The GM’s Scouting Report

I cannot even come close to explain how much I love FPF playoffs. Just when you think that you’ve seen it all, teams step up and deliver some of the most exciting games and matchups that we’ve seen yet. In Division A, we have the top four teams fighting to pass through to the finals and show us some of the best finals that the spring season has seen. In Division B, the ‘lower’ seeds have been upending the top dogs and are making a statement not to count ANY team out.

 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the final four matchups that Division A and B will see:

 

 

Division A

 

DA Finest (1) vs. Gladiateurs (4)

 

Quarterfinals:

 

While the DA Finest were on a bye week, the Gladiateurs squared off against an undermanned yet hungry Alkaholiks squad. The Gladiateurs took full advantage of missing defenders on the Alkaholiks, combining for 50 attempts and really directed the pace of the football game.

 

Previous Matchup:

 

DA Finest 53, Gladiateurs 41

One of the few games in the past few seasons where the Finest have trailed at the half, you can assume that a lot of the problems that plagued the Finest (all centering around being late for weekday games) will not have any bearing in this matchup. In their last meeting, the Gladiateurs were without Matt Bishara but Francois Lebeau managed to involve all of his players and spread the ball effectively.

 

Keys to Success:

 

The Finest really have to just go in and play their game. When not caught up responding to talk or worrying about bad calls, the Finest look unstoppable. They’re the heavy favorites going in, and they also have the advantage of having Donald Shepherd in this game compared to the last time these two teams squared off.

 

The Gladiateurs are going to have to play to their strengths (which is also one of the ways to frustrate the Finest and Kevin Wyeth in particular) by holding onto the ball for as long as possible on offense and keeping the red-hot Finest offense on the bench for as long as possible. In the previous matchup the game was decided by interceptions and extra points, so Lebeau will have to be PERFECT and his receivers will need to make the most of every pass that comes their way.

 

Prediction:

 

These two teams know each other very, very well and this game is set out to be an intense back-and forth. While I like this matchup and think it’ll be entertaining to watch, I think that the size and the overall presence of the Finest is going to be a bit too much for the Glads. Look for the Finest to take it, albeit in a close one.

 

 

Roosters & Donkeys (2) vs. Les Grosses Tetes Molles de Chernobyl (3)

 

Quarterfinals:

 

While the Roosters & Donkeys were on a bye week, LGTMC were busy edging out the Rainmakers in a close one. The Rainmakers, without Derek Kastner and Dan Adler, had trouble containing and keeping in check the Chernobyl offense who are notorious for taking what’s given to them and racking up the yards after completion. David Polynice has proven to be the missing link with Kevin Lubin out for surgery, racking up 2 TDs and the difference-making interception.

 

Previous Matchup:

 

Les Grosses Tetes Molles de Chernobyl 25, Roosters &Donkeys 44

The best theme to describe the previous matchup between these two would be ‘missed opportunities.’ While the last matchup was filled with ample opportunities to take control of the game, execution was in the corner of the Roosters & Donkeys. They made the most of errant throws and found the openings on defense as well.

 

Keys to Success:

 

R&D have their vertical to their advantage. Aside from Alexandre Gatien and Patrick Chenard, the R&D receiving corps have the advantage in the jump ball category, as well in height overall. They have the athleticism and the chemistry, but need to go into this game knowing that going to the finals is not a given, and they needn’t lose sight of the game at hand.

 

The core of Chernobyl have upended higher seeds in the past. While the R&D squad is chalk full of athletes and household FPF names, Chernobyl have some of the most underrated players in the league in Arsenault-Hum, Polynice and Thuot. Patrick Chenard is going to have to be more protective of the ball, and make sure to take what the defense gives him.

 

Prediction:

 

While their last matchup seemed very one-sided, I’m not convinced that this one will be AS heavily favored on the side of Roosters & Donkeys. I don’t think that the Chernobyl offense will be making the same mistakes. In all honesty, I think that this is a trap game for Roosters & Donkeys. They have the more talented roster on paper, but I’m thinking that we’ve seen stranger things happen. I’m going to make a crazy bet and go with Les Grosses Tetes Molles de Chernobyl.

 

 

 

Division B

 

Legends (3) vs. Daron World Wide (8)

 

Quarterfinals:

 

The Legends took to the quarterfinals in the same way that they closed out the regular season; by taking down One Night Stands. Taking complete control of the game and advantage of the fact that Jamil Springer was not present, the Legends played like a team on a mission. Unfortunately for ONS, they were consistently playing catch-up and could not hit their rhythm in order to advance.

