And just like there, they were 8. (Well, 16, but you know)

The beauty of FlagPlus Football playoffs is every moment matters. The downside? It’s all over so quickly. This season is no different; the finals are a few days away and I still feel like we’re in mid-season form.

With only 16 teams left (8 per divisions), I can feel the gap closing slowly; take every moment you’ve got seriously. It fades ever so quickly.

With the press conferences on Thursday next week, the Monday night winners will be contacted probably as soon as their game ends. Stay tuned.

Let’s get started

 

Quarter Finals

Oh, upsets, am I happy to see you in your glorious form. Starting with Backyard Bullies shocking Eskimo Brothers to Junkyard Dogs manhandling Flying Weasels and let’s not mention the Tide vs TOPSZN rematch or the crazy No Name upset; Division 4A was a blessing.

Division 4B was slightly different offering wonderful games in the barnburner that was Mud Dogs vs Jagerbomb, the offense shoutout of Blue Chips vs Gators or even the awkwardly defensive The U vs Les Blues Branleurs. Different, yet, still marvelous. And let’s not forget the great 1^st vs 8^th upset of Obamacare over A-Squad !

 

Thoughts of the Week

• Moving takes a lot more time than I’ve anticipated. It’s also tough to write without a functional computer.
• The U lost their first ever playoff game in the weirdest way; at halftime I was questioning myself whether we’d see the first ever 1-0 win in FPF history.
• Funny enough, the two Qbs in this week’s players of the week will face each other next week.
• Jagerbomb’s performance last week was as impressive as it gets; call me a fan.
• I can’t help but to cheer for Les Blues Branleurs this season after all they’ve been through in recent years. To see them back in FPF yet again, but this time with a winning record and into the 2^nd round of the playoffs, I really hope the best for these guys.
• Yes, Justin Blanchard, I got my money on you. Yes, this was a useless shout-out, but I know you giggled deep down.
• Week 12 was great, Week 13 is bound to be even better; is it possible?
• Can GM Kolethras have two teams going into the finals yet again?
• Terry Tam seemed to have enjoyed eating 10 steamies as a “punishment”… I feel dirty
• Speaking of feeling dirty, Jean Coutu in Division 5B is a hell of a team.
• Maybe we should look into a sponsorship with Decarie Hot Dogs.

 

Recaps

• Les Maloudes took the field late on Sunday in Lachine against Nobodies and although it wasn’t the prettiest of games offensively for either teams, there were some impressive plays on both sides of the ball (Maxime Pépin making plays deep down the field for Nobodies who I barely mentioned all season and Francis Janelle with a FREAK interception early before going down with an injury to name a few). Overall, with a rush as fast as Sebastien Thibault’s (seriously, he’s SO fast), Nicolas Saro struggled most of the night to get his offense going and only scored 6 points to bow to Les Maloudes 25-6. Good defenses on both sides, but Anthony Beauchamp-Frezza managed to break the rush and make a few plays to get his team in the lead early and it was all they needed to seal this one this week.
• The U faced off against Les Blues Branleurs and, honestly, this was probably the most surprising game of the bunch; to see a 0-0 score at halftime, I was shocked. The referees and I began joking whether we’d have our first scoreless game in FPF playoffs history (and possibly season). Finally off the slump, both offenses found their ways in the second half as both Qbs ran for decent chunk of yardage and found ways to score 3x. LBB’s convert was the game changer as The U couldn’t score on their very last drive to allow Les Blues Branleurs to move on to the next round and “accept” their first ever playoff loss. It does suck to see players get penalties AFTER the game’s over though.
• This week’s best game had to be Jagerbomb vs Mud Dogs. It was as spectacular and nail-biting as it possibly could get. On one side, you’ve got the explosive Mud Dogs offense who seems to break the field open ever single down that got stopped on their very first possession due to bad throws and a few drops and on the other we’ve got Simon Duchesne who was far from perfect (he did throw 2 interceptions), but the timing (and his defense) allowed for the said mistake to not be fatal. Olivier Laberge went off for 10 receptions whereas Jagerbomb spread the ball a bit more. Overall, Jagerbomb’s 2 point convert got them a small lead that Mud Dogs couldn’t chew; down 34-32, they go for two and miss. Jagerbomb answers, can’t get their convert, still a one score game. Mud Dogs answer back, 40-38, go for two and Olivier Laberge dropped the game tying convert on an ridiculously difficult back of the endzone catch as he fell to the turf; Jagerbomb sealed it playing risk-free football. Overall, a SICK game; this recap doesn’t do justice.
• Blue Chips started off looking like they were in total control of the game as Jordan Mitchell ran all over Gators’ defense provoking fun calls like Stephan Osman asking him to slow down before someone pulls a hamstring and whatnot. Kevin St-Pierre couldn’t seem to keep him contained for most of the night and Jordan Mitchell made just enough plays to keep Blue Chips in the lead. Down by 9 late in the game, in the redzone, Corey Wawalski needed to score and find a way to make a stop to keep the game alive but found the wrong player in Sanders Armand who picked him off in the redzone and brought it all the way back for 6 before the entire team broke loose and celebrated their playoff victory. All in all, a great game where guys like Vinny Gualano did more than their fair share but Blue Chips were on another level that night.

