Division 3: Divisional Round Preview: Welcome To The REAL Season

The pretenders are gone, and the true contenders are still standing. The REAL season is here.

Welcome to the Divisional Round of the 2019 Division 3 Winter Season playoffs.

Conference A

(1) Les Studs versus (8) Junkyard Dogs

Previous Meeting: Junkyard Dogs (39-37) Week 5

As you can see by the score, the Week 5 meeting was a shootout, as both teams matched score for score.

The only mistake in the game was made by Les Studs Quarterback Samuel Caron, as he threw the game’s only interception to Junkyard Dogs Defensive Back Rory Semerjian. That turnover, along with the conversion battle being won JYD, gave the veteran squad the upset victory.

A lot has changed since Week 5. At that point of the season, JYD, moved to (3-1) with the win. After that, they proceeded to lose four in a row.

Sitting on the outside of the playoffs looking in heading into last week, JYD, was able to win two games in a three day period, as they beat TOPSZN (42-24) on Monday, than pulled off a (26-18) upset victory over Blue Chips, Wednesday night. Both wins, combined with a three point advantage in points allowed (276 to 279) over the ninth seed in Trinity, gave JYD the last playoff spot in Conference A.

As for Les Studs, they haven’t lost a game since their defeat to JYD, and they are firing at on all cylinders at exactly the right time.

Led by the dynamic duo Quarterback of the Year in Caron, and the Receiver of the Year in Félix Laflamme, Les Studs, have been the class of the division offensively, as they led all teams in scoring, with a jaw-dropping 431 points.

With players like Rory Semerjian, Jordan Rossie, Jonathan Williams, and former Concordia Stingers Wide Receiver Blake Butler, JYD, has weapons too. In their last meeting, QB Jason Rossie took advantage of them, as he threw for 5 touchdowns, and ran for another as well.

One weapon who won’t be at Rossie’s is receiver Jason Edwards, who had two TDs in Week 5, as he doesn’t have enough games played to qualify for the playoffs.

The veteran team, versus the young up and coming powerhouse. Despite the distance in the standings, I expect this to be a close game.

Prediction: Les Studs (32-26)

 

 

(2) KGP versus (7) Martine et le flag

Previous Meeting: KGP (44-18) Week 4

The first contest between both teams was a blowout, as KGP Quarterback Phil Cutler, threw five touchdowns, and added another on the ground.

Four different KGP receivers caught at least 4 passes, and one of them, Jonathan Garfinkle, hauled in 5 for 73 yards, and 2 TDs, all of which were game highs.

 

On the other side of the ball, KGP Defensive Backs, Anthony De Carvalho, and Jonathan Garfinkle, were able to intercept Martine et le flag Quarterback twice, and played a key role in their defense shutting out the Martine et le flag offense in the second half.

In short, this was a dominant game by KGP on both sides of the ball, as the 26 point differential, was the largest margin of victory for KGP this year.

For Martine et le flag, they are backing their way into the postseason, having lost two straight, including a huge one on Wednesday night, that saw them cough up a 7 point lead with six plays left versus Scored your GF, that not only impacted the Conference B playoff race (more on that later), but also saw the former, drop from the second seed, to the seventh.

Despite their defense folding under pressure Wednesday night, the unit has been pretty impressive. Led by Guillaume Ranger, Dariusz Golebiowski, Justin Dion, and Cédrick Cabana, they have given up the third least amount of points in Division 3, with 205 this season.

Martine et le flag, will need all of those players to step up on that side of the ball if they want to have any chance of shutting down the KGP offense.

To make doing so even harder, the defense, will have to account for the presence of 4-time All-Star Jeremy Anderson, who joined the team during Week 6. In 5 games with KGP, the 3-time champion, caught 7 touchdowns. Good luck.

While Martine et le flag have some offensive weapons of their own in Meng-Ly Born, along with the aforementioned trio of Dion, Ranger, and Marchand, I just don’t see them being able to keep up score for score with KGP.

After failing to close out against Scored your GF, where they had a seven point lead with 6 plays left, and would have seen them finish second in Conference A, I have little faith that they can finish off a much better KGP squad.

Prediction KGP (32-20)

 

 

(3) Les Maloudes versus (6) Cougars

Previous Meeting: Les Maloudes (24-19) Week 9

Two weeks later, and they get to do it all over again.

Although no interceptions were thrown, the last meeting between both squads, was a defensive slugfest, that Les Maloudes, who were down (13-12) at the half, battle back and outscore their opponents (12-6) in the second stanza, to escape with a 6 point victory.

