Division E Quarterfinals Preview: Three Games to Determine Final Four

Tuesday, August 12 | Complexe Marie-Victorin

With one team already through to the semifinals via forfeit, three crucial Division E quarterfinal matchups remain to determine who will join Airs University in the final four. The evening promises compelling storylines, from top seeds proving their dominance to underdogs looking to pull off playoff upsets.

19:30 Games: Contrasting Styles Collide

Field 1: Richter (3rd) vs Armed Robbery (10th)

The Matchup: A clash between Richter’s efficiency and Armed Robbery’s high-volume approach creates an intriguing battle.

Richter enters as the higher seed with good reason. Jeremy Steinberg has been exceptionally efficient, posting an impressive 111.2 QB rating while completing 66.4% of his passes for 1,015 yards and 28 touchdowns in just 9 games. His connection with Jason Rudie (24 targets, 278 yards, 5 TDs) and Adam Malinoff (19 targets, 170 yards, 7 TDs) gives Richter multiple reliable weapons.

Armed Robbery counter with sheer volume. Mike Collard has attempted 281 passes this season—nearly double Steinberg’s workload—completing 172 for 1,803 yards and 37 touchdowns. His primary target Daniel Spina has been a workhorse with 38 receptions for 389 yards and 9 touchdowns, while also anchoring the defense with a team-leading 36 tackles.

Key Factor: Can Armed Robbery’s defensive pressure, led by Spina and Keon Dillon-Smith (20 tackles), disrupt Richter’s rhythm enough to overcome the efficiency gap?

Field 2: Reborn Prospects (2nd) vs Unicorns (12th)

The Matchup: The evening’s most intriguing battle pits two teams with explosive offensive capabilities but vastly different regular season records.

Reborn Prospects boast one of the most dynamic players in Division E in Nathanael Dinku, whose 38 receptions for 443 yards and 15 touchdowns represent elite production. Quarterback Jean Clairemond Jr. César has been solid with a 77.9 QB rating while completing 51.3% of his attempts for 1,107 yards and 28 touchdowns. César’s versatility shines through his defensive contributions—leading the team with 10 tackles and an impressive 9 interceptions while adding 311 rushing yards.

The Unicorns shouldn’t be underestimated despite their 12th seed. Devin Kreuzer has thrown for more yards (1,637) and touchdowns (39) than most all season, connecting frequently with Sean Costello (44 receptions, 656 yards, 15 TDs). This duo’s chemistry could prove dangerous.

Key Factor: Reborn Prospects’ defensive playmaking ability, particularly César’s interception prowess, versus the Unicorns’ high-octane offense.

20:30 Spotlight: David vs Goliath

Field 1: Sophomore XL (1st) vs STUDZ 2 (13th)

The Matchup: The ultimate championship pedigree meets the ultimate underdog story.

Sophomore XL earned the #1 seed with a perfect 10-0 regular season, powered by what may be Division E’s most complete offensive machine. Vaughn Vanslet has been simply dominant, posting video game numbers with a 69.3% completion rate, 1,730 yards, 48 touchdowns, and a staggering 123.1 QB rating. His connection with Dante Sparagna (49 receptions, 704 yards, 24 TDs) represents one of the most prolific quarterback-receiver combinations in the division.

STUDZ 2 is the lowest seed remaining at 6-4 but shouldn’t be dismissed. Pierre-Olivier Beaulne Lefebvre has been great with 1,685 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively to targets like Dimitri Melsbach (27 receptions, 309 yards, 10 TDs) and Antoine Clément (24 receptions, 287 yards, 8 TDs).

Key Factor: Sophomore XL’s defense features multiple playmakers, with Keyon Cyrus contributing both as a receiver (31 catches, 398 yards) and defender (7 interceptions). This two-way impact could be the difference in a close game.

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Game Predictions

Richter vs Armed Robbery: Richter’s efficiency should prevail over Armed Robbery’s volume approach. Jeremy Steinberg’s superior QB rating and completion percentage suggest better decision-making under pressure. While Daniel Spina’s two-way impact keeps this competitive, Richter has the edge. Prediction: Richter advances

Reborn Prospects vs Unicorns: This could be the night’s most entertaining game. The Unicorns’ Kreuzer-to-Costello connection has explosive potential, but Reborn Prospects’ defensive playmaking ability—particularly Jean Clairemond Jr. César’s 9 interceptions—should create enough turnovers to swing the game. Nathanael Dinku’s elite receiving production provides the offensive difference. Prediction: Reborn Prospects advances

Sophomore XL vs STUDZ 2: While STUDZ 2 has shown they can compete, the gap between a 10-0 team and a 6-4 team is significant. Vaughn Vanslet’s otherworldly 123.1 QB rating and the Sparagna connection are simply too dominant. STUDZ 2’s receiving corps keeps them competitive early, but Sophomore XL’s superior efficiency and Keyon Cyrus’s two-way impact prove decisive. Prediction: Sophomore XL advances

Looking Ahead

With Airs University already waiting in the semifinals, tonight’s winners will complete the Division E final four. The combination of offensive firepower, defensive playmaking, and single-elimination drama sets up an evening where regular season records may mean less than who can execute when it matters most.

Games begin at 19:30 with doubleheader action at Complexe Marie-Victorin.