Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 9 – FlagPlus Football League

So my last few articles have been mostly devoid of humor, but unfortunately such is the nature of a playoff race. For some of you, this week will be the last time you lace up ‘them cleats this season. However, all is not lost. You’ll still have…this article. I’ll be here even after the last whistle blows and the finals are done. Plus, the spring season is just around the corner!

The Game, Before All Else

I’m going to take a quick break and serious it up for a moment.

If you’re a player on the Hall of Famers: I tip my proverbial hat to you, sirs. For those of you who don’t know, the story goes as follows: The Dragons were short-handed, and started with only 6 players. Halfway through the second half, due to injury, the Dragons were forced to play with only 5. However, the Hall of Famers, (they must be inductees under the ‘class acts’ category) opted to play 5 on 5 rather than 6 on 5.

So here’s the serious part: Leave it to a brand-new team to humble me. A gesture like this, as small as it is, speaks volumes about our league and what we all share. The sport and the bond between us all was put before all else, stats included (in a divisional game, no less). Not everyone gets to take home the championship, but I’d be happier if we gave each other respect like this.

I now return you to your less-serious article, already in progress.

Titty sprinkles.

And Then There Were Two

You’re basically separated into two categories… Broccasion, and everyone else. But more accurately, you’re also separated into three categories: Those who are playoff bound, those who are not playoff bound, and those who might be playoff bound. There is potential for A LOT of movement to happen. So get that last win this week and avoid the headaches.

Conference A:

1: Brocassion (9-0) {+ 170}

2: Les Caves (8-1) {+ 124}

3: Hall of Famers (6-3) {+ 136}

4: Sphinx (6-3) {+ 72}

5: No Punt Intended (7-2) {+ 57}

6: Outlaws (6-3) {+ 69}

7: 69ers (5-4) {+ 31}

8: The Incredibles (5-4) {+ 66}

9: The Family (5-4) {+ 38}

10: Longhorns (5-4) {+ 10}

11: Golden Eagles (4-3-2) {+ 8}

12: Gators (4-4-1) {- 7}

———–

Dillon Panthers (4-5) {+3}

Flight of the Conchords (3-5-1) {-20}

In order for Dillon Panthers to make playoffs, they need a win AND:

– A tie or loss from Gators

– A loss from Golden Eagles, The Family (head-to-head tiebreaker), Longhorns (divisional record tiebreaker), The Incredibles (divisional record tiebreaker)

In order for Flight of the Conchords to make playoffs, they need a win, a loss from Dillon Panthers and a loss from Gators (divisional record tiebreaker)

Conference B:

1: Monstars (7-2) {+ 103}

2: Embarrassment of Riches (7-2) {+ 112}

3: Clockwork (7-2) {+ 78}

4: Hard Knocks (5-3-1) {+ 67}

5: Le Zoo (7-2) {+ 58}

6 : X-Men (6-2-1) {+ 54}

7: Crème de la Crème FFC (6-3) {+ 94}

8: Mongoose (6-3) {+ 70}

9: Les Eudistes (5-3-1) {+ 81}

10: Mad Monkeys (5-3-1) {+ 92}

11: The Commission (5-4) {+ 18}

12 : Beers (4-4-1) {- 63}

———–

Marauders (4-5) {+ 4}

Discount Double Check (4-5) {- 6}

In order for Marauders to make playoffs, they need a win AND:

– A loss or a tie (divisional record tiebreaker) from Beers

– A loss from The Commission AND a resulting +/- that is less than that of Marauders

In order for Discount Double Check to make playoffs, they need a win, a loss from Marauders, AND:

– A loss or tie (point differential tiebreaker) from Beers

– A loss from The Commission AND a resulting +/- that is less than that of Discount Double Check

Lobster Dinner will need to win AND Beers, Marauders and Discount Double Check must all lose to be playoff eligible.

Confused yet?

Semi-Quick Picks

15-4-1 last week. Not like I’m bragging or anything. But…let’s see if I can up that number.

FTP vs. Les Eudistes – Congratulations to FTP for chalking up that first win last week, with a little help from JP Mancini of the Briscoe High Hawks. However, with playoff position implications and pride in general being a factor for Les Eudistes, I feel that this one will be very difficult for FTP to stay relevant in. This one might get ugly.

Prediction: Les Eudistes

Embarrassment of Riches vs. Marauders – Marauders need to evaluate whether they’re going to attempt to stop the relentless EOR offence (100 points in two last games, best points for in the division) or simply attempt to go score-for-score with them against the often spotty and absent EOR defense. In any case, count on Hugo Beausoleil to have a plan.

Prediction: N/A

Mongoose vs. Le Zoo – After seeing the result of Chris Rivest’s devastating concussion, wishes of a safe and speedy recovery are in order. With Alex Gaudet’s #2 go-to guy possibly out, a lot of the bulk will rest on Cédric Nuckle and Frédéric Charlebois. Le Zoo play a strong and united defense; will Mongoose be able to seize the day? Expect a close game.

Prediction: Le Zoo

Crème de la Crème FFC vs. X-Men – The X-Men are hoping for a win and a Monstars loss in order to jump back into the driver’s seat with the divisional bye. While the Monstars game is out of their hands, they will have to keep pace with a defensive team, which X-Men tend to struggle with. The game is going to come down to the X-Men offense against the Crème defense. Will the Crème defense break under an offense that is constantly evaluating them and adapting, or will the X-Men crumble against the incredibly stifling (and creamy) defense?

Prediction: Crème de la Crème

Misfits vs. Discount Double Check – The Misfits have a chance to play spoilers. While a lot of Discount’s playoff hopes rest on extraneous things, they do need to take home a win to even have a shot. Eric Rapps will need to channel all of his experience and lead his squad by example to success. Misfits, meanwhile, who are mirroring their past John Abbott season very closely, will need to play smart and disciplined if they’re to have one last win before the season ends.