The key difference in that game, was the running ability of Les Maloudes Quarterback Anthony Beauchamp-Frezza. Despite throwing for less touchdowns (3-2) and fewer yards (175 -105) than opposing QB Erminio Iadeluca, the former All-Star, was able to run 6 times for 50 yards, and two scores.

Heading into the rematch, Les Maloudes, are coming off of a (24-13) loss to The BrotherHood, but prior to that, they had won eight games in a row.

Facing a win and your in game versus The Commission last Sunday, the Cougars hung on for a tough (26-25) victory, that was sealed by a redzone interception courtesy of Safety AJ Gomes.

Although Les Maloudes got the win in their first meeting, there should be an asterisks besides it, as the Cougars were without the services of Gomes. The two-way player is a difference-maker when he is on the field. On defense, he calls their plays, and is the team’s only ballhawk.

On the other side of the ball, he provides the Cougars with a home run threat that teams always must account for.

There two key questions facing both teams ahead of the rematch.

For the Cougars, can they score enough points to keep up with the Les Maloudes offense, and what happens if Les Maloudes take away the short passing game?

As for the former, the Cougars, have scored 30 or more points, just once over their last four games.

For the latter, at their core, the Cougars’ offense is based on timing, that calls for shallow crossing routes and hooks. Iadeluca, who struggles with accuracy on the deep ball, will look to take the occasional long throw to keep defenses honest, on a chair or streak to Wedens Alexandre, or the aforementioned Gomes. In short, this team is at their best when they are using their speed to create mismatches and openings.

For Les Maloudes, how will they elect to cover Alexandre and Gomes? Will they man them up with either Marc-André Paradis, Louis-Philippe Paquette, Francis Janelle, or the previously mentioned Beauchamp-Frezza? Or, will they do it collectively and play a zone?

Despite the Cougars offense not being all that complicated, they run it extremely well. How will Les Maloudes take away the short passing game?

Les Maloudes are clearly the better team, but the Cougars, have habit of playing up to their competition. Just like last time, I feel this game will be close.

Prediction: Cougars (28-26)

 

 

(4) Lightweight versus (5) The BrotherHood

Previous Meeting: Lightweight (35-25) Week 9.

In the first meeting between both squads, turnovers killed The BrotherHood, as two interceptions by replacement QB Lonnie Johnson, and a safety resulted directly in points for Lightweight.

The duo of Quarterback Simon Dagenais, and Wide Receiver Justin Blanchard, also hurt The BrotherHood, as they connected five times for a game-high 95 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite losing by two scores, there were some positives for The BrotherHood to take out of the game.
The first, was the performance of Quaysie Gordon-Maule, who had six catches for 79 yards, and two TDs.

Another was the performance of his teammate Quaid Johnson, also had a solid outing, with a team-high seven receptions for 86 yards.

Most importantly however, was the fact that they outplayed Lightweight in the second half, as they were able to outscore their opponents (12-7).

Arguably the most talented team from top to bottom in Division 3, The BrotherHood’s problem as I said earlier this season, is fielding the same team week in week out. This was evident in the Week 9 meeting, as the team was missing their best player, in Theo Ojeaha. You can be sure that the FPF Hall-of-Famer, will be in the lineup tonight.

The question of course, is how will the impressive Lightweight defense, headlined by Cory Kennedy, Justin Lerner, Hendrick Ambroise, and Blanchard, then choose to handle the likes of Johnson, Gordon-Maule, Khalil Kerr (who had 3 TDs last week vs Les Maloudes), and Jamal Gittens, who returned from injury last week, and posted 5 catches for 55 yards and a TD.

I feel this will be a tight game, but I don’t expect The BrotherHood to make as many mistakes as last time, and I think the presence of Ojeaha, will be just a little bit too much for Lightweight to handle.

 

Prediction: The BrotherHood (28-26)

 

 

Conference B

 

 

(1) The Alpha-T’s versus (8) Sweat & Beers

Previous Meeting: The Alpha-T’s (41-32) Week 1.

The first meeting feels like a lifetime ago.

Their hope’s of achieving a second consecutive perfect season were dashed in Week 9, when they lost (33-28) to The Crew. Despite their path to perfection being interrupted, you can be sure that the team still has their sights set on yet another championship.

Sweat & Beers, heads into the game, coming off their worst loss of the season, a (52-20) beatdown at the hands of The Crew. Before that however, Bobby Sepentgis’ squad had won five games in a row.

The question of course, is which team will show up tonight?

