The War Room (D3) – Quarterfinals

 

As we inch closer to the zenith of the FPF season, four teams remain in the spotlight. Each team has carved their own path through the trials and tribulation of the winter 2010 season, and emerged victorious to this point. The Ducks are the gold standard of the ’10 season. They came out of nowhere, with little hype and a two headed monster at QB. They are efficient, humble and completely off the radar in terms of “star power”. They do possess the well known Mikhail Davidson of the D2 Wolfpack, but the supporting cast has been able to carve their own identity from his shadow. As most players try to figure out the main reason the Ducks keep winning, they went about their business without hesitation. They might not get the individual praise they deserve but on a team level, they are feared.

The VPC are a much different team than we have witnessed in the past, they have a dual threat QB in Robbie Robinson and tight knit group of receivers. Their defence has been suspect at times, but they have emerged victorious by playing clutch football. They are in a prime position to shock the league by knocking off the favoured Ducks, but it will take some razzle-dazzle and a lot of luck to do so.

On the other side of the bracket, the D-Boys are right where they expected to be at this point in the season. Their QB has been to the dance multiple times (as other named teams) and has usually come up short. This time the history of past failures might be the giant guerrilla on his back. They will need to overcome their opponents and their own demons if they want to win out. They do possess all the skills to win it and I respect their roster. I just can’t bet on them when the moment presents itself.

The Cinderella story of the FPF Div 3 season must be our dear friends, the Big TDs. They were disregarded for most of the season as they struggled. But a switch at QB sparked a revolution in Conference B and they have been hot ever since. They do not lack confidence or the ability to get in your head, but they are inexperienced when it comes to success. They have proven they can hang with the big boys and if they pull off this major upset, they will encapsulate the “Butler” like spirit. There is absolutely no pressure on them to win, because everyone has written them off. But If I know Jamil Springer, that will only fuel his fire…

Observations on last week:

 

– Dirty Birds: Well the D-Boys proved too powerful for the Birds, and Gino Di Fazio puts an abrupt stop to their season for a second consecutive year. They have gone through a lot emotionally during the 11 weeks and changes will be abundant when they reappear in winter ‘11. A few bright prospects have emerged from the team and they will be looking to take the next step in the future.

– AMB Eagles: Well they kept it very close against the Ducks and they have evolved over the season. They were without their superstar Godfrey Abu and it proved to be the difference. If they repeat their progress next season, they could possibly compete at a higher division come 2012.

– Rude Bwoys: Well they ignored my advice on how to stop the Big TDs, and guess what they lost. Now I’m not about to proclaim myself the game planning champion, but the Big TDs did exactly what I said they would and no adjustments were made to counter it. They embarrassed the secondary with broken plays and shoddy tackling. As much as I think the Rude Bwoys have emerged as consistent winners, they lack leadership on the defensive side of the ball. They need either Gary Bloomfield or Stephan Osman to light a fire under the unit and I just don’t feel like anyone has stepped up as “the guy” on defence.

– DK: VPC simply devastated the hopes and dreams of DK. They outclassed them in all aspects of the ballgame and the rightful winner emerged. Now DK can take away an encouraging start to their existence and I’m sure Rochdi Bednabdelkader has learned so much at the QB position. They could be scary good come next season if they can recruit one or two more talented defensive players.

 

The Conference A Championship game:

Ducks vs VPC:

QB Breakdown: Robbie Robinson vs Alex Nadeau – Piuze & Samuel Nadeau. The Ducks have divided their QB position into a two man platoon, while the VPC have banked everything on their most talented player (Two very different strategies and very different system to play in). The advantage will have to go to Robbie Robinson, who can easily break you with his rushing as he can with his decision making and passing attack.

Receiving: The trio of Chevalier, Prevost and Davidson are deadly to opposing secondaries. They are a handful for any team and the depth of the VPC defence is suspect to manage their skill. VPC has a duo of Louis Richard and Dan Dick, who have managed a lopsided amount of production when in comparison to the offensive production. The Receiving corps of the Ducks far outclasses that of VPC, and this might be the deciding factor in the game.

Defence: Robbie Robinson is the main playmaker for VPC defence but it will be too big a task for him to cover all of the deep half. Louis Richard can chip in when needed but he will be limited on how useful he can be given the tall task ahead of him. While the Ducks don’t have stats to back up their splendour, they do play solid defence. They have depth and not too many men to cover in VPC’s attack. Although the talent may be equal, the Ducks will have an easier time of managing the VPC offense.

Prediction: Ducks are just too deep and too efficient to allow the offense of VPC to get carried away. I just can’t figure out a way for VPC to win, without some major turnovers from the two headed monster. Turnovers are few and far between for the Ducks and that’s why I’m choosing the safe pick in the Ducks. Ducks 38 – VPC 27

The conference B Championship game:

Big TDs vs D-Boys:

QB Breakdown: Jamil Springer vs. Gino Di Fazio. Two polar opposites, both in character and playmaking ability.; one relies on the talent surrounding him to make plays from the pocket, while the other runs around like a man possessed and makes plays where there wouldn’t usually be one. It really is a debate on what style you prefer, but I can’t argue with Di Fazio’s body of work. Jamil might be too much Mike Vick and not enough John Elway in this battle (meaning he doesn’t have the throwing ability to back up his running). Advantage: D-Boys.

Receiving: This is an easy one to debate. One team has Marc Champagne, the other team doesn’t. The team that does will have a huge advantage over their opposition as they will keep the secondary scared of his game breaking ability. Giovanni Lanni and Jon Lyristis are great secondary options if for some God given reason Marc is covered. As for the Big Tds, they have talented receivers in Mike Cuscuna, Ryan Browne and David Cesari but nothing compares to the D-Boys arsenal.

Defence: This is where the big separation occurs, the Big TDs are suspect on defence. They are inconsistent and not intimidating. Meanwhile, the D-Boys instil their will on offenses and dictate the pace of the game. This game will be no different.

Prediction: D-Boys walk into the finals in this one, as the Cinderella season isn’t meant to be for the Big TDs. D-Boys 27 – Big TDs 12.

 

Castleton’s Random Thoughts of the week:

1. Montreal’s Finest losing: Well, what can I say… I’m speechless.

2. Texas vs. Click Clack: Both of these teams have everything on the line for this game, and this game can affect their 2011 placement. Whoever wins this game, shall win Division two; you heard it here first.

3. Norzil vs. Kamel: I guess we are about to find out who will make the plays when it counts. No pressure boys, none at all J

4. Ruff Ryders vs Wolfpack: Will the miraculous Wolfpack rejuvenation continue? Afraid not. Ruff Ryders win, final answer.

5. Moe Khan: Sorry to rain on his article, but Kevin Wyeth is a confirmed Shocker for the Spring season. I’ll put up a link later on where you can pre order your Division A back-to-back championship hat. (I’m joking… sorta)

6. Rehan’s article: Good job on the Div 1 article this week. It was a good read on the road to next season. I doubt most of the teams will have the intestinal fortitude to actual make the move, but it would be interesting if they did.

7. Spring Season: If you have any information on your Division B squad that you would like to send me, so I can make a preview article in the coming weeks. Please send it to Ross @flagplusfootball.com. Also don’t wait to register your team as places are limited.

 

 

 

Quote of the week:

I think this is what the kids usually respond “FAIL!”

– Alex Lever on Rehan’s futile attempt to generate chatter on the FB walls.