FFFA D1 - Final Power Ranking

Arnaud Dignocourt
May 8
7 min read

1st – Black Panthers – Thonon-les-Bains

Can someone stall the incredible season of the Black Panthers? Nothing seems impossible for them, as they defeated the Molosses. In fact, the first half was largely defensive. The defense from Thonon had Brody Hahn under pressure on nearly every play.

The first goosebump moment came from Adel Bafdile — we thought he scored a really cool punt return, but it was declined due to an illegal block in the back (maybe opposing special teams should stop punting right into Bafdile's hands now...). On the following drive, José Tabora Jr threw a beautiful touchdown fade route to Odell Turnbull, who literally mossed two defenders from the Molosses. We have to mention again Bafdile’s ability to read offenses on option plays — this guy is probably a true student of the game.

The first half ended with Thonon conceding a touchdown pass, but the game was still wide open. Neither team had fully settled into a rhythm, and both offenses were still searching for consistency.

In the second half, it briefly looked like Thonon might suffer their first defeat since January. Momentum was shifting, and the Molosses began to find openings. But just when doubt started to creep in, Odell Turnbull struck again — catching a short pass and turning it into a touchdown thanks to his explosive yards after the catch. That play reignited the Black Panthers and reminded everyone why they remain unbeaten since Week 2.

2nd tied – Molosses – Asnières-sur-Seine / Flash – La Courneuve

While the Molosses suffered a narrow loss to what is arguably the best team in France right now, the Flash faced a much softer challenge against the Cougars — and made the most of it.

As mentioned earlier, the Molosses struggled in the first half. Penalties, especially on the offensive line, repeatedly disrupted their rhythm and visibly frustrated quarterback Brody Hahn. Still, despite the defeat, they showed promising signs. If they can correct those costly micro-errors, they could be a serious threat come playoff time.

Over in La Courneuve, Paul Durand conducted the Flash offense like a true maestro. The game itself wasn’t much of a challenge, but the real question is whether this type of matchup is enough to build meaningful chemistry and momentum for the postseason. With their victory — and the Molosses' loss — the Flash now move into the second seed. That could open the door to a deeper playoff run, especially if they can raise their level when it matters most.

4th – Iron Mask – Cannes

Well, they had to finish strong — and it’s safe to say they absolutely are. But let’s be honest: what’s cooler than a win? A comeback win, of course. At one point, it seemed like all hope was fading. They were trailing 21–7 midway through the third quarter, and the energy just wasn’t there. The opposition had control, momentum, and the scoreboard in their favor.

But then, out of nowhere, something shifted. The team found a spark — a moment, a play, a reason to believe. They started stacking small victories: crucial third-down stops, a breakaway run, and a lot of pressure on the opposing QB. The crowd got louder, the bench fired up, and suddenly the comeback was alive.

At the heart of it all? Yanis Polin. He lit the fuse, and once he got going, the rest followed. Play after play, he led the charge and turned the tide. Two touchdowns from this guy, and suddenly everything changed. Yanis Polin delivered when it mattered most — and the rest of the team just had to close the deal. They did exactly that: composed, focused, and relentless.

Still, let’s not let the win overshadow one important fact: they were once trailing by two touchdowns. That’s no small deficit, especially with the playoffs around the corner. Is this just a scare — or a warning sign?

5th – Grizzlys – Perpignan

They made the most of the rest of the season. At mid-season, they were sitting in fourth place in the division — far from a guaranteed playoff spot. But guess what? They clawed their way back, step by step, until they were suddenly fighting for a postseason place. And thanks to a timely loss by the Blue Stars... the Grizzlys have officially clinched a playoff berth!

And what a way to do it. It was a tightly contested game for three full quarters — every yard, every down was hard-earned. Then came the turning point: Sean Boswell had the defense on skates, breaking ankles and expectations. After a botched kickoff by the opposition, the Grizzlys recovered the ball deep in enemy territory — on the 5-yard line. And from there, it was a formality for the unstoppable Scottish force, Callumn Davidson, who powered through with one of his signature, inimitable runs.

