Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Playoffs Week 1
06-04-2013 12:00 AM
The dust has settled and the best 8 wild card teams have made their way past and into the divisional round. I’d like to note that I went 7 for 8 in last week’s picks, a number that I’m particularly proud of. Let’s see if I can keep it up this week, or even go for that elusive 100% ratio.
Conference A
The Incredibles (1) vs. Dark Side (10)
(Previous meeting: none)
The Incredibles:
It’s hard to deny the roll that The Incredibles have been on this season. Putting up insane numbers from game to game, Quarterback of the Year Greg Stern has been an unstoppable force this year. Having been held to no fewer than 4 touchdowns a game, Stern has been able to tear apart defenses like never before. Nardone, Bertoldi and Peterson have put up astronomical numbers on both sides of the ball, and we’ve never before seen the entire roster of The Incredibles chip in like they have this season. They’re the team to beat for a reason, and it’s safe to say that they’re the favorite to win it all at this stage of the game.
Dark Side:
It boggles the mind exactly how well Dark Side are doing despite their roster issues. Leon Holder had his best game of the season last week against FTP, and knows how to use his weapons. Dark Side have size, presence and they have the experience and the clutch ability to perform in the playoffs. They need to be without mistakes come game day, because if one person is off of their game, the whole thing might unravel for Dark Side. Shawn Haney and Darnell Lovelace are going to have to fight for every deep ball. They’ve got their work cut out for them.
The rundown:
The one thing is that this is the first time that The Incredibles will play a team with such physicality. So long as they adjust to the style of play, it shouldn’t be such a problem. In order for Dark Side to stay in this game with the roster that they have, Gino Di Fazio is going to need to come up with a game plan and strategize before the game starts and hope that it works. They’re going to need to use their size as a weapon against the more diminutive Incredibles in order to stay in the game. But, at the end of the day, I think that the roster issues along with the speed that the Incredibles possess will be the defining factor in the game.
Prediction: The Incredibles
Toute Garnie (2) vs. Knights (9)
(Previous meeting: none)
Toute Garnie:
Toute Garnie come into the playoffs as a 2-seed solely based on the reason that The Incredibles’ plus/minus was too much to catch up to. That being said, there is no way that ANY team should turn their backs on Toute Garnie, because it’ll cost them the game. Edward Shoshan has assembled a squad that plays incredibly well together on defense and that suits his style of play on offense really well. The TG offence march the ball forward with a methodical pace, and their defense simply waits to turn over the ball and give their offense another scoring opportunity. Had Toute Garnie played the game against Discount Double Check, their stats could have been that much more impressive to look at.
Knights:
I chose the Knights to win over Clockwork last week even before knowing about Marco Masciotra being in no shape to play. In all honesty, it’s a good thing that the Knights’ defense came to play because their offense put up forgettable numbers. With two pick-sixes, Anthony De Carvalho seemed to be one of the deciding factors in the game. Stefano Spinelli is going to need to iron out the mistakes come game day, and start to get on the same page as his receivers. There’s enough talent on this team for them to be successful, but they need to stop playing like individuals and start playing as a team.
The rundown:
Stefano Spinelli will really and truly need to have a perfect game this week. There’s enough firepower on the Toute Garnie defense that he’ll be instantly punished for errant throws or badly called routes. That being said, he does have a team that can help him achieve that. If you put the two teams next to each other, however, you see a serious disparity in height. There is really no one on the Knights that have the height to go toe to toe with Chris Niphakis, Tim Godber and Alex Vanagas. The moment that Edward Shoshan sees a hole in the Knights defense, you can bank on the fact that he’s going to exploit it. Unfortunately, I don’t see Toute Garnie making the first mistake.
Prediction: Toute Garnie
La Sauce (3) vs. Park-X Streets (6)
(Previous meeting: none)
La Sauce:
Despite going through a rough patch while QB Francois Raymond was out of the country (Francois Deslauriers can attest to the relief that he no longer has to play quarterback), La Sauce managed to stay in the season and still occupy the top seed in their division is testament to both their stifling defense and the teamwork that they’re capable of as a group. They’re the up-and-comers, having won a championship in Division 5 last winter and yet are still in contention this time around as well. Be very afraid.
