The Big Lebofsky Looks to Lead Clockwork in Divisional Round

Peeze’s Playbook

Divisional Round

by Paolo Della Rocca

 

I missed last week’s article due to many rounds with a bottle of Jameson.  If you think I was bad you should have seen the other guy.  The other guy in this case being a pile of empty bottles and the remnants of a  case of beer I scarcely remember.  Lots has happened since. My personal March Madness has turned into March Sadness, so I have turned my attention to reporting the comings and goings over the last two weeks, the season on the whole the award winners and the upcoming matchups.

 

Thank you for the plethora of complaints…it let’s me know I’m missed 🙂

 

Week 10

 

1$ Tacos go for 46 Points

 

There were some concerns about Dan “Tacos” Lazarra coming into the season.  One such was concern was how he would fare against some of the more established quarterbacks in the division.  How would he do when facing Marco Masciotra and Kevin Wyeth.  When Lazarra faced Masciotra in his first such meeting he may have been star struck as Waste Yout took the L to D-Boys.  

 

It did appear that Dan Lazzara was better prepared this time around.  When being chased by rusher Olivier Bourdages, Lazzara rolled out and continued to buy time.  This is an aspect of his game that is seldom mentioned but is hugely important.  His ability to throw while moving was on display in this game. Stephen Casey and Jarryd Taylor combined for 8 catches 74 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Many of the receptions by Waste Your receivers came as Dan Lazzara completed easy passes on the sideline.  Justin Julien Jr. added to the offensive contributions will more than 100 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns.  

 

Montreal’s Finest did what they normally do on offence.  They moved the ball well and Kevin Wyeth exploited the matchups he felt were in his favor.  Brian Lariviere was the recipient of many 1/3 of a slant read as he caught 8 passes for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Pat Jerome was not to be out done however as he caught 9 passes and scored a touchdown in this game.    

 

While Dan Lazzara and Kevin Wyeth both played good games, and both threw 1 interception, it would be Kevin Wyeth’s game to lose.  He threw a redzone interception to Justin Julien and failed to convert on 5 extra points.  This would have the game end 46-43 in favour of Waste Yout.

 

The Ever Glads is NOT the Name of a Swamp

 

Sometimes a headline is simply factual…

 

Francois Lebeau is a bad man when he is on his game. This was the case when Gladiateurs faced off against STL. Lebeau was 18/30 and threw 4 touchdowns while keeping the ball away from lurking defenders. Dylan Taylor of STL cannot say the same as he threw 2 interceptions in this game (one by Alex Nadeau-Piuze and another by Marc Andre Brochu).  The only STL defender who truly had an impact on this game seems to have been Terrance Adams.  While he recorded 2 sacks and added a PD for good mesare, it doesn’t appear to have thrown off the Glads who were able to score 40 points in this game.       

 

Gladiateurs receiver Alex Lever was the most commonly used receiver as he hauled in 7 catches for 60 yards in this game.  However, Nicholas Guimier and Alex Nadeau Piuze were able to get into the end zone while JP St.Pierre was able to score twice.  Combined with a running touchdown by Francois Lebeau, Gladiateurs offence looked to be on fire.

 

STL finally struggled after many weeks of domination. Jamie and Theo Ojeaha scored a touchdown a piece, and Thierry Gerville scored as well. Dylan Taylor took some shots deep and was rewarded. However, it was when having to drive the field that he did not appear to be entirely effective. The Glads are an experienced group and can make it tough for most quarterbacks in the division.  The Gladiateurs were able to walk away with a 40-20 win in this game.

 

Week 11

 

DK…Darlinggggggggg

 

No top tier team in recent memory has ever been as far behind the 8-ball as DK was this season in Division 1.  The season started with a bizarre, and some would say, lucky win over Got-Skills.  Week 11 saw a rematch between of week1 and last winter’s final.  

