Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 6

We’re at a point right now where the playoff picture is still a little bit away enough for the prospects to be very cloudy. So expect a full breakdown of it next week, when the wins and losses will make everything a little bit clearer. I got a lot of great feedback about how in-depth every team was looked at last week and the week before, so I figured I’d give it another go this week. So we’ve got in-depth this week, and I’ll do some playoff and award speculating next week as to who will win what, and who will play whom in the playoffs.
 
Power Rankings

1. The Incredibles
2. Toute Garnie
3. Les Buddays
4. Smokin’ Aces
5. Mustangs du Gridiron
6. Broccasion
7. Gators
8. Sea Assassins
9. #NoRegard
10. Clockwork

(Not so) Quick Picks

I’ve been having a bit of trouble as of late picking over .500 in the games in the division each week. Testament to the parity in the division and all that, but I figured that if I’m going to be consistently wrong week after week, that I’d at least give you some reasoning in my predictions. That way, when I’m wrong, I’ll at least look somewhat informed in my reasoning (or even more crazy.)
 
Underrated vs. Sea Assassins
The Sea Assassins will be the first to tell you how often I pick against them. However, I’m sure that they’re happy with proving me wrong week after week. Daniel Lazzara seems to be a fantastic addition to this team, consistently hovering around a 70% completion ratio, as well as spreading the ball around in an incredibly efficient manner. Underrated are going to need to stick to what works, and Gabriel Coté is going to need to keep it short and stick to what works in order to keep his team in the game.
Prediction: Sea Assassins
 
Nutcrackers vs. SWCP Bulldogs
Nutcrackers are still having trouble keeping the INTs down. While both teams have just come off of close games, they’ll be looking at another close one this week. The Bulldogs managed to pull off a close one when it counted, going toe to toe in their last game and winning it on the convert. I think that there’s enough chemistry on SWCP that they’ll be able to start a bit of a run. I get the impression that the Nutcrackers are going to falter again unfortunately.
Prediction: SWCP Bulldogs

Broccasion vs. Mustangs du Gridiron
 
Self-admittedly, Broccasion have the same problem season in, season out. They have a plethora of talent every season, but no one is there to stay. That being said, talent is talent. Broccasion made a statement game against the Gators last week, who made a statement game against Mustangs du Gridiron. So if G beat M, and B beat G, does that mean that B will beat M? It’s not usually the case, but I think so. I think that whoever shows up for Broccasion will be enough. They have great chemistry on offense, and Mustangs struggle against a strong defense.
Prediction: Broccasion

La Sauce vs. 69ers
 
Coming off of a difficult game against Toute Garnie, La Sauce made the best of a bad situation. Without their QB, they managed to keep a hard-hitting offense in relative check due to their defense. On the other side, 69ers have been good but inconsistent. Dean Demetriou has been an absolute terror on both sides of the ball, being everywhere at once on the field. I estimate that this game is going to have more interceptions than either team know what to do with. However, I think that La Sauce’s defense are a bit more well-rounded and might just take it.
Prediction: La Sauce

Green Nation vs. Rogues
 
What am I going to say about Green Nation that hasn’t been said yet? Consistency would be nice, without a doubt. They click so well on offense, and yet have trouble making a stop on defense. So, essentially, they’re only as good as whoever has the last possession. Despite their roster issues, the Rogues have been underperforming as of late. Coming off of a tough loss, and tying a team without their starting quarterback isn’t a position that the Rogues want to be in. That being said, their defense has been keeping them in games. Playing up against a team that has defense troubles is exactly the position they want to be in, because even one stop will be the difference maker.
Prediction: Rogues

The Family vs. The Commission
 
Despite the loss last week, I’m still a huge advocate of the quarterback switch. J-S Ouelette is an incredibly tough man to cover due to his size, and Maxime forget has put up great (interceptionless) numbers. Also, it seems that whenever The Family have a new recruit wearing the #0 jersey, be it Bibeault or now Bourbonniere-Morin, they become interception machines. On the flip side, The Commission have had an odd turn of events. They’ve made a quarterback change and have come up with some great wins against strong teams and a couple of hiccups as well. They’ve got great chemistry, and function as a unit. I see this being a great game from start to finish, but I’m going to give it to The Family on this one.
Prediction: The Family

Past Our Prime vs. Gators
 
Past Our Prime are at 3-3, with a win followed by a loss. Logically, someone would say that Past Our Prime would be due for a win. Unfortunately, nothing’s a given in FPF, and you can’t take everything for granted. I know that Past Our Prime are looking to sneak in the playoffs playing “Waterbuffalo football” but I think that each game needs to be played one at a time. The Gators are also coming off of a loss, and have made a bold statement that they won’t lose again. (More in the quote of the week.) Despite the pattern, I think that the Gators function too well as a unit for them to come up short in this game.
Prediction: Gators
 
