Weekly Extra Point (Div A & B) – Week 8

Playoffs?

　

(Note: Yes, the intro to the playoff position breakdown is the one I used in my first stint as a writer. It serves its purpose pretty well, so there’s no need to change it. Enjoy…)

　

Well, we’re at that time of the year again and everyone’s getting antsy about the playoffs. Those who have clinched are preparing for the postseason, working out what few kinks remain. Those who haven’t will be busy trying to win their remaining games, all the while keeping an eye on the results page every Monday morning. In order to save you guys the time, I’ll spend the next three weeks breaking down the playoff situation and exploring just what needs to happen for what team to get into which spot.

　

Every year, we receive the same questions about the playoff procedure. Well, to be honest, it’s the same one over and over again: What are the tiebreakers? Well, for public consumption, here they are again: If two teams are tied, the first tiebreaker is wins, obviously. The next is head-to-head matchup (if any). If the two teams haven’t played against each other during the season or if the outcome was a tie, the next tiebreaker is the Divisional Record.

　

Normally, since there are no conferences or subdivisions in DA and DB, we would ignore this tiebreaker, but with the advent of interdivisional play, divisional record is actually more relevant than it’s ever been, so it remains in play. In the case of DB, two teams played 9 games against DB opponents (Messengers of Happiness and Park Street Elite), while the rest played 8, so we use divisional winning percentage to determine who lands where.

　

The final tiebreaker is point differential (points for – points against). In the case of a 3-way (or more) tie, the head-to-head tiebreaker is skipped and the remaining divisional or (if need be) differential tiebreakers are used.

　

I applied any and all tiebreaking procedures when compiling these playoff standings, but please be advised that I wrote the majority of this week’s column late at night and my last math course is a couple of years behind me. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that with this much number-crunching going on, I likely missed something somewhere and your team may have suffered as a result. Don’t worry, it isn’t me who tabulates the final standings so come Week 10, you’ll make it to the playoffs if your team is indeed worthy of the honour. That being said, if there are any errors or glaring omissions, feel free to send me an e-mail and I’ll correct it ASAP.

　

　

Position. Team (Record, divisional record, +/-): Week 9 opponent, Week 10 opponent (combined points of remaining opponents)

　

For comparison’s sake, let me point out that in terms of strength of schedule, the toughest possible combined record of Week 9 and 10 opponents is 16-0, which adds up to 32 points. Middle of the pack is 8-8, giving a point total of 16. Obviously the closer to 0 you get, the easier the road becomes. An asterisk (*) denotes a team that has clinched a playoff berth.

　

Division A

　

Division A – 3 out of the 4 teams qualify for the playoffs. 1 seed faces 2 seed in a “quarterfinal”. Winner advances to the finals, loser plays the 3 seed the following week in the “semi-final”. Winner of the “semi-final” faces the “quarter-final” winner in the championship game.

　

1. Rainmakers* (6-2, 3-1, +32): DA Finest, Snookers (20)

2. DA Finest* (6-2, 3-1, +102): Rainmakers, Mercenaries (18)

3. Snookers (4-4, 1-3, -1): Mercenaries, Rainmakers (18)

4. Mercenaries (3-5, 1-3, -35): Snookers, DA Finest (20)

　

The Rainmakers and DA Finest have already clinched their playoff spots. The Rainmakers currently hold the top seed by virtue of their Week 3 victory over DA Finest. The second match-up between those two teams, taking place this week, will go a long way towards determining who finishes where.

　

A Rainmakers win guarantees that they will maintain the top seed, and that DA Finest will finish with the 2nd seed. A DA Finest win would make things murkier. It would guarantee them a spot in the top 2 seeds, and could possibly knock the Rainmakers out of the top 2 altogether. That scenario would only happen if the Snookers win both their remaining games, which would result in the Rainmakers and Snookers being tied at 6-4, with the Snookers holding the head-to-head advantage.

　

A Snookers victory this week would guarantee them a playoff spot, and give them an opportunity to finish in the 2nd seed, as described in the previous scenario. It would also eliminate the Mercenaries from playoff contention.

　

A Mercenaries win over the Snookers would result in both teams having identical 4-5 records. The Mercs would then have the head-to-head advantage, having won both games. That would put the Mercs in the driver’s seat in Week 10. A Mercs win against DA Finest would guarantee a playoff berth for them, as would a loss coupled with a Snookers loss. A Mercs loss coupled with a Snookers win would result in the Snookers getting the final playoff spot.

