Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 5

I know what you all came here for, so I might as well continue what I started last week!

Conference B Breakdown!

24 – Maccabi (0-5-0) – Final season prediction:{ 0-10-0}
Like I said last week, it’s hard making an 0-10 prediction, and I once again hope that I’m wrong on this guess. However, things are not looking good for Maccabi. Originally having attempted to register in the full Division 5, Maccabi decided to give it a go in D4. Unfortunately a mix of unpreparedness and trouble with the rules has made it tough for Maccabi thus far, and their schedule doesn’t seem to lighten.
 
23 – Nutcrackers (1-4-0) – Final season prediction:{1-9-0}
I know that there’s sometimes more to it than what’s on paper, so help me out here. Maxim Gauthier had a decent first game in the league with a 2 TD, 0 INT performance. So why make a switch to a QB who has just about 3 times more INTs that TDs this season. Maybe a swap is in order? Alexandre Noel already has a season under his belt; maybe taking a more instrumental lead on this team is in order in order to iron out what works and what doesn’t.
 
22 – Channel 4 News Team (0-5-0) – Final season prediction:{2-8-0}
Despite their record thus far, I’m a little bit more confident in Channel 4 News Team. They have a decent amount of football experience outdoors, and Jake Appelbaum is putting up good enough numbers thus far. They’ve got two very winnable games coming up, so let’s hope that they can muster up some sort of consistency.
 
21 – SWCP Bulldogs (1-4-0) – Final season prediction:{2-8-0}
A lot of newer teams seem to suffer from the same issue: Forcing plays that aren’t always there. The alternative? Take what the defenses give you. Cedric Langevin has a talented receiving corps who can keep them in games so long as they chip away at the opposing defenses rather than going for the kill every play. Also, on the flip side, a bit more consistency at the rusher position would limit the time opposing QBs have and will help the defense tremendously.
 
20 – Gunslingers (1-4-0) – Final season prediction:{3-7-0}
Their record is a bit of a surprise considering the fact that the bulk of this team has had previous experience in the league. That being said, their schedule seems to be very front-heavy. They should be able to pick it up and make it work in the coming weeks as well. As always, the Viens brothers are a great tandem to watch and one that will likely continue to improve in future seasons.
 
19 – Longhorns (1-3-1) – Final season prediction:{3-6-1}
Usually, I’d say that this would be the same old song and dance for the Longhorns. But it’s not necessarily the case. With consistent absenteeism (including an injury to Rob Allen, one of the best receivers in D4 in my opinion) things are not optimal for the Longhorns. However, a silver lining: Chris Rosen’s son Adam seems to be quite the pickup, developing quite the tandem with QB Jon Moodie.
 
18 – KGP Lite (2-2-1) – Final season prediction:{4-5-1}
A member of KGP Lite once told me after a loss that they deserved to go play with little girls. (Note: I watched the girls touch league play Thursday night at CSJV, they’re actually quite good). Obviously a bit of an overreaction, but not falling on deaf ears. Phil Cutler is no stranger to the league, I have no gripe with that. I just think that in order to improve, he needs to identify the strengths and weaknesses on the team and utilize accordingly. Also noteworthy: there are receivers on KGP Lite who are having fantastic receiving seasons despite not even being old enough to drive.

17 – Football Old Timers Club (2-3-0) – Final season prediction: {4-6-0}
A fantastic team who just seem to have trouble clicking. They keep missing playoffs, and seem to have trouble adapting to the fact that the play in Division 4 continues to elevate. Honestly, I don’t know what to suggest for change for FOTC, because the truth is that they ARE good, but can’t seem to catch a break.
 
16 – Sphinx (2-2-1) – Final season prediction:{4-5-1}
I’m seeing Sphinx as the poster child for inconsistency. There are days where their victories come as a huge surprise, and days where the same thing goes for their losses. I feel like there isn’t really anything that I can evaluate Sphinx on. Mathieu Fafard continues to be everywhere on the field all at once, and Cloutier spreads the wealth amongst the usual faces effectively (Barisselle and brother Philippe)… I guess I should start talking about new acquisition Justin Arsenault in the coming weeks?

