Diamond City Flag Football League
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Playoff Recap & All Diamond City Flag Football Teams
by: Wes Pettebone & JK Charizard
(posted Thursday, December 24, 2020)
Editor’s Note: These selections are merely for fun to keep our readers and players in the league engaged. Any issues, please contact our lawyer, Martin J. Telencio.
Quick recap of the playoff games. Once again we saw the Silent Assassins vs another Cliff Francis-led team in Busch Lattes. Busch Lattes came in as the #4 seed and came away with a win in the final seconds vs The Undecided 34-33. A 2-point try where The Undecided did not blitz a soul gave wideout Jeremy Francis all the time in the world to find an open space to secure the victory. In the other 1st round matchup, #6 Pylon pulled off the upset over #3 Outlaws 27-18. The semi- Final match ups were set with #1 Assassins vs #6 Pylon your mom and #2 Heavyweights vs #4 Busch Lattes. In match-up one, the Assassins without QB1 Mike Gerardi and Pylon were in a 0-0 game until about 8 minutes left in the game when the Assassins finally made a QB switch and a tipped pass led to the 1st touchdown of the game, from there the Assassins piled it on with 2 pick 6s from Ryan Womack and another score to seal the deal 25-0. In the other semi-final, in a back and forth game, again it was aJeremy Francis catch with :30 seconds left in front of 3 HW defenders to take the lead 36-30. The defense held on and the Championship game was set. Busch Lattes came out firing in the championship game hitting a deep ball to TK, few plays later on a 4th and goal, they scored the 1st touchdown of the game and took a 7-0 lead. Assassins started off with Cirello at QB again but quickly made the switch to 3rd string QB Rashaun Mathis. Mathis led the team to a touchdown before half and it was 7-6 Busch Lattes at the half. The Assassins captain made some 2nd half adjustments and the Assassins jumped out to a 25-7 lead led by Rashaun Mathis 3 touchdown passes with less than 7 minutes left in the game. However, the Lattes scratched and crawled their way back scoring on back to back big plays on back to back drives to make it 25-21. However, Assassins were able to secure a 1st down and run the clock down to secure their 2nd consecutive championship and became the 1st DCFFL back-to-back champions!
ALL REFEREE TEAM
Rashaun Mathis - Reffed the most games this year with 15
John Kotsko - Reffed 11 games and best stat-taker in the game
Sean Carr - Reffed 10 games and was very reliable
Kevin Sickle - Nobody better in big time games
1st Team Offense
Quarterback (QB) - Nick Dye, Heavyweights - Led League with a total of 39 touchdowns. Led all QBs with 25 Touchdown Passes and tied single-season rushing touchdown record with 13.
Wide Receiver (WR) - Vinnie Cirello, Silent Assassins - Led League in receptions (49), touchdowns and conversions (10) and tied for the lead with 17 receiving touchdowns.. Broke single-season record for most 2 point conversions with 8.
WR - Jeremy Francis, Busch Lattes - As solid as they come, was 2nd in the league in receptions(46) and scored 8 total offensive touchdowns.
WR - Larry Anderscavage, The Undecided - Was voted ROY, OPOY, and League MVP. Larry had 33 receptions and tied for 1st in touchdowns with 17.
Offensive Line (OL) - Cliff Francis, Busch Lattes - Voted Offensive Lineman of the Year. There was nobody better than Francis on the line protecting his QB.
OL - Martin J. Telencio, Heavyweights - Self-Proclaimed “mouth of the south”. Held it down for the Heavyweights line which led their QB to the most rushing touchdowns in the league.
OL - Marquis Branch, Outlaws - The Pancake maker as he likes to call himself as a solid year on the line for new team and was fun to watch weekly.
Athlete (Ath) - Anthony Maurent, Silent Assassins - As dynamic as they come, Maurent benefited from the new rules. Led all non-qbs with 5 rushing touchdowns and had a total of 8 offensive touchdowns. Was a force when the ball was in his hands.
Punter (P) - Rashaun Mathis, Silent Assassins - New rules to the league that went over well. Mathis had some boom punts and some nicely placed punts as well. Can tell this kid was a punter back in the day.
