Semifinals: an old rivalry renewed; an upset coming?

The first round of playoffs is in the books and we’re moving on to the semifinals. As expected, Hitmen Retro and Relics won their matchups handily. As I had said last week, Relics were just too much on offense for Polvige Tech and pulled away in the second half by winning 47-24. Similarly, Hitmen Retro scored early and often against a depleted Venom team who was missing their starting QB. They tried five different QBs and Steve Batsos had the best results; he was the lone QB with no INT on his stat-line, and the only one who threw for a TD. Perhaps something to ponder for next season? Regardless the Hitmen won 55-7.

 I would like to thank Polvige Tech and Venom for joining the 35+ division and playing their hearts out every week. It was a tough quarter finals loss for both, but from the looks of it, they were having fun out there and liked the concept of the division. We would love to have you back for next season!

 

I know I said I would reveal my winners for STARAWARDS this week but I’ve decided to wait another two weeks but as I said before, you won’t be disappointed. So what can you expect for next week since we have only one game (finals) to break down? As you recall, there are a couple of teams who haven’t been profiled yet: Relics, Monster Football and Polvige Tech. Therefore that will be in next week’s edition.

 

Semi finals

Hitmen (5-2-1) vs. Monster Football (5-2-1)

Season series: tied

Their week one meeting was a 25-18 win for Monster Football and week six meeting saw Hitmen Retro win 42-41. This rubber match will be of epic proportion especially if their last battle is any indication. It’s well known that both teams have a long history of facing against each other; indoors/outdoors/touch/flag; so tomorrow night will just be another chapter in that long history book.

 

Here are my keys to the game for both teams:

Hitmen Retro

-change up defensive looks including playing man defense to take away Andy Peterkin’s looks

-Can’t have any turnovers or scoreless drives

-go for 2 points after touchdown due to their success in the season

 

Monster Football

-Need to get the full roster out, strength in numbers

-Use more half back plays since Hitmen can’t defend that well against them

-Play aggressive on defense, giving Andy (as rusher) enough time to reach Chris Moufrage

 

In their last meeting, Hitmen scored late and went for 2 points to take the lead. Monster had 4 plays left to score however Andy Peterkin’s decision making was uncharacteristic. He made a few errant throws that he usually doesn’t make. With everything on the line both teams will be ready to put it all out there. Also keep in mind that the inaugural “anything” is always remembered and given these two teams’ past, one of them will have it over the other!

Prediction: Monster Football

 

Dagwoods (6-2) vs Relics (3-3-2)

Season series: Week 4 in which Dagwoods won 28-13.

Their one and only meeting is a game that Cory Pecker would love to forget because he threw 5 INTs. I can assure you that he will not have that type of game again. This is a tough game for Dagwoods because they’re facing a red hot team who has scored an average of 46.5 points weeks in their last two games. The key ingredient in those victories is Ryan Tereskewitz, who has been lighting it up. Now add Darnell Lovelace, Tony Lalla, Ryan Grad and Ryan Etinson which makes for a tough offense to be handle for any team.

Another disadvantage for Dagwoods is the time off. They haven’t played for three weeks now with the exception going to a few players who play in other divisions. Let’s face it, in the 35+ division any time off can be good (old bodies need rest!) and bad (too much rest and you’re not in game shape). Either way Dave Allen needs to have Lonnie Johnson, Rob Allen, Christian Talbot and Karim Yasmine ready for one of the toughest games they have faced to date.

 

Here are my keys to the game for both teams:

Dagwoods

-Get in the rhythm early by completing quick passes

-Switch up defensive looks otherwise Cory Pecker will pick you apart

-use some trickery such as Dave Allen throwing the ball

 

Relics

-Keep distributing the ball evenly as it will be the key to success

-On defense, have Darnell shadow Rob Allen

-Play man defense often

 

It’s more than obvious who I believe is going to win. Relics are hot and Dagwoods will need a few series to get it going. Cory Pecker is a top tier QB who is getting hot at the right time.

Prediction: Relics

 

Thanks again for reading and good luck to the semi finalists today!