The real season begins

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, FlagPlus Football players of all ages welcome to the playoffs or as I like to call it, the Real Season.

After 10 long weeks, the regular season has come to an end. We saw some great players, highlight plays, and some amazing games. We also witnessed some teams who looked lost and done by Week 5, turn their seasons around and become major squads to contend with. Unfortunately for some other teams we saw the exact opposite happen. This is why we play the games.

All of what I just mentioned will without a doubt occur during the playoffs as well. This Sunday is a treat, as we will have 8 Division E games at the Soccerplex in Lachine. I hope and expect every game to be a good one.

Before I get into my Divisional Playoff preview, let me say thank-you to the Big Blue Wrecking Crew, the Fuzzy-Kittens, The Fat and the Furious, and Mile Public House ( congrats on your first win!) for playing. I am sure the season didn’t go how you might have envisioned it, but you guys all got better as the year went along, and you need to build off of that momentum for the Winter Season. If each of you makes some minor tweaks to your rosters, I’m sure you will find yourselves in the playoff dance next time. It was a pleasure to cover you guys. Thanks again boys!

 

Divisional Round Playoff Preview

Conference A

• (1) Falcons vs (8) Tigers

Previous Meeting:  Falcons 20-13 (Week 8)

Their first meeting could be looked at as a defensive struggle given the final score, but in all honesty, in particular both offenses were brutal in this one. If you throw their stats together, both pivots combined for 102 yards and three touchdowns and three interceptions.

The difference in the game was Falcons’ Receiver Jonathan Garfinkle who had 4 catches for 28 yards and 2 TDs to go along with an INT.

One bright note for the Tigers during that game was the play of WR Jameel Greenidge, who stepped for a struggling Rahul Mohav behind Center, and went 5 of 7 for 38 yards and a TD pass.

While common sense would say go with him at QB for the rematch, losing Greenidge as a WR would hurt a lot as it would take away from the team’s triple threat at the position with Akeem Gordon, Andrew Denis Lynch, and the aforementioned Greenidge. Furthermore, he is also the team’s best Defensive Back, would the added pressure of playing the pivot position take away from his effectiveness on the backend?

The Falcons also have a QB controversy on their hands as well. Do they roll with P.J Belec who beat the Tigers, but also had the luxury of facing an easier part of the schedule as he faced teams like the Fuzzy-Kittens, The Fat and the Furious, the Redmen? Or do they roll with Dylan Garber who also started 5 games at QB as well, and played a bit tougher slate of teams in the Smokin’ Axolotls, the Looney Goons, Smash Bros, TDs and Beer, and One Man Show?

The stats say go with Garber, he has 5 more TD passes, and one more rushing TD than Belec.

Keys to victory:

Asuuming the Tigers go with Mohav at QB, and they don’t attempt to bring in any ineligible players, (yeah I went there) they will need to figure out a way to contain Garfinkle. Mohav who likes to run, would also be wise to attack the Falcons on the ground as they lack a proven rusher. Most importantly, he will need to eliminate the turnovers that have hurt his team all season.

For the Falcons, no matter who they start at QB, they will need their defense led by ball-hawks Garfinkle and Greg Wainberg, to be aggressive on defense, but good in coverage as well as they will have their hands full with the Tigers’ receiving options. To do that, they will also need a boost from whoever rushes the passer whether it is Daniel Cohen or Julien Miller.

Prediction: Despite the Tigers’ nice group of pass catchers, I don’t see the Tigers being able to keep up with the Falcons offense sans turnovers from Mohav especially if the dirty birds roll with Garber.

Final Score: Falcons 28-20

 

• (2) No name@ vs (7)Looney Goons

Previous Meeting: Looney Goons 27-14 (Week 8)

Their previous matchup could have been called the Matt Bytalan show as the two-way player threw for 3 TDs and added a pick 6 on defense. On the other hand, No name@ QB Jesse Racine without a doubt had his worst game of the season, as went 12 of 26 for 93 yards 1TD and 4 INTs. His completion percentage for the game was 46.2. His QB Rating was an Andy Dalton prime time game like 28.7.

For this rematch you can expect a better performance out of Racine. Another positive for the team will be the return of explosive two-way threat Chris Fields who missed the previous meeting between both teams.

The Looney Goons are arguably the hottest team in all of Div E. They come into this game, winners of 4 out of their last 5 games. Their offense has transformed since Bytalan was inserted under center. Since taking over ion Week 6, he has thrown for 15 TDs and only 4 INTs.

This is honestly the toughest game to call. Both teams have great players on both sides of the ball that can change the game at a moment’s notice. It is similar to the 1st round matchup between the Spurs and the Clippers from this past NBA season.

Keys to victory:

For the Looney Goons, although it is easier said than done, they will have to limit the damage of Chris Fields who has 13 grabs for 131 yards and 6 TDs in his last 4 games. They will also have to shut down WR Johnny Symonds again, as he only had 1 catch for 5 yards in Week 8. The play of on defense of Matthew Da Silva and who he plays against will be key, as he had 2 picks in their last meeting.

For no name@ they will need Racine to play much better. Besides the aforementioned 4 picks against the Looney Goons, he also did it again this past Monday night against the Falcons.

