Week 4’s official recap and a look ahead at Week 5’s action.

Solidifying our spots.

The theme this week (yeah, I’ve been trying to keep a theme per article, get with the times!) is all about players showing their true colors and teams finding their ways. Sure, we’ve seen our fair share of heartbreaks, upsets and tendencies, but everything is starting to fall into place after 4 incredible weeks of football. Division C is starting to really shape itself and I like what I’m seeing.

We learn, we forget. We experiment and we fail. We fight and we fall, but sometimes, we walk off victorious. Nothing’s quite like that feeling of winning a closely contested match and shaking your opponents’ hands valiantly. We all play for that feeling after all.

I was discussing FPF on the sidelines with some of you over the span of the FPF week and we’ve come to a conclusion that Division C could hold 3 tiers. The Elite 6, the middle of the pack and the bottom dwellers. I hate to think that way; to think 6 teams can bash on 20 any given week. I love upsets, it’s who I am, but I cannot stir away from the truth neither. I don’t want to write up my mid-season breakdown with 3 tiers in mind; shake things up. Knock down the undefeated and bring glory to the winless. It’s about time people step up. I write your performances after all.

As many of you know, next week’s article will feature my famous Mid-season breakdown of every team and my perspective on the rest of the season. Until then, I decided to toss in a small preview with ranked offenses and defenses. I’m looking forward to ranking all of you overall next week. You still have a week to step it up if you want to improve your spot.

Week 4

What have I learn this week?

8Another week with 4 / 5 players in the PotW being QBs. Can someone else step up please?
Offense wins games.
I hate Vinny Gualano.
How is CREAM Team and Laval’s Finest 1-3?
Francois Raymond’s addition to the ZOO’s roster might be the best early season addition in Div C.
Killer Instinct are trying to squeak their way to a great record. They won’t go unnoticed.
Hitmen Retro’s performance really impressed me against Longhorns.
Most divisions look the same, except Conference A West. You guys just HAD to be different, didn’t you?
Peeze is better at the 5 questions segment than GM is. No hate on GM, it’s just because he’s winning predictions.
I’d say congratulations to Top Sauce and Vince Nardone for their first win of the season, but since I predicted it and that it went down exactly like I said it would, it really takes the upset and surprise away. Sorry boys.

Recaps

No Fly Zone took on a late Brotherhood on Sunday’s opener and took advantage of their opponents’ lack of discipline to walk away with the win. Jamal Gittens started off under center as Kadeem Tyrell Brathwaite showed up late and unprepared. Gittens’ offense struggled against an effective No Fly Zone’s defense and things weren’t looking too bright for the men in grey. When the whole team was ready and warmed up, The Brotherhood took control of the game due to Gordon-Maule’s stellar play, Gittens and Jackson’s aid. No Fly Zone’s Eddy Martinez dropped one too many interception and kept the game closer than it should’ve been. With a stop in the redzone on the final plays, No Fly Zone walked away with a win, but the story could’ve ended differently if The Brotherhood were all on time when the first whistle was blown. Walwaski was under center for NFZ and what I envisioned happened; their offense lacked the firepower it had when Bishara was leading it and even if his stats line look good (150 yrds, 5:0 with 58.6% completion), it wasn’t his best outing. If Walwaski doesn’t step up in the next few weeks, No Fly Zone could be shuffling through a few bad losses.

What seems to be a story in Division C had CREAM Team show up to their game with not enough players and were roaming the fields for a sub. Someone showed up unannounced and they had enough to begin without being down by a score. Nonetheless, Humphrey looked out of shape and kept on trying a deep ball that wasn’t there when he faced off against Two and a half Dans. It was the story of the night as Humphrey kept throwing deep and falling on incompletes rather than TDs against Joey Taylor’s methodological offense and moving the chains slowly but effectively. Up only 13-7 at the half, this could’ve been anybody’s game, but The Dans showed us all why they are ranked so high in my rankings and took the game away from Humphrey’s hands quickly after the halftime. Warsame was the only shining light on CREAM Team’s defense as he forced quite a few hurries and troubled Taylor early in the game. Taylor adjusted, CREAM Team’s defense never got into rhythm and once they had a two score lead, it was all she wrote. Dans won their fourth game of the season 34-20 over CREAM Team.

I scorekept the matchup between the favorite Longhorns and Hitmen Retro and the game started off just as expected; exchanging deep balls. Rob Allen was missing from the Longhorns roster and his presence, or lack of, was deeply felt. Jon Moodie isn’t the same without Rob Allen around and he started to lack firepower in the 2nd half whereas Chris Moufrage had one of his best career night against a struggling defense finding holes left and right. Down at the half, Longhorns were forced to play catchup and things went from bad to worse in a very short amount of time. A little bit of bad luck, some stellar defensive plays and Longhorns were down by 2 scores to Moufrage’s offense and that was all she wrote. Finishing the night with 159 yards and 4 TDs, it was Moodie’s worst performance of the season against Moufrage’s best as Hitmen Retro pulled off the upset.

