Tiers of success

Welcome to Week 4 of the FlagPlus Football Division 6 campaign. Believe it or not, we are already one week away from the midway point of the regular season.  

Some teams have already started not just making their move to the top of the standings, but have forged an identity and set it in stone. Not surprisingly, there are still some other squads that are still trying to find out what kind of team they are, and how exactly all the parts fit. 

With that said, this week’s article will be a little different, as I will take a look at the different tier of teams that exist in Div. 6.  

The top tier, will consist of the best teams in the division. The second will be made up of the middle of the back, and the third will be the rest. To make things easier, I will divide it by Conference. 

Conference A 

Top Tier 

Mogadishu Pirates (3-0) 

This team, which is a version of last year’s Div 6 champs PB n Jelly, has shown so far, that they can win big, and they also have the ability to pull out the tight games as well. A big key to their success has been the transformation of former Quarterback Joseph Kano to Wide Receiver. The big man, who won QB of the year last winter, has seamlessly changed positions, and has had a huge impact while doing so, as he is third on the Pirates in yards, catches, and touchdowns.  

At the QB position, is former WR and Rusher, Michael Smith. While his 7 TD passes don’t exactly blow you away, he has been extremely effective at distributing the ball to his targets, David Smith, Justin Peress, Alex Lufty, and the aforementioned Kano. 

Defensively, the team uses a team effort to get stops, and they are aided by first-year rusher Tim Horver, who has 3 sacks in 2 games.  

Despite the makeover, this is still a squad with championship experience, and I expect them to be a factor all the way to the end. 

Rolling Rock (3-0) 

This is another team that isn’t short on experience and has switched things up at Quarterback, as they have decided to go with “Stormin” Normand Bellemare at the position, and have been using their old QB at WR. So far, the move has paid off, as the team is undefeated, and playing some solid football.  

While the team’s offense constantly looked for the big play last year, instead of relying on “50-50” balls being thrown by the younger Bellemare, Normand, has been the epitome of efficiency, as he has gotten rid of the ball quickly and accurately to his receivers. 

Defensively, while they only they’ve only forced two turnovers this season, the team has held teams to under 30 points so far. A big reason for that, has been the addition of FPF vet Kevin St. Pierre, and rookie Ryan Dobbs-Garnett, both of who have added some much-needed speed to a previously somewhat slow defense. 

Broke Boys (2-0-1) 

I can tell you guys from personal experience, that making the transition from tackle football to flag football is not as easy as it seems. The speed of the game, lack of contact, smaller fields, the list of differences is long. What makes move to flag even harder, is trying to do it with a bunch of rookies. Despite that, the Broke Boys, are fighting the odds and pulling off the tricky feat.  

Led offensively by Rookie-of-the Year candidate Wide Receiver Shamar Joasssaint, and a QB that has done a good job at avoiding turnovers in Cameron Wilson, the team has their Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot combination, that has looked unstoppable so far this season. 

Although their schedule doesn’t do them any favors, (they still have to face the Warriors, Pardon My Swag, Rolling Rock, Mogadishu Pirates, and Smokin Axolotls) if they can sure up a defense that has had a few leaks here and there, they will have the potential to go all the way.  

Goon Squad (2-0-1) 

These guys are coming off of a 20-20 tie with the team mentioned above. Nevertheless, the transformation of Massimo Cicchini, from a below average Quarterback, to a productive one, has been the key to the team’s successful start to the season. The fourth-year vet, has even brought over his solid play to the opposite side of the ball, as he leads his team with 3 INTs.  

Also stepping up their game on offense and defense this season is Matthew Gagliardi and Matthew Cocolicchio.  

Naturally, time will tell if these guys are able to keep the good times rolling, but if the play of their best players continues to rise, there’s a good chance this team will not only experience their first winning season in their 4-year existence, but they could be a squad nobody wants to face come playoff time. 

 

Second Tier

  

Channel 4 News Team (2-1) 

Another all-rookie team, C4NT earned a spot on the list, by knocking off the Goofy Goobers (more on them in a second) last week 24-19.  

Through 3 games, the team has used 3 different starting Quarterbacks. While that’s usually a recipe for disaster (no pun intended) the squad’s 2-1 record says otherwise.  

One question that must be answered, is who are the real Channel 4 News Team. Are they the team that got hammered by their first real taste of competition, in the Rolling Rock? Or, are they the team the knocked off the Goofy Goobers? Time will tell.   

