Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 10
22-03-2012 12:00 AM
Before we continue onward, thanks are in order. I’d like to thank High Rollers, Les Jambons, Primetime, Turf Toe Inc, Flight of the Conchords, Certified Flyguyz, Dillon Panthers, Dragons, Lobster Dinner, Marauders, Those Guys, Misfits, Team Bring It, Trapstars, FTP and Beers.
I thank you for the time you’ve spent with us in Division 4. I thank you for being a part of our FPF community, both on and off of the field. We’ll hopefully see you next season, or again next winter. For now, however, we progress onward!
Looking Back While We Look Forward
So back in Week 5, I went about giving a quick evaluation of each team up until that point, as well as a projected final season standing (solely based on my opinion and faulty crystal ball). So let’s take a look and see who played as expected, and who surprised.
Here’s your playoff tree:
Conference A:
1: Broccasion (Final season prediction: 10/0/0) Final season: 10/0/0
2:LesCaves (Final season prediction: 7/3/0) Final season: 8/2/0
3: Hall of Famers (Final season prediction: 8/2/0) Final season: 7/3/0
4: Sphinx (Final season prediction: 8/2/0) Final season: 7/3/0
5: No Punt Intended (Final season prediction: 7/3/0) Final season: 8/2/0
6: Outlaws (Final season prediction: 7/3/0) Final season: 7/3/0
7: 69ers (Final season prediction: 6/4/0) Final season: 6/4/0
8: The Incredibles (Final season prediction: 9/1/0) Final season: 6/4/0
9: The Family (Final season prediction: 7/3/0) Final season: 6/4/0
10: Golden Eagles (Final season prediction: 4/4/2) Final season: 4/4/2
11: Gators (Final season prediction: 4/6/0) Final season: 5/4/1
12: Longhorns (Final season prediction: 6/3/1) Final season: 5/5/0
Conference B:
1: Monstars (Final season prediction: 8/2/0) Final season: 8/2/0
2: Embarrassment of Riches (Final season prediction: N/A) Final season: 8/2/0
3: Clockwork (Final season prediction: 6/4/0) Final season: 8/2/0
4: Hard Knocks (Final season prediction: 9/1/0) Final season: 6/3/1
5: Mongoose (Final season prediction: 4/6/0) Final season: 7/3/0
6: Le Zoo (Final season prediction: 8/2/0) Final season: 7/3/0
7: X-Men (Final season prediction: 7/2/1) Final season: 6/2/2
8: Les Eudistes (Final season prediction: 7/3/0) Final season: 6/3/1
9: Crème de la Crème FFC (Final season prediction: 6/4/0) Final season: 6/3/1
10: The Commission (Final season prediction: 6/3/1) Final season: 6/4/0
11: Mad Monkeys (Final season prediction: 7/2/1) Final season: 5/4/1
12: Discount Double Check (Final season prediction: 6/4/0) Final season: 5/5/0
So it looks like I was fairly close with most of the predictions. However, teams like Clockwork, Mongoose and Gators performed better than expected, and The Incredibles, Hard Knocks and Mad Monkeys had weaker second halves than foreseen.
Matchups
We’re in the playoffs. So I’m not going to sugar-coat anything. The matchup previews are going to be comprehensive, yes, but they’re also going to be as truthful as I can make them. Here’s an outline of my opinion on the upcoming games. If my predictions between this article and the WEPL differ, consider this one canon.
Le Zoo vs. Mad Monkeys
Previous meeting: Week 9
Le Zoo – 54, Mad Monkeys – 48
Le Zoo – Le Zoo’s keys to success lies in their cohesiveness as a unit, as well as their ‘bend but don’t break’ attitude. Unfortunately, finishing the season with an 8 INT game is something that nobody wants. Le Zoo have the knowledge and experience, mixed in with the right amount of talent to carry them to success. With Pat St-Arnaud and Francois Deslauriers averaging a touchdown for every 3 receptions, Le Zoo’s receivers are definitely up to the task. The defense, alternately, are less about the glory and more about the results. However, as we’ve seen in the Clockwork and Mongoose games, Le Zoo are in bad shape once the interceptions start piling up.
