Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 11

Fourth and Goal – Week 11

 

I’d like to add Mad Monkeys, X-Men, Crème de la Crème FFC, 69ers, The Family, Golden Eagles, Discount Double Check and Longhorns to the list of teams that I’d like to thank.

 

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!

 

Bye Week

 

I’m interested as to how this week off will affect the top-seeded teams? Will it allow them to rest any potential injuries and come back better than ever? Or will the teams lose that magical chemistry that they worked so hard on for 10 weeks?

 

 

Matchups

 

Welcome to the divisional round. You’re all here to fight for the right to play more football.

 

Sphinx vs. Outlaws

 

Previous meeting: Week 8

 

Outlaws- 26, Sphinx – 24

 

Sphinx – Team Lub Express has a bit of difficulty come playoff time. Despite dominant regular-season endeavors, they’ve failed to step up when it’s mattered most. However, something seems different this season. Rather than a one-trick pony, Sphinx seem to be coming into each game with a different approach. This could be the beginning of breaking their post-season blues.

 

Outlaws – Showing the older Longhorns team that experience comes in more than one form, the Outlaws were able to show why the regular season isn’t all it’s built up to be. We know that they step up come playoff time, but their competition is much stiffer now than in the past. How will they fare as the underdogs?

 

Keys to Success

 

Sphinx – Their cohesiveness as a group is a big one. Etienne Cloutier will also need to utilize the play action to alleviate some of the pressure placed on him by rusher Julien Hamel.

 

Outlaws –  Obviously their ability to up their game in the playoffs. Only they know the secret as to what changes when the regular season ends. They will, however, need to prioritize covering Mathieu Fafard.

 

Prediction

 

Outlaws

 

 

Broccasion vs. Gators

 

Previous Meeting: N/A

 

Brocassion – What’s left to say about Broccasion, really? All due respect to Norman Weekes, but I’m of the opinion that Broccasion could have been equally successful under brother Kristian Cerantola, were he not injured. However, Weekes’ tutelage adds one thing that Broccasion lacked: Playoff experience. Weekes is aware of how teams adjust and elevate their game in the playoffs, and knows how to counter this. More important than simply making playoffs, they know what to do with the opportunity as well.

 

Gators- Weeks later, I seem like a genius for supporting Chuck Diodati’s claim that the Gators would make the playoffs. I’d like to thank them for that. Interesting fact: Eddy Martinez and Kevin Marlowe each intercepted Norman Weekes in Winter 2009 when the Gators tied a Norman Weekes and Nicky McGuire led Trojan Knights team. Seeing as this Gators team has mostly the same players as the past with the additions of James Crowe and David Hurley, the Gators will need to take advantage of the time they spend on defense.

 

Keys to Success

 

Bro – Listen to Steve Hodhod. Despite his injury, Hodhod has been a major factor in the success of Broccasion. Combining his already extensive experience with the ability to see the entire field every play and adjust, Hodhod’s ability to read and evaluate is a great asset for the team.

 

Gat – Don’t go deep. While airing it out to Eddy Martinez has come up big for them in the past, a matchup against Jamie Ojeaha is a nightmare. Instead, Kevin Marlowe needs to create routes for his receivers to take advantage of the height advantage and physicality they possess.

 

 

Prediction

 

Broccasion

 

 

Embarrassment of Riches vs. Les Eudistes

 

Previous Meeting: Week 4

 

Embarrassment of Riches – 32, Les Eudistes – 25

 

Embarrassment of Riches – Some call them too strong for the division. Some call them overhyped. I call them simply: my team. It’s interesting how this team has managed to succeed together. Essentially, it all boils down to chemistry. The Mongoose loss and the close game to the hands of Those Guys can both be largely attributed to a lack of cohesiveness as a group. Spreading the ball effectively, QB of the year Ed Shoshan can keep most defenses guessing at any given moment.

 

Les Eudistes – There were a few teams that I did not want to play in the playoffs. Les Eudistes are one of those teams. With the ability to make plays out of nothing with ease, Les Eudistes can gain yards after completion with relative ease. Having witnessed rusher Benoit Gagnon-Brousseau’s pick-six last week, it’s evident that the team knows how to step it up even more come playoff time. Judging by their close loss to EoR in the regular season, the boys in grey will be out for blood.