 

Savage Mode (2-1) 

Riding a two-game winning streak, which includes a statement win over a solid Greendale Human Beings squad, Savage Mode, has a chance to add even more checks in the win column, as they have a more than favorable schedule over 3 of the next 4 weeks, as they face three teams that have a combined 2 wins.  

Team Quarterback and MVP, Daniel Sananes, has been playing giving the team efficient QB play, while also providing all-star play on the other side of the ball, as his 4 INTs have his tied for the division lead with 4 other players. 

How this team fares against top teams the N.W.O and the Smokin Axolotls, will show us how far this team can really go. 

 

Sticknmovers (1-2) 

This team has me intrigued, as they almost pulled off the biggest upset of the season thus far, by coming within one point of beating the Mogadishu Pirates (7-6).  

This another team that uses multiple Quarterbacks. The key to their season, will be settling one passer and rolling with him. Whoever that guy is, he has some talented receivers to throw to in Jarryd Taylor and Ben Toulch. 

Sticknmovers, has a talented defense that is lead by talented rusher Benjamin Szwimer who has 5 sacks. The rest of their D is full of playmakers that get their hands on a lot of passes, and has held two different opponents to single digit scoring. The only issue, is that the majority of their roster has only played one game so far. To be able to play in the post-season, you need to play a minimum of 6 games. Hopefully, if this team qualifies for the second season, that won’t be a problem.  

 

Sons of Mitches (1-2) 

Plain an simple, this squad has talent at every position. Their mix of veterans Jarred Stewart, Jordan Farray, and Patrick Manning, with rookies Matthew Augustine and Joe Calabrese, and Adriano Arciero also give this team a quality lineup.  

Sons of Mitches, have been in every single game they’ve played this season, suffering their 2 losses by a combined total of 12 points. Their remaining schedule is no walk in the park, with the N.W.O, Pardon My Swag, and big showdowns with the Goon Squad and Savage Mode in Week 6 and 9 respectively. In they can get a win against at least one of those teams, as well victories against lesser teams like DGC and Dez Nuts, they have a chance to make it into the higher tier. 

 

The Rest 

 

Goofy Goobers (2-1) 

I was fully ready to put these guys in the second group, and even contemplating sneaking them into the first tier, but their loss to the Channel 4 News Team, along with the fact that they haven’t bet anyone of significance, relegates them to this section. 

Quarterback Ryan Shapiro, has been impressive, ad he has led an offense that has scored the most points in the entire division with 112, but he and his team will need to prove they can a contending team if they want to be taken seriously. Their next opportunity is Week 6 against the Rolling Rock. 

 

DGC (1-2) 

The first-year team just got their first win of the season, by knocking off the FBG, 15-14. After a abysmal debut, Nicholas Borrelli, has steadily improved, as have his group of receivers. Although adding higher division players for their Week 2 game against Broke Boys, helped boost that team’s stats, the key to DGC’s season, will b working chemistry and timing with their regular roster, and building off of that going forward, especially with two-wat threat Cory Wener.  

Getting some turnovers will also go a long way, as this is the only team that has yet to record an interception in D6. 

 

Los Advocados (1-2) 

They finally got a win last Sunday against the Rogue Squad (more on them in a bit). Despite the 36 points they put up in their victory, this team has looked weak offensively all season. Their lack of a big play threat, and above average QB play is hurting them.  

When he is on defense, Josh Vasquez has been a playmaker, as he leads the team in tackles and INTs, with 5 and 3 respectively. Los Advocados, will need someone else to step up if they want add more checks to the win column. 

 

Rogue Squad (0-3) 

In a totally un-related note, I finally saw Star Wars: Rogue One last Sunday. I have to say that I thought it was really good. The story line was well written, Darth Vader was amazing as always. What makes his presence even more meaningful, was the fact that he was only in a handful of scenes. More importantly, if Hans Solo gets a spin off movie, where the hell is Vader’s? There is a big gap between Anakin Skywalker turning into Vader, and the events of Rogue One. STEP IT UP Disney!!!! Sorry, I had to… 

Moving back to flag, the Rogue Squad, have a talented Wide Receivers in former Fourth and Twenty members Olivier Beniak and Erik Ciaccia. As we al know, whether it’s the NFL, CFL, NCAA, FPF, or even football in the park, you won’t go anywhere without a solid Quarterback. Despite their efforts, the team two QBs Anthony Evangelista and Emilio Greco, haven’t been getting it done, as they have combined for 7 TDs and 8 INTs. Clearly, that’s not going to cut it. Taking simple passes, and developing go-to plays, should be the team’s main concern going forward. 

