Division B: Finals Preview

We are finally here, the Division B Finals. It is only fitting that we get the top two teams going head-to-head for the championship, in Run It Once versus Mangoose.

(1) Mangoose versus (2) Run It Once

Previous Meeting: Mangoose (36-35) Week 7

The regular season featured backups Quarterbacks for both sides, as Jeff Rosenblatt and Nic Schaefer missed the game for Run It Once and Mangoose respectively. Filling in for Rosenblatt, was FPF Hall of Famer Paul Lapierre, while Schaefer’s replacement was 4-time All-Star and reigning Division B Two-Way Player of the year, Thomas Coutu.

Just because the regular starting Quarterbacks were missing, didn’t meant the game lacked excitement or firepower, as the contest would come down to overtime, as Mangoose would pull it out thanks to a successful 1-point conversion by Gabriel Drapeau-Zgoralski in the extra session.

After such an entertaining game, it is only fitting that we are being treating to a rematch, with the Division B championship n the line.

To win the game, both offenses will have to protect the ball, as each side possess several ballhawks. Run it Once has the edge in that department, as they not only posses the length advantage, but they also home to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Bakari Barrett. Don’t overlook Mangoose however, as they have the Division B sack leader in Coutu, lining up in their defensive huddle.  

One of the things that makes FlagPlus Football so unique is that Finals weekend usually sees multiple players playing for championships in different divisions. This season and this matchup are no different, as Jeff Rosenblatt will be suiting up for Raw Dawgs in the 5 on 5 Competitive Division, while Sanders Armand, Felix Clairmont, and Noah Groper played last night in Co-Ed 2 and Division D respectively. Naturally, the one risk players take when playing on other teams is getting hurt. That applies here, as Clairmont, was forced to leave his contest with Purple Blood, after he suffered an upper body injury in the first half and did not return. The three main questions that must be asked, are is he ok, will he be able to play tonight, and how fresh will the trio be for Run It Once?

The X-factors for this game in my opinion are Noah Groper for Run It Once, and Samuel Emilio Pelchat for Mangoose. Both players are the smallest ones on the field, but they have the potential to deliver the biggest impact.

After only playing two games in the first half of the season, Pelchat, who hasn’t missed a contest since Week 9, has been a force multiplier for Mangoose, as the three-time All-Star has record at least one touchdown in all six games that he has played, including five this post-season.

Fresh off winning a championship with Rick and Marty in Division D last night, Groper, has a chance to add another one tonight. The seven-time All-Star is the offensive weapon every team looks for, as he uses his lighting-quick footwork to get open, making him nearly impossible to cover in the redzone. While he didn’t match the 25 touchdowns he recorded in Div. D, which led to him winning the Receiver of the Year award, he still put up a more than respectable eight, with Run It Once.

One of the biggest matchups to watch out for is Marvin Steinberg versus Bakari Barrett. The former is the reigning Receiver of the Year, while the latter is the Defensive Player of the Year. Both players are fast, long, can seemingly jump out of the building, and have proven to be clutch performers throughout their time in FPF. While Steinberg has four championships to his name, Barrett, who only joined the league in the 2024 Winter Season, is still looking for his first. Hopefully, we will get to see these two lined up across from each other.

As is usually the case in most football games, this contest will come down to Quarterback play. This matchup features a good one as it has to veterans in Jeff Rosenblatt, squaring off with Nic Schaefer. Two veteran gunslingers who love to throw the ball deep and make big plays for their teams. What makes this showdown even more appealing, is despite the 14 All-Star nominations, several individual awards, and countless big games between them, neither QB has taken home a championship. That changes tonight. Which passer will come out on top?

A few weeks ago, in my Quarter-Finals recap article I asked what was more important, size or speed. The answer will be coming tonight, as Run It Once has more of the former, while Mangoose, possess the latter. https://www.flagplusfootball.com/en/article/17687-2/

I think this will be a fantastic game. These are clearly the best two teams in Division B, so I am happy that they will be fighting for the championship. There are a lot of big names in this contest, but also a few lesser ones like Ahmed Boubacar, Hakim Kasbi-Filiatrault, Marc-Antoine Chaput, along with Felix Clairmont that can steal the spotlight.

This contest will come down to who makes the least mistakes. I think that will be Run It Once.

Prediction: Run It Once (36-34)

Picks

Mangoose vs Run It Once – Run It Once (Upset Special)

Last Week (1-1)

Upset Special: (0-1)

That is it for this season. I would like to say thank-you to everyone that has read my articles and listened to the podcast. It was my pleasure to do both, and thanks as always for the information and kind words. Enjoy the Finals tonight. I will be doing play-by-play for this game, so if you decide to swing by Brossard, come by and say hi. If not, I will see you guys in the Fall Season.

If you liked the article, hated it, or simply felt like I left something out, please feel free to contact me at [email protected], or on the FPF Facebook page.