Div 2 Divisional Round In’s and Out’s

The Flag Plus Football Division 2 playoffs are upon us, and the stage is set for an exciting journey! Twelve teams remain, all hungry for gridiron glory. From offensive powerhouses to defensive Allstars, each squad brings a unique identity to the table. This weeks article dives deep into the upcoming divisional round matchups, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each team. We’ll analyze key players, past performances, and potential game-changers. Buckle up as I predict the winners and losers, and take a look at the top 4 of the division who get to take a rest at home this week securing a first round bye. So, who will rise to the challenge and claim the Division 2 crown? Let’s break down the matchups and see what playoff magic unfolds!

Division 2’s Top 4 

1 Seed: Cap Friendly Braves (10-0) 

After ending the regular season undefeated, Cap Friendly Braves have all the tools and now have the best possible seeding to make it to the Division 2 Finals. QB Joe Maheu has played outstanding this season In both Div 1 & 2 and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw him play in both Finals games. Will Trottier also and an outstanding season catching 22 Touchdown passes. We won’t see this team until next week but they certainly will be a heave favourite throughout these playoffs. 

2 Seed: Mangoose (9-1) 

Nick Schafer and friends have played great in every game so far this season. Even their  week 12 loss to silent tickers was great game to watch. At the very least Mangoose’s games have been entertaining to the very last play all season. I think this is a team that can make it far in this years playoffs but might ultimately fall to Silent Tickers or Cap Friendly Braves before the Final.

3. Silent Ticklers (7-2-1) 

This Team has been the biggest surprise for me as I knew they had ballers but these guys came to play. Jordan Panetta has had one of the best season of his life throwing the football and Daniel Mancini and Adam Rosen have been on another level of play. These guys are a great team to ride, and I wouldn’t been surprised if we saw them knock out very talented teams 

4. Blue Ballers (6-4)

While I haven’t talked about this team very often I do think this is a team that has gone under everyone’s Radar. Fred Dupuis has put together a very athletic roster with players like Darren Wiltshire, Mendel Joseph and Coslens Claireveaux. These guys have some serious size and speed and can make some really tough plays look easy. 

Divisional Round Matchups/ Predictions 

(5) The Stoics vs  (12) Poseidon’s kiss 

As this is my team, I won’t say too much nor predict this matchup. But what I will say is that Chris RIvest has been on a tear this season and he will not be denied what is rightfully his. Rivest threw for an amazing 52 touchdowns this season. Chris has absolutely earned the right to be called one of the best Division 2 Qbs this season and for the foreseeable future. The question still lies, How will he perform in the Playoffs? Back in week 10 the Stoics beat down on Poseidon’s Kiss 40-24 in a chippy affair where emotions ran high. Expect the same thing tonight, where Poseidon’s kiss is looking for revenge! 

(6) Ambush vs (11)  Bless Up 

Bless Up Look to Upset Ambush Up in Divisional Round Showdown

A classic David vs. Goliath battle is brewing in the FPF Division 2 playoffs! The high-powered offense of the 6th-seeded Ambush (5-5) take on the scrappy 11th-seeded Bless Up (3-7) in a divisional round matchup that promises fireworks. Ambush Offense Loaded for Bear. Ambush boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the division. Quarterback Ben McMahon leads the charge with his ability to extend plays with his legs, rushing for 2nd most in the division with 150 yards this season. But McMahon’s true strength lies in his connection with his star receivers, James Drysdale and Rory Semerjian. This dynamic duo has combined for a whopping 850 yards and 27 touchdowns, making the Ambush passing attack a nightmare for opposing defences.But Bless Up can’t be counted out. Despite their losing record, Bless Up shouldn’t be taken lightly. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, including a close week 13 loss to these same Ambush (28-24). However, consistency has been their Achilles’ heel, with Bless Up struggling to put together complete games. They’ve been outscored by a significant margin this season, and their defense will be under immense pressure to contain the Ambush offensive juggernaut. My prediction: A tightly contested affair. This matchup has all the makings of a nail-biter. Ambush’s offensive firepower makes them the favourite, but Bless Up is a team capable of pulling off an upset. The key for Bless Up will be forcing turnovers and limiting big plays through the air.  If they can do that, they could keep this game close. Ultimately, I predict Ambush will prevail thanks to their offensive firepower, but it won’t be a walk in the park. Expect a close game decided by one score, with Ambush advancing to the next round.

