Fourth-and-Goal (Div 4) – Week 9

It’s the last week before the most exciting time in FPF. It’s seriously only DAYS away. I can’t get over how much is up for grabs in Division 4, and am truly sad that I didn’t play in it this season. Nonetheless, it’s been a ton of fun watching it from the outside and seeing just how wrong I’ve been and how many teams step up to the plate each week.

 

The Awards

 

It’s been evident for the past little while which players were frontrunners to win these awards, however I noticed that I had been omitting Alex Blanchet from the list, who has had a solid season. Granted, this also takes some of the Week 10 stats into account, but it’s evident that he should be considered as well. Also noteworthy is that this is purely speculation on my part, as I have no decision on these awards whatsoever (I’ve yet to be given voting power on Rehan’s STARwards as well)

 

Quarterback of the Year

 

Greg Stern

Daniel Lazzara

Edward Shoshan

 

Receiver of the Year

 

Jacob Peterson

Alex Blanchet

Josh Feder

 

Defensive Player of the Year

 

Marco Bertoldi

Dean Demetriou

Alex Blanchet

 

Two Way Player of the Year

 

Jacob Peterson

Alex Blanchet

Marco Bertoldi

 

The Standings

 

Props to the Eagle at master control for prepping the playoff pictures for all of us. I’m not sure which games are more exciting, Conference A or B. A will have a lot of Win-and-In/Lose-and-Out games, but Conference B has a lot of hungry teams that are eligible to make the jump mathematically and hungry for a spot. It’s funny that half of the teams in Division 4 are eligible for a playoff spot, and it almost doesn’t seem like enough considering the competition.

 

Conference A                                                                                                    

Team		Points	Wins	+/-	Divisional
1	The Incredibles	18	9	235	4-0
2	Toute Garnie	18	9	198	4-0
3	La Sauce	14	7	81	4-0
4	Sea Assassins	13	6	80	1-2-1
5	#NoRegard	14	7	36	3-1
6	Clockwork	12	6	47	3-1
7	Park-X-Streets	11	5	-4	3-0-1
8	FTP 2.0	11	5	-1	2-0-1
9	Patriotes	10	5	31	3-1
10	Falcons	10	5	-59	2-2
11	69ers	10	5	21	1-3
12	Knights	10	5	5	1-3
13	Dark Side	8	4	34	2-2
14	Outlaws	8	4	1	2-2
15	Marauders	8	3	-55	1-2-1
16	Rogues	7	3	-28	3-1
17	Cool Kidz	7	3	-49	0-3-1
18	Yari’s Autonomics	6	3	-58	3-1
19	Green Nation	6	3	-57	1-3
20	Discount Double Check	6	3	-118	1-3
21	Underrated	4	2	-49	0-4
22	Pitbulls	3	1	-58	0-3-1
23	Thunder	2	1	-89	1-3
24	Vis Motus	0	0	-144	0-4

Conference B

Team		Points	Wins	+/-	Divisional
1	Gators	14	7	56	4-0
2	Mustangs du Gridiron	14	7	118	3-1
3	Les Buddays	14	6	108	2-0-2
4	Ball Busters	12	6	-22	3-1
5	The Commission	14	7	75	3-1
6	Smokin’ Aces	13	6	139	2-2
7	Spartans	12	6	85	3-1
8	No Punt Intended	10	5	87	4-0
9	Bruizers	10	5	72	1-3
10	The Family	10	5	45	3-1
11	Certified Flyguyz	10	5	22	3-1
12	Sphinx	9	4	-35	2-2
13	Broccasion	9	4	24	2-1-1
14	Coyotes	8	4	23	3-1
15	Past Our Prime	8	4	-3	2-2
16	Football Old Timers Club	8	4	-49	2-2
17	Gunslingers	8	4	-1	1-3
18	Backyard Bullies	8	4	-75	0-4
19	KGP Lite	6	2	12	0-3-1
20	SWCP Bulldogs	6	3	-51	0-4
21	Longhorns	5	2	-93	1-3
22	Channel 4 News Team	4	2	-72	1-3
23	Nutcrackers	4	2	-171	1-3
24	Maccabi	0	0	-294	0-4