Prediction: Discount Double Check

Hard Knocks vs. Trapstars – The Trapstars have once again had a rough season after having a promising week 1. With many untimely drops and a rough schedule, it’s been a difficult one for the boys in black and gold. Unfortunately, with Hard Knocks coming off of a loss and looking to take out some frustration, it’s not looking good. The Trapstars are going to need to evaluate their defensive schemes and try to think of something will contain Kris Bastien, Jonathan Mack and the under-the-radar Randy Minato. It’s a hard-knock life.

Prediction: Hard Knocks

Clockwork vs. Mad Monkeys – With a win over the veteran Commission, Clockwork are proving that their season in Division D was no fluke. Their defensive prowess should be more than enough to carry them into the win column, however Mad Monkeys have had their best games against the stronger Conference B teams. While Clockwork is stacked with individuals, Mad Monkeys might take this one because of their cohesiveness as a group.

Prediction: Clockwork

Dillon Panthers vs. 69ers – Dillon Panthers have a decent pass rush in Kemar Vernon. However, Dean Demetriou has a reputation of leaving rushers to tend to their broken ankles while he buys time with his feet. The question remains: Will Patrice Blouin, all-star rusher, step in and attempt to lock down Demetriou himself, or will he rest the team’s playoff hopes in someone else’s hands (and feet)?

Prediction: 69ers

Lobster Dinner vs. Those Guys – Lobster Dinner need desperately for the stars to align in order to get a playoff spot. They also need to beat a Those Guys team who have suddenly woken up and are returning to their former selves after a long slumber. While Those Guys have been showing their ability to stay at par with teams offensively, I think they’re going to lack the defensive depth to hold Jonathan Brown and the Dinner offense.

Prediction: Lobster Dinner

Broccasion vs. Les Caves – Don’t get me wrong. Les Caves are good. Very good. However their main strength is their balanced and methodical offense. However, a balanced and methodical offense means that you’re going to have to spread the ball. Spreading the ball means that you’re going to have to throw to Jamie Ojeaha’s side. See the problem? Mix in a Weekes worth of confidence, and a Hodhod of leadership, and the scales might be tipped a little too far.

Prediction: Broccasion

Gators vs. Turf Toe Inc. – The Gators had a longshot of making playoffs with their first-half run, and it looks like everything has fallen into place. Turf Toe Inc are going to need a heck of a lot to come up with their first win of the season. In all honesty, if Jean-Francois Malette eased up on the speed and strength of his passes, it might just give the Toe receivers a bit of an easier chance to make a play.

Prediction: Gators

The Incredibles vs. Longhorns – After having a tough loss, Stern and co. are looking to redeem themselves. However, the Longhorns are notorious for stepping up and having a game plan when it matters most. Will Peterson and Bertoldi have more standout games, or will Christian Talbot prove to be a thorn in Greg Stern’s side, and prevent the deep ball from even leaving his hands?

Prediction: Longhorns

The Family vs. High Rollers – The Family needs this win to avoid falling into tie-breaker criteria that may cost them a playoff spot. So rather than fret, they’ll simply win. After only scoring 20 points in the past two games, High Rollers will need to think outside the box, either by holding onto the ball for as long as possible, or a way to limit The Family’s receiving corps.

Prediction: The Family

The Commission vs. Team Bring It – Like a lot of the teams who need a last-minute win, The Commission will have their dessert early, preying on an inexperienced TBI team in order to secure their playoff spot. Despite their record, The Commission have rarely had a full squad. If everyone’s there, this game might be over by halftime.

Prediction: The Commission

Beers vs. Monstars – Beers have had trouble staying competitive in games with the Division leaders. That would explain that, despite their 4-4-1 record, they are -63 in points. Gabriel Coté is going to need to change things up, as the consistent deep ball is not going to have much effect against the best defense in the conference. All Monstars need to do to come out ahead is keep doing what they’ve been doing all season long.

Prediction: Monstars

No Punt Intended vs. Les Jambons – Even with the loss of Jeff Moscato to injury, NPI are still well enough equipped to deal with Les Jambons. Simply a move of Jason Lachapelle to safety, Thomas Zorko to rusher and…voila! While Les Jambons are fresh off a win, the experience and drive that No Punt Intended possess will be enough.

Prediction: No Punt Intended

Flight of the Conchords vs. Certified Flyguyz – Flight of the Conchords just cannot seem to get their act together. Sometimes strong, often weak, they’re definitely an enigma. However, with Certified Flyguyz knowing that they’re better than their record suggests, they’re going to give FOTC the fight of their lives. Flyguyz might just be balanced enough to take this one.

Prediction: Certified Flyguyz

Sphinx vs. Primetime – Sphinx have it all covered. Etienne Cloutier approaches each game looking to win, regardless of the implications (if any). Primetime are going to need to keep calm and let their play do the talking if they hope to pull an upset against Sphinx. However, with Primetime just having come off a win, I’m getting the feeling that this game is going to be closer than we think…

Prediction: Sphinx

Outlaws vs. Dragons – It’s actually astounding me how much these two teams have progressed. However, despite progress, we all know that history tends to repeat itself. The last time these two teams played each other, the Outlaws won 26-12. I’m guessing that this one might go the same way.

Prediction: Outlaws

Golden Eagles vs. Hall of Famers – Aside from the GOTW, this game looks like it’s going to be a good one. While Justin Smolar has flourished, the rushing pair of Tam Villaydeth and Frédéric Martineau might just be his undoing. This is definitely a game to watch, because I’m thinking that each respective team will score at least 30 points. However, I’m going to give the nod to experience.

Prediction: Golden Eagles

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