 

Farmers (1-2) 

Their sole win so far has come against Cette Equipe La, which is the equivalent to saying my Florida State Seminoles just laid another whooping on the Florida Gators. Not exactly inspiring or jaw-dropping news. In Week 2, the Farmers gave Rolling Rock a scare last Sunday by taking them down to the wire in a (33-25) defeat.   

This team has a lot of talent in the form of Jonathan Legault, Marc-Antoine Jette, and Sebastien Robidoux. If they can get better play out of their QB Benoit Robidoux, they have a chance to make some noise.   

Let’s see if this team can build off of their play from the last 2 weeks, as they take on the Goofy Goobers Tuesday night in Kirkland. 

 

FBG (1-2) 

Arguably the largest team in D6, they have yet to find a quality Quarterback. So far in 3 games, Guy Carlo-Provost and Kostas Zoitakis, have combined to complete a grand total of 14 passes. Some of the blame goes to a Wide Receiver corps that has dropped a number of would-be receptions.  

The biggest bright spot is their defense, which is led by Nicholas Katsilakis who has 4 INTs, and a plethora of pass rushers that have taken down opposing QBs 7 times so far this year. Perhaps the team’s goal is to grind down teams defensively to get the win. Scoring a few more points on offense will go a long way to making their plan successful. 

 

Dez Nuts (0-3)

In all honesty, I expected a lot more out of a team with so many experienced and impactful players on their roster. The problem, is that a lot of those players like Joseph Buffone, Sean Fiorillo have yet to play a game. The vets that have played in Justin Ferrera, and Anthony and Dominic Mangione, haven’t been able to carry the rest of the team, that consists of rookies. 

The team’s lack of playmakers on both sides of the ball is glaring, and something that will need to be fixed ASAP. 

 

Conference B 

 

First Tier  

 

Victorious Secret (3-0) 

No team has made a bigger improvement than this one. The move in Quarterback from Johnny Montanaro to Domenic D’Onofrio, has had a huge impact. Wide Receivers Vince Pisano and Giovanni Bavota, have benefited the most from the change, as the offense is able to take advantage of their big-play ability. 

On defense, this team is led by underrated rusher Sammy Falletta, and Bavota, whose speed allows him to make plays on any ball that isn’t accurately thrown in his direction. 

The team’s next 5 games are all against teams in the first tier, let’s see if Victorious Secret are for real.

 

N.W.O (2-0-1) 

The veteran squad is doing what they re expected to do so far this season, and that is to score points. The biggest contributor to their offense besides Quarterback Michael Sanchez, is Wide Receiver Pietro Mignacca. The 9-year vet has been a scoring machine so far this season, as his 8 TDs leave him tied with the Broke Boys’ Shamar Joassaint for the Division 6 lead.  

Getting more touches for the speedy Stephen Tirelli, is vital as well, as he capable of making big plays both as a receiver and Running Back. 

Defensively, the loss of the criminally underrated Domenic Benevento (thank you guys) is a huge hole, but veterans Vito Notturno and Peter Mignacca have picked up the slack, as they made plays in the passing game. 

Tomorrow night’s game between the n.W.O and Victorious Secret will answer a lot of questions as to who is the best team in Conference B. 

 

Ravens (2-0-1) 

This is an offense that has proven over the last two seasons, that it can put up points on anybody in the division. You might be able to slow down Receivers Marc-Antoine Vallee and Mathieu Houle, but you can’t stop them. The addition of Jean Lussier from Division 4B’s Alpha T’s, makes the offense even scarier. 

Defensively, while the doesn’t have as many turnovers as one would expect, keep in mind, that it is only Week 4, and more importantly, they have a dominant rusher in Charles-Olivier Touzel, who leads all D6 rushers with 9 sacks, making life a lot easier for the team’s Defensive Backs. 

Quarterback Gabriel Boyer had his worst game of the year this past week against The Baker Boys, as he threw 3 INTs, and completed only 7 of 24 passes in his team’s 14-14 tie. Logic says that it was just a bad game, and that they should bounce back tomorrow night against The Money Team. Whether they do or not, the bigger test for this team lies in a 4-week stretch that sees them play the Broke Boys, Victorious Secret, Channel 4 News Team, and the Super Troopers. Let’s see where the Ravens stand after that.    

