Division 3 Semi-Finals/Final Four Preview

Welcome to the Semi-Final round of the Division C FlagPlus Football playoffs.

As I said last time out, upsets, blowouts, offense, and defense stood out the opening round of the playoffs. One week later, it was predominantly the latter, that dominated the Quarter-Finals Sunday night at both Catalogna, and Stade Hebert.

 

We are now down to the final four. As it should be, the matchups are pretty even, as it features four teams who at times are explosive offensively, can shut opponents down defensively, and have game-breakers are both sides of the ball.

 

 

Conference A

 

(3) Les Maloudes (5) The BrotherHood

Previous Meeting: The BrotherHood (24-10) Week 10

 

The first meeting was all about defense. More specifically, it was about The BrotherHood defences’ ability to hold the Les Maloudes’ offense, to a season-low 13 points, and for the only time this season, shut them out for an entire half, as they proceeded to do in the second stanza.

Coming through on that side of the call for The BrotherHood, was Defensive Back Khalil Kerr. The nine year vet, recorded an interception off of Les Maloudes Quarterback Anthony Beauchamp-Frezza, that he ran back to the house.

As impressive as his performance was on defense, the former University of Montreal Carabins Running Back played a pivotal role on offense a well, with 5 catches for 44 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

In total, Kerr, would score 3 out of his team’s 4 touchdowns.

The BrotherHood‘s Jamal Gittens, also has a strong performance, with 5 catches for a team-high 55 yards, and the team’s other TD.

Despite the loss, their were some positives that Les Maloudes were able to take out of the game.

Les Maloudes Quarterback Anthony Beauchamp-Frezza completed more passes, and had more passing yards than his counterpart Theo Ojeaha. The former went 18 of 26 for 152 yards, while the latter connected on 11 of 22 attempts, for 122 yards.

Part of the reason for Ojeaha’s struggles, was the play of Les Maloudes Rusher Sebastien Thibault, who had 3 sacks, and provided constant pressure on Ojeaha, forcing the him to get rid of the ball quickly.

To get to the Semi-Finals, both teams had impressive Quarter-Final victories.

After trailing at halftime (12-8) to KGP, Les Maloudes, stormed back in the second half, as they woke up offensively, and scored 20 points, while their defense tighten things up, and held KGP, to only 6 points, to win the game (28-18).

Offensively, one of the key to the Les Maloudes win, was the performance of Dragann (hands down the best name in FPF) Mallette, and the aforementioned Thibault. The duo combined for 11 receptions 77 yards, and all 3 of the team’s offensive touchdowns.

While Beauchamp-Frezza, threw three touchdowns, one his biggest contributions to the game, was a pick-6 he scored off of KGP QB Phil Cutler.

Beauchamp-Frezza, and Thibault, who had 3 sacks, would lead a defense, that smothered the KGP offense in the second half.

Cutler, a 6-time All-Star, was limited to 9 of 16 passing, for 82 yards, and 2 TDs, all season lows. One of the reasons for his uninspiring stats, was the fact the Les Maloudes, shutdown his receivers. His leading pass-catcher on the day was Jeremy Anderson, who had 1 reception for 33 yards, and 1 TD.

The BrotherHood, advanced to tonight’s game, with a dominant (38-12) win over Les Studs, that was essentially over at halftime, as the former was up (25-6) at the break.

The win was highlighted by the performance of Ojeaha, who threw a season-high 6 touchdowns, and Gordon-Maule, who caught 3 of them, and also added 2 INTs.

In the battle of U of M, between Kerr, and Emmanuel Kerfella, the latter had better overall stats with 7 catches for 73 yards, 2 TDs, and 5 tackles, compared to 7 receptions for 51 yards, 1 TD, 1 tackle and pass deflection, the former played a key role in his team’s defense’s ability to disrupt the flow of the Les Studs offense, and helped make the reigning Quarterback of the year Samuel Caron, look average.