 

Keys to Success

 

EoR – With Vadim Chernyak having filled in for rusher Avery Thompson the last time these two saw each other, Thompson will need to ensure that he keeps Hugo Henderson in front of him and force him to make quick and difficult reads.

 

LE – Les Eudistes’ strength lies in how they’re able to spread the ball. It’s evident based on how close their games are when the ball is not spread out. Les Eudistes need to keep Embarrasment of Riches guessing.

 

Prediction

 

N/A

 

 

Hall of Famers vs. No Punt Intended

 

Last Meeting : N/A

 

Hall of Famers – A brand-new team finishing third in a difficult conference of 20 is no easy feat. Critics, however, argue that their two losses came against two out of the four playoff teams that they have faced. Regardless, the numbers speak for themselves. With receiver Adam Crystal leading the way with 24 TDs, and two close by with 10 TDs each, the team is clearly able to score. Couple that with 25 INTs in 10 games, and you’ve basically got a scary team to play.

 

No Punt Intended – No Punt Intended beat Golden Eagles in a manner that came close to causing internal conflict amongst themselves. So long as this does not carry over to this upcoming game, No Punt Intended should be fine. Will the return of Jeff Moscato be beneficial or a hindrance? If Moscato is able to ball despite the injury, this should not be any problem whatsoever. However, considering Justin Smolar’s penchant for deep passes, Hall of Famers may exploit this injury to their benefit.

 

Keys to Success

 

HF – If the Hall of Famers score early, it will force NPI to play catch-up. Considering the relative ease that Hall of Famers have scoring with the deep pass, they can control the pace of the game and burn out the clock.

 

NPI – Sebastian di Poi’s diminutive stature tempts many opposing QBs. However, this may be to No Punt Intended’s advantage seeing how not all is what it appears to be with him. On the offensive side of the ball, Mendell will need to use his chemistry with his receivers to his advantage to keep possession for as long as possible. 

 

Prediction

 

Hall of Famers

 

 

Monstars vs. The Commission

 

Last Meeting: Week 1

 

Monstars – 12, The Commission – 33

 

Monstars – The most successful season yet for the Monstars. The question is: will this translate to playoff success? They haven’t made quarterfinals since Winter 2010 in Division 5. Although the last time the Monstars played The Commission was in Week 1, it’s by far the team that has posed the most problems to them. (Also, the only game rusher Ryan Aridi was unable to record a sack). After going undefeated in the second-half of the season to somewhat weaker teams, can the Monstars elevate their game after a bye week?

 

The Commission – After a rather eventful Week 7 game, The Commission proved that the follow-up would be anything but. Having effectively figured out the X-Men, The Commission saw Gautama Swaminadhan play his weakest game of the season. With Peter Rose intercepting a ball out of fellow teammate Carlton O’Brian’s own hands, it’s evident that The Commission’s secondary are very aware of what’s going on.

 

Keys to Success

 

M – The Monstars are going to need to control the pace of this game. It’s no secret that their defense is their defining factor, but both sides of the ball need to be aware of what’s going on. If the offense can execute what the defense starts, they’ll be in good shape.

 

TC – With no real intel or game film on the Monstars, The Commission are going to have to adapt as they go. Their defense has already proved its worth, and we’re well aware of the prowess of The Commission’s offense when Brent Bodkin is scoring those important 1-point converts.

 

Prediction

 

Monstars

 

 

Les Caves vs. The Incredibles

 

Last Meeting: Week 9

 

The Incredibles – 26, Les Caves – 32

 

Les Caves – The Cavaliers have a lot going for them. A receiving and defensive corps of athletic and eager youth? Check. A captain, quarterback and center with Division 3 finals experience? Check. A two-way weapon with Division A finals experience? Check. Being overshadowed by Broccasion and the other ‘big names’ in Conference A, Les Caves don’t get their share of the limelight. But don’t take that as a sign that they’re unable to run with the stronger teams. If you’re looking for an under-the-radar team to support in the playoffs that will go far, Les Caves are your best bet.

