Peeze’s Playbook (Div 5) – Playoffs Week 2

Sunday morning arrives as expected and the grey hazy light fills my bedroom. My alarm is ringing for what must be the thirteenth time but I reach over and hit the snooze once more. Nine more minutes of serenity; nine more minutes where I can keep my eyes shut and imagine that the world was not as I had left it the night before. Unfortunately, for fear of bedsores and the will to be a productive member of society I awoke.

Slowly the memories of the night before begin to unveil themselves. Then as a cartoonist flipping a sketchpad the images from the previous night’s game flood my mind and I feel the same, sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

After the bye week many of the division winners felt this way, as 6 of them would do no better than one-and-done. All the hard work to win the division was for naught and the captains of these teams reluctantly begin planning for spring.

For the teams that remain, the games will get tougher. The winners will be filled with an incredible sensation of ecstasy while teams that get defeated will experience a remarkable sense of loss. This is the FPF playoffs. It is beautifully chaotic, romantically tumultuous and the one moment that you will be declared victorious or defeated will last an eternity.

Weekly Overview

Two and a Half More for the Road

Joey Taylor continued his season long dominance as he added 5 more touchdowns to his astounding post season total (11 in two games). The Dans just seemed to be too much for the J’s to handle as missed tackles and yards after the catch appeared to be their downfall all game long. Evangelista, McFee and Aylward were the greatest beneficiaries of this as they combined for 175 receiving.

The main issue here was the J’s defense. Layers often seemed to be lethargic in their zones and pursuit and help on tackles. This allowed the very athletic Two and a Half Dans roam free and put a lot of points up on the board. For the J’s this concludes a very successful yet unfulfilling season. The receving corps was very solid and if they can manage to keep the corps of Dusautois, Chasse and Tum together this team will grow and become a team to look out for in the future.

Project Mayhem Thwarted

Project Mayhem surprised few people earning the number 1 spot in the conference. That being said there were questions. My main issue with Norman Bellmare has always been: What happens if he needs to come from behind. Playing with a lead Bellemare and his short and steady approach is deadly. Ehen Mayhem trails we see it unravel a little. This was the case this week as Stormin’ Norman was replaced at the quarterback position by Alex Holowach. In the end Project Mayhem would lose 27-19 but having struggled the entire first half, there just was not enough time for a comeback.

Les Maloudes poured it on early and the one score lead going into the half held serve until the final whistle was blown. Shawn Lafortune has been a great story this season and has continued to look impressive. Playing a more conservative, pocket passing style served him well this game as he was able to pick his spots and play efficiently and productively all game. Anthony Nguyen stepped up big this week as 3 of his 7 catches resulted in touchdowns. If Les Maloudes can continue to get production from all 5 receivers as well as they have done so far in the post season they will continue to look the part as contenders.

Locking Another Win Down

Lockdown kept two streaks alive this past week as they beat Les Affreux for the third time in their franchise’s history and they extend their winning streak this season to 8 straight games. Gianfranco Ranaudo has been on fire during this post season as he has thrown 11 touchdowns to only 1 interception. Pritchard Jerome had a stand out game as he largely benefitted from Ranaudo’s hot streak in this one as he caught 5 passes for 91 yards and 3 touchdowns. This game had started out quite close but then got away from Les Affreux as they were not able to stop Lockdown’s offense in the second half.

Matt Domon had started the game out well and his plan to get the ball to receivers using a short, consistent pass attack was working well. However, as he started to open up the game and throw the ball deeper he started to get into trouble. Dubois and Del Bello combined for all but 5 of Domon’s passing yards and Les Affreux’s quest for the division 5 championship must wait another season. Lockdown won this one 37-19.

Aces Stubbed by Toes

McKernan vs. Lubin. This was expected to be a ten round, 44 minute battle where both men would be slugging it out looking for spots in an otherwise tight matchup. If one were to keep the boxing metaphor going this turned out to be a ten round fight where one dude just kept pounding on the other.

With his skill level, if Kevin Lubin is able to keep his composure then this may be the first of many championships that he will hold above his head. When he is calm and decisive like we saw in this game he is the best quarterback in division 5. The reason I mention all this is that Kevin’s numbers were not outstanding in this game, but it was his leadership qualities that allowed Turf Toe Inc to come out ahead. Most notably, TTI got incredible production from snapper Taylor Clarke as he scored two touchdowns in this one.

