Inside the Red Zone (Div E) – Week 13

And then there was one! We have our first ever Division E champion. Congratulations to the Eskimo Brothers for defeating the Tomahawk Nightmare in a well played final at the Brossard Sports Complexe. With regards to my predictions, I did go 6-3 during the playoffs. I was a perfect 4-0 in the quarter finals but stumbled in the semis and the finals. I am sure the entertaining and enthusiastic Eskimo Brothers couldn’t be happier that they proved me wrong on two counts but as much as I like to think so, this is not about me; it’s about the biggest stage in FPF!

 

In my finals analysis last week I had mentioned three categories (quarterback, receivers and defense) and which team had the advantage in each one of them. First for the pivot, I had said it was a tie however the Eskimo Brothers clearly won that category as they showed depth and brilliance when starting QB Mitchell Muir came out of the game and Zach Stachowski stepped in with ease. Second, I had given the advantage to Tomahawk Nightmare for receivers but they dropped the ball, literally, and didn’t make the necessary plays when they had to. Simple underneath and short passes that were sure catches in previous weeks suddenly became drops. Last, I chose Eskimo Brothers for having the defensive advantage and they proved me right especially with Tomahawk Nightmare’s defense not being able to cover the middle of the field on a consistent basis.

 

The Eskimo Brothers clearly won all three categories and that’s the main reason they won the championship. They are a complete team with many elements that can overwhelm and dominate their opponents.

 

Every time Tomahawk Nightmare managed to claw their way back into the game, Eskimo Brothers responded with a score or a big play right down the middle of the field. Tomahawk’s defense had no answer for that and it baffles more than one week later that they did not pick up on it. The Eskimo Brothers saw a weakness and exploited it to the maximum.

 

It was a rough night for Jean Francois Marquis and the Tomahawk Nightmare’s offense but even rougher for the defense. It looked like the finals jitters had gotten the best of them which is surprising given their remarkable performance in the semi finals against the Golden Girls.

 

Despite all their shortcomings and miscues, Tomahawk Nightmare had one final chance to win being down five points. They threw a Hail Mary — which in football terms means putting up a prayer, but it seemed like the football and FPF Gods were on the Eskimo Brothers’ side because that prayer landed in the hands of Shawn Steen in the form of an interception. And just like that, the Eskimo Brothers were the Division E champions.

 

Therefore the credit must go to the Eskimo Brothers, who knew what had to be done and not only did they do it but did so in style. The finals MVP went to Zach Stachowski, and deservingly so, because he did it all for his team. He made big catches in crucial situations, stepped in as the pivot when the starting QB went down and rushed Jean-Francois Marquis quite well. Using the baseball analogy, he stepped into the batter box and knocked one out of the park.

 

Other notable performance was by none other than Double S 05 (sounds like a character in a spy film right?) who made a highlight reel move after a catch and it will be available for everyone to see on our website via the Division E Finals video.

 

What’s Next?

 

Starting with Tomahawk Nightmare, I think they were one of the best examples of a Division E team and come next season, they should be in Division 5. The latter is a little more competitive than Division E, however given their recent success they will fit in quite nicely.

 

As for the Eskimo Brothers, FPF podcast personality Terry Tam’s inside sources claim that they will be in Division 4. As we know a few of their players including pivot Mitchell Muir are members of Venom but it seems as though Eskimo Brothers will take over Venom. It will be a challenge for them in Division 4 but I do believe they are up for it. They have many different elements to their team that make them complete and deep enough to contend in a higher division.

 

Farewell

 

So now it’s time to start wrapping up the final article. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to have covered FlagPlus Football’s first ever Spring Division E season. I can still remember the first few weeks of the season and now it’s all said and done. Thanks to all the teams and players who participated in any shape or form through our podcasts and my column, your time and effort were much appreciated.

 

Also I’d like to give two thumps up to the Tomahawk Nightmare for achieving a great run. Though you just came up short, your sudden death overtime victory against the Golden Girls has given us memories that will last for quite some time.

 

Last congratulations again to the Eskimo Brothers who came, saw and conquered FPF’s most elusive prize. Your victories over BBQ Time Travelers, Fools Of The Country and Tomahawk Nightmare were a testament to the depth and completeness of your team.

 

If you have any last comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or on twitter @RehanFPF. The Division E Road Show (finals footage) will be posted on our website in a few weeks time so make sure to watch it as Terry Tam, Moe Khan, Daron Basmadjian, Steve Hodhod and yours truly break it all down.

 

So thanks again Division E for giving FPF a great Spring season and for the last time in 2013, this is Ron Starwars saying, see y’all in 2014!