Inside the Red Zone (Div E) – Week 10

Well folks it’s that time of the season where heroes will be crowned and legends will be made. Well maybe it’s not that dramatic however the Division E playoffs have arrived and the matchups will be fun and exciting.

 

As promised, this edition of Inside The Redzone will celebrate the 2013 Spring Division E regular season. As we all know, it was first time FlagPlus Football put in a fifth division in the Spring season with the intention of giving inexperienced and newer teams a chance to play at a level that’s more competitive for them.

 

For the most part that idea was successful because the division had parity, however, as always, a couple of teams were a bit too strong for the division. Nonetheless, I am not here to start a debate because all related topics are played out and frankly, nobody really cares at this point of the season.

 

The regular season had great moments, plays and storylines but now all that matters are the playoffs because only one team will walk away with the championship hardware. As mentioned earlier, there are some great match ups to look forward to and I will break them down a little later on in the article.

 

With the end of the season come awards that recognized players’ regular season performances.

 

FPF Individual Award Winners

James Floreani (Golden Girls) – He was the most dominant pivot all season long and no one in their right mind will disagree. He threw for 54 TDs and only 6 INTs.

 

Simon Lahaie (BBQ Time Travellers) – He’s an underrated player who didn’t go unnoticed. Though he can come up big on both sides of the ball, he was rewarded with the best receiver reward due to the following numbers: 547 yards and 13 TDs.

 

Yavar Ashrafi (BBQ Time Travellers) – Mark my words, he will turn a lot of heads in the next two-three seasons for his defensive skills, even in higher divisions. He earned the best defensive player trophy in Division E by putting up the following stats: 30 tackles, 8 INTs and 10 PDs.

 

Shawn Steen (Eskimo Brothers) – The man is unstoppable; he is a wrecking ball waiting to cause havoc. Ask any defense or offense who has faced him and they’ll tell you all about Shawn Steen. He won the two way player of the year award. On offense he had 637 yards and 17 TDs and on defense he 32 tackles, 10 INTs and 5 PDs.

The BBQ Time Travellers might have gotten their team name spelling wrong (or right as per the British spelling according to Peeze) but they definitely did a lot of things right on the field to earn the aforementioned awards.

 

As great as the individual awards are, I will not stop here because now it is time to take a look at the winners of STAR-AWARDS. It’s a tradition unlike any other and it celebrates the performance of those players who deserve to win some categories that are absent in the FPF award system.

 

The STAR-AWARDS©

 

I am pleased to announce the winners for the eighth edition of STAR-AWARDS.

 

 

Best Entertainer – This award is handed out to the player who will make you jump out of your seats or cleats. He puts on a show on the field and very much so off the field. He is the “Sean Avery” of Division E. He keeps us entertained with his antics, something every league requires. Winner: Peeze Della Reeze

 

Fastest Man – This award is handed out to a player who is quite simply a rocket. He will use his jets, whether he is in running with or without the ball. They say, “Speed Kills” and this player can do exactly that to his opponents. Winner: Gobi Nadesh

 

Adriano Tassone award (Class Act) – This award is handed out to the player who best represents his team with class on and off the field. Winner: Alexandre Guertin

 

Best Hands – This award is handed out to a player who has hands like glue. In other words, whether the ball thrown to him is a great one or a “duck”, he will catch it and make a play. Winner: Shawn Steen

 

Best Route Runner – This award is handed out to a player who runs his routes to perfection. Whether it is 5 yard hook or a post-corner, he knows how to run his pattern and find an opening. Winner: Olivier Savage

 

Best General Manager – This award is handed out to a player who has put together the best team. He also makes sure his team is well-organized throughout the season. Winner: Zach Stachowski

 

The Hulk award – This award is handed out to a player who is “jacked”. He simply is a physical beast and has accomplished it without an illegal substance (we hope)! Winner: Justin Ibo

 

Most Improved Team – This award is handed out to the team who has shown the most improvement from the beginning of the season until the end. Winner: Show Me Your TDs

 

Most Improved Player – This award is handed to the player who has shown the most improvement from beginning of the season until the end. Winner: Moe Khan/Mike Addona

 

STARWAR of the year – This award is handed out to the ultimate well-rounded football player with athleticism, football smarts and great leadership. Winner: Shawn Steen

 

The Heisman – This award is handed out to the player who was most valuable to his team throughout the season. Winner: Jean-Francois Marquis

 

A few extra awards…

 

Best Podcast Personality – This award is handed out to the host or analyst who best does his job, making the show interesting and informative. Winner: Peeze

 

The Moe Khan award – This award is handed out to Moe Khan. Winner: TBA at Road Show

 

Best Team Jerseys – This award is handed out to the team with the best looking jerseys. Winner: Los Banditos

 

Best Team Name – This award is handed out to the team with the most original and entertaining name. Winner: Show Me Your TDs

 

Congratulations to all the winners, you truly earned these awards.

 

Random Seasonal Statistics

 

-One team scored at least 40 points during sixteen regular season games

-Only half of the teams were over .500

– Only two teams allowed less than 200 points which means the remaining eight teams allowed on average at least 20 points per game

-Three teams had 3 receivers with 300+ receiving yards

– Only three QBs had a rating of 100+ and 40+ passing TDs

-Etienne Guilmain had more rushing yards (435) than 92% of players in the receiving yards category

-Four defensive players had 8 INTs or more

-Show Me Your TDs finished above .500 but had a differential of minus 41

 

 

2013 Spring Division E Playoffs: Quarter Finals

 

It is worth noting that SEVEN OUT OF THE EIGHT QBs in the post-season (James Floreani is the only exception) are playing in the FPF playoffs for the first time ever as a pivot. Furthermore almost half are playing in the playoffs first time. Will that play a factor? It’s tough to say but it definitely levels the playing field.

