Mid-Season Breakdown

The same old song and dance.

This season, Division C has seen its fair share of upsets and surprises. From teams making noise that I wouldn’t have expected to contenders losing games they shouldn’t, I’m really growing fond of this division.

The theme this week is, well, you’ve read it, I won’t repeat myself endlessly. FPF is a offense, quarterback-driven league. If you don’t have a QB, you will not win games. You might win one here and there with a bit of luck, but you’ll fall flat when the season takes its toll. The teams with the best QBs are elevating and the others are scratching their heads looking for ways to compete. It’s the same old song and dance (there, I’ve said it again, happy?)

There’s also another thing that FlagPlus Football has going for itself and its rivalries. Like any other sports or leagues, when you face the same team over and over again, season after season, it’s hard not to talk about rivalries. Either because you are playing friends, old teammates, or simply guys you despise for beating you last season when it really mattered, rivalry fuels FPF in a special way. That being said, I have my fair share of rivalries with certain teams and the one I have with a fellow staff member runs deeper than most. I took a bet with Peeze and I lost. Well, I lost the Division B game, thus, the bet and now I have to live up to the bet, so here it is. Sorry in advance, truly.

 

The Tale of the Peeze

In a land far far away, Anjou-sur-le-lac to be more precise (yes, he is fancy that way), lives a not-so-young gentleman with many names. Although some of you may call him Peezler, Puzzles or even baby, he likes to call himself Peeze Della Reeze. Famous for his lack of taste in shoes and intriguingly self-absorbed, he, somehow, knocked-up his fair share of women and, possibly, even men; the legend doesn’t say much, it uses the word “Human”, but I felt like that was kinda weird to mention…

Notorious for his beers, fairy tales, unfinished novel and hilarious drunkness, he’s known to crash on the couch more often than not with an empty glass in the other hand. Le Peeze has grown into a fairly competent human being who turned things around and made a life for himself drinking and tasting good food. Some may look at him with envy, others with pure jealousy, but I’d like to think many would simply like to enjoy his throne for a single day.

Over the course of his long and harden life, Puzzles has learnt to deal with adversity his very own way. Somewhat like a turtle, he crawls into his shell to avoid heartaches and deflects it upon sports or whatever his morning arm exercise is called nowadays. Famous for his dick jokes, horrible mama jokes, stealing D’Anna’s dreams and his invention of a rotating rubber duck that tells insults to anyone who dare enters his home, Paolo has a genuine heart and actually gives a shit every now and then; he just doesn’t like to admit it.

Luckily, for some of us, we’ve grown fond of his hate for lesbians, bad haircuts and terrible FlagPlus Football performances. Some of you tune in weekly to hear his rants, some of you may not, but all of us know what really happens behind the curtains; a great man is, slowly, growing his empire. He may even change the way we see the world one day, we’ll just have to wait and see.

 

Week 5

What have I learn this week?

• No Fly Zone can still win without Martinez and Bishara
• PRIMETIME are far from invincible
• STL are slowly making noise
• Could TOPSZN stick to Kerr at QB for the rest of the season?
• David Daoust is strangely photogenic
• My heart hurts for the way ZOO lost, but I’m happy for Westpark Boys; conflicting I know.
• Can the Dans be stopped?
• The Bourbonnière-Morin tandem is a pleasure to watch, even when they want to ripe each other’s head off.
• Gotta love hearing Pollice scream “Not bad for an old man” to one of his teammates. Some things never get old, huh.
• Spano is the answer at QB for Killer Instinct.
• Patriotes had two receivers with over 100 yards this year. It’s very impressive, even if they did lose.
• I’ve hated Moe Khan for the longest time for being bad luck, but I guess I’m David Daoust’s bad luck charm this season. At least, that’s his excuse.
• Justin Blanchard missed the smell of sweaty men. His words, literally.
• So many key additions in Division C this season. ZOO adding Francois Raymond was huge, Predators Lite signing Simon Lahaie is amazing, but Team Ethnik adding Justin Blanchard is even bigger news. Anyone else I’m missing?
• I repeat myself a lot.

