Mid-season Breakdown.

Yes, you read the previous words correctly. I apologize for my absence last week, but it also gave the people who hate me an opportunity to read someone else’s work for a change. Which isn’t a bad thing, really.

Let’s get started.

 

Week 6

Le Sports Campus made a stand, could Outsiders have sneaked the top spot, #NR trending upwards and Prospects Squad are legit.

 

Thoughts of the Week

• Why intentionally go for the tie? It’s not the playoffs.

• AJ Gomes is a bad man.

• First half Ryan Kastner was special to watch. Some of those throws were spectacular.

• Braves vs Outsiders held up to the hype.

• We’re bound for a very exciting end of the season with how Spitfire’s playing right now. Could they knock someone else out?

• Sooo, maybe Matt Bond should get more offensive playing time?

• Everytime people take 2HD lightly, they make THAT face. Everytime.

• Good thing Theo Bekelis stepped in for Underachievers when he did because they would’ve pissed away their perfect record in Dylan Taylor’s absence otherwise.

• Corey Wawalski (writer for Division D) brought up a poll for best WR/QB tandem in his division. I wonder who wins it for Division A and B.

• This week, both Prospects Squad and Drop The Mic has a chance to turn their season around. Can they do it?

• Predicted upset: Le Sports Campus over Victory Royale. You heard it here first.

• Bonne Saint-Jean.

• These midseason breakdowns are actually real long to write. I guess it’s a form of love/flattery?

• I hope this is long enough to please some of my harshest critics. Yes, this line was for you Carm.

 

 

Players of the Week

• Matt Bond: For a guy who barely gets any reps on offence, he went OFF this week with 4 touchdowns (including the game winner). Maybe give him more reps?
• Xavier Sauvé: 86 receiving yards, 2 TDS. Might not be the best dominant of stat line, but the way he got these stats is really the impressive part here. Oh and how about that TD over Jad Aridi??!?

 

• Mathieu René: 231 passing yards, 6 TDs and 41 points. Pretty impressive performance!
• Joey Taylor: A bunch of new weapons? Doesn’t matter. 26/34, 197 yards and 6 TDS. Way to go Joey!
• Jordan Allard: 88 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 picks. Maybeeeeeee someone should account for him at some point?

 

Recaps

• Freshmen vs Monstars: Monstars needed a little momemtum boost and a win goes a long way in keeping them out of the bottom 2 and they got exactly what they needed this week against a struggling Freshmen squad. Sure, Xavier Sauvé made some REALLY nice plays (including MOSS’in Jad Aridi for a TD) and Alex Holowach looked real good for most of the night, but it was too little too late as Monstars looked out of their league for most of the game. Winning pretty much every matchup across the board really helps boost one’s confidence and I’m curious to see how Monstars will play next week now that they know they’re a top dog once again. As for Freshmen, I gotta admit, they’re playing their hearts out out there trying to battle adversity although they are in the wrong division and keep fighting week-in and week-out. With a few injuries to their already thin roster, I wonder if they’ll have the firepower to finish with a win this season.

• Khan Artists vs Ocean’s 12: In this week’s best of the week, Ocean’s 12 managed to tie Khan Artists and hold on to that point to walk-off ‘victorious’ (???) I’m still somewhat confused as to why Ocean’s 12 would go for one in that particular situation (down 7, score with 6 plays left. Punched in the 1 point convert to tie the game. Called a timeout as time ran out giving Khan Artists only 5 plays to march the field and score) but who am I to judge their actions; they walked away with a point which is better than no points at all, right? Khan Artists looked good on both sides of the ball, but Ocean’s 12 chirpiness really got to most of them. AJ Gomes looked impossible to cover on those deep comeback routes and I felt they could’ve used him somewhat more in those last 5 plays. With both teams trending upwards, I’m eager to see how they fare in these next couple of weeks.

• Drop The Mic vs Dad Bods: The forever changing roster of Drop The Mic continues to struggle against top tier teams (yes, I just called Sean Avraam’s Dad Bods top tier) as Mario Porreca’s lack of chemistry with his receivers hurt them on key downs this week. Sure, DTM were able to drive the field, fight back and hold Dad Bods to only 31 points, but a few redzone possessions not going their way (including a nice interception early by Eddy Lee) really turned the tides against them. If their roster could stabilize a bit, they’ve got enough talent to compete in Division B and turn into a strong darkhorse team by the season’s end. If they continue to struggle to field 6-7 guys on a weekly basis, they might lose one too many game and fall out of the playoff picture? Who knows. One thing’s for sure, ever since that famous comment towards Sean Avraam, ranking him 10th is making me look foolish. Right?