 

The Incredibles – Division 4’s resident superheroes are continuously improving. From Division 5 to Division D and now to Division 4, The Incredibles have grown tremendously as a team. This was more than evident last Saturday as they effectively dismantled The Family. Not only did Greg Stern have an interception-free game, he managed to help his own cause intercepting a pass on D as well.

 

Keys to Success

 

LC – Les Caves are basically just going to need to play the same game as they did back in week 9. So long as the offensive routes are cutting holes in The Incredibles’ D, everything else will fall in place. Gabriel Ciccarelli’s relentless pressure on Greg Stern will also help the defense tremendously.

 

TI – The Incredibles cannot allow Mike Stagg to get into a rhythm. On defense, The Incredibles need to consistently switch coverage to keep Les Caves guessing. On O, Greg Stern will need to make sure that he doesn’t force any passes, as Les Caves will be looking to pick him off again.

 

Prediction

 

Les Caves

 

 

Clockwork vs. Le Zoo

 

Last Meeting: Week 8

 

Clockwork – 24, Le Zoo – 12

 

Clockwork – The boys in orange have the best of both worlds going for them. They all get the benefit of a week of rest, however their quarterback played last week and will not have lost rhythm the way that some teams and quarterbacks do after a bye week. Will Marco Masciotra look to run all around the Zoo defence, or will he make it an aerial battle? Either way, Clockwork are going to need to mix it up to prevent Le Zoo from catching on and adapting.

 

Le Zoo – A second-half breakdown almost saw Le Zoo out of the playoffs. A last-play touchdown saved Le Zoo’s playoff hopes. After seeing Jérémie Gauthier’s performance against the Zoo defense, the boys in green are going to need to rethink their rushing approach, considering they face a quarterback of similar fare this week. They saw how not adapting to Clockwork worked for them in the regular season; will things change the second time around?

 

Keys to Success

 

CW – The key to Clockwork obviously lies in the strength of the Masciotra/Pampena connection. Couple that with the high turnover rate of Marco Masciotra and Trevor Somma, and it’s easy for the team to get into a rhythm and support each other.

 

LZ – Le Zoo are going to need to prioritize covering Emilio Pampena. Amounting for at least double the receptions and three times the touchdowns of any other Clockwork receiver, he will need to be taken out of the equation if Le Zoo are to succeed. Frank Kaye is also going to need to avoid a second-half breakdown this time around.

 

Prediction

 

Le Zoo

 

 

Hard Knocks vs. Mongoose

 

Last Meeting: N/A

 

Hard Knocks – Pre-season, they were my darkhorse pick. After going 4-1 in the first five games, they were anything but. However, inconsistencies and a slight hiccup in the second-half of the season have them ending the season with a 6-3-1 record. Don’t let this fool you, as it is not demonstrative of their talent in the slightest. With an aerial attack that is the best in the division, Hard Knocks have the ability to change the course of a game at a moment’s notice.

 

Mongoose – Coming off of a tightly contested game against Discount Double Check, Mongoose were given quite a bit of a scare. Alex Gaudet showed the importance of each of his receivers, spreading four touchdowns to four different receivers. While rusher Alex Peelz was rendered somewhat ineffective by mobile QB Mike Sayegh in the DDC game, he’s up against the more prototypical Philippe Potetenev, and can return to his specialty of defending passes and screening the quarterback’s line of sight.

 

Keys to Success

 

HK – Mongoose may not have the safeties capable of matching the height or the athletic play that the Hard Knocks receivers supply on a regular basis. The deep ball, which seems to be HK’s bread and butter may prove especially handy come Sunday.

 

M – Mongoose are going to need to get ahead early on Hard Knocks, and do their best to protect the lead. Philippe Potetenev’s weakness also lies in how he adjusts to quicker rushers; can Alex Peelz consistently apply pressure?

 

Prediction

 

Hard Knocks

 

 

I thank you for waiting and apologize for the lateness. You can send detailed accounts of how your world fell apart due to the lateness to [email protected]