Will it be the one that rattled off five straight wins, including two against playoff teams, in the Cougars and BearSkins? Or, the one who got destroyed by The Crew?

Another question that Sweat & Beers needs to answer, is how will they stop the dangerous TAT’s attack.
While Rocco Christiano, and Rob Robinson, have a combined 11 interceptions, the team will need much more than that to slow down Jesse Dupuis, Mathieu Houle, Mike Pierrecin, Alexis Gaumont, Anthony Lapointe, Emile Beaudoin, and Julien Bellavance.

The main positive that Sweat & Beers, can take out of their Week 1 loss, was that their Quarterback Rob Robinson, was the better passer on the evening, as he threw for 237 yards and 5 touchdowns and zero interceptions, compared to Dupuis, who tossed for 217 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT.

The only difference, and a key factor in why Sweat & Beers lost, was the run game, as Dupuis, ran 4 times for 52 yards and 2 TDs.

As I said at the top, The Alpha-T’s, have their sights set on the big prize. While I expect Sweat & Beers to give them a good run, I don’t see TAT’s falling here.

Prediction: The Alpha-T’s (42-28)

 

 

(2) Blue Chips vs (7) South Harmon Institute of Technology

Previous Meeting: Blue Chips (35-32) Week 2

In the first contest, both teams hit halftime tied at 19 apiece. At the end of the game, both Quarterbacks Jordan Mitchell (Blue Chips) and Jake Applebaum (South Harmon Institute of Technology) each threw 5 touchdown passes.

The contest even featured stud performances by receivers from each side, as Div. 3 Two-Way Player of the Year Marcus Mitchell of the Blue Chips), had 4 four TDs, and Kevin Smuda of South Harmon Institute of Technology, had 2 trips to the endzone.

F5i
Despite all the fantastic play, this game came down to conversions. Blue Chips went for two twice in the second half, and were successful. South Harmon Institute of Technology went 1 for 2 after the break, and missed one in the first half as well.

The matchups on this game are fascinating. Sanders Armand vs Kevin Smuda, Jordan Allard vs Jose Baba, Marcus Mitchell vs Jake Applebaum. I could go on.

The only weakness for the South Harmon Institute of Technology, is defending top notch speed and athleticism. Unfortunately for them, that is Blue Chips’ calling card.

One name I didn’t mention, was Jordan Mitchell. The reason, is because the duo-threat QB will miss tonight’s game, after receiving his third Objectionable Conduct (OC) penalty, Wednesday night against the Junkyard Dogs. It was his third of the season, so the veteran is supposed to be suspended for tonight’s game. Obviously, it that’s what ends up happening, it changes the total complexion of the game.

 

Whether or not their is in the lineup, Blue Chips, they run into trouble when they can’t dominant opponents with their aforementioned speed and athleticism, as they experienced in their (26-18) loss to the Junkyard Dogs, this past Wednesday.

 

To prevent this from happening again, BC, will need to take advantage of matchups, and attack the weaknesses in the South Harmon Institute of Technology defense.

From Speed 2 to Terminator 3 (Ok, I cheated a bit here. T2 was really good, but it doesn’t take away from how horrible T3, or the other movies that followed were), to Glass (yeah that’s right), most sequels are HOT GARBAGE. Both these teams have the talent to go all the way.

Here’s hoping that the sequel to this one is as good as the first. Personally, I think it will, but then again, I thought the same thing about A Good Day to Die Hard, Batman & Robin, and Taken 3. Yeah…

Prediction: South Harmon Institute of Technology (30-14)

 

 

(3) Dirty Dawgs versus (6) Scored your GF

Previous Meeting: Dirty Dawgs (46-39) Week 5

The first meeting between both teams was a tale of two halves, and two Quarterbacks.

The first half of the contest was dominated by the Dirty Dawgs, as their Quarterback Ryan Lelinowski, threw 4 touchdown passes, and led his team to a (27-13) lead at the break.

The second half of action, was controlled by Scored your GF, as they nearly roared all the way back, with 26 points.

The only problem for Scored your GF, was that they gave up 19 points, and ended up falling by a touchdown.
The Quarterbacks in this game were phenomenal. While Scored your GF ‘s Arno Desjardins only completed ten passes, four of them went for TDs. Talk about efficiency. The third year player, also added two additional more scores on the ground.