 

Recaps

• Taking the field on Sunday afternoon was Laval’s Finest and a shot at redemption against a good Killer Instinct squad. Basically, Mashtoub’s offense had to prove me, us, even themselves, they can be as good as I previously mentioned them to be against a gritty defense and experienced squad in Killer Instinct. With Stephen Osman showing up late to the game, Instinct looked a bit lost on defense, but scrambled decently and kept the game close. George Spano recently took the reins and he’s been fire. He might not be the best QB in the division, but his team doesn’t need him to be; they are winning games and that is all that matters. Connecting 6 of his 11 completions for TDs, Spano, was, well, great. Another strong performance from their QB and Killer Instinct defense showed up to play ball against a struggling Laval’s Finest’s offense who couldn’t get much going all game. Killer Instinct had a lead at the half-time and really took it away early in the 2nd. They are showing us that they deserve serious consideration.

• Keyport Lock showed up Sunday night with a depleted roster to face a pumped-up STL squad and things didn’t go quite as planned. In fact, morale looked pretty low on Keyport’s side of the ball most of the game and STL took advantage of it; Dylan Taylor scored often and fast, never took his foot off the gas until he had a very comfortable lead and STL blew Keyport Lock out of the water. On the up side, STL’s defense is starting to make some noise and giving Taylor the momemtum boost he needed to fight the top tier teams of the division. Keyport Lock really needs their roster to show up to games; playing with a different 6 every game is really hurting them and Rosenblatt’s productivity. Jeremy Cola and Daniel Goloff were the only two bright stars in a grim night, something I expect to see change in the next few weeks as the other guys start coming back.

• I expected CREAM Team to, well, cream Hitmen Retro with their athletism and simply shut down Moufrage’s top receivers, but something else happened. Missing Alex Grace really hurts this roster, but the Monat brothers should’ve been enough. I enjoyed watching the Matt Monat vs Carmine Pollice matchup most of the night, but Pollice showed he could still ball with any given athlete and produce numbers. Finishing the night with my MVP award, he was the saving light on offense and defense for his team. Sure, others contributed well (Moufrage had a good performance and Jim Coupethwaite’s making it rain on his opponents once again), but when it was clutch, Humphrey tested Pollice deep and regretted it. CREAM Team needs to find their way back, because a 1-4 record IS NOT where you want to be at mid-season. Humphrey’s offense is struggling and I’m starting to think the Monat brothers’ deep threat simply isn’t enough to compete in Division C this spring.

• No Fly Zone were without Bishara and Martinez when they took the field against Top Sauce and I expected Nardone to have an easier time than he actually did out there. Sure, NFZ still have Sanner and Humes, but it’s not like Top Sauce has a lack of weapons to choose from. Leading 26-7 early in the 2nd half, I stopped watching, to be honest. Giroux made a RIDICULOUS pick-six early in the first half (he can thank his gloves for sticking to that ball) and then I got to see Nardone return an INT for six from, well, his own redzone; he still has moves! Top Sauce’s defense was too much for Walwaski to handle and this was turning into a serious blowout until, well, Nardone happened; missing key throws, a costy interception and some poor play calling later, NFZ were pulling a comeback and Top Sauce looked outta sauce. Luckily, there was still hope for Top Sauce to obtain their 2nd win of the season on the final drive of the game down by a single point. They just needed to make it happen. They needed some magic and a touch of luck. I’m not sure which one they ran out of, but No Fly Zone, somehow, managed to get into Giroux’ head and make him drop the game-winning TD. The ball went through the defender’s hands into Giroux’ body/face (my angle wasn’t all that great) and the ball fell to the floor. No Fly Zone walked away with another close win, but winning is all that matters.

• The Game of the Week, filmed by Ryan Aridi, featured Two and a half Dans vs Longhorns. I will not describe it too much as many of you have watched it already (if you haven’t, you should), but I will say this; Jon Moodie looked uncomfortable in the pocket and Joey Taylor is magic on a football field. Sure, it looks ugly, but when your QB completes 21/27 for 7 TDs and no interceptions, I do not care what it looks like, it looks like a win to me. I’ll give props to the Dans’ defense for being ball-hawks, but Moodie had a uncharacteristic game and the Dans remain undefeated. PS, the drone is great.

