Who Remains in the Hunt for the D1 and D2 Playoffs

Peeze’s Playbook

Week 9

by Paolo Della Rocca

Ernest Hemmingway said in his acceptance speech for his Nobel prize that, “Writing, at best is a lonely life.” I remembered reading this in my youth and deciding that it was best then that I did not pursue a career in journalism. The idea of he crippling loneliness where one’s only company is the final drops of an otherwise empty bottle of whiskey, terrified me. Countless nights spent in tanning in the blue light of a computer screen while tearing through sources and quotes appeared to be an exercise in the halting of one’s personal growth.

In the end, it turns out that Journalism would not be an appropriate field for me. Firstly, I need an editor like a toddler needs a pacifier. Articles such as this one, that past the editing deadline set by the far more talented, if less attractive Justin Blanchard are typically, barely legible. So, consider that a warning and an apology.

However, shortcomings notwithstanding, it also turns out that I hate journalism. It’s structure is mundane. Those who are most creative and that do the appropriate research are not only unappreciated but are made into an effigy lit with the wick that is twitter and all other forms of social media. More importantly, the career of sports-journalism that I once coveted, became something I truly despised. The art of prediction and take-a-tude somehow have become the most popular of this art-form. Sports fans love to hammer media members when their so-called predictions are false but when their guesses prove right we can hear nothing but crickets. This is a two way street as the likes of Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith have a very select memory of the times they make these predictions. They take little inventory and seemingly forget poor calls and bad guesses.

However, when given the opportunity to write for FPF years ago, I was truly given the dream. President Robert Campana gave me the freedom to “just do me”. At first, as I wrote what I liked, it became apparent that it was appreciated by the league President and other media members alike. However, I also realized that there were players that truly appreciated this approach.

Unfortunately, this will not, has not and is not making everyone happy I would imagine. Feel free to reach out or light the wick of social media to let me know what works and what doesn’t. In the end, I put these articles together partially for the players who read them but also for me to enjoy the periods of reflection and solitude the I have learned that I cannot live without.

DK Wants D-Boys to Remember the Men that Beat Them

After the D-Boys went odd 4 and out on their first drive, Dk seemed to have had a season’s worth of life breathed into them. This feeling would be somewhat short-lived after the otherwise marched the ball well down field. On fourth down, Rochdi Benabdelkader threw a pass into the end zone. The ball was slightly behind Nicholas Aresenault-Hum but was still quite catchable. Arsenault-Hum was not able to haul it in however and the score would ominously remain 0-0.

Marco Masciotra had an odd game where he moved the ball well but despite having completed nearly 62% of his 34 passes. Masciotra had trouble ending drives with touchdowns and he actually threw two interceptions for the second time this season. While Masciotra had trouble completing passes to many of his receivers. If one doubted if it were possible to overthrow Jamaal Gittens, I would submit this game as evidence A. In fact, the player who stepped up the greatest for the D-Boys was Matt Kirouac who ended the game with his 74 yards in only 4 catches. His ability to stretch plays down the sideline was paramount in this game.

For DK, Tam Vilaydeth carved up the D-Boys defence as he made 8 catches where all of them seemed to be underneath in in motion against a typically stout D-Boys defence. For the DK defence it was Matt Bond who would shake and stir his way to 2 interceptions. The first interception was a great play and the other was D-Boys quarterback Marco Masciotra feeling charitable.

DK led the game late by a score of 27-20 with 5 plays remaining. Masciotra threw a ball to Theo Ojeaha. Ojeaha was deflated at the 1 yard line despite his best efforts. Ojeaha and the D-Boys contended that DK tackler Alex Pilon was actually late to deflag Ojeaha but as his momentum was toward the field of play and since the flags were dropped outside the endzone, it did appear that the D-Boys were just short. The game would end 27-20 in favour of DK. However, D-Boys would end up clinching a playoff spot regardless of the outcome.

On Top Now and Feeling Fine

Well Montreal’s finest have essentially been on top all season. However, having clinched the top spot, I don’t think anyone would disagree, has them feelin’ fine. For a moment, Got Skills looked like they may b able to delay the party for one week.

Nic Centomo and Got-Skills slowed the pace of the game and kept Montreal’s Finest in punching range. The score would end 12-6 at the half in favour of the incumbent. Anthony “Universal Soldier” Vendrame did his part all game long hauling in 3 touchdown passes while amassing 53 yards receiving. The Universal Soldier has now caught 10 touchdowns this season. He comes the first Got-Skills player to reach the double digit mark (I could have totally used a Double Dragon or Double Team reference here).

This would change in the second half’s there was no slowing down Kevin Wyeth and his troops. Wyeth was his normal self as he was efficiently moving the ball down the field. He threw for 225 yards on 29 attempts. Not to be outdone by the Universal Soldier Karim Binette caught 4 touchdowns in this game. It seemed as though anything Got-Skills could do Montreal’s Finest could do slightly better. Pat Jerome’s performance accrued 64 yards (more than anyone else in this game). Kevin Wyeth’s 6 TD/0 Int performance edged out Nicola Centomo’s 4 TD/0 INT performance. Just as the Finest out scored Got-Skills by a touchdown in the first half, they would do the same in the seocnd half by putting up 24 points to Got-Skills 18. Finally, they would be better when it came to the final score as well (because math) as Montreal’s Finest beat Got-Skills by a score of 36-24.