15 – Backyard Bullies (2-3-0) – Final season prediction:{5-5-0}
A lesson for all those in FPF: being friends with Vinny Gualano will help your team. Last week, Vinny threw for 2 TDs, caught 2 from Rich Humes, ran one in and led the team in tackles. Not taking away from the rest of the team’s performance (notably the pick-six from Pete Humes who has speed to spare)I like the chances that the Bullies have in the coming weeks, which gives them a considerable bump up.
 
14 – Certified Flyguyz (2-3-0) – Final season prediction:{5-5-0}
Take an already experienced team and add a competent QB. That seems to be the trend in FPF, and it’s working pretty well for the Flyguyz. Granted, they’ve had a tough few games back to back, but the future seems very winnable for them. This offense is hard-hitting AND balanced, and will definitely pose matchup problems to those who have trouble with the deep ball coverage.
 
13 – No Punt Intended (2-3-0) – Final season prediction:{5-5-0}
On paper, it astounds me that a team as loaded as NPI are 2-3, and yet it’s easy to see why. It’s not weakness, but rather the game simply not going their way when it counts. NPI are able to win, all they need to do now is close out close games. A big pickup in Kevin Lubin has helped them do well, but they need to also adjust to the elevated competition of the division.
 
12 – Coyotes (3-2-0) – Final season prediction:{5-5-0}
A reassurance for all those teams in D5 who want to make the jump: Coyotes. A closely knit team with sets of brothers on it (as well as the Rashkovan’s dad) they’ve made an efficient jump and have been able to continue doing what has worked for them in the past. I predict some upcoming trouble, however, as the teams they play in the second half are a bit more seasoned in the tricks of the lower divisions as they’re alumni themselves. Time to see if the Coyotes are for real.
 
11 – Bruizers (3-2-0) – Final season prediction:{6-4-0}
The surprise of the season in my opinion. Fred Mallette has put together (and is quarterbacking) a fine team. Sharing their team name with the junior contact team in the QJFL, it’s not too hard to see why they’re doing as well as they are.  They’re doing great for a first time team, and it’ll be interesting to see if they catch fire with more experience under their belt.

10 – Spartans (3-2-0) – Final season prediction:{6-4-0}
These D5 teams moving up seem to be a menace, outperforming some of the most established D4 teams. Nicolas Gendron-Vallée is getting it done both in the air and on his feet, and is keeping an already talented team (Bellavance, Gauthier, Kotrbaty) in elite company. They had a bit of a hiccup against the Gunslingers but have also elevated their play when it counts. Maybe they’re a squad who play to their competition?
 
9 – Past Our Prime (3-2-0) – Final season prediction:{6-4-0}
Sometimes up, sometimes down (and sometimes aided by a rough call at the end of a game) POP are a very talented squad. Let’s hope they come into their element and start playing “Waterbuffaloes football” (thank you Dale Williams), because the second half has a few tough games for them. Definitely a team that will surprise at least one of the powerhouses, especially with the addition of Eugene McLaren.
 
8 – The Commission (3-2-0) – Final season prediction:{6-4-0}
The Commission have a habit of going 6-4 in a season whether I predict it or not, so I’d might as well. They’re a talented team who put on statement games, and yet their roster brings a few questions to the table. Are they too many? Is there a QB controversy? Will Alex Russell be playoff eligible? I’ll keep you posted as the season unfolds.
 
7 – Broccasion (3-2-0) – Final season prediction:{6-4-0}
Hurt by a missed call that could have had them go 4-1 (hey, it happens to everyone), Broccasion are the same talented bunch. A key addition in Moy McDonald seems to be making a difference for them however in closing out close games. They will need every break and every close game that they can get because they’ve got zero vacation games remaining for them.
 