• ZOO suffered a case of bad drops against Westpark Boys and Lady Luck really gave Frank Kaye the middle finger for a whole hour. ZOO’s offense suffered a few setbacks in the first half, but so did Westpark and they headed to halftime with a one-point lead. Interestingly, I mentioned how Lady Luck left Kaye’s side, but on the very last play of the half, we saw Ameet Pall come out of nowhere and catch a jump ball over about 6 players to give his team the lead heading into the 2nd Sadly, Pall stepped out of bounds prior to the catch and was rendered illegible. ZOO caught a break there. Frank Kaye’s offense found ways to score in the 2nd half, but kept it close for too long. With less than 5 plays left, Frank Kaye is sitting 3 yards away from a first down, on 4th down. With a receiver open on a slant route, he ends up missing the guy with an imprecise throw and there it was, Westpark Boys’ shot at redemption. With Matt Bond injured early in the game, the receiving corps was thinned out (Raymond Tonye took snaps under center all game and did decently. Having Matt Bond has a receiver is a huge plus and Tonye could be the answer this season for Westpark). Nonetheless, the famous jump ball happened to end on the game on the last play and we saw ZOO’s defender deflect the ball backwards just to see one of Westpark Boys’ player catch it near the ground and ruin ZOO’s dreams or, at least, their night. Tough loss for the green gang.

• PRIMETIME’s undefeated season is now officially over after their week 5 matchup against Les Blues Branleurs. In fact, we’ve been underestimating LBB from week 1 and they’ve showed us tonight that the deep ball is their kind of football. Minh Ton-That had a good night connecting on deep throws with his receivers and finding ways to move the chains when his team needed him to. He wasn’t flawless, but he was more than good and he knocked PRIMETIME’s undefeated record to the curb. With a shot at a comeback late in the second half, David Daoust is facing the redzone with his team down by 5 after his defense pulled a magical comeback. In fact, PRIMETIME were down by 19 at the half and made two shots back to back to give David Daoust a shot at redemption. Late in the game, game on the line, David Daoust makes a really dumb mistake running one way and throwing against his body. A poor throw that LBB’s defender took as a gift and almost brought back for six if it wasn’t for Devin Daoust’ diving tackle. With very little time on the clock and the chance to punch it away, Minh Ton-That did just that; drove the field, moved the chains and finished off his opponent in a brilliant fashion. Les Blues Branleurs took it home 37-26.

 

Players of the Week

Joey Taylor (Two and a half Dans): He finds ways. 21/27, 7:0. What else do you want from your QB? Very impressive.

Carmine Pollice (Hitmen Retro): He showed CREAM Team why he was rated so high in FPF finishing the night with 2 interceptions, 3 PDs and 3 TDs on 7 catches and 87 yards. Basically the reason his team’s defense held.

Najee Haddock (Damps 25/8): Pulling off the famous Hat-Trick with 3 interceptions including a serious beauty on the sidelines.

Vinny Gualano (Grip n Rip): Although his aerial performance, once again, isn’t fantastic, he finds ways to win and that’s all that matters; 3 TDs through the air, one on the ground and one on defense. One-man army?

Minh Ton-That (Les Blues Branleurs): A few bold decisions paid off for him Tuesday night and he was clutch when his team needed him to be. Definitely the game’s MVP finishing with 209 yards and a 6:1 ratio.

Samuel Bourbonnière-Morin (The Punisher): Combining 6 catches for 85 yards, 3 TDs with his INT on defense and you’ve got yourself a spot here this week.

 

Power Rankings

1. Two and a half Dans (5-0-0) : Contrary to Terry Tam’s belief, I think the Dans are now the top team in Division C. Being one of the only two teams left undefeated, The Infamous Dans has shown us all they can not only ball but dominate.

2. Grip n Rip (5-0-0): They still haven’t lost a game, but losing Mike Zenobi is a major blow. They look weaker now than they have in the past two seasons.

3. STL (4-1-0): If the past few weeks are any indications, STL is growing into the team I predicted them to be and that’s a pretty scary thought.

4. PRIMETIME (4-1-0): A close loss isn’t much to worry about. They still remain a serious contender; everyone has a bad week every now and then.

5. The Punisher (4-1-0): The Punisher keeps rolling. The only reason they are 5th is because so many teams have 4 wins. Don’t underestimate these guys.

6. Killer Instinct (4-1-0) : With George Spano at the helm, I really like how Killer Instinct is looking right now.

7. No Fly Zone (4-1-0) : They showed the division that they can win without Bishara and Martinez and that is amazing.

8. Served With Heat (3-2-0) : Although they lost to The Punisher, I still hold Served With Heat in high regards. Any team with JD Chevalier is dangerous if you ask me.