 

 

The Games

 

Seriously, we’ve got some incredibly exciting games coming up and the stakes have never been higher. I’m going to attempt to catch as many games as I can this weekend because I know the football will be great (and scorekeeping on both Saturday AND Sunday will also help)

 

Yari’s Autonomics vs. #NoRegard – I was way off on the midseason predictions of both of these teams. Yari’s played below their potential (losing Anthony Lukca didn’t help) and #NoRegard adapted to the play of the division and played D4 caliber football. Unfortunately, #NoRegard will have to wait until La Sauce play in order to see if they’ll be enjoying a break during the bye week.

 

Pitbulls vs. Sea Assassins – Pitbulls finish with a 1-8-1 compared to my 2-8-0 prediction, while Sea Assassins were 7-2-1 compared to my 7-3-0. Ties! Nonetheless, the Sea Assassins have a solid enough lead on Conference A South that they can rest easy and book a vacation during the bye week.

 

Coyotes vs. Spartans – Unfortunately, while it’s been a formidable season and a solid move up for the Coyotes, this loss has eliminated them from playoff contention. However, their opposition and fellow D5 alumni in the Spartans took a bit better to the move up and will be waiting to see who they will face come playoff time.

 

Thunder vs. Green Nation – Aside from Thunder fulfilling my 2-8-0 prediction in Week 4, this game had little to offer for the postseason. I knew the caliber that Thunder were capable of playing at, and it’s a bit more evident now. Green Nation, however, defied my prediction and even with this loss finish with a more formidable 3-7.

 

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Nutcrackers vs. Channel 4 News Team – Here are two 2-7 teams who have had decent first seasons in the league, considering the amount of talent that is in Division 4 this winter. With that in mind, I’d like to go with Channel 4 News Team on this one, who I feel have come further in this season than Nutcrackers have. Jake Appelbaum’s completion percentage has also been through the roof these past few weeks, while Gabriel Garant’s seems to be suffering.  Prediction: Nutcrackers

 

Marauders vs. La Sauce- While the Marauders are currently on the outside looking in, they still have a chance to play spoilers for La Sauce. We’ve seen inconsistencies out Marauders in crunch time however; they can sometimes run with the best of the conference and sometimes fall apart completely. It’s also important to note that now that La Sauce have Francois Raymond back, they’ll for sure be setting their sights on booking a repeat trip to the finals. It’ll all start this week, where a victory will assure them the top of Conference A East and a bye week as well. Prediction: La Sauce 

 

Broccasion vs. The Family – Probably the most difficult game to predict in my eyes. Broccasion do well when their back is against the wall (see Winter 2011 when Broccasion pulled out a Week 10 win to make playoffs). However, they’ve struggled in the past few weeks during close games and I think that this week’s game against The Family will prove to be just that. I’m a big fan of the QB switch for The Family mid-season, because we’ve seen great numbers out of both Forget AND Ouellette since then. My gut is telling me that this might be the first time Broccasion are on the outside looking in in a while. Prediction: The Family

 

Outlaws vs. Dark Side – Two teams who are just outside of the playoffs and looking for a way to sneak in. The winners of this one can get in if one of the four bottom playoff teams have a loss (namely a loss from Patriotes, Falcons, 69ers or Knights.) HOWEVER, if 69ers lose, Outlaws AND Dark Side have a chance to make it in as well. Both teams have a history of coming alive in the playoffs, it’s important to note that only 7 of the behemoth 27-man Dark Side roster have the chance to be playoff eligible. If the Outlaws are going to keep this game competitive, they’re going to need to not get down on themselves if they’re not winning and especially not take gambles and cause interceptions. Prediction: Dark Side

 

Football Old Timers Club vs. Gators – While compared to some of the other games on the docket, this one may not look big, let me assure you that it is for the Gators. Their current 4-0 divisional record gives them the opportunity to finish atop Conference B, which could be huge in the later stages of the game. FOTC, meanwhile, have a very very slim chance of making the playoffs, and will not only need to hope for some luck, but will need to rack up that plus-minus as well. However, I think that the Gators will be hungrier for the win come game-time. Prediction: Gators