　

Now, for your reading pleasure, here are some quick previews of the big games in DA this weekend.

　

Rainmakers vs DA Finest

　

This is a fascinating game, for multiple reasons. The Rainmakers have held the top seed in DA for most of the season, but the league consensus seemed to be that they were just keeping it warm for DA Finest, who would eventually get their act together. Well, after a brief two-game losing streak, DA Finest did indeed get their act together. They’ve won 4 games in a row, winning those games by an average of 27.5 points per game. The Rainmakers have gone 3-1 in that same span, but that loss was against a DB team (they were the only DA team remaining without a loss against the lower division). This game is the Rainmakers’ best chance of proving their legitimacy. As for DA Finest, a win would cement their return to dominance, and propel them towards the playoffs with a stranglehold on the top seed. It should be one of the most interesting regular season games of S12.

　

　

Mercenaries vs Snookers

　

This game has major playoff implications, as detailed above. It will also be the game of the week, which should raise the stakes ever so slightly. Let’s be honest, with this much on the line, the stakes are high enough. The Mercs obviously have more on the line, but don’t discount how important this will be for the Snookers. Of their 4 wins, only 1 has come against a DA team, and that was all the way back in Week 1, against the Rainmakers. They need a win in their final 2 games to validate their ability to compete in this division. As for the Mercs, the importance of this game is obvious. Win and you have a chance to salvage a season that began with high expectations. Lose and be the first team featuring this core group of players to miss out on the playoffs, EVER.

　

　

Division B

　

Division B – 8 out of the 9 teams qualify for the playoffs. There are no byes. 1 seed vs 8 seed; 2 seed vs 7 seed; 3 seed vs 6 seed; 4 seed vs 5 seed.

　

1. Triple Sixers* (6-2, 5-1, +42): Messengers of Happiness, Big TDs (20)

2. Gladiateurs* (5-3, 5-1, -35): My Ditkas, Park Street Elite (8)

3. Big TDs* (5-3, 4-2, +34): Blazers, Triple Sixers (16)

4. Messengers of Happiness* (5-3, 4-3, +11): Triple Sixers, Darkside (20)

5. Darkside* (4-4, 3-3, +23): Maniax, Messengers of Happiness (14)

6. Maniax (2-6, 2-4, -42): Darkside, Blazers (12)

7. My Ditkas (2-6, 2-4, -18): Gladiateurs, Park Street Elite (14)

8. Park Street Elite (2-6, 2-5, -51): My Ditkas, Gladiateurs (14)

9. Blazers (2-6, 1-5, -62): Big TDs, Maniax (14)

　

The Triple Sixers currently have the top seed, but in no way does that mean they likely to finish there. They have what are probably their two toughest DB tests of the season coming up: the Messengers of Happiness (who were neck and neck with them all season until recently) and the Big TDs (who have proven to be a very dangerous opponent, particularly against some of the top teams). The next two weeks will help ascertain whether the Sixers are truly top contenders for the DB crown, or whether they are just another above-average contender among several others.

　

The Gladiateurs have quietly grabbed hold of the 2nd seed, and they’ve done so due in large part to their sterling record against DB opponents (5-1, their only loss being against the Triple Sixers). They have the weakest remaining schedule, and might just manage to steal the top spot if things break their way.

　

The Big TDs probably have their Week 10 match-up against the Triple Sixers circled on their calendars, but they would do best not to overlook the Blazers, who have a lot at stake in their last 2 games.

　

The Messengers of Happiness need to right the ship ASAP, as they’ve lost 3 out of their last 4 games. They are slowly starting to resemble the team league observers expected them to be before the season began. Both they and Darkside (their Week 10 opponents) will need strong finishes to go into the postseason with some confidence.

　

The Triple Sixers, Gladiateurs, Messengers of Happiness, Big TDs and Darkside have all clinched playoff spots. The first 4 are obvious, but Darkside requires closer analysis. Basically, the only way they could get eliminated would be by losing both their remaining games and every other team below them winning their two remaining games (which is impossible because some of the teams below them play against each other). Thus, Darkside has clinched as well. That leaves 3 spots for 4 teams. In terms of strength of schedule, they are all relatively similar (Maniax have a slight advantage). They are each playing a team they are jockeying for playoff position with, which will allow them to take control of their destiny (to a certain extent). I can honestly state that I have absolutely no clue which of these teams will be left out of the big dance when it’s all said and done. One thing I am fairly certain of is that this is coming down to Week 10 (highlighted by Maniax – Blazers and Park Street Elite – My Ditkas). Looking forward to watching it unfold.

