Peeze’s Playbook-Divisional Playoffs

We’ve waited all season long and the payoffs have finally arrived.   These games are like no other. The tension builds, moments become memories mistakes get magnified and greatness is born. A lost possession for one team, a one handed grab for another can be the difference between living for another week or hitting the greens just as they thaw in Montreal’s early spring. 

All of this of course builds to the greatest spectacle in recreational sports. The press conferences start championship week off with a bang as the trash talk will set the scene for what is bound to be an epic end to this incredible season. This will lead us, undoubtedly, headlong, into the finals as the camera crew the play-by-play team will set up and fates will be decided in the long shadows of the championship trophies.   Good luck men!

Predictions and Analysis

 

Conference A 

BearSkins (1) vs. OTF (8)

Previous Result: n/a 

Keys to Success:

BearSkins (1): The BearSkins strength is their depth. Few teams have so many interchangeable parts. G.M. Koletheras and I joked when we were at the field and saw Aleksander Papich and Jacob Peterson on the bench for an offensive series. Not many teams can leave that kind of firepower off for a drive. In essence, the game is in their hands. If they want to win they will need to be ahead or within striking distance. This way in the second half, the BearSkins depth will just be too much for OTF to handle and this game can get out of control. 

OTF (8):  If you win the coin-toss, receive the ball! This is one team that the BearSkins can’t beat just by pure physicality. OTF is just as fast, energetic and strong. The Meshesha Brothers and Kendal Mayers are a lot of speed to deal with. However, they cannot fall behind whatsoever. The BearSkins are most dangerous when playing with a lead, so quarterback Danial White has to be ready to score early and often. Another key here is that OTF needs to be able to keep their cool. If emotions get the best of them, and they take stupid penalties or miss plays, they won’t win. 

Analysis:  This game features two quarterbacks who have made mistakes but who play for teams that are good enough to overcome those mistakes (Neil Eitnson-BearSkins, Danial White-OTF). There are few teams that match up well against the BearSkins and while I think if there were to be an upset this would be the game. Unfortunately for OTF, I do not see that happening. 

Pick: BearSkins by 6

 

Preadators (2) vs. Past Our Prime (7) 

Previous Result: Predators 42- Past Our Prime 27

Keys to Success:

Predators (2): The Predators have completed an undefeated season (well, given that a tie isn’t a loss) and did so largely on the backs of their defense. If they want to win, they will need to do more of the same. James Floreani is particularly adept at marching down the field and has a cast of competent weapons around him. Last time they played Kenton Lowe and Jacob Bernett did a lot of damage as they caught a combined 14 passes of Floreani’s 21 completions. If they use their speed as an advantage and get yards after the catch as they are adept to, I see no reason why the game would be any closer than the first matchup.

Past Our Prime (7): Quarterback Craig O’Brien is one of the most efficient passers in the division. Offensively what this team does well is control the pace of the game and use their size to make plays and continue drives. This is the exact game plan that they abandoned last time these teams squared off and it is what they will need to stick to ensure success this time around. The key to victory in my opinion would be Kevin Wilson who is a defensive stud and I can imagine a scenario where he takes over the game. Perhaps, on week 10, they had soilders missing due to Montreal’s St.Patrick’s day parade perhaps it was family or work obligations. However, I can’t imagine that this was the matchup they wanted heading into this game.

Analysis:  I see this game getting out of hand early. It just isn’t a good matchup for Past Our Prime. I think James Floreani’s familiarity with their roster as well as their speed advantage will come into play. Given the temperament of the several on the Past Our Prime roster, I think they will lack the discipline to play the kind of game that is necessary to pull out a victory.

Pick: Predators by 14 points

 

Wildboys (3) vs. BD Bandits (6)

Previous Result: Wildboys 33- BD Bandits 32

Keys to Success:

Wild Boys (3): The Wildboys were shocked in week 10 as they took a loss to a streaky if not understated OTF team. While it isn’t cause for concern, you never want to head into the playoffs on somewhat of a downward trend. The Wild Boys need to do what they’ve done that have made them successful up to this point, dominate on both sides of the ball. Tafari Williams and Rashawn Perry were effective the last time these two teams squared off (catching 2 touchdowns each) but in my opinion the man to watch this game will be Dean Demetriou. I think he will need ot have a huge game on offense for the Wild Boys to move ahead.