Prediction: Rob White has built and coached up the defense for exactly these moments. Provided Racine doesn’t have another Jake Delhomme-esque performance, I think the magic will run out for the Looney Goons.

Final Score: no name@ 26-24

 

• (3) Smokin’ Axolotls vs (6) Redmen

Previous Meeting: Smokin’ Axolotls 39-24 (Week 10)

These two teams lock horns for the second week in a row. Both squads appear to be heading in the opposite direction. The Smokin’ Axolotls have won 3 out of their last 4 games, while the Redmen have lost 3 out of 4 contests.

Last week Jason Rossie carved up the Redmen defense going 23 of 28 for a Week 10 high 236 yards and 5 TDs.

While the Smokin’ Axolotls’ offense was impressive, WR Elias Patsios who caught 3 of those 5 TDs last week is ineligible to play in the rematch. The same is true for Scott Binns who had 7 TDs and 2 picks this year.

For the Redmen, besides WR Aieman Zahabi who had 3 receptions for 33 yards and 2 TDs, the offense was stagnant as they were missing leading wide-out Zach Zwirn.

A bigger factor is which Redmen team will show up? Will we see the team that beat no name@ and TDs and Beer, or will we see the team whose offense struggled against the Looney Goons, One Man Show, Falcons, and Smokin Axolotls?

Keys to victory:

For the Smokin Axolotls, it’ll be about generating offense from players not named Jason Kokolakis. While the veteran is an instrumental part of the team with 10 TDs, the next leading WR out of eligible players is Martin Geary who has 4 scores. Rusher Carl Boileau who had 10 sacks this season is eligible to play, and his team will need him to contain run-happy QB John Papadimitriou in the pocket.

For the Redmen, they will need to produce offensively. Assuming Zwirn will be back, Papadimitriou when he isn’t running, will need to get the ball in his hands early and often. Redmen rusher Angelo Marotta will need to consistently pressure Rossie as well. He will need to get him off his timing

Prediction: The potential Koklakis/Zwirn matchup will be huge as well. Both have multiple picks. I think the winner of that battle will emerge victorious. Although I think beating a twam twice in consecutive weeks is very hard to pull off, the Redmen have been playing anything but impressive football recently, and they have little to no momentum coming into this one.

Final Score: Smokin’ Axolotls 32 – 21

 

• (4) TDs and Beer vs (5) One Man Show

Previous Meeting: TDs and Beer 32-25 (Week 5)

TDs and Beer jumped out to a 24-13 first half lead, only to barely hang on and escape with the win. They were aided by Jordan Bellemare’s 4 INTs.

Another case of two teams headed in opposite directions. After looking like an elite team earlier in the season, TDs and Beer have crashed hard back down to earth, and come into this game, winless in their last 4 contests.

One Man Show who is 2-2 in their last 4 games, are coming off of a thrilling and late 33-24 victory over The Fat and the Furious.

As I stated above, Bellemare threw 4 picks in their first meeting. The fact that TDs and Beer struggled to get the victory speaks volumes about them, and it also shows that One Man Show fights to the very end.

TDs and Beer QB Brandon Keiller did his part, as he threw for 5 TDs. Arguably the best player in all of Div. E Isiah Allard also came to play on both sides of the ball as he led all WRs with 4 grabs for 101 yards and 2 TDs, and DBs with 2 INTs. 

 

Keys to victory:

For One Man Show, it depends on if an accurate and efficient Bellemare shows up, or the inaccurate one that falls in love with the deep ball, tries to force it too much, and gets a tad unimaginative with his play calling? They will also need old reliable Dangerous Danny D’Amour to have a much better game than he did the first time out of both sides of the ball.

For TDs and Beer it’ll be about finding their confidence, getting production somebody besides Allard. WR Myles Keiller also had a monster game with 4 catches for 88 yards and 3 TDs. His team will need another performance like that again.

Prediction: While TDs and Beer won the first game, they have been arguably the least impressive team heading into the second season. I think One Man Show formerly Wax On Wax Off, will rely on their playoff experience to get them through this one. I also don’t see Danny D’Amour being shut down in back-to-back meetings.

Final Score:  One Man Show 28-26

 

Conference B

• (1) Flight of the Conchords vs (8) Royalty

Previous Meeting: Flight of the Conchords 32-12 (Week 7)

FOTC QB Etienne Guilmain had a breakout game vs Royalty in Week 7 as he threw for 3 TD passes, and ran two others to go along with 75 yards.

FOTC has the veteran experience, and they come into this game on an 8 game winning streak. They have a plthera of playmakers on both sides of the ball led by Jean-Sebastien Renaud, Jonathan Lemieux, Aleandre Girard, and Philippe Kattan.

Royalty has some difference makers on offense in Daniel Lazzara and Joseph Buffone who had 2 TDs vs FOTC in their first meeting. Their defense is impressive as well. They are led by Lazzara who has 6 INTs and Sean Fiorillo who also has 6 takeaways. Rusher Anthony Lucarino and his 14 sacks will play an important role.

