Introductions, Power Rankings and Predictions.
Gentlemen, Eagle,
I’m happy to say I’m back at it this season for you guys. I’ll skip the needless introductions as most of you already know me by now. For those of you who don’t, well, you will at some point this season if these become as addictive as I anticipate.
As most of you have figured by now, I’ll be one of the writers for Division 4 (A and B). Yannick Doston will complement my work with his french articles on a weekly basis. As for podcasts, you’ll be stuck hearing GM Kolethras’ voice over and over again, but luckily we’ve been blessed with a newcomer in Alex Holowach.
For real though, Division 4 is one of the rare division with 4 different voices that’ll spread love and hate all season long; enjoy it. Each and everyone of these talented players will have a very unique take on your current situation so if you hate mine, well, there’s 3 other people that could potentially pat you in the back by the time your next game comes along.
This season’s article will feature weekly commodities like my famous Players of the week segment, the beloved Power Rankings and Predictions, my non-official thoughts of the week, recaps from the week before (I only recap the game I’ve witnessed personally, so I apologize if you play during my “off nights”, but I’ll catch you at some point considering I’m at the fields 3/5 nights) and the new fan-favorite Fantasy FlagPlus Football segment. But more on that later.
Let’s get started
Preseason
I’ll be truthful: writing a preseason article in Division 4 is a massive headache. I’m sitting here, in front of my computer, trying to find ways to rank you guys and predict the outcome of, potentially, the most unpredictable division in FPF history. Yay.
On the flip side, I’d hate to cover a division where my preseason Power Rankings would remain unchanged for 10 straight weeks; I’d be bored by week 2.
Thoughts of the Offseason
- I expected this segment to take half the article. I’m disappointed.
- What a leap for Small Giants to be sitting in Division 4B this Winter. Kudos to them.
- Blue Chips struggled in Division B last Spring, but found their way late in the season. They’ll be a contender in 4B.
- Vikings has the same player 4 times. I’m not sure if I should expect big things from him or not yet.
- Last year’s Division 4A had great parity as the only undefeated team fell out of the playoffs early. I expect a very similar faith this season.
- Last year’s Division 4B gave us many different looks before settling down late in the season; who will be this year’s surprise?
- How is Microsoft Office so expensive?
- There’s awkwardly a lot of people on my Facebook down south celebrating the holidays and vacation afterward. Thanks.
- I’m curious whether D4A or D4B will keep me on my toes the most.
- Hopefully I won’t get hit by a player this year scorekeeping.
- Yes, this is pretty much the order in which content goes through my mind on a daily basis.
- I kind of am looking forward to making fun of Eagle once a week for, well, being Eagle.
- I’m still shocked by how strong some teams look heading into this Winter season.
- Spotify is smart. Not only can you not use their discount once per email, but also once per credit card! Hopefully, you’re not paying for a loved one.
Acquisitions of the Offseason
Uniquely this week, I’ve traded out my “Players of the Week” segment as no games as been played for this one-time tradeoff. Hopefully it’ll provide the same kick.
Expect these guys to turn the team around and make big waves this season. If you’re playing any of these said teams, they won’t be quite what you’ve grown to know.
Division 4A
- Robert White + the return of Jacob Bernett to Junkyard Dogs.
- Marc-André Lapointe to Bad case
- Justin Blanchard to Still Still Teamless
- Dany Ostiguy to Flying Weasels.
- Jordan Allard to Backyard Bullies
- Brent Callender to The Tide
Division 4B
- Vinny Gualano and Stephan Osman to Gators
- Karim Binette to the J’s
- Justin Filteau’s return to Game Changers
Power Rankings
Division 4A
- The Tide (9-1-0): Although they have one of the toughest schedule in the division, The Tide’s bound to roll through 4A with “ease”. They were great in 4B and managed to become even better.
- Les Maloudes (8-2-0): Every season, Les Maloudes show up, compete, and rank top of their division. This season won’t be any different.
- Still Still Teamless (7-3-0): The idea of Justin Blanchard and Justin McLean on the same team in Division 4 is scary enough to rank them in my top 3.
- Aztec Sasquatches (7-3-0): I’ve tried to find something bad to say about this team, but there’s very little. The most stacked team in the division.
- Past Our Prime (6-4-0): Although I’ve heard Craig O’Brien might not be the QB to start the season, there’s too much talent and experience here to have a bad season. These guys are not to be taken lightly.
- Bad Case (6-4-0): A lot of veterans and known commodities. I hate ranking myself, but it’s a pretty strong roster on paper.
- Backyard Bullies (6-4-0): The addition of Jordan Allard will pay dividends quick. Expect Rich Humes to be in the discussion of QB of the year again.
- Eskimo Brothers (6-4-0): When they have their full roster, they’re one of the top contenders. Can they keep all their pieces together for every game this season?
- Junkyard Dogs (6-4-0): The new additions will pay off as Junkyard Dogs attempt to leap up to Division 4. With a much better surrounding cast, it’s up to Jason Rossie to keep doing his thing.
- 69ers (5-4-1): Yes, a tie. These guys will find a way. Somehow. They’ve been signing up in Division 4 for a while now and keeps performing; no reason for that to change now.
Division 4B
- Mud Dogs (9-1-0): Although their roster is SLIGHTLY different from last Winter, these guys are the real deal. They were the surprise from last Winter, but won’t fool us twice. There’s a reason they’re ranked #1 heading into the season and it’s not simply because I know them.
