Sea Assassins vs. Predators, Grip N Rip vs. Fun Boys, Highlight Juicy First Round Matchups

It’s the time where the great players and the great teams elevate their game. Playoff time. Quickly before diving into the previews of all eight first round matchups, here is a look at Peeze and I’s final prediction records this season.

Regular Season Final Prediction Records:

ATS:

James: 76-54 ——- Winning % = 58.5%

Peeze: 62-55 ——– Winning % = 52.9%

Straight Up:

James: 85-42-3 ——- Winning % = 66.9%

Peeze: 69-45-3 ——– Winning % = 60.5%

 

In conclusion, Peeze isn’t good at anything. Now let’s move on to more important things!

 

FIRST ROUND PREVIEW

 

CONFERENCE A

#1 The Brotherhood (9-1) vs. #8 Killer Instinct (5-5)

Previous Matchup: The Brotherhood 19, Killer Instinct 12

These teams are headed in the opposite direction. While The Brotherhood finished the season on a five-game winning streak (including a victory over Killer Instinct), Killer Instinct closed out the season ice cold losing four straight and getting outscored 127-50 in the process. That does not bode well for KI, and neither does Nathan Taylor’s recent struggles at quarterback. After starting off the season without a pick in his first five games, Taylor threw at least one interception in his last 5 games, including an ugly 6-interception performance. During this streak, Taylor has failed to throw for more than two touchdowns in a game. On the flip side, Theo Ojeaha runs a much more explosive offense and has the best receiving core (along with the best defense) to work with as well. The last time these teams met turned into a much-expected defensive struggle. I expect a little more scoring this time around from The Brotherhood as Jamal Gittens will be in the lineup.

 

Key Matchups:

Theo Ojeaha vs. Nathan Taylor: Both quarterbacks have played well in spurts this season but Ojeaha has clearly been much better as of late. For Killer Instinct to pull off the upset here, Taylor will need to outplay Ojeaha. Last time out, Taylor tossed three interceptions while Ojeaha didn’t toss any. If that same scenario happens again, this game will not be close.

Jamal Gittens, Quaysie Gordon-Maule and Khalil Kerr vs. Killer Instinct Coverage: Last time around, KI did a great job in coverage limiting Ojeaha to just 112 yards passing but that was without star receiver Jamal Gittens. The priority now shifts to shutting him down and in doing so, it should leave dangerous speedsters Gordon-Maule and Kerr more room to work with.

The Brotherhood D vs. Killer Instinct D: At one point this season, these were the best two defenses in division 3 by far. While The Brotherhood’s D have continued to play extremely well, the KI defense has fallen off quite a bit giving up 30+ points in three straight games. The pressure here is all on the KI defense in this spot because I don’t think there’s any way the KI offense comes remotely close to scoring 30+.

Prediction:

I see this game going a lot like the first matchup but this time, with Gittens in the lineup, The Brotherhood will be able to move the ball better and score more points.

The Brotherhood 26, Killer Instinct 13

 

 

#2 Laval’s Finest (9-1) vs. #7 F.O.E. (5-5)

Previous Matchup: F.O.E. 20, Laval’s Finest 12

The last time these two teams faced off, F.O.E. handed Laval’s Finest their only loss of the season. That was in week 3 though. Fast forward and again, this is a case where both teams are headed in the opposite direction. Although F.O.E. did win the first matchup between the teams, it was in week 3, and after starting 4-1, F.O.E. finished the season off 1-4 and have made a switch to Jordan Moses at quarterback in the process. Laval’s Finest on the other hand, has been the hottest team in the division winning their last seven games, playing better every week on both sides of the ball.

 

Key Matchups:

Rod Mashtoub vs. F.O.E. Defense: Mashtoub had his worst game in either D2 and D3 combined vs. F.O.E. last time around as he tossed a measly 165 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions. Chances are that will not happen again. Mashtoub is too good of a quarterback to be held to 12 points again. But can F.O.E. force a turnover or two and allow less than 5 touchdowns? If so, they have a realistic chance at this. If Mashtoub stays hot, this could be a long day for F.O.E.