6 – Ball Busters (4-1-0) – Final season prediction:{6-4-0}
I could be wrong, and they could continue the fantastic run that they’ve been having, but I feel like the second half will not be as easy for Dylan Brown and co. They’ve been winning by marginal amounts as of late, and their second half competition is a bit heavier. That being said, it could still go well for them as they’ll do well due to their divisional wins thus far.
 
5 – The Family (3-2-0) – Final season prediction:{7-3-0}
Maxime Forget is back at QB! I don’t know if I should be so excited that the QB that murdered my team in the D5 finals a few years ago is playing QB again, but I am. The truth is that The Family have always gelled well together, and the change of J-S Ouellet to his natural receiver position evidences this. Both players jumped back into the saddle like it was nothing! I like them in the next few weeks, and expect them to start catching fire again like the squad of old.
 
 
4 – Smokin’ Aces (4-0-1) – Final season prediction:{7-2-1}
It’s not that this team is 100% Scoop, but he brings a lot to the table. That being said, for a brand new team with marginal FPF experience aside from Daniele, the Smokin’ Aces have potential to do VERY well in their freshman year. Nick Meti has a TD for every two catches, and pair that with Apostolakis and the Bulldog and you’ve got a strong offense. If they can avoid some of the more costly drops, they move into elite territory.
 
3 – Mustangs du Gridiron (4-1-0) – Final season prediction:{7-3-0}
They had a chance to make a big statement against the Gators but fell a little bit flat right at the end of the game. That being said, it’s no indication that they’d lose again if the same game was played. They have a history of upsetting the powerhouses (see Spring: PWW game) and function incredibly well as a team. If Simon Vallée can focus on his play and not the Facebook wall, they have potential to do well. As long as they play their game and have nothing to prove, they’re good.
 
2 – Gators (4-1-0) – Final season prediction:{8-2-0}
Dave Hurley backed up his mouth and even had a statement game on offense. That being said, the Gators are a well-structured team who are capable of shuffling at a moment’s notice. There is a plethora of receiving talent, and they’ve got guys capable of playing multiple positions (including two all-star rushers) Look at them to coast through most games in the second half.
 
1 – Les Buddays (5-0-0) – Final season prediction:{10-0-0}
They’re going to go undefeated because they’re simply that good. They’re physical, they’re fast and they’re smart. Best of all, they’re organized. Everyone on the team knows their role, and everyone does it well. Look at them to be the team to beat in Conference B, but I don’t think that they will be beaten.
 
 
Quick Picks

Falcons vs. Pitbulls
La Sauce vs. Toute Garnie – Toute Garnie (I was right on this one as I predicted them to go 10-0)
#NoRegard vs. Outlaws
Broccasion vs. Gators – Gators
The Family vs. Football Old Timers Club – The Family
Marauders vs. Rogues – Marauders
Ball Busters vs. Spartans – Spartans
Green Nation vs. FTP 2.0 – Green Nation
Past Our Prime vs. Mustangs du Gridiron – Mustangs du Gridiron
Nutcrackers vs. Backyard Bullies – Backyard Bullies
Bruizers vs. Smokin’ Aces –  Smokin’ Aces
Les Buddays vs. Gunslingers – Les Buddays
The Incredibles vs. Park-X Streets – The Incredibles
Sphinx vs. Certified Flyguyz – Certified Flyguyz
Cool Kidz vs. Discount Double Check – Discount Double Check
No Punt Intended vs. The Commission – The Commission
Channel 4 News Team vs. Maccabi – Channel 4 News Team
Thunder vs. 69ers – 69ers
Longhorns vs. Coyotes – Longhorns
Knights vs. Sea Assassins – Knights
KGP Lite vs. SWCP Bulldogs – KGP Lite
Yari’s Autonomics vs. Dark Side – Yari’s Autonomics
Vis Motus vs. Underrated – Underrated
Clockwork vs. Patriotes – Clockwork
 
Thanks for the patience. I’ve had a lot going on outside the FPF world and it’s been dragging the release of my articles down. That being said, it should improve in the next few articles and late submissions will be a thing of the past. Complaints can go to [email protected] <[email protected]> however. Until then, I’ll see you on the field!