To win their rematch with The BrotherHood, Les Maloudes, will need to bring the same defense that showed up in their first meeting, as well as last week against KGP.

Thibault, who finished for second in Division 3 in sacks with The Commission’s Zackary Alberts-Gill with 14, and only 5 behind the leader in Mikael Paiement of The Crew, will need to do exactly what he did in the first encounter, and get Ojeaha, to hurry his throws, and buy time for his teammates to cover the likes of Kerr, Gordon-Maule, Gittens, and company.

More importantly for Les Maloudes, they will need their offense to show up this time.

 

While The BrotherHood, many have a slight edge in the speed and athleticism department, with players like Guillaume St-Amand, Vincent Morissette, Ludwik Jananji, along with Thibault, and Mallette, the Les Maloudes offense has some firepower as well. The question is however, can they find it against The BrotherHood?

For The BrotherHood to complete the series sweep, they will need their suffocating defense from last week, that held the best offense in Division 3 in Les Studs, to a season-low 12 points, to do it again to Les Maloudes.

Another key for The BrotherHood, will be for Ojeaha, to avoid turnovers. As I said earlier the playoffs, the team is nearly perfect when the 9-time All-Star, doesn’t throw a turnovers. In their Week showdown, Ojeaha put up a zero in the interception column. Let’s see if he can do it again.

Les Maloudes, are at their best, when they shutdown opposing offenses, and use their aggressive defense to force turnovers, and then turn around and get points off of the extra possessions.

The BrotherHood, is at their best when they can take advantage of one-on-one matchups on offense to get points, establish an early lead, and use their aforementioned speed and athleticism on defense, to force turnovers from teams who have to resort to the long ball to keep up.

Although I doubt that the Les Maloudes offense, will be shutout in the second half this time around, for a team who has scored 30 points or more, just once in their past 6 games, I don’t think they’ll be able to keep pace with The BrotherHood.

Prediction: The BrotherHood (28-21)

 

 

Conference B

 

(5) BearSkins versus (7) South Harmon Institute of Technology

Previous Meeting: South Harmon Institute of Technology (48-21) Week 9

As you can see by the final score, the first meeting between both ended in a blowout victory for the South Harmon Institute of Technology.

An asterisks however, should be placed beside the final score, as the BearSkins were short-handed, as Sean Avraam hot ejected for receiving two Objectionable Conduct penalties, (the second of which was undeserved).

 

The BearSkins, were also without the services of Vinny Gualano for 5 plays in the second half, as he was kicked out for five plays, after receiving an OC of his own.

At one point in the second stanza, the teams were playing 6 on 4. S.H.I.T, took full advantage, as they scored 27 points after the break.

Overall, S.H.I.T Quarterback Jake Applebaum, was simply phenomenal. The veteran QB had his best game of the year, as he threw for a season-high in touchdowns (7), yards (242), and yards per pass (12.1).

Along with their QB, the receiving trio of Kevin Smuda, Jordan Allard, and Josh White, played a huge role in the victory too, as they combined for 15 catches 221 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Impressive indeed.

On defense, S.H.I.T, was able to frustrate and stymie the BearSkins offense all game. Adam Rockman, who had an interception in the game, basically controlled center field, by taking away the deep middle, and helping hold opposing QB Neil Etinson, to a season-low seven completions, on 7 of 14 passing, for 146 yards 3 TDs, and 2 INTs.

With the game tied (19-19) at halftime, the BearSkins, used a strong second half performance on both sides of the ball, to pull away from Scored your GF, and earned a (44-32) victory.

The momentum for the BearSkins, was ignited via a 13-yard touchdown by Kevin Libman to start the second half, that gave them a (25-19) lead.

After forcing Scored your GF into a turnover on downs on their ensuing drive, the BearSkins made them pay two plays later, as QB Neil Etinson, found WR Vinny Gualano, for a 14-yard TD, to extend their lead to (31-19).

Scored your GF, was able to gather themselves, as they answered right back with a TD by Wide Receiver Philippe Laramée, and a successful 1-point conversion by Charles-Antoine Lessard-Tremblay.