- The Alpha T’s (8-2-0): The Alpha T’s took Division D by storm last Spring. Expect similar results this season in 4B. With a ridiculous defense and a mistake-free offense, we’ll be talking about The Alpha T’s a lot this season.
- The U (8-2-0): The defending champions deserve some credit heading into Winter 2017. I expect great things from these guys once again. I’ll retain myself from mentionning the White brothers and Shaq Lattimore just yet.
- Get Off My D (7-3-0): With many household names on the roster, it’s tough to overlook GOMD. Yes, Jeff Rosenblatt will have a fantastic year, but look to Jad Aridi to run the tables for this team this Winter.
- Game Changers (7-3-0): Justin Filteau’s return didn’t go unnoticed. Anton Sakiz is back with his boys and they’ll wreck havoc in 4B. Although they won’t score another perfect season, it doesn’t mean it won’t be a great one.
- Green Lantern Corps (6-4-0): These guys don’t need to be perfect to have a successful season. With pretty much the same roster as last season re-entering Division 4B, I expect great things from these guys down the stretch.
- Gators (6-4-0): With so many new additions, Eddy Martinez’ absence might go unnoticed. I did say might. Cory Walwaski surrounded himself with great players once again and should have more than what he needs to win this season.
- Jagerbomb (5-5-0): The absence of Cedric Nuckle will be felt this Winter, but these guys will find ways to win regardless. Never write off Jagerbomb.
- Rancerz (5-5-0): Although this team has many new faces, I have a feeling that Marc-André Paradis, Louis-Christophe Lafontaine and Jeremie Cloutier didn’t surround themselves with just anybody.
- J’s (5-5-0): The addition of Karim Binette to this team is as big as it gets. If they can find a way to incorportate him into the team properly, J’s might have a very memorable season in Winter 2017.
FlagPlus Fantasy Football
Division 4A
The Head to Head
- Louis-Philippe Paquette (Les Maloudes) vs Francis Lapointe (Aztez Sasquatches): With both teams in my top 5 preseason, it’s only fitting that two of their top guys square off to start the fantasy season.
Position Matchup
- Jason Rossie (Junkyard Dogs) vs Jeremy Anderson (5-Star): Both Qbs are coming off impressive seasons last Spring. Can they keep the momemtum going into Winter and this new division caliber?
- Steve Sanner (Backyard Bullies) vs Shawn Steen (Eskimo Brothers): This could be an offensive, defensive or 2way matchup, but I’d rather talk defensive for now. Can Steen contain Sanner? Can Sanner contain Steen?
- Michael Treffeisen (Damps 25/8) vs Federico Alzamora (Frosty Bronsons): Both players aren’t quite known to the FPF world just yet, somehow, but that’s all about to change. Watch these two guys go off week 1.
Division 4B
The Head to Head
- Gabriel Poisson (Fuzzy-Kittens) vs Vincent Marquis (Falcons): Marquis was a revelation last season for Trinity and is looking to keep the momemtum going. Poisson had a frustrating season last spring plagued with injuries; I’m sure he had week 1 marked on his calendar for a while now.
Position Matchup
- Josh White (The U) vs Jean-Felix Daloze (Jagerbomb): Both receivers have grown into franchise receivers for their team and this should be a chance for them to pave the way for the rest of the season. I’m curious to see who gets out ahead here.
- Anton Sakiz (Game Changers) vs Jeff Rosenblatt (Get off my D): Two of the potential candidates for QB of the year will play each other in week 1. Expect big things from these guys on Monday night.
- Mathieu Houle (The Alpha T’s) vs Mendy Cardichon (Green Lantern Corps): Arguably both team’s lead receivers. Arguably two of the best receivers in the division. What else could we ask for?
Picks of the week
Last year, Doston and I took it down the wire and the final few picks gave away the prediction title. Although his trash talk was mediocre, his performance was acceptable (at best). Let’s see if he can repeat the feat or fall flat like his championship hopes.
Division 4A
Junkyard Dogs vs 5-Star
MVE vs 69ers
TOPSZN vs ZOO
Backyard Bullies vs Eskimo Brothers
Nobodies vs The Commission
Past Our Prime vs The Tide
Nonna’s Sauce vs Golden Flashes
Flying Weasels vs Big Tds
Les Maloudes vs Aztec Sasquatches
Bad Case vs Still Still Teamless
Damps 25/8 vs Frosty Bronsons
Gotham Knights vs no name
Division 4B
Gators vs Small Giants
Sandlot Saints vs Team Ethnik
V-Cieux vs Blue Chips
Fuzzy-Kittens vs Falcons
Vikings vs Mud Dogs
Jagerbomb vs The U
Sphinx vs Rancerz
Les Blues Branleurs vs A-Squad
Game Changers vs Get off my D
Obamacare vs J’s
STL Cougars vs Mean Machine
The Alpha T’s vs Green Lantern Corps
That sums it for this week’s article. It’s always a pleasure to write and hear back from you guys. After all, the content is meant 99% for you. I keep a percent for me; ranting here and there is fun after all. You can always reach me via twitter @DagenaisFPF or via email ([email protected]). I’ll be at Lachine every Sunday night and Hebert every Wednesday night scorekeeping so you can stop by and chat. Don’t hesitate. Until next time…!