Categories: DivisionDivision EDivision E-2Men'sSpring

Peeze’s Playbook: When Playoffs Give You a Semi

Peeze’s Playbook

Division E/E2

Semi Finals

By Paolo Della Rocca

The playoffs have been absolutely exciting. Brad Evans looks to lead PMS back to the finals but this time around he’s the one behind centre.  Meanwhile former teammates in Bud Knights look to deny him the right.  Stephen Harripersaud looks to use his knowledge as he continues to be one of FPF’s newest masterminds at a variety of positions.  Awaiting them is either Los Banditos twin towers and their high powered offense or Jo Lemieux’s attack by ground and air.

Division E2 sees upstart quarterback Marc-Andre Desaulniers a game away from his first championship finals.  In his path is the experienced U-nit (emphasis on U) who always seem to come together during playoff time.  Tim Horner, Joe Kano and Kyle Pedvis are gamers and they look to take their game to the next level.  Meanwhile Brewers have pulled themselves from the depths of futility and become a competitive team on the backs of Jason Stephenson and Chris Morin. Blackouts have taken the newest of the FPF burgeoning stars in Ryan Vanslet and surrounded him with enough talent that they too look to have their names inscribed on the prize.

The Semies are here and it’s one last stop before Roadshow Sunday.  Below are all the keys to success for each of the upcoming games this weekend.  As always the predictions are listed as well.  I’ve embolden the word so as to make the predictions seem bolder themselves. 

 

Division E

 

Threat Level Midnight vs. Los Banditos

  • The fact that both of these teams have made it this far doesn’t surprise me.  Threat Level Midnight have a lot of experience in higher divisions.  Los Banditos have some of the best top end talent in the division.
  • Karl Janelle and Loic-Savoiz Sequin have combined for 5 interceptions in the post season thus far. However, Jonathan Lemieux has not turned the ball over this post season thus far.  His ability to protect the ball will be paramount.
  • Last week Los Banditos completely dismantled Trailer Park Boys.  This won’t be the case against Trailer Park Boys.  Los Banditos will need patience in what I expect will be their most difficult game of the season.  Conversely, Threat Level Midnight will need to apply pressure early and consistently to try to shock their competition.
  • Last week Riley Pincombe was the main threat for TLM last round.  However, I don’t expect Los Banditos to take him away.  Los Banditos play their defensive scheme and don’t really change from that.  If Jo Lemieux is able to adapt throughout the game I expect Threat Level Midnight to be able to go score for score for most of the game.

Prediction: Los Banditos 31-Threat Level Midnight 26

 

Bud Knights vs. Pardon My Swag

  • Pardon my Swag survived the menace that is Jean Guy. Brad Evans had a hard time with Simon Laporte and was sacked 3 times and threw 2 interceptions.  Still Pardon my Swag was able to hold down the fort and win in overtime.
  • Pardon my Swag has three well defined trio of receivers in Troy Lendvay, Brandon Keiller and Craig Browning.  The pieces all fit and work well together.  It will come down to how well Brad Evans can use them in this game.  Given that Bud Knights is a strong but risk averse defence, I think Brad Evans will have little trouble in this regard.
  • The bigger question is how Mathieu Kilejan will be able to handle a Pardon my Swag defence that will be lurking and trying to take away the deep shots that are such a big part of the game for Bud Knights offense. Laurent Foucault has often played the role of the possession receiver for this offense.  He may have to if Bud Knights expect to move on.   
  • A key in this game is how well Brad Evans knows Bud Knights after playing with them for a season and how well Stephen Harripersaud knows Brad Evans after playing with him for a season.

Prediction: Pardon My Swag 25-Bud Knights 12

 

Division E2

 

Clinkers vs. Mambo

  • Marc-Andre Desaulniers has built a quality team.  I mean the following with no slight: he is the worst player on his team.  This is the characteristic of good teams. Desaulniers doesn’t need to do a ton to win.  He needs to trust the play of the players around him and takes what’s open.  I expect a lot of check downs to snapper Phil Aussant.  Yet, if Clinkers are in fact to be successful their offense needs to be able to take advantage of the gap in the middle of the Mambo defence which is built on taking away deep balls to the sideline and over the top.
  • Maxime Ledoux is a menace and he will have to be against Nikki Papich if we wants to be successful in this game.  Papich is great at buying time and it’s what has allowed this offense to succeed when it has been as dominant as we’ve seen from time to time.
  • Clinkers tend to not move their pieces around.  For this reason I think the greatest mismatch would be the inexperienced Alexi Dubois trying to cover the taller and remarkably athletic Tim Horner.
  • As good as Horner has been Joe Kano continues to be one of the best playoff performers in recent FPF history.  He has three touchdowns this post season and will likely need to be the red zone target if Mambo expect to head to the Roadshow.

Prediction: Clinkers 31-Mambo 19

 

Brewers vs. Blackouts

  • After missing a single playoff game Julien Lachance didn’t miss a chance to pad stats against the Canes struggling defense. Chris Cione and Ryan Vanslet proved their supremacy and they’ll have to do the same this round to see success.  Brewers have a better team defence and will need to find ways to force Blackouts to win with his other offensive pieces.
  • While Jeffery Lefebvre is not a particularly mobile qb, the key to forcing him to make mistakes is having a good rusher.  Yvan Hakizimana needs to rush in this game and Blackouts have enough quality defenders that the defence can maintain good coverage.
  • Brewers need to keep this game low scoring.  I don’t think they have the firepower to keep up with Blackouts on full-tilt.  

Prediction: Blackouts 31- Brewers 13

 

Sunday’s Struggling Slimfast

Let me know your thoughts by reaching me at @PeezeFPF on twitter, @Peeze Della Reeze on Facebook or by emailing me at [email protected]. 

On this week’s podcast Stefano Berardi, Moe Khan and I discuss, the most creative cons, the best interior for small yachts and the tastiest prescription medication.  You can see back episodes on youtube @ www.youtube.com/flagplusfootball. 

Have a great and safe week of action. See you at the fields!