Blues stay unbeaten as Birthday Bowl takes centre stage

Rick Grant Landscaping improves to 6-0-1, Synergy Healthcare climbs into second ahead of SportsKlub’s in-season Birthday Bowl

Rick Grant Landscaping receiver Vince Pitines makes a leaping catch during Sunshine Superwash Orillia flag football action at the West Orillia Sports Complex.

Week 6 of Sunshine Superwash SportsKlub Flag Football may have officially separated the contenders from the rest of the field.

By the end of Sunday night, Rick Grant Landscaping remained undefeated, Synergy Healthcare had climbed into sole possession of second place, and the race to the Power Bowl became more interesting.

Three games unfolded in completely different ways. One turned into an offensive showcase. One became a statement performance from a surging contender. And one may have permanently shifted the championship conversation.

The night opened with the Wagner Lawn Care Trojans defeating CMF Automotive 26-18 in a game that felt like a must-win for both teams.

Wagner Lawn Care Trojans receiver Adam Vastopa makes a catch in traffic during Sunshine Superwash Orillia flag football action at the West Orillia Sports Complex.

The Trojans came out aggressive offensively, leaning on Adam Vastopa early. He continued to prove he may be one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league, consistently stretching the field and creating explosive plays. The Trojans attacked vertically from the opening drive, and it paid off quickly.

The Silver Bombers answered behind Jesse Bremner, who once again put up massive passing numbers. Bremner now leads the league with 1,100 passing yards after another huge statistical performance Sunday night. Ethan Phillips continued his unbelievable season as well. Phillips hauled in multiple chunk plays throughout the game and now leads all receivers with 1,238 receiving yards.

But while the Silver Bombers moved the ball, the Trojans finished drives, controlling the game throughout most of the night. Their defense delivered key stops late to secure the 26-18 victory.

The win moves the Trojans to 3-4 on the season and keeps their Power Bowl dreams firmly alive heading into Birthday Bowl weekend. The Silver Bombers fall to 2-5 despite another strong statistical outing from its offence.

Then came the game everyone had circled. The Santa’s Nook Huskers versus the Rick Grant Landscaping Blues. The defending top team versus one of the league’s most unpredictable and dangerous offences.

Mike Black once again proved to be one of the most reliable targets in the league, climbing to 353 receiving yards on the season after another productive performance.

But the Blues responded the way elite teams do. Connor Woodbeck continued his incredible season, throwing for 807 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and still zero interceptions through seven games. Woodbeck’s efficiency has transformed the Blues offense into the most dangerous unit in the league.

Andrew Billark continued his monster season as well, climbing to 469 receiving yards after multiple huge catches Sunday night.

The Blues exploded offensively in the second half. By the fourth quarter, they had completely taken control, eventually pulling away for a 40-19 victory to improve to 6-0-1 on the season. The Blues have 14 points and a massive +103 point differential entering Birthday Bowl weekend.

The final game of the night featured a dominant perfromance from the Orillia Synergy Healthcare Augies. Entering Sunday, the Dawgs sat in the middle of the standings at 3-3 while the McLean & Dickey Insurance Thunderbolts desperately needed a win to stay alive in the race. Instead, the Augies delivered their most complete offensive performance of the season, defeating the Bolts 43-20.

McLean & Dickey Thunderbolts receiver Rachel Holmes reaches for the ball during Orillia flag football action at the West Orillia Sports Complex.

Nolan Inglis looked fully in command from the opening possession. The quarterback continued his rapid climb up the league passing leaderboard, finishing Week 6 with 828 passing yards and eight touchdown passes on the season. But Sunday night may have been his best overall performance yet.

Inglis spread the ball everywhere. Connor Flannery continued doing the dirty work underneath while Blake Cruise once again reminded everyone why he was the 2025 Spring Season MVP. Cruise already sits among the league receiving leaders despite playing just three games.

The Thunderbolts tried to answer behind Mitchell Hurtubise, who remains one of the league’s most versatile offensive weapons. Hurtubise now ranks fifth in the league with 777 passing yards while also sitting third overall in receiving with 576 yards. But every time the Thunderbolts gained momentum, the Augies answered immediately.

The 43-20 victory moves the Augies into sole possession of second place heading into the final four weeks before playoffs.

Now comes Week 7, Birthday Bowl weekend. At 7 p.m., the CMF Automotive Silver Bombers face the Orillia Synergy Healthcare Augies, while the McLean & Dickey Insurance Thunderbolts takes on Rick Grant Landscaping Blues.

Then at 8 p.m., the Wagner Lawn Care Trojans battle the Santa’s Nook Huskers in what could become one of the most important games of the season.

The two winning teams with the best Birthday Bowl point differential will advance to Sunday night’s championship game at 8 p.m.

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