Playing for Keeps: Award SZN and Playoffs! or Playoffs?

There’s so much content to break down this week that I’ll skip the intro here and let the article speak for itself below. With 1.5 weeks remaining until playoffs now, all teams on the bubble are clamoring for the final spots, while a few others are looking to adjust their seeding.

Take a look below as we give some love to the projected individual awards candidates, and analyze the ongoing playoff scenarios in both divisions.

Come this time next week we’ll be talking playoffs! Until then, make sure that you’ll be involved in the post-season discussion, or it’ll be a long break until spring.

In the words of the late great Frankie Crocker: ”If you can’t stand it PLEASE don’t demand it.”

Winter 2019 Award Winners

The selections below are my opinions alone and do not represent the official nominees.

Division 1

QBOY – The Kevin Wyeth Award

Front Runner: Alex Nadeau-Puize (Flag Moi L’Sac) – 9 GP/2,208 YDS/55 TDs/7 INTs/9 SK/70.6%/12.3/124.9 QBR

The winter 2019 front runner already leads his nearest opponent in touchdowns, with 1 game in hand. He should clear the 60 TD benchmark after this week’s performance, and I can’t recall a season in recent memory where a QB has touched the big 60 and hasn’t won the league’s most prestigious award. He left off last winter with the best QBR in the division but only 7 games played, and this year he came to seal the deal. Some may still debate whether he’s earned the mantle as “Best QB in FPF” – something that a championship would go a long way in proving – but one thing’s for certain, he’s definitely in the cockpit with the greatest QB all-time, steering FPF towards the future.

Runner-Up (All-Star): Rochdi Benabdelkader (DK) – 9 GP/2,125 YDS/51 TDs/7 INTs/5 SK/68.6%/11.6/120.8 QBR

This was a tough call, with the extremely efficient Jonathan Maheu and his excellent team record at a razor’s edge of the second all-star spot. In the end, however, the sheer volume stats Rochdi produced this winter cannot be denied. With a final game versus a porous defense like Flag Moi L’Sac, if we reasonably project a shootout between our top two gunslingers Rochdi should finish with +150 yards and 1-3 touchdowns over his next ranked opponent. Even considering Maheu’s lower INT count and fewer sacks, Rochdi’s money stats take precedence. He’s been extremely sharp all year and has done an incredible job taking DK from a 1-3 start and shaping them into legitimate title contenders. We often leave Rochdi out when considering the elite QBs in the league, but he continues to remind us why he belongs.

Runner-Up: Jonathan Maheu (Braves) – 10 GP/2,152 YDS/54 TDs/4 INTs/2 SK/69.2%/11.6/126.5 QBR

This is tough, really tough, as he could just as easily win QBOY as finish outside all-star consideration. The fact that he’s a sure all-star if not award winner in Div 2 helps ease the blow a bit. The man is the most efficient QB in the game. He has shaped the perfect formula for pushing the ball downfield while avoiding turnovers. He’s simultaneously found a way to be aggressive and cautious at the same time. The two-sides of the coin unite. He doesn’t even take sacks! More impressive still, he’s created the single most valuable play in FPF – the Braves 2-point conversion. Look for him to continue his tear through the winter 2019 playoffs, making us regret sleeping on him in these awards, as the Braves are favorited by many to go all the way this season.

2-WAY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Front Runner: Serge Pilon Jr. (DK) – 9 GP/62 REC/737 YDS/24 TDs/27 TKL/6 INTs/2 PDs/ 2 TDs

Put your pamphlets away people, this one isn’t even close. Serge Pilon Jr. is ahead by a country mile. The man is all at once the top receiver and defender in the top division of the league. He’s a human heat seeking missile, FPF’s version of an atomic bomb. Unstoppable in every which way. Undeniable in his dominance. If there was a fantasy draft tomorrow, to pick any other positional player in the league with the first pick would be a bust. This is THE GUY. With a game remaining, his 24 TDs puts him within a hat-trick of tying the second all-time greatest single season mark. He’s in Adam Crystal territory now. These are deep waters. Congrats Serge, you’re a humble man for not demanding to take home all 3 awards.