1st Team Defense
Defensive Line (DL) - Ryan Waters, Silent Assassins - Waters was part of the championship squad that led the league with 60 team sacks. Waters led the league with 25 sacks himself.
DL - Breon Phillips, Outlaws - A force to be reckoned with, When Phillips got going. He was one of the best. Finished 2nd in the league in sacks with 19.
DL - Dean Lutinski, Silent Assassins - Another staple on the Assassin line, Lutinski caused havoc for opposing lines. He was like a little pitbull. Lutinski finished 3rd in sacks with 18.
DL/Linebacker (LB) - Craig Nilsson, Heavyweights - Hard not to pick 4 lineman for 1st team. Nilsson led all lineman with 2 defensive touchdowns and also had 14 sacks which was 5th most.
Cornerback (CB) - Brett Caladie, Pain Train - Caladie led the league in interceptions with 10 on a 1st-ever playoff team captained by John Kotsko.
CB - Ryan Womack, Silent Assassins - Womack had 5 interceptions on the season along with 2 pick 6s and a punt return for a touchdown. He was on an Assassin D that led the league in team interceptions and was the 2nd best scoring defense in the league.
Safety (S) - Malik Kaleta, Panthers - One of the bright spots for the Panthers. When not paying attention reffing, newcomer Kaleta had 7 interceptions on the season and 1 touchdown on defense.
Utility (U) - Pat Green, Busch Lattes - Green seemed to do it all on both sides. He was found at multiple positions but on defense he held it down for BL with 8 sacks and 3 interceptions and his play did not go unnoticed.
Quick recap of the playoff games. Once again we saw the Silent Assassins vs another Cliff Francis-led team in Busch Lattes. Busch Lattes came in as the #4 seed and came away with a win in the final seconds vs The Undecided 34-33. A 2-point try where The Undecided did not blitz a soul gave wideout Jeremy Francis all the time in the world to find an open space to secure the victory. In the other 1st round matchup, #6 Pylon pulled off the upset over #3 Outlaws 27-18. The semi- Final match ups were set with #1 Assassins vs #6 Pylon your mom and #2 Heavyweights vs #4 Busch Lattes. In match-up one, the Assassins without QB1 Mike Gerardi and Pylon were in a 0-0 game until about 8 minutes left in the game when the Assassins finally made a QB switch and a tipped pass led to the 1st touchdown of the game, from there the Assassins piled it on with 2 pick 6s from Ryan Womack and another score to seal the deal 25-0. In the other semi-final, in a back and forth game, again it was aJeremy Francis catch with :30 seconds left in front of 3 HW defenders to take the lead 36-30. The defense held on and the Championship game was set. Busch Lattes came out firing in the championship game hitting a deep ball to TK, few plays later on a 4th and goal, they scored the 1st touchdown of the game and took a 7-0 lead. Assassins started off with Cirello at QB again but quickly made the switch to 3rd string QB Rashaun Mathis. Mathis led the team to a touchdown before half and it was 7-6 Busch Lattes at the half. The Assassins captain made some 2nd half adjustments and the Assassins jumped out to a 25-7 lead led by Rashaun Mathis 3 touchdown passes with less than 7 minutes left in the game. However, the Lattes scratched and crawled their way back scoring on back to back big plays on back to back drives to make it 25-21. However, Assassins were able to secure a 1st down and run the clock down to secure their 2nd consecutive championship and became the 1st DCFFL back-to-back champions!
ALL REFEREE TEAM
Rashaun Mathis - Reffed the most games this year with 15
John Kotsko - Reffed 11 games and best stat-taker in the game
Sean Carr - Reffed 10 games and was very reliable
Kevin Sickle - Nobody better in big time games
1st Team Offense
Quarterback (QB) - Nick Dye, Heavyweights - Led League with a total of 39 touchdowns. Led all QBs with 25 Touchdown Passes and tied single-season rushing touchdown record with 13.
Wide Receiver (WR) - Vinnie Cirello, Silent Assassins - Led League in receptions (49), touchdowns and conversions (10) and tied for the lead with 17 receiving touchdowns.. Broke single-season record for most 2 point conversions with 8.
