FPF Finals, Role-Players and Jay & Silent Bob

Peeze’s Playbook: Finals Preview

Kangaroos v. Braves

The last time these teams faced Kangaroos got the best of Braves by a final score of 37-26.  Jo Maheu was far from his usual self as Phil Pharand intercepted Maheu twice and Rory Semerjian got another interception.  On Calling the Audible I talked about each of these rosters and how I felt that the single injury to JD Chevalier would have the greatest impact.  His return over th last couple of games has had Braves looking more like their dominant selves.  The teams are built differently in that Braves have held a core group that’s been roughly similar since their inception.  Dan Lazzara and Kangaroos are a collection of ever evolving pieces and captain Dan has continually looked to find players who fit his system and flesh out an ever-improving roster.

For a long time Braves were an illusive chase for Dan Lazzara, after taking a championship loss to the Terrbonne elites, he became ever determined to climb that hill. This was accomplished in the 2021 Spring Finals in a more recent chapter of this ongoing rivalry. His pairing with AJ Gomes as a teammate has been as impactful as the lifelong pairing of Jay & Silent Bob. Aj’s talent fit Lazzara offense perfectly and his football intelligence and perception on the defensive side of the ball quickly made him a dominant force in our game.  

The past couple of seasons have seen some key additions that truly makes this a complete roster.  Rory and Sean Semerjian.  The verticality of the two brothers added a dimension to the offence but also is a daunting force on the defensive side of the ball.  They maintained their presence with the team as did Jeansley Alexis who’s versatility allows him to fill in gaps for the roster even when pieces are missing.  From the Alpha T’s squad we see Jess Dupuis and Marc-Andre Apointe who bring toughness and grit as well as two gifted flat defenders who excel and interrupting early reads and dismantling concepts. Finally Kangaroos got MFL standout Phil Pharand to hop across company lines as his departure from Blessed was impactful for two teams.  Finally the team’s wildcard in Darren Wiltshire has given the team a well rounded approach that ensures that there isn’t a single matchup that any other roster can win easily.

So having spoken so glowingly about Kangaroos, I must clearly think that there’s no chance for Braves.  Let’s not forget the outcome last time these teams played and the relative roster health for the leaping marsupials.  Well here’s the thing, the Braves are about as good a matchup for the Kangaroos as have ever existed in FPF. Rather than having a Mt. Rushmore of top QBs, FPF has always had a triumvirate.  From Wyeth, Masciotra and Benabdelkader have been replaced by Wyeth (who remains the king of the hill), Lazzara and Maheu.  Jo Maheu has brought a specific take on the art of the QB position.  His ability to throw off platform combined with his methodical timing and chemistry based attacks make him a perfect confluence of art and science.

Snapper Mike Pierrecin is a great example of how this offense has the tendrils of brushstrokes as well as the ever-turning gears of a well oiled machine.  Pierrecin is never out of position but plays so fluidly it has made many of us ask whether or not he even has route assignments or whether he’s just a free flowing component who’s understanding of the system is so perfect he just hits the marks when he needs to.  George Gariepy’s size and grace makes him an impossible matchup for most and made doubly difficult when Maheu places some of his sideline routes out of bounds where only his friendly, Brave giant can get to it. Braves also added Francois Rocheleau who has not played in the playoffs. If he’s there this makes Braves far more formidable. Chevalier’s return was noted early but it’s important to note that his three touchdown catches against KGP in a tight matchup propelled them to a victory.  

The FPF slate of games looks incredible for this fall.  This may be the best of the best.  I’m excited to see if Braves can scheme away the talent on the Kangaroos side of the ball. If they can frustrate the more volatile Kangaroos team, we could see what I would consider to be an upset.

Prediction: Kangaroos 37-Braves 32   

Kiss My Outlaws vs. Mangoose

Those who know me know that I am a Stephen Harripersaud fan, A Harriperstan so to speak.  Stephen H.’s ability to scheme and create openings by stretching defences vertically and horizontally make him deadly against any zone defense.  Then, when given the right kind of receivers, he is virtually unstoppable with a man defense as well.

Phil Pharand and Marcin Steinberg are wrecking balls on defense but they are also the type ot tall, rangy speed receivers that Harripersaud uses to cause damage. Luis Begin is another such piece who is perfectly suited to Harripersaud’s offense. Begin is a finesse player with incredible acceleration.  However, he doesn’t get enough credit for his body control which is huge when Harripersaud needs to throw the ball and lead his receiver to an open spot.  The next huge advantage for KMO is their aggressiveness and physicality. Sanders Armand is an absolute specimen and Jafar Hassan, Manu Allard-Roy and key role player Alexi Dubois bring all of that to the forefront.

So how does Mangoose matchup? Honestly, well enough that they SHOULD have won the last game. Firstly, they created some issues for Stephen Harripersaud and if they can force two dead drives this time around, they could be in a positon to capitalize. I can’t imagine Nick Schaefer gets another light OC in this game.  Schaefer was forced to see the bench on an important drive where a couple of first downs would have yielded a win for Mangoose.  Schaefer reacted in exaltation when he scored a huge touchdown to give Mangoose a two score lead late in the second half.  Schaefer will need to work the middle of the field and avoid the sideline traps employed in an attempt to counteract Thomas Coutu’s sideline hooks.  James Drysdale has been a big piece for this offense and will continue to figure as the team’s go to as well as safety outlet. 

Still, I think that the key for Mongoose will be how they cna work the middle of the field. Someone other than Coutu and Drysdale will need t step up and I think Charles Fontaine can be that piece.  He was absent for the previous matchup against KMO but I think he can have a surprising huge game when Schaefer is forced off of his top two targets. 

Before the season James Drysdale and I were engaged in conversation about who was a better FPF QB. I extolled the virtues of Stephen H. while Drysdale sided with Schaefer.  This game will be the arbiter on that conversation but it may be emotion that tips the scale.

Prediction: Mongoose 33-Kiss My Outlaws 31    

Denouement

For those who have any thoughts, commentary or complaints, I am very easy to find.  I’m @peezehss on twitter, @pdellarocca and Peeze Della Reeze on facebook.  You can also take a chance by emailing me at [email protected] but I don’t check it because it’s a death trap of junk emails all trying to sell me karate lessons and books on symbolism in renaissance art.  I really need to use incognito mode.  Please check out the works of my colleagues Lory Oulette and Ignacio Valdez Manzenedo as the three of us are covering all of the fall league as part of a joint effort. 

Remember that you can catch the live broadcasts of our finals on Facebook live!

Till next week, I want to thank you falettineme be mice elf agin!