Categories: Division 1 & 2Winter

Cap Friendly Braves Aim for Undefeated Glory Against Top Defence!

The stage is set for a colossal clash in the Division 2 championship! The undefeated juggernaut, the Cap Friendly Braves (10-0), led by the laser-focused Joe Maheu, lock horns with next best div 2 squad Mangoose, boasting the electrifying Nic Schaefer at quarterback. Buckle up for a thrilling offensive showcase, as both teams boast potent attacks piloted by dominant quarterbacks. The Cap Friendly Braves, a well-oiled machine under Maheu’s surgical accuracy, aim to cap off their perfect season with a championship trophy. Meanwhile, Mangoose, led by Schaefer’s dynamic playmaking, are hungry dethrone the undefeated force. Will Maheu’s pinpoint precision dismantle the Mangoose defense? Or will Schaefer’s scrambling magic weave his way through the Braves’ defensive web? Don’t miss a second of this epic duel as the Division 2 Championship promises an unforgettable display of offensive fireworks!

Cap Friendly Braves Hold Off Run It Once Scare in Division 2 Semifinal

The #1 seed Cap Friendly Braves (10-0) continued their dominant run through the FPF playoffs with a thrilling 36-31 victory over the #9 seed Run it Once (4-6) in a game that was closer than the score indicates. Despite being heavy underdogs, Run it Once showed plenty of fight, but ultimately the Braves’ high-powered offense, led by a flawless performance from quarterback Joe Maheu, proved too much to overcome. Maheu masterclass leads the way for braves Joe Maheu was sensational for the Braves, completing many passes (20-for-33) for a staggering 170 yards and 6 touchdowns. He efficiently spread the ball around, finding his receivers on short and intermediate routes throughout the game. Wide receiver Will Trottier was Maheu’s favourite target as he has been all season, hauling in 4 touchdowns on 7 receptions for 51 yards. Run it Once, despite their underdog status, came out firing. Quarterback Jeff Rosenblatt relied heavily on his short passes to move the ball down the field, finding success with Skylar Bayliff and Sanders Armand. They fell behind in the first half, as they trailed 18-6. But they did not give up as the scored 25 in the second half and  even had a shot at an onside attempt that could have been a game leading drive but unfortunately were unsuccessful. The Cap Friendly Braves advance to the Division 2 championship game which has been their goal all season long. They’ll be looking to maintain their undefeated record and claim the Div 2 title. As for Run it Once, a valiant effort against the league’s best team and an even better second half sadly wasn’t enough to see them play in this years final.

The lower seeds have been upsetting teams left and right here in division 2 and I don’t expect that to stop here in the semi finals, give me Dirty Birds+ in another nail bitter 35-33. 

Hail Mary Magic Sends Mangoose Soaring to Division 2 Championship!

In a defensive battle that defied predictions, the #2 seed Mangoose (9-1) edged out the #7 seed Dirty Birds+ (4-6) by a score of 24-19 to book their ticket to the finals. While the lower seeds had been making waves throughout the FPF playoffs, Dirty Birds+ couldn’t quite pull off another upset as I expected. Both defences came to play, forcing turnovers and keeping points at a premium. Mangoose struck first with a touchdown pass from quarterback Nic Schaefer to Tristan Fiske-Casault for a 5 yard score, but Dirty Birds + responded with a touchdown pass of their own. Interceptions by Olivier Suri and Simon Anctil for Mangoose gave them a nice lead in the first half, which ended tied at 18-7. The second half saw a dramatic finish. Similar to the first, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. Dirty Birds+ took the lead late in the second half after two turnover on downs and a touchdown to Justin Blackie. Taking the lead 19-18, this left Mangoose down 1 point with only 3 plays left. 

With time plays running out, Mangoose quarterback Nic Schaefer completed a 19 yard pass to Thomas Coutu to cut the field in half. The next play was incomplete. With only 1 play left Nic Schaefer launched a desperation Hail Mary pass towards the endzone. Miraculously, Gabriel Drapeau-Zgoralski came down with the game-winning catch off a tip, sending the Mangoose sideline into a frenzy. Dirty Birds+ contested that he had been deflaged on the 1-yard line but it was called a touchdowns. The win propels Mangoose into the Division 2 championship game, where they’ll face a familiar foe. They’ll be looking to avenge their regular-season defeat to the dominant #1 seed Cap Friendly Braves. The Dirty Birds+, despite the heartbreaking loss, can hold their heads high after a remarkable playoff run.

Here is a clip of that last insane play that sent Dirty Birds+ home. 

Div 2 Preview 

Cap Friendly Braves Vs Mangoose 

QB Comparison

The Division 2 Championship features a clash of titans at quarterback with Joe Maheu of the Cap Friendly Braves facing off against Nic Schaefer of Mangoose. Both gunslingers have led their teams to impressive seasons, and their contrasting styles promise an exciting matchup.

