Categories: DivisionDivision 4ADivision 4BMen'sWinter

Playoffs: Divisional Round

Just win baby. With the playoffs upon us and our format, there’s no room for errors. Winners move on to the next round, losers go home. Making the playoffs is impressive in itself, but winning it all is so much more. Thank you to all the teams who played in Division 4 this season and made Winter 2017 special. Let’s get started.

Divisional Round

With crazy endings in Week 11, the playoffs are finally upon us. With 16 teams remaining in each division, we’re bound for one hell of a ride. It all starts THIS Saturday (yes, tomorrow) night.

Place your bets, gentlemen.

Thoughts of the Week

  • I was out of town last weekend and didn’t see or scorekeep games; it’s the reason I took the recaps out this week. Worry not, it’ll be back next week with playoff recaps!
  • I can’t believe we’re in the playoffs already.
  • That Still Still Teamless vs 5-Star game was pretty awesome. We were lucky enough to have it filmed for the Game of the Week; go check it out.
  • I heard the Flying Weasels vs Backyard Bullies game was a nail bitter, I wish I could’ve been there.
  • Is it me or is Patrice Lindor only making plays when I’m not watching?
  • V-Cieux gave Gators a serious scare out there; I’m happy to see their able to compete with contenders on a weekly basis
  • The U had a pretty bad week 11 game, but the franchise has NEVER lost a single playoff game (crazy, right?). Can their famous streak continue?

Players of the Week

Division 4A

  • Chris Pinsonneault (The Tide): 83 receiving yards, 3 receiving Tds and 2 interceptions; pretty nice stats line to get over the recent slump.
  • Justin Blanchard (Still Still Teamless): 101 receiving yards, 2 Tds and 3 sacks. All of that, on film too. If you keep playing like that, maybe I’ll give you a call for Spring season.

 

Division 4B

  • Jordan Mitchell (Blue Chips): 250 combined yards, 7 passing Tds, 1 rushing TD and an impressive win vs The U. What a week for him.
  • Hai Minh Luong (J’s): In his last match of the season, he left his mark. With 275 passing yards, 9 passing Tds and an interception on defense, there’s very little he belonged. Oh, and a whoopin’ 148.7 QBR too!
  • Mathieu Fafard (Sphinx): Bolstering his resume, he went off for 45 yards, 2 Tds and 3 interceptions on defense. It was, indeed, a very good night for him.

Playoff Matchups

Division 4A

  • Still Still Teamless (1st) vs Big Tds (8th)

Previous Matchup: Week 7. 41 – 26 Still Still Teamless Analysis: Their last matchup was a long time ago. It was, in fact, before Tom Cesari got his offense going and started putting up big numbers on a weekly basis. With the playoffs upon us and no wiggle room, I expect Big Tds to take things seriously this time around and make this one of the most surprising matchup/ending of the week. Unless Lonnie Johnson plays up to his potential, there’s a serious risk for an upset here. Both Qbs will throw an interception, but the 2nd one will be the deal breaker. There’s too much talent on both ends for this one to turn into a blowout. Predicted game’s MVP: Jaylan Greaves Predicted score: 38 – 33 Still Still Teamless

  • Flying Weasels (2nd) vs Junkyard Dogs (7th)

Previous Matchup: Week 8. 31 – 19 Flying Weasels Analysis: Junkyard Dogs’ season have been quite the rollercoaster with so many ups and downs whereas Flying Weasels have sneaked their way to a pretty impressive record and the 2nd seed. With Jonathan Lemieux’ health in question and JD’s ability to make big plays in a flash, this one could really go either way. For FW to succeed, they NEED Jonathan Lemieux under center for the entire game. They’ll also need a big rush on Jordan Rossie and figure a way to contain Hugo Allamano. I know I’m asking a lot, but I’ve seen it happen before. Predicted game’s MVP: David Faucher Predicted score: 32 – 25 Flying Weasels

  • Eskimo Brothers (3rd) vs Backyard Bullies (6th)

Previous Matchup: Week 1. 26-6 Backyard Bullies Analysis: Back in week 1, Backyard Bullies got the best of the Ebros and made them look bad. They haven’t looked the same ever since. With a possible revenge on the line, I don’t see Eskimo Brothers’ offense slowing down anytime soon. For Backyard Bullies to pull the upset here, they’ll need to slow the game down and count on converts to maintain a small lead throughout the game; Zach Stachowski is bound to go off for as many touchdowns as possessions. Predicted game’s MVP: Zach Stachowski Predicted score: 40 – 26 Eskimo Brothers

  • Frosty Bronsons (4th) vs 5-Star (5th)