 

The stage was set between Nic Centomo and Rochdi Benabdelkader.  One is an established name and the other a new face with a ton of ability.  This game however would favour the much more familiar Rochdi Benabdelkader as he threw for 228 yards and 6 touchdowns and had an unblemished record in a game where their season was on the line. Perhaps the greatest difference for DK was the return of the non-playoff eligible receiver Serge Pilot Jr.  I giggle every time I get to use DK and return in the same sentence; my geek bone is truly tickled.  Yup, the geek bone is exactly where you think it is.  Serge Pilot Jt. clearly ha an impact this game as he allied 2 touchdowns and led the team with a team leading 7 tackles.  The dude was everywhere. It’s a shame he won’t be in the playoffs.

 

A man who will be playoff eligible was all man in Week 11 is JC Mercille.  In a very un-Chicago Bears like performance Mercille cut up the defence for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns.   In the end however, the mistake that would put the game out of hand, was a stray pass by Got-Skills quarterback Nicola Centomo that was intercepted by Nicolas-Arsenault Hum.  DK would end up making the playoffs with a 40-24 win over Got-Skills.

 

Droogies Unite

 

Anytime we see Marco Masciotra and Kevin Wyeth take the field you know it’ll be a worthwhile event. The week 11 matchup between Clockwork and ONS shows that the schedule makers @ FPF know what they’re doing.  The two arm studs (does that make them arms bred for reproducing (Man, their are some amazing and terrifying matrix like implications here.  OR if you prefer, some order 66 related ideologies that have converted me toward the benefits of cloning…but I digress). 

 

Despite the armed sheep in this matchup the heroes for Clockwork were Kyle Lerbofsky and a guy named Matt.  Obviously the Matt in question is not Matt Kirouac who’s exploits have been largely exaggerated and his legend far exceed the shadows cast by his nether regions (or so I have been told by many scantily clad memories who curse his name).  Instead Matt Petrone was the Matt of note.  The Bulldog,  was tied for the team lead in catches and touchdownwns as he converted 2 of his 6 catches for touchdowns.  However, while he tied Lebofsky for the game highs in 2 of the most important categories, he did not have that type of impact on defense.  Lebofsky recorded an interception and 2 pass defended in this matchup. 

 

ONS did keep pace for most of the game.  I met up with Tony Lalla later and he expressed the injury concerns with his team as he informed me that Scott Payne and Chris Pinsonneault have been far from 100% and in and out of the lineup.  They did appear in this game however as Scot Payne caught 3 passes and recorded a touchdown while Chris Pinsonneault added a touchdown as well.  However, this would prove to be too little in a machup of arms and overcast shadows as Clockwork defeated ONS by a score of 48-43.

 

Award Winners and Overreactions

 

Division 1

Quarterback of the Year

#10 Alex Nadeau-Piuze – Flag Moi L’Sac

2382 yds 60 TD 3 INT 69.4% 127.0 QBR

 

Receiver of the Year

Samuel Nadeau-Piuze (Flag Moi l’Sac)

67 rec 775 yds 27 TD

 

Defensive Player of the Year

Tam Vilaydeth (DK)

3 tkl 14 sacks 1 PD

 

Two Way Player of the Year:

Marco Masioctra (D-Boys)

2072 yds 51 TD 6 INT 118.8 QBR / 13 tkl 5 INT 4 PD

 

So for many seasons now we’ve referred to the QB of the year award as the Kevin Wyeth award.  While Wyeth almost won the award for his (fill in ridiculous number) consecutive season, closer analysis showed that Alexandre Nadeau Piuze’s rushing numbers gave him the edge.  This may have created controversy but a completed pass, like a run is the advancement of the ball. Scoring with your feet also grants you 6 points.  

 

His brother, Samuel Nadeau Piuze, took the receiver of the year award having caught 27 touchdowns which is good enough to grant him the second highest total in a season in FPF history.  Tam Vilaydeth’s 14 sacks is a huge year in FPF and it was rightly awarded over a collection of guys with 4-5 interceptions.  One such player with is Marco Masciotra who’s 5 interceptions and mediocre (for him) 51 passing touchdowns earned him recognition as Two Way player of the year.

