Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 4

The best time of the season on the whole season, in my opinion. Rivalries are starting to form and smack talk is starting to emerge both on the field and on the Facebook walls. It’s still fresh enough in the season that people aren’t yet worried about playoffs and are merely focusing on the games at hand. My favorite time of the year; both as a journalist and as a player.
 
It’s midseason. I used to be able to do this article in a single fell swoop in Week 5, but it just so happens that Division 4 decided that it wanted to become the premier division of the league, and so it loaded up on teams. SO, what used to be a one-article behemoth now becomes two! So, below will be the power rankings for the entire division, but after it will be a reverse breakdown of Conference A. Next week will be Conference B! 
 

Power Rankings
 
Well, it looks like most of the spots here are up for grabs. I have the breakdown below for Conference A, but I figured that I’d include the full ranking so that Conference B don’t feel too left out. Accounting for the midseason breakdown, it’s going to be brief, but here’s my opinion on the teams to beat, and in what order. 
 
1. The Incredibles – Having HUGE games week after week. Multiple parties (and not just my girlfriend) have asked me if they merit the top ranking yet. With the games they’ve been playing, they do.

2. Toute Garnie – Shoshan was one of the players who told me that Incredibles should be first. That being said, Toute Garnie are a very close second. Like eating a steak compared to eating lobster…both are good, but it’s all about preference. Solid offense, solid defense.

3. La Sauce – Started out strong, but seem to be hiccupping a bit on offense. That being said, their defense is a nightmare to play against and keeps them in games by itself. 

4. Mustangs du Gridiron – They’ve been putting up great numbers, and now they have the opportunity this week to show that they’ll throw down against any opponent, be it weak or strong. This’ll be the first real test to see if they’re a top dog or a pretender in D4.

5. Les Buddays – Middle of the list, but yet they’re still 5th out of 48. My darkhorse team, and the only team in the top 10 who play unlike the others. Rather than finesse, they rely on athleticism, speed and physicality. 

6. Clockwork – I’m uncertain about keeping them here, just because of the 30-0 default that they won. Regardless, they’re good. Lots of speed, and solid hands all around. I’d like to see more stops on D though. 

7. Gators – EVERYONE will want to see David Hurley make good on his words. Is he a Facebook tough guy, or will he and the rest elevate the Gators to a higher spot on the list? A lot is on the line. 

8. Sea Assassins – A team that I’ll admit that I haven’t shed much light on in the past few weeks. While their schedule is a little bit on the lax side, it’s not their fault. Regardless, they’re going to breeze through the season (in my opinion).
 
9. Smokin’ Aces – Anyone who argues that FPF isn’t a quarterback’s league needs simply look at the SA’s. Scoop has taken a pretty much new team, and has elevated them to undefeated status. They still have a lot to learn, but they seem to be getting there quickly.

10. Outlaws – The strongest season yet. They’ve got the core from their championship run in D5 (Cournoyer and Jacques are back full time) and have the playmakers that were added last winter. They barely speak, usually letting their play do the talking for them.
 
 
Conference A Breakdown!
 
24 – Vis Motus (0-4-0) – Final season prediction: {0-10-0}
It’s hard making a 0-10 prediction, and I sincerely hope that I’m wrong on this part. However it’s going to be a bumpy road ahead for Vis Motus. Having gone through a massive roster change, they have the schedule that last season’s experience would have merited, but not the playmakers of last year. Captain Seth Galina may have to use his Vanier recruitment skills, or take a bit more charge of the team to bring them out of this slump.
 
23 – Thunder (0-4-0) – Final season prediction: {2-8-0}
I really don’t know what’s happened to Thunder. It’s not like they don’t have experience in the league; they’re quite skilled and had a winning season last year in D5. At quick glance, it seems to be roster inconsistencies that are plaguing them. In all honesty, it’s odd to see the QB of an 0-4 team with a QB rating over 100; hopefully Lavergne can pull this team out of this rut because Thunder have very few vacation games.
 
