On Thursday, we had two Wildcard Round matchups played at Marie-Victorin. Les Mangeux de Beignes took on PSTM, and Chomedey Chodes faced Deep Zone Penetrators.

In the first matchup, both teams were left with only 6 players aside, so it was important that no one got injured or ejected. For PSTM, it appears the game ended early, as there weren’t many plays in the second half. According to the box score, three Objectionable Conduct penalties were given, which I’m assuming is why the game ended with only 12 plays in the second half. Les Mangeux de Beignes scored 21 points in the first half, including a trio of TDs by Maxence Raeppel.

Chomedey Chodes played Deep Zone Penetrators, and it was a good one. There were no Objectionable Conduct penalties in this game, but we got an OT thriller to cap off the Wildcard Round. It was a battle between each team’s top receivers. Jonathan Bottazzi of Chomedey Chodes scored twice on 8 catches, while Taliec Baptiste matched him with a 3-TD performance. I’m unsure how the OT session played out, as the box score only shows two convert attempts. Nevertheless, Deep Zone Penetrators pulled out the OT victory, 34–33.

For the Divisional Round, we have four games, while the top four teams are still awaiting their matchups after earning a bye. Let’s go through each one.

Divisional Round Preview

#9 Angry Birds vs #8 CATCH & FLEX

The closest matchup based on seeding, and I believe these two teams are evenly matched in nearly every category. You have the veterans on each team, with Richie Mondesir for Catch & Flex going up against Alessandro Barazzoni for Angry Birds. We have two-way athletes in Muyiz Idris and Lucas Crivello. You can’t forget the rushers, with Elijah Dupuy facing Tristan Koutsoumbas.

This game will come down to turnovers. Both QBs have done a good job protecting the ball but have had games where multiple turnovers have cost them. I would hope this game goes to OT because of how balanced each team is. I think conversions will be the difference-maker, and I trust Angry Birds more in that department.

Prediction: Angry Birds def Catch & Flex 30-27

#10 P.I Central vs #7 McGill Swim Team

Two teams with plenty of flag and tackle football experience come into this one. My McGill Swim Team turned a 2–3 start into a 5-game win streak to finish the season at 7–3. P.I Central comes into this game after beating Angry Birds 35–19 and finishing the regular season at 5–4–1.

Unfortunately, Vaughn Vanslet won’t be playing for McGill Swim Team, so a team that’s been used to having one of the most reliable lower-tier division QBs will have to work some magic to advance. I will be playing in this one, possibly at QB, so no prediction here.

#12 Deep Zone Penetrators vs #5 Empereurs Retraités

Deep Zone Penetrators have won their last two games in dramatic fashion to reach this point. They saved their season in the regular season finale against Angry Birds and followed it up with an OT victory over Chomedey Chodes. Empereurs Retraités lost their last regular season game against McGill Swim, but not before finishing with a strong 7–2–1 record.

It’s worth noting that leading receiver David Ringuet did not play in their last game. Ringuet is the most targeted receiver in this matchup between both teams. Deep Zone Penetrators have a duo in Tallec Baptiste and Eliott Bourque that can’t be ignored. I’ve seen the offence of Empereurs Retraités without Ringuet, and he’s a huge loss when he’s not there.

With Deep Zone Penetrators carrying strong momentum, I think even a full squad of Empereurs Retraités won’t be enough to stop the upset in this one.

Prediction: Deep Zone Penetrators def Empereurs Retraités 32-20

#11 Les Mangeux de Beignes vs #6 Swiffer WetJets

Previous matchup: Swiffer WetJets def Les Mangeux de Beignes 25-13 in Week 7

In the regular season matchup, Xavier Delisle struggled, going 10/22 with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. Andrew Chin threw 3 TDs and added a rushing TD himself. Both teams are in different stages compared to Week 7. Les Mangeux de Beignes have gone 4-1-1 since that loss, while Swiffer WetJets have gone 3-2 in that span.

The defence of Swiffer WetJets has been the reason behind their 7-3 record all season. They allow the fourth-fewest points at 20.3 per game. However, they do have the worst offence remaining in the playoffs, scoring only 24.2 points per game.

Swiffer WetJets haven’t played since April 4, while Les Mangeux de Beignes have only played their Wildcard game in that same span. I don’t particularly like Swiffer WetJets in this one, but their defence will be the factor in them moving on.

Prediction: Swiffer WetJets def Les Mangeux de Beignes 19-13

Closing Remarks

That’s all I have ahead of the Divisional matchups starting tonight. If you don’t agree with my take, I’m always open to hearing what you have to say so don’t be shy and approach me! As always, if you didn’t get a chance to respond or want to be included in future pieces, you can reach me on Facebook or Instagram @keyoncyrus.