 

Mustangs du Gridiron vs. The Commission – This game is another big one because the winner of this matchup can be guaranteed both Conference B South and a bye week spot. I’m really torn on this one. On one hand, I feel like The Commission are the stronger team with the more experienced roster, however it’s been a few weeks since they faced a playoff-caliber team. Mustangs du Gridiron are a little bit more seasoned as far as the competition of the teams that they’ve played, but it’s been a bit rough on them when something is on the line. Nonetheless, both teams make playoffs on this one so it’s a moot point, but I’m going to stick with experience on this one. Prediction: The Commission

 

Les Buddays vs. Sphinx – A puzzling game in my opinion. Sphinx are a great team playing below their potential, and Les Buddays are a powerhouse who in the past few weeks have been unable to win close games. Sphinx’s win last week against Broccasion kept their playoff hopes alive, but they’re skating on very thin ice and Conference B is hungry. Les Buddays are going to possibly have to re-think their stategy for convert plays so that they can close out a game when it counts. Despite their difficulties in the past two weeks, I think that the aggressive defense that Les Buddays run will match up well against Sphinx and be the deciding factor in the game. Prediction: Les Buddays

 

69ers vs. FTP 2.0 – One of the famous “Win-and-In/Lose-and-Out” games of Conference A. This game has a lot of bearing not just for the 69ers, but for the hopefuls of Conference A as well. Essentially, with Dark Side and Outlaws playing each other, if 69ers lose, they’re out. I’ve found it hard to gauge the potential of both these teams. However, one thing that I do know for sure is that I don’t think that 69ers take it seriously enough, and I think that it will be their undoing. FTP have been rising to the occasion and will definitely want to keep their higher seeding for the playoffs. Prediction: FTP

 

Vis Motus vs. Discount Double Check – It makes me sad to see the fall that Discount Double Check have had. They had a solid darkhorse season last year and were poised to do well again. However a loss of players to both higher division and injury has seemingly destroyed morale and killed their chances. I know that I predicted that Vis Motus would go 0-10 to close out the season (although I hoped that it wouldn’t be the case) I think that I’m going to go back on my word. Vis Motus have learned a lot from this season and have kept their heads high. I’m going to give them this prediction and sincerely hope that I’m right. Prediction: Vis Motus

 

Patriotes vs. Park-X Streets – Patriotes absolutely need this win. Their 3-1 divisional record will help them in the event that a tiebreak is needed, but you don’t want to put yourself in that situation. Park-X Streets have the record, but I think that when it comes down to it all, Patriotes will want it more. I mentioned pre-season that although Patriotes already had a Division 4 championship, they would not be a repeat winner. That doesn’t mean that I don’t think they’ll make playoffs however. Prediction: Patriotes

 

Bruizers vs. KGP Lite – Phil Cutler and the rest of KGP Lite really played up to their competition. Having the experience of playing in Division 3 as well, Cutler is able to gauge what a lot of defenses are capable of. If the rest of Lite can be on par, they’ll do serious damage in coming years/seasons. However, Bruizers have been playing well as a team this season, and do outside the league as well. As far as their teamwork goes, they’re top-notch, and strong enough to pull out a victory. Prediction: Bruizers

 

No Punt Intended vs. Past Our Prime – An intriguing game to say the least. As far as math dictates, No Punt Intended have the potential to go as far up as Divisional leader with a bye week, and as far down as out of the playoffs. It all depends on other teams as well. A win will get Past Our Prime in, and in some instances keep NPI in the playoffs as well. It’s going to be an interesting one for sure, but I think that it’s going to be a physical, nitty-gritty game. I like the defense that NPI bring, and think that they’ll be able to keep Past Our Prime in check. Prediction: No Punt Intended

 

