honestly I wouldnt make such a big deal about playing up in the fall. many teams are winding down in the fall with many of their players playing football. many 10u teams are playing up to 11u to get used to the new distances. while there is no distance change from 9u to 10u. so finishing 5th in a weak 10u division is not all that its cracked up to be. play up next summer and challange yourself champ.
With that being said playing your own age is really watered down. Don't think its such a big thing but staying down and going undefeated is absolutely useless.