Division D – Midseason Playoff Picture: Who’s In (For Now) + Dante Gerardi Interview
FPF NEWS
18-06-2025 09:36 PM
Division D – Midseason Playoff Picture: Who’s In (For Now)
With the Spring 2025 season nearing its midpoint, we’ve officially hit the stage where the standings start to matter just a bit more. We took a look at every team that would make the playoffs if the season ended today — analyzing quarterback play, standout receivers, key defenders, and the matchups that got them here.
From undefeated contenders like Rum & Coke and Snowdon Deli Degens, to offensive juggernauts like Glogang and Practice Squad III, these are the squads that have proven the most consistent so far.
We also spotlighted some of the teams rounding into form, such as Team Ethnik, Bullshigh, Nut N’ Run, and Vieux Lynx — all of whom boast high-level playmakers and could be dangerous if they punch a postseason ticket.
And the coverage doesn’t stop there.
We chat with Dante Gerardi, quarterback of the undefeated Rum & Coke, to talk about their perfect start, the mindset behind their success, and the underrated teammates who make it all possible. It’s a must-read for anyone following Division D’s playoff race.
For now, this is how the playoff picture stands — but with a long stretch of season still ahead, expect more movement, more upsets, and a few surprises before the dust settles.
– You’re off to a 5–0 start. What’s been the biggest key to Rum & Coke’s offensive consistency so far this season?
I would say the biggest key has been not forcing anything. Don’t get me wrong — I still find myself making risky throws — but making the game simple, safe, and effective is what has helped us come out on top in the first half of the season.
– Dante Gerardi
– How do you adjust your reads during a game when defenses try to take away your primary targets?
Pre-snap, I have my second and third options in mind. If my first read isn’t there, I don’t panic. I stick to the play and work through my progressions.
– Dante Gerardi
– How would you describe your leadership style as a quarterback? Are you more vocal, lead by example, or a mix of both?
I’d say a mix of both. I’m lucky to have some vets on the team who lead me as well. I’m vocal between plays — I love to hype my guys up. Also, by maintaining a level of respect with the refs and our competition, it rubs off and my teammates act respectfully too.
– Dante Gerardi
– What’s one part of your game you’ve worked hardest to improve over the past year?
Timing! Timing my receivers properly has been a major focus since my rookie year as a QB. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m happy with how far I’ve come. There’s still more work to do.
– Dante Gerardi
– How do you stay calm and composed in high-pressure moments, especially in the red zone or tight situations?
It’s all about trust. I trust my receivers. I trust the play call. When things don’t go our way, we don’t let it affect the next play. One play at a time.
– Dante Gerardi
– With the way you’ve started this season, is it fair to say it’s championship or bust for this team?
Yes. We know we have what it takes — we just need to execute, and that starts with the QB. We’re a competitive group and have built strong chemistry playing together.
– Dante Gerardi
– If you had to name one underrated player on Rum & Coke who doesn’t get enough credit, who would it be and why?
I can’t name just one. Everyone is talented. Benjamin McMahon’s athleticism and IQ make him a coach on the field. Anthony Drysdale is a weapon in any division. Phillip Robert’s defensive awareness has led us the last five games. Félix Clairmont and Matteo Gerardi have never dropped a ball in their lives. Nic Roy is a rocket off the snap. I think every player on this team deserves more credit — not just in this division, but wherever they play.
– Dante Gerardi
– What keeps you coming back to FPF season after season — competition, community, or something else?
Firstly, the community. It’s such a great group — across all divisions, players, and staff. But also the organization of the league itself. FPF goes the extra mile with stats, articles, Chris’s videos, Brent’s podcasts. It’s such a joy to be part of.
– Dante Gerardi
– What’s one moment in your FPF career that stands out as especially meaningful or unforgettable?
I haven’t been in the league long, but there was a defensive play I made in a championship game during Winter 2024. I managed to get up and swat a deep ball that would’ve given the other team the lead in the final minute. It wasn’t a highlight-reel play, but it’s one I’ll always be proud of.
– Dante Gerardi
– What’s something most people don’t know about playing quarterback in flag football that you wish they understood better?
It’s harder than it looks — man, it can be stressful! For sure we’ll miss a receiver who’s wide open now and then, but trust me — we’ve got a million things going on at once. We’re trying our best!
– Dante Gerardi
Rum & Coke (4–0)
Rum & Coke remains undefeated through four weeks, and their recent 36–14 win over Still an Inch Short showcased just how dangerous this group can be on both sides of the ball. Offensively, QB Dante Gerardi continues to manage the game with veteran like poise, now sitting at 597 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just 1 interception on the season. He’s also averaging 10.5 yards per attempt with a 110.6 QB rating — quietly one of the most efficient in the division.