WR - Jeremy Francis, Busch Lattes - As solid as they come, was 2nd in the league in receptions(46) and scored 8 total offensive touchdowns.
WR - Larry Anderscavage, The Undecided - Was voted ROY, OPOY, and League MVP. Larry had 33 receptions and tied for 1st in touchdowns with 17.
Offensive Line (OL) - Cliff Francis, Busch Lattes - Voted Offensive Lineman of the Year. There was nobody better than Francis on the line protecting his QB.
OL - Martin J. Telencio, Heavyweights - Self-Proclaimed “mouth of the south”. Held it down for the Heavyweights line which led their QB to the most rushing touchdowns in the league.
OL - Marquis Branch, Outlaws - The Pancake maker as he likes to call himself as a solid year on the line for new team and was fun to watch weekly.
Athlete (Ath) - Anthony Maurent, Silent Assassins - As dynamic as they come, Maurent benefited from the new rules. Led all non-qbs with 5 rushing touchdowns and had a total of 8 offensive touchdowns. Was a force when the ball was in his hands.
Punter (P) - Rashaun Mathis, Silent Assassins - New rules to the league that went over well. Mathis had some boom punts and some nicely placed punts as well. Can tell this kid was a punter back in the day.
1st Team Defense
Defensive Line (DL) - Ryan Waters, Silent Assassins - Waters was part of the championship squad that led the league with 60 team sacks. Waters led the league with 25 sacks himself.
DL - Breon Phillips, Outlaws - A force to be reckoned with, When Phillips got going. He was one of the best. Finished 2nd in the league in sacks with 19.
DL - Dean Lutinski, Silent Assassins - Another staple on the Assassin line, Lutinski caused havoc for opposing lines. He was like a little pitbull. Lutinski finished 3rd in sacks with 18.
DL/Linebacker (LB) - Craig Nilsson, Heavyweights - Hard not to pick 4 lineman for 1st team. Nilsson led all lineman with 2 defensive touchdowns and also had 14 sacks which was 5th most.
Cornerback (CB) - Brett Caladie, Pain Train - Caladie led the league in interceptions with 10 on a 1st-ever playoff team captained by John Kotsko.
CB - Ryan Womack, Silent Assassins - Womack had 5 interceptions on the season along with 2 pick 6s and a punt return for a touchdown. He was on an Assassin D that led the league in team interceptions and was the 2nd best scoring defense in the league.
Safety (S) - Malik Kaleta, Panthers - One of the bright spots for the Panthers. When not paying attention reffing, newcomer Kaleta had 7 interceptions on the season and 1 touchdown on defense.
Utility (U) - Pat Green, Busch Lattes - Green seemed to do it all on both sides. He was found at multiple positions but on defense he held it down for BL with 8 sacks and 3 interceptions and his play did not go unnoticed.
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2nd Team OFFENSE
QB - Mike Gerardi, Silent Assassins WR - Justin Minor, Pylon WR - Bobby Parada, Heavyweights WR - Darrian Twyman, Outlaws OL - Vince Breese, Silent Assassins OL - John Karazia, Busch Lattes OL - Scott Rosencrans, Heavyweights Ath - Lucky Williams, Outlaws P - Billy Turner, Center of Attention 2ND TEAM DEFENSE DL - Jarod Genasevich, Pylon DL - Nick Budzyn, Silent Assassins DL - Michael Rosario-Clark, Panthers LB - Carlo Mercadante, Silent Assassins CB - Frank Carter, Outlaws CB - Rashaun Jackson, Wilkes-Barre Kings S - Eric Kerr, Silent Assassins U - Hunter Bednardscyzk - Busch Lattes |
3rd TEAM DEFENSE
DL - Ryan Miscavage, Heavyweights DL - Donnell Williams, Busch Lattes DL - John Hodge, Pain Train DL - Vince Mercadante, Silent Assassins CB - Nate Bowden, Outlaws CB - Corey Zilitz, Backyard Bullies S - Matt Ide, Center of Attention U - Dave Parsnik, Heavyweights 3rd TEAM OFFENSE QB - Justin Francis, Busch Lattes RB/WR - Russ Monroe, Heavyweights WR - Brandon Gonzales, Pylon WR - Dajon Rush, The Undecided OL - Bernard Edmonds, Outlaws OL - Brett Martin, Heavyweights OL - Chris Kolativa, Panthers Ath - Kaseem McCree, The Undecided P - Jacob Allen, Pain Train |
Diamond City Flag Football Playoff Report
by: Wes Pettebone
(posted Friday, December 11, 2020)
