The Joint Article – Issue 2

As we’ve promised, every two weeks, Simon and I will ask each other questions (or in this week’s case, question) and have the other answer while giving our own opinion. Since it’s my turn this week, Simon’s answer (or picks) will be in italic.

 

Since we’re nearing the midseason mark, I figured that it would be the perfect time to discuss who is in the running thus far for all stars. Since I’m not always one for stats exclusively, I figured that Simon and I could both shine some light on some players who are having solid seasons and maybe give some insight that’ll go a bit beyond statistics as well. Simple rules: 12 players, one for every position, without anyone currently playing in a higher division. Please note that these are our choices thus far; they do not reflect the all-star choices of the FPF league at the end of the season in any way.

According to GM’s request of building an all-star roster made with 12 different players that don’t play in higher divisions, the task was a bit more tedious than I expected; so many talented players, so little positions to fill. I’ve tried to shed light on the dominant players at their position, even if they play both-ways and keep it away from the higher division players. Let’s see how strong this roster really is!

 

Quarterback

Terrance Morsink (Crisp): Before everyone jumps down my throat for choosing my own QB, Morsink is the current passing touchdown leader (on pace for 60) and king of the deep ball thus far. Furthermore, if you look at the receiving statistics for his team (aside from Mahoney,) the ball is effectively and evenly distributed.  

Frédéric Viens (6 Fast Guys Plus Ryan): There’s a reason these guys are winning. Yes, their chemistry is top notch and they have a great defense, but this QB is something else. He’s on-point, he wins championships and he’s clutch when the game stands tall.

 

Center

Danny McFee (Two and a Half Dans): Despite his diminutive size, McFee possesses abilities that set him aside from the average center: breakneck speed, the ability to dodge tackles and a keen eye for how to read the field and get open. Definitely a player who does not get as much press as he should despite the stats he puts up. Definitely a driving force in his team’s success.  

Marc-Antoine Viens (6 Fast Guys Plus Ryan): Knowing his brother is my QB, their chemistry simply eases my pick. Even without his brother, Marc-Antoine is deceptively fast, sure-handed and knows how to pick a defense apart. He always places himself properly and he’s that sure target any offense needs. I would’ve picked him even without his brother at QB.

 

Receivers

Eric Bishara (Marco in the Middle): It’s not often that a player is amazing enough at running a specific route that they trademark it as their own. Give Eric space on a slant-in, and he’ll decimate you with his speed. The ability to destroy DBs in both shallow and deep coverage is difficult to match, and he’s a sure-fire addition to my team.

Jordan Edwards (CREAM Team): This guy is something else. I’ve seen him play and he’s a dominant receiver. Any defenses would be foolish to ignore him and he forces double coverage onto him. He’s that D4 monster we’ll be talking about at the end of the season.

 

Brian Martin (Longhorns): A possession receiver like few other in the division, Martin possesses great height, surprising speed and fantastic hands. Brian is a player who can make that necessary clutch catch when the game is on the line, even if it’s in double-coverage.

Frank Boulard (Mustangs DG): Frank has great chemistry with his QB on Mustangs and it’s been paying off in the past few seasons. He’s a monster off the ball and he keeps making plays regardless of the coverage we blanket on him. He’ll get open and he’ll make plays as long as there’s time left on the clock. I’m a huge fan of this guy.

 

Jean-Francois Fortier-Poulin (Dragons): Simon chose not to include any of his teammates. However since I included one of my own, I’ll include a very deserving player from his roster as well. JFFP has the ability to make catches with ease (bonus points for being able to catch Dagenais’ passes) and would be a standout on any team, rather than someone who is simply a system receiver.

Patrick St-Amand (ZOO): We’ve talked about Patrick St-Amand in every season he’s played for a reason; this guy is dominant. He’s a strong DB, but his receiving skills are the real reason he’s talked about. He’s averaged more than a TD per game in his last 4 seasons; he’s unstoppable and that’s why he’s on my all-star roster this year.

 

Dany Ostiguy (Punt Returners): It may be cheating to include a former Division 2 receiver of the year, but he’s only playing D4 this season…so he makes my list. If you’ve seen him play, Dany’s routes are something else entirely. He has the ability to make double and triple-moves in the time that it takes most receivers to make one. Take your eyes off of him for a second and he’ll find himself in your end zone.