Gerardi’s supporting cast is thriving. Anthony Drysdale is having a two-way impact, adding 5 receiving touchdowns and 5 interceptions through four games. He also had 92 yards and a TD in the Week 4 win. Benjamin McMahon and Phillip Roberts continue to contribute steady production, while the defensive unit has kept every opponent under 20 points so far.
Felix Clairmont, Phillip Roberts, and Drysdale each recorded an interception in Week 4, and Nic Roy added 2 sacks, giving this team real teeth on defense. With a +58 point differential and elite playmakers on both sides of the ball, Rum & Coke is currently one of the most dominant teams in Division D.
Snowdon Deli Degens (4–0)
Snowdon Deli Degens continue to steamroll through the competition, and their latest result — a dominant 46–18 win over Mighty Ducks — might be their most complete showing yet. Adam Malinoff was flawless, throwing for 7 touchdowns, 150 yards, and completing 70.8% of his passes. He now has 21 TDs to just 1 INT on the season, leading the division with a stellar 122.2 passer rating.
The weapons around him are clicking at every level. Lewis Epstein has emerged as one of the best receivers in the division, catching 9 passes for 119 yards and 3 TDs in Week 4 alone. Matthew Fixman added 2 more scores, while Max Kadanoff and Matthew Leutner also found the end zone. On defense, Fixman leads the team with 4 interceptions, including 2 in this past game.
With the division’s most potent scoring offense (137 points in 4 games), this team looks like a championship-caliber roster.
Rick and Marty (4–1)
Rick and Marty bounced back in a big way after their Week 3 loss to Glogang, dismantling The Boys Are Back? by a score of 35–6. Quarterback Marty Freedman remains among the most consistent signal-callers in Division D, with 899 yards, 22 TDs, and just 3 INTs through five games.
Noah Groper had a monster day in Week 4, catching 3 touchdowns and pushing his total to 10 TDs, which leads all receivers in the division. Jonathan Perez continues to do it all — scoring on offense, recording a pick on defense, and leading his team in tackles. Defensively, Jakob Sacksner and Marty Freedman both added interceptions, as Rick and Marty held their opponent scoreless in the second half.
This team is deep, and versatile. With a division-best +73 point differential, they look locked in heading into the second half of the season.
Practice Squad III (4–1)
Practice Squad III took care of business in Week 4 with back-to-back wins, beating Nut N’ Run 26–18 and Team Ethnik 38–20. Quarterback Fabrice Tremblay was terrific, tossing 10 touchdowns over the two games, including a 6-TD performance vs. Team Ethnik. He now has 18 total TDs and is heating up at the right time.
The receiving trio of Simon Girard, William Seguin, and Samuel Saumure has developed into a dangerous unit. Girard’s 4-TD explosion in Week 4 vaulted him to 5 total TDs on the season, while Saumure has quietly been one of the league’s most impactful two-way players, adding 4 interceptions on defense.
This team’s biggest strength is depth — Tremblay has six different targets with multiple touchdowns, and the defense has forced 9 interceptions across five games. When they’re on, they’re as tough as any team in the division.
Uncle Rico’s Ryders (3–0)
Uncle Rico’s Ryders stayed perfect after edging out Super Troopers 33–32 in a thriller. Quarterback Mathew Yanakoulias continues to be extremely efficient — 14 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 560 yards, and a 66.3% completion rate through three games.
Justin Lerner had a huge day with 11 receptions, 78 yards, and 3 TDs, while Peter Abbandonato added 2 more scores. On defense, Lucas Diamantopoulos registered 2 sacks and a pass deflection to help hold off the comeback.
This group may not dominate the stat sheets like other top teams, but they play smart football and remain one of the few undefeated teams.
Les Super Turbos Navets (3–0)
The Navets didn’t play in Week 4 but still remain firmly in the mix at the top. Quarterback Raphaël Caron has been hyper-efficient across two games: 520 yards, 13 TDs, 0 INTs, and a division-best 142.6 passer rating.
Receivers like Filipe Barros and Vincent Bolullo have been deadly after the catch, and the defense has generated 6 interceptions through three games.
They’ll be tested soon with games against Ball Hawks and Practice Squad III, but early signs suggest this is a legitimate contender.
Studz (3–1)
The Studz offense spreads the ball extremely well — four players have at least 4 TDs, and Antoine Clément (194 yards, 4 TDs) is starting to look like a go-to target. On defense, Léandre Grimmel leads with 3 interceptions, and the team is starting to look like the dominant version we saw in Winter.