No Regards sent to Broad Street

#NR got off to a hot start against Chernobyl in Division 2 action. On his way to completing 17/26 passes Corey Pecker did not have an incomplete pass thrown in the first half. The thing that Pecker has brought to the #NR offence is the ability to hit every receiver and work everyone into the game plan. This was evidenced by completing touchdowns 2 5 different receivers (Travis Moses (2), Jordan Moses, Darius Golebiowski, Troy Trench, Jeremy Anderson).

Conversely Pat Chenard, only completed passes to 4 different receivers. Chernobyl did lead the comeback by throwing a combined 13 passes to hall of famers Mathieu Thuot and Bobby Mikelberg. After battling for most of this game, Chernobyl finally took a late 34-32 lead over #NR.

From about mid-field, Pecker led his team back on the field and threw an ill-advised pass where he tried to thread the needle into double coverage to Travis Moses. Bobby Mikelberg gave the ball a passing glance before deciding it to be in the jurisdiction to Matt Bond. Bond kept up, seemingly defying gravity and hung in the air and tipped the ball with voracity and accuracy of a 9th inning inebriated Tomahawk Chop. The ball twisted and turned as it fell through the air. Travis Moses located it and caught the ball where it would appear his own shoelace could not have passed between the tumbling oblong and the cold, early march grass turf. A glance around his environs would confirm that Moses was in the redzone.

When Pecker attempted this pass and hurled it through the air, the fearful and frustrated voice of Troy Trench rung through State Hebert as he screamed “WTF are you doing?!?!?!?!?!”. I hope Corey Pecker does not play the lottery because he cashed his ticket on that throw. He most assuredly used the gambler’s war cry as he uttered “One Time” under his breath until the ball was secured by Travis Moses. In the end #NR would use immense skill and a little luck to get by Chernobyl by a score of 38-34.

Division 1

Montreal’s Finest (8-0): They’ve officially clinched first seed in Division 1. Who am I to disagree?
D-Boys (5-3): The D-Boys don’t seem quite like themselves. I never thought this would have been a 3 loss team. It looks as though D-Boys simply can’t wait for the playoffs to begin.
Flag Moi L’Sac (4-4): Led by Samuel Nadeau-Piuze’s 22 touchdowns. Flag Moi L’Sac have given the Finest and D-Boys tough games and have beaten most other teams.
Got Skills (4-4): GS impress me each week. So far they have a lot of “almost won” games. They need to convert AW’s to W’s!
DK (3-5): Don’t look now but DK have now won their last 2 games. Matt “Goldeneye” Bond and Alex Pilot have 3 interceptions over the last 2 weeks. The team has been taking advantage of these extra possessions.
Rainmakers (3-5): They’ve allowed a league high 308 points. Ryan Kastner is on par to throw 50 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. This would be, in my opinion, his best season since Winter 2015.
Waste Yout (2-5-1): Waste Your faces two stalwarts in Montreal’s Finest and Rainmakers in their last two weeks. That will go a long way to showing us all who they are as a team.
Loonatics (2-5-1): Loonatics have not won a game since week 3. Winning changes perceptions but at the moment my perception is that they will have a hard time making the playoffs in Division 1 this season.

Division 2

STL (6-1-1): Ties are stupid, violets are blue, no win, no loss, no movement for you.
Braves (7-1-1): Another game another two touchdowns by George Gariepy. As long as the division can’t cover him, Braves will remain one of the top teams in Division 2.
#NR (6-3): #NR have there legs under them (whatever that means; where else would you keep your legs?). #NR have won their last 4 since their small, 2 game skid.
ONS (6-2): In their last 4, ONS have lost the only ones with a winning record. I remain steadfast in my beilief of their ability. The next two weeks sees them face monsters and Clockwork. We’ll see if my faith is rewarded.
Dan & CO (5-1-2): Hey Tacos… STOP TYING EVERYONE!
Monstars (5-3): Grip N’ Rip, Braves, Gladiateurs; each of these teams have had to score at least 40 points to beat the Monstars. Most teams won’t!
Gladiateurs (5-4): Glads have scored 158 points in the last three games. Officially on my radar. If this were Grand Theft Auto they would be trying to shake a three star rating.
Clockwork (5-3): 1-2 in the last three weeks and a 15 point outing against Incredibles has everyone scratching their heads.
Grip N’ Rip (5-3): After beating Braves, GnR’ seem to be on somewhat of a downward trend. This should right itself before the playoffs begin.
Incredibles (4-3-1): More stability would be nice but, Greg stern and co. have been a tough matchup week in and week out even with the spotty appearances of Vince Nardone and Terry Tam.

Ever Fattening and Aging Portrait of Playoff Standings

I believe there is a Dorian Grey like existence where our week 1 teams remain full of hopes and dreams. They remain in tact while many seasons crumble and injuries and suspensions take hold for the remaining portrait as per the exchange with the Devil. The portrait remains hidden, save for this article.

