The Pulse (D5) – Week 10

 

It has been a fun ride in division 5; the biggest journey is just about to begin for the 16 teams that clawed their way and qualified into the postseason. So what does that mean? Two things: time to separate the men from the boys, and the contenders from the pretenders. Yes, the regular season is over and teams get ready to shift into playoff mode. All the turmoil that captains and players have endured over the past 10 weeks means nothing now and each playoff team starts with a clean slate. The only difference is that the postseason is unforgiving, so you can ill afford to lose a game. Winning is the name of the game and the more you W’s you pile up, the further you make it into the tournament, until it is all set and done and a new champion is crowned. Congratulations to all the teams that qualified and above all good luck the rest of the way. Here is a look at the playoff picture in both conferences.

Conference A

South Shore Strom (1) vs. J’s (8)

Warhawks (2) vs. Green Machine (7)

The Incredibles (3) vs. Da Boyz (6)

Thunder (4) vs. Lockdown (5)

Conference B

Golden Eagles (1) vs. Pendant Publishing (8)

Les Buddays (2) vs. (7) A-Squad

Outlawz (3) vs. Dragons (6)

Mustangs du Gridiron (4) vs. Widow Makers (5)

Game Previews in Conference A

South Shore Strom (7-2-1) vs. J’s (3-6-1)

Overview The last time these two teams meet in week 4, neither side left with a victory. Instead, the J’s and the South Shore Storm settled for a 27-all draw and have unsettled business to tend to. This weekend, both teams will settle the score and finally determine who the better team is.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me in this game is South Shore’s quarterback Danny Keslter going against the J’s defense. In their last meeting, Keslter tossed zero interceptions, but had seven passes batted down. If Kestler is not more careful with his passes, the J’s will turn those deflected passes into interceptions the second time around.

By the numbers The J’s secondary, led by Chris Olsen will be kept very busy trying to stop Jamaal Gittens, who caught 26 TDs during the regular season, and Shakeel Phinn out of the end zone. The last time the Storm played the J’s, both receivers combined for 11 receptions, 134 yards and four scores. Olsen missed last weekend’s showdown against the Love Cows due to an injury, but expects to be back in the lineup for the J’s .

Warhawks (7-2-1) vs. Green Machine (5-5)

Overview For two teams that pride themselves on defense, it was the offense who stole the spotlight back in week in 9. The Warhawks’ offense looks improved from earlier in the season, having scored a season-high 41 points just two weeks ago in their victory over Green Machine.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me is how both offensive units will fare against one another. Obviously both offenses will not be on the field at the same time, but I am curious to see how each will fare against the opposing defense. Which defense will make the necessary adjustments based on their last meeting?

By the numbers Both teams combined for 79 points in their last meeting and it would be great to see the same kind of offensive fireworks in round one of the playoffs when these two teams set to battle. David Marceau and Tim O’Hara both threw for six scores in their first meeting and set the bar high for their rematch. Side note, the Warhawks are the hottest team in their conference, having won five straight.

The Incredibles (7-3) vs. Da Boyz (6-4)

Overview As my esteemed colleague Moe Khan would say: “The Incredibles are not looking so Incredible as of late.” As much as I hate to say it, I have to agree with him on that one. The former number one ranked team in conference A has not been playing its best football recently. Things are not as gloomy for Da Boyz, who are 4-1 since the midway mark of the regular season. This team has been steadily improving down the stretch and it is paying off.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me is how the Incredibles’ offense will hold up against Da Boyz and their surging defense. If Ryan Kelly and Steven Killen from Da Boyz can overcome the challenges that the Incredibles bring to the table we could see an upset.

By the numbers Defensive Player of the Year Mather Warsame of Da Boyz leads the division in sacks with 23. Marco Bertoldi of the Incredibles is second with 19. Who will have the bigger effect on the opposing QB?

Thunder (7-3) vs. Lockdown (6-3-1)

Overview Lockdown won’t have to wait very long for their rematch against the Thunder. Revenge is a powerful motivator and Lockdown will have that going for them during this weekend’s meeting. Last season Lockdown was a one and done team and I can’t see that happening again.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me is the Thunder’s receiving corps against Lockdown’s corners. Three players on Thunder’s roster have gone over the 300-yard receiving mark. Conversely, Lockdown’s Thierry Fontin is the team’s only receiver with dazzling numbers. Despite having speed in his downfield options, QB Gianfranco Ranaudo is focusing on quick passes and letting his receivers make plays.

