The War Room (D3) – Finals Recap

 

Alright, the finals have now come and gone (sorta like the Hurricanes’ Dynasty) and 5 teams can claim their place amongst FPF elite. The Championship games were played last weekend and most outcomes were predictable. This isn’t to take anything away from the game, just rather an observation given the amount of coverage all the teams received. My main area of expertise (yea right) is division three. The biggest division (thanks to the inclusion of anyone with “Pierre” in their name) was my responsibility to cover and I did thoroughly enjoy following all the drama, banter and controversy surrounding the 32 teams. From the outset, we all knew who the main players in the division would be: Lazy Boys, D-Boys and AMB Eagles. What we didn’t know was that no name teams such as: Big TDs, Ducks and BK would emerge as challengers to the throne. Mix in a little division 4 franchise progressions (Dirty Birds, Cobras and VPC) and you have a fairly exciting little division. Well, when all was set, the juggernaut D-Boys made it easily through to the finals and the Cinderella VPC somehow fought their way to the Prince’s Ball.

 

 

Well the game went down as I sorta had a feeling it would. The roster depth was vividly apparent from the get go as the D-Boys were methodical in running their offense, while the VPC stuttered and simply did not execute. It was a tough day for Robbie Robinson as he looked flustered by the defensive looks. He showed signs of his inexperience at QB by forcing the ball deep and attempting to buy time against a nasty Matt Kirouac rush. On the flipside, the Lanni brothers were having a field day as they announced to the FPF community that they had indeed arrived on the scene. They combined for almost a 100 yards receiving, two scores and two turnovers. Their contribution to this win was only surpassed by the excellent effort by mighty mouse Jon Lyristis. He outperformed the VPC secondary on his way to 7 receptions and 2 TDs. The other two TDs can be attributed to the ridiculous play of Marc Champagne (who has no business playing in div 3). But the man who created this whole mess… the leader… Gino Di Fazio, had another solid outing of 6 tds and no Int’s. But this win was more about him than anything else… this was the monkey off his back.

 

 

What can I say that I already haven’t said about any team Gino DiFazio has put together? Its usually filled with strong upper divisional talent which is pieced together and fused under the personal touch of his leadership (the dark side). He handpicks his teammates, convinces them to play in a lower division (for the greater good, of course) and then signs a far superior player to bail him out on both sides of the ball. It’s a formula that cannot be denied, he has QB’d a team into the finals 4 times, winning two of them. In FPF terms, he is a proven winner. But what will his legacy be? Will he be enshrined in the FPF hall of fame as a man who was a serviceable quarterback surrounded by great receiver talent? Or a great GM, who simply bought championships by recruiting well? I’ll leave that decision to my avid readers. But don’t kid yourself, he is a great Div 3 QB. I just wouldn’t mention him as a pure talent like the legends of Pollice, Nincheri and Wyeth. He may consistently compete for championships in div 3 and Div B, but has he had any success when the talent level is equalized? Not really. And that will always remain a black eye on his legacy, even with his two championship trophies as starting QB.

 

With all that being said, it has been a pleasure to cover the league this year. It’s been up and down, but generally having this outlet to distribute gossip, ideas and rumours allows me to share with you my favourite aspects of the FPF community. I look forward to the Spring season and ask that you all evaluate your roster to ensure you are registered in the CORRECT division (Thus avoiding my snide remarks). Thanks Again!

 

 

Castleton’s Random thoughts of the week:

 

1. Road Show: Every year, FPF invests a lot of time into prepping and making sure the product is enjoyable for all those involved. It was a true pleasure to be asked to participate. And we will continue to take your suggestions on how to improve.
2. The Family: Great win gentlemen, it was surprising how developed and skilful your squad has become over the past season. Keep improving and division three may be calling someday.
3. D-Boys vs Warriors: Shouldn’t that be the real Div 3 finals?
4. Matt Norzil: Move over Andre Knights, Paul Kamel and Mikhail Davidson… The next young star has been unleashed.
5. Texas: Congrats on a hard earned win and for covering my betting lines in the stands. I’m very proud to have witnessed the evolution of this team into Div 2 champions.
6. Wolfpack and Expos: What a way to come out flat when all the chips were yours for the taking! Truly disappointing.
7. Express: For everyone who dodges divisions, please take note that the gutsy move by the Express to challenge themselves at the highest level has paid off in just two years! Congrats gentlemen, you are the top dogs of FPF.

 

Division Three Awards:

 

QB of the Year: Gino Di Fazio, D-Boys: the Emperor led all division three in most statistics.

 

WR of the Year: Godfrey Abu, AMB Eagles: not the fastest guy but a beast with a league leading 21 TDs.

 

Rusher of the Year: Matt Kirouac, D-Boys, might not have had all the sacks in the world, but a big reason why the D-Boys won the championship.

 

Defensive Back of the Year: Robbie Robinson, VPC, a constant pain for opposing QBs.

 

Biggest Upset of the Year: Ducks losing to Skillz

 

Most disappointing Team of the Year: Collusion 67, by FAR.

 

Biggest surprise of the Year: Rude Bwoys emerging as a serious Div 3 threat.

 

Biggest Rising Star: Jon Lyristis, D-Boys, just continues to impress when called upon.

Castleton’s MVP of the Year: Robbie Robinson, a complete package of an FPF player, simply the best player to line up all season in the division.