Keyport Lock looked lost prior to their game against PRIMETIME and many key players were missing. Nonetheless, this game was a PURE bloodbath. David Daoust lost no time and scored on the very first play of the game connecting with Emilio Cecere, something we’d see too often on that night. Daoust led an high-octane offense to a career-night where he finished with 333 yards, 8:1 ratio on only 12 completions. PRIMETIME walked away with 5 interceptions and a serious blowout win 55-13. They can really put up points on any given opponents and this defeat will leave a mark on Keyport Lock moving forward.

What I said would be the game of the week really turned into a barn burner when Snatchers faced off against the #1 seed Grip n Rip. Many expected GnR to walk all over Snatchers, but Kevin Lubin showed up in reinforcement for the missing Gabriel Wiseman and I managed to put on a show for all to see. Starting off with the ball, Snatchers scored fast and GnR answered. Gualano used his legs in tight situations and even ran in for 2 TDs early in the game. Up 21-13 at the half, Snatchers were looking good, but without Kevin Lubin in the lineup on offense and defense, the team wasn’t the same. Gualano came back firing and GnR took the lead late in the 2nd game after a clutch interception from said QB. With 5 plays left, I was down by 7 and needed to make some magic occur. Scored on the 2nd to last play of the game, we decided to go for 2, for the win. Convert was no good, game was over. Grip n Rip stays undefeated with a 35-34 victory.

Predators Lite took the field against Damps 25/8 on Monday night and Jacob Bernett was under center instead of last season’s QB of the year winner Simon Bosquet-Beaudoin. Is it a big loss? Not really. Bernett has a good arm and SBB is a beast receiver. Did it play out as well as they hoped? Not at all. Bernett’s lack of experience under center really hurt their offense and Predators Lite, well, have no defense whatsoever. With guys like SBB rushing, Bernett and Floreani, you’d expect this club to show up some teeth, but they allowed the opposing QB to post HUGE numbers (144.3 QB rating) and walk all over them for 44 minutes. Some guys started to lose their cool and I walked away; its one thing to lose a game, but it’s another to brag in one’s face and make it into a pissing contest. It’s FPF, not our lives on the line. That being said, Damps 25/8 are really showing us what a few weeks of experience could do to a squad and they are looking better with each passing week, pun intended.

Players of the Week

Vince Nardone (Top Sauce) : In his first win at QB, Nardone had a heck of a week throwing for 170 yrds, 6:1 ratio and pulling off 2 ints, including a pick-six, on defense.

Chris Moufrage (Hitmen Retro) : Moufrage really shined last week having, possibly, a career-night : 6 Tds, 237 yrds and pulling off a 144.5 QB rating should count for something.

Emilio Cecere (PRIMETIME): 5 catches, 161 yards, 5 TDs and 1 int. Can someone cover him already?

Vinny Gualano (Grip n Rip) : In his 4th win of the season, Vinny was all over the place. No ints, only 3 incomplete passes, 3 passing TDs, 2 rushing ones and the only interception of the night.

Andrew Treffeisen (Damps 25/8) : He straight-up murdered Predators Lite defense going 18/21, 192 yards, 7 tds with a 144.3 QB rating.

Power Rankings

Grip n Rip (4-0-0) : Was last week a fluke, a dent in their armor or simply stellar play. Regardless, still undefeated.

Two and a half Dans (4-0-0) : Now boasting a +/- of 76, The Dans are scarier than ever.

PRIMETIME (4-0-0) : If last week’s game meant anything, PRIMETIME can blowout lesser opponents. Like, really, blowout.

Game Changers (3-1-0) : Their patched-up roster is doing well. I expected them to be stronger, but they are up to par and shining.

No Fly Zone (3-1-0) : Last week’s win was too close for comfort. We’ll have to see how they do with a few key players missing left and right from now on.

Killer Instinct (3-1-0) : These guys aren’t flashy, but they win close games and have an amazing PA after 4 weeks.

The Punisher (3-1-0) : Their record is good, but the differential scares me. Winning IS everything.

Served With Heat (3-1-0) : The amount of weapons on this roster is mind-blowing. On both sides of the ball.

Snatchers (2-2-0) : Another loss by a point. They can compete with the top contenders, but the record might hurt on the long run.

STL (3-1-0) : Dylan Taylor has been playing impressive football. STL also has a pretty effective defense. These guys are interestingly good.

The best offense is defense

So, this is a lie every bad offense keeps spreading to cheer their own team up. I do not believe in such a lie. In parts because I play QB and, also because, well, offense wins games.