The Incredibles vs. Clockwork – I predicted The Incredibles to go 10-0, and there’s really no going back now. Clockwork are in the playoffs regardless due to their divisional record and their plus-minus rating as well. Everyone knows how high Marco Masciotra is on his team, but the question is can he lead them to victory over a juggernaut that has also beaten him in previous seasons (when he had an even stronger roster). I think that all signs point to Incredibles. Prediction: The Incredibles

 

Ball Busters vs. Longhorns – Longhorns are out, but that’s never stood in the way of them having fun to begin with. If Ball Busters lose this one, they’ll lose the hold that they have on Conference B North and put them at risk as well. It’s interesting that Longhorns have kept it competitive with some of the stronger teams but have fallen to the bottom-rung ones. It also depends on how many Longhorns players show up. When in doubt, go with consistency. Prediction: Ball Busters

 

Maccabi vs. Backyard Bullies – Maccabi have had a tough season, but it’s been one of learning as well. Backyard Bullies have had a decent first year but will ultimately be hurt by their divisional record which will be the deciding factor in keeping them out of the playoffs unfortunately. Backyard Bullies will pull of a win in this game, but it unfortunately won’t be enough for them to make playoffs. Prediction: Backyard Bullies

 

Knights vs. Falcons – The famous “Win-and-In/Lose-and-Out” game of Conference A. Unlike some of the other games in Conference A where tricky math is involved, the loser of this game WILL NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS. A lot is on the line for both squads who have had times where they’ve looked quite solid, and games that have been thoroughly inconsistent as well. I’m going to give this victory to the Knights based on their overall experience as well as the strength and play that their defense is capable of. Prediction: Knights

 

Certified Flyguyz vs. Gunslingers – This is one of the important ones because it has a lot of bearing on positions 11-17 in Conference B. A win for Certified Flyguyz will keep them in the playoffs, but a win for Gunslingers will give hope to a ton more of teams. It’s going to be interesting to say the least, and a lot of teams will be hoping for a Gunslingers upset win as well. I’m torn as to who to pick, but I think that I’m going to give it to the Gunslingers solely based on how much their victory can affect things for the rest of the Conference. Prediction: Gunslingers

 

SWCP Bulldogs vs. Smokin’ Aces – With a win and a Gators loss, Smokin’ Aces have the ability to retake the top of Conference B west, however they’re guaranteed a playoff spot even if they lose. The Bulldogs, on the other hand have already been eliminated, but can keep their heads high and hope for an upset win and a great first season learning experience. Unfortunately, having a higher-division quarterback helps a team tremendously and the Bulldogs defense will have trouble adjusting to the pace of the Aces offense. It’s going to be a tough night for SWCP. Prediction: Smokin’ Aces

 

Toute Garnie vs. Rogues – Simon Dagenais told the rest of the FPF media staff that he’d make playoffs in a darkhorse effort. It’s fallen just short unfortunately, but he’ll have the opportunity to make good on his word that he’d upset Toute Garnie. I guess the silver lining is that Toute Garnie could be out of practice since they essentially didn’t play last week. However, I don’t see that happening. Toute Garnie play too organized and the Rogues will have a lot of trouble matching up with their height and routes. No upset win for Simon, I’m afraid. Prediction: Toute Garnie

 

Cool Kidz vs. Underrated – The wrap-up game of Week 10 that unfortunately has no playoff bearing for either team. Underrated miss playoffs again despite having a strong roster and are still unable to figure out just what the missing piece is. Meanwhile, the Cool Kidz was a fun experiment and learning experience and will be able to hold their heads high regardless. Flip a coin on this one; either team is capable of winning it. However, I’m going to give the nod to Cool Kidz on this one. Prediction: Cool Kidz

 

 

Well, that’s it for me! I’m going to be at Hebert, Loyola AND Lachine this weekend, so feel free to come see me (no one ever does). I’m super excited for everything that’s poised to happen this week, and I’m looking forward to finding out just how wrong I was and who is going to finish where. If you want by-the-minute updates on the games I scorekeep (guaranteed at least the final score when it happens) give me a follow on twitter at @gmkole44. You might just know if you’re playoff eligible before everyone else!