9. Damps 25/8 (3-2-0) : When it’s not their quarterback who’s having a night, it’s their defense. The Damps are learning the game and they are turning into a heck of a contender.

10. Hitmen Retro (3-2-0) : Few weeks ago, I would’ve laughed at the idea of these guys in my Power Ranking, but Chris Moufrage really elevated his game and he’s playing especially well. Great turn around guys.

 

Mid-Season Breakdown

Conference A

Two and a half Dans (5-0-0)

Analysis: The perfect time to peak when you want ALL the glory! I’m kidding, but not really. Two and a half Dans came into Div C looking good, but I didn’t expect them to look THIS good. It’s like when you invite a friend over for dinner and he shows up wearing a Tux; douche move, but it works. I’m sliding off-topic. The Dans are the top team in my opinion right now in Div C. One of the best defenses combined with an explosive and effective offense. They put up points every week against anyone and Joey Taylor’s numbers are unbelievable. If they keep this up, they might lift their first Championship this Spring.

Key Players: Joey Taylor, Danny McFee, Foti Evangelista

Predicted record: 10-0-0

 

The Punisher (4-1-0)

Analysis: The Bourbonnière-Morin were ranked high in my preseason article due to the amount of leadership, experience and talent on this team and they haven’t disappointed. I expected them to fly above .500 most of the season and here they are sitting at 4-1 with their only loss being to the #1 seed of the division. I must say, they’ve impressed most. Adjustments have been the key to the game and it’s been working wonders.

Key Players: Matthew Bourbonnière-Morin, Samuel Bourbonnière-Morin, Laurent Ladouceur

Predicted record: 8-2-0

 

ZOO (3-2-0)

Analysis: ZOO is looking good so far. Granted, they lost a tough one against Westpark Boys last week, but that should’ve been a win and they’d be sitting at 4-1. Do I really need to say more? ZOO is far from flashy, but they are effective and they’ll never let anyone walk all over them. Frank Kaye leads a methodological offense and many seem to underestimate their successful defense. Props to Gang Green.

Key Players: Frank Kaye, Patrick St-Amand, Kevin Marcil

Predicted record: 5-5-0

 

CREAM Team (1-4-0)

Analysis: CREAM Team is loaded with talent. Humphrey is good, the Monat brothers are amazing athletes and Alex Grace is a heck of a football player. Why aren’t they winning? Well, showing up to games on time would definitely help their case. CREAM Team has been having issues recently with fielding rosters and coming prepared. Humphrey is playing stubborn and it’s hurting his offense. I’d tell him to go back to basics and stop trying the marvelous plays, you guys are too talented to sit at 1-4.

Key Players: Matt Monat, Kyle Monat, Alex Grace

Predicted record: 4-6-0

 

Laval’s Finest (1-4-0)

Analysis: Laval’s Finest really puzzles me. They started off like they would dominate every single game, Mashtoub missed Week 2 and they’ve been slumping ever since. I’ve seen them play and it’s really all over the place. They need to get their act together and win football games. Mashtoub is having trouble connecting with his receivers and he’s overthrowing more receivers this season than I’ve ever seen him do. The blame is not entirely on him, don’t get me wrong, but he’s the offense after all.

Key Players: Rod Mashtoub, Jad Aridi, Theo Bekelis

Predicted record: 3-7-0

 

Patriotes (0-5-0)

Analysis: Winless seasons are tough. Are Patriotes too weak for the division? I disagree. I feel like this team caught rust, like a lot of it, over the past few years and they’re shacking it off slowly. They had a very good game against TOPSZN last week and, if it’s not a fluke, they could turn things around. Chauvin looked a lot more comfortable and they went back to basics; it worked. Their defense will have to step it up BIG time to win the next few ones, but I believe they can.

Key Players: Alexandre Pereda, Sebastien Pereda, Étienne Chauvin

Predicted record: 2-8-0

 

Killer Instinct (4-1-0)

Analysis: One of my biggest surprises this season is Killer Instinct. They started off slow and sluggish, but still won games and they’ve found their rhythm coming into the 2nd half of the season exactly when they needed to. With George Spano under center for good, Killer Instinct have the pieces they need to finish strong. I’m curious where their leadership will take them if they make the cut for Week 11.