Mad Monkeys – It’s important to note that in their Week 9 matchup, Mad Monkeys were without Anthony Beauchamp-Frezza, and Jérérie Gauthier took full QB duties, rather than his usual halfback/receiver position. The team is full of athletes who are quick on their feet, and have the ability to come down with the deep ball at a moment’s notice. 5 defenders on Mad Monkeys have come up with at least 3 interceptions throughout the season, and they have a knack for forcing their opponents to make the first mistake. A deadly rushing game as well ties this team together. However, will their inexperience in the league come back to haunt them when everything is on the line?
Keys to Success
LZ – Le Zoo are going to need to slow down the pace of this football game. It’s no secret that the Mad Monkeys enjoy airing out the ball and having a point shootout with their opponents… Would a slower-paced game make them riskier or more careless with the deep ball?
MM – Mad Monkeys are by far the more athletic squad. Looking at Jérémie Gauthier’s rushing stats from the last meeting between the two, Le Zoo had a lot of trouble stopping the Mad Monkey’s mobile onslaught, maybe more emphasis can be put on the running game? An added bonus: A team worried about a mobile quarterback is more vulnerable to the deep ball.
Prediction
Le Zoo
X-Men vs. The Commission
Previous Meeting: Week 7
X-Men – 33, The Commission – 25
X-Men – With the exception of addition Alex Donia, the X-Men have been the same team season-in, season-out. The ability to progress and still win is testament to their ability to play well together and adapt (if they were an X-Men mutant, they’d beDarwin) while still remaining uncompromising in their friendship. While not excelling in one aspect of the game in particular, the X-Men choose instead to be well-rounded and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. While it’s noteworthy that the X-Men are 0/2/1 without Nicholas Abelhauser, it’s partly due to the skill that he possesses and partly due to how the offense uses him to draw attention away from the other receivers.
The Commission – As stated previously, The Commission are without a doubt the most experienced team in the division. With two former Young Guns, a formerMontreal’s Finest and a former Ruff Ryders champion, this team has seen their share of competition. Throw in last spring’s finalists for good measure. Under the Avraam regime, they seem to be having their strongest offensive season yet, with breakout receiver Carlton O’Brian. It’s important to note that Avraam was the full-time QB with the second-lowest interceptions, ironically losing out to the X-Men’s Gautama Swaminadhan (who played two more games than Avraam). While their defense isn’t what it was last season, their ability to outscore their opponents proves the only thing necessary.
Keys to Success
XM – Already having the knowledge that The Commission filmed the game the last time these two teams played each other, the X-Men are currently in the driver’s seat. For a team that prides itself on adapting and changing things up, they’re in the perfect position to throw The Commission a curveball right out of the gate.
TC – This time around, The Commission won’t be fooled by what they see. Knowing that it’s now or never, The Commission are going to come out of the gate swinging. The Commission’s assets not only lie in their experience, but in the size and depth of their roster.
Prediction
X-Men
Les Eudistes vs. Crème de la Crème FFC
Previous Meeting: N/A
Les Eudistes – With QB Hugo Henderson’s absence being but a blip on the radar, Les Eudistes should be firing on all cylinders come playoff time. Having 12 receivers who have caught at least one touchdown, the offense has its share of depth, and can relentlessly score points and keep up the pressure. With QB Hugo Henderson being deceptively fast and taking a deep snap, he may actually be able to counter Frédéric Fortier’s relentless rush. Also possessing an equally talented quarterback in Louis-Christophe Lafontaine, Les Eudistes have the ability to get creative or change things up at a moment’s notice if things are not going their way.
Crème de la Crème FFC – Growing leaps and bounds with every season (and name change,) this flag football club are a perfect example of what a year can do for a team. Moving from Division 5 to Division D to Division 4, La Crème have simultaneously seen and experienced many different styles of football while watching themselves grow at the same time. They consistently allow fewer points per season, and have established themselves as a more than solid defensive team.
Keys to Success
LE – Looking at the Jean Eudes’ alums, their greatest strength is also a weakness. While they have the speed and athletics associated with youth, they’re also a prime example of the cockiness and impetuousness that comes with it. If they can slow down themselves down just enough to prevent themselves from making those tiny errors, they might just come out ahead.
