The GM’s Scouting Report (Div 1&2)

With the intensity of the Olympic hockey heating up as we approach the finals, one has to wonder exactly how long it’ll take us before flag football becomes a summer Olympic sport. Debatably, is it even necessary as we have FPF?

 

We’ve hit the mid-season point in the Winter 2014 season, and as such I thank you for waiting for the un-biased version of the Division 1 article.

 

However, before I proceed to the breakdown, here are the current rankings for the FPF fantasy players for D1/D2:

 

1. Rehan (2-0, +121.36)

2. G.M. (1-1, +33.16)

3. Scoop (1-1, -12.2)

4. Moe (1-1, -53.59)

5. Vince (1-1, -77.22)

6. Don (0-2, -11.51)

 

This week’s matchups will be Rehan vs. Moe, Nardone vs. Don and I will face off against Scoop to widen my gap on the others with +/- points.

 

Midseason Breakdown:

 

Division 2:

 

13. GoonzSquad – Despite their one win compared to the lack of one for the Wolverines, I’ve still put GoonzSquad at the bottom. I’m really not convinced that a QB that relies almost solely on his feet will ever be successful in Division 2. As I said on the podcast, this team has some exceptional athletes including J-N Derenoncourt, Sebastien Papineau and Ismael Bamba, but they’re struggling more than they should. Is this most recent win a sign of things to come? They do have an admittedly lighter second-half schedule; there is still a likelihood of sneaking into the playoffs but it will be VERY difficult.

 

12. Wolverines – This is the weakest that we’ve seen the Wolverines in a long time. One would have to wonder if their season in Division C this spring has affected their style of play and made them more accustomed to the offenses and defenses of C, and now they’re having trouble re-adapting. In my opinion, all that’s missing is the drive; that motivation to avoid those costly drops or that extra step or two in securing the interception. They’re likely to win a few which is why I’ve put them ahead of GoonzSquad, but it’s safe to say that their season will end Week 10.

 

11. Top Gunnz – I’m thinking that what Top Gunnz suffer most from is lack of organization. Giving up plays they shouldn’t be and getting called for easy penalties that give their opponents the advantage in the game. They’ve got speed and surprisingly are able to consistently get separation on the deep ball; they need to figure out how to use their strengths and exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. Facing off against DK and ONS in their next two weeks, it’s time to see if Top Gunnz are actually the real deal in the division or just smoke and mirrors.

 

10. Team Padon – A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Gab Cousineau would be the best of the 3 options at QB that Team Padon had been using, and since then we’ve seen them come off of two straight wins. U of M’s QB has been using all of his weapons to his advantage and spreading the ball effectively (the only player without a receiving TD on Padon is Cousineau himself) and looks to be on quite the roll. I’m actually thinking that depending on where Padon finish throughout the season (especially with a decent second-half schedule) they might just be a darkhorse pick for Conference A.

 

9. Pantheres – Their impressive Week 1 win over the Wolverines is looking more and more nominal as the weeks go on unfortunately. They’ve had some rough  outings, but what’s even worse for them is that the bulk of their games have been close (especially their outing against the DK powerhouse.) They’ve got size and they know the game in and out; it just seems that their defense needs to step up and keep the same pace because their offense can only take them so far. They have 3 out of 4 very winnable games coming up and need to keep focus to possibly snag that last playoff spot.

 

8. Served With Ice – Seemingly, the biggest thing standing in the way of Served With Ice are…Served With Ice. From a backup QBs, to a snapper problem and injuries, to late arrivals, it seems like SWI are stacking the deck against them and then trying to dig themselves out of the hole that they’ve put themselves in. While they’re not a top-tier team in the division yet, they do have the ability and the athleticism to ruffle the feathers of a few of the top dogs in the division and have a chance to sneak into the playoffs.

 

7. Wolfpack – In the past, Wolfpack have had the history of catching fire late in the season and then ultimately fizzling in the playoffs (3 D2 finals appearances without a championship.) Some think that this trend is going to continue, while others think that they’re going to fizzle out in the second half of the season. In all honesty, I’m not convinced of either. I think that their chemistry will keep them in games, but that the division is just a little too deep for them to make a finals run this season, barring any major changes to the team.

 

6. Roadrunners – As I mentioned in a previous article, when Patrick Chenard throws in both Division 1 and Division 2, great things happen. You can see just that when comparing his completion percentage from last year (and the previous spring in Division C) to this season. Roadrunners are well built and are benefiting from both chemistry and Chenard’s stellar play. Chenard, Polynice and Arsenault-Hum are some of the best two way players in the entire division, and are playing incredibly as a unit. Not only this, but the playoffs look good for the Roadrunners who have gone toe-to-toe with the top dogs in the division.

 

5. Bodyhype – Surprise of the season in my opinion. Often, players coming from tackle usually go through a major adjustment period to the play of the league, however those with prior FPF experience (McDonald, Osman, Casey and to a lesser extent Bondy) have steered the ship quite well for those just coming from the McGill roster. They’re playing well, but I think that they can play better. Ryne Bondy throws a bullet, and when his receivers start being in the right place at the right time, they’re going to do some serious damage.

 

4. Ice Up Son – While the big names in the division seem to be getting a lot of the press, Ice Up Son seem to be off in the wings. However, don’t mistake that for a sign of weakness; Ice Up Son are definitely a top dog and a team to be feared. They’ve got physicality, size and especially speed to burn. If there’s a team that’s much better than their record indicates, it’s for sure IUS. Scott Kelly has the best TD/INT ratio, and is definitely leading his team to a favorable playoff spot this season.