Key Players: Gordan Stanway, Ben Joseph, Stephan Osman

Predicted record: 7-3-0

 

No Fly Zone (4-1-0)

Analysis: The 4-1 team that I feel is underperforming. Yes, winning is everything, but they keep games way too close for comfort. They have the weapons to blow any team in Division C out of the water on any given week, yet, they win by small margins (+31 differential isn’t all that amazing). If this team has ANY issues whatsoever, the blame will fall on quarterback Walwaski and his ability to move the chains when the game’s on the line. With 2 pick-sixes last week against Top Sauce, there are reasons to worry.

Key Players: Eddy Martinez, Steve Sanner, Rich Humes

Predicted record: 8-2-0

 

Served With Heat (3-2-0)

Analysis: Karl Lavallée is surrounded by so many weapons, I’m scared how good this roster actually is. He might not be the best QB in the division, but he simply does not have to be. He’s a great athlete, their defense is deadly when everyone’s present and their offensive weapons are nothing less than great. I’m really high on this team and they could go a really long way as long as Lavallée keeps stepping up his play and pushes himself to excel.

Key Players: Xavier Ldon, Jean-Daniel Chevalier, Karl Lavallée

Predicted record: 7-3-0

 

Longhorns (3-2-0)

Analysis: Longhorns started off really hot on both sides of the ball, went 3-0 after a very close game against Snatchers and simply flat lined ever since. Rob Allen’s absence was felt in Week 4 and Jon Moodie is hitting a rough patch recently. Sadly, he doesn’t have the defense to support him when he’s not having an amazing night and it’s hurting them. Their offense has been successful, but they are allowing way too many points per game; it’s time for the defense to step up.

Key Players: Rob Allen, Adam Rosen, Jon Moodie

Predicted record: 5-5-0

 

Hitmen Retro (3-2-0)

Analysis: A few weeks ago, I wasn’t so sure about Hitmen Retro. I was scorekeeping their games and Chris Moufrage was simply not getting anything done under center. Yes, they have great players, but things weren’t clicking for some reason. They’ve been lighting up the scoreboard since that game against TOPSZN in Week 3 and they seem to be no stopping them right now. Moufrage is playing fabulous football and their defense is getting the job done. I’m not sure what else you’d want.

Key Players: Carmine Pollice, Jimmy Coupethwaite, Chris Moufrage

Predicted record: 5-5-0

 

Westpark Boys (2-3-0)

Analysis: Matt Bond started off the season quarterbacking and seemed to have stepped down in last week’s victory for Raymond Tonye. I wouldn’t go all the way and say Tonye is better than Bond at quarterbacking, but having him there allows Matt Bond to be a receiver and he’s deadly. The extra weapon in the receiving corps will really help others get open and have a playmaker to rely on when Ameet Pall is double covered. It could be the beginning of something great for Westpark Boys.

Key Players: Matt Bond, Ameet Pall, Patrick Chahda

Predicted record: 4-6-0

 

TOPSZN (2-3-0)

Analysis: A different week, a different quarterback. It’s been hurting them even if they’ve only been losing by a few points here and there. TOPSZN has been playing great football and they are enthusiastic guys. You can, basically, never bring them down (unless they bring each other down). They have the needed pieces to make a deep run if they can keep things together and Khalil Kerr might just be the answer they’ve been looking for.

Key Players: Kemar Vernon, Akeem Hoyte-Charles, Kalvin Trench

Predicted record: 4-6-0

 

Conference B

PRIMETIME (4-1-0)

Analysis: I had my doubts about PRIMETIME and David Daoust’s ability to move the chains successfully in Division C. I was wrong. PRIMETIME came out the gates swinging and they ain’t going back down anytime soon. Their offense is explosive and their deep threat is very real. With guys like the 4 Daousts, there’s simply no way they’ll give up at any point. These guys are known to be fierce competitors and clutch and that’s what PRIMETIME has been this season.

Key Players: Devin Daoust, Derek Daoust, Emilio Cecere

Predicted record: 8-2-0

 

Damps 25/8 (3-2-0)

Analysis: First few weeks were a learning curve for Damps 25/8. FPF is not your typical football games and the rules are slightly different. Their adjustment period was slim and they’re back on track looking better than ever. Damps play with heart and boast a deadly squad. With a full roster on both sides of the ball, expect Damps to be fresh from whistle to whistle. Their only weakness comes from a lack of experience, but that’s something time can take care of.