22 – Pitbulls (1-3-0) – Final season prediction: {2-8-0}
It was really rough watching the first Pitbulls game. Captain Guilaume Bedard did not have his work cut out for him; having to organize too many players, playing quarterback and adapting to the rules all at once must not have been a cake walk. But, they’ve gotten through it and are starting to understand how the league works. It’ll be interesting to see them learn and adapt in the coming weeks.
 
21 – Green Nation (0-4-0) – Final season prediction: {1-9-0}
For the life of me, I can’t understand how this team is 0-4. Alexandre Gaumond has an amazing deep ball, they have a fantastic center in William Tondreau, and very capable receivers in Cédric Nuckle and Marc-André Lapointe. They blew a 26-13 lead last week to lose 39-38. It really comes down to the defense; if they can’t muster a stop and bring down the opposing QB’s completion percentage, it won’t matter how many times they score.
 
20 – Dark Side (0-4-0) – Final season prediction: {4-6-0}
Musical chairs, FPF edition. Not shy on talent. Lacking organization though. However, the additions of Leon Holder and Adam Bailey definitely elevate this team’s status if they choose to say. What can I say about this team that isn’t inherently obvious because they’re an Empire team? They’ve got skill and they’ll churn out scrappy wins. Expect a turnaround from this team if they choose to stick with this roster.
 
19 – Cool Kidz (1-2-1) – Final season prediction: {2-7-1}
A bit of experience in P-M Lachaine and the Aridi brothers, but little else other than that. With the injury to Ryan Aridi, they’re in a boatload of trouble. They lose a capable player on offense and an all-star rusher on defense. Hopefully they can find bodies and adapt, but it’ll be a tough one from here on out. 
 
18 – Underrated (1-3-0) – Final season prediction: {3-7-0}
It astounds me that Underrated were blanked last week 24-0 and are 1-3, and yet only have a +/- of -9. Their only win came when Gabriel Coté was absent and Laurent Foucault filled in at QB. This begs the question: Should Foucault be the full-time QB? He put up 7 TDs! Moreover, Gabriel Coté has had D1 experience at the receiver position and would definitely be an asset. Food for thought.
 
17 – Falcons (1-3-0) – Final season prediction: {4-6-0}
They’re finally starting to adapt to the FPF style over the touch rules. Pat Lefebvre is turning over the ball much less, and the instrumental players from Le Zoo (Vandelac and St Amand) are taking a more instrumental “lead by example” role on the team. Also, anyone lining up against Vladimir Mede would agree he’s probably the best redzone threat in the division.
 
16 – Patriotes (2-2-0) – Final season prediction: (4-6-0)
Former Division 4 champs. Yes, they haven’t been the same since the injury to Mathieu Belanger, but there’s more to a team than just one player. This is a team that plays together as a unit week in, week out for the last few YEARS. Why the sudden decline? Maybe they need to re-evaluate their play calling and defensive coverages to reflect the changes to the team?
 
15 – FTP 2.0 (2-2-0) – Final season prediction: {5-5-0}
9 players have caught at least a touchdown. 2 capable QBs. Alexandre Guertin has caught just under 5 times as many passes as the next closest receiver (with 6!). It’s important to note the 2.0, because this team is definitely an improvement over last year’s squad. Not just with the cohesiveness on offense, but we’re actually seeing turnovers caused by their defense. Definitely an example of what a bit of work can do with a season’s change. 
 
14 – Marauders (1-2-1) – Final season prediction: {5-4-1}
I mentioned earlier about FPF being a quarterback’s league. Look no further than Hugo Beausoleil. Elite quarterback that has elevated the Marauders. The talent pool has deepened in Division 4, but Hugo has managed to keep the Marauders afloat. Unfortunately, the loss of Maxime Laflamme to injury is a big one, but perhaps Hugo can bring a few Fantome players now and again? Also, food for thought: Hugo throws a great ball, but the receivers seem to be having trouble catching it when it comes in so fast. Perhaps easing up a bit will improve the reception percentage?
 