 

3. D-Boys – Previously #1, they had a falter against the DK powerhouse and will be measured yet again this week against a relentless ONS team. They’re good, but their offense seems to be stepping up and the defense lacking rather than their usual selves. Anthony Comeau has been a much needed edition to put this team over the top, but Marco still needs to utilize the other weapons on his roster as well.  Without a doubt they are going to go far in D2, but I think that in order to become elite, they’ll need to focus on the game rather their own egos.

 

2. One Night Stands – I’d have to say that One Night Stands are my favorite team to watch. One of the only teams in Division 2 that is a team of friends that has grown together, ONS are entertaining to watch because of both their skill and how they play as a team.  It goes without saying that they’ve got a more-than-okay QB, but the rest of the team complements Wyeth’s skill. I was initially critical of this team’s defense, but they seem to be righting the ship and turning the ball over to the offense more often now. Definitely a championship contender.

 

1. DK – I ranked the D-Boys higher than DK earlier in the season, and said that “In order to be the best, you have to beat the best.” Well DK did so soundly and removed ALL doubt. It’s hard to decide who to cover and who to leave open on this team, because each and every one of them will destroy you when you give them a bit of space. Defensively, they game plan just as well as they do on offense and exploit your weaknesses like no other. Like them or hate them, but they are definitely the most dominant team in all of D2 by and far.

 

Division 1:

 

8. Gladiateurs – It’s really been a rough season for the Gladiateurs. I was fully of the opinion that they would have beaten Terror Squad earlier on in the season, but the absence of Francois Lebeau put the game just out of reach for them. They’ll play Terror Squad again Week 10, but have a lot of rough games coming up. I’m thinking that what they’re lacking is just one missing link in the size department. What makes them solid is their chemistry, however, so it might still be a while before we can count them in as contenders in the division.

 

7. Maniax – The thing about Maniax is that even with their previous records, you can never count them out of a game. Having upset top dogs Montreal’s Finest and AAA last spring, every game is winnable for them so long as they can keep themselves calm and in check. Pascal Tshilambo has been a great addition to this team, and is another deep threat to add to the list that includes Verger and Abu. If Rapha can take what the defense is giving to him a little more, rather than forcing the ball, he’s going to cut up defenses left right and center.

 

6. Terror Squad – They’ve moved up after winning, but are only really doing better than the other teams that moved up as well. While they do have some solid playmakers on the team, they could definitely go for size and/or a deeper roster. I’m thinking that they could definitely snag some guys from the up-and-coming Les Monsieur Chats, or even recruit from other leagues to be more competitive in future seasons.  They have winnable games coming up and can likely sneak into the playoffs however it won’t be a picnic for them.

 

5. Rainmakers – A defense that has bulked up and is protecting the lead that Kastner is putting up for them. The Rainmakers are seeing their best season yet, and are slowly climbing in the rankings. It seems like it’s a different player every week that is putting the Rainmakers team on their back and performing admirably. So long as the Rainmakers can keep marching the ball upfield, they will continue to be successful. A matchup this week against the Express will solidify whether or not the Rainmakers are a top dog or were just surging and hot for the time being.

 

4. Express- Whether or not SCC is there, it seems like the Express are making their presence felt. After an absence, the Express’ return to FPF was a forgettable one. However, it seems like this season is going to be one where the Express make a statement. They’re always fired up and ready to take the helm, especially with the size of the players on this squad. Note: Simon Charbonneau-Campeau will need to play this weekend and from here on out in order to be playoff eligible.

 

3. Alkaholiks – After some teeter totting back and forth in the rankings (admittedly both too high AND too low by me depending on the week) it seems like the Alks are finally starting to hit their stride. Still with the key additions, L-O Viens and the move of Renaldo Jordan to snapper both are setting this team on the right track for the rest of the season. It’ll be another long week however until we see how the Alks fare against MTL’s Finest in the game of the week. In the meantime, it looks that they’ll just need to iron out the errors and get back to their winning ways.

 

2. Flag Moi L’Sac – A team that’s quickly becoming one to watch by everyone in the division. Despite their losses (including one where Alex Nadeau-Piuze and Felix Prevost were missing) they are definitely a strong contender and the best addition to Division 1 by and far. They’ve got an incredible amout of talent, and are a perfect example of a team that doesn’t need chemistry and just relies on raw talent. They will definitely be one to watch as the postseason hits; anything can happen and FMS are probably the team that has the most potential to do so.

 

1. Montreal’s Finest – Despite what Donald Shepherd will tell you, I don’t hate Montreal’s Finest. They are without a doubt currently the best team in the division. Do I think that they’ll win the championship? Yes. Do I think they’re the best team to ever play in the league? Yes. Are they invincible? Absolutely not. Montreal’s Finest are good and Kevin Wyeth is putting up the best numbers of his FPF career, but they do still have weaknesses that the other teams can prey upon. However, just because you know what’s coming doesn’t mean that you can stop them…

 

Predictions:

 

Served With Ice vs. Road Runners – N/A

One Night Stands vs. D-Boys – One Night Stands

Bodyhype vs. Team Padon – Bodyhype

DK vs. Hustlers – DK

Wolfpack vs. Wolverines – Wolfpack

 

Express vs. Rainmakers – Express

Montreal’s Finest vs. Terror Squad – Montreal’s Finest

Maniax vs. Alkaholiks – Alkaholiks

 

If you’re sick and tired of what I have to say and want to hear a different opinion, you can always tune into the KHAN & Bomb podcast with Moe Khan and Donald Shepherd Wednesdays on www.theunclehood.com or by downloading the podcast at http://fpf.podomatic.com

 

Until next week, the GM is out.