Terrance Dobson (Game Changers): Terrance Dobson brings a lot more than pure athleticism to his team. He’s a strong receiver with an impressive jump ball and he always attacks the ball at its highest point which makes him a deadly receiver even to cover, but the fire he brings to his team seems to give momemtum and keep them in the race regardless of the score. He’s the fuel to the Game Changers’ fire.

 

Rusher

Anthony Garant (Six Fast Guys Plus Ryan): An athlete with an incredible amount of speed to burn (despite finally being 100% after injury,) it almost seems like a waste to have Garant at rusher. However, those who argue the importance of the rush in any division would tell you Anthony is the best man for the job, and will force opposing QBs to dump the ball or take a sack if the first read isn’t there.

Daniel Bellefeuille (Les Affreux): This guy doesn’t get the press he deserves. Honestly, he’s the reason Les Affreux’ defense is so well known. Quick off the ball, he goes 110% every single snap and he’s a terror on the field. With a few all-star nominations already, Bellefeuille is, possibly, one of the best rusher in FPF. Definitely one of the best in the lower divisions and that isn’t arguable.

 

Defenders

Kevin Boustany (Recipe 4 Disaster): Being able to attest firsthand to his ability, Kevin should be a first-ballot corner on any squad. Able to bait QBs into a false sense of security, Kevin has the speed to keep up with most any receiver in the division. So long as he continues to be dominant, you’d be silly not to include him.

Kevin Boustany (Recipe 4 Disaster): Kevin Boustany has been this great talent that hasn’t really moved up in the past few seasons. He plays with friends and dominates wherever he is. He’s not the flashiest player nor does he want to be, but it’d be a serious mistake to overlook him. An amazing receiver that knows the kind of defense he needs to play to shutdown players and does it well. I’m really a fan of this guy on both side of the ball, but his defensive skills are really shining in Div4.

 

Frederic Brunet (Punt Returners): Experienced in the touch-football circuit but not as big a name in FPF as of late, you’d definitely be wrong to choose Fred’s side to pick on. Possessing a plethora of football knowledge and the ability to read the field effortlessly, he’s a sure generator of interceptions and a sure addition to my list.

Mendy Cardichon (TrapStars): To have Cardichon in a Division 4 roster is a serious steal. He’s proven himself to be a serious beast on the field both offensively and defensively. Personally, I prefer him on defense in this Div4 roster, but he could easily sub in for any offensive player and play any given position. As a QB, I’d stir away from him; he’s a nightmare in coverage.

 

Louis-Philippe Paquette (Maloudes): It comes as no surprise to me that Louis-Philippe was chosen by both Simon and myself, because there’s no one else that I’d rather have playing defense. Making tackles that seem effortless, he’s able to be everywhere on the field at once. Definitely an underrated talent in the division.

Louis-Philippe Paquette (Maloudes): Paquette made this list for many different reasons. I love his energy and the way he plays defense; he has a great vision of the field and always seems to compensate for others’ mistakes. He’s always there, regardless if the ball is on his side of the field or not and he’ll make a play somehow. He leads by example and he’ll burn you if you take him lightly.

 

Zachary Alexis (Shamrocks): Definitely a case of statistics not telling the whole story. While not possessing the same flair and reputation as his brother, Zachary is like a blanket on a deep half of the field, daring anyone to throw deep to his side. Fantastic speed and great athleticism, he’ll cover your #1 receiver with ease.

Connor O’Brien (Bruthers): He’s what we could call new to the league having played only a game in the previous year, but he’s showing how strong he really is this season and he’s showing it off to anyone who cares to look. If we look only at the stats, he’s got 5 interceptions in 2 games. If we look beyond the stats, he’ll shutdown anybody he’s locked on. A centerpiece of Bruthers’ devastating defense.

 

Joey Vizzi (Shmoney): New to the league, this John Abbott receiver has made just as much a name for himself on defense as he has on offense. Possessing great field awareness of everything that’s going on around him, and the right amount of physicality, he’s a standout defender in the division and definitely meriting a mention.

Emilio Cecere (Shmoney): His speed, agility and experience makes him a player you don’t wanna mess with on a football field. He might not be the tallest player on the field, but he’ll make up for it, times two, with his legs and explosion. He has a great vision on the field and he’ll be there to tackle anytime he can’t put his fingers on the ball. A serious threat that needs more press.

 

Well, that’s it for this round of collaboration. Look for our respective articles in the next coming days, and Simon’s turn to ask me questions again in the next joint article. Until then, we can be found at @gmkole44 and @DagenaisFPF