Previous Matchup: Week 2. 26-6 Frosty Bronsons Analysis: It’s funny how things turn out sometimes huh; teammates playing teammates make for the best possible playoff scenarios. I’m not too sure how this will pan out to be honest; on one side, we’ve got Jordan Moses who can either be flawless or is forced to run a bit too often and on the other there’s James Nowakowski who can either throw 7 Tds or 5 interceptions in one game. In a best case scenario, this will be an absolute barn-burner, but I have a feeling both Qbs will have one too many interceptions and both defenses will emerge. Predicted game’s MVP: Danny D’Amour Predicted score: 24 – 19 Frosty Bronsons

  • Les Maloudes (1st) vs Nobodies (8th)

Previous Matchup: Week 5. 38 – 12 Les Maloudes Analysis: This is, possibly, the worse draw for Nobodies considering they usually tend to outmatch their opponents athletically and bid on their abilities to break plays open to win games. Anthony Beauchamp Frezza continues to impress under center this season and the team around him is simply too good to go out in fumes in the very first round of the playoffs. Sadly, I see a very similar ending to this game compared to their previous one. Predicted game’s MVP: Christophe Vezina Predicted score: 37 – 19 Les Maloudes

  • 69ers (2nd) vs Gotham Knights (7th)

Previous Matchup: N/A Analysis: This is an absolute trap game for 69ers. They’ve been really impressive this year and are a top dog in Division 4A this season. I do believe 69ers have the potential to go all the way with the emergence of Rico Tulino to help out defensively and Shea Harbour playing at the caliber he is now, but there’s something about Gotham Knights that simply cannot be underestimated. First, their defense is about as good as it gets in Division 4A and their offense tends to slow the pace down so much that you won’t get many shots at defying those defenders. If everyone is healthy and playing their best, this game could really go either way. Can GK put up more than 30 points is the real question. Predicted game’s MVP: Dean Demetriou Predicted score: 38 – 26 69ers

  • The Commission (3rd) vs No Name (6th)

Previous Matchup: Week 5. 24 – 6 The Commission Analysis: I called out No Name in recent weeks saying they wouldn’t make the playoffs and I was wrong. Their defense has been impressive most of the season and their offense is one play away from making you regret doubting them. Last time around, it was a very ugly game in which both defenses shined brightly. With Michael Roy taking snaps this time around (instead of Jonathan Grizzley), I do expect No Name’s offense to be much more of a threat, but The Commission’s defense isn’t to be taken lightly. Predicted game’s MVP: Domenic Benevento Predicted score: 26 – 25 The Commission

  • TOPSZN (4th) vs The Tide (5th)

Previous Matchup: Week 2. 40 – 38 The Tide Analysis: Although The Tide has been in a slump recently (which they’ve seemingly got rid of with their Week 11 game vs ZOO), playoffs are a different kind of beast and I doubt The Tide will take this game lightly. Last time around, both offenses showed just how great they really are and made the opposing defense look stupid. I expect a very similar outcome this time around seeing how both Jahlani Gilbert-Knorren and Doug McKernan are two of the best Qbs in the division. It’ll come down the wire and I expect fireworks. Predicted game’s MVP: Chris Pinsonneault Predicted score: 44 – 40 The Tide

 

Division 4B

  • A-Squad (1st) vs Obamacare (8th)

Previous Matchup: Week 4. 20 – 12 A-Squad Analysis: Last time these two teams faced, Obamacare’s QB Zack Zergiotis struggled to get ANYTHING going and A-Squad’s defense looked amazing out there. On the flip side, Yacoub Telemaque did what he does best and grinded out the clock and found creative ways to move the chains. A-Squad don’t always need to put up 40 to win games and it’s one of the reasons why this game is tilted in their favor; if they can limit Obamacare’s position and get a turnover, there’s a big chance they’ll remain ontop most of the game and walk away with their ticket to Round 2. Predicted game’s MVP: Andrew Philipeaux Predicted score: 26 – 18 A-Squad

  • Jagerbomb (2nd) vs Mud Dogs (7th)

Previous Matchup: Week 7. 30 – 12 Jagerbomb Analysis: Last time around, Mud Dogs were without their starting QB Jeremie Mongeon-Duby and their offense simply went nowhere fast. Expect a completely different story this weekend. Simon Duchesne has been playing really well recently, but this is the kind of matchup that might fall solely on him; if he can limit the turnovers, he’ll keep Jagerbomb alive. It’ll be a battle of converts early to see how manages to be on top by halftime; both offenses will score with ease early. I do see interceptions in the 2nd half when things get, well, muddy. Predicted game’s MVP: Laurent Dubreuil Predicted score: 38 – 27 Mud Dogs