The BearSkins, looked to take back momentum on their next drive, Etinson, found Marco Bertoldi, for a 25-yard strike a few plays later, that would put their offense in the redzone, but after three straight plays that left them just short of the goalline, both teams faced a crucial 4th down from the 1-yard line.

To his credit, while Etinson will never be accused of being the fastest QB in FPF, he does have length on his side, and he does a good job of using it to escape the rush. He did so on 4th down, as he escaped the grasp of Rusher Bruno Provencher, rolled out to his left, and hit Kevin Libman for his second TD of the evening, that extended their lead to (37-26).

The 11-point lead was short-lived however, as Scored your GF would respond once again, this time with a TD by the aforementioned Provencher, that would being them to within 5 points.

After realizing Scored your GF, was playing a man defense, the BearSkins, looked to put the nail in coffin, and called a deep shot. Etinson didn’t waste any time, as he hit Bertoldi on a beautiful 40-yard bomb, just over the outstretched hands of Provencher for the touchdown. Gualano, who told his QB about the man coverage on the TD, would score the 11-point convo to seal the game (44-32).

 

The South Harmon Institute of Technology, enter tonight’s contest, having knocked off the Mew England Patriots of Division 3/C, in The Alpha-T’s, in what could be best described as fantastic.

It didn’t start off that way however, both teams uncharacteristically committed turnovers to start the game.

For S.H.I.T, they end their first drive with a turnover on downs, while TAT’s Quarterback Jesse Dupuis, would be intercepted by Defensive Back Josh White.

The turnover Express, would take another lap for S.H.I.T, as on their second possesion, after they marched all the down to the redzone, Applebaum, would throw an interception of his own, to Cornerback Julien Bellavance.

The Alpha-T’s, would make their opponents pay for their second mistake, as Dupuis, would run for a 22-yard TD just three plays later.

After marching down the field, S.H.I.T, looked to get on the board on a crucial 4th down, but they were stopped by Alexis Gaumont, who got his hand up, and batted down a pass intended for the big man Kevin Smuda, with two plays left before halftime.

The score was (7-0) for The Alpha-T’s at the break.

TAT’s, would extend their lead to (13-0), with a 1-yard TD by Bellavance, that was set up by a 24-yard catch by Mathieu Houle.

With their backs against the wall, and in danger of getting blown out, S.H.I.T, finally woke up, and got back in the game, with a 20-yard TD by Josh White. They weren’t completely out of trouble however, as TAT’s Mike Pierrecin, intercepted the 1-point convert attempt, and ran it back for a score, to make it (14-6) for TAT’s.

The next possesion for TAT’s, was a long one, that ate up more then five minutes of the clock. It looked like it was going to come to an end a little earlier, but Adam Rockman, was called for Pass Interference on a 3rd and long pass to Houle, that in all honesty, was debatable at best.

Given a new lease on life so to speak, TAT’s, marched down to the redzone, and appeared to have scored a TD, but it was called back due to a offensive interference penalty. After replaying the down, S.H.I.T, was able to get a huge stop, and get a turnover on downs.

After getting shutout earlier into game, the Applebaum and Smuda connection would deliver for a 6-yard TD, to make the score (14-12) TAT’s.

The turning point in the game came on the next possesion. After Rusher AJ Rashkovan came up with back-to-back sacks, TAT’s were faced with a decision. Facing 4th and 10, with 5 plays left in the game, from roughly their own 15 yard line, the defending Div. C champs, elected not to punt the ball. Yes, you read that right.

Now, in their defense, The Alpha-T’s, are a cocky team who always have put their money where their mouth is. So, despite the fact that logic and football 101, would probably tell you that it is a lot harder to march 3/4 of the field and score a TD with 4 plays left, than it would be to gain 15 yards, and that you would be making life a lot easier on your defense which had been playing nearly lights out up until that point, and has more championship experience on their side than their opponents, but who are we to judge?