COVID, injuries, ejections, and more highlighted Season 9 of the DCFFL. Shout-out to the league council this year for putting the safety of everyone in the league above all else. This was no ordinary season, like any other sport in the world right now. Games were rescheduled, weeks were postponed and even cancelled to ensure the safety of all our players. Beyond COVID, some serious injuries also took place this year, which we hate to see some promising athletes had their season cut short. Some teams were able to recover but others faltered. This season had the most teams the DCFFL has had since Season 2 when they had 12 teams competing. This year provided some great competition across the board. Some new teams made waves all season, some picked it up as the season moved along, and some new teams are still trying to find their identity. The talent in the league is probably the best it has ever seen and I hope that continues for seasons to come. At the end, Gridiron Gang from Season 1 still remains the only undefeated team in DCFFL history. What that said, here is your 2020 playoff report.
#7 PYLON YOUR MOM (4-5)
Pylon has the flag football gods from West Hazelton PA shining down on them. A once veteran team that was always in the mix almost missed out on the post-season after an injury riddle lack luster year. But due to Covid, Pylon is back in the playoffs yet again and ready to play spoiler! Halfway through the season, sitting at 1-4. Pylon looked all but done. Play 1 good half and then the wheels would fall off. However, they’ve won 3 of their last 4 games and most recent being a 19-18 upset over #6 Undecided who theyll face in the 1st ever DCFFL play in game. Offensively, there are no real standouts but the key will be for QB Scotty Dobash to limit the turnovers. Defensively, Pylon is lead by Jarod Genosevich who finished top 5 in the league in sacks with 17. Captain Josh Salvisburg admitted the season did not go as planned due to injuries and attendance but feels down the stretch, their defense has buckled down and if they have numbers on the sideline, they are capable of making a run for the championship.
#6The Undecided (5-4)
At Mid-Season, The Undecided was 4-1 and looking to make a name for themselves but true to their team name. The verdict on them is still UNDECIDED. They’ve dropped 3 of their last 4 games heading into to their 1st playoffs in their 1st season. They have a rematch with Pylon on your mom from 2 weeks ago who beat them 19-18. Will history repeat itself? Offensively, TU is lead by rookie of the year, OPOY, and League MVP Candidate Larry Anderscavage who is tied with league high 17 receiving touchdowns and ranked in the top 5 in receptions(33). Coming into playoffs, TU will have to decide who takes over the QB reigns, Jamie Calloway started most of the season and compiled a 54.9% completion percentage, 20 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, However, over the past 3 weeks, Eric Rattier has thrown for 8 touchdowns and 1 int with a 63% completion rate. Defensively is where TU will have to play above expectations to pull off some upsets. During the season vs the top 3 teams, they have let up an average of 30 points a game. Captain Rajo says he is proud of how his team performed in their 1st season in the DCFFL. He believes they have the talent and skill guys to match up with anyone and that they can only beat themselves. He is confident in making a post season run.
#5 Pain Train( 5-3)
Helped by an easy start to the season to go 4-0. PT has only won 1 of the last 4 games which could have easily been 1 of last 6 if COVID-19 did not step in. Regardless of schedule, Captain John Kotsko ensemble his best team record in DCFFL history with 5 wins. His 6th team name change in 7 years as a captain, JK finally secured a playoff spot. Captain Kots thinks his team can pull off the upsets to make it to the championship game if he has the numbers come saturday. Pain Train is a 2 man wrecking crew with the Caladie Brothers on both sides of the ball. Brett is top 5 in the league in receptions(46) and touchdown(10). He led the league this year with 10 interceptions as well. Bretts performance this year put him in the running for OPOY, DPOY, and league MVP. He accounted for 43% of the passes his brother Anthony threw. Anthony finished the season with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions along with 5 rushing TDs as the signal caller. Pain train will need some guys to show up and step especially guys like Earl Chang and Jervone Young who have shown promise in their limited playing times to pull off the upset and get Kots his 1st playoff victory.