Jordan Moses vs. the jitters: In just his 2nd full season at quarterback in lower divisions, Moses will now be thrown into the fire basically in a division where the level of play is drastically better for D4 and up. Will he be nervous? For sure. Can he overcome those jitters and settle down? For his team to win this game, he’ll need to play a smart, ball control type of game because F.O.E. cannot afford to get into a shootout with Rod Mashtoub and Laval’s Finest. Can Moses hit the 30-point plateau? Because that’s likely what it will take to move on to the next round.

Travis Moses vs. Jordan McLaren: With his movement cut down by a lingering hamstring injury, can Moses find any room at all against the best defender in division 3? With Jordan Moses as quarterback and not receiver, it makes Travis the clear #1 but given McLaren’s ability to take away a team’s #1, Travis will need to find a way to get open for his brother. On the other side of the ball, can Moses contain McLaren like he was able to do last time pretty well?

Prediction:

I think F.O.E.’s defense will come to play as they have all season long and make Mashtoub work for his yards. Hugo Lalonde as rusher will be in Mashtoub’s face all day so if the F.O.E. defense can cover the underneath to Theo Bekelis and the deep jump balls to McLaren, which I think they can, they will be able to slow down the pace of the game. On the flip side, I see Jordan Moses having an up and down game but finding some ways to put up some touchdowns. In the end, give me Laval’s Finest but in a closer than anticipated matchup.

Laval’s Finest 32, F.O.E. 26

 

 

#3 B.D. Bandits (8-2) vs. #6 Mongoose (6-4)

Previous Matchup: N/A

These are two teams that are led by their defense undoubtedly. Mongoose have been up and down all year and have played with two different QB’s, but will roll with Alexandre Gaudet for the playoffs. They were able to rattle off three straight victories just to sneak into the playoffs as a 6-seed. I haven’t been sold on B.D. Bandits all year but they’ve shown that they’ve taken that next step this season. In last year’s D3 playoffs, they were able to upset a heavily favoured Wild Boys squad in the first round. This season, they come in as the favourite. Can they handle that pressure in the playoffs?

Key Matchups:

Mark Belvedere vs. Alexandre Gaudet: Both of these guys have been criticized in the past for holding their teams back. Well, what better stage than the playoffs to shut the critics up! Who will make the critical mistake?

Steve Sanner vs. Cedric Nuckle: Sanner had 8 picks including 2 pick-sixes this season. Nuckle had 5 picks – 1 pick-six. Can either of these guys bait the opposing quarterback into a bad decision and turn the tides of game?

B.D. Bandits D vs. Mongoose D: Which defense will be more opportunistic? Both were very productive during the regular season – B.D. Bandits had 21 interceptions, Mongoose had 19 interceptions.

Prediction:

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t buying B.D. Bandits stock this season despite their top 5 defense. However, I’ve been impressed with what they’ve been able to do this season (barring The Brotherhood game) en route to an 8-2 record. They gave up more than three touchdowns in just four games this season, quite the remarkable stat in division 3. I think it carries over here in a close, low-scoring affair. B.D. Bandits move on to the second round for the second year in a row.

B.D. Bandits 27, Mongoose 19

 

 

#4 Sea Assassins (7-3) vs. #5 Predators (6-4) (Written by Simon Dagenais)

Previous Matchup: Sea Assassins 51, Predators 30

The previous matchup in this case is completely irrelevant as James Floreani did not play in that game, and neither did Maxime Giroux. The team was so thin it was forced to play some division 5 spares they picked up right before the game so don’t look at last time’s score as any indicator of what will happen in this one. One thing is for sure, heading into the first week of playoffs, Daniel Lazzara probably would have preferred to face any other QB than the only one in his conference able to match up with him score for score. What the Predators lack in the receiving core, they make up for it defensively. With Quaid Johnson out for the rest of the way, receiver of the year Alex Blanchet will face steep coverage and someone else (former D4 receiver of the year Zack Jauniaux perhaps?) will need to step up and stretch the field for Lazzara. The first defense with a pick will cause the tides to switch. Expect conversions to be the main factor as both teams will exceed 40 points!

