an underrated leader. He expects the best from his team every week, without being demanding. There is no I in this team.

(Final season prediction: 4/4/2)

 

Outlaws {3/2/0}

 

Just like last winter, after a rough transition, the Outlaws have adapted well. The former Division 5 champions made the move up, and even with the loss of playoff hero Gabriel Cournoyer, they’ve come together as a group once again (sweet matching purple jerseys also help). Also noteworthy is the offensive production of rookie Mathieu Provencher, who is currently averaging two TD grabs a game. Interesting tidbit: four of the next five games for the Outlaws are against D5 alum, including their rivals, the Golden Eagles. Will they continue to do what they do best?

(Final season prediction: 7/3/0)

 

The Family {2/3/0}

 

Two points. That’s all that separates The Family from being a 4/1 team instead of a 2/3 team. Testament to their skill, they’ve continued under the leadership of Jean-Sebastien Ouellette and have not looked back. While not quite as mobile as Maxime Forget, Ouellette has fantastic play calling and almost unrivaled field awareness. Coupled with a solid receiving crew, and defensive chemistry that has stuck with them throughout the seasons, and you have a team much better than their record reflects. I don’t see them losing many more games this season.

(Final season prediction: 7/3/0)

 

69ers {3/2/0}

 

Let by possible two-way player of the year Dean Demetriou, this is quite possibly the youngest team in the division. Yet, what they lack in age, they more than make up for in football smarts. Dean is a huge problem for any defense due to his mobility and his simultaneous ability to consistently connect with his receivers for deep passes. With a combination of athleticism and football smarts, and the experience of Ryan Perry on hand when needed, the 69ers are poised to do some damage in the postseason.

(Final season prediction: 6/4/0)

 

Mad Monkeys {3/1/1}

 

The breakout team for best team photo, the Mad Monkeys seem to play up to their competition. The stronger their opposition, the better they perform. They have a very stifling defense that is turnover-based; what more can you ask for? So long as Anthony Beauchamp-Frezza is able to keep the INTs to the minimum, the Mad Monkeys will keep every game competitive and pose lots of problems to their opposition. Paired with a lighter second-half schedule and divisionally 1-0-0, the Mad Monkeys might just creep up on those unsuspecting teams!

(Final season prediction: 7/2/1)

 

Clockwork {3/2/0}

 

It was only a matter of time before baseball teammate and former Division 5 receiver of the year Jamaal Gittens joined the squad. Now, with some of the pressure alleviated from Emilio Pampena and Erminio Iadeluca, Clockwork have added depth without sacrificing chemistry. Marco Masciotra is putting up fantastic defensive numbers (unfortunately ineligible for an award due to his playing in D3) and is keeping up with his opposition. In order to take the next step in the division, the supporting cast of Brendan Yott and Trevor Makad will need to replicate their performances of this past spring.

(Final season prediction: 6/4/0)

 

Longhorns {4/1/0}

 

I almost want to call the Longhorns a darkhorse just based on how easily other teams brush them off. Despite having a 4/1 record, they’re consistently glossed over. They’re smart, resilient, and they can think outside of the box. A big pickup this year in Craig (Owie) O’Brien, it adds a different perspective and, more importantly, playoff and championship experience that the Longhorns lack. Jon Moodie, consistent as usual, will always find a way.

(Final season prediction: 6/3/1)

 

Monstars {3/2/0}

 

Arguably one of the stronger defenses in the division, the Monstars have been consistently improving. This team that once went 0/10 have shown signs of strength and solidarity, and are as tightly-knit now as they were then. Despite my heavily-chronicled reports on the pickup of the Lachaine brothers, the backbone of this team in Moh Azab, the Aridi brothers and Anthony de Carvalho are just as essential to this team. Since they’ve been consistently improving, expect them to make it past the first round of the playoffs this season.

(Final season prediction: 8/2/0)

 

The Commission {3/2/0}

 

With the loss of Jonathan Williams to the glory of football in France, many thought that it was game over for the former spring finalists. Enter Sean Avraam, former teammate of Pete Rose and the resurgence of the Commission franchise. Arguably the most experienced FPF team in Division 4 (if not the league), The Commission certainly know what works and what does not. Pair that with great preparation and intense focus, and the Commission are set to pick up right up where they left off.

(Final season prediction: 6/3/1)

 

Les Eudistes {3/2/0}

 

The Jean-Eudes alums are my pick for a team that is going to topple one of the top seeds come playoff time. Led by deceptively fast and smart QB Hugo Henderson, this team is chalk-full of football players who know football. A deadly two-way threat in Louis-Christophe Lafontaine, and players who run routes with precision make for a very dangerous team. Should they be able to curb the cockiness, they’re going to really do some damage.

(Final season prediction: 7/3/0)

 

*Le Zoo {4/1/0}

 

There’s nothing special about Le Zoo, they’ll have you believe. There’s nothing special about their quarterbacking or their defensive play or their receivers, they say. And yet, they sit atop the Conference B South Division. The play calling and knowledge that Le Zoo have about both themselves and their opposition is one of the most proficient in the division. With Frank Kaye now behind center, they seem to have found out exactly what has worked for them, and have already surpassed last season’s victories.

