Fourth-and-Goal (Div C) – Week 10

Before we continue onward, thanks are in order. I’d like to thank Real Deal, Eagles, Mongoose, Like our TDs, Ninja Turtles, X-Men, The Incredibles, French Toast Mafia FFC, Sphinx, Patriotes, Le Zoo and Silent Assassins.

 

I thank you for the time you’ve spent with us in Division C. I thank you for being part of our FPF community, both on and off of the field. We’ll hopefully see you next season. For now, however, we progress onward!

 

Divisional Playoffs

 

We’ve got 8 games to cover. Let’s not waste any more time, and break them down one by one.

 

 

Conference A

 

 

Daron Basmadjian Fan Club (1) vs. Hall of Famers (8)

 

The Teams

 

Daron Basmadjian Fan Club

8-0-2 {Final season prediction 8-0-2}

 

The DBFC are the only team in the playoffs that come in without a loss on the board. The core of the team has seen the finals in their last two consecutive springs. They’ve since picked up a snapper (Diodati) some speed (Taylor) some height (Martinez) and an X-Factor (McLaren). A pre-season favorite who have not let down thus far.

 

Hall of Famers

5-5-0 {Final season prediction 8-2-0}

 

Hall of Famers are also a strengthened version of their previous selves. Adding the strongest players from last winter’s Discount Double Check squad, as well as Jamie Ojeaha, they looked to be in prime position. Despite a strong 4-0 start, they’ve since lost 5 of their last 6 games. Is it the step up that has thrown them off of their game? Or have they simply failed to adjust?

 

Notable Matchups

 

Matthew Bishara vs. Jarred Paperman – You’ve got the rushing yards leader of the division going up against the sack leader of the division. Without a doubt a collision course; we’ll see who ends up on top. Will Bishara be shut down in the pocket? Or will Paperman be left grasping at air where a flag once was?

 

Adam Crystal vs. Gordon Hogan – Newly minted record holder and two-time Receiver of the Year Adam Crystal will likely be going up against the best deep coverage that the DBFC has to offer: Gordon Hogan. Hogan excels in covering a huge amount of field and shutting down deep passes. It’s time to see which white man can jump higher.

 

Jordan McLaren vs. Jamie Ojeaha – Both players are a staple of their respective defenses, and lead their team with 8 interceptions each. While Jordan has had the higher division experience, Jamie has had heavier postseason experience. Thus, the question remains: who will pull through when it counts and put the team on their back?

 

The Breakdown

 

It honestly comes down to how well Hall of Famers can adjust to what DBFC presents to them. On offense, the Hall of Famers need to decide how things are going to go. HOF have multiple talented receivers; can the ball be spread effectively? DBFC are too strong and too smart to continuously allow one receiver to continuously beat them. On defense, they need to play the game of their lives. The DBFC offense does everything efficiently. From the passing to the running and from the shovel passes to the deep bombs – everything is calculated and everything is successful.

 

What remains is for the DBFC to continue what they’re doing. A nasty Colin Taylor rush on Justin Smolar and hard coverage on Adam Crystal should rattle the HOF offense and force mistakes to happen. So long as the DBFC don’t get cocky or too involved, and stick to what works for them, they should do well.

 

The Prediction

 

Daron Basmadjian Fan Club

 

 

Prestige World Wide (2) vs. Mustangs du Gridiron (7)

 

The Teams

 

Prestige World Wide

8-1-1 {Final season prediction 9-0-1}

 

Arguably the deepest roster in the division. Despite having a loss up on the board, they are not to be trifled with, and will accept nothing less than a championship. They’ve got the talent akin to a mercenary team, yet they’ve got the familiarity of a team that has played together for seasons. They’re resilient and determined, which is dangerous on any team.

 

Mustangs du Gridiron

5-5-0 {Final season prediction 6-4-0}

 

The hot topic of the division D/5 teams. They’ve moved up and didn’t skip a beat. I’d say that the season has been incredibly successful for a team that we had no idea what to expect from. They’ve got a large roster great football knowledge (and fantastic jerseys).  It took them no time whatsoever to shake the label of “just another lower division team”

 

Notable Matchups

 

Simon Vallée vs. the Prestige World Wide safeties – It’s no secret that Simon has a penchant for throwing deep. This might be the wrong secondary to do that against, however, as the PWW safeties have the ability to cover a lot of real estate. The question remains: will Vallée adapt to what is given to him, or will he attempt to force a deep pass that may or may not be there?