 

 

(1) Golden Girls vs. (8) Los Banditos

Season series: Golden Girls won 39-24

 

QB: The advantage clearly goes to James Floreani (won best QB award for a reason) but I will say that Alex Guertin has played well all season long, enough to keep his team in games.

 

Receivers: This category is a tie because Los Banditos has at least 4 receivers who can come up big in key situations and so do the Golden Girls. I am even tempted to give the slight edge to Los Banditos.

 

Defense: I love the rushing attack of Justin Ibo for the Los Banditos however as an overall unit, the Golden Girls are better.

 

Analysis: This game will be decided by James Floreani against the Los Banditos’ defense who will need to find a way to get a stop or two. If the Los Banditos can accomplish that and do not turn the ball over themselves on offense, they’ll be in the game till the last five plays. James Floreani’s playoff experience in higher divisions will come in handy for the Golden Girls as he should dominate on offense and defense. Winner: Golden Girls

 

 

(2) Eskimo Brothers vs. (7) BBQ Time Travellers

Season Series: Eskimo Brothers won 19-7

 

QB: The advantage goes to Mitchell Muir of the Eskimo Brothers who has been in the zone all season long. He had the best QB rating in Division E. On the other side, Mike Bagnato has stepped up his game recently but it hasn’t been consistent.

 

Receivers: Even though Simon Lahaie won the best receiver award, I give the nod to Eskimo Brothers because besides the lethal Shawn Steen who can do it all by himself, they have other strong receivers in Stephen Georgy-Pond and Corey Oliver.

 

Defense: BBQ Time Travellers have a better team defense led by defensive player of the year Yavar Ashrafi and defensive superstar Simon Lahaie.

 

Analysis: It is tough to predict a winner between these two teams because the Eskimo Brothers have been dominant all season long but BBQ Time Travellers showed in week 10 that they might be ready to take the leap to the next level. It’s always dangerous to face a team who is catching fire at the right time. I am a big believer in BBQ Time Travellers’ defense however offensively they haven’t been consistent on and I do question Mike Bagnato’s to step up in his first FPF playoff game against a tough defense. BBQ Time Travellers will be facing a team who has been consistent, dominant and allow very little room for mistakes on a weekly basis. Winner: Eskimo Brothers

 

 

(3) Fools Of The Country vs. (6) Dat’s Big!

Season Series: Dat’s Big won 30-0 (forfeit win due to violation of illegal player rule)

 

QB: Etienne Guilmain wins this category because of his ability to dictate the passing or rushing attack on the field. Moe Khan has progressed well but still has room for growth.

 

Receivers: Statistically only one FOTC receiver has over 300+ yards however that’s more dangerous. The offense is well balanced and ball is spread everywhere which means Dat’s Big cannot zero in on one receiver.

 

Defense: FOTC allowed the second least amount of points during the season (199). They have at least two or three x-factors on defense that can break the game wide open.

 

Analysis: Even though the decision was given to Dat’s Big during the season due to a violation of illegal players, the stats during that game are worth a look. FOTC scored 7 TDs (4 passing, 2 defensive and 1 rushing) compared to Dat’s Big’s 4 and, FOTC intercepted Moe Khan 3 times (Though Dat’s Big were missing players, Moe Khan still turn the ball over). I would love nothing better than to believe in Dat’s Big ability to cause an upset however they’re going up a team who is the very definition of hard-nose and consistency. FOTC has great chemistry and they rarely make mistakes and they’ll play a QB who is playing in his first playoff game. Winner: Fools Of The Country

 

 

(4) Tomahawk Nightmare vs. (5) Show Me Your TDs

Season series: Tomahawk Nightmare won 42-27

 

QB: There isn’t a bigger fan of Mike Addona than I because he has come a long way this season and taken great strides at the QB position however Jean-Francois Marquis is playing at a different level. He’s one of 3 QBs in Division E who had a 100+ QB rating. Moreover he had 5+ passing TDs in six games this season.

 

Receivers: Tomahawk Nightmare has four receivers that have 200+ yards whereas Show Me Your TDs has only have two so Tomahawk has the slight advantage.

 

Defense: Led by Division E sack leader David Di Paola, Show Me Your TDs are slightly better in this category. They play an aggressive defense and sometimes take risks which can go against them. Regardless with Jean-Francois Marquis choosing to not play defense will give Show Me Your TDs the slight edge.

 

Analysis: Jean-Francois Marquis has been putting up solid numbers but has gone under the radar because his team is 6-4 but he shouldn’t be underestimated. This game will come down to Show Me Your TDs defense that will need to step it up because they can’t allow any mental errors against a potent offense. Last time they faced each other, Tomahawk dropped 42 on them. On offense Mike Addona is injured and even if he was healthy, he will need at least 35-40 points if his squad stands a chance. Winner: Tomahawk Nightmare

 

 

That’s it for this edition of Inside The Redzone. Good luck to all the teams in the playoffs, make sure to play hard and leave the field with no regrets. As usual If you have any suggestions or criticism just contact me at [email protected], inbox me on Facebook or send me a tweet (@RehanFPF). You can also listen to the Division E Calling the Audible podcast at http://podomatic.fpf.com

  

This is Ron Starwars reminding you to stay classy Division E!