• Prospects Squad vs Underachievers: In a game that should never have been this close, Prospects Squad literally ran out of time to close this game out in their favor. Keeping the game close for most of the hour as Underachievers started with Billy Makris under center (In Dylan Taylor’s absence) and quickly turned to Theo Bekelis before they dug a hole too deep to dig out, Prospects Squad really had a shot, but Jordan McLaren was impossible to cover on some jumpballs and fade routes. Jeanslee Alexis had amazing positioning and he’s a legit ballhawk, but when the receiver has a foot more than you (add the wingspan that comes with it), it’s almost unfair to be tested in one-on-one situations for jumpballs. To Theo Bekelis’ credit, he placed those balls really well and they took the game away from contention as they created a 9point lead with only a few minutes left in the game. Prospects Squad scored (and got the convert) before the game ended, but it was too little too late as we all know an offensive team can call the game with 4 plays or less left in the game if they’re at their own 10 yard line or further.

 

 

Power Rankings

1. Outsiders (4-2): They beat the previous #1 seed and have the best record in the division; back on top.
2. Braves (4-2): After a 4-0 start, they’ve dropped back to back games. Can they bounce back this week?
3. #NR (4-2): At 4-2, #NR is trending in all the right directions. Another big win could really propel them even higher.
4. Ocean’s 12 (3-2-1): Essentially tied with Khan Artists after, well, that tie. Ocean’s 12 is playing well, I’m not worried.
5. Khan Artists (3-2-1): Essentially tied for 4th with Ocean’s 12 after this week’s tie.
6. Monstars (3-3): Bounced back big time after a tough start. Can they keep winning and away from the #7th seed?
7. Spitfire (2-4): They still possess that head 2 head over Monstars, but that can all come down to Week 8’s game.
8. Freshmen (0-6): Ontop of being in the wrong division, these guys are battling injuries. Wasn’t the easiest of weeks and it won’t get any easier.

 

1. Underachievers (6-0): I guess they didn’t actually need Dylan Taylor to remain atop the mountain. And that’s a pretty scary thought.
2. Dad Bods (5-1): Sneaking their way to a 5-1 record, Dad Bods are back in full force. Oh, and they play Underachievers Week 10…!
3. Meta Mayhem (4-2): T
4. Victory Royale! (4-2): Gotta give credit where credit is due; Victory Royale are cruising through the season even with all their current injuries. It’s quite impressive.
5. 2HD (3-3): I’m not too sure who’s actually on this team, but it doesn’t seem to matter seeing how they play week-in and week-out.
6. Le Sports Campus (2-4): This week’s win pushed them up a few spots. A win over VR next week will propel them even higher on this list.
7. Spring Cleaning (2-4): At times, they can be Div B contenders. At times, they play like they won’t even make the playoffs. Can they close out the season positively?
8. Drop The Mic (2-4): With a game against Spring Cleaning this week, we’ll know better where they stand before Week 8 starts.
9. Prospects Squad (1-5): There is A LOT of talent on this team. With a few small tweaks, they can really surprise teams in the upcoming weeks. I would not take them lightly.
10. LGM (1-5): Their lack of firepower is really starting to hurt them. It might be a little too late to add another piece, but it could really save their season.

 

Mid-Season Breakdown

**Please keep in mind that these midseason grades are based on my expectations of your team’s success preseason and not based on your current record.

 

Division A

• Outsiders (4-2)

Midseason Grade: B-

Analysis: Any Kevin Wyeth-led squad should be holding the top spot when it’s all said and done. Outsiders is a strong team, but it’s not the dominant monster Montreal’s Finest is every season and they all know it. It’s fun to see the tandem of Serge Pilon Jr and Pat Jerome ball out every week, but it does feel like something’s missing; they need a 3rd dominant offensive weapon (although I gotta give love to Andrew Blevings; he’s been balling these last few weeks) and their defence allows way too many points per week. 6 picks is in 6 weeks isn’t threatening, but they do have Wyeth at the end of the day.

Key player: Kevin Wyeth

Predicted Record: 7-3

 

• Braves (4-2)

Midseason Grade: A-

Analysis: I wasn’t too sure how Braves would fare this season all things considered. When they have all their players, Braves could very well win Division A, but we all know that isn’t really the Braves way in FPF and they always struggle to field a roster week-in and week-out. Jonathan Maheu is having a pretty stellar season and the additions of Jarryd Taylor and Sebastien Simon is working wonders for them. This could be a special playoff season for them if that 8-man roster shows up late July.

Key player: Jonathan Maheu

Predicted Record: 7-3

 

• #NR (4-2)

Midseason Grade: A

Analysis: Coming into the season (moving up after their D2 championship season), it was tough to tell whether or not #NR would be a contender in Division A. Sure, their team looked good, but Division A and Division 2 are two very different things and Serge Pilon Jr was no longer with them. #NR struggled a bit out of the gates, but they’ve bounced back in a very nice way and they’re proving us right when we said they belonged in Division A from now on. This isn’t the loud squad we once knew, but they still play with that invincible swagger that made them NoRegard.

