Division 2 Playoffs: Upsets and Familiar Faces Shape Semifinal Matchups

Division 2 Semi Finals 

The Division 2 FPF playoffs have delivered excitement and drama in equal measure. This past weekend, we witnessed two major upsets, with the #10 seed Run It Once and the #5 seed Dirty Birds + knocking off higher-seeded opponents.  Now, the stage is set for the semifinals, where these Cinderella stories will face off against established powers. The #2 seed Mangoose, boasting a near-perfect record, will take on the Dirty Birds +, while the #11 seed Run It Once squares off against the #1 seed Cap Friendly Braves. Let’s take a closer look at the Quarterfinals mathchups that were and preview the upcoming semifinal matchups!

Quarter Finals recap 

Cap Friendly Braves Triumph Over Poseidon’s Kiss in FPF Quarterfinal

The Cap Friendly Braves secured a hard-fought victory over Poseidon’s Kiss with a final score of 42-28 in the Division 2 FPF Quarterfinal matchup. Braves continued to answer Poseidon’s kiss as they each scored 3 touchdowns an first half. Poseidon’s Kiss were without two of their impact players as snapper Dom Benevento and #1 receiver Jarryd Taylor were unable to be present and play. Regardless at halftime Poseidon’s Kiss led 21-18. The Cap Friendly Braves took the lead early in the second half, with quarterback Joe Maheu connecting with Kris Verreault for a 3-yard pass on the opening drive. They were also successful in their 2- point conversion. The second half continued the trend of exchanging touchdowns. Maheu connected with W. Trottier for a score, while Christiano found Nick Groppini and Chaz Kidder-Alexander for Poseidon’s Kiss. The Cap Friendly Braves secured the win late in the second half as Emile Chateauvert’s got a crucial sack on 3rd down which was followed by an incomplete pass on 4th down. This turnover on downs allowed the Braves final touchdown from Will Trottier. Down 14 points Poseidon’s kiss needed a miracle to tie the game and they were unsuccessful as a INT by William Paquet sealed the game. Joe Maheu of the Cap Friendly Braves threw for 231 yards and 5 touchdowns. Will Trottier of the Cap Friendly Braves had a standout performance with a touchdown reception and an interception.

Mangoose vs Bless up 

I predicted: This will be a statement game for Mangoose as they solidify their position as championship contenders.

Underdog Bless Up Pushes #2 Seed Mangoose to the Brink in FPF Quarterfinal

In a stunning upset almost achieved, the #11 seed Bless Up (3-7) fell just short to the #2 seed Mangoose (9-1) in a thrilling 33-31 Division 2 FPF Quarterfinal matchup. Bless Up surprised everyone with a strong start, relying on short passes from quarterback Stephen Harripersaud to methodically move the ball down the field. This culminated in a touchdown pass to Marvin Steinberg, followed by another scoring drive capped by a David Gutkovski touchdown reception. Mangoose answered back with touchdown drives of their own. Quarterback Nick Schaefer found Thomas Coutu twice in the endzone, and Tristan Fiske-Casault added another touchdown reception. However, a crucial interception by Marvin Steinberg for Bless Up kept the score close.The second half was still a back-and-forth affair. Bless Up capitalized on another Mangoose interception with a touchdown pass to Jafar Hassan. Mangoose responded with another touchdown pass to Tristan Fiske-Casault. Bless Up wouldn’t go away, with Stephen Harripersaud connecting with James Langshaw for a touchdown. Down by twelve points late in the fourth quarter, Mangoose marched down the field and scored a 3 yard touchdown to Vincent Anctil and attempted an onside kick with only 3 plays left int he game. Mangoose completed the onside attempt with a huge 28 yard pass to Tristan Fiske-Casault once again. Two plays later Nick Schaefer found Vincent Anctil for the go-ahead touchdown on the last play of the game. Despite the loss, Bless Up’s performance was a major upset as Stephen Harripersaud threw for multiple touchdowns, and Marvin Steinberg had a standout game with an interception and a touchdown catch.Mangoose advances to the Division 2 FPF semifinals, but they were certainly tested by Bless Up. They’ll need to clean up their mistakes moving forward.

Silent Ticklers vs Run it Once 

I Predicted: Final Sore: Silent Tickers 42, Run It Once 21

Run It Once Stuns Silent Ticklers in FPF Division 2 Quarterfinal Upset

In the first major upset, the #10 seed Run It Once (3-7) defeated the #3 seed Silent Ticklers (9-1) by a score of 24-20 in a thrilling Division 2 FPF Quarterfinal matchup. Silent Ticklers took an early lead with a methodical passing drive capped off by a 1-yard touchdown reception by Blevings. Run It Once answered back with a long touchdown pass from Jeff Rosenblatt to Matt Bond to tie the game. The remainder of the first half was nothing crazy as Silent Tickers led 14-12. The second half saw Run It Once take control. Matt Bond emerged as a star for Run It Once, catching two touchdown passes in the second half, including another long one from Rosenblatt. The Silent Ticklers didn’t go down without a fight as aother touchdown pass from Panetta to Andrew Blevings late in the fourth second half brought them within striking distance. However on their final drive, an interception by Matt Bond sealed the victory for Run It Once. With the win, Run It Once advances to the Division 2 FPF semifinals. The win was a major upset, as the Silent Ticklers were heavily favoured entering the game. Jeff Rosenblatt’s passing performance and Matt Bond’s big plays were key factors in Run It Once’s victory. The Silent Ticklers’ season comes to an end with the loss. They will look to bounce back next year.