They’ve defied the odds, turned their season around, and now the real challenge begins. Let’s wish them a great playoff campaign.

6th – Ours – Toulouse

If there’s one team that truly has its destiny in its own hands, it’s those other bears. They came out and won it all against the Dauphins in a statement game.

It didn’t have to be difficult — after all, they were facing the winless team from Nice — but they approached it with focus and intensity, and we loved to see it. They respected the game, handled their business, and got the job done.

Braden Howell and Thomas Hillion were absolutely electric, leading the charge and putting on a show when it mattered most. They were determined to keep their playoff hopes alive — and they did just that. Mission accomplished, for now. All eyes are now on the rescheduled game next week. One more win, and they’ll punch their ticket to the playoffs. Everything’s on the line, and they know it.

7th – Blue Stars – Marseille

This was surely a heartbreaking loss for all Blue Stars fans. They played well — no doubt about it — but it just wasn’t enough to overcome the now-reigning kings of the South. Their defense was absolutely locked in, and once again, Fayad Said proved to be the heart and soul of that unit.

One standout moment? A perfectly timed spin move that turned into a strip-sack — a play that summed up his impact and intensity. He was everywhere, setting the tone and making sure the Iron Mask felt the pressure all night.

That said, their fate is no longer in their own hands. Now, all they can do is hope — and cheer — for a loss by the Ours. Only then will they have a shot at making it into the playoffs. It’s a tough position to be in, but hope isn’t gone just yet.

8th – Diables Rouges – Villepinte

They wrapped up the season on a strong note — but let’s be honest, no one finished quite like Badis Grami. The man went off, recording seven touchdowns and racking up an incredible 552 yards on offense.

Sure, at first glance, it might not look like a spectacular season overall. But let’s put things into perspective: this team was just promoted. It was their first season at this level — and still, they held their ground. No signs of fear, no backing down. They finished 4th in the North, and that alone is a serious statement. If this year was just the beginning, the future is looking very bright.

We’re really looking forward to what’s coming next for Badis and his team — because this feels like the start of something that could be special.

9th – Argonautes – Aix-en-Provence

Their game against the Grizzlys was intense and tightly contested — a real battle from start to (almost) finish. Before the turning point swung things out of reach, it was shaping up to be an exciting matchup.

We expected more from this team — a lot more. But as the weeks went by, so did their ambition. The spark faded, and with it, the momentum they once had. They'll still be in the Elite next year, but one thing is clear: something has to change. The potential is there, but so is the need for a real reset.

That being said, their season isn’t completely without stakes. In fact, they might still play a crucial role in shaping the playoff picture. In the rescheduled game, they'll face the Ours — a team still fighting for that final playoff spot. One game, one upset, and they could change everything… just not for themselves.

10th – Léopards – Rouen

Their main goal for this rebuilding year in the Elite was simple: stay up. And they did just that — mission accomplished. It wasn’t a flashy season by any means, but it definitely wasn’t a disaster either. Solid, steady, and enough to build on. We’re genuinely happy for them.

As mentioned earlier in the year, it’s not easy for a team from a smaller city to attract import players, but who knows? There’s no shortage of French talent out there, and with the right additions, this team could take a real step forward next season.

11th – Dauphins – Nice

It was clearly not the season they had hoped for — and they didn’t even manage to save face, finishing the year without a single win. If things don’t change, it’s hard to imagine them climbing back to the top anytime soon. There were a few glimpses of potential here and there, but nothing consistent, nothing convincing. Simply put, it was a year to forget. It’s always tough — and sad — to see a team struggle this deeply.

12th – Cougars – Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône

Another struggling squad, another uphill battle to return to the top. We don’t want to speculate too boldly — after all, we’re not inside the organization’s front office — but from the outside, it’s clear that something just isn’t working. The signs are there, and unless major changes are made, the road back could be long and painful.