 

 

Division 2

Quarterback of the Year

Daniel Lazzara (Dan & Co)

2400 yds 63 TD 6 INT 76.8% 135.9 QBR

 

Receiver of the Year

Zack Jauniaux (Dan & Co)

40 rec 572 yds 20 TD

 

Defensive Player of the Year

Kyle Lebofsky (Clockwork)

25 tkl 9 INT 8 PD 2 TD

 

Two Way Player of the Year

Nicolas Arsenault-Hum (Chernobyl)

56 rec 609 yds 19 TD / 9 tkl 5 INT 3 PD 1 TD

 

Sometimes, friendship and teamwork are awesome.  Sometimes, it costs you awards.  This was the case for FPF’ travelling man Matt Kirouac.  While it looked as though he was on the road again on his way to adding a piece of hardware to his mantle, he was usurped (that’s right usurped!) by Clockwork teammate Kyle Lebofsky.  Kirouac also had a great defensive season after recording 17 sacks and 2 interceptions.  However, with Nicolas Arsenault-Hum walking away with the Two Way Player of the Year it assured that Lebofsky won the defensive player of the year with relative ease.

 

 

Revisionist History

 

Division 1

 

Final Standings

 

Team GP PTS Wins PA

1 Montreal’s Finest 10 16 8 318

2 D-Boys 10 14 7 269

3 Flag Moi l’Sac 10 12 6 361

4 Waste Yout 10 9 4 374

5 DK 10 8 4 336

6 Got-Skills 10 8 4 316

—————————————————————————

7 Loonatics 10 7 3 347

8 Rainmakers 10 6 3 408

 

While I did think D-Boys would overtake Montreal’s Finests as the 1 seed heading into the season, it is clear that these two teams remain the best of the best in Division 1. DK did not perform as well as I expected while Waste Yout have been the disrupters I expected them to be heading into the season.  Likewise, while I didn’t get the order right,  Got-Skills, Loonatics and Rainmakers were the bottom three teams in the division.  Of the three I need to give some love to Got-Skills who Got-hammered with the toughest schedule in the division and still made the playoffs.

 

Division 2

 

Conference A

Team GP PTS Wins PA Div Record

1 Dan & Co. 10 16 8 280 [6-1-2]

2 STL 10 15 7 243 [7-1-1]

3 Clockwork 10 14 7 264 [5-3-0]

4 Incredibles 10 12 5 267 [5-3-1]

5 ONS 10 12 6 313 [6-2-0]

6 Chronic Pain 10 10 5 267 [5-4-0]

7 Wolverines 10 6 3 343 [3-6-0]

8 Points R’ Us 10 6 3 320 [3-6-0]

—————————————————————————————

9 EMPS 10 2 1 517 [1-8-0]

10 Wild Boys 10 2 1 301 [1-8-0]

 

 

Conference B

Team GP PTS Wins PA Div Record

1 Braves 10 17 8 255 [7-1-1]

2 Grip n Rip 10 14 7 305 [6-3-0]

3 #NR 10 13 6 291 [6-3-0]

4 Gladiateurs 10 12 6 351 [5-4-0]

5 Monstars 10 12 6 353 [5-4-0]

6 Served with Ice 10 10 5 296 [4-5-0]

7 Usual Suspects 10 10 5 393 [4-5-0]

8 Chernobyl 10 9 3 339 [4-4-1]

——————————————————————————————

9 Terror Squad 10 6 3 307 [2-7-0]

10 CLR Forces 10 2 1 402 [1-8-0]

 

Heading into the season I thought that Clockwork were head and shoulders above the rest.  They had a largely successful season but, at times they faltered in ways that Dan & Co. and newcomers Braves did not. I thought Monstars would have a successful campaign, and they did, howeer, it does appear that they are not quite, one of the elite teams in the division. Served With Ice and Chernobyl both struggled at times this season and turned out to be middle of the pack teams.  Similar can be said of ONS who were far from dominant this season. In the same light, I was right about Incredibles and Chronic Pain who are solid teams but ultimately won’t make a ton of noise in the tournament. I slept on STL, #NR and Grip N’ Rip, all of whom are better than I gave them credit for.