BD Bandits (6): BD Bandits need to limit the Wild Boys to 5 touchdowns or less. While, in the past I have recommended taking shots early and often so as to play with field position and put your defense in a position to get you the win. I think this is one game where BD Bandits will need to grind it out on offense and on defense. They need to get the last possession in this game. Steve Sanner is an incredibly intelligent defensive play caller and he will be ready for Wild Boys this time around.

Analysis: I always say it is tough to beat a team twice in one season. This seems to be exactly the case in this game. Last time they played it was close and I think we will see the same kind of game. However, I do see it going the other way and BD Bandits winning in an upset. Belvedere will make the clutch throw to win it in an awkwardly low scoring game.

Pick: BD Bandits by 2 points.

 

Les Buddays (4)- Monstars (5)

Previous Result: n/a 

Keys to Success:

Les Buddays (4): The Buddays are one of the best teams in the division. They’re only 2 losses came at the hands of 2 of the top 3 teams in the division. They are fast, feisty and one of the most reliable groups on both sides of the ball. Alex Gauthier is the key for me in this game. He will need to shut down Monstars receiver Isiah Allard. This would force the Monstars to have to rely too heavily on Jad Aridi. On offense, they use spacing really well and will need to use the three headed monster of a receiving corps of Guillaume Paquette, Jason Charbonneau, and JC Binette to attack the Monstars at various levels.

Monstars (5): I’ve always found Les Buddays defense to be a little tongue-in-cheek. They pretty much announce what they are going to do and as such I expect a 1 on 1 matchup between Alex Gauthier and Isiah Allard. The Monstars will need another receiver to step it up. A guy who hasn’t had a huge impact on offense that can have a very favorable matchup is Kevin “Deisel” Gauthier. He is big, strong and physical. The Buddays are a good team but they do lack size. The key to success will be finding a way to take advantage of the size mismatches and wearing down the explosive Buddays roster.

Analysis:  Les Buddays are as fun to watch as Notre Dame Basketball, they have a bunch of “guards” and they run up and down the field. Monstars remind me of the slower-paced, big and plodding Virginia basketball team. I think speed beats size in this one.

Pick: Les Buddays by 6 points

 

Conference B

 

Sea Assassins (1) vs. Eudistes (8)

Previous Result: Sea Assassins 32- Les Eudistes 19 

Keys to Success:

Sea Assassins (1): Sea Assassins have a big and powerful offense. They will need to us this to their advantage to advance in the playoffs. Quarterback Dan Lazzara has been impressive this season and has been as efficient as one can be (50 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in 9 games). He will need be just that as Les Eudistes are adept at defending the deep ball. If Daniel Lazzara takes what is given to him and marches down the field, the pressure will be on Eudistes to ensure that they keep executing from the outset. It is a bit of a cop out to say that they need to find a way to get Zack Jauniaux involved because he did catch 20 touchdowns this season.

Les Eudistes (8): This team is as good as Hugo Henderson will allow. When he is on his game he is an elite quarterback in division 3. With Raphael Casey at the snap they have a matchup nightmare. Given Sea Assassins difficulty defending at multiple levels, I can see Casey being the major key to success for Les Eudistes in this game. They defend the deep ball really well and if they force Lazzara to play small ball he may get frustrated. Sea Assassins are a fiery team and the calm and collected, laissez-faires style of Les Eudistes may prove to be an irritant to them. If Eudistes can play their game and take the Sea Assassins out of their element. They can win this game

Analysis:  I think this game will be close and I see Hugo Henderson having a great game. However, I think Dan Lazzara will be better. Sea Assassins will score on the final possession to win by 5.

Pick: Sea Assassins by 5.

 

MetaMayhem (2) vs. Prestige World Wide (7) 

Previous Result: Prestige World Wide 35- MetaMayhem 26

Keys to Success:

MetaMayhem (2): The type of team that has beaten Prestige World Wide has been, invariably, a team that can score quickly and has a quarterback that can attack a defense with their strong arm. MetaMayhem are the chameleons of the division as they can play a variety of different styles of football and always find ways to beat you. They will need to use these ‘mighty-morphing’ powers to be the kind of team that trades haymakers. Alex Holowach has the arm to get it done and he has some very fast receivers that work in space. Look at him to look for James “Mini Gronk” Nowakowski and Danny “Love” D’Amour as I believe they will need to have huge games in order for MetaMayhem to be successful. On defense, Jeremy Anderson and Jeff Moscato are freaks and can make the one play that can turn a game around.