  • Blue Chips (3rd) vs Gators (6th)

Previous Matchup: Week 4. 27 – 25 Gators Analysis: One week, Blue Chips are looking like the best team in Division 4B destroying The U, but the week prior they lost to STL Cougars in a poor offensive performance allowing the most points they’ve had all season. Which Blue Chips will emerge in the playoffs? Can Corey Wawalski limit the turnovers to, well, zero and force Jordan Mitchell to keep up with him? For Gators to win, they’ll need Kevin St-Pierre to have the game of his life rushing. Predicted game’s MVP: Jose Baba Predicted score: 37 – 25 Blue Chips

  • The U (4th) vs Les Blues Branleurs (5th)

Previous Matchup: N/A Analysis: I’ve mentionned it before, but The U has never lost a playoff game in franchise history. Les Blues Branleurs haven’t had a deep playoff run in franchise history. Is this the beginning of the craziest cinderella story? Time will tell. LBB have been impressive recently emerging with a 12point record to finish 5th seed, but The U were the top dog until very recently. I expect The U to come out swinging and take this game as seriously as they possibly can and put last week’s disaster behind them. Predicted game’s MVP: Dustin White Predicted score: 43 – 24 The U

  • The Alpha T’s (1st) vs Game Changers (8th)

Previous Matchup: Week 8. 32 – 19 The Alpha T’s Analysis: Plagued with injury, Game Changers are in quite the scenario with this week’s game against The Alpha T’s. Unless Anton Sakiz can have the game of his life and throw 0 interceptions, he might be able to keep his team alive long enough to remain alive; we’ve seen crazier things happen in FPF, but it’s unlikely. The Alpha T’s bolster one of the best defense AND offense in the division and aren’t going away anytime soon. Unless Justin Filteau and Paul Santache show up and play, Game Changers will have a tough time swallowing this one. Predicted game’s MVP: Bryan Mongeau Predicted score: 33 – 18 The Alpha T’s

  • Get Off My D (2nd) vs Sandlot Saints (7th)

Previous Matchup: N/A Analysis: Don’t write off Sandlot Saints just yet. Although Get Off My D has one of the best roster in the division and are, hands down, a top contender, I do believe Sandlot Saints has enough depth on that roster to keep up with GOMD. This is one of the worse matchups for GOMD and possibly the best for Sandlot Saints considering. If Tim Kraemer slows the game down enough to limit the possessions, there’s a big chance Sandlot Saints will remain a point or two ahead for most of the night. With some of the best Dbs in the division, this could very well be one of the biggest upset of the week. Predicted game’s MVP: Lenny Dion Predicted score: 33 – 26 Sandlot Saints

  • Sphinx (3rd) vs STL Cougars (6th)

Previous Matchup: Week 2. 25 – 21 STL Cougars Analysis: The more I look over the stats, the more I realise STL Cougars bolster the most efficient offense in the division. Although most of their games were weird losses, they’ve been overly competitive in every single one of them. Unless Sphinx can find a way to cover AJ Gomes and not look Alex Manseau’s way for the entire hour, Erminio Iadeluca might get just enough possessions to put this one to bed early. For Sphinx to win, they’ll need not only a great game from Etienne Cloutier, but guys like Mathieu Fafard cannot have an off night; this might be their toughest matchup yet. Predicted game’s MVP: AJ Gomes Predicted score: 38 – 25 STL Cougars

  • Team Ethnik (4th) vs Rancerz (5th)

Previous Matchup: Week 6. 24 – 18 Team Ethnik Analysis: Rancerz started off the season with a very strong defensive core, but their offense was really slow off the gates. Recently, their offense has been carrying the team and they’ve been winning big games when it mattered. Team Ethnik has the talent, but it’ll all come down to execution this weekend. With Riccardo Desrosiers’ size, I have a hard time seeing who can actually cover him in the redzone this weekend. Angelo Garofalo will need to post one of his famous 4 TD performance to maintain his team well and alive. Predicted game’s MVP: Louis-Christophe Lafontaine Predicted score: 33 – 25 Rancerz

 

That sums it for this week’s article. It’s always a pleasure to write and hear back from you guys. After all, the content is meant 99% for you. I keep a percent for me; ranting here and there is fun after all. You can always reach me via twitter @DagenaisFPF or via email ([email protected]). I’ll be at Lachine every Sunday night and Hebert every Wednesday night scorekeeping so you can stop by and chat. Don’t hesitate. Until next time…! I fear I might be stuck eating 10 hotdogs.. Then again, it hardly sounds like a bad thing… You should get more than 2 Eagle. C’mon.