CC – Being the most defensive-heavy team that Les Eudistes will see all season, La Crème are in the perfect position to take Les Eudistes by surprise. Can they turn over the ball enough times to frustrate the Eudistes offensive machine? A relentless pass rush will also be the difference between completions to the second read, and not.
Prediction
Les Eudistes
69ers vs. Gators
Last Meeting : Week 1
Gators – 19, 69ers – 20
69ers – It’s evident that a lot of this team is Dean Demetriou. Despite his age, Dean is no stranger to the league. Having played in Division 4 as far back as Winter 2009 (Brew Crew) and being a key element of the championship Warriors squad, Dean bestows a heck of a lot of experience on this squad of newcomers. However, don’t take them as amateurs, as they aren’t. WhileSheaHarbourand Matthew Labranche are the standout names on the offense, those floating under the radar are equally capable of stepping up and making a play at a moment’s notice. They have the ability to get open at the drop of a hat while Dean buys time on his feet…you try holding defensive coverage for 5 to 8 seconds. Enough said.
Gators – It’s pretty much pointless to reference the result of a week 1 game, much less one that ended with a difference of a conversion. Nonetheless, the Gators are a team on a mission and are up to the task of proving that their Week 1 defeat isn’t about to happen again. Kevin Marlowe seems to be having his weakest season yet; are the rest of the Gators ready to pick up the slack when it counts? The addition of James Crowe also seems to be just the rejuvenation that this team needed.
Keys to Success
69 – Dean Demetriou’s feet, obviously. Against a defense that has mustered 3 sacks all season, the division’s best running quarterback should have a field day. His speed and yardage gains are going to force the Gators to either switch things up, or give up a lot of real estate.
TG – The Gators have been in the league long enough to know that their window of opportunity is shrinking. Experience just isn’t enough anymore. However, they also possess something that may prove troublesome for the 69ers receivers: size. If the receivers can’t get around you, they can’t score on you.
Prediction
69ers
The Family vs. The Incredibles
Last Meeting: N/A
The Family – The Family were a preseason favorite, and were subsequently forgotten when Broccasion came on the scene and made their mark. Bear in mind, however, that The Family’s loss to Broccasion was a one-point loss, and their other two losses were close games as well. No one should discount The Family from anything. Former champions, they are no stranger to success and pressure.
The Incredibles – All due respect to Jacob Peterson, but it astounds me how he is the Mr. Incredible of The Incredibles offense, at least according to the league. I’d say he’s a Frozone at best. Because you have Marco Bertoldi, who puts up similar numbers yet gets little to no press. Add in Etinson Neil, Kevin Libman and Caleb Jones who each has at least 5 TDs to their name, and you have a scary receiving corps. (We’ll refrain from choosing which Incredibles member is Elastigirl.) Greg Stern has a fantastic TD/INT ratio, and the defense comes up with ample stops when necessary. I’m astounded that they only finished 6/4.
Keys to Success
TF – One stop may be the difference in this game. The Family are definitely the stronger team on defense. If someone can manage to intercept Greg Stern, it’ll definitely put a damper in the game for The Incredibles.
TI – The Incredibles are going to have to rely on their offensive prowess and score as often as possible. Putting the pressure on The Family and forcing them to play catch-up would be advisable, seeing if J-S Ouellette is up to the challenge.
Prediction
The Incredibles
No Punt Intended vs. Golden Eagles
Last Meeting: N/A
No Punt Intended – With Jeff “Vocal Tyrannosaurus” Moscato out due to an ankle sprain, No Punt Intended are definitely hurting. But they are anything but out of the running. No strangers to injuries come playoff time, the squad can persevere and come together as a unit, as they often do. An incredibly flexible team, NPI are setting out to prove that this name change is a clean slate for them. With the change, they will expect and set out to achieve nothing less than the championship. Will their missing player hurt their chances, or will it be the motivator that keeps them in the playoffs until his return?