Keys to victory:

For FOTC it’s simple, put the petal to the metal and don’t let up. Royalty’s defense doesn’t have enough play makers to stop their opponents. On offense, QB James D’Andrea is tied for the Div. E lead in picks with 21, the Conchords need to be aggressive and jump routes. If they do, I thiknk they will add to D’Andrea’s INT total.

For Royalty, besides eliminating turnovers, they need to run a slow and methodical offense that will keep the FOTC offense on the sidelines for as long as possible, and hope that the layoff will affect their rhythm.  

Prediction: FOTC is just too good. They are the best team in Div. E, and they should make short work of Royalty

Final Score: 35-18

 

• (2) Los Guapos vs (7) JeanGuy

Previous Meeting: Los Guapos 24-21

Los Guapos won behind the arm and legs of QB Terrence Dobson. The veteran went 11 for 22 for 110 yards for 3 TDs. He also ran for 30 yards and another score.

Dobson however, is ineligible to play due to the fact that he only played 4 regular season games for the team.

Taking over the reins in Week 8 was Dilan Daoust. He has gone on to throw for 13 TDs and 3 INTs with a healthy 16 yards per pass average.

For a JeanGuy team who has lost 3 out of their last 4 games, but who has game changing talent on defense in the form of DB Carl Doyon and pass rush king Simon Laporte, it will be all about producing on offense.

Keys to victory:

For JeanGuy, like I just said they will need to put points on the boards. They will need leading WR Pascal Savaria along with Jordan Demarbe, Renaud Di Bernardo, and the aforementioned Laporte who has stepped up as a receiver in recent weeks, to step up in this do-or-die affair. QB Emile Lamy will need to produce as well. Laporte will also need to get after the much slower Daoust often. If he does, this game will be a lot closer than most people think.

Los Guapos who come in on a 5 game winning streak, will need to make the JeanGuy defense pick their poison. Anton Sakiz, Kevin Choo Foo, Francois Latendre, and Ricky Dieudonne can all take it to the house at any given moment. JeanGuy will have their hands full figuring out whom to focus their attention on. They will also need to develop quick hitter plays that will limit the effect of Simon Laporte.

Precidtion: Los Guapos will be able to overcome the Laporte factor, and get the W here.

Final Score Los Guapos 40-21

 

• (3) Smash Bros vs (6) #Baton

Previous Meeting: Smash  Bros 24-6

Despite getting the W, Smash Bros pivot Jonah Cohen had one of his least productive game of the season, as he threw for only 4 TDs. In case you don’t believe me, there were only 3 games this season in which Cohen didn’t throw for more than 4 touchdowns.

The game however should have an asterisks next to it, as the #Baton team that took the field in Brossard that night was nothing like the team we see now.

Since QB Jason Dupuis took over in Week 6, he has not only energized the offense, but he has galvanized the entire team. In the four games he has played, he has thrown for 17 TDs and only 3 INTs. There are two questions that has gone under the radar during the Dupuis era. They are as follows; how will Dupuis fare now that that he is under the playoff lights, and how will he do against an elite team, after having his way with the likes of Been There Done That, the Big Blue Wrecking Crew, the Bloodmachines, and JeanGuy?

Keys to victory:

#Baton will have to score on every possession. They will also need big games from Loic Savoiz Seguin and little Jamarcus Russell Max Kevin Jocelyn. They will also need underrated rusher Naim Goulamhoussen who had 2 sacks in their previous meeting to harass Cohen and slow down the Smash Bros’ offense.

For the Smash Bros make #Baton pick their poison as they will go against an amazing trio of WRs in Paul Santache, Vincent Bastrash, and Eddy Rousseau who have combined for nearly 1700 and 50 TDs. They will also need to shut down the ever-dangerous Jason Previllon which is a lot easier said than done.

Prediction: I like #Baton and the story of their tur around. I just don’t think it’ll be enough to knock off the best offense in Div. E.

 

• (4) Bloodmachines vs (5) Been There Done That

Previous Meeting: Bloodmachines 39-19

Charles-Olivier Lavigne played QB and he went 17 of 28 for 176 yards and 6 TDs.  WRs Patrice Lindor and Cesar Martinez combined for 9 catches 86 yards and 4 TDs. Martinez also recorded 2 INTs on defense.

Been There Done That QB Sebastien Tardif had mixed results. He only completed 4 passes, but 3 of them went for TDs.

That game however was a long time ago, and so was the time of the season when everybody thought the Bloodmachines were an elite team.

Both teams have lost 3 out of their last 4 games, so its kind of fitting that they square off.

 Keys to victory:

For BTDT they will need Tardif to not turn over the ball. Unfortunately for them, he has done that in every game this season.

For the Bloodmachines, they need to find even a little piece of the swagger and confidence that they showed earlier in the season.

Prediction: Despite their 2nd half nose dive, the Bloodmachines have more playmakers, so I’m going with them.

Final Score: 27-14.

That’s it for this week. I will be back next week with my Divisional Round review and my preview for the Quarter Finals.

Once again, if you loved the article, hated it, or simply felt I left something out, don’t be shy. You can shoot me a tweet at @BADNEWS51, or do it the semi-old fashioned way and e-mail me at [email protected]