Glogang (3–1)
Receiver Amine Encina is a bright spot, with 202 yards and 5 touchdowns, and Marin Counoyer has been a defensive contributor with 5 sacks. Despite the forfeit loss, Glogang is still 3–1, with a chance to bounce back against Nut N’ Run in Week 5.
Trinity (3–3)
Trinity won a wild one over Brothermen 26–25 to get back to .500. QB Hugo Quintin stepped up with 143 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Vincent Marquis had himself a day with 2 TDs on offense, 1 INT, and a pick-six.
On the year, Trinity has been all over the map — they’ve beaten good teams and dropped winnable games. Michael Couette, Antoine Piché, and Philippe Aussant form a strong core on both sides, and their defense is up there with 7 interceptions.
If they can clean up their execution, this team could sneak into the top half of the playoff bracket.
Ball Hawks (2–0)
Ball Hawks remain unbeaten, though they were off in Week 4. In just two games, they’ve put up 63 points and allowed only 39. Quarterback Richie Mondesir has been efficient, and the duo of Lucas Theus and Charles Beauchemin have already combined for 7 receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, Lucas Theus has 2 interceptions and is making an impact on both sides of the ball. With upcoming games against Snowdon Deli Degens and Brewers, we’ll soon learn just how good this 2–0 start really is.
FBI FC (2–1)
FBI FC made a major statement in Week 4 with a 46–24 win over Stealzz, powered by QB Kyle Folkerson’s 5-touchdown outing. He now has 12 TDs in just 3 games, and he’s developing chemistry with a talented receiving corps that includes Keyon Cyrus (3 TDs) and William Power.
On defense, Elijah Dupuy added 3 sacks in Week 4, giving him one of the top pass-rushing performances of the season so far. This team has speed, size, and playmakers on both sides. If they continue to develop their rhythm, they could become a real dark horse.
Super Troopers (2–2)
Super Troopers nearly pulled off a comeback in Week 4 but fell short 33–32 to Uncle Rico’s Ryders. QB Kenny Boutilier continues to put up huge numbers — he now has 17 TDs, 572 yards, and is averaging 11.9 yards per carry on the ground with 2 rushing scores.
Giovani Antonacci and Zackary Alberts-Gill have emerged as consistent weapons, and the defense has been decent. However, they’ve given up 98 points in 4 games, and that bend-but-don’t-break approach finally gave out in Week 4.
Their next few games will define their season, with matchups against Fumble Factory and Les Super Turbos Navets on the horizon.
Brothermen (2–3)
Brothermen dropped a heartbreaker 26–25 to Trinity, despite another strong outing from QB George Spano, who leads Division D with 909 yards and ranks second in touchdowns (21). His favorite target, Zachary Mastromonaco, is one of the most targeted players in the division (31 targets), but struggled with efficiency in Week 4 catching only 5 of 13 targets.
Spano has also been making plays defensively (4 INTs, 1 in Week 4), but the offense still needs more support. This team can score with anyone but has allowed over 100 points through five games, including back-to-back losses by one score or less.
They’ve got the firepower — now they need to finish games.
The Boys Are Back? (2–2)
After a promising start, The Boys Are Back? hit a wall in Week 4 with a 35–6 loss to Rick and Marty. QB Kyle Pedvis threw 3 interceptions and managed just 109 yards and 1 TD. While Nikki Papich and Tim Horner continue to contribute — combining for over 560 yards and 11 TDs — they’ll need better quarterback play to compete with the top-tier teams.
Their defense hasn’t been bad, but without sustained drives and scoring, they’ve struggled with field position and short fields. They’ll try to regroup quickly in a winnable matchup against the 1-9ers next.
NIGHTHAWKS (2–2)
After a solid 2–1 start, NIGHTHAWKS stalled in Week 4 with a 24–6 loss to Bullshigh. Quarterback Fabrice Robillard threw for just 93 yards and 1 touchdown while being intercepted three times. The offense, which had shown flashes earlier in the season, couldn’t find its rhythm.
On defense, Stefano De Seta added an interception, and Bradley Jeanty remained all over the field rarely missing a tackle. Still, this was a disappointing effort from a team that had looked competitive in previous weeks. Their upcoming matchups could define whether they’re truly in the playoff hunt.
Team Ethnik (1–3–1)
After a rocky 0–3–1 start to the season, Team Ethnik finally broke through in Week 5 with a convincing 46–14 win over Stealzz. It was the breakout performance they needed, and it came at the perfect time. The offense found rhythm, and the defense looked more confident than in previous weeks.
