Division 1: Semi-Finals Preview

Welcome to Round 2 of the FlagPlus Football playoffs. After a opening playoff weekend that saw two Division 1 games end in a blowout, and another deliver an instant classic, many of us expect more of the latter for the Semi-Finals.

(1)Allstars versus (4) Flag Moi L’Sac

Previous Meetings: Allstars (49-38) Week 2 and Allstars (59-54) Week 9

In the first showdown the Allstars were able to rely on two touchdowns from both Chris Milard and Rory Semerjian, an interception return for a TD by FPF Hall-of-Famer Patrick Jérome, and a strong first half performance that saw them jump out to a (31-18) lead, and then hang on for an 11 point win.

The rematch was a lot closer, as the Allstars needed a Herculean effort from Semerjian, who led all players with five touchdowns in the (59-54) victory.

 The Allstars are looking for the three-game sweep tonight. The task won’t be easy. With both Rory and Sean Semerjian being suspended suspended for the entire playoffs, their absence takes impact players out of the Allstars lineup. In both games against Flag Moi L’Sac , the brothers combined for seven touchdowns.

On the plus side, the Allstars could turn to Theo Ojeaha to replace the duo. If he isn’t available, look for former tackle football Receiver Kishon Thompson, or perhaps the speedy Matt Bond to pick up some of the slack offensively, and help out a unit that still has tons of firepower in Milard, Quaid Johnson, Matt Kirouac, and Pat Jérome.

Looking at the other side, the last time Flag Moi L’Sac beat the Allstars was the all the way back in Week 11 of the 2022 Winter Season. Yeah, it’s been a while. For FML to get the win, they will need to spread out the Allstars defense and keep them guessing. To do that, Alex Nadeau-Piuze, will have to capitalize on the speed advantage they have over their opponents. The QB will need to try and find matchup to draw favorable coverage on Francois Rocheleau, Guillaume Paquet, Samuel Nadeau-Piuze, Guillaume Robert, and Nicolas Arsenault-Hum. More importantly, this unit of pass-catchers will need to match the physicality of the Allstars defense if they want to win.

Two great Quarterbacks, weapons galore, and championship contenders, you can’t ask for much more than that. Despite the absence of the Semerjian brothers and the long layoff, I think the Allstars find a way to pull out the win.

Prediction: Allstars (38-32)

(2) Kangaroos versus (3) Braves

Previous Meeting: Kangaroos (60-0) Week 1 and (44-38) Week 10

The first meeting was a forfeit as the Braves were playing in a flag tournament south of the border. In the second showdown, Kangaroos Quarterback Daniel Lazzara flirted with perfection going 17 of 20 for 288 yards and seven touchdowns. His teammate Receiver Jeanslee Alexis had a spectacular outing leading all receivers with four receptions for 106 yards and three touchdowns. It was a sold victory for the Kangaroos, as they did it without the services of AJ Gomes, who was missing due to suspension.

Looking at the Braves, they are coming off a big Quarter-Final win over KGP+, which was even more impressive considering they were missing their best Receiver in Georges Gariépy, as well as FPF Hall-of-Famer Serge Pilon Jr. While the latter is out for the year with a knee injury, the former is expected to be back in action. Regardless of that, this team just hasn’t been their normal dominant self his year. They finished (5-4-1). Even if you throw out the forfeit loss to the Kangaroos, the Braves are (1-3-1) against the top teams in Division 1. They still possess big names and championship experience, but going out and winning the games is all that matters.

On the flip side, the Kangaroos are (2-0) against the Braves, (3-3) against the top four teams, and are the only squad to hand the first place Allstars a loss this year.

Both teams have star-studded rosters. The one advantage that the Kangaroos have is length. Chemistry goes to the Braves, as their core has been together seemingly forever, while the former has added new pieces over the last few seasons.

Both teams have players in Dvision B who are coming off big wins yesterday, as the Braves 2.0 beat the Moretti Crime Family, while AJ Gomes and Jesse Dupuis helped Urgence Medic knock off Blessed.  

The rivalry between these two squads is not a new one. The Braves swept the Kangaroos (formerly Mo’ Khans Mo’ Problems) twice last Spring Season, while they knocked off the Braves for the 2021 Division A Spring Season Championship when they were known as Khantraband. Right now, I think that the Kangaroos are the better and deeper team. I am rolling with them.

Prediction: Kangaroos (42-36)

A shot to go to the Finals is at stake tonight. Four great teams who are the top four in Division 1, fighting for two spots and the chance to headline FPF championship weekend. Let’s see what happens tonight.

The Division 2 Quarterfinals were last night. I score kept the two games in Brossard. They were both blowouts. The other two games that took place in Lachine were much closer. Hopefully we get the latter tomorrow.  

That is it for this week. One more week until the Finals. Good luck to everyone in their games tonight!

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