That being said, I’m horrible at finding names for new segment. This segment will make a comeback late in the 2nd half of the season. The point; rank the offenses and the defenses in Div C. I do not plan on explaining my choices at this moment. You’ll have a better breakdown next week.

Without further ado,

Offenses

Grip n Rip.
Two and a half Dans
Longhorns
PRIMETIME
Snatchers
Game Changers
Predators Lite
Damps 25/8
The Punisher
Laval’s Finest
CREAM Team
STL
Served With Heat
ZOO
Top Sauce
Hitmen Retro
No Fly Zone
Killer Instinct
The Brotherhood
Les Blues Branleurs
TOPSZN
Team Ethnik
Keyport Lock
Westpark Boys
Patriotes
KGP Champs

Defenses

Grip n Rip
PRIMETIME
Two and a half Dans
No Fly Zone
Killer Instinct
Served With Heat
Snatchers
STL
CREAM Team
Team Ethnik
Game Changers
The Punisher
The Brotherhood
Longhorns
ZOO
Damps 25/8
TOPSZN
Laval’s Finest
Westpark Boys
Top Sauce
Les Blues Branleurs
Hitmen Retro
Patriotes
Predators Lite
KGP Champs
Keyport Lock

The 5 Questions

The Famous Peeze Della Reeze aka Puzzles or The Peezler, takes the stage once again with his famous 5 Questions. This week, he attempted to be Division C related, but just like his attempts at playing Quarterbacks, most fell short or intercepted. This is how it turned out.

You’ve ranked No Fly Zone as the 4th best defence but they have the 17th best offence. Will their defence be enough to carry them? Also, if their name is accurate, should teams stop running fly’s against them and focus on the short game?

Well, with guys like Matthew Bishara, Steve Sanner, Eddy Martinez and Rich Humes playing defense for them, I’d avoid the deep ball, like forever. Brand names known to be ball-hawks, I’d stick to the short game. Their defense is scary due to the personnel it host. It really is a No Fly Zone, although, I have to say, they dropped quite a few picks in the last few games. You can blame Martinez for keeping games close.

David Daoust of PRIMETIME has just thrown for 333 yards. Where does this rank in the best qb performances you have ever seen. Contextualize this by describing a couple of other qb performances that stand out in your mind. Simon, none of yours even come close; don’t pretend otherwise.

Throwing for 8 TDs and 333 yards is pretty massive. Like, really. I’ve seen some 9 TDs games in the past with similar yards, but that ONE interception David Daoust threw really took a toll on the historical night that could’ve been for him.

I remember seeing Marco Masciotra throw 9 TDs in a game TWICE in a single season back in Spring 2014 with Roosters & Donkeys in Div A/B. Once against Gladiateurs and the second time was against AMJ Campbell. Both impressive feats. Wyeth probably has similar performances as well. (Yes, I’m referring to elite QBs, but 8 or 9 TDs performances are remarkable moments).

Warriors or Cavs in an FPF game and why? Which player on the winning team would be the MVP?

Well, Lebron once said he’d play for the Browns with Johnny Manziel. He’s a freak athlete, but the Browns will never be the home of a MVP, c’mon now. Plus, I’m a huge Warriors and Curry fan. Kid can ball.

Neither KGP Champs nor Patriotes have won a game as of week 4, Who will be the first to break the ice.

Having seen KGP Champs play a few times, I’m still intrigued how their defense is not making any stops whatsoever; they have the athletes to hoist a threatening defense. The switch at QB was much-needed, but their offense is still non-existent. I believe Patriotes’ experience and talent will allow them to steer away from a winless season before KGP Champs.

What is your icebreaker when introducing yourself to potential mating partners? Help us understand why you’re single!

Well, saying I know you really hurts my case. They leave pretty immediately. On the other hand, I’m a firm believer in pick-up lines; the dumber the better.

BONUS QUESTIONS. Name one game that is on no one’s radar that should have been Game of the Week.

As mentioned in the next segment, my choice for Game of the Week is The Punisher vs Served With Heat. If I had to choose a 2nd one, I’d say Laval’s Finest vs Killer Instinct. Check my preview below for more details!

Previews

Laval’s Finest are trying to comeback from their recent 3-game losing streak and are taking on a very hot Killer Instinct squad. Having allowed very few points recently, Killer Instinct are looking pretty tough. Laval’s Finest had a season opener that really set expectations sky-high and haven’t been able to deliver ever since. With a struggling offense and a defense that can’t stop their opponents’ when they really need it to, I’m tempted to say Killer Instinct will walk away with the win. LF’s strength relies in their safeties and the threat they oppose to the deep ball whereas KI are more methodological and drive the field calmly. You will not have 6-7 possessions against Killer Instinct nor will they against you. They play on their strengths, control the tempo and I fear it’s something Laval’s Finest aren’t used to nor have the experience to overcome. We’ll just have to wait and see, but I expect a very closely contested matchup.