 

In one of the more exciting games in the quarterfinals, Daron World Wide officially made themselves the most dangerous team in B by soundly beating KGP Champs and upending the 1-seed. As usual, the often glossed-over Kevin Tousignant played clutch and help bring his team forward.

 

Previous Matchup:

 

Legends 33, Daron World Wide 32

Daron World Wide’s regular season has been a rollercoaster of results and weakness, and the Legends’ has been one of solid performance, but when the two met it was nothing but an incredible back-and-forth. Despite having thrown 2 interceptions, Cory Pecker and the Legends offense still had a decent outing with a 75% completion ratio and 5 TDs.

 

Keys to success:

 

The Legends are going to have to have to come up with some stops. They have a prolific offense, but some of their best wins of the season have come from games where their defense stepped up and was the difference maker. Their core has seen what Alex Lever and DWW bring to the table; in order to succeed, they’re going to have to stop it.

 

Daron World Wide are going to have to throw a wrench into the chemistry of the Legends. They’re going to have to get Cory Pecker out of his comfort zone, and consistently keep the Legends guessing. The Legends haven’t had a history of being successful in the postseason, and DWW are going to need to latch onto that and use it to their advantage. With the size of Tousignant, Martinez and Comeau as well, they have the brute strength and size advantage.

 

Prediction:

 

Neither team breezed their way here. Make no mistake, we are going to see just as a competitive and close game as the last time these to squads faced off. Despite the fact that I do tend to gravitate toward the team that won consistently in the season, I’m thinking that DWW have the number of the Legends, and are going to come out of this one ahead.

 

 

Hustlers (4) vs. Wolverines (7)

 

Quarterfinals:

 

The Hustlers made their way into the semifinals by upending The Commission. This one-legged quarterback led team looked their best in a long time, where the team as a whole were able to keep The Commission from getting comfortable on both offense and defense. Timely interceptions and solid tackling backed helped the defense protect the lead that the Hustlers offense had generated for them.

 

In perhaps the most publicized FPF game because of the implications, the Wolverines were able to upend #NR in a matchup where almost no one saw them advancing to the next round. Despite being left for dead, the Wolverines showed why they are veterans of the league and took the game. In typical Wolverines fashion, Tony Tabet took what the #NR defense gave him; marching up the field every drive and spreading the ball effectively amongst his receivers.

 

Previous Matchup:

 

Wolverines 25, Hustlers 25

I’m always weary of referring back to a game that happened in the first two weeks of the season. Both teams change and evolve so much in a 10-week period, that it almost becomes null and void. Despite that, both teams were able to hit a decent stride. The Wolverines defense were able to keep both Carmine Pollice and Vinny Gualano out of the end zone, while the Hustlers were able to make the most of the game despite having turned the ball over more than the Wolverines.

 

Keys to success:

 

The Hustlers have the advantage of the deep ball. Having solid deep ball receivers in Alex Pilon and Vinny Gualano, they can abuse the Wolverines’ safeties and keeping them from feeling comfortable. In addition, having multiple rushers in Yves Thomas, Alex Pilon and Mike Ciampini, the Hustlers can defensively keep Tony Tabet guessing by shuffling their players in every which way.

 

With Carmine Pollice not playing defense, the Wolverines have the ability to play their game of football and frustrating him by keeping him off of the field for as long as possible by marching it up. With solid defensive-minded players and tacklers in Serge Moumdjian and Theo Bekelis, the Wolverines defense can play a little bit deep and prevent the damage deep knowing that they have Serge and Theo there short in order to reduce the yards after completion.

 

Prediction:

 

Just like quarterfinals, I have the feeling that the Wolverines are going to go in knowing that they’re going to be glossed over and work their magic. Having played with Carmine Pollice in the past, the Wolverines core know what he brings to the table and this will be just an exciting game as the last one was. Despite the receiving corps and experience that the Hustlers have, I’m not ready to count out the Wolverines just yet. Look for their run to continue.

 

 

Well, that’s it for me this week. Look for me on the sidelines should you want to discuss FPF history, or FPF current events. I’ll likely also be live-tweeting the Division A and B games, so make sure that you’re following me on Sunday @gmkole44