Tier 4: Season’s Biggest Upset & Playoff Race
Phillip Roberts
13-11-2024 08:25 PM
UPSET ALERT 🚨
Winless Impact Stun Top-Ranked Pack is Back in Season’s Biggest Upset
This past Sunday, I got to referee perhaps the biggest upset of the season, the winless Impact, who entered the game with an 0-8-1 record, pulled off a stunning victory over Pack is Back, a team that came in with a 7-1 record and a top-3 ranking. This game showcased a blend of defensive grit, strategic play-calling, and clutch performances from Impact, who held off Pack is Back’s final drive within the five-yard line to seal a thrilling 24-20 win.
Impact, led by one of FPF’s best defensive minded & skilled players, Quaysie Gordon-Maule crafted good offensive and defensive game plans, down late in the game secured a critical fourth-down stop, took the ball, and drove downfield to score the go-ahead touchdown. They then made a final stand to prevent Pack is Back from completing a walk-off touchdown, showcasing incredible resilience to capture their first win of the season.
Justin Bourgault, Impact’s quarterback, was efficient, completing 19 of 26 passes for 136 yards and four touchdowns. He connected well with receivers Olivier Choquette and Quaysie Gordon-Maule, each scoring two touchdowns in clutch moments. Choquette was a standout with 7 receptions for 61 yards. Defensive players like Edouard L’archeveque and Olivier Choquette contributed with solid tackles and pass deflections, disrupting Pack is Back’s offence and keeping them off balance in key moments.
For Pack is Back, Sam Anastasopoulos did everything he could to keep his team in the game, passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team with 7 tackles and a pass deflection. Peter Berts was a dual threat with 3 receptions for 66 yards, a touchdown, and 2 interceptions on defence, keeping his team competitive until the final whistle. This unexpected loss gives Pack is Back a moment to regroup before their final regular season game and the playoffs. Despite the setback, Pack is Back still has a chance to regain momentum before the postseason, but this game highlighted areas for improvement, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
For Impact, this marks the first win for all their players in their debut season, led by Coach Quaysie. This first win is a testament to their resilience and it closes their season on a high note, showing the league that even the underdogs can prevail when the stakes are highest.
PLAYOFF RACE 🏁
Hard Knocks vs Flag Dealers: Playoff Implications
The match between Hard Knocks (5-4) and Flag Dealers (4-5) on Saturday, November 16, carries significant playoff implications. A win for Hard Knocks would move them to 6-4, securing their playoff spot. For Flag Dealers, a victory is crucial as they would jump to 5-5, putting them on the playoff bubble, depending on results from other teams with 4 wins, such as Les Flagouilleurs, In N’ Out, The Diddlers, Pack a Punch, and YUL.
The Diddlers vs Mean Machines: A Must-Win for Playoff Hope
On Sunday, November 17, The Diddlers (4-5) face Mean Machines (5-2-2). The Diddlers need to win to stay in the playoff race, moving to 5-5. However, they are up against a Mean Machines team that’s still in the hunt for better seeding, currently sitting at 10th place. This game could be a turning point for both teams, as The Diddlers fight for survival and Mean Machines try to solidify a strong position.
YUL vs Vidanges FFC: Playoff Destiny on the Line
YUL (4-5) will battle Vidanges FFC (3-6). This game is a must-win for YUL to stay in contention for a playoff spot. A win would bring them to 5-5, keeping their hopes alive, while a loss would likely eliminate them from the race, particularly with other 4 win teams getting victories. Vidanges FFC, already at 3-6, have slim to no chance for making the playoffs but could play spoiler in this scenario, as a win likely ends the season for YUL.
Les Studz vs Pack is Back: Impact on Playoff Seeding
On Sunday, Les Studz (6-3) take on Pack is Back (7-2). Both teams are currently in playoff contention, but this game could have significant seeding implications. A win for Les Studz would improve their chances of climbing higher in the standings, while Pack is Back will look to maintain or improve their spot in the top 5. With only the top 20 teams making the playoffs, both teams are playing for better positioning.
Double Dippers vs Airs University: Playoff Push for Double Dippers
In another key matchup on Sunday, Double Dippers (5-4) face Airs University (3-5). Double Dippers are currently sitting at 15th place and need a win to avoid falling behind other teams with playoff hopes. A victory would push them to 6-4, solidifying their playoff standing. Airs University, at 3-5, still has a slim chance and a win would keep their faint playoff aspirations alive, while a loss would end their season.
Gooners vs Take 2: Gooners Look to Secure Playoff Spot
On Monday, November 18, Gooners (5-4) take on Take 2 (0-8). This game is crucial for Gooners, who are sitting at 14th place. A win would move them to 6-4, securing their playoff spot and helping their seeding. A loss, however, could put them in jeopardy of being overtaken by other teams. Given their strong points differential and points scored against them, they’re unlikely to miss the playoffs.
In N’ Out’s Two Games: Crucial Week for Playoff Hopes
In N’ Out (4-4) plays two crucial games this week, facing Cavaliers du Rohan on Sunday and WarnaBrother INC on Monday. If In N’ Out wins both, they would reach 6-4 and clinch playoffs while improving their position in the standings. With playoff spots tight, these two games will be crucial in determining their postseason fate. A loss in either game would hurt their chances, especially with other teams competing for those final playoff spots.
Conclusion: Playoff Race Comes Down to the Wire
With only one week left in the regular season, the competition for the top 20 playoff spots is fierce. Several teams, particularly those with 4 or 5 wins, face do-or-die matchups where a win can keep their playoff hopes alive, while a loss could end their season. It’s going to be an exciting final week with playoff spots and seeding up for grabs, and every game will have the potential to shake up the standings.