Division 1

Team GP PTS Wins PA

1 Montreal’s Finest** 8 16 8 224

2 D-Boys* 8 10 5 206

3 Got-Skills 8 8 4 243

4 Flag Moi l’Sac 8 8 4 302

5 Rainmakers 8 6 3 308

6 DK 8 6 3 257

7 Loonatics 8 5 2 283

8 Waste Yout 8 5 2 285

** Bye Week Clinched

Playoffs Clinched

Everyone is still alive in Division 1. While Montreal’s Finest have secured the 1 seed, D-Boys did not capitalize on an opportunity that would only have them see the Montreal’s Finest as part of a Division 1 Finals matchup. Loonatics not only remain alive but also retain the ability to shake up the playoff infrastructure. They face Got-Skills and Flag Moi L’Sac in the remaining 2 weeks. Waste Your have arguable the toughest path of the bottom 4 teams as they get set to face Montreal’s Finest and Rainmakers in weeks 10 and 11.

Division 2

Conference A

Team GP PTS Wins PA Div Record

1 STL * 8 13 6 203 [6-1-1]

2 ONS * 8 12 6 206 [6-2-0]

3 Dan & Co.* 8 12 5 261 [5-1-2]

4 Clockwork* 8 10 5 182 [5-3-0]

5 Incredibles* 8 9 4 221 [4-3-1]

6 Chronic Pain* 8 8 4 250 [4-4-0]

7 Wolverines 8 6 3 285 [3-5-0]

8 Points R’ Us 8 6 3 237 [3-5-0]

9 EMPS 8 2 1 398 [1-7-0]

10 Wild Boys 8 2 1 241 [1-7-0]

Conference B

Team GP PTS Wins PA Div Record

1 Braves* 9 15 7 249 [7-1-1]

2 #NR * 9 12 6 257 [6-3-0]

3 Monstars* 8 10 5 270 [5-3-0]

4 Grip n Rip* 8 10 5 277 [5-3-0]

5 Gladiateurs* 9 10 5 331 [5-4-0]

6 Served with Ice 9 8 4 296 [4-5-0]

7 Usual Suspects 9 8 4 355 [4-5-0]

8 Chernobyl 8 7 3 262 [3-4-1]

9 Terror Squad 8 4 2 245 [2-6-0]

10 CLR Forces 9 2 1 362 [1-8-0]

Clinched Playoff Berth

Terror Squad have an interesting spot. They face an inconsistent Points R’Us before eventually facing Grip N’ Rip. They will need to win both games to have a chance to make it into the playoffs. Chernobyl’s tie means that they will need a win against Clockwork or Monstars if TS can win either of the aforementioned games.

Served with Ice face Wild Boys in their final game of the season and winning that game will help them secure a playoff position that is all but clinched. However, if they loose this game and Terror Squad wins, they will have to wait a week to se if they are the team that gets bounced.

Wild Boys are barely holding on but will need to upset Served with Ice and STL in back to back weeks. Finally, EMPS will need to beat Braves and Incredibles to retain their playoff dreams. However, if Points R’Us wins one more game the seasons will have ended for EMOS and Wild Boys.

Hungover Visions of the World of Tomorrow

Division 1	Peeze	Simon

Montreal’s Finest vs. Waste Yout	Montreal’s Finest	Montreal’s Finest
DK vs. Flag Moi L’Sac	DK	Flag Moi L’Sac
D-Boys vs. Rainmakers	D-Boys	D-Boys
Got-Skills vs. Loonatics	Got-Skills	Got-Skills

Season Total	13-11 (.542)	13-11 (.542)

Division 2	Peeze	Simon

STL vs. Gladiateurs	STL	STL
Chronic Pain vs. Grip N’Rip	Grip N’Rip	Grip N’ Rip
Points R’Us vs. Terror Squad	Terror Squad	Terror Squad
ONS vs. Monstars	ONS	Monstars
Usual Suspects vs. Wolverines	Wolverines	Usual Suspects
Wild Boys vs. Served with Ice	Served With Ice	Served With Ice
Clockwork vs. Chernobyl	Clockwork	Clockwork
Incredibles vs #NR	Incredibles	#NR
Dan & Co. vs. CLR Forces	Dan & Co	Dan & Co.
EMPS vs. Braves	Braves	Braves

Season Total	42-20 (.677)	40-22 (.645)

Friday’s Super Slap

For further analysis, tune in to the official FPF Division 1/2 podcast Calling the Audible, where Simon Dagenais and Terry Tam discuss the difficulty of filming BBC interviews at home, the best leads for Holy Grail Hunters, and whether or not Terry prefers reverse Mermaids. Remember that you can catch the Division 1/2 podcast as well as all episodes of calling the audible by visiting www.youtube.com/flagplus (alternatively, you can return to this article and click the link provided). Feel free to criticize me by reaching me on Twitter @PeezeFPF (as I am on most social media) or by messaging me on Facebook @Peeze Della Reeze.

Have a great and safe week of action. See you at the fields!