Division 4 playoff predictions: The Divisional Round

Here we finally are. After a long season with hard fought battles, clutch wins and tough losses, we have finally arrived to the almighty playoffs. With so much parity in both Division 4A and 4B, we are prone to see some upsets. I must remind you guys that if you lose, your season is over. Heartbreak may be on the way, but if there were no stakes, there wouldn’t be glory. Let’s get started shall we.

Division 4B

4 teams have secured a first round bye: Les Renards Vifs, Killer Rays, X-Men and Pocket Rockets. These teams will only need to win 3 games to secure the championship, but all 3 of those games should be hard.

The Penetrators vs. Mengoose

Despite having the best defense in 4B, The Penetrators were unable to get a top-4 seed and a bye. As for Mengoose, they finished with a 2-8 record despite having a +14 points differential. In their previous outing, Penetrators defeated Mengoose 27-14. I believe that we will see a similar result tonight, with The Penetrators edging out a fairly low-scoring affair thanks to their prolific defense. Felix-Antoine Lavigne can have great games but I think he will struggle against such an athletic and organized defense.

Score prediction: 31-14 for The Penetrators

The Wolf Pack vs. Dak to the Future

The Wolf Pack come into this game as the better seed but not necessarily as the better team. They’ve struggled recently, losing 3 of their final 4 games. It hasn’t been much better for Dak to the Future who’ve lost their last 2 games by a combined amount of 65 points, whilst only scoring 6 points total. Justin Gauthier is a very talented player, but has struggled at the QB position this season, which is very uncharacteristic of him. For Wolf Pack, James D’Andrea hasn’t had much success either. This game will be decided by turnovers, and I have to go with the QB I trust the most, which is Justin Gauthier. Although, Dak to the Future will need to find a way to contain Andrew Grant and his speed.

Score prediction: 27-25 for Dak to the Future

4th and Schlong vs. Voodoo

Both teams played each other literally 5 days ago and it wasn’t much of a contest. Voodoo had no answers defensively and allowed 37 points. Frank Kaye was also unable to move the ball efficiently throwing 4 picks and only reaching the endzone three times for a final score of 37-18. It’s hard to argue this game will go completely different and I expect a similar outcome. George Koustsoukos has been one of the best QBs in recent weeks and has helped his team win 7 games in a row. On the other side, Voodoo haven’t won a game since January. They haven’t won in 2 months and a half, oof.

Score prediction: 33-19 for 4th and Schlong

Team Sexy vs. Ball Don’t Lie

Team Sexy are coming into this one in great form, having won their last 3 games in confident fashion. Benjamin Berbrier has thrown 13TDs and only 2 interceptions in those outings. How will Ball Don’t Lie stop Sam Anastasopoulos who has 405 yards and 9TDs in his last 5 games? After having started the season 3-1, Ball Don’t Lie collapsed and lost their last 6 remaining games. They have got completely outclassed in their last 3. Kyle Greenbaum has thrown 8 TDs and 9 INTs in his last 3 outings. It only makes sense to take Team Sexy in this one.

Score prediction: 34-14 Team Sexy

Division 4A

Only 2 teams are getting byes in 4A, and they are Les Otaries Extremes and Trapstars. These 2 teams faced off last week in the game of the season so far as LOE won the game by a score of 26-25. Will they meet again in the finals?

Idaho Udapimps vs. Big Fun

If you guys don’t know yet, I am on the Idaho Udapimps squad, and therefore I won’t be making a score prediction for this one. After starting the season terribly, Idaho Udapimps bounced back with 5 straight wins, but ended up losing the following 2 games. They did win convincingly versus Nomads this Saturday. Big Fun are 0-3-1 in their last 4, and Evan Ely Nolet has struggled in these games, throwing 13TDs and 8INTs. They’re gonna need Nolet to keep it clean and for Zackary Alberts-Gill to make a difference defensively.

Score prediction: N/A

Bet Boost Ballers vs. Born in the 80s

Bet Boost Ballers are one of the most dangerous and athletic teams in all of 4A, even with the loss of Oriola Poirier. Caleb Faulkner has been one of the best QBs this season and his connection with Santino Sparagna is great. They also have very solid depth. Born in the 80s are also very solid with the trio of Sanders Armand, Craig Browning and Hugo Stensland. BBB probably have the most complete roster and definitely the better quarterback. In their previous matchup, BBB won by a dominant score of 48-24. Born in the 80s will need a dominant performance from both Armand and Browning if they are to win this one.

Score prediction: 38-32 Bet Boost Ballers

Backfield Penetrations vs. Les Blues Branleurs

Will this one even be a contest? Backfield Penetration have one of the most talented rosters and (probably) receiver of the year Rony Ismeus. Les Blues Branleurs haven’t had the best season and a lot of that can be attributed to QB Olivier Pilotto’s struggles. Guillaume Hamelin will be the receiver to watch, and it would make sense for Rony Ismeus to line up right in front of him. If Alessandro Barazzoni plays his game and avoids turnovers, Backfield Penetration should come out of this game on top.

Score prediction: 34-24 Backfield Penetration

Ballz Deep vs. Undisciplined Flaggers

I must start with this: Dan Mancini has torn his ACL and won’t be throwing in the playoffs. Cory Sim-Robertson will most likely be the one at QB for them and it really hasn’t been pretty. They don’t really stand a chance against a very talented Ballz Deep team. Justin Weir hasn’t had the greatest season throwing but he’s leading one of the best defenses in 4A. I don’t see how Cory Sim-Robertson moves the ball at all versus them.

Score prediction: 36-6 Ballz Deep

Mofos vs. West Island Boys

This is the game I’m really looking forward to. Zack Stacey vs. Tiemoko Sanogo is one insane matchup to have in a divisional playoff game and I’m here for it. Sanogo is extremely shifty from the QB position and he’s going to have one of the shiftiest rushers facing him in Ethan Adrian. If there’s anyone who can get past Adrian, it’s Tiemo, and if there’s anyone who can negate Tiemo’s feet, it’s Adrian. We know what Zack Stacey brings: smart decision making, accurate passes and the ability to run when it is called for. Skylar Bayliff is always one to watch when he’s on the field, but Mofos have the athletes to cover him. Stacey will need production from his other receivers. For Sanogo, it will be all about protecting the ball and that might be tough if Adrian gets to him.

Score prediction: 33-32 West Island Boys

Half Senders FC vs. Nomads

This is also a very good matchup. Matthew Zeppetelli has been inconsistent at times this season but he has an insane trio of receivers/DBs in Jahnai Lewis, Sam Mashtoub and Ryan McNally. As for Nomads, QB Justin Lavallee hasn’t been able to hit his stride this season, and finding a connection with receivers not named JR Verger or Tony Khoury has been a struggle. Half Senders matchup very well with this team and McNally’s presence as a safety will make it very hard for Lavallee.

Score prediction: 27-20 Half Senders FC

There you have it for Round 1 of the Division 4 playoffs. I wish you all good luck tonight.