Tier 3 Quarter Finals are here!

Here we are a week later with more playoff action! The road to the finals has begun and has seen 14 teams that made the playoffs turn into an 8 team race for ultimate glory. With the top 2 seeds receiving bye’s last week, The Process and Jagerbombers are ready to hit the field in the 2024 fall post season. Lots of great games lined up here in tier 3 but before i give my quarterfinal predictions I would like to go back and look at my last week’s predictions and outcomes. Lets get into the action

Last weeks Predictions & Recaps 

Prediction: Win Diesel 36, Ball Hawks 24

Actual Score: Win Diesel 39, Ball Hawks 7 

The #3 seeded Win Diesel had no issue’s controlling the pace and score board versus Ball Hawks last week. William Sebag threw an almost perfect game throwing 5 tds and 0 interceptions. Their defence came up even stronger then their offence as they created 5 turnovers and even one score. Absolute domination in a game that I expected Ball Hawks to compete a little more but eventually the result would be the same. Win Diesel advance! 

Prediction: Slippery Slopes 35, Les Petites Carottes 20

Actual Score: Slippery Slopes 37, Les Petites Carottes 7 

I predicted Slippery Slopes to cruise past LPC with ease, predicting a 15 point win. They smashed that prediction and beat down on LPC by 30. An unfortunate ending to a lacklustre season for LPC. Emile Descoteaux was the QB for this game as LPC had a mini qb carousel as 3 different guys threw for this team all season. He struggled as the offence only scored one touchdowns and turned the ball over 4 times. This win should give Slippery Slopes confidence as they head into the quarter finals on a 6 game win streak and with a favourable matchup versus Bandits. 

Prediction: Mengoose 39, Bandits 37

Actual Score: Bandits 32, Mengoose 12 

I assumed their 2nd matchup would be much like the first where the game ended by one score and left any team a few plays away from running away with victory. But I couldn’t have been more wrong as Bandits routed Mengoose 32-12. Bandits offence was present but Mengoose couldn’t compete. I assumed the game would be in the 30 ranges but Mengoose could not muster up that many scores. Bandits completely controlled the game and showed why they are a top 5 seed in the division. Emile Skaf and company didn’t have much trouble putting points on the board as they defence kept putting them in favourable field positions all game. The Bandits office did struggle with convert attempts like I predicted as they only converted 1 out of 5 but it didn’t matter much. A good season for Mengoose ends terribly in a first round exit and on a 3 game losing streak. 

Prediction: Snowdon Deli Degens 35, Team Sexy 30

Actual Score: Snowdon Deli Degens 33, Teams Sexy 19

The second game I predicted an upset was spot on as the Snowdon Deli Degens had no problem taking care of a very strong Team Sexy. Even at 6-4, there was a reason I always had the Deli Degens at the top of the power rankings and thats because they know how to perform against strong teams in big games. This was both the case for this game and they delivered with ease. A huge second half as the Deli Degens shutout Team Sexy in the second half and intercepted Benjamin Berbrier twice in the second half ultimately shutting down any possibility of a comeback. QB Adam Malinoff for the Deli Degens was outstanding throwing for 5 touchdowns 2 interceptions and 125 yards. He also added 3 very important rushes which all translates into first downs. Will Snowdon Deli Degens be the dark horse team to win it all after a disappointing end to their undefeated regular season last spring. 

Prediction: TrapStars 37, Team Ethnik 28

Actual Score: TrapStars 39, Team Ethnik  18 

I was expecting a large margin of victory for TrapStars but I did think Team Ethnik would score more then 18 points. Its clear that TrapStars have one of the best offences in Tier 3 so I did predict them to score close to 40. But its their defence that surpassed me and stepped up as well to beat down and send Team Ethnik packing. TrapStars defence had one of their best performances of the season as they fired one interception, stopped every convert attempt, forced two punts and held Team Ethnik’s offence to 1/5 on 4th downs. Team Ethnik was never actually in this game as TrapStars were leading 20-6 at halftime and never looked back. TrapStars visited the redzone on 5 different occasions and scored every single time. The connection between Ryan Garber and Cooper Young was as strong as every as they connected for 4 scores on 6 catches. TrapStars might be the new top team as they are hitting their stride at the right moment. For Team Ethnik its back to the drawing board once again. 