Key player: Jordan Moses

Predicted Record: 6-4

 

• Ocean’s 12 (3-2-1)

Midseason Grade: A-

Analysis: With one of the most stacked roster in Division A, it’s difficult to imagine things going any other way, but Ryan Kastner hasn’t been the most dominant player in FPF in recent years and he needed a change of scenery. Putting together a team of all-stars isn’t always the best way to win, but in Ocean’s 12 case, it might actually end up working. Their offence is playing at a very high level and their defence is making stops when they need them to. Ryan finally has the right team around him to propel him back to contender status.

Key player: Justin McLean

Predicted Record: 5-4-1

 

• Khan Artists (3-2-1)

Midseason Grade: A

Analysis: The first few weeks, I felt like this team didn’t have the right roster to win in Division A. Sure, their QB is top tier, but this didn’t feel, to me, like the right squad for DivA. I guess I was wrong. Guys like AJ Gomes, James Ohayon, Khalil Kerr and Zack Jauniaux are really turning into Division A powerhouses and Paul Lapierre’s size is a real nice addition to the overwhelming speed of this squad. If their defence can continue to improve the way they have in recent weeks, there’s no telling how far Khan Artists can go this season.

Key player: Zack Jauniaux

Predicted Record: 5-4-1

 

• Monstars (3-3)

Midseason Grade: D

Analysis: Preseason, I expected Monstars to be the clear front-runner for the Division a title. After 4-5 weeks, there were talks about whether they’ll even make playoffs (!!!). They’ve definitely turned things around, but they aren’t out of the woods just yet. With a few more good weeks, they’ll see their stock continue to climb and Monstars will be the feared squad they were not even a month ago. They’ve got so many weapons, it’s hard to explain how they managed to lose a handful of games, but that’s all in the past now. Right?

Key player: Rod Mashtoub

Predicted Record: 5-5

 

• Spitfire (2-4)

Midseason Grade: A

Analysis: Preseason, I doubted these guys’ ability to compete in the highest division this Spring. Sure, they have Carmine Pollice who’s able to make good receivers great, but their lack of firepower worried me. I was wrong. Guys like Jeff Brown, Andrew Carruthers and Patrice Berard are really stepping up offensively to compensate and Carmine Pollice’s spread-the-ball offence continues to excel even in the highest of divisions. With already one solid upset under their belt, there’s no reason to doubt these guys any longer. Seeing how close their last two games were, you’d be foolish to underestimate them. If their defence can continue to come together and they pull off another solid win, they might very well be part of the playoffs this season and we all know once that starts, anything goes!

Key player: Carmine Pollice

Predicted Record: 3-7

 

• Freshmen (0-6)

Midseason Grade: C

Analysis: With Alex Holowach, their offence manages to find ways to score 2-4 TD per game and Freshmen are way more competitive than they once were. Sure, they are in the wrong division, but it’s too late now to change that. Seeing their improvement from week 1 to now, there is no doubt they’ll be a dominant squad wherever they sign up next season. They’re young, talented and learning quickly; our speech may sound very foolish in the next couple of seasons if they stick around just long enough to make us regret it.

Key player: Xavier Sauvé

Predicted Record: 0-10

 

Division B

• Underachievers (6-0)

Midseason Grade: A+

Analysis: Losing a key piece of Laval’s Finest and changing their name, Underachievers were a VERY good Division 3 team, but I wasn’t expecting them to be this dominant in Division B. Dylan Taylor is having a great season and the Mashtoub brothers are, potentially, the best players in Division B as Sam Mashtoub is the frontrunner for two-way player and Rod is, well, Rod. With Theo Bekelis in the mix and a underrated supporting cast, Underachievers are undefeated and I doubt anyone could knock their favorite status before the season ends.

Key player: Sam Mashtoub

Predicted Record: 10-0

 

• Dad Bods (5-1)

Midseason Grade: A+

Analysis: Week 1, I called out Sean Avraam’s abilities. Since? Undefeated with a 29:2 ratio. Dad Bods are playing excessively well and they’re back to their contender status so we can all forget about that Winter season. With weapons on both sides of the ball and probably the best supporting cast in the division, it would be foolish to believe Dad Bods aren’t set to make the Finals this season. Baring a tragedy, this could be a special season.

Key player: AJ Gomes

Predicted Record: 8-2

 

• Meta Mayhem (4-2)

Midseason Grade: B

Analysis: Alex Holowach is playing like a man possessed and there’s no slowing him down. With a roster constantly improving and the right pieces for his system to be successful, Meta Mayhem is a SCARY team. Yes, they have two losses, but don’t let that fool you; they were missing a few pieces in one of them and they aren’t the perfect regular season team. They’ll finish with a great record, flip the switch and make the playoffs their time to shine. If I was playing Division B, they would be the team I wouldn’t want to draw.