Park-X Streets:
As predicted, I felt that the Park-X Streets would want the first round victory more than their opposition, and such was the case. As strange as their play is, Park-X Streets are a dangerous team to play against because they know how to stick to what works for them and don’t force plays that aren’t there. Having taken what the Patriotes defense gave him last week, Billy Seretis spread the ball effectively amongst the entire roster and took off running for the equivalent of just under 6 first downs as well.
The rundown:
Easier said than done, Park-X Streets will need to keep their tempers in check in order to stay competitive in this game. Often being used to taking control of the game early, it may be a bit too frustrating for PXS if they don’t start the game ahead by a score or two. La Sauce have the ability to turn a game back in their favor at a moment’s notice, with effective deep passes and a defense that continuously steps up. Furthermore, I don’t think that there’s anyone on the Park-X Streets defense that will be capable of keeping Francois Raymond in the pocket. Once Raymond begins to roll out, that’s when the damage starts to happen, especially from a QB who is so effective at throwing on the run.
Prediction: La Sauce
Sea Assassins (4) vs. #NoRegard (5)
(Previous meeting: none)
Sea Assassins:
Sea Assassins were on a roll early on, but finished their last three games 1-1-1. Here’s hoping that the week off has done them good because they’re about to be thrown into the lion’s den. Daniel Lazzara has put up amazing numbers but has been sacked a few too many times for a QB of his caliber. It’s easy to key in on the top two receivers for Sea Assassins, but it’s harder to cover them. Zach Jauniaux has had an amazing two-way season and Alex Blanchet has brought his upper-division experience down with him. This team plays well together as a unit and have a lot of potential.
#NoRegard:
The #NoRegard defense had a bit of a vacation last week as it was their offense who stepped up and kept the Falcons playing catch-up. When I say that it was the offense who stepped up, it’s fairly evident that it was the Jordan Moses show, catching the bulk of the passes for 2 TDs, and running one in as well. Having been on a roll in the past few games, they definitely come into this week hot and as the favorite to win. Can they keep consistent as the pressure starts to build?
The rundown:
I’ve mentioned before that the Sea Assassins have a great record, but might just be a product of their schedule. They’ll have the opportunity to silence their critics and prove me wrong this week when they go up against the “lower seed” that is #NoRegard. Daniel Lazzara tends to struggle against an aggressive defense and a tall rusher, and #NoRegard have both. In order for Sea Assassins to be successful, they’re going to have to score early and often, preventing the #NoRegard defense from getting on a roll. Easier said than done, however.
Prediction: #NoRegard
Conference B
The Commission (1) vs. Backyard Bullies (12)
(Previous meeting: Backyard Bullies 20, The Commission 34)
The Commission:
Two capable quarterbacks and a plethora of strong two-way players make The Commission a force to be reckoned with. Having only lost in Weeks 3 and 4, The Commission have since faced some steep competition and still have come out ahead. Two shutouts and four wins against playoff teams. This season seems to be a standout one for The Commission where both their defense and their offense are on par, which makes them a daunting opponent to go up against. With roster depth and the ability to adjust to most everything thrown at them, they look to be one of the top dogs thus far.
Backyard Bullies:
In the only game where I was wrong prediction-wise, Backyard Bullies made me look like an idiot. Rich Humes was on fire, seeing one of his strongest games of the season and giving up an interception that went off of the hands of one of his receivers. It may very well be that the Backyard Bullies are prepared to play up to their competition, which is something that every wild-card team should aspire to. Knowing that they got into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth, it appears that they’re going to take this opportunity seriously and look to upset a ton of teams.
The rundown:
These two teams last squared off against each other when it was still musical chairs at the QB position. After the fantastic week that Rich Humes had last week, I think that it’s safe to say that he will be the pivot come Saturday. The game will come down to The Commission. They’re going to need to take the Backyard Bullies seriously and forget their last matchup completely. As stacked as The Commission are, if they take this matchup too lightly early on, it may be their downfall. I wonder if Backyard Bullies can make magic happen again and prove me wrong for a second-straight week.