Prediction: West Island Boys 38, The Penetrators 30

Actual Score: The Penetrators 26, West Island Boys 12 

This puts me at 4/6 with my predictions, incorrectly choosing Mengoose and West Island Boys to  advance in the playoffs. The WIB offence was non existent for the first time with Skylar Bayliff under center. Jerome Hovington and Julian McLaren were both present so the team wasn’t dealing with any injuries or absences. Justin Goodman and The Penetrators protected the ball well as they did not turn the ball over and did not punt once. The West Island Boys offence was unable to produce much offence as they one scored 6 points in each half and kept stalling their drives with unsuccessful 4th down attempts. Paired with the Penetrators methodically marching down the field, WIB did not get the turnover they needed throughout the game and once The Penetrators scored a 40 yard touchdown from Justin Goodman to Matthew Caponi late in the second half, the game was finally out of reach for West Island Boys. It just wasn’t their game and WIB failed to produce the offence they usually did this season and end their season with a first round exit. For Penetrators, it only gets tougher as they are now the lowest remaining seed, with means the road to the Finals goes through the best teams in Tier 3. 

#1 The Process (9-1)  vs #11 The Penetrators (6-4) 

Last Matchup: Process 46- Penetrators 20

The number one seeded The Process are set to face the eleventh-seeded Penetrators in the quarterfinals. While The Process are heavy favourites, the Penetrators have shown they can compete with the best, beating top teams like West Island Boys and Snowdon Deli Degens. The Process have been dominant all season, led by their stifling defense.  With a total of 26 interceptions and only 133 points allowed in 10 games, they have proven to be one of the most opportunistic defenses in the league. Their offense, while not as explosive as some others, is efficient and can score points when needed. Their QB Johnathan Perez has been smart and efficient with the football throwing for 35 touchdowns and only 9 interception all season long. With two top receivers in Liberati and Groper, Perez has his go to guys in big moments.

The Penetrators have been a team that have had their ups and downs so far this season, with win streaks and losing streaks in the same season, consistency might have been their main issue all season. They have shown flashes of brilliance but have also struggled at times. Their quarterback, Justin Goodman, will need to be at his best to keep pace with The Process’s high-powered offense and ball hawking defence. The Penetrators’ defense will also need to step up and limit The Process’s scoring opportunities and create turnovers. I assume that will be a difficult task as The Penetrators haven’t gotten many INT’s as a defence and Perez has thrown under 1 a game. In their last matchup where The Process won 46- 20, they were unable to force a turnover from Perez.

While The Process are the clear favourites, the Penetrators have the potential to pull off an upset if they can limit turnovers and capitalize on their opportunities. However, it’s unlikely that they will be able to overcome The Process’s dominant defense. The Process’s strong defense and efficient offense should be too much for the Penetrators to handle. The Process have been great all year so as much as I respect The Penetrators, I don’t see The Process getting eliminated. 

Prediction: The Process 31, The Penetrators 17

#2 Jagerbombers (9-1)  vs.  #10  Snowdon Deli Degens (6-4) 

Jagerbombers vs. Snowdon Deli Degens: A Fiery Rivalry Renews

The second-seeded Jagerbombers and the tenth-seeded Snowdon Deli Degens are set to clash in a highly anticipated rematch here in the quarterfinals. This rivalry has been one of the most exciting in the league, with both teams pushing each other to their limits. Their last matchup ended by a one point margin. Snowdon Deli Degens 33 – Jagerbombers 32. Fighting tooth and nail but Jagerbombers came up short and lost their first game of the season. Here they are back for more and the Snowdon Deli Degens want to send Jagerbombers home packing once again.

Jagerbombers have clearly been the superior team this season. But Snowdon Deli Degens are Jagerbombers Kryptonite as much as they are rivals. Including at least one playoff defeat last season and a regular season loss this season. Jagerbombers have yet to beat the Deli Degens. Qb Felix Gerin-Lajoie and the entire offence have been one of the best in the league as they have scored by far the most points as a team in the entire division with 416 in 10 games. 

The Deli Degens, led by their talented quarterback Adam Malinoff, have shown they can compete with the best. Their ability to score points quickly and their aggressive defense make them a dangerous opponent. Their lack of a all star receiver or two way player has seen their record regress compared to their undefeated regular season last spring, but they have played well this season regardless. A game that I assume will have lots of scoring and lots of physicality. This game is definitely a game of the week and should have camera crew nearby. 