 

Alex Lever vs. Frank Boulard – Alex Lever has thrown 10 interceptions all season. Frank Boulard has mustered 10 interceptions on defense all season. Coincidence? Yes. It will be important nonetheless for Boulard to call a defense capable of surprising and flustering Lever in order to maximize their opportunities on defense.

 

Anthony Comeau vs. everyone – It’s no secret: Comeau is a big guy. His size makes him a favorable matchup against pretty much any defender, and he’s capable of making tight catches in double-coverage. No matter who is on him, he’ll make sure his hands are the first two on the ball. The Mustangs are going to need to get creative when choosing how to cover Comeau and minimalize his impact.

 

The Breakdown

 

The biggest (no pun intended) problem for Mustangs du Gridiron is the size matchup that Prestige World Wide possess over them. Anthony Comeau, Christian Delforge, Maxime Laflamme, Samuel Drapeau, Kevin Tousignant and Charles Baillargeon are all over 6 foot. This is possibly one of the only things that Mustangs haven’t seen in the lower divisions: a large team who also possess speed. Every pass and every catch is going to be a dogfight.

 

Prestige World Wide will need to avoid looking ahead and focus at the game at hand. Mustangs du Gridiron are just looking for an excuse to catch them with their pants down. A team that has everything to prove and nothing to lose are motivated like nobody’s business – Prestige will need to play it smart and play it safe.

 

The Prediction

 

Prestige World Wide

 

 

Monstars (3) vs. Pump & Ditch (6)

 

The Teams

 

Monstars

7-3-0 {Final season prediction 7-3-0}

 

A team that has changed immensely since coming into the league yet has remained the same. It’s a consistent core of guys who play and get along well together. Is there really any more to ask? Hopefully they can pull through for captain Moh Azab in their possibly last season before he goes travelling abroad.

 

Pump & Ditch

6-4-0 {Final season prediction 7-3-0 in week 6}

 

For an experiment for Vinny Gualano to try his own at QB, the season has been a resounding success. Mixing talented and experienced FPF players with new talent has proved to be a big part of how this team has done so well thus far. While a bit of inconsistency has plagued them, it hasn’t been enough to completely shut them down.

 

Notable Matchups

 

Ryan Aridi vs. Vinny Gualano – Vinny seems to excel at making every run count. Having ran in 7 TDs already, it’ll be imperative for Vinny’s running to be controlled by Aridi. As Pump & Ditch approach closer to that 7-12 yards from the end zone, more emphasis should be put on keeping Vinny in the pocket and away from the Monstars’ end zone.

 

Shawn Haney vs. the Lachaines – It’s no secret that a portion of Pump & Ditch’s success is Shawn Haney. Having only played 5 games, he’s second on the team in both receptions and touchdown (bear in mind that he’s marginally behind someone who played 4 more games than him). It’ll be interesting to see how Haney measures up against the physical, hard coverage that the Lachaines will grace him with every time he enters their zone.

 

Rich Humes vs. the Monstars’ short defense – The perfect complement to the deep ball to Haney, Rich’s rugby background allow him to make cuts and shift on a dime. This enables him to take a 5 yard hook or slant for far more yardage. The Monstars D will have to make a choice as to whether they want to give Rich the respect and allow him a few yards, or gamble and jump the route and have the possibility of either picking the ball or getting beaten worse.

 

The Breakdown

 

The Monstars function like a well-oiled machine. They know what works for them, and they use it often. Furthermore, with their boost in numbers, they have the ability to wear down their opponents by always having fresh legs on the field. Throw in some consistency and under the radar players, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

Pump & Ditch are going to need to avoid risks. The Monstars’ defense is built on strong coverage and capitalizing on errors. As such, P&D and Vinny especially are going to need to stick to taking what they’re given by the Monstars and not to force anything that isn’t there otherwise. More than anything, Vinny is going to need to be patient and make every play count.

 

The Prediction

 

Monstars

 

 

Jewish Cucumbers (4) vs. The Commission (5)

 

The Teams

 

Jewish Cucumbers

6-3-1 {Final season prediction 5-5-0}

 

A team that I freely admit that I haven’t given enough attention. They’ve won when it was all on the line, and backed up their game when it counted. While they were aided immensely by their two wins by default, their two wins in the subsequent 3 games were to two playoff teams. They’ve been successful since their shift to one QB, and their focus is key. 