(Final season prediction : 8/2/0)

 

Crème de la Crème FFC {4/1/0}

 

Another team following in the footsteps of Le Zoo, Crème de la crème FFC are well on their way to surpassing their victories from last season. Having seamlessly made the jump from Division D to Division 4, CdlCFFC have vastly improved every area of their game. While the Beausejour brothers are the staple faces and playmakers of this team, we’re seeing an incredible breakout year for Felix Morin who can do just about everything. If this improvement continues, maybe a name change is to be expected every season? Corn on the Cob FFC?

(Final season prediction: 6/4/0)

 

*Hall of Famers {3/2/0}

 

A brand-new team that has won my heart over forever with the way they approached the Adam Browman/Zachary Kolomeir trade on the facebook walls, the Hall of Famers jumped onto the scene with a bang. Testament to their play, despite Justin Smolar’s 4 INTs during the Broccasion game (the only INTs all season), the Hall of Famers were STILL able to keep it to a 9 point game. As long as they learn from these mistakes instead of revelling over them, they’ll be even harder to stop. Adam Crystal is also an early frontrunner for receiver of the year.

(Final season prediction: 8/2/0)

 

*Les Caves {4/1/0}

 

Arguably the nicest jerseys in the league. To boot, Les Caves certainly play as good as they look. Mike Stagg’s offensive prowess and knowledge is helping mold the youth of this team into a strong football squad. Pair that with the backbone of GPK and a higher-division weapon in Corey Greenaway, and you have an incredibly well-rounded squad. Having already gotten over the perils that many rookie teams face, they’re able to use everything to their advantage. They’ll only really be tested in the last two weeks of the season.

(Final season prediction: 7/3/0)

 

No Punt Intended {4/1/0}

 

A team who’s play is terrible to look at, but shocking in how well it works, No Punt Intended catch many off guard. With the diminutive Sebastian di Poi playing safety, many opposing QBs think they have an easy touchdown ahead of them. If they manage to get the pass off, Sebastian certainly will change their mind fast. That’s IF, because the incessant rushing of Thomas Zorko and Jason Lachapelle is a thorn in the side of any QB to begin with. Mike Mendell is putting up his best stats to date, and everything else is irrelevant. With the name change and the new slate, NPI may have just created a new successful franchise.

(Final season prediction: 7/3/0)

 

*X-Men {4/0/1}

 

Testament to their play, the X-Men have won without being a full roster most of the season. This is all fine and dandy, but if the X-Men hope to have Wade Williams come playoff time, he will need to attend the remaining five games. That aside, the X-Men are far from being a one-trick pony. Rather than always having a game plan, the X-Men observe and exploit. There’s nothing more deadly than a team that can adapt to your weaknesses. All that’s left is for the X-Men to start closing out games by more convincing margins.

(Final season prediction: 7/2/1)

 

*Sphinx {4/1/0}

 

They’ve managed to be successful, despite consistently challenging themselves. After choosing to play in Division C rather than D this past spring, they’ve learned a lot and added a lot of skill to their repertoire, despite keeping their very same roster. Their offence can outgun most every offence around, but they need to adapt to the more elite defenses before they themselves can be considered elite. While their offense is fantastic, a bit more emphasis should be placed on the defense. If the defense can create more stops in a game, their opponents will simply run out of motivation.

(Final season prediction: 8/2/0)

 

The Incredibles {4/1/0}

 

A team that has certainly figured out FPF. After an above-average year in Division 5, the Incredibles took the spring Division D by storm, eventually falling just short in the finals. However, they’ve certainly picked themselves up and persevered, and are now a powerhouse in Division 4. Even taking their loss into account, they average 40 points a game. 40. It’s a wonder that I haven’t ranked them higher. If you’re also ever unsure as to what an amazing receiver is, Jacob Peterson puts on weekly clinics.

(Final season prediction: 9/1/0)

 

*Embarrassment of Riches {4/1/0}

 

Strictly by the numbers, 183 points for and a +/- of 103 is nothing to sneer at. While many claim that this team may actually be too strong, Edward Shoshan is one touchdown away from surpassing his passing touchdowns from last season (in a 1 win season). The core of Shoshan, Yayon and Niphakis have expanded, looking towards friends and role players in the league. This team relies on their chemistry more than their individual production to get them through games.

(Final season prediction: N/A)

 

*Hard Knocks {4/1/0}

 

In my opinion, the scariest team to play. I mentioned them early on as an alternative to the perceived divisional frontrunners, and they’ve instead BECOME a divisional frontrunner. There are very few in the division who can actually keep up with the receiving corps of Hard Knocks. The only hope that opposing teams have is to try and score early, and keep pace with them every step of the way. Because once Hard Knocks get ahead in the spread, there’s no real coming back.

(Final season prediction: 9/1/0)

 

*Brocassion {5-0-0}

 

15 ints total: 3 ints a game. At that point, is it even competitive anymore? After having a very tough season in Division B, Brocassion chose to drop down and re-tool. With brother Kristian Cerantola out for the season, Brocassion registered in Division 4 and had to look outside the box. Enter a last minute acquisition in Norman Weekes and Nicky McGuire. The championship experience that these two bestow on the rest of the team, paired with the already strong core have made them the team to beat in the division, and an expected finalist.

(Final season prediction: 10-0)

 

 

Stray Observations

 

–        I’m too tired after this article. You be funny for once.

 

 

Well, that’s it for me. If you’re unhappy with where you’ve been placed, or your “possible” final season prediction, feel free to prove me wrong. Alternately, Whitney Houston playlists can be sent to [email protected] . I’m out.