After throwing four first half scores, Lelinowski, the five-time All-Star, threw three more in the second stanza.
With their backs against the wall last weekend, and having to win two games where they were the underdog, and get a little help to make the playoffs, Scored your GF, pulled off the remarkable, as they scored (sorry I couldn’t resist) upset victories over the South Harmon Institute of Technology, and then Martine et le flag, where SYGF, scored the game-winning touchdown, and 2-point conversion with one play remaining. Thanks guys.

As far as the help, the Cougars beat The Commission (26-25) last Sunday, and Sweat & Bears defeated the Jaguars (48-38) setting off the turn of events.

The Dirty Dawgs, are a dangerous team offensively. With a solid Quarterback, and weapons at receiver in Dave Chitayat, Jordan Panetta, Cal Pienaar, and Sahar Cohen, they can go score for score with anybody.

The other side of the ball, is where they have questions. While they have playmakers in Jean-Christophe Binette, and Daniel Tsyplenkov, the Dirty Dawgs, have given up an average of 37 points a game over the last month of the season, that includes being lit up for 49 points by The Alpha-T’s, and having non playoff teams like LGM, The Commission, and Olympia Performance, drop 33, 39, and 25 respectively on them. They went (2-2) in those games.

Scored your GF, deserves a ton of credit for making it into the post-season, but I think their stay will be brief.

Prediction: Dirty Dawgs (30-26)

 

 

(4) The Crew versus (5) BearSkins

Previous Meeting: BearSkins (26-12) Week 7

 

Without a doubt, this was the BearSkins best defensive performance of the season, as they stymied what at times this season, has been an explosive offense.

The key to their performance, was the team’s ability to get constant pressure on The Crew Quarterback Jean-Samuel Coderre, and force him to have to get rid of the ball early.

The rush provided by Vinny Gualano, and Kevin Libman, helped the defense shutout The Crew in the first half (19-0), which is the only time that has happened this year.

On offense, BearSkins Quarterback Neil Etinson, did a good job of spreading around the ball, and controlling the tempo, as he connected on passes with 6 different receivers, while averaging just over 10 yards a pass (10.5).

 

His favorite receiver on the evening was Sasha Papich, who caught a team-high 3 passes, for 64 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

The Crew, finally woke up offensively in the second half, as QB Coderre, threw touchdown passes to Hugo Lussier, and Emile Taillefer, but it was too little too late for him and his team.

Since the Week 7 loss, The Crew, have stayed woken offensively, as they have averaged 37 points a game, and have recorded wins versus two playoff teams in The Alpha-T’s, and Sweat & Beers.

As impressive as their defensive performance was against The Crew, the BearSkins, haven’t been able to repeat it since then. Over their last 3 games, they have surrendered 51, 48 and 32 points to Sweat & Beers, South Harmon Institute of Technology and lowly TOPSZN, while going (1-2) in the process.

The question now of course, is will that same generous defense will show up for the BearSkins, or will we get a repeat of Week 7?

Naturally, for The Crew on the other side of the ball, will we see the offense that has rebounded since the loss, or the one that was stuck in neutral?

We will find out tonight for sure.

Prediction: BearSkins (28-27)

 

 

Picks

Les Studs vs Junkyard Dogs – Les Studs

KGP vs Martine et le flag – KGP

Les Maloudes vs Cougars – Cougars (Upset Special #1)

Lightweight vs The BrotherHood – The BrotherHood (Upset Special #2)

The Alpha-T’s vs Sweat & Beers – The Alpha-T’s

Blue Chips vs South Harmon Institute of Technology – Blue Chips (My pick for Game of the Week)

Dirty Dawgs vs Scored your GF – Dirty Dawgs

The Crew vs BearSkins – BearSkins

Last Week: (6-3-1)

Regular Season: (75-42-2)

 

 

That’s it for this week. I’ll be back next week with a Divisional Round recap, and a preview of the Quarter-Finals, otherwise known as the Elite 8.

Speaking of which how excited are you about March Madness so far? It’s honestly, my favourite sporting event of the year. We’ve some great ball already. Some upsets have already happened, while a few others came extremely close to happening.

Anyone that knowns me, knows that I am Duke all day! Just to be clear, I didn’t jump on the bandwagon cause of Zion and R.J Barrett. I’ve been a fan since the days of Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, and Bobby Hurley. Here’s hoping we beat UCF later today, Zion puts Tacko Fall on a poster, and we continue to be treated to even more great games the rest of the tournament.

Don’t forget to check out the ladies tournament as well, there has been a lot of good basketball played there as well.

Good luck to everybody in their games tonight. Welcome to the REAL season!

Cheers!

If you loved the article, hated it, or simply felt like I left something out, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or on Twitter@BADNEWSB51