 

The Commission

6-4-0 {Final season prediction 6-3-1}

 

Back under the leadership of Jonathan “JDub” Williams. His time spent playing semi-pro in France has left him a tad rusty, but no worse for wear. Despite their weak performance in Week 10, The Commission have played strongly and to their potential. So long as the shift of Williams to QB doesn’t take too long, they should be fine.

 

Notable Matchups

 

Ryan Lelinowski vs. Bryan Nguyen – Lelinowski is incredibly athletic, and makes breakneck cuts. However, he may have his work cut out for him against Bryan Nguyen. While Bryan isn’t the fastest rusher, his angles and perseverance box in a QB and force him to throw or get sacked. We’ll see this pair clash often.

 

Dave Chityat and Marvin Golding vs. Peter Rose and Adam Ciampini – The tag team of matchups. Both players are the essentials of their respective teams. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare covering each other.

 

The Breakdown

 

While the Cucumbers are the higher seed, most everyone would agree that they’re the underdog in this matchup. As such, they’re going to have to work real hard at attempting to throw The Commission off balance. As both teams haven’t faced each other, Jewish Cucumbers have the element of surprise on their side.

 

The Commission are former finalists. They need to remember this above all else. Putting last week’s shutout aside should be imperative to their success. Rather than dwell, they should put the loss aside and prep for what’s ahead.

 

The Prediction

 

The Commission

 

 

Conference B

 

 

Broccasion (1) vs. Favre Dollar Footlongs (8)

 

The Teams

 

Broccasion

9-1-0 {Final season prediction 9-1-0}

 

A slightly modified roster after the departure of Norman Weekes and Nicky McGuire post D4 finals. The team seems more comfortable together, and they’ve been unstoppable at full roster. They’ve had their share of off seasons in the past, but seem to be rising to the Broccasion.

 

Favre Dollar Footlongs

5-5-0 {Final season prediction 3-7-0}

 

A mid-season QB switch seems to have revitalized the team. For his age, Frederic Viens looks incredibly at ease with the task that’s been given to him. He has amazing athletics, and has great ball control as well. The team has absolute confidence in him, and as QB that’s the best that you can ask for. Athleticism and football smarts litter this team; they have the tools at their disposal.

 

Notable Matchups

 

Marco Masciotra vs. everyone – Marco can’t be everywhere on the field at once – can he? FDF are going to need to find a way to tire out the newly minted (two-time) Two-Way player of the year. The question is whether they should give him free reign on defense, and try to minimize his impact on offense, or vice versa?

 

Theo Ojeaha vs. the FDF defense – Theo excels at catching passes. Be it short or deep, if it’s nearby, it’s in his hands. As such, the footlongs should consider prioritizing covering Theo over some of the other receivers. Theo averages a touchdown for roughly just over every two passes he catches. Dangerous indeed.

 

The Breakdown

 

Broccasion need to get up on FDF early. The sooner they do, the more FDF will spiral out of control. If they don’t put up results early, they’ll be working harder later. Broccasion are loaded with talent and know it; this is their game to lose.

 

FDF need to make the most of every opportunity. Thankfully, the incredible snaps of Fred Boisvert allow Viens to read the field and make the right decisions. He won’t be given any breaks by the Broccasion D, and will have to make the most of what’s there. So long as FDF can keep pace, they’re still in it.

 

The Prediction

 

Broccasion

 

 

Predators (2) vs. Pap N’ Co (7)

 

The Teams

 

Predators

7-1-2 {Final season prediction 8-2-0}

 

Shying away from the label of Abbott players, the Predators are coming into an identity of their own. They’ve made important pickups, and have made it hard on every team that has faced them thus far. James Floreani seems to grow as a QB every season, and is learning what’s essential of an FPF quarterback.

 

Pap N’ Co

6-4-0 {Final season prediction 6-4-0}

 

Pap N’ Co went from being disregarded by all to a playoff team with the simple switch of a quarterback. Bringing back Vipers alum and former USA (University of South Alabama Jaguars) QB was a huge move for the Papiches. Let’s see if there’s still room for this team to develop.

 

 

Notable Matchups

 

Myles Gibbon vs. Thomas Zorko – While shying away from running in his earlier games, Gibbon seems to be using his wheels to gain yardage more and more. He’s able to read the field effectively, and he’s nimble to boot. Zorko will need to force Gibbon to either stay in the pocket, or limit his running to one side or the other.