RECEIVER OF THE YEAR

Front Runner: Patrick Jerome (MTL Finest) – 9 GP/44 REC/591 YDS/20 TDs

If the QBOY award would be named after Wyeth, then the WROY award should be given heavy consideration to be named after this man. Widely considered the best receiver in the game, he continues to surpass the expectations of his reputation. In a roller-coaster season for Finest, he’s been the one constant. Each week he draws the other team’s top defender, as well as bracket coverage over the top, yet he continues to post dominant stat lines line they were cat videos on Facebook. Some things never get old, watching Jerome reel in a corner route from Wyeth is like watching a veteran big man work his post moves in the paint. You know what he’s going to do, but the execution is so tight that you still can’t stop it.

Runner-Up: Samuel Nadeau-Puize (Flag Moi L’Sac) – 9 GP/40 REC/540 YDS/15 TDs

It’s been a truly remarkable season for the sharpest dressed player to the field on weeknights at Hebert. He’s got a quick first step, and remarkable route running ability, but the true distinguishing factor with SNP is his extra-sensory connection with his brother. He smoothly slips the coverage while ANP looks off the defense, only to fire a no-look pass right on the money 30 yards downfield where SNP glides. Anything is possible with a game to go, but even if he doesn’t catch Jerome for the award, there’s undoubtedly an All-Star nomination in his stars this winter.

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

Front Runner: Georges Gariepy (Braves) – 10 GP/24 TKL/4 INTs/7 PD/1 TD

There’s no question in my mind when thinking about who’s been the most disruptive force on defense this season. Like I referenced a few weeks back, he’s the windmill at the miniature golf course. The Stifling Tower of FPF. His wing span and positioning discourage QBs from tempting his side of the field. The numbers back up this claim, as his 7 PDs leads the division from a non-rusher position. The Braves defense is the single most dominant unit in the league right now, and Gariepy is their focal point. This award is a great way to reward the most impressive team from the 2019 regular season.

Runner Up: Julien Paiement (Braves) – 10 GP/11 Sacks

He’s not quite up to par statistically with his stifling teammate ahead, but his impact to the Braves defense has been no less impactful. A few years back he was making waves as the next big rusher in FPF, dominating in the lower divisions. After bouncing around rosters for a few years he’s found his home on this Braves roster. He fits in perfectly with what they try to do on defense. An explosive first step and amazing close-out speed, there’s no one in the league with a better center of gravity at rush. Once he has his radar locked in on you and within firing range, there’s no escaping his grasp, as he lunges full extension snatches the flag mid-air. He doesn’t block passes or cloud passing lanes, but with the Braves size in coverage he doesn’t need to. He relies on his team to take away the first read, and in exchange they can be certain that the QB won’t have time to double clutch and throw.

Division 2

2-WAY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Front Runner: AJ Gomes (Khantroversy) – 9 GP/36 REC/540 YDS/16 TDs/26 TKL/5 INTs/5 PD

The dynamic 2-Way star was trailing in this category just a few short weeks ago. Since then, his explosion for 101 yards and 4 TDs against King’s Landing this past Monday helped catapult him to the lead. It’s the tightest race of all categories in either division, and it will be a tricky one to gauge since each competitor has different games played. When in doubt, I always go with the highest total volume, which I believe Gomes will have when the dust settles. He continues to collect awards along his young but illustrious FPF career.

Runner Up: Anthony Vendrame (King’s Landing) – 6 GP/30 REC/478 YDS/12 TDs/13 TKL/5 INT/3 PD

This situation can get very complicated over the next few days if Vendrame reels off another big game in week 11 against #NR. The King’s Landing semi-present superstar has been straight money when he’s suited up in the red shirt so far this year. On a per game average he is the front runner. Assuming he plays this week and has a slightly above average game, he’ll have two games less than Gomes, surpass him in receiving yards and possibly INTs. It all comes down to the receiving touchdowns at this point. If he gets within 2 of Gomes this thing becomes a debate. If he gets closer, it becomes an argument. Stay tuned next week to see how it all plays out.