With all that said, TAT’s went for it. With the S.H.I.T defense nearly all guarding the first down line, Dupuis, called a perfect play, as he sent the Wide Receiver on a post towards the marker, and had the slot receiver Alexis Gaumomt, run a wheel down the left sideline.

Gaumont, ran the route to perfection, as he was wide open, and Dupuis saw it right away. The only question was, would the All-Star Wide Receiver score a TD, or would he pull a Brian Westbrook, and kneel down before the endzone to effectively end the game?

Unfortunately for TAT’s Gaumont, would do neither, as he dropped the ball while falling to the ground. While the pass by Dupuis, will never end up on a highlight show for how to throw the perfect spiral, the ball did even though it was a little off target in terms of hitting the receiver in stride, still found it’s way to the intended target.

The look of shock on everybody’s face in attendance, including yours truly, was only outdone by that of Gaumont. You couldn’t help but feel bad for him.

After picking up their collective jaws off the floor, S.H.I.T’s first play of the new possesion, resulted in an 8-yard pass to Rockman.

On the very next play, Smuda, would go offside, causing his team to go backwards five yards, resulting in a replay of second down.

On the next play, Applebaum, who was flushed to his right, tossed a beautiful ball to Smuda for the go-ahead TD. Unfortunately for S.H.I.T, the score would be called back, as their QB was called for an illegal forward pass.

Now it was third down, with 2 plays remaining. With the game, and their season essentially on the line, Applebaum went back to Smuda again, with a jump ball pass (seemingly the WR’s favorite), that was perfectly placed between two defenders in Bellavance, and Anthony Lapointe. The big man got up and caught the ball for the TD, and gave his team their first lead of the game (18-14).

With one play remaining, Dupuis, would hit the aforementioned Pierrecin, over the middle. The speedster, would avoid two tacklers, and appeared to have a legitimate chance at pulling off the miracle play, but he was tackled by Josh White.

Final score (18-14) South Harmon Institute of Technology.

Like I said, it was a fantastic game.

Fast forward to tonight, I fully expect this game to be the total opposite of their Week 9 affair.

Unless they are getting blown out, I don’t see Avraam or Gualano getting ejected. Also, this time around, the BearSkins will have the always dangerous Sasha Papich in the lineup, after he missed the earlier game. I for one, am hoping that he and Smuda, go head-to-head at least a couple times during the game.

Last week, S.H.I.T, showed a lot of grit, as they won with only 6 players, which forced Jake Applebaum to have to play the entire game. He more then held his own however, as helped his defensive unit hold TAT’s, to a season-low14 points. 

Applebaum playing both ways, shouldn’t be a problem tonight, as Zack Goldstein who was injured and missed the game against The Alpha-T’s, will be replaced by Matt Litwin of Division 5B’s The U, via the new injury replacement rule.

Adam Rockman versus Marco Bertoldi, Josh White vs Vinny Gualano, Sean Avraam vs Matthee Litwin, Ryan Etinson vs AJ Rashkovan, there are a lot of potential matchups worth watching in this one.

I see this one coming down to wire. After such a dramatic comeback against The Alpha-T’s last week, does the South Harmon Institute of Technology have anything left in the tank tonight? I think they do.

 

Prediction: South Harmon Institute of Technology (26-24)

 

 

Picks

 

The BrotherHood vs Les Maloudes – The BrotherHood (Upset Special #1)

BearSkins vs South Harmon Institute of Technology – South Harmon Institute of Technology (My pick for Game of the Week and Upset Special #2)

Last Week: (3-1)

Playoffs: (9-3)

 

 

That’s it for this time. One more week until the Finals. Wow, where has the season gone?

Good luck to everybody in their games tonight, I expect both contests to be great!

A special shutout to Rob Campana, although he had no idea when he did it, but scheduling the games at the times and location that he did, means I will only miss just over the first hour of Wrestlemania. I appreciate th small things in life. Thanks!

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

Cheers!