 

Kenton Lowe & Kevin Lubin vs. the Pap N’ Co safeties – It’s definitely no secret that Floreani likes to go deep. With this pair of receivers, who wouldn’t? The question is whether Pap N’ Co have the ability to cover everything, or if they’ll end up leaving the short stuff in favour of mitigating the damage and possibility of being beaten deep?

 

The Breakdown

 

The Predators are going to get a bit complacent, I get the feeling. While they do possess a deeper roster than Pap N’ Co, they need to make sure they’re not caught with their pants down. If they gameplan and play serious, they’ll set themselves up for success. But they need to make sure that no mistakes happen.

 

Pap N’ Co are going to need to use their height to their advantage. Kevin Paul and Alexsander Papich will tower over virtually all of the Predators; Pap N’ Co will need to use that in their game plan. Myles will need to put the ball where only his receivers can get it, and hope that his D will back him up when it’s all on the line.

 

The Prediction

 

Predators

 

 

Formerly Teamless (3) vs. Rude Bwoys (6)

 

The Teams

 

Formerly Teamless

7-2-1 {Final season prediction N/A}

 

Their biggest weakness also seems to be their biggest strength. After having virtually two-thirds of a team bail for the season, Teamless have been shuffling players in and out with ease. To date, there has been no two games with the same roster. While it makes it harder for teams to prep against you, it’s also difficult to get a rhythm going.

 

Rude Bwoys

6-3-1 {Final season prediction 6-3-1}

 

The most error-free season of the Rude Bwoys yet. Playing giant slayers, they’ve beaten the (then) undefeated Hall of Famers and just recently gave the Predators their only loss as well. They also have more Brians than any other roster.

 

(Previous meeting: Rude Bwoys 20, Formerly Teamless 20)

 

Notable Matchups

 

Rick Cummins vs. Gary Bloomfield – Former Shockers teammates go head to head in who can gameplan and call a better D. Both players have a plethora of experience in this league. They know what works and what doesn’t. The question is: how well do they game plan against each other?

 

Brian Eudoxie vs. Jonathan Brown – The last time they faced each other, Brian gave Jonathan his weakest outing at QB, forcing three sacks and two INTs. Jonathan will need to avoid getting rattled and keep the sack count low in order to have a fluid pace with the offense.

 

The Breakdown

 

One of the only games where the opponents have seen each other before, Teamless know what is in store for them. The question is whether they play the same game they played and hope to scrape by on the extra points, or to switch the plan completely and hope for the best.

 

The Rude Bwoys continue to mystify. Essentially, their greatest enemy is themselves. If they can prevent those costly drops, they put themselves in the driver’s seat. However, while they’ve always been solid postseason contenders, they haven’t maximized on their opportunities.

 

The Prediction

 

N/A

 

 

Flight of the Conchords (4) vs. KGP Champs (5)

 

The Teams

 

Flight of the Conchords

6-3-1 {Final season prediction 7-2-1}

 

They’ve made few changes. What made FOTC successful in the past is keeping them successful now. They have been and are friends as well, and that contributes to their success each and every time. The team doesn’t excel solely at any one thing; they do just about everything well.

 

KGP Champs

6-3-1 {Final season prediction 5-4-1}

 

Likely the team’s and Phil Cutler’s best outing since before his injury. The team is much more balanced than in the past, with no disparity of passes going to one player in particular. With the added depth, they’re able to put their best foot forward every game.

 

(Previous meeting: Flight of the Conchords 33, KGP Champs 31)

 

Notable Matchups

 

David Faucher vs. Phil Cutler – Cutler excels at buying time in the pocket in order for his receivers to get open. Faucher has the ability to limit that. Will Cutler still be able to throw the deep ball when the pressure is on him?

 

Jonathan Lemieux vs. the KGP D – Lemieux is a champ at spreading the ball around. Essentially, the KGP defense won’t know what’s coming and will have to cover everyone equally. After that, it’ll all come down to how well Lemieux exploits the mismatches between his receivers and the defenders.

 

The Breakdown

 

The other game where both teams faced each other previously, I get the impression that this one will be just as close. KGP need to make sure that every conversion counts, as it could once again be the difference for them between a victory and going home.

 

I’m sure FOTC know that nothing’s guaranteed. As such, they’ll need to play just as hard and efficiently this game as they have in the past. Luckily, they should be at a full roster once again. They also seem to be making the most of new acquisitions Simon Richard and Mat Domon, which is huge.

 

The Prediction

 

Flight of the Conchords

 

 

 

That’s it for me. No more words left . Email me at [email protected]