Like it or Not (Div 3)

The regular season has come and gone, and we are now left with the cream of the crop. I’d like to congratulate all the teams who fought through adversity and can now brag about being in the playoffs. For all those who unfortunately fell short, I sympathize with all of you. There is nothing we can do that will make our wait for Saturday night less agonizing. We can look to our opponents’ roster over 100 times again and it’ll still feel like it’s a lifetime away; at least that’s how I feel. Prepare your game plans; round one is heavy on talent. If you don’t bring you’re A-game, you will quickly find yourself behind the eight ball.

 

Quick Review:

-Three teams had to win to enter the playoffs, The Commission, Ocean’s Seven and Rudebwoys. Oceans Seven and The Commision won their ticket by dominating through smart game plans. Rudebwoys only had to show up to the field to win their game. They might have had a wonderful game plan as well but it’s tough when your opponent doesn’t show up.

-Moose put up more points than any other team in the regular season. 60 points against Les Monsieurs Chat is a motivating win before the playoffs. On the other side, LMC were 8-0 before losing their last two, not the way you want to close a season.

-Clockwork seriously deflates Hoof Hearted before the start of the playoffs. A weak under the sun for Marco Masciotra didn’t seem to affect his chemistry with his receivers. Jamal Gittens seems to have a natural ability to find holes in your defense. I feel bad for whoever has to play Clockwork in the weeks to come. They are hot, and have one thing in mind: to WIN!

-Angelo Kalaidopoulos had 4 catches, three for touchdowns to lead AJ’s Fight Club to victory. The loss meant nothing for Lazy But Talented, but for AFC it solidified their 4^th place ranking which we now know would have made no difference.

– VPC clipped the wings off Certified Flyguys with a crushing 41-18 beat down. Louis Richard should continue to catch the ball and not throw it. He had 6 receptions for 79 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also threw once but to the wrong team. Turnovers continue to haunt Certified Flyguys who need to sit and figure things out this off season. I have no doubt they’ll rally back with a talented squad like theirs.

-Alex Lever threw for 301 yards against a shaky defense in KGP Champs who seems to still be missing something in their game. The time allocated to laying a solid foundation for a long playoffs run has now expired. I question KGP’s ability to keep up in the playoffs after a very streaky season ending 5-5. 10 points in Conference A would put you on the outside looking in. Prestige World Wide is firing on all cylinders and is another team looking to take one quick bite at any opponent.

 

Playoffs:

(3)VPC VS (6)KGP Champs:

• Last time these two teams faced off it ended with a VPC victory of 42-40. One extra point is what gave VPC an advantage last time. That was week one; one team then went on to a fairly successful regular season, and the other like previously mentioned, streaky trends of decent play got them into the playoffs. It is obvious to whoever has seen VPC play, that Rob Robinson is the heart and soul of this team. If we were to remove Robby from VPC, they most likely wouldn’t be able to find their way to the games unless Louis Richard was driving. I don’t want to sound harsh, but that’s how I feel.
• The only defensive threat on VPC’s side of the ball is Robinson. On offence if you blanket Louis Richard, no one else will create a mismatch. As for KGP Champ although it’s tough for me to give them credit that is not earned, they out match and out talent VPC. The question remains, will they bring it? Can’t say they have so far this season.
• VPC was able to beat them once, so who’s to say they won’t do it again? I know by experience, it’s a lot easier to make adjustments to a team that beat you, rather then adjusting to a team you’ve beaten.
• The answer to this puzzle lies in Phil Cutler’s ability to not force the ball into Robinson’s coverage. Look before each snap where he is lining up, and notice where he is going on each snap. Neutralize Robby in every aspect of the game (which is easier said then done) and you will be successful.

Prediction: KGP Champ

 

 

(3)B.D Bandits VS #(6)NoRegard

• A very defensive week 10 match up between these two saw #NoRegard fall 19-12. I believe losing in the last week of the season against the very team you will play round one, can only be used as extra motivation. Hard to say who will be healthy on B.D. Bandits side of the ball but I think it’s safe to say #NoRegard will show up to ball hard.
• Important factors to look at: Alex Halowach’s history of being able to push the field, which usually leads to early points, will not be the case this weekend. The issue with trying to push the field against the Bandits is: they’ll make you pay for any throw you send into a deep zone. A mixture of The Cook brothers, Steve Sanner, Chris Eramian and Mark Belvedere makes the defense top 2 in division 3. Do not neglect Chris Bridgeman as he was a nightmare for Alex Halowach the last time they played, sacking him 4 times. #NoRegard is a team comfortable with a lead. They like to sit and make you pay for your risks you may have to take. If you don’t put yourself in a situation where you must take risks, you will be successful against #NoRegard.
• The clash of the two best defenses in division three will definitely be a treat to watch. Alex Halowach is a very smart and sometimes underrated quarterback. Will he put together a magical game plan? Can Mark Belveder avoid risk with the roster that will show up?