Key Players: Andrew Treffeisen, Tequan John, Najee Haddock

Predicted record: 6-4-0

 

Game Changers (3-2-0)

Analysis: I ranked Game Changers #1 seed preseason due to a ridiculous roster. That roster isn’t playing for Game Changers this season, or at least, planned but couldn’t. With guys like Maag, Dobson, Paquette, Beauchamp-Frezza not actually playing, Game Changers aren’t the same. Regardless, Sakiz is leading his offense adequately and he is not to be underestimated. We all have bad weeks; don’t think Game Changers aren’t a top contender.

Key Players: Anton Sakiz, Kevin Boustany, Vincent Morissette

Predicted record: 6-4-0

 

Team Ethnik (2-3-0)

Analysis: Team Ethnik feels like they’re missing one playmaker to really take a good team and turn them into a serious contender. Justin Blanchard is back from Europe and he’s that kinda guy for them. They were good, but a middle of the pack kind of team. With Blanchard, they might just make the jump into the top tier if Brown can feed him adequately the ball and still keep his other targets satisfied. Team Ethnik is officially on my radar.

Key Players: Jonathan Brown, Justin Blanchard, David De Andrade

Predicted record: 4-6-0

 

Predators Lite (1-4-0)

Analysis: Many expected big things from Predators Lite coming into Division C under Simon Bosquet-Beaudoin’s leadership. Things didn’t go as planned. Yes, their offense is effective and deadly. SBB makes plays with his feet and his arm and has the offensive weapons to put up with any given opponent. The problem is the serious lack in a defense. They allow way too many points to their opponents and it’s costing them dearly. Adding Simon Lahaie to an already massive roster could give them the edge on defense they were missing. One of the best addition Division C has seen so far.

Key Players: Simon Bosquet-Beaudoin, Jacob Bernett, James Floreani

Predicted record: 3-7-0

 

Keyport Lock (1-4-0)

Analysis: Keyport Lock’s only win came in an offensive shutout against Predators Lite in a game that was a lot closer than I would’ve expected. Ever since, Keyport Lock is struggling to field a consistent roster and their record shows that exact mentality. Adjusting to different receivers every week is tough and Rosenblatt’s offense has been struggling immensely ever since. Their lack of defense concerns me and they are heading into a tough 2nd half of the season. They’ll have to step it up big time if they hope to make the cut in 6 weeks time.

Key Players: Jeremy Cola, Daniel Goloff, Jeff Rosenblatt

Predicted record: 2-8-0

 

Grip n Rip (5-0-0)

Analysis: There are only two undefeated teams after 5 weeks and Grip n Rip is the 2nd one. Sitting atop their mountain at 5-0, GnR looks REALLY good in Division C. They’d still be #1 ranked, but the injury to Mike Zenobi is a much bigger concern than most would think; with Zenobi out, someone else needs to step in at rusher and that creates leaks in their defense. Gualano’s offense will still prevail, but can their defense take the hit? Unless Gualano finds a suitable sub for Zenobi THIS week (since it’s week 6 already), I feel like GnR will not be as strong in the 2nd half as they were in the first.

Key Players: Vinny Gualano, James Donald, Anthony Da Silva

Predicted record: 9-1-0

 

STL (4-1-0)

Analysis: This week’s podcast mentioned how STL’s offense is only as good as Dylan Taylor. Well, let me tell you, Dylan Taylor has been great recently. He has the weapons, he has the defense, he has everything he needs to succeed, but will he fall back into bad habits or stay on top of his game? If he plays like he has recently, STL will have a season to remember for a long time, if he doesn’t, they’ll be piling up dumb losses. I actually do believe in Taylor and his ability on offense.

Key Players: Dylan Taylor, Jamie Ojeaha, James Nowakowski

Predicted record: 8-2-0

 

The Brotherhood (2-3-0)

Analysis: On week 4, Kadeem Tyrell Braithwaite took over at QB and did pretty well. Actually, they only lost to No Fly Zone because half the team was late to the game and they got into rhythm way too late. I was surprised to learn Jamie Harry took the snaps in Week 5, but The Brotherhood’s problem remains the quarterback. They have the weapons, they have the defense to win games, but their offense is struggling. They’ve been playing a lot better recently and their record is slowly improving. The 2nd half the season will be huge for them; it’s their time to shine.