Runner Up: Justin McLean (YCSWU) – 8 GP/42 REC/540 YDS/13 TDs/20 TKL/4 INT/3 PD

He was the leader of this category just 2 weeks ago, on path to secure his second straight 2-WAY award after winning it in Div B this past spring. Then a severe hamstring strain hit, causing him to miss the final 2 games of the season against + matchup opponents. It’s always unfortunate to see such a hungry competitor deprived a chance at being recognized as the best in class, but this perennial All-Star has his eyes on the bigger prize, as his powerhouse squad look poised at making a run at the championship.

RECEIVER OF THE YEAR

Front Runner: Jamie Ojeaha (STL) – 10 GP/60 REC/740 YDS/23 TDs

Looking at his incredible stats, and considering his lead in this category at the half way point, it seems ridiculous that this thing is such a tight race. But here we are. The fact that this race is so tight speaks volumes to the incredible quarterback play in Div 2 this winter. With a lead of over 100 yards and 1 TD, having played 2 games more than his closest opponent, Jamie should have this one in the bag, but I’ve seen this awards panel throw some surprising curveballs over the past few years.

Runner Up: JD Chevalier (Braves 2.0) – 8 GP/40 REC/634 YDs/22 TDs

His regular season may be done, leaving him trailing Jamie in overall stats, but his per game averages will make his name hotly debated in the week ahead. After missing 2 games earlier in the season it looked like his odds of competing for this award were done, but with a mind boggling stretch of 14 TDs over his final 4 games he cannon balled his way back into the conversation. One of the most lethal deep threats in the division, he has definitely added to his hall of fame stock with fantastic seasons in both top divisions.

Runner Up: Andrew Carruthers (Nighthawks) – 9 GP/42 REC/435 YDs/17 TDs

It would take a heck of a finish in week 11.5 versus Alkaholiks, but Carruthers is still alive in the race. Further proof that Rick Nincheri is still a maestro, Carruthers has put up steady production each week on this veteran Nighthawks team. He saved his best performance for the brightest game also, as he lit up a vaunted #NR defense in a high scoring thriller last week for 77 yards and 4 TDs.

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR

Front Runner: Serge Pilon Jr. (Terror Squad) – 9 GP/27 TKL/7 INT/4 PD/1 TD

There’s no way that the best player in division 1 would go quietly through the division 2 awards season. Serge took advantage of the softer competition and ate up the field once again. Having been a victim of one of his interceptions just last week, the memory is still fresh of just how much of a presence he commands on the field. This race isn’t even close to be honest. I hope he has adequate storage at home for all these trophies.

Runner Up: Ryan Aridi (Bad Boys) – 10 GP/2 TKL/15 Sacks

More of a nod to one of the greatest rushers to ever tie up the laces in FPF. Ryan continues to disrupt opposing QBs in the twilight of his prime (apparently 25 years is old for rushers). He’s a speed demon with perfect technique. One of the guys to write the book on rushing. An OG at his craft (again, he’s only 25 wtf). Well done sir. Not looking forward to facing you again.

Runner Up: Jeanslee Alexis (Prospect Squad) – 7 GP/16 TKL/4 INT/2 TDs

Again, more of a nod than anything, but credit is due for this young man’s achievements on the defensive side of the ball in the midst of a growing season for his squad. He’s one of the rising stars in this league, and if he continues to work on his craft he’ll see the texts coming in soon from division 1 recruiters.

Div 1 Playoff scenarios and Key Games

We’ll take a look at some of the significant games with playoff implications remaining in division 1 & 2.

These scenarios are just suggestions, and may not be complete. All odds below are made up.