Unfortunately, Pain Train will be forfeiting their game due to concerns of rising cases of covid-19. Congratulations to Captain Kotsko and rest of PT for making playoffs. Good luck this off season and stay safe my friends.
#4 Busch Lattes 6-3
Nothing fancy about Busch Lattes, like Captain Cliff said “play good defense, win the turnover battle, take advantage of those turnovers...and find a way to win” and BL have done a good job of that this season. They have only turned the ball over 6 times this year on offense. QB Justin Francis who listens to Captain cliff well had thrown for 18 touchdowns, rushed for 9 more, and has only thrown 4 interceptions. Justin was quoted saying “ we butt heads sometimes but deep down, I know Cliff knows more than me about the game so I trust his style”.
Justin has battled an ankle injury this year but since coming back has had a stat line of 13-3 with 5 rush tds. He has been nominated for OPOY and League MVP. Another Francis has also put his name in that discussion, the youngest brother of them all , Mr. Hot hands himself, Jeremy who has 46 receptions and 7 touchdowns on the year and has secured 48% of the completions from Justin. Defensively, BL may have the best overall team when it comes to pulling flags. Father time himself, Donnell Williams is always a threat along with Jeremy and ROY nominee Hunter BEdnarcyk. A surprise some may say is Pat Green. He leads the team in sacks(8), and is 2nd in interceptions(3). He is a Dlinemen of the year nominee. Busch Lattes will look to play Latte football and if they can force turnovers, look for them to upset a few teams. With John Karazia and Cliff Francis in the running for OLinemen of the year, look for BL to use those 2 guys to control the game.
#3 Outlaws (6-2)
Who dat? OUTLAWSS...who? OUTLAWSSS THATS WHO! A team with familiar faces, lot of talk, swagger, and a record to back it up. League favorite, Captain POP POP Williams has his team primed for playoff run. He feels if they come together as a family on gameday, they have a chance to win it all. They are led by MVP and OPOY candidate, Lucky Williams who has 25 totals touchdowns(15 pass, 11 rush) and also 4 interceptions on defense. According to ESPN the OCHO,Lucky may be out for playoffs due to an apparent shoulder separation. IF that is the case, OL will have to rely on Madden guru Late the Great Nate Bowden at QB. If thats the case, Breon Phillips and the defense may be key to an Outlaw championship. Breon finished 2nd in sacks(19) and is DPOY and Dlinmen of year nominee. He needs to be accounted for every play. They have Ballhawks in Frank Carter, Nate Bowden, and Lucky Williams. Also watch out for Darrian Twyman who led the team with 19 receptions and 7 touchdowns. Olineman of year candidate Marquit Branch was quoted saying;.”regular season was my pre-breakfast, now were having real breakfast and im serving up pancakes with chocolate chips in them”. The key for the Outlaws will be sticking to their gameplan and style of play. Defense will need to step up if Lucky is out.
#2 Heavyweights(8-1)
The red head step children Nick Dye, Mj Telencio, and Russel Monroe got cut from Busch Lattes this off-season and at first had no team name to start the season but Heavyweights was the official name come week 4 and they have started true to form. Saturdays were difficult some week fielding guys, Captain Dye did no know whether is team was going to show up, be at the gym, or sleeping off an all nighter. Regardless, Nick Dye has put this team in position to win it all. Dye himself is having and MVP season and is in the running for OPOY and League MVP. HIs 29 total touchdowns is tops in the league. Dye also leads league in rushing touchdowns(13) and passing touchdowns(25). His 56% completion percentage is the best hes had since entering the league in 2018. Statistically, Dye has been a juggernaut but historically in big time games, his turnover ratio is what has cost his team the big wins. However, this year, Dye has played phenomenal across the board. His play will dictate if Heavyweights win the championship or not. Outside Dye, HW are led by a massive line on both sides of the ball with DPOY and Dlinmen of year nominee Craig Nilsson, Olinmen of year MJ the GOD Telencio, and Ryan Miscavage. Bobby Parada is a threat on the offensive side of the ball, quoted “I’m always open” Big Bob started the season off on top of the league in receptions and touchdowns, hes finished top 5 in each category(29-12) but his numbers took a hit with the addition of speedster David Parsnik. Defensively, HW is always a threat and is top of the league with most defensive touchdowns. Heavyweights will have to keep their gas tank full to win back to back games if they have limited subs to win the championship.