(7) Dirty Birds + vs  (10) #NR 

Experience vs. Youth: Dirty Birds+ Aim for Another Big Win Against #NR in Divisional Round

A battle of contrasting styles awaits in the Flag Plus Football Divisional Round! The youthful 7th-seeded Dirty Birds+ (4-6) lock horns with the veteran 10th-seeded #NR (4-6) in a matchup where experience clashes with raw talent. The Dirty Birds+ may have a the same record, but they come into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Led by quarterback Quaid Johnson, this team is brimming with talent, especially on offense.  Wide receivers James Tyrell and Anthony Brisebois, both Division 1 standouts, provide Johnson with a potent receiving duo.  The Dirty Birds+ passing attack could be explosive as we have seen Quaid Johnson throw 44 touchdowns so far this season.  For #NR the question looms: Can They Recap Past Glory? Don’t underestimate #NR as this team has a rich history in the top divisions, and they’re hungry to return to that level.  Quarterback Adam Singara is a dynamic player when present evidenced by his impressive stats (1,000 yards, 27 TDs, 9 INTs) in just six games.  However, consistency and availability has been an issue.

Week 2 Flashback: A Cautionary Tale for #NR. 

#NR will remember their week 2 matchup against the Dirty Birds+, a game that ended in a lopsided 46-24 defeat. Singara threw for 4 touchdowns, but he also coughed up 4 interceptions. The Dirty Birds+ defense exposed #NR’s weaknesses, and if Singara struggles with turnovers again, it could be another long night for #NR. While the Dirty Birds+ have the edge, this won’t be a repeat of their week 2 blowout. Expect a tightly contested battle with both teams trading blows.  However, the Dirty Birds+’  skill and defensive prowess should ultimately prevail. Look for them to win by a touchdown or more, but #NR will put up a fight, making this a playoff game to remember.

(8) 2HD vs (9)Run it Once 

Run It Once Aims for Redemption Against 2HD in Tight Playoff Race

The Divisional Round of the Flag Plus Football Division 2 playoffs throws another curveball! Two evenly matched 4-6 teams, the 8th-seeded 2HD and the 9th-seeded Run It Once, clash in a win-or-go-home battle. Earlier this season, Run It Once was predicted to be a force in Division 2. While they haven’t quite lived up to that billing, quarterback Jeff Rosenblatt has been a scoring machine, putting up a staggering 2,000 yards and 47 touchdowns!  The problem? Close losses. Three of their defeats came by a mere 6 points or less, showcasing their potential but also highlighting their struggles to close out games. The opposing side, 2HD, back in the league since 2018, aimed for a more successful run this season. While they finished towards the bottom of the standings, they still have time to turn it up. 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Joey Taylor leads a team with experience and a hunger to prove themselves. Additionally, they hold bragging rights over Run It Once, having secured a 37-30 victory in their week 5 matchup. That week 5 win will undoubtedly fuel 2HD’s confidence. However, underestimating Rosenblatt’s firepower would be a mistake. If he can replicate his season-long performance and avoid turnovers, Run It Once could pull off a major upset.

My Prediction: A High-Scoring Affair with Upset Potential

Expect a high-octane offensive battle. Both teams have the capability to put up points in bunches. The key will lie in defensive adjustments and converting 2 point cover attempts. While 2HD enters with recent bragging rights, Run It Once’s offensive potential can’t be ignored. This could be a close game decided by a single score, but my gut feeling says Rosenblatt will have a monster performance, leading Run It Once to a surprising upset victory with a near 50-point showing. However, this is a matchup where anything can happen, so buckle up for a playoff thriller!

Finals Prediction 

I believe predicting their opponent is a much harder task as there are several other teams who have the ability to reach the finals such as Ambush and Mangoose. But i believe the Div 2 FInals matchup will be between The Cap Friendly Braves and Silent Tickers. Silent TIcklers have been very good this season only losing to Bless up week one and a 8 point loss to the braves the last week of the regular season.

Flag Plus Football Division 2 Finals Prediction:

As the Playoffs kick off this week, id like to give my prediction for this winter seasons finals matchup. Look for an offensive showdown in the Division 2 Finals! The undefeated Cap Friendly Braves (10-0) have been a force all season. Securing the #1 seed and being the league’s highest-scoring offense (405 points in 10 games). They have been quite perfect through 14 weeks. Quarterback Joe Maheu and company have been clicking on all cylinders, and their dominance seems likely to continue. After already securing the #1 seed and undefeated record i predict Joe Maheu and company to book their ticket to the finals.Picking their opponent is a tougher call. Several teams have shown they can compete, with Ambush and Mangoose being serious contenders. However, the Silent Tickers (potential record 8-2) are the team I predict will rise to the challenge. Here’s why: Strong Showings: Despite a week one loss to Bless Up and a close defeat to the Braves in the regular season finale, the Silent Tickers have displayed consistent strength throughout the year. With perhaps the best 1-2 punch at receiver with Daniel Mancini and Adam Rosen

This sets the stage for an exciting matchup. The Braves’ offensive firepower will face a determined Silent Tickers defense hungry for revenge. Can the Tickers contain Maheu and the Braves’ juggernaut offense? Or will the Braves’ offensive dominance continue all the way to the championship title?