Key Players: Jamal Gittens, Omar Jackson, Quaysie Gordon-Maule

Predicted record: 5-5-0

 

Snatchers (2-3-0)

Analysis: Gabriel Wiseman’s absence has been felt ever since Hugo Lalonde couldn’t sub anymore. With his return this week, Snatchers need to turn things around. Yes, they’ve only loss by a point to two contenders, but a loss is a loss and now we’re sitting at 2-3. If the first half of the season was any indication, we’ll have enough disappointing season on our hands. They have the weapons, they need to execute. Every week.

Key Players: Georges Elie-Voyer, Gabriel Wiseman, Jean-Daniel Joly

Predicted record: 6-4-0

 

Les Blues Branleurs (2-3-0)

Analysis: Les Blues Branleurs moved down from Division 3 to Division C, but lost many players along the way. The core remains the same, but so does the effectiveness. Nonetheless, LBB is not to be underestimated or they’ll cost you a win, literally. Ton-That has been playing great football as of late and his guys are finally getting the hang of it. They weren’t ready last season, they lacked confidence early this season, but the win against PRIMETIME is exactly what they needed and it comes at a perfect time. If they want to turn things around, now’s their chance.

Key Players: Minh Ton-That, Olivier Laberge, Tomas Concilio

Predicted record: 4-6-0

 

Top Sauce (1-4-0)

Analysis: Vince Nardone’s experiment at quarterback isn’t going all that well after all. Top Sauce is struggling to move the ball on offense even when it’s backed by a decent defense. The roster is loaded, the players are talented, but Nardone needs to step it up and he knows it. He had one good game in their only win, but the rest has been ugly. He’s improving and it shows. Preseason, I said Top Sauce would be good around Week 6-7, the clock is ticking boys, get to work.

Key Players: Vince Nardone, Maxime Giroux, Jean-Christophe Mercille

Predicted record: 3-7-0

 

KGP Champs (0-5-0)

Analysis: I hate predicting winless seasons, I really do. I hope KGP Champs defy me and get a win or two before the end of the season, but I just don’t see it happening. They have so many talented and experienced players, but nothing ever goes their way. Their defense is sketchy and their offense is inexistent. They switched QBs, but the production isn’t that much better; 43 points for in 5 games is simply not enough. Their defense could probably make a stop or two if they spent less time on the field. Boasting the worst differential in the division, they need to go back to basics, run slow offenses and score some points; the rest will come by itself.

Key Players: Phil Cutler, Fred Saleh, Jonathan Garfinkle

Predicted record: 0-10-0

 

Previews

• Served With Heat had some ups and downs, but they’ve been seriously improving over the span of the first 5 weeks of the season. This week, they take on a slowly turning red-hot Brotherhood squad led by some freak athletes. SWH are a most complete roster and rely on every player to make plays when the time comes rather than lean heavily upon one or two guys to really elevate their play. Is this good? Yes. Could this also be their downfall? Yes. Luckily for SWH, a guy like JD Chevalier can ball against Jamal Gittens and reduce his production. I did say reduce. We’ll have a fun matchup as Chevalier could potentially line up against Gittens and Ldon against Jackson. As far as matchup goes, it’s a pretty fair one. It’ll come down to the quarterback play and Lavallée takes my vote over Harry or Tyrell Braithwaite.

• Last week, Les Blues Branleurs showed FPF they aren’t to be underestimated by knocking out the previously undefeated PRIMETIME. This week, they face a whole different kind of beast in Team Ethnik. LBB’s strength is the deep ball, either at scoring with it or simply preventing it which happened to also be PRIMETIME’s main game. Team Ethnik plays a completely different ballgame and this could turn into a defensive shoutout as Brown and Ton-That might not score as often as they’d wish. As I write this, I’m uncertain whether it’ll be because of great defensive plays or simply struggling QBs, but I doubt either team will reach the 30 points mark by the time the clock expires.

