Inside the Redzone (Div C) – Week 10

Gentlemen, the real season has now begun and congratulations to all the 16 teams who have qualified. For the four teams who didn’t make it, back to the drawing board you go and retool for next season. Playoffs are about making big plays at key moments, playing harder than you ever have, elevating your game to another level, and separating the elite from the good. Everyone’s record is now 0-0 and your past is now erased. History will be made depending on what you do this weekend. So the question is, are you ready?

 

My predictions from last week came true; Vicious Canucks, Darkhorses and Jets made the playoffs but will they make noise? Which underdog teams have the best chance at an upset? Just before I break down the first round of playoffs, I would like to congratulate the FPF Season Award Winners.

 

Scott Kelly of the Briscoe High Hawks wins the best QB, while playing less games than the other candidates, he also wins the award for best Justin Timberlake look alike. Olivier Saleh of KGP Champs wins receiver of the year but that’s not a surprise to anyone as he has been doing his thing consistently over many seasons. Kyle Lebofsky of Broccasion has now made a name for himself by winning the defensive player of the year two seasons in a row, with excellent numbers. Last, but not least, the franchise, Eugene McLaren of Chaos, gets it done on both sides of the ball and wins two-way player of the year and ALSO he wins The Heisman. So congrats to these four gentlemen once again on a job well done.

 

 

Playoffs – Sweet Sixteen

 

Lobster Dinner vs. Vicious Canucks

 

It’s not very hard to break down or predict this match up. On paper (just looking at the players and their talents) both teams are evenly matched, however, on the field, VC is a heavy underdog. Tom Cesari has been highly inconsistent over the season while Jonathan Brown has played quite well. The supporting cast of Lobster Dinner has put up great numbers but more importantly, they just find ways to win games by having somebody step up big. Prediction: Lobster Dinner

 

Those Guys vs. Point Point

 

Point Point have been sleeping all season but will the sleeping lion finally wake up in the playoffs? I think so. With the amount of talent on their roster, there is no way Those Guys win this game. I know this will cause a huge uproar with Cody and the gang but I am simply not convinced in this team’s ability to win the big games (in the playoffs) so I will issue a challenge. If Those Guys win on Sunday, I will grant them a small interview for next week’s article and wear their jersey (it has to be washed and febreezed) on Monday. However as I mentioned, Point Point is too smart of a team to lose this game and they will adjust. Prediction: Point Point

 

Chaos vs. Briscoe High Hawks

 

I would have loved to see these two teams play in the semis, however, it will go down this weekend. You have QB of the year, Scott Kelly, against two-way player of the year, Eugene McLaren. The key match up in this game will be BHH’s defense against Eugene McLaren. BHH will have to not only contain Eugene’s legs but also out-duel receivers like Treldon James and Jason Edwards. The supporting cast of Chaos is a bit better than BHH’s. Scott Kelly will have to play mistake free football but that might be tough because Chaos’ defense can stifle teams. Prediction: Chaos

 

Broccasion vs. BOOM! Goes The Dynamite

 

Will there be a repeat for BOOM from the Winter 2010 season’s first round of the playoffs? They are definitely a different team and feel they have been battletested more this season than in the Winter. So this Sunday, they will be ready to go, however, can they stop the beast they call Kyle Lebofsky? He just won the defensive player of the year and will be looking to make Edward Shoshan’s life a living hell. I like the style of play from Broccasion, because they leave everything on the field and play their hearts out and their style is perfect for the playoffs. Prediction: Broccasion

 

 

Fools Of The Country vs. Jets

 

FOTC’s duo of Lemieux and Tougas are the deadliest one-two punch in Division C. The Jets are just not strong enough to match up offensively or defensively. I do applaud the Jets for winning some key games down the stretch and making it to the post-season, however, it definitely ends now. There is no shame in losing to FOTC, they’re simply a better football team in every way (including team pictures). Prediction: FOTC

 

Trojans vs. Darkhorses

 

The powerful and durable Trojans will be tough to handle for the Darkhorses this weekend. Sean Avraam, who easily contends for the QB of the year, has a great supporting cast in Andrew MacDonald, Vinny Gualano and Adam Ciampini. G.M. Kolethras will have to play the game of his life rushing Sean Avraam. Kenton Lowe, Brad Evans and Kevin Boustany will have their hands full all night on defense, as well. On the flipside, John Roveto will be going up against a strong Trojans defense, who will limit his reads. Prediction: Trojans

 

Mysterious & Magical Men Of Terror vs. Cobras

 

Don’t be fooled, this game isn’t a complete mismatch. The Cobras, although not as talented MMMT, are a good team who can use their wit to outsmart opponents. Think of it as the classic Dirty Birds vs. Cobras matchup, minus Jon Young and Alex Lever, respectively. The Cobras will have to outsmart MMMT, but with Joe Birds behind the bench, it will be extremely tough to pull that one off. Cobras will make the game interesting and if they can stay in the game till the end, they might have a chance to make a big stop or put up a big score to win it. Prediction: MMMT

 

Terror Squad vs. KGP Champs

 

Will Phil Cutler be able to repeat his success from last Spring’s playoff run? It appears that the success of this league is shifting to new teams and players. Tam Vilaydeth has learned well from Karim Chaoual, but adds a unique element of his own, the running game. For a small guy, he plays big and can beat you short or deep. Furthermore TS has the athletes to stop Cutler, Saleh and the others. That said, I think Cutler has already been deep in the playoffs, and given the fact they lost in semis last summer, they have their sight set on Gold. Prediction: KGP Champs

 

 

There you have it; all sixteen teams will start their quest for FPF’s most coveted prize this Sunday, but eight will be sent home. Good luck to all teams and make sure to leave everything on the field. That’s it for this week’s column. As usual if you have any comments/suggestions, email me at [email protected].