Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 13

I’d like to thank No Punt Intended, Le Zoo, Embarrassment of Riches and The Incredibles.

 

I thank you for the time you’ve spent with us in Division 4. I thank you for being a part of our FPF community, both on and off of the field. We’ll hopefully see you next season, or again next winter.

 

(Semi-)Finals

Congratulations, Division 4. Everyone else’s finals are set but yours. Essentially, the eventual D4 champions will have played an extra half-season to have obtained their championship. You will have endured a 40-team division; you will have endured a weeknight playoff game… D4 has been no easy feat. For the most part, the perceived “favorites” are gone. Broccasion are the only team that remains that had a bye week; every other team is a 5^th seed or lower. It’s still anyone’s game, though.

 

It’s not over yet. Some of the most exciting football has yet to have been played. Let’s look at what’s on the docket:

 

 

Broccasion (1) vs. Outlaws (6)

 

Broccasion

While Broccasion were (and are) the favorites to win it all, their playoff games up until this point have been closer than many would have thought. What’s funny is that of all the four teams that remain, Broccasion have the least amount of playoff experience. Only Norman Weekes and Nicky McGuire have a finals appearance and a championship to their name.

 

Quarterback

Norman Weekes, veteran extraordinaire. There seems, however, to be a difference between Norman in the regular season and playoff Norman. While he’s been a confident, steady pivot in the regular season, it has not been the norm come playoff time. Could he be over-thinking things?

 

Receivers

Kyle Lebofsky seems to be giving Nicky McGuire a run for Weekes’ #1 receiver. The Broccasion receivers possess a lot of brains, and the ability to make a play out of seemingly nothing. So long as they stay in rhythm and don’t get caught looking too far ahead, the offense will stay in good shape.

 

Defense

In all honesty, the Broccasion defense was strong even before the addition of Jamie Ojeaha. Guillaume De Palma, Mark Provost, Justin Cerantola and Kyle Lebofsky have all been forces to be reckoned with on D, and rusher Alec Cerantola is a thorn in the side of any quarterback. With Steve Hodhod back in the mix, they have the brains of the operation as well. What more can you ask for…(Jamie who?)

 

 

Outlaws

The team that is the poster child for versatility, the Outlaws certainly look better than last season’s squad. Seven receivers have caught at least one touchdown. Their key to success is that opponents consistently underrate and underestimate them, despite their record and past championship.

 

Quarterback

J-M Beaudin. Arguably the least mobile of all remaining quarterbacks; and by choice at that. Beaudin has fantastic force behind his passes, and well thought-out routes. However, Beaudin also has a habit of throwing an interception when the opposing team needs it most.

 

Receivers

How do you key in on a receiver when they’re all on par with each other? What’s more, the receiving corps are a tall, athletic bunch, who often cause mismatches against the defenders that they line up against. A big question mark is over the head of Vincent Jacques, who played in the Wild Card matchup, but has been absent since.

 

Defense

The unsung hero. It’s often the Outlaws D that keeps them in the game. With their aggressive coverage that forces QBs to re-check their first and second reads, they come up with timely stops and turnovers. Rusher Julien Hamel is also a big part of it; his height proves an annoyance for any QB.

 

Prediction

 

Both teams have had solid seasons. However, the same teams have also been shooting themselves in the foot come playoff time. Which, in all honesty, means that neither team will be out of the hunt until the very end. This also means that we might see this one might go into overtime. It’ll come down to which QB stays consistent.

 

Prediction: Broccasion

 

 

Mongoose (5) vs. The Commission (10)

 

Mongoose

Mongoose seem to be playing this season with purpose. Possibly even more so than their championship run in Spring 2010. Could they be packing their bags for a repeat trip to the finals?

Quarterback

Alexandre Gaudet may be the most deceiving QB in the entire division. His throwing motion is unorthodox, and lulls defenders into a false sense of security. However, his route calling and ability to throw on the run has shattered many an unsuspecting defense.

 

Receivers

Led by newly minted two-way player of the year Cédric Nuckle, the receiving corps compliments Gaudet’s play calling. They have the ability to shed a defender at a given notice, and can rake in the yards after completion. As of late, the ball has been spread much more evenly and effectively, involving Chris Rivest, Frédéric Charlebois, and even the homie himself, Rehan Sarwar.

 

Defense

The Mongoose defense will jump your routes, play you hard, and just cause general havoc. Having an unusually high number of passes defended, the Mongoose D read the ball well, and are often incredibly close the pass at all times. With Cédric Nuckle finishing the season with the highest number of pick-sixes, and now leading the playoffs, an interception could mean the turning point in a game, or the final nail in the coffin.

 

 

The Commission

Intense and gritty, you’re in for a ride when you face The Commission. Having by far the most former higher division players of any squad in Division 4, experience is certainly on their side. While it was perceived that a QB change would be their undoing, it seems to have made them even stronger. With game film of each team they face, they certainly have the intel to back up their players.

Quarterback

Sean Avraam has been a familiar face since the inception of FPF. Returning to the quarterback position after a season playing receiver, he’s jumped back into the saddle with relative ease. Even when The Commission’s receivers seem fickle, Avraam remains spot on and confident.

 

Receivers

The receiving corps for The Commission have it down pat. Not needing to rely on heavily outscoring their opponents, the offense makes the most of the clock on every drive. However, can they up the stakes if it comes down to the last possession?

 

Defense

When the offense becomes inconsistent, The Commission’s defense are right there waiting. Being hailed as their savior for another season, The Commission’s D steps up when all hope seems lost.

 

Prediction

 

We’ve seen both teams go toe-to-toe with their opponents, persevering until the bitter end. What intrigues me most about this game is that I actually have no idea what to think. The game is either going to be high-scoring, with both defenses being largely ineffective…OR the defenses are going to step up and keep the scoring as low as we’ve seen.

 

Prediction: The Commision

 

 

Well, that’s it for me. DO NOT forget about the press conferences. I cannot stress this enough. If you have any questions, please please contact a league representative. Until then, enjoy the remainder of the playoffs and buckle up for a bumpy ride.