Patriotes are having a tough time adjusting to Division C and they feel like they don’t belong. Étienne Chauvin is back under center, but I feel like the Peredas simply aren’t enough anymore; something’s missing. Their defense can’t make a stop and their offense is struggling; the definition of a team in bad shape. TOPSZN aren’t necessarily the best looking team out there with a revolving door at QB, but their roster is fierce and they won’t let anyone take that away from them. Regardless of who shows up under center, these guys will make plays and find ways to keep the game close. Their biggest margin was by 8 points; it tells volume. I expect both offenses to struggle early and find their way in the 2nd The victory will, most likely, be determined by the pivot for TOPSZN this week and how efficient he ends up being.

Everyone knows I’ve been high on CREAM Team and I still am even if they are sitting at 1-3. This week, Humphrey and co. face off against Hitmen Retro and the matchup is ideal for CREAM Team to bounce back into their glory days. They just need to show up on time and have enough players to field a roster. Humphrey can feed his top athletes in the Monat brothers and Alex Grace and I don’t see how Hitmen Retro could keep up with said athletes on either side of the ball. Moufrage played brilliantly last week against Longhorns and will have to be flawless or expect great things from his defense if they want to walk away with the W for a 3rd time in 3 weeks. It’s not hopeless; Hitmen Retro simply aren’t the favorite in my books, but they’ve proven me wrong time and time again!

Top Sauce showed us all how right I could be last week by winning their first game in a offensive performance that Nardone will remember for a while. The amount of weapons this team has on both side of the ball is scary and they allow very few mistakes. Ironically, their opponent is, well, the same this week as they face No Fly Zone. Both squads are very dangerous, but the quarterbacks aren’t playing so well recently. Nardone is getting better with each and every week, but I simply don’t see the same improvement in Walwaski. Knowing No Fly Zone could be missing a few key players on Sunday night, this could be a gift to Top Sauce to give them a chance to get back in the Division C race and not let this season go to waste after a horrible start. No Fly Zone could afford a loss in Week 5, whereas Top Sauce really can’t.

The voting isn’t over, but we all know the Game of the Week will feature Two and a half Dans vs Longhorns. The Dans (4-0) are facing off against Longhorns (3-1) who just had a bad loss to Hitmen Retro last week. Longhorns have been playing great in Rob Allen’s presence and Jon Moodie has really been playing one of his best seasons in career so far. Sadly, Longhorns’ defense isn’t all that strong and they’ve been letting opponents score with ease for the past few weeks; the pressure is on Jon Moodie time and time again. The Dans’ offense is effective and deadly, but their defense is really the backbone of their team. I believe Joey Taylor will be able to keep up with Jon Moodie’s scoring, but the key will be turnovers and that’s something Taylor could be proud of; he rarely has any. The defense that shows up to play this week will bring the W home with them when the final whistle blows. Expect an high-scoring affair.

My pick for the Game of the Week features The Punisher against Served With Heat. Both squads are very talented, hoist high football IQ and are flying under the radar. Not only does both squad matchup well, but I believe they have the necessarily tools to make this a VERY interesting game to watch. What The Punisher lack in talent, they make up for in football wits. What Served With Heat lack in football wits make up for in talent. Bourbonnière-Morin is reliable and will score on SWH, but will Lavallée be able to do the same on a gritty defense? Seeing how both teams have been playing recently, I’m just happy I’ll be there to see it all go down.

Predictions

8 / 12 has me back on a decent track. Still not impressive, but a whole lot better than previous weeks. GM’s 10 / 12 has me feeling like he’s cheating this season. Maybe his GF is making the picks for him, because he was never this good before.

Here’s a reminder of our totals :

Simon : 27 / 48

GM : 33 / 48

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

Game Changers vs The Brotherhood : Game Changers

Laval’s Finest vs Killer Instinct : Killer Instinct

Grip n Rip vs Predators Lite : Grip n Rip

Snatchers vs Damps 25/8 : —-

Patriotes vs TOPSZN : TOPSZN

Keyport Lock vs STL : STL

CREAM Team vs Hitmen Retro : CREAM Team

Top Sauce vs No Fly Zone : Top Sauce

Two and a half Dans vs Longhorns : Two and a half Dans

KGP Champs vs Team Ethnik : Team Ethnik

ZOO vs Westpark Boys : ZOO

PRIMETIME vs Les Blues Branleurs : PRIMETIME

The Punisher vs Served With Heat : Served With Heat

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. Top Sauce wins when Eagle is away. Coincidence?