#1 Silent Assassins (9-1)
The Assassins bid to finished the regular season undefeated was spoiled week 9 by the WB Kings 21-20. Although, they were without reigning MVP Mike Gerardi, Captain Merc said thats no excuse. We didn’t get our playmakers the ball and let our egos get the best of us. Assassins finished atop the division with a 9-1 record and enter the playoffs for the 8th consecutive fall season. It is no secret that the Assassins had a target on their back from the beginning of the season. Teams splitting up, players leaving, and new teams scouting them pre-season all had their sights on knocking off the Assassins. Reigning ROY and MVP candidate Mike Gerardi has been automatic since joining the assassins in week 7 of last year with a record of 13-0 as the starter, 45 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. In 7 appearances this year, Mike has 29 total touchdowns(7 rush, 22 pass), 7 interceptions, and a 57.1% completion percentage. With Mike at the helm, its hard to bet against an Assassin repeat. Outside Mike, reigning MVP and OPOY and this years MVP and OPOY candidate Vinnie Cirello is always a threat. Tops in league with receptions(49), touchdowns(17), and conversions(10), Cirello has been the go to guy. However, Anthony Maurent has caused headaches for teams especially once in space and can be the difference maker come playoffs.Getting Cirello and Maurent the ball in their hands will be key. Defensively, Assassins boast the top D in the league. They have 3 of the top 10 sack leaders(Ryan Waters(25), Dean Lutinski (18)Nick Budzyn(10)) and the league in sacks as a team with 67. You wont see a stat line for it but Captain Carlo Mercadante has been the houdini of pulling flags this season at the linebacker position. If those 4 are pulling flags, Assassins will be in good position to win it all. Assassins D have 3 players in running for the DPOY; in addition to Waters and Lutinski, Ryan Womack is up for the award with 5 interceptions and 3 defensive/special teams touchdowns. Captain Merc said although he was disappointed in not finishing the season undefeated, he still feels confident his team can keep the title. Captain Merc believes the key will the defensive side of the ball. If they do their job, the rest will take care of itself.
#7 PYLON YOUR MOM (4-5)
Pylon has the flag football gods from West Hazelton PA shining down on them. A once veteran team that was always in the mix almost missed out on the post-season after an injury riddle lack luster year. But due to Covid, Pylon is back in the playoffs yet again and ready to play spoiler! Halfway through the season, sitting at 1-4. Pylon looked all but done. Play 1 good half and then the wheels would fall off. However, they’ve won 3 of their last 4 games and most recent being a 19-18 upset over #6 Undecided who theyll face in the 1st ever DCFFL play in game. Offensively, there are no real standouts but the key will be for QB Scotty Dobash to limit the turnovers. Defensively, Pylon is lead by Jarod Genosevich who finished top 5 in the league in sacks with 17. Captain Josh Salvisburg admitted the season did not go as planned due to injuries and attendance but feels down the stretch, their defense has buckled down and if they have numbers on the sideline, they are capable of making a run for the championship.
#6The Undecided (5-4)
At Mid-Season, The Undecided was 4-1 and looking to make a name for themselves but true to their team name. The verdict on them is still UNDECIDED. They’ve dropped 3 of their last 4 games heading into to their 1st playoffs in their 1st season. They have a rematch with Pylon on your mom from 2 weeks ago who beat them 19-18. Will history repeat itself? Offensively, TU is lead by rookie of the year, OPOY, and League MVP Candidate Larry Anderscavage who is tied with league high 17 receiving touchdowns and ranked in the top 5 in receptions(33). Coming into playoffs, TU will have to decide who takes over the QB reigns, Jamie Calloway started most of the season and compiled a 54.9% completion percentage, 20 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, However, over the past 3 weeks, Eric Rattier has thrown for 8 touchdowns and 1 int with a 63% completion rate. Defensively is where TU will have to play above expectations to pull off some upsets. During the season vs the top 3 teams, they have let up an average of 30 points a game. Captain Rajo says he is proud of how his team performed in their 1st season in the DCFFL. He believes they have the talent and skill guys to match up with anyone and that they can only beat themselves. He is confident in making a post season run.
