Categories: Division 5A

The Final Four: Div 5A

After fourteen weeks of intense regular season games and two thrilling rounds of playoff battles, division 5a has boiled down to its last four resilient teams: Baby Sharks, Pigeons, Thunder Buddies, and Reborn Prospects. What began as a sixteen team chase for the championship has now narrowed to a final four that reflects the perfect mix of momentum, experience, and heart

The road here has been anything but predictable. The playoffs wasted no time delivering upsets, none bigger than Ice up’s shocking 32-14 win over NoFlagsGiven in the opening round. NoFlagsGiven, was the regular season’s top seed with a 9-1 record, they had a league-best 344 points scored, and a +79 point differential, they looked like the team to beat all year. Yet when they needed to be at their best, they faltered, and Ice up seized their moment in what was easily the divisions biggest shock. Meanwhile, Baby Sharks — one of the divisions most consistent teams moved past Pump N’ Dump 31-17 in the first round before surviving a close 32-31 win over Vice City in the quarterfinals.

Pigeons, a team that hovered around the middle of the pack all season, have transformed into a dangerous dark horse. After taking down the Dafina Devils, one of the top teams in the regular season, with a tough 18-6 win, they exploded offensively in the quarters, lighting up Ball So Hard University 64-25 and sending a clear message to the rest of the division: they’re no longer just an underdog — they’re a real contender. On the other side, the Thunder Buddies have leaned on their experience and late-game toughness. They crushed Salt’s n a Pepper 45-20 in the opening round and then held on for a 34-31 victory over TuneSquad.

Rounding out the final four is Reborn Prospects, a team with an elite defense that always shows why they belong in this elite group. They survived a tight 21-19 battle against Freshmen XL and then outlasted Ice up 25-18, relying on a defense that repeatedly comes up with clutch stops when it matters most. Their playoff journey hasn’t been the flashiest, but it’s been undeniably effective.

Now, all the attention turns to May 4th at BeauChateau Sportplex, where two semifinal matchups await. The Baby Sharks and Thunder Buddies are set to meet in a matchup that features two of the divisions best offenses. Meanwhile, Reborn Prospects and Pigeons face off in a clash of contrasting styles

The stakes are high. For Baby Sharks, it’s a chance to validate their regular season success and cap off a year of dominance with a championship run. For Thunder Buddies, it’s an opportunity to complete their rise from dangerous contender to outright champion. The Reborn Prospects have the look of a team peaking at the right time, while the Pigeons carry the momentum and belief of a squad that knows it’s capable of anything.

The road to the final is almost complete — all that’s left is for the best to prove they belong.

Pigeons VS Reborn Prospects

Pigeons and Reborn Prospects prepare to battle for a spot in the championship game. When these two teams met in the regular season on January 15, the Pigeons pulled away in the second half for a 36-25 victory, fueled by quarterback Mass Chiricosta’s 4 touchdown performance.

This time, Reborn Prospects will start with Samuel Omombo at quarterback. Omombo, who was not there in their first matchup has thrown for 1,220 yards and 33 touchdowns this season, leads an offense loaded with playmakers like J.J. Fortuna (439 yards, 11 TDs), Nathanael Dinku (411 yards, 11 TDs), and Kevin Joseph (301 yards, 9 TDs). The Prospects will need to protect the ball and avoid the second-half collapse that doomed them in their last meeting.

The Pigeons come in with a great roster, headlined by Steven Parisi (300 yards, 7 TDs), Luca Chiricosta (283 yards, 6 TDs), and Luca Cioffi (249 yards, 6 TDs). On defense, the Pigeons lean on Chiricosta’s disruptive presence (14 tackles, 2 interceptions, 9 sacks) to pressure opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers.

Prediction: The Pigeons’ defensive pressure will prove just enough to edge out the Reborn Prospects in a tight contest. Look for a late defensive stop to seal a 34-28 win for the Pigeons and send them to the championship game.

Baby Sharks VS Thunder Buddies

Baby Sharks and Thunder Buddies have the most interesting offenses in the division. Both teams have surged through the playoffs, and with a spot in the championship game on the line, this matchup is a must watch.

The Baby Sharks are led by quarterback Jérémie Laplante, who’s thrown for 1,629 yards and 41 touchdowns, connecting all season to a tall and dangerous receiving corps. Maxime Sharkawi (493 yards, 21 TDs) has been the go-to weapon, while Louis-Philippe Grenier-Morin and Justin Frappier add explosive secondary options. On defense, Jonathan Caron (16 TKL, 3 INT, 2 TDs) and Oliver Saint-Juste (28 TKL, 2 INT) anchor a unit that can swing momentum with timely stops.

The Thunder Buddies counter with veteran QB Terry Babalis, who has passed for 1,605 yards, 36 touchdowns, and added 271 rushing yards with 3 scores on the ground, making him a dual-threat nightmare. His top targets include William Power (493 yards, 11 TDs) and Quentin Leduc (260 yards, 12 TDs), while David St Jean and Simon Valiquette round out a versatile receiving group. Defensively, the Buddies boast ballhawks like Power (5 INTs) and Leduc (4 INTs), along with pass-rushers Benjamin Lepetit and David St Jean, each with three sacks.

Prediction: The Baby Sharks’ high-powered offense and superior depth will be too much for the Thunder Buddies to handle. Look for Jérémie Laplante and Maxime Sharkawi to light up the scoreboard early and often, while the Sharks’ defense limits Babalis’ impact both in the air and on the ground. Baby Sharks roll to a commanding 40-26 victory and punch their ticket to the championship.