By the numbers Lockdown will have to rely on their leading tackler Andrew D’Anna, who has over 40 tackles on the season, to keep Thunder’s offensive gains under control.

Game Previews in Conference B

Golden Eagles (10-0) vs. Pendant Publishing (5-5)

Overview This has to be bittersweet for Pendant Publishing. They earn a spot in the playoffs, but they must face the undefeated Golden Eagles in the first round. Ouch! Early this week, I received an anonymous message which reads “Pendant Publishing has NO chance to win.” I think that author of this letter is confident that the best team in division 5 from week 1 to 10 shall prevail.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me is Pendant Publishing’s defense going against Golden Eagles’ Simon Provencher and Alex David. Pendant Publishing should concentrate on protecting the short passing game. Taking away the middle of the field, preventing short dump off passes. In addition, sacks will be key for Pendant Publishing as Andrew Salis has had trouble getting after opposing quarterbacks and Kevin Lubin is notorious for buying time for himself.

By the numbers Pendant Publishing did a good job the last time these two teams met, forcing Lubin into three interceptions. While their defense was stout against the passing game, they struggled in the running game and allowed Lubin to run for 70 yards and a score.

Outlawz (7-3) vs. Dragons (5-5)

Overview Nothing can seem to diminish the Dragons recent success since going toe-to toe with the Golden Eagles. Not even having to play the Outlawz this weekend. Led by quarterback Simon Dagenais, the Dragons may be the hottest team in the past three weeks. Dagenais is playing at a high level and should be looking to duplicate his performance in the postseason.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me is Dragons’ receiver Christophe Girard against the Outlawz’s Hugo Quintin. Quintin is perhaps the Outlawz’s best defender and I would be surprised if he doesn’t shadow Girard throughout the game.

By the numbers Simon Dagenais has tossed for just under 500 yards in his three previous games, with a touchdown to interception ratio of 13 to 4. He seems more cautious with the football and is making better decisions in stressful situations.

Les Buddays (8-2) vs. A-Squad (5-5)

Overview It is safe to say that Les Buddays won’t be in a good mood all week after losing their second game of the season to the Widow Makers. Their offense only scored 12 points in week 10 and they will unleash some of the frustrations against the A-Squad’s defense this week. The matchup that intrigues me is how the A-Squad’s secondary will avoid being picked apart by Les Buddays’ offense.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me….well there is none. I do not see anyone from the A-Squad that will be able to step up on the defensive side of the ball and stop Les Buddays and their quarterback Leandre Ethier. I just don’t. Then add the fact that Les Buddays have the best defense in the division, and things suddenly do not look good for the A-Sqaud.

By the numbers Eric Vigneault’s ballhawk abilities, along with his 13 pass deflections, make him a focal point in Les Buddays’ defense.

Mustangs du Gridiron (6-4) vs. Widow Makers (6-4)

Overview Last time these two teams squared off, Simon Fortier did not play quarterback as Samuel Nadeau took the reins. This time it will be interesting to if Fortier or Nadeau split the snaps or if one will play the entire game.

Matchup to watch The matchup that intrigues me is Samuel Nadeau going against Philippe-Antoine Beausejour. Both players have showed the ability to win games for their respective teams and make big plays at crucial moments. It will be interesting to see which receiver has a bigger game.

By the numbers Les Mustangs du Gridiron is also an offense that runs far more efficiently when Nadeau gets a few carries from the quarterback position or even attempts a few passes as a change of pace. He has experience at the position having played with the Ducks in D3, last Winter. In a limited QB role, he has rushed for 150 yards and passed for only 210.

Projected winners for this weekend’s games: South Shore Storm, Warhawks, Da Boyz, Lockdown, Golden Eagles, Les Buddays, Outlawz, Widow Makers.

The action continues next weekend. Look for all your updates, right here at the Pulse. Feel free to send me a message on Facebook or approach me during the Div 5 games. Let’s talk football. Good luck the rest of the way!