Food For Thought (Div 3) – Week 13
12-04-2012 12:00 AM
After FINALLY getting my semi-final predictions right, I threw a huge party and the prime minister called me personally to congratulate me on my fantastic performance. Now that the festivities are over, it’s time to decide who the favourites are going into the D3 Finals this weekend. What’s sure is that we have two high powered offenses led by some of the best athletes in FPF. Who will prevail?
SWAT (6)
10-3
Reg. Season points scored: 12th (287)
Reg. Season points against: 10th (250)
INTs (reg. season): 21st (12)
Offensive TDs (reg. season): 15th (42)
VS
VPC (1)
12-1
Reg. Season points scored: 1st (417)
Reg. Season points against: 6th (237)
INTs (reg. season): 10th (18)
Offensive TDs (reg. season): 1st (62)
Previous matchup: None
QB
Nathan Thompson
After two fantastic outings to start his team’s playoff run, Nathan struggled a little against the D-Boys. However, after some first half woes, he managed to score 3 TDs in the second half against one of the sturdiest defenses in D3. His stats in this game are much closer to what he managed to do in the regular season. But, most importantly, his team managed to win the game despite trailing at halftime (3 losses this season when trailing or tied at halftime). Barring a total collapse in the finals, he is the favourite to win the prestigious Playoff MVP award if his team wins.
Robbie Robinson
Robbie has come a long way since his first start as QB. He can now be considered as an elite level pivot in FPF. While he still trails the legendary Hall of Famers Kevin Wyeth and Carmine Pollice, he should be considered just as good as the top QBs in D3 and D2 (Paul Lapierre, Gianni Settino, Danny Gentile, Gino Di Fazio, Pascal Murray, etc.). This level of gratification, which hasn’t come yet, should be imminent if he captures his first title as QB in his second final in three years. Let’s not forget that Robinson’s ability as a defender will most likely earn him a first ballot nomination to the Hall of Fame in 2015. If there is a player to watch in Saturday’s game, he’s the man to keep an eye on.
SNAPPER
Gino Di Fazio
The “Emperor” has decided to snap since the playoffs started. In a role we hadn’t seem him fill in a while, he managed to post some solid numbers (11 catches, 96 yards, 3 TDs). On the other had, Jon Lyristis’ role, which was already pretty limited in D3 (an average of 2 catches per game), seems to have become obsolete. I am curious to see what the strategy is going to be in the finals now that Nathan Thompson showed he can bounce back after an early deficit. Will Gino still keep Lyristis, his trusted Darth Maul, on the bench in case he needs to take the reins at QB? No one but the Dark Emperor knows at this point.
Dan Dick
The third wheel on VPC’s offense, Dan is often forgotten by the casual observer. However, since the playoffs started, his numbers have drastically improved (21 catches, 128 yards, 4 TDs). Has this anything to do with his hair (which we haven’t seen in years) coming back? Perhaps this is just due to Robinson’s game plan of spreading the ball more in the playoffs. With his two best receivers often navigating through double coverage, this opens up some space for the rest and vice-versa.
RUSHER
Keenan Alleyne
An emotional dynamo, Alleyne is mostly known for his trash talking on the field. Nevertheless, he was credited a sack in every game he played this season (9) which goes to show that he can be as efficient moving his feet as he is running his mouth. However, if Robinson decides to run more than usual, he might be in for a long night since limiting the QBs rushing yards is definitely not his cup of tea.
Mike Boyer
As invisible a rusher as they come, Mike very rarely gets a sack. His goal is more to pressure the QB than to actually deflag him. Against a very static pivot like Thompson, Boyer should be far more comfortable than against a rushing QB like Jamil Springer or Tam Vilaydeth.
KEY RECEIVERS AND DBs
Rashawn Perry
The king of the deep threat, Perry averaged close to 16 yards per catch in the regular season as well as in the playoffs. While his defensive play is still solid, his receptions per game have doubled in the post-season (from 2.5 in the regular season to 5 in the playoffs). His biggest challenge will be to overcome “Robinson island”.
Louis Richard
“Loooouuuuu” has seen his workload lighten since the playoffs started. Still, against a weak defense like that of Terror Squad, he had a season high 10 catches. The best receiver never to play higher than D3, Richard is a monster that cannot be contained. His chemistry with Robinson is such that they could probably drive down the field blind-folded…
Michael Malinaric
The D3 rookie of the year, Malinaric has stepped up his defensive game since the playoffs started. In just three games, he’s surpassed his regular season defensive numbers. The tallest guy on his squad, Malinaric is a ball magnet as he always seems to attract errant throws. Against one of the most cautious QBs in D3, he will need to be extra aggressive if he wants to better his INT count.
Vinny Gualano
The perfect complement to Louis Richard, Gualano keeps the opposing defense on edge. One of the best red zone receivers in the game despite his smaller size, Vinny provides a secure option whenever one is in need of a timely completion. After winning his first championship in D1 last Winter and reaching the finals in DB, he will be looking to add another milestone to his solid career.
Shawn Haney
The ultimate mercenary, Haney played for 6 different teams (several times with SWAT and the defunct Shockers) in the last 4 years. A favourite of Gino’s, he is the squad leader of the loyal stormtroopers. An immensely talented receiver, Haney rarely gets used to his full potential. As a third option, he is a very rare commodity.
Matt Broadbent
Often unchecked by the opposition, Matt is the Thomas Holmstrom of VPC. He does the simple things right and scores what some may call “garbage” TDs. He basically serves as the cleanup lady. Whenever everyone is covered to perfection, he is there to advance the chains. Look out for him to be used even more in the upcoming finals.
Jon Lyristis
It’s been a tough post-season for Lyristis in D3. Nevertheless, Darth Maul remains the ultimate team player as his team aims to capture a first championship in D3. His hands are some of the best on his team and his overtime TD winner in D2 two weeks ago can attest to his “clutchness”. Now, how much field will he see? I sense a disturbance in the force…
Frank Boyer
With Robbie almost single-handedly covering the deep zones, Frank’s job is the patrol the rest of the field with Louis and company. An underrated player, he provides some solid defensive depth to his team. He will most likely be relied on the keep the opposing snapper in check. If he can snag an INT, it’ll definitely be a huge boost for his team.
Prediction: SWAT 32 – VPC 33
PLAYOFF MVP CANDIDATES (and their stats)
Rashawn Perry: 15 catches, 232 yards, 7 TDs / 5 tackles, 1 INT, 1 PD
Louis Richard: 20 catches, 186 yards, 6 TDs / 9 tackles, 1 INT
Michael Malinaric: 13 catches, 182 yards, 4 TDs / 9 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 PD, 1 defensive TD
Robbie Robinson: 547 yards, 72.2% completion, 14 TDs, 1 INT, 122.5 QB Rating / 2 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 PD
Nathan Thompson: 712 yards, 80.0% completion, 18 TDs, 4 INTs, 124.8 QB Rating
If you aren’t featured in this weekend’s matchup, be sure to come watch the game at 9:30 pm at the Brossard complex where we will be filming the road show. Good luck to both teams and may the best one win!