 

Hungover Visions of the World of Tomorrow

 

Waste Yout vs. DK

Previous Result: Waste Yout 39-DK 32

 

Analysis: I have once heard of DK quarterback Rochdi Benabdelkader “needs the best receivers in FPF to be effective”.  I don’t believe this to be the case.  I will say however, that his reliance on Serge Pilon Jr. came to the forefront this season in his absence.  For DK to be successful, Rochdi Benabdelkader will need to find another player who can exploit the defence in space. Alex Pilot is the next likely receiver to do so but I feel as though quick passes to the monstrous Nicholas Aresenault-Hum and him turn up field against a slew of terrified defenders.  Defensively, DK needs to limit Waste Your to no more than 4 scores.  If Dan Lazzara is able to score 5 times, it will likely come down to converts and if he scores 6 times, it will not be close.

 

Dan Lazzara’s ability to spread the ball among Justin Julien Jr, James Ohayon, Quaid Johnson and Jarryd Taylor has been downright impressive.  This is Waste Yout’s greatest strength in that any receiver can step up and do damage.  This unpredictability will be an absolute asset in this game. Last time they played, DK rusher Tam Vilaydeth sacked Dan Lazarra 3 times.  Lazarra is more mobile than he gets credit for.  However, I believe that while it didn’t hurt him the first time lost yardage will haunt him if this happens again.

 

Prediction: Waste Yout 39- DK 32

 

 

Flag Moi L’Sac vs. Got Skills

Previous Result: Got Skills 40- Flag Moi L’Sac 33

 

Analysis: When they last played, the game got off to a frantic pace.  The second half seemed to be a different game as the game slowed to a snail’s pace.  I am of the belief that a slower pace favours Got-Skills.  Nic Centomo is notoriously one of the slowest play callers in the division.  The more time Got Skills has with the ball, the more likely they will make a mistake.  This isn’t a knock on them as much as it is that I trust QBOY Alex Nadeau Piuze by a far wider margin.  In this battle of brothers, last season saw the Centomo brothers being the more effective than those who hail of the Nadeau Piuze family crest.  This time around I would be surprised if they allow David Centomo to have the same kind of impact as he had last time around (3 touchdowns).

 

Since the 90 point slug fest between Flag Moi L’Sac and Montreal’s Finest where FMS were on the losing side of the equation, FMS has gone 3-0.  Samuel Nadeau-Piuze did not have a huge impact in the previous matchup but his ability to cut in quick or make a plus downfield between safeties has been a headache for most teams to stop. Now that Mikhail Davidson has qualified for the playoffs this just adds to the threats.

 

Prediction: Flag Moi L’Sac 43- Got Skills 25

 

Division 2

 

Clockwork vs. Chronic Pain

Previous Result: Clockwork 38- Chronic Pain 14

 

Analysis: Clockwork has had moments this season where they have struggled and other moments where they have looked good.  When these two teams last met up, it was one of those games where Clockwork looked great.  I don’t like this matchup for Chronic Pain at all.  I feel that Clockwork is a better version of what Chronic Pain is.  Both teams have big names and great athletes across the board.  However, Clockwork just seems to have an edge everywhere, whereas few other teams can claim this.

 

For Chronic Pain to have a chance, they will need to disrupt the timing on Marco Masciotra’s deep ins that are normally incredibly deadly.  Chronic Pain has two elements where they may provide an advantage.  The advantages are in Paul Lapierre’s who’s role in the Redzone is difficult to defend due to his sheer size and the rushing of Jon Lyristis which is troublesome to many, mostly pocket quarterbacks such as Marco Masciotra.

 

Kyle “The Big” Lebofsky is one to watch out for in this game.  He makes 1-2 plays per game that has a deep and profound impact.  Yet, I look for big contributions from supporting cast Matt Petrone, Emilio Pampena and Alex Apostolakis.

 

Prediction: Clockwork 36-Chronic Pain 19

 

 

Gladiateurs vs. Monstars

Previous result: Gladiateurs 53- Monsters 52

 

Analysis: I used to have a saying where I indicated that it was difficult to beat the same team twice in FPF.  I have since amended this to “if two teams are similar, it’s hard for a team to beat the other twice”.  This is going to be the case here.  While, the Glads did turn their season around starting from their first meeting.  