While the Jagerbombers are favoured to win, the Deli Degens have the potential to pull off an upset. It’s a matchup that promises to be a thrilling and closely contested affair. All their past matches have ended in a one score game, leaving it up to the final whistle. My prediction, Jagerbombers finally get a win. 

Prediction: Jagerbombers 38, Snowdon Deli Degens 36

#3 Win Diesel   (8-2)   vs. #7  TrapStars (7-3) 

The #3 seeded Win Diesel take on the #7 seeded TrapStars. I have had Win Diesel as #1 in my power rankings all season long as they have been the team I expected to succeed and they delivered. Two odd losses make me wonder about their ability to compete with the divisions top talent but they have beaten a few great teams so their 8-2 record is warranted. William Sebag playing as one of the best Qb’s in the division and has led this team all season long. Coming off a good win Ball Hawks, Win Diesel is ready for a tougher challenge. 

But this will be a huge challenge as they set to face off against a team that has come out of week 5 and been balling. Second to Jagerbombers, TrapStars present the most potent offence in the league. With both the QBOY and the WROY, The Win Diesel defence is going to have their hands full. Ryan Garber has thrown for 47 touchdowns and only 10 ints this season along with over 2000 yards. He has done it against the bets teams and the best defences as well. This offence has scored over 30 points in 8 of their 11 games. 

While I have been showing love to Win Diesel all season, unfortunately I can see their great season ending abruptly as TrapStars have been red hot and every time Win Diesel has played a potent offence (LPC, Snowdon Deli Degens, Slipepry Slopes) they have either lost or needed a huge comeback to get the victory. I predict lots of scoring on both sides but ultiemtly Win Diesel can’t keep up. 

Prediction: TrapStars 42, Win Diesel 32  

#4 Bandits  (7-2-1)    vs.      #5 Slippery Slopes  (7-3) 

The seventh-seeded Bandits and the fifth-seeded Slippery Slopes are set to face off in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup. Both teams have had impressive seasons, and this game promises to be a closely contested affair. With very similar records this game should come down to the wire and I imagine it will be essentially a tie game with 5 plays left. Dare I predict…an overtime game.

The Bandits have been a tough and gritty team all season with 4 of their 10 games coming from less then 3 point difference.. Their balanced offense and strong defense have been key to their success. They fight and compete in every game and that has been their recipe for success. While they may not have a star player, that has really stood out on the stat sheet, it has been more of a team effort as 4 different receivers have scored 7 or more touchdowns. 

The Slippery Slopes, led by quarterback Tony Tabet, have been a surprise team this season. Tabet’s ability to make accurate throws and limit turnovers has been crucial to their success. The Slippery Slopes’ offense has been explosive, scoring points at will. A change at QB from last season as really flipped the result of their season. Even a loss today would still mean a successful season in my book. For a 1-9 team to come back way stronger the next season takes determination. Sippery Slopes also have a great committee of receivers but I think Jordan McLaren will be the bright spot today and win them the game. 

This matchup is a toss-up, and the outcome could hinge on a few key factors. The team that can limit turnovers and capitalize on opportunities and score more convert attempts will likely emerge victorious. Both teams have the ability to win this game, and it should be a thrilling contest. 

Prediction: Slippery Slopes 31, Bandits 30

My Finals Prediction

Now the we have the Final 8, I can give my finals prediction. With a lot of great teams in the playoffs, it becomes increasingly difficult to predict which teams will be playing on December 8th for a chance to host the first ever Fall Championship. With so many great teams at the top of Tier 3 and such great players remaining in Quarter Finals, its really tough to make a choice. But with the way seeding has been arranged and the way matchups could fall, the first team I am predicting to make the Finals is the Process. Ending their regular season 9-1 and practically steam rolling most teams in tier 3, they are a clear favourite to win the championship this year. They clearly have the best defence in the league and as long as they get by Penetrators this week, id imagine they will find a ticket to the finals. Choosing they opponent is tough as there are still so many good teams left. Lots of teams that deserve it and have played outstanding until this point. But I believe the winner of the Win Diesel/ TrapStars game will be the other team to make the finals. As I noted above I am predicting TrapStars to pull off the upset. So essentially I am predicting the best defence and the 2nd best offence to face off in the championship game. TrapStars have emerge from midseason and totally new team. Ryan Garber and Cooper Young have been on an elite run and have had a connection like never before. These guys are tough to stop. 

Prediction: #1 The Process Vs. #7 TrapStars.