Gators (2) vs. The Family (9)
(Previous meeting: The Family 24, Gators 41)
Gators:
David Hurley has built this team well. Easy to gloss over early on, their dominance in the past few weeks has been undeniable. Their offense has been keeping the games out of reach, but I feel as if their defense is still capable of doing more. They’ve got playmakers on both sides of the ball, and have the championship in their sights. Jon Young has had an incredible season after his recovery, and has even put up his best numbers to date!
The Family:
I’ve been very high on The Family all season. I like their style of play and what they bring to the table as a team. Aside from the Gators game early on in the season, every one of The Family’s losses have been by LESS than a touchdown. When you look at the season statistics for The Family, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t contribute to the team. Simply put, they have no weak link. I’ve publicized their quarterback switch enough, but it’s still a noteworthy thing to consider since The Family still have this ace up their sleeve against the Gators.
The rundown:
Here’s another matchup where the matchup between both teams earlier on in the season should be discounted completely. A QB switch for The Family and a rolling Gators team means that (in my opinion) the first matchup means absolutely nothing. Also worth noting: this matchup will be a battle of QBs with knee braces who had their seasons cut short a week apart from each other back in Winter 2011. This one is going to be a nail-biter, despite the ranking difference of both teams. In all honesty, I feel like the Gators are going to come into this game expecting a blowout and be up for a big surprise.
Prediction: The Family
Les Buddays (3) vs. Mustangs du Gridiron (7)
(Previous meeting: none)
Les Buddays: An aggressive team whose only loss came when they were without their quarterback this season. They have a tough defense to match up against and an offense that is always on the same page. It’s difficult to get in their heads, and even harder to get them off of their game. After coming off of a finals loss last year, they’ve elevated their game and simply dominated their opposition this season. Julien Paiement’s rushing ability limit’s a quarterback’s reads, and the aggressive defense is there just waiting for the picks.
Mustangs du Gridiron:
Having played incredibly well last week, Simon Vallée stuck to what worked for him, producing pretty much deep ball after deep ball. Key turnovers produced by Frank Boulard and PL Ste-Marie were really what added the extra nail in the coffin. Their offense has speed to spare, and they’re likely the kings of the deep ball in Conference B.
The rundown:
The only real “rivalry” game of the playoffs. The advantage that both of these teams have going into this game is that they know exactly what each other are capable of. I feel, however, that the roster and talent that Les Buddays have will simply fluster the Mustangs offense, which has been their selling point up until now. With a quick rush and tough coverage, Top Gun Vallée will need to really thread the needle and find the open man, a task easier said than done. At the end of the day, I think that Les Buddays will be too much to handle though.
Prediction: Les Buddays
Ball Busters (4) vs. Spartans (6)
(Previous meeting: Ball Busters 27, Spartans 45)
Ball Busters:
Finishing at the top of their conference, Ball Busters have made a lot out of a little. A team that not a lot of people would think twice about has been quietly taking care of their opposition. They’ve got the knowledge that can propel them forward with game planning thanks to Jeff Brown, who has learned a ton from playing with Rochdi. Mix in the experience that this roster has and you have a darkhorse team that has really played to their competition.
Spartans:
The Spartans offense had a gritty game last week against the Bruizers; taking what they were given and churned one out for the win. They’ve got a formidable offense and a capable defense (including D5 defensive staple Julien Bellavance) Nicholas Gendron Vallée knows what to call against the defense that he sees, and is capable of exploiting the weak link in any defense, as well as being able to run at a moment’s notice.
The rundown:
Honestly, I feel like the previous matchup between these two teams is the perfect indication of exactly how this game will go. Simply put, the Spartans are the product of a difficult schedule and the Ball Busters are the product of an easier one. When you see how the Ball Busters have played against stronger opponents, their weaknesses become more apparent. However, I’m always up for being proven wrong.
Prediction: Spartans