With Waste Yout predictably bringing thunderstorm upon a Rod Mashtoub-less Monstars last week, here’s how each of the bubble teams’ prospects look:

4) D-Boys (98% chance of clinching)

Practically impossible for them to be disqualified since their PA is so low. Even in the event of a 4 or 5 way tie they would pass.
Will clinch with a win this week against Got-Fat.
A win and a DK loss to FML would give them favorable odds of moving up and clinching the third seed. (Only in the event of a 3-way tie with Finest, since DK own the tie breaker against D-Boys)

5) MTL Finest (65% chance of clinching)

Will clinch playoffs this week with a win over Waste Yout. Would almost assuredly be the 5th seed due to PA. (In the event of D-Boys win).
A loss by less than 28 points this week would get them a playoff spot (If Got Fat don’t win their final 2 games in low scoring efforts). But a loss by that amount is very unlikely.
Require a three way tie to be eliminated from playoffs, since they own the tie-breaker with Monstars should they both finish 4-6

6) Monstars (35% chance of clinching)

Hoping for a Waste Yout to lose final 2 games.
Hoping for a Finest loss this week and yielding over 28 points.
Hoping for Got-Fat to not win their final 2 games while yielding fewer than 56 points combined.

7) Waste Yout (57% chance of clinching)

Winning their final 2 games would secure them a playoff spot as high as 5th.
87 PA is the lucky number that keeps them buffered from Monstars. Winning 1 of their final 2 games while allowing less than 87 points combined likely secures them a playoff spot.
If they win this week but lose next week to Got-Fat, a few things can happen. If they allow more than 87 points, they’ll need to rely on allowing fewer points than Finest and Got-Fat, which is very possible.
If they loose both games they’re out.

8) Got Fat (8% chance of clinching)

They absolutely must win both games just to have a chance.
If they win both they’ll need to allow less points than any other 4-6 team, which is unlikely since they currently allow the most points per game. But it’s still possible.
There only hope is 2 wins coupled with very solid defense over the last pair of games. Unfortunately, winning and defense hasn’t been their M-O so far this year.
56 PA is the magic number that would keep them above Monstars with 2 wins. Again, allowing 28 points per game is extremely unlikely here.
If they don’t make it they can still be thorn especially in the side of Waste Yout & Finest.

Div 2 Playoff scenarios and Key Games

Like I mentioned last week, Div 2 playoff structure is boring, as all qualifying teams are locked in.

Conference A is set, no one can budge.

In conference B the following is possible:

Kings’s Landing and Clockmakers:

The battle for the fiurth and 5th seed, as a KL loss and Clockmakers win would flip the current standings. It wouldn’t matter much though, as they would still face each other in the first round, and draw the same second round opponent.

Clockmakers and Nighthawks:

Finally some intrigue. A clockmakers loss to Killa Bees, paired with a Nighthawks win over the Alkies, would flip the seeding of these two teams. This would change the pending playoff dynamic, as Clockmakers would face STL instead of KL, and vice versa for Nighthawks.

Recap

Alex Pilon has breakthrough performance for DK

This game started shaky offensively for both sides, as Rochdi failed to score from his opponent’s 5 yard line on the opening drive. In response, Got-Fat marched the field with poise, as Nic Centomo used quick hooks and slants to position his team at the DK 10 yard line before rifling in a post to Thuot for the opening score.

Rochdi rebounded, springing Alex Pilon on a post from 13 yards out for the score. It was Got-Fat’s turn to return the turnover advantage, as Centomo could not convert the 4th down at midfield. Rochdi went back to his hot receiver, leading Alex on a quick slant over the middle. Alex took advantage of the opportunity by putting on the jets and busting a wicked spin move for the lead.

With the slow, elongated drives so far, Got-Fat had just over a minute before half for their third drive of the game. They got to just before mid-field in time for the 5 play mark. It was Tam Vilaydeth’s time to impact the game from the rush, as he sacked centomo and then stuffed him for a 1 yard run on the pursuing attempt. With 2 plays remaining from the DK 15, Tam once again had the beat of Centomo, pressuring him to force a hot pass over the middle. The veteran defensive mastermind Adi Sharma got his hand up and tipped the pass, Serge Pilon came flying in like a heat seeking missile and returned it to the house for 6. It was 19-6 DK at the break.

The second half began with an exchange of scores, initiated by Got-Fat. Still trialing by 2 scores, their second possession turned out to be their final blow. With Tam’s unrelenting pressure, Centomo fired an ill-advised check down along the right wing, Serge once again swooped in and snatched the ball with a clear route to the end zone. However, a bobble on the catch forced the refs to stop his momentum at the spot of the INT.