Prediction: B.D. Bandits

 

(4)Clockwork VS (5)Legends

• This is an extremely tough match up for Legends. Clockwork abused teams in the second half of the season to launch themselves into the playoffs. I don’t see this one going well for Legends. Last time they met was during rusty week one of the season. Now that the rust is gone Marco Masciotra is firing on all cylinders. The key for success will be Jordan McLaren shutting down Eric Rapps on the deep ball. Corey Pecker will eventually force a ball deep.   This is not the team you want to be forcing balls against.
• Another nightmare for Legends will be Jamal Gittens. He’s fast, deceptive, quick to the quarterback and most importantly, he’s efficient in space. When I say efficient I mean the player does not waste any energy and or steps. When you play high caliber football, it becomes a fight for leverage and positioning. When everything else is equal, whoever can be the most efficient on the field will gain an edge. If the rusher holds the edge over your quarterback, you’re in trouble. I realize I was ridiculous picking Clockwork +25 on the podcast. My explanation is: a team with a negative +/- in the playoffs does not belong.

Prediction: Clockwork

(1)Les Buddays VS (8)Hoof Hearted

• Leandre Ethier has stepped his game up an unreal amount this year. Les Buddays of the past were known for their defensive play. After this season, they might be known as the best team in Division 3. Hoof Hearted is fresh off a loss to Clockwork. Confidence is key for early success in the playoffs. It’s going to be very important for Edward Shoshan to get rid of the ball very quickly in this one as he’s up against one of the top rushers in this division. The speed that Julien Paiment possesses might be the key for a big turnover.
• Leandre Ethier has spread the ball all year long. As a defensive play caller, it’s a lot harder to call lays when you’re not fixating on anything in particular. If you have to account for everyone on the field, it makes it tough to call plays bating certain routes into coverage. Hoof Hearted has not shown the ability to keep up with top offenses. Will they prove me wrong this weekend?
• Again like I said previously, Hoof hearted is another team coming into the playoffs with a negative +/-. Unfortunately, that does not make me feel like you deserve to be here. The inability to outscore your opponents does not add up to success in any circumstances.
• Keep in mind Hoof Hearted has a lot of skill on offense (Godber, Niphakis, Shoshan) but it’s the lack cohesiveness on defense that forces me to pick against them. Will Godber and the gang be able to overcome this beast? I don’t think so.

Prediction: Les Buddays

(2) Prestige World Wide (7)VS Rudebwoys

• Oh boy! This is the worst match up for Rudebwoys. Technically Rudebwoys are only in the playoffs because of a week 10 forfeit. The truth is, if I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t be proud of this situation, but who needs pride if you’re in the playoffs. Alex Lever is going to make you pay for being their first round opponent.
• The key to success for Rudebwoys will be trying to match up properly. You have a top tier rusher in Bryan Eudoxie. Do him a favor, and cover someone behind him. You’re up against the two way player of the year in J-S Gradowski; stay away from him. Who do you have that can line up against Comeau? No one!
• PWW, show up, do what you do best, and move on. I do not see this game being challenging for you at all. Lever is a smart quarterback; he’s not going to try anything outside their comfort zone. Keep it simple and simple will bring you to round 2. Look for Comeau, for they have no size that can stop him. Beware of gimmick plays on offense (reverse with pass).