#5 Pain Train( 5-3)
Helped by an easy start to the season to go 4-0. PT has only won 1 of the last 4 games which could have easily been 1 of last 6 if COVID-19 did not step in. Regardless of schedule, Captain John Kotsko ensemble his best team record in DCFFL history with 5 wins. His 6th team name change in 7 years as a captain, JK finally secured a playoff spot. Captain Kots thinks his team can pull off the upsets to make it to the championship game if he has the numbers come saturday. Pain Train is a 2 man wrecking crew with the Caladie Brothers on both sides of the ball. Brett is top 5 in the league in receptions(46) and touchdown(10). He led the league this year with 10 interceptions as well. Bretts performance this year put him in the running for OPOY, DPOY, and league MVP. He accounted for 43% of the passes his brother Anthony threw. Anthony finished the season with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions along with 5 rushing TDs as the signal caller. Pain train will need some guys to show up and step especially guys like Earl Chang and Jervone Young who have shown promise in their limited playing times to pull off the upset and get Kots his 1st playoff victory.
Unfortunately, Pain Train will be forfeiting their game due to concerns of rising cases of covid-19. Congratulations to Captain Kotsko and rest of PT for making playoffs. Good luck this off season and stay safe my friends.
#4 Busch Lattes 6-3
Nothing fancy about Busch Lattes, like Captain Cliff said “play good defense, win the turnover battle, take advantage of those turnovers...and find a way to win” and BL have done a good job of that this season. They have only turned the ball over 6 times this year on offense. QB Justin Francis who listens to Captain cliff well had thrown for 18 touchdowns, rushed for 9 more, and has only thrown 4 interceptions. Justin was quoted saying “ we butt heads sometimes but deep down, I know Cliff knows more than me about the game so I trust his style”.
Justin has battled an ankle injury this year but since coming back has had a stat line of 13-3 with 5 rush tds. He has been nominated for OPOY and League MVP. Another Francis has also put his name in that discussion, the youngest brother of them all , Mr. Hot hands himself, Jeremy who has 46 receptions and 7 touchdowns on the year and has secured 48% of the completions from Justin. Defensively, BL may have the best overall team when it comes to pulling flags. Father time himself, Donnell Williams is always a threat along with Jeremy and ROY nominee Hunter BEdnarcyk. A surprise some may say is Pat Green. He leads the team in sacks(8), and is 2nd in interceptions(3). He is a Dlinemen of the year nominee. Busch Lattes will look to play Latte football and if they can force turnovers, look for them to upset a few teams. With John Karazia and Cliff Francis in the running for OLinemen of the year, look for BL to use those 2 guys to control the game.
#3 Outlaws (6-2)
Who dat? OUTLAWSS...who? OUTLAWSSS THATS WHO! A team with familiar faces, lot of talk, swagger, and a record to back it up. League favorite, Captain POP POP Williams has his team primed for playoff run. He feels if they come together as a family on gameday, they have a chance to win it all. They are led by MVP and OPOY candidate, Lucky Williams who has 25 totals touchdowns(15 pass, 11 rush) and also 4 interceptions on defense. According to ESPN the OCHO,Lucky may be out for playoffs due to an apparent shoulder separation. IF that is the case, OL will have to rely on Madden guru Late the Great Nate Bowden at QB. If thats the case, Breon Phillips and the defense may be key to an Outlaw championship. Breon finished 2nd in sacks(19) and is DPOY and Dlinmen of year nominee. He needs to be accounted for every play. They have Ballhawks in Frank Carter, Nate Bowden, and Lucky Williams. Also watch out for Darrian Twyman who led the team with 19 receptions and 7 touchdowns. Olineman of year candidate Marquit Branch was quoted saying;.”regular season was my pre-breakfast, now were having real breakfast and im serving up pancakes with chocolate chips in them”. The key for the Outlaws will be sticking to their gameplan and style of play. Defense will need to step up if Lucky is out.