Blue Ballers Vs dirty Birds 

I predicted: If Dirty Birds+ do not throw an INT they WILL walk out with he W.

Dirty Birds + Soar in Thrilling Upset Victory over Blue Ballers (27-25)

The Dirty Birds + (4-6) stunned the higher seeded Blue Ballers (6-4) in a nail-biting 27-25 Division 2 FPF Quarterfinal matchup. The Blue Ballers wasted no time getting on the board. Quarterback Fred Dupuis connected with Francois Hogue for a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the first half. The extra point attempt was good, giving them a 7-0 lead.The Dirty Birds + answered back with a scoring drive of their own. Quarterback Quaid Johnson orchestrated a methodical passing attack, culminating in a touchdown reception by Anthony Brisebois. However, the 2-point conversion attempt converted, taking the lead at 8-7.Both teams exchanged touchdowns before halftime. Louis-Philip Thibodeau hauled in a touchdown pass for the Blue Ballers, but their 2-point conversion try was unsuccessful. The Dirty Birds + countered with a touchdown pass by Quaid Johnson, but this time failed to convert the 2-point attempt, sending the game into halftime tied at 13-14. The second half continued to be a back-and-forth affair. James Ohayon found the endzone for the Dirty Birds +, followed by a touchdown catch by  Giraud for the Blue Ballers. Both teams continued to struggle with extra points, keeping the score close. Quaid Johnson was the star for the Dirty Birds +, throwing for four touchdowns and leading their offense effectively. Anthony Brisebois had a breakout performance, catching two touchdown passes. The Dirty Birds + victory sends a shockwave through the FPF playoffs. They will look to continue their Cinderella run in the semifinals, while the Blue Ballers’ season comes to a disappointing end.

Semi finals Preview 

Cardiac Kids Collide: Mangoose vs. Dirty Birds+ in a Semifinal Showdown

The FPF Division 2 playoffs have been a heart-stopping display of grit and determination. No team embodies this spirit more than the #2 seed Mangoose and the #7 seed Dirty Birds +, who will face off in a thrilling semifinal matchup.  Both squads survived nail-biting finishes in their quarterfinals, marching down the field in the dying seconds to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Now, they stand just one win away from the Division 2 Finals. The Mangoose boast a near-perfect record, losing only once to the league’s top dog, the Cap Friendly Braves. Led by Nic Schaefer, the reigning Division 2 QBOY, the Mangoose offense is a monstrous machine. Schaefer’s experience and composure were on full display in the quarterfinals, as he orchestrated a game-winning drive in the final moments. The Dirty Birds + have taken the playoffs by storm, defying their lower seed with their explosive offense. Quarterback Quaid Johnson has a wealth of weapons at his disposal, with receivers James Ohayon and Anthony Brisebois forming a dynamic duo. Together, they’ve combined for a staggering 24 touchdowns, making them a nightmare to defend. For me, I think the biggest question to be answered in this game is Will Nic Schaefer be able to exploit any weaknesses in the Dirty Birds + secondary? If Dirty Birds+ can get a few stops I believe they can take control of this game and will have to fend off another Mangoose onside attempt to seal the victory.  With both teams battle-tested and brimming with confidence, this semifinal promises to be an edge-of-your-seat thriller. The winner will earn a coveted spot in the Division 2 Finals, setting the stage for a championship showdown. The lower seeds have been upsetting teams left and right here in division 2 and I don’t expect that to stop here in the semi finals, give me Dirty Birds+ in another nail bitter 35-33. 

Improbable Run It Once Faces Herculean Task Against Undefeated Cap Friendly Braves in FPF Semifinals

The magic of the playoffs continues in the FPF Division 2 as the #11 seed Run It Once (4-6) squares off against the undefeated juggernaut, #1 seed Cap Friendly Braves (10-0), in the semifinals. This matchup presents a classic case of David vs. Goliath, with the Cinderella run of Run It Once facing the near-impenetrable force of the Cap Friendly Braves. After a tumultuous regular season, Run It Once has found their stride in the playoffs. Their upset victory over the #3 seed Silent Ticklers was a statement win, fuelled by a dominant performance from quarterback Jeff Rosenblatt. Rosenblatt, who many expected to have a stellar statistical season, has saved his best for the playoffs. In their last two outings, he went a remarkable 45/56 for 455 yards and 10 touchdowns, raising eyebrows across the league. The Cap Friendly Braves, on the other hand, have been a force to be reckoned with all season. Led by the league’s leading passer, Joe Maheu (57 touchdowns, 4 interceptions), their offense has been nearly unstoppable. Maheu’s experience and pinpoint accuracy will be a major challenge for the Run It Once defense. Will Jeff Rosenblatt be able to replicate his playoff heroics against the toughest opponent? And can the Cap Friendly Braves’ high-powered offense overpower the Run It Once defense? The high-flying offense of the Cap Friendly Braves will look to overpower Run It Once with a barrage of scores and 2 point converts. On the other hand, Run It Once will need to rely on their newfound offensive efficiency and a herculean defensive effort to pull off yet another upset. I would like to see Run it Once in the Finals but as i selected the Cap Friendly Braves to be playing in the finals a weeks ago, I will stick with that prediction and say Cap Friendly Braves move through again. I think this can be a close game that Braves are able to answer Run it Once’s scores and convert for 2-points every time to keep the lead. Close game but Cap Friendly Braves control this game from start to finish.