DK went on to milk the clock the rest of the way. A late score by Got-Fat with 2 plays remaining made this game seem much closer than it was. It was a 2 to 3 score game most of the night.

The Pilon brothers brought their incredible routine to the field once again. Alex was the lead offensive weapon for DK, with 56 yards and 3 TDs, while Serge will be haunting Centomo’s dreams for some time to come, raking up 2 INTs and a defensive extra point convert return.

DK gears up for a statement game against Flag Moi L’Sac leading into playoffs, while Got-Fat is now on life support, needing to win out just to have a chance.

Braves get last shot in on Finest

This was awesome game to watch, with two ultra competitive teams exchanging blows at the height of their abilities, all the way down to the wire.

Finest began with the ball, and after narrowly converting a fourth and 10 from their starting line, Wyeth put together a composed drive leading his team to the Braves red zone. Now in tight, Wyeth flung a sharp dart at his snapper Binette, the ball skidded through his hands and into the arms of Antoine Boulard, who ran it all the way back for an opening pick-6. It wouldn’t be the last time this night we saw Boulard come up with a huge play. The Braves used their magical 2-point play to go up 8-0 real quick.

Wyeth, always the excellent leader, went right back to his man on the next drive, hitting Binette twice before springing Kishon on a 25 yard streak for the TD. Following the score, the Finest defence finally took the field for the first time, and they were playing with an intensity that we haven’t seem from them so far this year. It requires saying that this unit is better when Garrett Taylor is present. The sticky corner back gives them the flexibility to employ creative coverages and the depth to throw in man when required. Playing tough as nails, they turned over Braves at midfield and won back their original turnover.

An exchange of scores pursued, leading to a go-ahead TD from Wyeth to Jerome on 25 yard post, with only 1 play remaining before half. The Finest were giving the Braves a taste of their own medicine on the two point converts. Using a traditional formation, Wyeth ran a flood to the left side and dropped a dime in the bucket to Jerome on the back corner. Finest were up 26-23 with 1 play remaining. The Braves, never ones to yield, ran a pitch back to Courchesne, who heaved a beautiful 40 yard rainbow off his back foot into contested coverage. Somehow, through all these waving arms, the ball dropped right into Boulard’s basket in the centre of the pile. A shocking Hail Mary gave the braves a 29-26 lead at the half.

The Braves began with the ball in the second half and proceeded to make the Finest play catch-up all night. Wyeth was sharp in this game, only missing 4 throws on the night. Unfortunately, a second of those misses landed in the hands of JD Chevalier deep in the second half. The Braves were not in the mood to give back the turnover this time, as they cleaned up their offense the rest of the way. Repeatedly working snapper Mike Pierrecin over the middle, to the tune of 10 catches for 93 yards and a TD, Maheu kept the turnover sheet clean yet again. As for the Finest, Wyeth may have unlocked something in Moore is week with the vertical passing attack. The big bodied veteran was sprung loose for 10 catches for 82 yards and a score. We’ve been waiting for this kind of impact from him all season, and it was positive to see him build some momentum before the playoff run.

The Braves closed off their schedule with an impressive 48-43 victory over the reigning champs. While the Finest still have some work to do this week before clinching the playoffs.

D-Boys rounding into playoff form

This was a monumental game for D-Boys, as it meant the difference between playing week 11 for playoff seeding versus playing for their postseason lives. Both teams were spotted a ringer, as D-Boys brought in Justene Edwards – who looked right at home on a Div 1 roster, and FML brought in first year Cougars receiver Wedens Alexandre.

Masciotra was loose in this one, peppering the ball around the field, but mostly to a springy Theo Ojeaha. Theo seems to have gotten his step back, as he was unstoppable down the right sideline, pulling in 87 yards and 2 TDs on 7 catches. The D-Boys were trailing at half, but put on their playoff caps at the break and showed Flag Moi L’Sac exactly why they’re perennial postseason favorites in Div 1.