 

Players of the Week

Division 4A

• James Nowakowski (Frosty Bronsons): In a do-or-die match, he was all over the place getting 5 passing Tds, 1 interception on defense, over 200 yards passing and he even ran in a score. Well done.
• Rich Humes (Backyard Bullies): 274 combined offensive yards (114 rushing, WOAH), 6 scores and an interception defensively. Classic Humes.

 

Division 4B

• Olivier Laberge (Mud Dogs): Although they couldn’t seal the deal, he quickly turned into the offensive playmaker for his team with 10 receptions (2 for scores) and an interception on defense.
• Sanders Armand (Blue Chips): With two interceptions and one for six (to end the game) ontop of his offensive TD, he had the kind of game that his team needed out of him. Hell of a performance.
• Santino Sparagna (STL Cougars): One receiving TD, one rushing TD, two interceptions is a very impressive performance for this versatile stud.

 

Playoff Matchups

Division 4A

• Still Still Teamless (1^st) vs Junkyard Dogs (7^th)

Previous Matchup: Week 2. 27 – 24 Still Still Teamless

Analysis: Week 2 was a very long time ago and I do not believe their previous game will have any sort of resonance on this week’s. SST is a smart and well-prepared team that will have done their homework on Junkyard Dogs. With Jacob Bernett and Hugo Allamano out there, the Justin tandem might have found their match in a game that’s bound to create a few sparks. If Lonnie Johnson can find ways to get rid of the ball really quickly, he might be able to frustrate the opposing defense just enough to allow himself to score before the end of the first half and gain a comfortable lead. Junkyard Dogs will fight back with everything they’ve got, but the lead will stay true until the final whistle.

Predicted game’s MVP: Justin Blanchard

Predicted score: 38 – 34 Still Still Teamless

 

• 69ers (2^nd) vs The Tide (5^th)

Previous Matchup: Week 3. 37 – 25 The Tide

Analysis: Back in week 3 when they played each other, The Tide were on a roll and everything was going great for them whereas 69ers didn’t really unleash the goodies just yet. Week 13 is a very different kind of beast. I truly expect Shea Harbour to be on his A game Saturday night and give The Tide their toughest game of the season because 69ers will need that sort of game out of him. With fantastic corners and safeties, it’ll come down to Dylan Drake to contain Doug McKernan and force him to be a pocket passer rather than a scrambler to keep him in-check. Will he be able to? Or will Doug McKernan manage to out score his opponent due to the rushing TD he’ll acquire?

Predicted game’s MVP: Brent Callender

Predicted score: 33 – 28 The Tide

 

• Les Maloudes (1^st) vs No Name (6^th)

Previous Matchup: Week 4. 30 – 15 Les Maloudes

Analysis: The last time around, Mike Roy couldn’t muster 100 passing yards and Anthony Beauchamp-Frezza was back under center for his 2^nd straight game of the season. Seeing how both offenses operated in recent weeks, I highly doubt the outcome will be the same. With Simon Laporte rushing for No Name, I believe Les Maloudes might have found their match, but it’ll come down to whether or not Mike Roy can find ways to score and put up points; 18 points might have worked once, but the path to the finals will require a bit more this time around. I do foresee Johnny Symonds emerging as the #1 guy in this game over Jonathan Grizzley and allowing his team to remain in contention for the entire hour.