Having lost 25-7 Aces need to look within for answers. All season long they had proclaimed themselves as the one of the favorites. Their flaws on defense were evident in this one as TTI were able to sustain drives and seemed to be continuously on the attack. What was odd in this game was the poor performance from the Aces offense. Dropped passes were the dagger that did them in here as Doug McKernan was never really able to get the ball rolling. Perhaps the biggest drop was by Jordan Alexis on a fade in the endzone. Having got both hands on a ball above his head it seemed like he would bring it in for the score. He never brought the ball into his body and as such it was swatted away by a nearby TTI defender. This was a tough loss for the Aces

As Weather Warms Black Ice Melts

The issues surrounding Black Ice hinged on whether or not they could compete in a game where their competitor was able to score a lot of points. Known as a defensive squad with an experienced core of leaders the one issues with Black Ice has been that they simply do not score enough points and this was the case in point during this second week of the playoffs as they lost to Kingdom by a score of 38-18. Einheiber struggled for most of the game only completing 9 passes in 23 attempts. Nyle Anderson was as productive as he has been all season but Black Ice was not able to muster up much offense from anyone else.

All week long people had criticized the fact that I had chosen Kingdom to beat Black Ice. The fact of the matter remains that Kingdom is far better than they record has shown this season and they have a group of very explosive receivers. Defensively, they were able to stop Black Ice all game long and as always their defense worked well as a group and it didn’t come down to the play of a single player. If Kingdom can continue to perform this way they will be playing at Brossard on April 20^th.

Overthrowners to E6, Checkmate

Since their rebrand Checkmate has proven to be a team that is difficult to beat when they have the lead. Coming into this game Checkmate’s record was 17-2 when leading at halftime. Eventually the injuries, most notably to Alex David, along with yet another outstanding performance by the Overthrowners ended Checkmate’s campaign for the championship. The turning point came on a possession where Checkmate had the ball on 1^st and goal on the one yard line and Anthony Carbone was sacked on three consecutive plays. The third sack was somewhat controversial as rusher Alexandre Lemire made contact with Anthony Carbone’s arm. The referee took his flag out of his pocket only to put it back and swallow his whistle. Nonetheless, this was the only stop of the game (for either team) and it proved to be the defining defensive stand.

The true story here is the Overthorowners. With a high powered offense and skilled players on either side of the ball the Overthrowners have a very complete team. Two of Beauregard’s five touchdowns came via the long-ball. This was particularly impressive against Checkmate’s number one ranked defense. The Overthrowners edged out Checkmate 30-28.

First One Down is a Rotten Egg

The First Downers came into this week gearing up for a rematch against the first team to beat them this season. Beating the Primes (by a score of 37-25) must have had some special significance. Théberge looked great, as he was able to stretch the field and allow his team to to take advantage of their edge in the speed department against a more experienced and physical Primes team. Fraçois Morin had a monster game as he caught 8 passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Iadeluca will look to rebuild his team for future seasons. He has grown as a passer and the team made some huge steps. We saw the familiar names doing damage in this game as Testa and Owen put up yards and touchdowns. Defensively, Kavanagh and Marsella looked solid. Given a couple more pieces the Primes will be a serious competitor in seasons to come.

Bracket Breakdown

Conference A

TCO (5) vs. Lockdown(6)

All season long I have been critical of TCO when they’ve had to play in the limelight. Every chance they had to flourish in tough spots instead saw them shrink. This past week saw them at their full potential as they laid a beating on the Young Bloodz.

Keys to Success

TCO: TCO has used a quick strike offence effectively all season. If they expect to do that this game it will not work. Lockdown have a very good set of DB’s and handle the deep ball very well. Some teams stick to the old adage “We just need to play our game” when in reality they should play the game that will beat their opponent. They have a great defense, a solid quarterback and very competent receivers. TCO (Terrifically Colorful Origami…am I close?) TCO are a team that does engage in a lot of chirping. The one way to quiet them down is to score points on them. The earlier they get to the TCO defense the quieter they will be.

Lockdown: Ever since Geoffry Brown was spurned by Simon Dagenais (@SimonFPF) in the fantasy season he has played like a man on fire. I don’t know if that’s an actual expression but I’m running with it. Gianfranco Ranaudo has never looked this good in the playoffs (I attribute this to his magnificent

beard). If they stay focused and adapt to the TCO’s defense they should win. Another thing to note, TCO are a boisterous group. What often happens with these teams is if you can get to them early, they will turn on each

Prediction: Lockdown by 5

First Downers (2) vs. Les Maloudes (9)

The First Dowenrs have been somewhat enigmatic. After having struggled during the spring season they came out on fire in the Midnight Madness tournament and there roll continued into the winter 2013 season. On the other side of the coin Les Maloudes have been one of the most exciting teams this off-season and they look to keep their five game winning streak alive.

Keys to Success

First Downers: The First Downers are a very interesting team. Their speed makes them a threat and their unpredictable offense has proven to be a difficult matchup for many teams this season. In reality, if they are able to stretch the field and force Les Maloudes to come from behind this could get ugly and quickly. On the defensive side the First Downers have the athletes to matchup with the Maloudes receivers. If they can contain Lafortune’s running as well, expect this one to get out of hand.

