Food for Thought (Div B) – Week 5

 

Take a second to concentrate, to rip your mind away from the constant blabber that prevents you from truly hearing. Erase your thoughts and empty your mind from all that cluttered junk you cling on to. Now listen. Listen to that slow and steady beat hammering away in the distance. Feel the emotions flowing from that particular spot in oblivion. Sense the excitement rippling through your skin as your own heart joins in on the now powerful rhythm. You are moved by it, fuelled by it, entranced by the thunder from within.

 

And when you open your eyes and stride on to the field, you will know from your opponents fright that lightning will be coursing through them.

 

 

The Parts that make the Sum…

 

Every team has their superstar, getting the limelight even when he’s on the injury list. Every team also has an unsung hero. A player who week in and week out brings lightning to the field and leaves in inglorious shadow.

 

 

Here are the 11 most underrated athletes in Division B:

 

Jon Young (G-Men): One of the best rushers of FPF, Jon is often overlooked when explaining the G-Men’s success. Smart as a hare and fast as an elephant (or is it the other way around?), this guy will stick to QBs like an ant to a breadcrumb.

 

John Lyristis (Terminators): While we’re discussing things that stick, why not talk about John Lyristis’ spider-man-like hands. First, for catches and second in yards gained on the most stacked team in Div. B history… Not bad for a centre!

 

 

Phil Leduc (Prestige World Wide): Arguably the best 3rd receiver in the division, this spectacular playmaker is the go-to guy for Alex Lever (when Pat Jérôme and Wesley Joseph are on IR at least!). Good speed, good hands and good route running…what else could we ask besides an autographed picture?

 

 

Mike Girouard (Redemption): For a team where most players are under 5’8”, Mike’s height is a blessing. Athletic and sure-handed, he is bound to get open often, especially when Andre Knights is hindered by triple coverage…

 

 

Chris Cesari (Big TDs): Not as outspoken as his infamous teammates, Chris is a quiet force on the field. Always open when Jamil Springer runs out of room, he will get the yards that his team needs to move downfield. He can also play a solid defensive game, garnering his fair share of tackles and occasionally a defensive TD.

 

 

Mike Smith (Alkoholiks): One of the top receivers in the division, Mike also leads his team for tackles. A double-threat, just like we love them.

 

 

Laurent Foucault (Blackshirts): Immensely tall, though still unnoticed, Laurent will chip in any way he can. Be it rushing, or catching balls over everyone else’s heads, he will do whatever it takes to help his team win.

 

 

Bryan Nguyen (FTMP): Hailing from the realm of unknown players, Bryan may be the best rusher in the division. No matter who is the QB, he will be all over him, sacking, tackling and taking time away. This kid is definitely a great find.

 

 

Vadim Chernyak (Rude Boys): Known for his state-of-the-art flag-football videos, Vadim is also a stellar player. As good as he is at piling up the long gains, he can also get under your skin on defence. One of the few bright stars on his team, he is a prototypical two-way player.

 

 

Sébastien Ravary (Falcons): Simon Richard is lucky to have Sébastien on his team. Let’s just say this: 38% of his team’s catches, and 36% of the aerial gains. “Big chunks” as Chips Ahoy would say…

 

 

Jean-Richard Verger (Maniax): This guy has swagger. This guy has style. But most of all, he is everywhere! TDs, yards, catches, interceptions, tackles…definitely one of the most underrated players to play in Div B.

 

 

Halfway there!

 

If the season ended tomorrow, here would be the winners and runner-ups for 3 of the most prestigious awards in FPF as well as for the fictitious Best Rusher award:

 

 

Best QB

 

Winner: Alex Lever

 

Runner-up: Mathieu René, Gino Di Fazio

 

 

Best Receiver

 

Winner: Anthony Thompson

 

Runner-up: Nareg Yessayan, Mike Smith

 

 

Best Defensive Player

 

Winner: Marc Champagnie

 

Runner-up: Patrick Jérôme, Shawn Haney

 

 

Best Rusher

 

Winner: Renaldo Jordan

 

Runner-up: Bryan Nguyen, Patrice Blouin

 

 

Technically Speaking…

 

For any questions regarding statistics, rule clarifications or for any other FlagPlus Football related enquiries please email me at [email protected]. As always, I hope I have entertained you as much as you entertain me weekly. See you Sunday.