Key Matchups:

QB James Floreani vs. Daniel Lazzara: This is simple. Both offenses are explosive. Neither one of these guys can afford to turn the ball over to the other. Otherwise, they will pay the price. The quarterback who makes the first mistake will likely lose this game.

Safety James Floreani vs. Daniel Lazzara: In attempts to stay aggressive and get up early, Lazzara will take shots deep and test every given player wearing white and green. As the primary safety, Floreani will need to have an impact on this game defensively if he wants to give his offense a cushion.

Maxime Giroux vs. Alex Blanchet: As both stars have emerged as their quarterback’s favourite target, they’ll need to have a huge game as this will turn into a serious offensive shootout. If these two can crack 100 yards, their offense will greatly benefit.

Prediction:

I see the game going score for score. The Preds will be down 43-38 with few plays left after Sea Assassins score but can’t convert. Floreani will score on the second to last play of the game to go up by 1. Lazzara’s Hail Mary will not be successful.

Predators 44, Sea Assassins 43

 

 

CONFERENCE B

#1 Ball Busters (7-2-1) vs. #8 Jumpmans (5-5)

Previous Matchup: N/A

After starting off the season red hot, the Ball Busters came crashing back down to earth with two humbling losses to division foes before winning their final game. Jumpmans have been a quietly competitive team all season that have been putting up a lot of points on offense as of late and forcing interceptions on defense. The team also features two-way player of the year Joey Vizzi on its roster. As a 1 vs. 8 matchup, this is far from a gimme for Ball Busters.

 

Key Matchups:

Dylan Taylor vs. Shawn McGrath: Both quarterbacks had decent seasons but they were both prone to throwing interceptions all year long (Taylor- 17 in 10 games, McGrath – 15 in 9 games). They benefited from their defenses bailing them out with turnovers of their own but in this matchup, the winning quarterback will need to be more careful with the football. Which one will elevate their game when it counts?

Joey Vizzi vs. Jamie Ojeaha: Vizzi has made a living this year scoring from just about anywhere on the field and stretching the defense for his quarterback. Free-range safety Jamie Ojeaha covers a lot of ground as the Ball Busters safety and will need to be on his A-game to limit Vizzi’s impact.

Prediction:

I’ve been weary of Ball Busters’ success all season but with a team that features the amount of FPF experience this roster has (not to mention the core four who play division 1 together (Pollice, Ojeaha, Adams and Taylor) vs. the lack of it on the Jumpmans side, give me the Ball Busters to edge out a close win. Dylan Taylor won the division C championship this spring and knows how to win in the playoffs. That to me, will be enough to end the Jumpmans season.

Ball Busters 34, Jumpmans 32

 

 

#2 Wolfpack (7-3) vs. #7 Les Eudistes (5-4-1)

Previous Matchup: Les Eudistes 41, Wolfpack 12

Every year, there’s that one team that makes the playoffs only to be forced to forfeit their game due to roster issues. This season, that team is Wolfpack. It’s unfortunate any time this happens but in all reality, sometimes injuries and other issues get in the way. This is the problem with carrying a small roster sometimes in FPF and the captain’s job is to make sure that this doesn’t happen. It’s a tough break but either way, even if the Wolfpack were able to field a full roster, I don’t think the result would have been much different. Les Eudistes are primed for a playoff push behind a strong defense and an improving Louis-Christophe Lafontaine at quarterback.

 

#3 2HD (7-2-1) vs. #6 Dark Moose Returns (6-4)

Previous Matchup: N/A

If I were to list the most disappointing teams in division 3 this season, Dark Moose Returns would be right near the top of the list. Their inconsistency is maddening and their lack of explosiveness has been worrisome. Looking at the numbers, you would think Fred Morissette had a pretty good year but this is a prime example that stats could be deceiving. He’s usually pretty good protecting the ball but he tossed nine interceptions in just seven games, and finished with four touchdowns or less passing in four of his seven games started. For a Fred Morissette-led offense, with the weapons he has, that’s extremely underwhelming. 2HD quarterback Joey Taylor — say what you will about him and his unorthodox style —- has been getting the job done this season. With 50 total touchdowns to his name, Taylor deserves some praise for the work he’s done but his 3rd ranked defense deserves a lot of credit for where this team is positioned right now. They were always a solid, pesky defense with an awesome rusher, but the addition of Rochdi Benabdelkader has really paid dividends for the Dans.