Prediction: Prestige World Wide

(4)AJ’s Fight Club VS (5)Moose

• This is going to be a very interesting game. Last time they met, AJ’s Fight Club took it 39-37. I see this game being as tight as the previous match up. Moose is the less popular team in terms of media coverage, maybe it’s because we have one of our own on the team? One thing I can tell you if you didn’t already know, they are for real! Don’t let the missing picture on their team profile fool you. These guys have all the right pieces in place to make a run in these playoffs.
• The key for AJ will be the exploit Moose’s defense. They have a tone of speed on offense; use it efficiently. Hinsley Adams is going to have to step up big time against one the best quarterbacks in our division. Do not allow him to make the deep reads; get in his face and disrupt timing. Same thing goes for the DB’s. You’re going to have to disrupt the routes, throw off their timing and you will give yourselves a chance.
• Moose needs to exploit the deep zone with Gabriel Parent. They need to find a way to make AJ’s Fight Club uncomfortable on defense; tough but not impossible. Dale Williams has this team as tight as it gets. Moose needs to find a way to break that. I’m having a hard time seeing Moose’s defense match up against AJ’s offence. That’s might be because I don’t know who’s going to show up and play! The inconsistency in their roster has proven to be a challenge for Moose. Will they pull it together in time?

Prediction: AJ’s Fight Club.

(1)The Incredibles VS (8)The Commission

• I won’t say too much about this game since I feel like I’ve already said too much on the podcast. So, let me point out the obvious for those who haven’t noticed.
• The Incredibles are 6-0 in their games with Terrance Morsink at quarterback, which so happens to be the last six of the season. I’m a huge believer in momentum and confidence when it comes to playoffs. All else being equal in the new season, it’s the foundation you have built during regular season that will determine your fate.
• The Commission did the bare minimum to squeeze into the playoffs. The key for success in their case is trying to shut down The Incredibles’ offense. I don’t know how you can match up against Marco Bertoldi, Jacob Peterson, Mini Freak Kevin Libman and myself, but you need to figure it out.
• I’m going to leave it at that for, let’s do the talking Saturday night on the field.

(2) Les Monsieurs Chats VS (7)Ocean’s Seven

• My trap game of the week. LMC was the only team I predicted to go undefeated. They started the season 8-0, followed by two big loses which pushed them out of the first place. If you’re going to lose games in the regular season, it cannot be the last two. Now, you have hot against cold, and the table is set for an upset!
• The key for success here for Oceans’s Seven: not turning the ball over. They definitely have what it takes to make their way comfortably into the end zone without risk. Unleash your beast Nareg Yessayan, allow your reinforcements to do work, make the reads and bring home game one. Key to success lies in Gentile’s hands. If you force a ball and/or make a bad read, you will be cutting your legs out from under you.
• LMC has the best quarter back in Division 3. You may even debate that he’s statically one of the best in FPF. They are lining up against one of the weakest defenses; week 10 miscommunications led to big touchdowns. It’s too late for miscommunications; teams like LMC will snatch every opportunity that lies in front of them. The key to success for LMC will be shutting down Nareg. I would suggest size and experience. You can’t expect to do it alone, have someone mirror him in the deep zone. LMC can’t afford to allow deep plays on defense. Also, I say this all the time but he keeps proving me right: rattle Scoop! (bring up the game he just played in division 4). LMC was one of my favorite teams at the beginning of the season; but not knowing who is going to show up every week has become a turn off for me.

Prediction: Ocean’s Seven

Individual Awards:

Congratulation to all award winners! These are the official selections:

Winter 2014
Division 3 – Quarterback of the Season


#8 Nicola Centomo – Les Messieurs Chats

2135 YDS 57 TD 3 INT 122.3 QBR

 

Winter 2014
Division 3 – Receiver of the Season


#5 Jean-Cristophe Mercille – Les Messieurs Chats


46 REC 639 YDS 18 TD

 

Winter 2014
Division 3 – Defensive Player of the Season


#11 Marc-Andre Paradis – Les Eudistes


36 TKL 8 INT 10 PD

 

Winter 2014
Division 3 – Two–Way Player of the Season


#23 Jean-Sebastien Gradowski – Prestige World Wide


43 REC 545 YDS 22 TD/23 TKL 9 INT 7 PD

 

Top 3 Freaks of Week 3:

QB- Daniel Gentile (OC7): 21 completions for 251 and seven touchdowns. You have to say, when he’s on, HE’S ON! Multiple freak awards already this one is very well deserved!

WR- Robbie Pecker (LEG): 5 receptions for 114 yards and 3 touchdowns. Very underrated, hard playing, nice guy. FREAKISH stats Pecker, welcome to the league of freaks!

DB- Vince Nardone (INC): 2 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2 passes defended. Not impressive, soft defensive stats all around.