Predicted game’s MVP: Sebastien Thibault

Predicted score: 32 – 26 Les Maloudes

 

• Frosty Bronsons (4^th) vs Backyard Bullies (6^th)

Previous Matchup: N/A

Analysis: I’m hyped for this game and REALLY happy I get to see it in person. Last week’s only two Players of the week are the Qbs of these teams; it’s bound to be a fantastic game. With Steve Sanner out of town, Backyard Bullies will need to find ways to replace him and someone else will need to step up big time to plug the hole he’ll leave on both sides of the ball. Rich Humes has the ability to break any play open, but so does James Nowakowski. Oddly similar, both Qbs will basically face a reflection of themselves on Sunday night; will that play in their favor or against them? Time will tell. I don’t think neither defense will allow 30+ in this matchup.

Predicted game’s MVP: Jordan Allard

Predicted score: 27 – 25 Backyard Bullies

 

Division 4B

• Get Off My D (2^nd) vs Rancerz (5^th)

Previous Matchup: Week 3. 18 – 12 Get Off My D

Analysis: The last time these two teams faced, Rancerz’ offense was no where near where they are right now and Get Off My D had a different quarterback under center. Now in the playoffs, Rancerz will be looking to continue to play spoilers as their offense can put up 40+ on a weekly basis whereas Get Off My D are one of the favorites for a reason; the depth of this roster allows them to match up against any given team well. Rancerz tend to use Riccardo Desrosiers and Louis-Christophe Lafontaine’s size to their advantage, but with Rod Mashtoub back there playing defense, there’s a big chance they’ll be forced to look for something else to punch it in in the redzone. I expect a barnburner.

Predicted game’s MVP: Jeremie Cloutier

Predicted score: 33 – 27 Rancerz

 

• The Alpha T’s (1^st) vs STL Cougars (6^th)

Previous Matchup: N/A

Analysis: This year’s QB of the year faces the runner-up/Two-way player of the year in a playoff match that is set to be as great as it possibly can get. The Alpha T’s have been on a roll in recent seasons with the possibility of setting new records whereas STL Cougars are having their best season by far so far. With playmakers like AJ Gomes, Alex Manseau and Dante Sparagna, STL Cougars are loaded enough to keep up with TAT’s ridiculous roster. If I had to bet on a QB, it’s difficult to go against Jesse Dupuis’ risk-free football, but Erminio Iadeluca has been having the kind of season where he can score with 2 plays left in a half which might just be exactly what his team needs after all.

Predicted game’s MVP: Alex Manseau

Predicted score: 40 – 33 STL Cougars

 

• Blue Chips (3^rd) vs Les Blues Branleurs (5^th)

Previous Matchup: Week 8. 31 – 12 Les Blues Branleurs

Analysis: Blue Chips’ roller-coaster season started with their weird performance against Les Blues Branleurs back in week 8. On the flip side, LBB really caught fire after that same exact win over Blue Chips and haven’t really looked back ever since. With such a defining game for both teams, it’s difficult to predict the outcome of this game; will Blue Chips walk in with fire in their eyes looking to avenge their weak outing back in Week 8 or will they underestimate Les Blues Branleurs like most teams have this season? If Olivier Pilotto can continue to slow the game down and grind the clock like he has recently, there’s very little doubt it’ll be another very close game that just might come down to the last play of the game.

Predicted game’s MVP: Marcus Mitchell

Predicted score: 27 – 20 Blue Chips

 

• Jagerbomb (2^nd) vs Obamacare (8^th)

Previous Matchup: Week 8. 32 – 26 Jagerbomb

Analysis: I’ve had doubts about Jagerbomb’s offense most of the season, but their outing against Mud Dogs last night has me convinced; they turn it up a notch in the playoffs. The receiving corps is something else and Obamacare will have their hands full trying to contain every single one of them. On the flip side, Obamacare shocked FPF last week with a convincing win over A-Squad and showed their offense is no longer plagued with bad decisions and bad luck. Their last contest wasn’t as close as the score would suggest, but I truly believe it will be this time around.

Predicted game’s MVP: Jean-Felix Daloze

Predicted score: 37 – 31 Jagerbomb

 

 

That sums it for this week’s article. It’s always a pleasure to write and hear back from you guys. After all, the content is meant 99% for you. I keep a percent for me; ranting here and there is fun after all. You can always reach me via twitter @DagenaisFPF or via email ([email protected]). I’ll be at Lachine every Sunday night and Hebert every Wednesday night scorekeeping so you can stop by and chat. Don’t hesitate. Until next time…! Am I allowed not to have a special shoutout this week Eagle? You’ve been boring. Consider youself shout-out’d.