 

This is going to be an amazing entertaining game where 0 defence will be played.  This is my kind of game.  Rod Mashtoub of Monsters will go head to head with Gladiateurs Francois Lebeau.  These two guys can sling it.  However, I think that the Monsters have more dynamic athletes who can force an error (Isiah “the despised” Allard not included. I expect Theo Bekelis to be the catalyst to impact this game.  On offence, I have trouble seeing who can stop Fred Viens and Anthony “Crackwood” Brisebois.

 

For the Glads, Alex Lever will likely have an impact but the players who stretch the field (JP St.Pierre and Alex Nadeau Piuze will need to keep applying pressure on the Monstars. Marc Andre Brochu led the team in interceptions and will have to lead the defence once more if th Glads are to move on to the next round.

 

Prediction: Monstars 54-Gladiateurs 48

 

 

STL vs. Wolverines

Previous result: STL 49 vs. Wolverines 12 

 

Analysis: I have done my share of doubting Tony Tabet in my career in FPF media.  I have learned the hard way that this is not wise. If Tabet plays, this will be a close game.  In the last three games of the season, Wolverines have gotten blown out it has been without Tabet behind centre.  As good a player as Sevag Kaloussian is, he is not the pivot that Tony Tabet is. There are no secrets in this one.  STL was a fast paced game where they can run up the score and Wolverines want to slow this down to a snail’s pace. Shane Paquette is great at moving the chains and working to keep this offence on track.  He will be one of the leaders is the Wolverines are to see success.

 

The team I was most wrong about this season was STL.  They are dominant on both sides of the ball and Dylan Taylor has developed into a legitimate high division QB.  The size of Justine Edwards and Guillaume De Palma is difficult to deal with.  However, I see the speed of Theo and Jamie Ojeaha being the difference early and often.  Dylan Taylor will look to put this game out of reach in the first 5 minutes.  He just may be able to

 

Prediction: STL 36-Wolverines 13

 

Incredibles vs ONS

Previous Result: Incredibles 46- ONS 28

 

Analysis: I have said all season long that ONS will have struggle against teams who are explosive due to their lack of top end speed.  We saw this in their first matchup as ONS simply could not run with the Incredibles, Vince Nardone, Alex Pilon, Chris Milard and Sasha Papich is a lot to deal with.  Essentially everyone except for Terry Tam is a threat on this team (getting married seems to have aged this famed snapper a great deal).  

 

However, there is something that keeps me doubting that Incredibles can repeat their previous result.  Oh yeah, Kevin Wyeth is the reason.  Kevin Wyeth can take a bunch of shopping carts and turn them into uncover able receivers.  ONS are far better than a collection of shopping carts. Chris Pinsonneault and Scott Payne are not entirely healthy and haven’t been for the last couple of weeks.  They will however, give everything they have in somewhat of a tough matchup.  Tony Lalla and Brian Lariviere will need to help the offence move consistently and allow this game to play out in their favour.

 

Prediction: ONS 26-Incredibles 24

 

 

Dan & Co. vs. Points R’Us

Previous Result: Dan & Co. 46-Points R’Us 32.

 

Analysis: Dan “Tacos” Lazzara seems to be taking PRUS lightly given their previous matchup and the fact that James Floreani has since flown the coup.  I will say that Danny D’Amour has done alright in his absence.  He has grown a lot as a quarterback.  The team is  still putting up points and Danny Love has avoided throwing interceptions.  He is also a great defender along with the likes of Jacob Bernett and Frederic Brunette, there are defenders that can make plays.

 

Points R’ Us are likely up against it however as Dan Lazzara is the next coming of FPF QB’s.  Just ask him…he’ll tell you…he’ll not stop telling you about how great he is. There is good reason for that of course and Dan & Co. is a team built for his success. Zach Jauniaux is a speedster and gave Jacob Bernett fits last time around.  Since Jauniaux is not slower than he was weeks ago, I don’t expect that this would change.  Alex Blanchet is another receiver I expect to have a big game and I think Dan & Co. will come away with a win but I do think it will be closer than expected.