  

Super Troopers (2-1) 

The storm troopers as I like to call them (yes, another Star Wars reference) are a legit title contender. When Quarterback Gabriel Wiseman is on his game, he is spreading the ball around to different receivers, and makes defenses have to guess who will get the ball next. Although they are best-served making short passes, the team’s pass catchers like Martin Jackson, is capable of taking a pass to the house in the blink of an eye. 

The team’s defense is what has the potential to take them to the top, as they have generated 6 takeaways, 2 of which were returned for TDs, and 7 sacks curtesy of Zackary Alberts-Gill. 

The only question that faces these guys, is can they beat other contending teams? So far, they are 0-1 versus the Smokin Axolotls. Next up is a tough game against the Greendale Human Beings tonight at Lachine. After that is the Mogadishu Pirates, Victorious Secret, and Ravens. Let’s see how the Super Troopers handle it. 

 

Pardon My Swag (2-1) 

The old TDs and Beer, still have a lot of the same names in Evans, Keiller, Torres, Mascarenhas. Looking to take final step that they can’t to take come playoff time, the team added dynamic rookie and a Peeze favorite, in Michael Khazaka. The first-year player leads the team in TD receptions and interceptions with 4 apiece.  

The emergence of FPF Junior Quarterback Avery Lalla, at Wide Receiver and Defensive Back, gives this deep team yet another weapon at their disposal.     

The team suffered a tight 24-18 loss to the Ravens in Week 2. Pardon My Swag, has a chance to silent the critiques, at the end of the season, when they take on the Warriors, Rolling Rock, Smokin Axolotls, and Mogadishu Pirates to close out the regular season. 

 

Smokin Axolotls (2-1) 

The runner-up in the spring season from Division E, the Smokin Axolotls, suffered a tough off-season with the losses of Will Power, and Jason Kokolakis. Credit team captain Stef Fennes, as the was able to replace the duo, with Rory Semerjian and Kevin Marcil. The new additions have made their presence felt on both sides of the ball, as they have combined for 3 TDs on offense, and 3 INTs on defense. 

The next 2 games on their schedule look like their toughest, as they face the Mogadishu Pirates, and the Rolling Rock. Let’s see what happens.  

 

Second Tier 

 

Warriors (1-1-1) 

This was an impressive team in the Spring Season, as the rookie squad finished with an 8-2 record, and averaged more than 25 points a game, and had a QB in Michael Solimene, who threw for 44 touchdowns.  

While their offense with the exception of a dud performance in Week 2 against Victorious Secret, has been good, the just don’t seem like the same team that took Div. E by storm last spring. 

They are already 0-1 against contending teams. They finish the regular season with 3 straight games versus Pardon My Swag, the Smokin Axolotls, and the Mogadishu Pirates. The Warriors need to win at least one of these games to be consider elite this year. 

 

Greendale Human Beings (2-1) 

This team is fueled by the Aylward brothers (Brandon and Danny), who have connected for over 200 yards already this season. Second-year player Satchel Carriero, and red-zone threat, and my former teammate and fellow D-Lineman with the Concordia Stingers, Rohan Bennett, give the offense some viable weapons. 

Despite suffering a setback against the Savage Mode last week, this team has a favorable schedule remaining, as the only strong competition they face is the aforementioned game versus the Super Troopers tonight, and a Week 9 contest against the N.W.O. 

 

Blitz Babes (1-2) 

With 4 touchdowns and just as many interceptions, second-year player Matthew Gottlieb, is the straw that serves the team’s drink.  

Jonah Eisenberg, is also dong his part on defense with 2 picks of his own. As the team’s QB, the rookie, has been inconsistent, with 5 TD passes, and 4 INTs. If they first-year squad can get more production out of the position, they have a chance to do some damage against a very easy schedule. 

 

The Rest 

 

The Baker Boys (1-1-1) 

This team knows how to bring it defensively. Their 6 interceptions, show that they have a few ballhawks on that side of the ball. 

Offensively, if you take away Joey Musumeci’s 1 catch 40-yard and 1 touchdown performance against the Ravens last week, he is still their leading Wide Receiver with 5 receptions and 2 TDs. 

Whether it’s poor throws, dropped balls, or a lack of chemistry, this team simply needs to be better on offence if they want to compete on a consistent basis. 

 

The Money Team (1-2) 

If this team’s offense could match it’s defense, this squad would definitely be in the top tier. Unfortunately, the 7 interceptions they have recorded thus far, equal the same number of TD passes that the team’s two Quarterbacks Marco Testa, and Sonny Elias, have thrown this year.   