Benoit Lawlor has shown growth at quarterback despite early struggles. David De Andrade and Bakley Charles have been consistent contributors on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, Simon Dufort and Denzel Eadie-Lowe have brought energy and playmaking to a group still working on finding consistency. Team Ethnik has a tough schedule ahead (Rick and Marty, 1-9ers, and Vieux Lynx still to come), but if they build off Week 5’s momentum, they could easily climb back into legit playoff contention.
Fumble Factory (1–2)
Fumble Factory may have only played three games so far, but they’ve shown signs of being a sneaky-good team. Their point differential (+5) suggests they’re more competitive than their record indicates. When they win, it’s controlled and efficient — and when they lose, it’s close.
Their standout so far has been Charles Ducreux, who has done a solid job carrying the offense. The team is flashy, but that comes with mistakes too.
Bullshigh (1–3)
After a tough 0–3 start that included losses to Trinity, Super Troopers, and Practice Squad III, Bullshigh finally found their groove in Week 4 with a convincing 24–6 win over NIGHTHAWKS. It wasn’t just a needed result in the standings — it was the team’s most complete game of the season on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Matis Sardinha has been streaky through four games, throwing for 423 yards and 8 touchdowns with 7 interceptions and a 46.3% completion rate. The upside is there — he’s averaging 8.5 yards per completion— but efficiency needs to improve if Bullshigh wants to keep climbing the standings.
On offense, Jérémie Coe leads the way with 100 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns on 9 receptions, while Joseph Ouellette and Isaac Ladouceur have chipped in with solid production and reliable hands. Bullshigh has seven different players with at least one reception.
Defensively, this team is starting to make plays. Isaac Ladouceur and Arthur Doyon each have 2 interceptions, with Doyon also returning one for a touchdown. Olivier Guérin and Jérémie Coe have brought the pressure — Coe notably leads the team with 4 sacks. With multiple players making contributions across the stat sheet, this defense is starting to come together.
Bullshigh faces a tough road ahead with games against Uncle Rico’s Ryders, Les Super Turbos Navets, and Snowdon Deli Degens still on the schedule. But if Week 4 was a sign of things to come, they could play spoiler — or even sneak into the playoff race.
Nut N’ Run (1–2)
Nut N’ Run may be just 1–2, but the foundation of a playoff-caliber team is clearly in place. Their schedule hasn’t been easy, and they’ve remained competitive in all three outings — highlighted by a dominant Week 1 win over Stealzz (48–27) and respectable performances against Rick and Marty and Practice Squad III.
Quarterback Nicolas Katerelos has looked sharp so far, but still not his best, posting 564 yards and 12 touchdowns through three games. His 59.8% completion rate and 11.5 yards per completion point to a confident passer unafraid to push the ball downfield, though his 6 interceptions and 6 sacks are areas to improve.
This offense has serious firepower. Vincent Malo (232 yards, 5 TDs) is one of the most dangerous deep threats in Division D, averaging over 21 yards per catch. Charles-Antoine Nadeau (180 yards, 3 TDs) is a smooth route-runner with consistent hands, and both Vincent Walsh and Guillaume Lasnier round out a deep receiving corps.
Defensively, Julien Gravel is the glue. His 14 tackles and 2 interceptions lead the team, while Malo and Nadeau have also added 2 picks apiece
Nut N’ Run has the personnel to contend — especially if they can clean up the turnovers and finish strong in the red zone. A Week 5 matchup with Glogang will be a big test of where they stand among the middle-tier teams.
Vieux Lynx (1–3)
It’s been an up-and-down start for Vieux Lynx, who sit at 1–3 but have been competitive in nearly every game. After three straight losses to open the season — including a one-score game against The Boys Are Back? and a shootout loss to Glogang — they finally got into the win column in Week 3 with a dominant 49–12 showing over the Brewers.
Anthony Robichaud has quietly been one of the more consistent quarterbacks in the division. Through four games, he’s completed 62.3% of his passes for 643 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. His 107.0 QB rating puts him in the top tier, and his ability to spread the ball around makes this offense dangerous despite the record.
Olivier Joly is a true a WR1, leading the team with 219 yards and 6 touchdowns on 19 receptions. Dylan Boudreau and Antoine Coté have also been solid contributors, with Coté averaging nearly 10 yards per catch and Boudreau adding 138 yards and 2 scores.
Defensively, Robichaud is making plays on both sides of the ball, tied for the team lead with 2 interceptions. Joly has also added one INT to go with 12 tackles, and Félix St-Pierre continues to be active in coverage with 2 PDs and an interception of his own.
Vieux Lynx has shown enough firepower to compete with anyone, but they’ll need to tighten up defensively and convert more of their offensive drives into points to stay in the playoff race. Upcoming games against Born Ready and Studz will be key tests of whether they’re ready to make a midseason push.