#2 Heavyweights(8-1)
The red head step children Nick Dye, Mj Telencio, and Russel Monroe got cut from Busch Lattes this off-season and at first had no team name to start the season but Heavyweights was the official name come week 4 and they have started true to form. Saturdays were difficult some week fielding guys, Captain Dye did no know whether is team was going to show up, be at the gym, or sleeping off an all nighter. Regardless, Nick Dye has put this team in position to win it all. Dye himself is having and MVP season and is in the running for OPOY and League MVP. HIs 29 total touchdowns is tops in the league. Dye also leads league in rushing touchdowns(13) and passing touchdowns(25). His 56% completion percentage is the best hes had since entering the league in 2018. Statistically, Dye has been a juggernaut but historically in big time games, his turnover ratio is what has cost his team the big wins. However, this year, Dye has played phenomenal across the board. His play will dictate if Heavyweights win the championship or not. Outside Dye, HW are led by a massive line on both sides of the ball with DPOY and Dlinmen of year nominee Craig Nilsson, Olinmen of year MJ the GOD Telencio, and Ryan Miscavage. Bobby Parada is a threat on the offensive side of the ball, quoted “I’m always open” Big Bob started the season off on top of the league in receptions and touchdowns, hes finished top 5 in each category(29-12) but his numbers took a hit with the addition of speedster David Parsnik. Defensively, HW is always a threat and is top of the league with most defensive touchdowns. Heavyweights will have to keep their gas tank full to win back to back games if they have limited subs to win the championship.
#1 Silent Assassins (9-1)
The Assassins bid to finished the regular season undefeated was spoiled week 9 by the WB Kings 21-20. Although, they were without reigning MVP Mike Gerardi, Captain Merc said thats no excuse. We didn’t get our playmakers the ball and let our egos get the best of us. Assassins finished atop the division with a 9-1 record and enter the playoffs for the 8th consecutive fall season. It is no secret that the Assassins had a target on their back from the beginning of the season. Teams splitting up, players leaving, and new teams scouting them pre-season all had their sights on knocking off the Assassins. Reigning ROY and MVP candidate Mike Gerardi has been automatic since joining the assassins in week 7 of last year with a record of 13-0 as the starter, 45 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. In 7 appearances this year, Mike has 29 total touchdowns(7 rush, 22 pass), 7 interceptions, and a 57.1% completion percentage. With Mike at the helm, its hard to bet against an Assassin repeat. Outside Mike, reigning MVP and OPOY and this years MVP and OPOY candidate Vinnie Cirello is always a threat. Tops in league with receptions(49), touchdowns(17), and conversions(10), Cirello has been the go to guy. However, Anthony Maurent has caused headaches for teams especially once in space and can be the difference maker come playoffs.Getting Cirello and Maurent the ball in their hands will be key. Defensively, Assassins boast the top D in the league. They have 3 of the top 10 sack leaders(Ryan Waters(25), Dean Lutinski (18)Nick Budzyn(10)) and the league in sacks as a team with 67. You wont see a stat line for it but Captain Carlo Mercadante has been the houdini of pulling flags this season at the linebacker position. If those 4 are pulling flags, Assassins will be in good position to win it all. Assassins D have 3 players in running for the DPOY; in addition to Waters and Lutinski, Ryan Womack is up for the award with 5 interceptions and 3 defensive/special teams touchdowns. Captain Merc said although he was disappointed in not finishing the season undefeated, he still feels confident his team can keep the title. Captain Merc believes the key will the defensive side of the ball. If they do their job, the rest will take care of itself.
Rules
| DCFFL Rules, updated 9.15.2020 |
Captains Meeting
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There was a meeting of all team captains and council members on Monday, September 7. Here are the notes from that meeting.
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The Diamond City Flag Football League is governed by the league council. League council consists of the president and seven council members. The council will soon be undergoing a reorganizational phase where the structure will change.
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