This team will need to figure out who they are on offense, and get more consistency and production out of the all important QB position if they want to start getting more wins.   

 

Bruins (1-2) 

Being a Boston Bruins fan, I have to admit that I pull for these guys a little bit (great jerseys by the way). With that being said, I expected these guys to come out a little stronger, given that they moved down from a higher division  

Having 3 Quarterbacks is usually means that you have no QBs. While that still might be the case with the B’s, the team does have three legit receiving threats in Victor Terceira, Jerry Waskiw, and Antoine Huynh. 

If this team can settle on a passer (I’d put my money on Nelson Pereira) they can develop some consistency going forward, which has alluded them so far. 

 

The Spanish Inquisitions (0-3) 

As you have no doubt read in my previous articles, and heard on the podcast, the Buck brothers (Jared and Chad), have been impressive so far this year. The duo, along with Justin Occhionero, have also pretty much the team’s only real source of offense. For the team to climb out of the basement of the West Division, they will need Paul Zobs and Etienne de Blois to step up their game offensively.  Quarterback Jared Buck, also needs to cut down on the interceptions as well. 

Defensively, Benjamin Bourque has been solid with 4 sacks, and Chad Buck has been stellar with 3 INTs. Whose else will step it up? 

I watched the majority of their game Week 1 against the Ravens. The Spanish Inquisition were in the game in the first half, but jut made too many mistakes, and left too many plays on the field, to keep up in the second half to compete. They will need to clean up their act going forward. 

 

Cette Equipe La (0-3) 

Despite the tough Philippe Tremblay putting up solid offensive numbers with 3 TDs so far this season, the team’s offense is anything but formidable, as they have yet to crack the 20-point barrier. While some of the blame falls on the shoulders of Gabriel Beland-Lapointe, his receivers also have to make more plays, and help him extend drives. 

The team’s defense led by Nicolas Lefebvre, needs to make more plays, so that they can give their offense more opportunities to score. 

   

One Speed: Power (0-3) 

I don’t know what to say. With FPF vet, and D6 podcast co-host Peeze in charge of the team, (shout to the main man at master control during the podcast, in Antonio D’Aversa), the addition of the criminally-underrated duo of Will Power and Lucas Blanchard, I really thought that this squad have a great shot at a championship. Turns out I was wrong. Injuries and mistakes have killed these guys so far. In short, they’ve fallen, and they can’t get up. 

The only saving grace, and chance for these guys to turn their season around, is that they only have one stiff match remaining on their schedule, in the form of a Week 6 showdown with the Warriors. Given how bad One Speed: Power has played so far this year, it is very likely that any one of the other teams on their schedule will knock them off as well. 

 

Picks (favorites in bold) 

 

Super Troopers vs Greendale Human Beings – Super Troopers  

Sons of Mitches vs DGC – Sons of Mitches 

Dez Nuts vs Channel 4 News Team – Channel 4 News Team 

Blitz Babes vs Bruins – Blitz Babes 

Goon Squad vs FBG – Goon Squad 

Pardon My Swag vs Broke Boys – Pardon My Swag 

Sticknmovers vs Rogue Squad – Sticknmovers 

N.W.O vs Victorious Secret – N.W.O – (My choice for Game of the Week #1) 

Smokin Axolotls vs Mogadishu Pirates – Smokin Axolotls (Upset Special #1)  

The Money Team vs Ravens – Ravens 

Farmers vs Goofy Goobers – Goofy Goobers 

Warriors vs Rolling Rock –  Warriors (Upset Special #2) 

The Spanish Inquisition vs The Baker Boys – The Baker Boys 

Cette Equipe La vs One Speed: Power –One Speed Power  

Savage Mode vs Los Advocados – Savage Mode  

Last Week: 9-4-2

Season: 10-9-2

 

That’s it for this week. Things will be back to normal next time out, for the simple reason that this article took me forever to write. Enjoy the games this week, and one more Sunday until the Super Bowl!

Just a reminder once again, to tune in to the FPF YouTube channel from 9PM – 9:30PM, to hear the Division 6 podcast, hosted by Paolo Della Rocca, Stefan Fennes, Antonio D’Aversa, and yours truly. It’s a lot of fun, you guys should check it out. Obviously, you can find it on YouTube, as well as the main page at flagplusfootball.com.

If you liked the article, hated it, or simply felt that I left something out, please feel free to reach me at [email protected]