R- Chris Bridgeman (BDB): 4 sacks and a tackle. Love to see a strong performance from a two-way playing rusher! A handful of sacks is FREAKISH on any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

LAST WEEK I WENT 6-1!!NOT BAD, WHICH MAKES ME 81 and 37 AT THE END OF THE SEASON, WHICH PUTS ME AT 69%… I DID NOT ACHIEVE MY GOAL OF 70 %. BUT, IF I WAS A BETTING MAN, I WOULD HAVE MADE A COUPLE BUCKS THIS YEAR.

Results For Fantasy Finals:

Justin										GM
Quarterbacks	Yards Passing	Passing TDs	INTs	Sacks	Yards Rushing	Rushing TDs		Total		Quarterbacks	Yards Passing	Passing TDs	INTs	Sacks	Yards Rushing	Rushing TDs		Total
Jonathan Collin	148	4	0	2	8	0		24.40		Alex Lever	301	6	0	0	6	0		49.30
Hugo Henderson	208	4	1	0	0	0		31.80		Léandre Éthier	131	4	2	0	12	0		25.50
Flex	Yards	TDs	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Total		Flex	Yards	TDs	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Total
Sean Brophy	80	3	2	0	0	1	0	32.17		Domenic Tosi	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Shawn Haney	59	0	1	0	0	1	0	12.63		Jacob Peterson	79	3	0	0	0	0	0	30.80
Wide Receivers	Yards	TDs						Total		Wide Receivers	Yards	TDs						Total
Paul Kamel	0	0						0.00		Mike Smith	48	0						9.60
Dave Chitayat	0	0						0.00		Hareg Yessayan	73	1						19.60
Rich Humes	0	0						0.00		Guillaume Allard-Cameus	0	0						0.00
Defense	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Points Allowed		Total		Defense	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Points Allowed		Total
Les Monsieurs Chats	9	2	1	2	0	60		12.00		VPC	10	0	2	2	0	18		18.33
Total							-40.13	113.00		Total							40.13	153.13
Peeze										Brent
Quarterbacks	Yards Passing	Passing TDs	INTs	Sacks	Yards Rushing	Rushing TDs		Total		Quarterbacks	Yards Passing	Passing TDs	INTs	Sacks	Yards Rushing	Rushing TDs		Total
Greg Stern	173	5	3	0	22	1		38.70		Rob Robinson	214	6	0	1	27	0		42.80
Corey Pecker	204	4	1	1	13	0		32.00		Alex Lessard	196	3	2	0	0	0		26.60
Flex	Yards	TDs	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Total		Flex	Yards	TDs	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Total
Kendal Mayers	50	1	0	0	0	0	0	15.00		Omar Jackson	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Guillaume De Palma	46	1	7	0	0	0	0	16.53		Marc-André Paradis	41	1	5	0	0	1	0	15.37
Wide Receivers	Yards	TDs						Total		Wide Receivers	Yards	TDs						Total
Jean-Christophe Marcille	87	3						32.40		Phil Clark	20	0						4.00
Sammy Phaneuf	65	1						18.00		Jordan Moses	65	1						18.00
Mendy Cardichon	0	0						0.00		Nicholas Gendron-Vallée	17	2						13.40
Defense	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Points Allowed		Total		Defense	Tackles	Sacks	INTs	PDs	TDs	Points Allowed		Total
The Commission	4	4	2	2	0	7		26.33		#NoRegard	9	1	1	4	0	19		18.00
Total							40.80	178.97		Total							-40.80	138.17

D3 Winner :

G.M. Kolethras.

Sacko Bowl:

Week 1 : 
Peeze Della Reeze : 181.17 points
Brent Callender : 122.37 points

Week 2 : 
Peeze Della Reeze : 178.97 points
Brent Callender : 138.17 points.

Total : 
Peeze Della Reeze : 360.14 points
Brent Callender : 260.54 points

This year’s Sacko goes to : Brent Callender.

 

That’s it for this week. Everyone bring you’re A-game this weekend since it’s going to be an epic battle for the playoffs! Once again good luck to everyone! Don’t forget to check out the podcast by G.M Kolethras and Daniele The Scoop Gentile! Next week, it will be Scoop and myself giving you a playoff preview. You can stream it live as they record if you want to see their pretty faces! Follow me @VinceNardone for very little action on twitter or stop me at the field to chat. Thank you for reading, till next time… Get in the gym.