 

Key Matchups:

Fred Morissette vs. Rochdi Benabdelkader: As mentioned above, Morissette will need to test this Dans defense and be better in this game. Benabdelkader is a master game-planner and is known as one of the smartest players in FPF. If Morissette hopes to pull the upset, he’ll have to stay one step ahead of Rochdi the whole game —- easier said than done.

Justin Blanchard vs. 2HD secondary: When I saw Blanchard on the DMR roster prior to the season, I thought he was a HUGE addition and was going to have an explosive season. He’s had a great year on defense but his production on offense has been extremely disappointing. Failing to hit the 400-yard plateau and only scoring six touchdowns for a guy like Blanchard is just not good enough. He’ll need to stretch the disciplined 2HD secondary downfield and have a big impact on the game if DMR is to come out victorious.

Joey Taylor vs. Jonathan Lyristis: The times that Joey Taylor struggles is usually when he plays an extremely fast rusher and a defense that covers the flats very well. The key for DMR here is to play a 4-1 lock with press coverage on Taylor’s receivers to allow Lyristis, a pretty fast rusher, to get to Taylor. When Lyristis does get there, he needs to take advantage and not miss the quarterback’s flag, forcing Taylor into undesirable long down and distance, which is really not his forte.

Prediction:

I just have a gut feeling that the Dans will find a way to win, needing overtime to do so. More often than not, they do, and this game will be no different. Morissette has not been hot this season and I don’t expect that to magically change against a top defense led by Benabdelkader.

2HD 27, DMR 26 in overtime

 

 

#4 Grip N Rip (7-3) vs. #5 Fun Boys (7-3)

Previous Matchup: Grip N Rip 26, Fun Boys 24

The last time these two teams got together, Grip N Rip scored on the last play of the game to win the game. Sean Avraam started the game as quarterback but was replaced by Vinny Gualano in the second half, who rallied GnR to a victory. Since then, both teams have had their share of ups and downs with some disappointing losses and impressive wins. Come playoff time, I expect teams with as many smart, experienced players as these two teams, put their best foot forward. In what should be one of the most fun matchups of round 1, I expect this game to be tightly contested.

Key Matchups:

Vinny Gualano vs. Gabe D’Amico-Mazza – When Gualano came in the game last time around, things changed dramatically for the GnR offense. His ability to buy time and use his legs caused Fun Boys major issues. Now, they get to deal with Gualano for the whole game. If D’Amico-Mazza can’t contain Gualano, it could be a long day for the Fun Boys defense.

Liam Mahoney vs. Phil de Kovachich – Mahoney is another one of those athletic division 3 quarterbacks. He moves well and can take off at any point to get some yards with his legs. Phil de Kovachich, picked up through the waiver wire halfway through the season, will need to be on his game. If Mahoney is able to buy time as he pleases, it does not bode well for the GnR defense.

Anthony Da Silva vs. Fun Boys Coverage– With Vince Nardone, Phil Cutler and Liam Mahoney back there, the Fun Boys are strong defending the deep ball. Gualano doesn’t throw deep very often anyways but Anthony Da Silva will need to be the Julian Edelman this game and find ways to get open underneath for them to move the ball consistently.

Prediction:

Call it the Gualano-effect but I just don’t see GnR losing this game. Vinny is a proven winner and that’s not to take away anything from the guys from Fun Boys at all, something just tells me that Vinny will get it done. On top of that, I’m sure GnR’s loss to STL last srping is still very fresh in the team’s mind and they will want to win this game at all costs.

Grip N Rip 34, Fun Boys 32

 

Best of luck to all teams in the first round! If you want to reach me for any inquiries or to disagree with me, feel free to hit me up at [email protected] or DM me @JFloMusicMTL on Twitter.