Ball Busters vs. Certified Flyguyz
 
Nothing against them, but I did see this coming for the Ball Busters. I feel like they’ve gotten a bit complacent largely due to their early schedule. They’ve currently got a playoff spot, but they’re faced with 4 trap games that they need to avoid letting even one game get away from them because they’ve got a hold on Conference B North, but it’s very limited. On the flip side, Certified Flyguyz are third in a tough Conference B West, and each game is must-win for them if they want to be playoff bound. They made a statement game against a Sphinx team without a QB. Can they keep it up?
Prediction: Certified Flyguyz

Channel 4 News Team vs. Smokin’ Aces
 
The Channel 4 News Team took a huge confidence boost this week. They’ve added Jelani McLaren who has contributed quite well in both games, and they’re on par to making my prediction for the season correct. However, it looks like it’ll be a bit too tough to tackle a Smokin’ Aces team who are averaging 48 points a game since their tie, and are still undefeated. There’s rooting for the underdog, and then there’s supporting a team who look real difficult to stop.
Prediction: Smokin’ Aces

Sphinx vs. Spartans
 
I really feel for Sphinx, who seem to be on a consistent downward spiral. They’re talented, but they’re having trouble adapting to the teams in Division 4. I really don’t know what advice to give, because there are games where Sphinx are close, and times where they’re way off. The Spartans have won out tough games since Week 3. They’re clicking well and are becoming a force to be reckoned with. When in doubt, vote for consistency.
Prediction: Spartans

Les Buddays vs. Coyotes
 
Barring another unforeseen absence of Leandre Ethier, Les Buddays should seem confident with their season. They play fast, physical and organized football. Usually we see a combination of two, but rarely are all three seen in FPF, which makes them a force to be reckoned with. Meanwhile, after a heartbreaker last week, the Coyotes have seen just how important extra points can be in FPF. It’s testament to how well they’ve adapted in how a former D5 team has measured up against the elevated competition, but how will they do against a former D5 adversary in Les Buddays?
Prediction: Les Buddays

The Incredibles vs. Outlaws
 
I predicted The Incredibles to go 10-0. They’re efficient on offense, and they’re becoming a team that are scary to watch on defense. Honestly, they seem like the team to beat at the moment; will the pressure become too much? The Outlaws, meanwhile are coming off of a loss that will either be their eye-opener or their downfall. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s back-to-back difficult games for them at the moment.
Prediction: The Incredibles

No Punt Intended vs. Football Old Timers Club
 
Two established teams who seem to be hurting. NPI underwent a name change last year, and seem to be having a moderately successful season up until now, but are having trouble with the big dogs. Football Old Timers Club, meanwhile have been struggling against just about everyone, yet pulled off a fantastic finish against The Family. So where to go from here? This game will obviously be a turning point for one of the two teams, who will look to right the ship from here on out. When in doubt, go with the more consistent.
Prediction: No Punt Intended

Longhorns vs. Gunslingers
 
Two one-point victories in three weeks. The Longhorns are better than that, and they know it. However, being in it purely for the fun seems to be enough for now. The Gunslingers, meanwhile took advantage and got a much-needed win against Les Buddays. This is the momentum builder for both teams. If Frederic Viens can keep the interceptions down for his team, he’ll be in a solid rhythm and build a great deal of confidence for the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Longhorns could prove that they can go back to the days of old and win by more than one point, which would be a good way to start the ball rolling in the coming weeks.
Prediction: Gunslingers

Clockwork vs. Dark Side
 
As celebrated as it was in the offseason, the Masciotra-Gittens connection hasn’t really materialized at all. Instead, it seems to be business as usual for Clockwork. Aside from the addition of Omar Jackson, the usual suspects seem to be doing all the work for Clockwork. Heavy on the offense, light on the defense, it’s the same song and dance. Dark Side are also business as usual. A Gino-led team where he organizes a ton of people with football experience until he arrives at guys who will contribute to the system and produce wins. When they win, it’s a statement. When they don’t, they falter hard. The question is really which team will show up come game time?
Prediction: Clockwork

Thunder vs. Toute Garnie
 
Thunder have been having a really rough time. They’ve defaulted a game, and took a tough loss to the 69ers this week. The sad thing is: aside from those two, all their other losses are a touchdown or less! What’s missing, exactly? And can they rectify it before they have a whole season go out the window? Unfortunately, things aren’t looking bright for them this week as they face a Toute Garnie team who have been playing merciless football against the teams on their schedule. Above-average offense, above-average defense. There’s not really much more to say that hasn’t been already for a team as strong as this one.
Prediction: Toute Garnie