Prestige World Wide (7): Prestige World Wide is strong team with a long pedigree. Alex Lever is as good as it gets as a quarterback in this division and the same can be said for Jean-Sébastien Gradowski. However, I think the keys to success in this game come in the form of Maxime Laflamme, Jean-François Trudeau and Marc-André Paquin. Threse men are not the flashiest players but are consistent threats and in a game where MetaMayhem will try to take away the top threat, Lever needs to make everyone a threat to be successful 

Analysis:  My brain tells me PWW. However, knowing that Alex Holowach is a constant over-preparer and I can’t imagine that he’d lose to the same team in the same season.

Pick: MetaMayhem by 3.

 

Mongoose (3) vs. Da Regiment (6)

Previous Result: Da Regiment 38- Mongoose 26

Keys to Success:

Mongoose(3): Mongoose are a strong roster with an incredibly intelligent quarterback in Alex Gaudet. In my opinion this is almost all it will take to win the game. It has always puzzled me why Mongoose who have been so dominant in lower divisions (they once won a playoff game while fielding only 5 players for the entire game), have struggled so much as they’ve moved up into division 3. In my mind they have the talent to compete and they just need to get out of their own way. Cedric Nuckle and William Tondreau are as good as gets in space and they will need to gain extra yardage. In the end, I think it will rest on Jonathan Chevalier’s shoulders. If he can contain Doug McKernan then Mongoose will have a chance to move on.

Da Regiment (6): Quarterback Doug McKernan is the most adept quarterback at buying time and extending plays. He is intelligent and armed with weapons that fit his style. Additionally, he is so efficient on offence he helps a solid defense play at an even higher level and I think that as long as he sets the pace of the game Da Regiment can play the game that is most comfortable to them and they can win the game. However, if they need to play catch-up ball, I don’t imagine that this game swings in their favor.

Analysis:  In a game between two teams that resemble each other very closely I think that Da Regiment has the more complete team and will come ahead with a fairly comfortable victory.

Pick: Da Regiment by 9

 

Moose (4) vs VPC (5)

By Simon Dagenais

Previous Result: N/A

Keys to Success:

Moose: Moose’s strength comes from their offense and how clutch they manage to be. They can put up points, but it’s mainly Morissette’s brain and brawns that really put this team “on top”. Constantly finding ways to pick a defense apart and punch it in on that final drive gave Moose has been the norm this season. However, the defensive side of the ball has seen brighter days and it needs to step up; too much pressure on Morissette could become problematic come playoff time.

VPC: What is there not to love about the Rob Robinson/Jonathan Lyristis tandem? I’m a huge fan. These two guys are fueling a high-octane offense and making other guys around them better players at the same time. VPC’s offense is, basically, Robinson tossing the rock to Lyristis or Dan Dick and watching points pile up. Finding ways to stay in the game, VPC’s experience is their biggest asset.

Analysis: Both teams have been playing similarly as of late and this could end up being a last-drive kind of game. Knowing both teams find ways to stay/keep their opponents in the game until the very end, I do not see this game being a blowout in any possible way. That being said, I think it’ll come down to who can be the “clutchiest” when the ref whistles the final last 5 plays. Moose’s confident when Morissette has the ball in his hands, but so are VPC towards Robinson. I believe whoever ends up with the last drive might send his team to the second round while the other team wipes their tears on the sidelines.

Prediction: Moose by 5

 

Sunday’s Spiraling Shakedown

The playoffs have arrived and the stage has been set for us to finally unveil the best of the best. For the benefit of those who haven’t played here before, know that the playoffs are a different sort of beast (like a bison with a unicorn horn, beautiful breasts and the smile of a dolphin who just seems to know best).  Come along and enjoy the action or wait at home and hope for live tweets. All the same, enjoy what will be undoubtedly a tournament for the ages.

For further analysis, tune in to the official FPF division 3 podcast Calling the Audible where GM Kolethras and I will discuss some flag football topics, the benefits 7 super foods for dragons, the benefits of owning a trailer home and why parsley would beat coriander in a slap fight (parsley cheats!). You can watch us live Thursday nights at 7:15 at www.theunclemikeshow.com or download the show via iTunes or at http://fpf.podomatic.com.   You can always tweet the show live by tweeting @EagleFPF or feel free to tweet GM Kolethras @GMKole44 and remind him that Solide’s season is done!