Golden Eagles – Watching this team play, they appear to be a shadow of what they once were. Rather than an efficient team that marched together as one, they are now individuals who share a common jersey. What’s more is that when they’re on, they’re on par with the strongest in the division. However, when they’re not, they tend to implode amongst themselves. However, they have the athletes to succeed, and their roster is not only loaded with talent, but loaded with players in general. Can they put all else aside and make that playoff push?
Keys to Success
NP – It’s no secret that the play of the Golden Eagles, and specifically of Kevin Lubin, deteriorates under frustration. If the NPI defense can prevent the Golden Eagles from scoring a few times, frustration might just brew among the ranks.
GE – Their roster size. The sheer numbers that the Golden Eagles possess will help in wearing down No Punt Intended, who mostly play both ways. With a fresh offense and defense each drive, the Golden Eagles can afford to go deep or run and largely expose holes in the NPI defense.
Prediction
No Punt Intended
Mongoose vs. Discount Double Check
Last Meeting: Week 3
Discount Double Check 19, Mongoose 37
Mongoose – Don’t ask me why, but Mongoose are a team that I’ve subconsciously consistently underrated. However, I know firsthand the devastating attack that is Mongoose. Former finalists, with newly minted Two-Way Player of the Year Cedric Nuckle, these furry little mammals are difficult to stop. Throw in new addition of Homie Sarwar for good measure. It seems that Mongoose play their best against the better teams in the division. Knowing what works for them and what doesn’t, they are in prime position
Discount Double Check – While it is important to consider that Discount Double Check are a new team, they are an enigma nonetheless. Their victory against Les Eudistes and their loss to FTP is point in case. They have solid “lead-by-example” leadership with Eric Rapps, and strong two-way players who can make a big play. Is it just their lack of experience that’s holding them back? They’ve grown leaps and bounds; perhaps they will be overlooked and take Mongoose by surprise…
Keys to Success
M – Keep doing what works. Mongoose have been very successful with the deep ball, and holding teams to low-scoring games. Control of the clock paired with consistent passing success is hard to beat.
DD – No matter what happens, Discount Double Check are going to have to keep an eye on Cedric Nuckle. Mike Sayegh has the ability to buy time with his feet while his receivers get open; maybe routes could be called to reflect this?
Prediction
Mongoose
Outlaws vs. Longhorns
Last Meeting: N/A
Outlaws – Having won their last four games in a row, the Outlaws are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Following their Winter 2011 formula of catching fire at the right time, the playoffs are where the Outlaws shine. After spending a season with Spring Cleaning, Jean-Michel Beaudin has come back with his best season yet. Having four receivers on the squad who average a touchdown a game probably also helps.
Longhorns – What’s to say about the Longhorns that hasn’t already been said? Aside from solid additions in Craig O’Brien and Christian Talbot, the Longhorns are consistent as ever. However, the question remains over whether or not this is enough anymore. Suffering from the same syndrome that the Gators are, the Longhorns are still playing the same way they always were, despite the changes in the division. Can they persevere and hope it’s enough, or do they start adapting?
Keys to Success
Outlaws – A consistent attack paired with conservative routes should be the focus. Marching the ball up is an underrated playing style. If the Outlaws can score at least 30, they’ll be in fantastic shape. So long as they don’t try to get fancy.
Longhorns – Forcing the Outlaws to make bad decisions. If the Longhorns can continuously keep the Outlaws guessing, it will definitely throw their rhythm off. When teams are off of their rhythm, that’s where mistakes happen. Knowing that Jon Moodie has a plan is probably reassurance enough.
Prediction
Outlaws
Quote of the Week
“Don’t think that we haven’t noticed that you picked us to lose three weeks in a row. But don’t worry, it’s OK. Playoffs are coming. Brand new season, baby. And we’re coming after you. WE’RE COMING AFTER YOU!”
– Gautama Swaminadhan, X-Men
So yeah, QOTW is back with a vengeance. It’s been absent for the last little while, because unfortunately not everything that Moh Azab says to me counts as comedic gold that is worthy of publishing. If you’d like to know if you’re funny or not, carry around a tape recorder as you go about your business and then give yourself a re-listen. If you’d, however, like to talk football, I can be reached at [email protected]