KGP Lite vs. Backyard Bullies
 
KGP Lite had a game within reach that slipped through their fingers as their opponents knocked in a two point conversion. I think that the SWCP game was theirs to lose, and now they’re going to be angry and desperate because of it. I like the Backyard Bullies’ chances in this game, and it’s not just because of Vinny Gualano (although his prescence certainly backs up my argument.) Expect a scrappy game from both sides who will be fighting tooth and nail for a win.
Prediction: Backyard Bullies

Falcons vs. Discount Double Check
 
The Falcons offense is finally starting to hit stride. Pat St-Amand and Yan Vandelac have been using their experience to their advantage, and Vladimir Mede is a nightmare to cover. Seeing them on a bit of a hot streak in the past three weeks gives hope to those new teams who are looking to turn it around. Discount Double Check have been keeping it close, however. Despite losing games that their experience should have won for them, at least they’re learning. A loss of two playmakers (one to injury and one to D2) must have been hard, but they seem capable enough to bounce back. They don’t have many easy games left, however.
Prediction: Falcons

Knights vs. Vis Motus
 
When they’re on, the Knights are on fire. But once the competition elevates, they’re seemingly nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, the only way to improve is to play teams of a higher skillset than your own. So while this matchup will be a nice confidence boost, it will do little in the way of their development. Seth Galina made the right move in taking the quarterback reigns of Vis Motus, but it’s unfortunately too little, too late for this team. Here’s to hoping they can get that first win before the season finishes.
Prediction: Knights

Bruizers vs. Maccabi
 
The South Shore junior team seem to have made a grand entrance into FPF. Having had only a few guys play a few games here and there, they’ve largely been effective as a group. Punter/Kicker Fred Mallette isn’t putting up the most ideal quarterback numbers; however he’s carrying his team to victory. Could you really ask for more? I know that Maccabi are in a tough situation, however they’re doing everything in their power to rectify it. They’ve been watching games and trying to decipher what will work for them. Unfortunately, they’re up against a team with way too much football experience to crack a dent in this week.
Prediction: Bruizers

Marauders vs. FTP 2.0
 
It’s been a tough season for Marauders. They’ve had good seasons and they’ve had bad, but it was odd to see how much Hugo Beausoleil could have used Maxime Laflamme this season. Ties have hurt them so much, and it’ll likely be a contributing factor to why they won’t make playoffs this year. Meanwhile, FTP 2.0 have been quite the enigma to me. They’ve had quite a few surprise performances, and made me look completely off. While I’m sure there’s many sides to the story (including their large roster size) it still strikes me as odd that they’d release a star in Nigel Thomas after the multiple seasons he’s had with them. Nonetheless, I think they’ll be enough for Marauders to struggle against.
Prediction: FTP 2.0

Yari’s Autonomics vs. Patriotes
 
It’s actually interesting to see how these two teams mirror each other. Comprised of strong role players, they were both once dominant and now are beginning to struggle. I know that Yari’s Autonomics added Chief Shefteshy to replace the loss of Tony Lukca, but I don’t like their chances. Meanwhile, what can Patriotes do in order to rekindle their once winning ways? A group outing? Some practices on the side? Whatever it is, I think it’s time that they figured it out, because they’re too good a team to be underperforming like this.
Prediction: Yari’s Autonomics

Cool Kidz vs. Pitbulls
 
A lot of last week’s win came off of P-M Lachaine. Throwing for three TDs, intercepting a pass, and running in a TD would definitely make you a star of the week when you’re playing on a short roster. However, they seem to struggle when the competition elevates. This might be good news for them as they play a good but disorganized team in the Pitbulls, who are new to FPF. So long as the Kidz stay kool (Oh yeeeeah!) they should be fine
Prediction: Cool Kidz

Park-X Streets vs. #NoRegard

Mothers, lock up your children; this one’s going to get ugly. I’m expecting a very vocal game from both parties. Park-X Streets are without Jonathan Makris due to suspension, and are angry and have something to prove. #NoRegard have just come off of a game in which they did prove something (as well as the fact that they’re not actually cursed at CSJV) and are looking to win, and troll while they do it. Let’s hope this one remains civil.
Prediction: #NoRegard
 
 
Well, that’s it for me for now. I tried to give some more substance, since you guys have been asking for continued breakdowns of every team. If you’d like me to change something, I’m always open to hearing it. [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
I’m only as good as the feedback I get. Until then, see you on the sidelines!
 
Quote of the Week

“Well, we made sure that we lost in order to prove that we’re human.” – Jon Young