13 – 69ers (2-2-0) – Final season prediction: {5-5-0}
Athletes in every sense of the word. However, they seem to be lacking the FPF knowledge and in the planning department. Relying a bit too much on the deep ball, they seem to find themselves flustered and in a pickle when it stops working. If they’re just together to play and have fun week-in, week-out, then they’re fine. But if they want to take a step up, they may want to start thinking outside of the box.
 
12 – Yari’s Autonomics (2-2-0) – Final season prediction: {5-5-0}
They’ve got a wealth of experience and championships. They have a bunch of role-players on the squad who are more than capable. They also have Daron. In all seriousness though, this is a strong unit that was well-built. However, the injury to Anthony Lukca is one that’ll hurt Yari’s in the long run. Losing a threat on both sides of the ball will force them to reconsider defensive coverages when they play stronger teams, and will change the offense considerably. If only what could have been… 
 
11 – Rogues (2-2-0) – Final season prediction: {6-4-0}
After former QB Kevin Lubin jumped ship of his own team, a lot of the other former Rogues did as well. Enter Simon Dagenais who did what he could to salvage the team, bringing in former Dragons to help out. For a patchwork team, they seem to be doing well all together and will likely finish with a positive record now that the transition time is over and done with.
 
10 – Discount Double Check (2-2-0) – Final season prediction {7-3-0}
Despite the losses of Eric Rapps (Hall of Famers) and Bryan Fuchs (injury), two staple players of last winter, they’re continuing to stay afloat. Bryan should be back from injury in the next week or two which will elevate the status of the team even more. They’re good friends and function cohesively as a unit, something that’s sorely underrated in a team.
 
9 – #NoRegard (3-2-0) – Final season prediction {6-4-0}
Everything else aside. Are #NoRegard a good team? Yes, absolutely. Are they a great team? No, not yet. It’s evident when they fall out of their comfort zone and start getting desperate. Their roster size and defensive schemes are a great asset to have when playing most of the teams in the division, but when they play against teams that are both athletic AND smart, holes start to emerge. Perhaps some changing of coverage now and again would help them elevate their status?
 
8 – Knights (3-1-0) – Final season prediction {7-3-0}
Do I feel bad for calling the Knights a weak undefeated team? Yes, kind of. Was I wrong? No. That being said, they’ve got a great roster beyond the usual names that are heard week in, week out. Their defense has mustered 11 interceptions in 5 games, which is definitely nothing to sneer at. They’ve got a schedule which will test them while still letting them stay competitive. They’ll do well for the rest of the season, at the very least.
 
7 – Park-X Streets (3-1-0) – Final season prediction {7-3-0}
Are they a D5 team that moved up? A D3 team that moved down? How about all of the above? Regardless, they’re a D4 team now. Again. The strangest football to look at, both on offense and defense, but it definitely works for them. And honestly, is there anything more than that? However, we’re used to seeing more stops by their defense and that’s something that I’d like to see more of in the future. Well, that AND cleats on rusher Chris Papadatos.
 
6 – Outlaws (3-1-0) – Final season prediction {7-3-0}
They look good this season. REALLY good. I mentioned earlier that they’ve got their staple players back that helped make magic happen in the Winter 2011 Division 5 championship. There is more to it than that, though. The squad has stuck together and learned as a unit. Brining their tackle experience in and coming out with some solid flag experience and knowledge has helped. Also new addition Jeremie Tremblay-Brisebois has added depth to an already solid offense.
 
5 – Sea Assassins (3-1-0) – Final season prediction {7-3-0}
I was guilty of not talking about Sea Assassins. Almost not at all. Until I saw them play. And as a team that moved up from last season, they’re scary. (So is Daniel Lazzara’s cadence voice). They’re another team guilty of something outside of their control – lax schedule. However, if they keep putting up huge margins on other teams, they might just be ready for the big dogs anyways.
 