An injury to snapper JP St-Pierre caused a turning point in second half action, as Alexis was forced to step in at snapper for the now 6 man FML roster. It took him a while to adjust to the new role, as his clunky snaps delayed ANP’s rhythm just enough for the D-Boys to take advantage. However, he made up for it with a big play on FML’s final drive, carrying his team 30 yards downfield and putting them in position to punch in the go-ahead score.

The ultimate FPF moment was set for D-Boys. 5 plays remaining with the ball at their starting line for the win. Marco made quick work marching the field, but slowed in the red zone. With 2 plays to go, he rallied and put his team ahead with the all important touchdown. The final FML heave went unanswered, as D-Boys booked their ticket to the second round, upsetting the previously ranked top dog in the division.

Still without the talented Justin Mclean due to injury, this D-Boys team was closer to being full than it’s been in weeks, and it showed in their defensive effort against a lethal offense. The trio of Ojeaha, Johnson and McLaren used their size and speed to take away large chunks of terrain. The addition of Travis Moses continues to be one of the best mid-season pickups around. Matt Kirouac was finally given enough time to work this week, getting to ANP twice for the sack, and disrupting his passing lane most of the night. When the D-Boys are full and put together this kind of concerted effort they are tough to beat. With the momentum they’re building they’ll be a nightmare draw in the first round of the playoffs.

Power Rankings

Braves 7-2-1 (+1)
FML 6-2-1 (-1)
DK 5-4 (/)
Montréal’s Finest 4-5 (/)
D-Boys 4-5 (+1)
Waste Yout 3-5 (+2)
Monstars 4-6 (-2)
Got-Fat 2-6 (-1)

Braves 2.0 9-1 (/)
YCSWU 9-0 (/)
#NR 8-1 (/)
STL 7-3 (-1)
Terror Squad 5-4 (/)
Bad Boys 5-5 (/)
Khantroversy 5-5 (/)
Kings Landing 4-5 (/)
Alkaholiks 3-5 (/)
Prospect Squad 3-7 (/)
Clockmakers 3-6 (/)
Nighthawks 2-6-1 (/)
Killa Bees 1-8 (/)
SYO 4 Life 0-8-1 (/)

Avraam’s Spreads:

I decided to spice things up for the projections this season. Welcome to Avraam’s Spreads, where the old head of FPF will play bookie on a weekly basis, handicapping the games for us with just the right amount of juice.

Waste Yout vs Finest (-3)

Alex’s pick: Finest

Simon’s pick: Finest

Sean’s pick: WY

Got Fat vs D-Boys (-8)

Alex’s pick: Got-Fat

Simon’s pick: D-Boys

Sean’s pick: D-Boys

Flag Moi L’Sac (-3) vs DK

Alex’s pick: DK

Simon’s pick: DK

Sean’s pick: FML

Got Fat vs Waste Yout (-4)

Alex’s pick: WY

Simon’s pick: WY

Sean’s pick: WY

Clockmakers (-10) vs Killa Bees

Alex’s pick: Killa Bees

Simon’s pick: Killa Bees

Sean’s pick: Killa Bees

YCSWU (-14.5) vs Alkaholiks

Alex’s pick: NA

Simon’s pick: YCSWU

Sean’s pick: Alkaholiks

SYO vs Terror Squad (-7.5)

Alex’s pick: Terror

Simon’s pick: Terror

Sean’s pick: Terror

King’s Landing vs NR (-8)

Alex’s pick: KL

Simon’s pick: NR

Sean’s pick: NR

Alkaholiks vs Nighthawks (-7)

Alex’s pick: Alki

Simon’s pick: Nighthawks

Sean’s pick: Alki

That’s it for this week. Week 10 of FPF is officially in the books, and week 11 starts up in a few short hours. If you have any feedback, concerns, comments or just want a shoulder to lean on you can hit me up on Facebook. If you’re craving more content please check out the Calling the Audible podcast featuring Moe Khan, Peeze and Simon, it’s a healthy dose of absurdity to get you through the week. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and make sure to check back next week to find out how weeks 11 & 11.5 shook out!