Joe Maheu: The Surgical Striker

Maheu boasts a league-leading 74% completion percentage (182-245) all season long, a testament to his pinpoint accuracy. He also led the league in passing touchdowns with 57. He thrives in a pocket passing system, dissecting defences with laser-like throws. His exceptional decision-making minimizes interceptions, and his ability to put the ball where only his receivers can reach it makes him a nightmare to defend. Maheu’s arm strength allows him to attack all areas of the field, keeping defenses honest. While not a huge rushing threat, his pocket awareness helps him extend plays and find open receivers under pressure. But don’t underestimate Maheu’s ability to pick up crucial first downs with his legs. Its more that Maheu would like to save his scrambles for big plays when the defence least expects it. Joe Maheu was also this years Division one QBOY, making him not just arguably but THE best QB in the league this year. Maheu is also the reason why Braves and Cap Friendly Braves are able to score at will and score as many 2 point conversions as they do.

Nic Schaefer: The Elusive Playmaker

Schaefer, the reigning Division 2 QB of the Year, brings a different skillset to the table. Though his completion percentage lags behind Maheu’s at 66%, his scrambling ability and pocket presence more than compensate. He excels at evading pressure and extending plays, creating opportunities for big gains. Schaefer’s willingness to run sideline to sideline makes him a dual threat, keeping defences guessing. Even though Schaefer only used his legs to buy extra time this season and only recored 1 run attempt this season, he is still a threat to scramble and pickup firsts with his legs. While his accuracy isn’t elite, his ability to make all the throws necessary to lead a successful offense is undeniable. Throwing for 1823 yards 51 touchdowns and 5 interceptions showcases just how great he was this season. His ability to keep the ball out of harms way was crucial to their teams success this season. averaging over 5 touchdowns a game and a half an interception, his TD-INT ratio was elite this season. Paired with great play calling, this has been one of the best offences in the division as they ranked 3rd in points for. Nic Schaefer, winning his first individual award of his FPF career, aims to claim his first FPF title as well. Will this be the year Nic Schaefer proves he can be the next top Qb in division 1 & 2?

A few weeks back when the post season began I predicted Cap Friendly Braves to be taking on #3 seed Silent ticklers. I said the matchup would be “The Braves’ offensive firepower will face a determined Silent Tickers defense hungry for revenge.” But Silent Ticklers were thrown out of the playoffs by Run it Once. I did think the undefeated Cap Friendly Braves would be playing this finals as they have been a force all season. Securing the #1 seed and being the league’s highest-scoring offense (405 points in 10 games). With Division 1’s QBOY and WROY, Joe Maheu and Will Trottier have also carried their division 2 squad here to the finals. I expect a huge game from both of them.

Impenetrable Defense vs. Unstoppable Offense: A Tale of Two Teams in the Division 2 Finals

The Division 2 Championship is upon us, and it promises a clash of superstars! The offensive juggernaut Cap Friendly Braves (10-0), led by the prolific Joe Maheu, will face off against the defensive powerhouse Mangoose (9-1) in a battle for the ages. This matchup is a classic case of best offence vs best defence, with each team boasting a league-leading unit in their respective side of the ball. Cap Friendly Braves have been an offensive juggernaut. The Braves have been a scoring machine all season long, racking up a league-leading 405 points. Quarterback Joe Maheu is the engine that drives this offensive powerhouse. His pinpoint accuracy and ability to dissect defenses with a variety of throws have him firmly in the QBOY conversation. Surrounding Maheu is a talented receiving corps, all hungry to find the end zone. Standing in the Braves’ way is the stingy Mangoose defense, which has allowed a league-low 228 points all season. They boast a swarming secondary with a knack for interceptions, leading the division with a whopping 23 picks. Additionally, their relentless pass rush, featuring the 4th most sacks in the league, will aim to disrupt Maheu’s rhythm and force him into mistakes. One of the divisions best rushers Thomas Couture will have his hands full while rushing Joe Maheu. His quick release can make rushers get exhausted and frustrated. Can the Braves’ potent offense overcome the Mangoose’s suffocating defense? Will Maheu be able to find his receivers against the interception-hungry secondary? Mangoose’s defence have been the best ball hawking defence in the division and it will be interesting to see if they can make Joe Maheu turn over the ball. Can the Mangoose defense contain the firepower of the Braves’ offense? Surely Cap Friendly Braves will score touchdowns but the true big moments will be if their defence can stop the Braves from converting on their 2 point conversions. If they can do that i think this game will be super close and Mangoose will have a good chance at lifting the trophy. I will give a score prediction but i haven’t been right not even once this season. Cap Friendly Braves come into this game undefeated and barely tested as no other team really presented a challenge. But the Cap Friendly Braves did not face this hungry Mangoose squad. I believe in Nic Schaefer and the Mangoose defence to get a stop or to stop Braves from converting a big conversion play and lead them to victory. In a wildly contested battle, give me Mangoose 33-32.