Tier 2: Upper Half and Grand Finale

The final week of the regular season is here. We have already seen a ton of movement in the Tier 2 standings this week. Looking at the upper class of the division, the Vultures locked up first in the division, as they knocked off The Commission (45-24) in Brossard. The Infantry have secured a temporary hold on second with 14 points, but that is bound to change as both Idaho Udapimps and Fins Up have one game remaining against Shake & Bake and Beer Belly Brigade respectively. 

Shake & Bake is starting to show some signs of a struggle, with two losses in their last three games. 

Let’s take a look at all five of those teams. 

Vultures (9-1)

I have been saying it for weeks, this is the best team in Tier 2. After three months there should be no question about that anymore. Their one loss was all the way back in the beginning of October, and it feels like a distant memory. Every team is beatable, and the Vultures are no different, but would you bet on the field against them?

Idaho Udapimps (7-2)

If you don’t agree with my take that the Vultures are the top team in Tier 2, perhaps this is your choice. Idaho Udapimps are definitely a solid option in terms of legit championship contenders. The team won it all in the Spring/Summer Season, and they appear to be even stronger this time around, as they have more speed and depth.

They have head-to-head losses against both Fins Up and Vultures, which is concerning, but they could very well have an opportunity to avenge both defeats in the playoffs. 

Fins Up (7-2)

This team isn’t as deep as the two other previously mentioned ones, but they don’t lack in  speed and game-breakers.

The win last Sunday over Idaho Udapimps showed that Fins Up are contenders, as it quieted the talk of them having a cupcake second half schedule. Can they now ride that momentum and not only finish the regular season by beating Beer Belly Brigade today in Chateauguay, but also ride the wave to the Finals? We will find out shortly.

Shake & Bake (6-3) 

Two losses in their last three games is not how you want to enter the playoffs, but that’s where Shake & Bake find themselves after losing to The Infantry, beating Kiss My Outlaws, and then getting hammered (38-18) by Les Monsieurs Chats this past Monday in Chateauguay. Losing both games, along with a Week 3 loss to Fins Up, knocked S&B out of the top four playoff slots, which means they won’t have a first round bye.

Shake & Bake can’t get a bye back, but they have a chance to redeem themselves as they take on Idaho Udapimps tonight in the Stinger Dome. Whether they do or not, doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a true contender despite their recent struggles.  

The Infantry (7-3)

I know I mentioned them last week, and as I said at the top, their hold on to second place will be short-lived, but I can’t ignore two things about this team. The first is their defense. Once the regular season wraps up, they will have the top unit in Tier 2, as they have only given up 219 points. Defense wins championships, it’s as simple as that.

The second point about them that can’t be ignored is their roster at full strength. When they are all there and not imploding, they can beat anyone. It’s finding that balance between being competitive, driven, and not a distraction, that the team and in particular Rory Semerjian, must find. 

Other News 

There’s a win and you’re in scenario this afternoon in Laval, as Arouch takes on Jagerbomb. 

After waiting until Week 9 to get their first win of the year, Arouch now finds themselves one point behind The Commission for the 12th and final playoff spot in Tier 2. 

Both teams met up in a Week 6 showdown that saw The Commission earn a (25-24) win. It was the last victory of the regular season for TC, but a (25-25) tie against Never Overtime one week later, gave Arouch one point, that has kept them alive, and has given today’s game against Jagerbomb some meaning. 

The formula is simple for Arouch. Beat Jagerbomb, and make the playoffs. Lose, and you’re done. 

Never Overtime punched their ticket to the playoffs with a blowout (52-25) victory over the Rico Ryders last night at Concordia. 

Never Overtime Quarterback Ryan Kharouf had his best game of the year as he tossed a season-high seven touchdowns, one 10 of 13 passing for 221 yards. All of his passes went to three Receivers, in Nirosh Suresh and Mack Dessources who each recorded three TDs, and Olivier Sabourin, who had one of his own.

The team’s defense also had reason to celebrate, as the unit intercepted Rico Ryder’s QB Mathew Yanakoulias a Jared Goff-inspired five times in the win.

Congrats on the win and the ticket to the dance.

Power Rankings

*This is the final one of the regular season.

1.Vultures (9-1)

Unlike last week, they came out and took care of business against lesser teams in The Commission and Rico Ryders, solidifying themselves in the top spot in Tier 2, and in the power rankings. 

Last Week: 3rd

2. Fins Up (7-2)

They beat Idaho Udapimps last Sunday, and have a chance to grab second place in the standings with a win over Beer Belly Brigade today. The aforementioned statement win sees them move up two spots in the rankings.

Last Week: 4th

3. Idaho Udapimps (7-2)

The loss sees them drop two spots in the rankings. Idaho Udapimps have a chance to redeem themselves and clench seconds in the standings with a win over Shake & Bake tonight at Con U. Will they do it?

Last Week: 1st

4. Shake & Bake 

They have a chance to shake off their recent struggles, and leapfrog Les Monsieurs Chats, if they can beat Idaho Udapimps in a must-watch game tonight. Can they get back on track?

Last Week: 2nd

5. Les Monsieurs Chats

They beat Shake & Bake by 20 Monday night, but then lost to Backfield Penetration who had Jaylan Greaves at their disposal, as the Tier 1 player and former Concordia Stingers Wide Receiver had two touchdowns. I think the win holds more weight. 

Last Week: Unranked

Picks 

Beer Belly Brigade vs Fins Up – Fins Up 

Arouch vs Jagerbomb – Arouch (Upset Special)

Idaho Udapimps vs Shake & Bake – Idaho Udapimps (My pick for Game of the Week)

Last Week: (5-2) 

Regular Season: (33-16-1)

Upset Special: (3-6-1)

That is it for This week. Good luck to everyone in their games today and tonight.

If you liked the article, hated it, or simply felt like I left something out, please feel free to contact me at [email protected], or on the FPF Facebook page