Les Maloudes: They are one of the most complete teams in the tournament. However, I hope the success is not getting to their heads as they face off against one of the most dangerous groups left in the tournament. Shawn Lafortune has been incredible but he will face a team that is far quicker than his group of receivers. However, in last week’s game we saw Lafortune extend plays, read the defenses and get the ball to his playmakers all game. If he remains stoic under pressure as he did last game Les Maloudes receivers will eventually work their ways into holes in the defense. What the Maloudes have to avoid in this game is being their own worst enemy. They are a team that is very energetic and they talk a lot of trash. Teams like that tend to implode when faced with adversity. Last week they faced warnings from the referees and drew a great deal of ire from their opponents.

Prediction: Les Maloudes by 6 points

Conference B

Turf Toe Inc. (3) vs. Overthrowners (11)

The Overthrowners have turned into the giant killers of this playoff season. They have another huge obstacle before them this week as Kevin Lubin leads his TTI comrades into battle.

Keys to Success

Turf Toe Inc: Their success is entirely related to the success of their defense. Beauregard loves to throw the ball deep and has beaten two elite teams this way during this tournament. TTI is not as athletic a defense as Checkmate but they are very solid and less susceptible to mistakes. I’ve been saying it for a while. Yavar Ashfari is a dangerous defender. I think he can be the game changer in this one. Metteo Meccola needs to be very patient while rushing this week Beauregard seems to take snaps from so far back he appears to be in a separate universe. If he is able to break down and take away the middle of the field, this may prove to be more effective than going for the sack.

Overthrowners: In the past Kevin Lubin has struggled when being rushed by Ducas-Lapalme. If he does rush in this game expect to see Lubin struggle more than he has in past weeks. Additionally, being a member of the Golden Eagles alumni, Beauregard knows Lubin well and will play an important part in preparing the Overthrowners defense. On offense, teams know that Pier-Luc Bearegard likes to throw the deep ball and it hasn’t mattered. I expect that he will force TTI to prove that they can stop it.

Prediction: Turf Toe Inc. by 8 points

Two and a Half Dans (5) vs. Kingdom (8)

Two and a Half Dans are the feel good story of the winter 2013 season. Kingdom on the other hand has often been forgotten in the mix. They have earned everything they achieved this season and are now set to make their mark on the playoffs.

Keys to Success

Two and a Half Dans

In order to win this one Joey Taylor will need to buy time. Luckily, he excels at this. Kingdom’s defense uses quite a bit of movement so Taylor will have some difficulty making reads. However, the amount of speed on the Dans team is almost comical and if he can allude the rush the Dans receivers can and will get open.

Kingdom

Defensively Kingdom will need to create situations where Joey Taylor needs to throw the ball down the field. He doesn’t have the strongest arm and often leaves the ball hanging longer than it should. On offense Puklicz needs to do what he does best which is to take time and march down the field. If he keeps his offense on the field long it will wear down the small Dans roster and disrupt their timing when their offense eventually does get on the field.

Prediction: Kingdom by 3

Reflections Rants and Ravings

In Detroit, when the Redwings score in the playoffs an Octopus is thrown on the ice. At Catalogna I posit that if a similar tradition would exist half eaten chicken wings would litter the field after every touchdown.
Only 2 out of the 8 division leaders survived their first playoff game. How horrible are byes. Should teams get the option to decline the bye? Tune into Calling the Audible find out
Why would Psoriasis be spelled with a P? Dear medical field, I’m not happy with you right now.
Nicholas Belleau contacted me to apologize for what he felt were excessive celebrations during the Overthrowners/Checkmate game. To be honest, I did not feel they were excessive. They played well and should be proud.
In last week’s article, I proposed that the First Downers would not be able to stop Tony Testa. They didn’t and it didn’t matter.
The first company to mass-produce a slingshot was called Wham-O. Clearly, it was named after the sound it makes when it cause a projectile to strike one’s face.
Geoffry Brown is having a dominant post season. He did that all season and as such he should be comfortable in that role.
Lockdown and TCO will play the only rematch this week. This time I expect that Alex D’Aquila will bring the appropriate number of players to the game.
Seriously, don’t throw chicken wings onto the field. That would get disgusting fairly quickly.

Weekly Wrap-Up

This is the part of the article where I usually tell you that you can contact me by emailing me at [email protected] or on Twitter @PeezeFPF. This week, I’ve done the same thing with this paragraph. Why would you expect it to change?

On this week’s Calling the Audible I will be joined by guest Alex David of Checkmate and Kevin Lubin will debut his new segment Lube it up! Tune in at http://fpf.podomatic.com, or so subscribe now on iTunes. This week’s musical theme is: Peeze’s High School Dance Mix of Awkwardness.