• Earlier this season, I was high on Game Changers and their ability to, well, change the game at a moment’s notice. With many playmakers down due to injuries or simply summer occupations, the Game Changers’ roster isn’t the one we’d expect and they are suffering a bad case of instability. I still believe they can shock the FPF Nation with their whole squad there, but it hasn’t been the case recently. In fact, St-Pierre’s, Maag’s, Dobson’s and Paquette’s absence is taking a serious toll on their offensive and defensive prowess’s and STL are bound to take advantage of that this week. STL has enough playmakers to make Sakiz nervous with every throw and create distortion. With the way both teams have been playing recently, I can’t see how Game Changers could have enough of an impact on STL’s playmaking ability to make this game a close one. Taylor may even make it a two-score game before the half.

• Westpark Boys found a new QB in Tyroe and he’s been successful. In truth, he’s fast and has decent accuracy. Is he better than Matt Bond? Probably not, but then again, you get Matt Bond as a receiver, which is a HUGE plus. This week, they take on the winless Patriotes who have been improving since their first few weeks. Last week’s shutout was impressive and Chauvin proved to everyone he can still play FPF at this level, but can they close out games? Westpark Boys haven’t been much of an offensive juggernaut and their defense is quite impressive. Patriotes might end up struggling to score, but so might Tyroe if he’s missing a few weapons. This could end up being a very close game; a one-score affair that’ll end with someone’s heart breaking.

• Earlier this season, I was very high on Mashtoub’s ability to ball in the lower division and rock Division C. I was wrong. He’s been fire with Monstars, but Laval’s Finest isn’t Monstars and its showing. Since his absence in week 2, he hasn’t been the same and Laval’s Finest have been dropping games ever since. Luckily, they are facing a depleted No Fly Zone who’ll be missing Martinez for a second week. Considering it isn’t a divisional battle, a loss from NFZ wouldn’t be dramatic, but Laval’s Finest can’t really start the second half of the season the way they ended the first one; with a loss. Going 1-5 is critical and that squad cannot afford it right now. They NEED to step it up and I believe they have the weapons to do it if they manage to simplify their playcalling.

• In this week’s Game of the Week, at least, in my humble opinion, Grip n Rip face off against PRIMETIME and it’s a game that both teams have circled on their calendar for a few weeks now. In fact, these two teams match up really well when it comes down to it; GnR’s defense is gritty and doesn’t allow many deep throws, but are aggressive enough that PRIMETIME’s receivers could be making magic. On the other end, PRIMETIME’s defense has one of the lower division’s best rusher in Devin Daoust and Vinny Gualano might have found a tougher rusher than he’d expect. If Gualano is reduced to sit in the pocket, PRIMETIME’s defense could be mocking GnR’s offense for the weeks to come, but if he’s allowed roaming around as usual, the streak could live on for, yet, another week.

 

Predictions

6 / 12 is still pretty terrible. Honestly, this division makes no sense. I mean, even GM got 6 / 12 and we didn’t predict the same games. I don’t get it. Get your shit together, guys. Help me out here. (And screw GM over. No one likes him anyways!)

Here’s a reminder of our totals :

Simon : 33 / 60

GM : 39 / 60

As usual, his picks are in italic, mine in bold.

 

Longhorns vs The Punisher : The Punisher

Hitmen Retro vs Two and a half Dans : Two and a half Dans

Served With Heat vs The Brotherhood : Served With Heat

Les Blues Branleurs vs Team Ethnik : Les Blues Branleurs

Top Sauce vs Predators Lite : Predators Lite

Killer Instinct vs CREAM Team : Killer Instinct

Snatchers vs Keyport Lock : —-

STL vs Game Changers : STL

Westpark Boys vs Patriotes : Westpark Boys

Laval’s Finest vs No Fly Zone : Laval’s Finest

Grip n Rip vs PRIMETIME : Grip n Rip

TOPSZN vs ZOO : ZOO

KGP Champs vs Damps 25/8 : Damps 25/8

 

That is it for me for this week. If you have any comments regarding the article, don’t hesitate to hit me up on twitter @DagenaisFPF or at the fields. I’ll be scorekeeping games on Sunday and Tuesday nights, so I’ll get to see most of you guys. My official FPF email [email protected] also works, but get with the times, Twitter is where it’s at. Feel free to yell at me if you see me walking around, always glad to talk some football. God this article was longer than expected. Mistakes were made.