Quarterfinals in the books. What’s to come in the semifinals.

The quarterfinals of the co-ed division came to a close this week and it was something that was incredibly entertaining to watch. There were two games this week and they had completely different endings. Our first game of the night was one that had one team completely dominate their opponent. The final game of the quarterfinal was a very hard fought game by both opponents and it came down to the very end.

Yin & Yang vs. Hot-Dawgz

This game was truly a dominant display from Yin & Yang as from start to finish they were in complete control on both sides of the ball. In every aspect of this game from the quarterback play to the receivers capability to make the plays their offense was in the zone. That was also backed up by the stellar defensive play they were able to get in the heads of the opposing quarterbacks and just cause them to make a bunch of forced throws. Honestly, in my opinion as soon as they got under the skin of the opposition it was done and the game was there’s to lose. It didn’t take them much to do so as they were able to mess with the opposition early on in the game while they ran away with the game and never looked back. The fact that they were still doing what they do given the amount their lead was at shows that they are focused and they want to win at all costs. They are going to need that going into their next matchup against a team that has had their number this season. They are going to need every ounce of their strengths to get this upcoming win and head to the finals.

One thing I have always said is that for a team to do well they need to maintain their composure and get their attitude in check. Unfortunately, this week for Hot-Dawgz they were unable to keep a calm head. Given that they weren’t able to control their emotions they made plays that cost them dearly and they were unable to bounce back. Their inability to bounce back and get their mind set right again was due to the fact that whatever they tried to do just didn’t work. The opposing defense was just too much for them to handle. They tried to get out of the rut but when they got back on the field the opposition never took their foot off the gas. There came a point that they were just fed up of playing and they just went for big plays and they never clicked. It was a valiant effort but they did not really stand a chance especially after they were rattled early. Hot-Dawgz tried but in the end it was their own fault that they were unable to prevail in this matchup. They had kinks in their armor and weren’t able to polish it before this matchup and that was their ultimate undoing.

TC vs. Michael Scott’s Tots

This was a battle and it came down to the very end and unfortunately for TC they were on the receiving end of the final blow. I am taking nothing away from them, they are a great team and they have some very talented women. They proved time and time again that women can compete with men and it was not as if they ever got blown out of the water. They were able to fight and keep games interesting, while being a complete unit. They were one play away from advancing this week and they are not afraid of any challenger. They will come at you with fire and devotion; that is why this team is one of the best teams I have ever seen in my time with FlagPlus Football. It seems like they want you to take them lightly because they’re women and if you do well you fell right into their trap. If you take them lightly they will make you regret it and they will rack up the points because they have a very high powered offense. That being said if they have the lead their defense will make sure it stays that way. So I would like to say good job ladies, keep doing what do best and leave everything on that field.

Michael Scott’s Tots congratulations on this victory and well thought out when you took the field. They did not underestimate the opposition and they came out firing on all cylinders. Their offense was playing tremendously and although there was one tiny mistake that has been a very rare occurrence that did not shoot their confidence. As a matter of fact they used that mistake and did whatever they had to do to prevent it and they were near perfect to end the game. When they came out they had it in the back of their mind that they already beat the opposition during the season. The mental toughness it took for them to put that aside and say playoffs are different and they need to come out strong was indeed the way they need to be. They overcame an obstacle this week but now their matchup is against the team that had the best record this season. They need to find what worked for them in this game and figure out how to make it work against a very strong opposing defense. This team is mentally strong and they have the veterans on their team that knows how to keep the morale at a good place.

Performers of the Week

Quarterback: Evan Ely Nolet who threw for over 230 yards and added 6 TDs. Although he also had an interception it didn’t stop him from putting up solid numbers.

Receiver: Kenny Boutillier who had 6 catches for over 100 yards and 3 TDs. Including the game winning touchdown with one play left before overtime.

Defender: Gino Di Fazio who had 1 pick six that was the final nail in the coffin for the opposition.

Predictions

Party Mix vs. Michael Scott’s Tots

This game will be a very fun matchup against two teams that have similar playing styles. Mental toughness will be the key in this matchup and both teams have some very good veteran players that know what it takes to compete. Michael Scott’s Tots have the momentum going after a huge quarterfinal victory but if Party Mix does what they did throughout the season it will be tough to manage. Therefore, I believe Party Mix will win this game.

3rd Down for What vs. Yin & Yang

The battle of the two seed and the three seed this is a very unpredictable matchup but I will make a prediction anyway. Yin & Yang had an easy yet dominating victory in the quarterfinals but their opposition is much tougher in the semis. It’ll come down to which quarterback will make the fewest mistake and given how even both defenses are I give the advantage to 3rd down for what who had given up fewer points during the season.

That’s all for me this week, the semis are going to be must see and I am looking forward to seeing who come out victorious. Who will compete at the road show when the cameras are on and its primetime? We will have to wait and see. If you have any questions, queries, and / or comments send me an email at ([email protected]) or hit me up on twitter at StefBerardi5.