4 – Clockwork (3-1-0) – Final season prediction {8-2-0}
Like I said earlier, it’s harder to gauge Clockwork because they’ve technically played one game less than everyone else. It’s obvious that they have skill on the team. But how will they measure up when the going gets tough? We’ve already seen the clock broken once this season, and I’m thinking it’ll happen once again. But, can they learn from it in before playoffs? TIME will tell.
 
3 – La Sauce (4-0-0) – Final season prediction {9-1-0}
They started out being scariest and being the top dog. While they’re still scary, their offense seems to be slowing down a bit. Francois Raymond spreads the ball well and spreads the wealth among his receivers, and the defense is a tough one to go up against. So what’s missing? Maybe some drive and ferocity would be the difference maker here. 
 
2 – Toute Garnie (4-0-0) – Final season prediction {10-0-0}
They’re a well put together team. They’ve got the mix of the speed, the chemistry and the playmakers. Great guys who are familiar faces in the league, with a few new additions. I’ve mentioned Tim Godber in the past, but he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on when you’re going up against Toute Garnie. It also seems like it’s championship or bust for them this season, so they’re going to give it their all.
 
1 – The Incredibles – (5-0-0) – Final season prediction {10-0-0}
I’m a believer. Not that I wasn’t in the past, but they really improve season after season. Also adding depth with Alex Sepasi at the rusher position, it isn’t just the usual suspects that you keep hearing anymore (although Peterson and Bertoldi are certainly present, I assure you). We’re seeing big plays coming out of Libman, Stein and Cho, something that’s showing that this team is much more than a one-trick pony. A well-deserved top spot for this team. 
 
 
Random Thoughts 
 
– I have NO IDEA what I was talking about when I came up with that steak/lobster metaphor.

– It breaks my heart to predict Simon Dagenais to win this week.

Quick Picks



Ugh, the predictions. Sure I could give you some spiel about how I don’t play in D4 and all that business, but the truth of the matter is this: D4 is fantastic. It’s getting harder and harder for me to pick winners in D4 because of the parity that’s rampant throughout the division. Forget what Simon says (after all, what good are a few errant words here and there about stat lines and quoting games that already happened?)… I’m going to get down to business with these predictions. Let’s hope that my insight and breakdowns of the various teams will give me a bit of a benefit in this week’s picks.
 
#NoRegard vs. The Incredibles –  The Incredibles
Bruizers vs. Channel 4 News Team – Bruizers
Coyotes vs. Gunslingers – Coyotes
FTP 2.0 vs. Rogues – Rogues  
Sea Assassins vs. Vis Motus – Sea Assassins
The Commission vs. Football Old Timers Club – The Commission
Broccasion vs. Past Our Prime – Broccasion
Patriotes vs. Dark Side – Dark Side
Cool Kidz vs.Falcons – Falcons
Les Buddays vs. Longhorns – Les Buddays
Mustangs du Gridiron vs. Gators – Gators
Spartans vs. Certified Flyguyz – Spartans
Backyard Bullies vs. SWCP Bulldogs – Backyard Bullies
Marauders vs. Green Nation – Marauders
Clockwork vs. Yari’s Autonomics – Clockwork
Underrated vs. Knights – Knights
The Family vs. No Punt Intended – No Punt Intended
Sphinx vs. Ball Busters – Ball Busters
La Sauce vs. Thunder – La Sauce
Park-X Streets vs. Outlaws –  Outlaws
Pitbulls vs. Discount Double Check – Discount Double Check  
Maccabi vs. Smokin’ Aces – Smokin’ Aces
KGP Lite vs. Nutcrackers – KGP Lite

If you’re part of Conference B, I’m sorry that there wasn’t much here for you. There’s always next week though! Here’s hoping that you can wait that long. If anything, Conference B will be a bit more accurate because you’ll all have had an extra week under your belts. If you can’t wait that long and want to be told how good you are, you’ll have to email me at [email protected] 
  
  
Quote of the Week

“Ref, if he’s lowering the boom, I’m lowering too.” – Marco Bertoldi