Key player: Alex Holowach

Predicted Record: 7-3

 

• Victory Royale! (4-2)

Midseason Grade: C

Analysis: Seeing how Phil Cutler was slinging it last year and the weapons he surrounded himself with, I was sure Victory Royale would blow teams out of the water, but they’ve been plagued with injuries and barely squeezed by a handful of games. Regardless, they hold a nice 4-2 record and their offensive chemistry is slowing coming along; if guys could come back from their glaring injuries and have their full roster healthy for Week 11, Victory Royale might very well bolster the best defence in the division.

Key player: Marco Masciotra

Predicted Record: 6-4

 

• 2HD (3-3)

Midseason Grade: D

Analysis: This midseason grade is based on their current 3-3 record and not really on their current situation. Considering their roster woes, it’s impressive they’ve managed 3 wins in 6 games. Joey Taylor’s offence continues to shock the world and there’s way too many players in this division who underestimates him. If 2HD can solidify their roster and have a strong 8-man team for the next 4 weeks, they are poised for a strong finish.

Key player: Marc-Antoine Viens

Predicted Record: 6-4

 

• Le Sports Campus (2-4)

Midseason Grade: C+

Analysis: Preseason, I was afraid their roster wouldn’t have the firepower to compete in Division B. At times, I’m very right, but Mat René is building chemistry with his guys every week and he’s slowly returning to his dominant D2 Winter 2018 form. If he can continue to sling it the way we all know he can, Le Sports Campus could surprise one or two teams by season’s end and claw their way back into a contention spot.

Key player: Mathieu René

Predicted Record: 4-6

 

• Spring Cleaning (2-4)

Midseason Grade: D

Analysis: This roster, on paper, is dominant. Darnell Kevis Riley, Patrick Jazon and Nicolas Lessard are balling out every week and the veterans on this squad are too talented and experienced to lose games in Division B. Yet, their offence lacks firepower and Pat Chenard isn’t the great QB we all remember him to be. Craig O’Brien could potentially be the answer at pivot if they maintain this consistent receiving corps, but their defence isn’t quite the stellar group we’ve imagined them to be.

Key player: Matt Bond

Predicted Record: 3-7

 

• Drop The Mic (2-4)

Midseason Grade: C

Analysis: Should this team have a better record? Yes. Are the obvious roster inconsistencies costing them game? Also yes. I know what it’s like to be in Mario Porreca’s shoes and it’s not the easiest of things. If anything, it’s impressive to see what he’s able to do with a makeshift roster every week. If their roster could stabilize, they’re a strong chance the 4 remaining weeks is enough to turn DTM into a darkhorse team no one wants to face.

Key player: Mario Porreca

Predicted Record: 3-7

 

• Prospects Squad (1-5)

Midseason Grade: B

Analysis: Considering they are without Jonathan Senecal (who we all thought would be their QB at this point) and Francois Rocheleau (probably the reason why they are in this division to begin with), they’ve been balling out. At times, they’re playing excessively well and guys like Jeanslee Alexis, Dynell Pierre and Samuel Valentin are looking like absolute stars out there. And then there’s times where the snap barely gets to the QB, the ball floats for too long and bystanders raise their eyebrows wondering who this group of guys is and why are they in Division B?

Key player: Dynell Pierre

Predicted Record: 2-8

 

• LGM (1-5)

Midseason Grade: D

Analysis: LGM has many underrated players. Mathieu Gratton is an absolute star, Francois Hogue is a strong receiver and Malcolm Archer makes QB look stupid way too often. Sadly, that’s not enough to propel LGM into contention status in Division B. Are they in the wrong division? Perhaps. With Frederic Dupuis, they don’t have a choice, but their obvious lack of firepower has been a real plague all season and I doubt they’ll be able to solve this issue with only a few weeks lefts.

Key player: Mathieu Gratton

Predicted Record: 1-9

 

Predictions

• Outsiders vs Freshmen: Outsiders
• Monstars vs Ocean’s 12: Ocean’s 12
• #NR vs Braves: Braves
• Spitfire vs Khan Artists: Khan Artists

 

• Underachievers vs Meta Mayhem: Meta Mayhem
• Victory Royale! Vs Le Sports Campus: Le Sports Campus
• Dad Bods vs 2HD: Dad Bods
• Drop The Mic vs Spring Cleaning: Drop The Mic
• Prospects Squad vs LGM: Prospects Squad

 

That’s it for me this week. I know it might not have been the longest of articles, but, to be fair, you guys haven’t even started playing yet! I’m looking forward to Sunday and the season’s kickoff. I’ll be scorekeeping Tuesdays in Brossard, feel free to stop by and say hi! Until next time…! I still don’t know if they called Eags, Geez.