 

Prediction: Dan & Co. 30- Points R’ Us 26

 

 

Grip N’ Rip vs. Usual Suspects

Previous Result: Usual Suspects 42- Grip n’ Rip 39

 

Analysis: Captain Rob White is surely atop his soap box reminding his team that they’ve already upset GN’R earlier this season.  Meanwhile, Grip N’Rip’s Vinny Gualano is preaching “remember the Alamo”. Last time around, the “Silver Fox” Rick Nincheri was unstoppable and connected with Andrew Carruthers 4 times for touchdowns.  This time around Grip N’ Rip will surely have made the adjustment.  

 

For Usual Suspects, less is more.  Their top 7 players are their best roster.  Andrew Carruthers, Rick Nincheri, Rob White, Hinsley Adams, Jonathan Grizzley, Carmine Police and Antonio Lanni  round out a competitive roster.  These are, for the most part, the only players who are playoff eligible.  So, Usual Suspects will be in this game and an upset is not unrealisticc.  Vinny Gualano for Grip N’ Rip needs to avoid mistakes.  He is aware that their last meeting resulted in a loss due to his inefficiency.  In the playoffs Gualano will need to be perfect. Jamal GIttens and Anthony Vendrame will be the top two targets but I expect that if a big play is needed, Gualano will target Matthew Da Silva.

 

Prediction: Usual Suspect 38-Grip N’Rip 34

 

 

#NR vs. Served with Ice

Previous Result: #NR 33- Served With Ice 25

Fake News is a term that has been pervasive in our culture since they were uttered by US President Donald Trump.  While, the messenger is flawed, the idea that the news is biased and has ulterior motives is not a new idea.  However, the doubts that D1/2 analysts (Simon Dagenais, Terry Tam and myself) expressed is not such an example. Our doubts all stemmed from the unknown.  We did not know how quarterback Corey Pecker would do with his new team.  It turns out that the match was that of a www.match.com success story. Pecker swiped right on his connections with Travis and Jordan Moses.  Still I think his ability to use Jeremy Anderson to move the ball will prove to either be the reason #NR is successful or it will prove to be their albatross drowning them from contention.

 

In their last meeting SWI quarterback Jordan Panetta was somewhat limited.  They will need more than 2 touchdowns to be successful. The receiving duo of Mikhail Davidson and JD Chevalier should have been more successful this season.  I think come playoff time, these two and their quarterback will be more in sync.  However, SWI has been somewhat lethargic all season.  They will need to hype themselves up if they’re going to meet #NR’s intensity.

 

Prediction: #NR 30- Served With Ice 20

 

 

Braves vs. Chernobyl

Previous Result: Braves 25- Chernobyl 25

 

Analysis: Braves are the team that FPF blue bloods did not want to succeed.  However, the talents of quarterback Jonathan Maheu and offensive/defensive Swiss Army knife Georges Gariepy have proven to be among the divison’s most talented.  The last matchup yielded a tie.  This doesn’t provide a ton of insight but, Gariepy did score thrice on offence and both Maheu and Chernobyl QB Pat Chenard made a ton of mistakes as each quarterback threw 3 interceptions.

 

Chernobyl’s Nicholas Arsenaut-Hum provided two of those interceptions and if Maheu makes any mistakes this time around, I expect that Arsenault-Hum will be the beneficiary.  Last time these two met, Chernobyl were in early season form.  Those who know the division well know that Chernobyl take 3-4 weeks to truly get going. However, Chernobyl have been unable to gain traction this season as they kind of mindlessly stumbled into the playoffs. Still, I have to believe that the team of Mathieu Thout, Matt bond and Jean Francois Marquis can elevate for the playoffs against a team who has yet to see the intensity of the FPF playoffs.

 

Prediction: Chernobyl 33- Braves 26

 

Sunday’s Silly Spectacle

 

For further analysis, tune in to the official FPF Division 1/2 podcast Calling the Audible, where Simon Dagenais and Terry Tam discuss the upcoming season of Archer, rate the area’s top 3 sugar shacks based on which is most likely to induce diabetes and why Jurassic Park should be built in Cincinnati, Ohio. . Remember that you can catch the Division 1/2 podcast as well as all episodes of calling the audible by visiting www.youtube.com/flagplus (alternatively, you can return to this article and click the link provided). Feel free to criticize me by reaching me on Twitter @PeezeFPF (as I am on most social media) or by messaging me on Facebook @Peeze Della Reeze.