　

　

Catching up with…

　

 

The FPF media machine is great for a lot of things, but one area in which I have to admit it can improve significantly is its lack of depth. What I mean by that is our tendency to skim the surface of a story instead of probing deeper and finding more interesting information. Doing this requires effort, attention to detail and, most critically, cooperation from the teams/players. None of that is necessarily easy to achieve on a regular basis.

Since I stopped appearing on the WEPL, my role in FPF was shifted from observing individual teams towards looking at the bigger picture. Due to this change in focus, I’ve had to rely on sometimes-shallow analysis and oft-repeated catchphrases to keep up with several of the teams I now find myself covering. And while that type of information can be useful in certain situations, I find that it generally paints a somewhat inaccurate portrait of a team.

As a result, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Every week, in this segment, I will delve into the dynamics of 2 teams, with the help of one of their key players. The goal here is to provide a fuller picture of the team I’m writing about, while avoiding the clichés we’ve all become too accustomed to hearing/reading on a regular basis. So join me, as I catch up with the…

　

DA Finest

　

Key losses: Moe Khan, Marc Champagnie, Nathan Taylor

　

Moe Khan has been this franchise’s rusher for as long as I remember. He is experienced, and his height and long arms allow him to ”get to a lot of balls and make it difficult to throw over the middle”, to quote Karim Binette. Marc Champagnie is simply-put, one of the best two-way players in the game, as explosive on offence as he is on defence. And as for Nathan Taylor, well, I’ll let Binette explain how profoundly his loss affects the team: ”any time you lose someone that could shut down half of a field by himself, you’re gonna feel it”.

　

　

Key additions: Matt Kirouac, Renaldo Jordan

　

Matt Kirouac has been a solid addition, a guy with a real motor who is gifted with speed and agility. He is one of the best rushers in the league against mobile QBs, but he has had an impact against many of the pocket passers in DA as well. More on Renaldo Jordan below.

　

Secret weapons: Renaldo Jordan

　

Dubbed ”one of the most underrated players in flag” by Binette, Jordan is a guy I’ve seen play every position but QB in the past. He has a ton of experience playing indoor and outdoor, and he is someone considered to be a great teammate. He doesn’t cause any distractions, he just does what is asked of him and does it well. Surrounded by all the big names of the Finest, he hasn’t really put up any flashy stats, but he is the kind of guy who will burn you if you overlook him.

　

X-Factors: Akked Moore

　

Moe Khan actually asked me to name an X-Factor from DA Finest a few weeks ago during my brief return to the WEPL, and my answer then is the same as my answer now. Akked Moore now has 12 rec., 178 yards, 5 TDs on offence and 12 tackles, 1 PD, 5 INTs and 1 returned for a TD, in only 4 games played. His main impact has always been on the offensive side of the ball, and that hasn’t really changed. He is still Kevin Wyeth’s go-to guy for key plays, and he continually puts up big numbers despite usually being covered by the opponent’s best defenders. On top of that, like most great receivers, he excels at opening up holes for the rest of the offence too. It’s worth noting that their top 2 offensive performances of the season (and 3 of their top 5) came in games he was a part of. But all this comes as no surprise to those of us who have been following his career in FPF since day one. What’s been most impressive (and surprising) has been his defensive production. In 4 games, he has intercepted the ball more times than he ever did in a 10-game season. With this added production, he is, without a doubt, the X-Factor for this team.

　

HOFers: Kevin Wyeth, Kishon Thompson, Rochdi Benabdelkader

　

Wyeth is arguably the best QB to ever play in our fair league. Thompson is a leader on and off the field, whose intensity sparks DA Finest to higher levels. Benabdelkader is one of the most reliable offensive players this league has ever seen and a gifted defensive strategist. But aside from the stats, the praise and the HOF inductions, these three are just as well-known for their contribution to team chemistry, their discipline and their insatiable desire to win. You have guys like this on your team and you’re guaranteed to be a contender every season you play.

　

Controversy: 2-game mini-slump

　

DA Finest lost 2 games in a row earlier in the season, and to see their core players react, you would have thought they lost to a Division D team. They were embarrassed and frustrated. That core hadn’t lost two games in a row since W07, over 5 years ago. Kevin Wyeth missed the second of those losses, and half the team showed up late. Karim Binette, who was injured, was pressed into service, and Kishon Thompson had to play QB. They looked like a mess. All dynasties have to die one day, and I have to admit I feared DA Finest might be beginning the same slow decline we witnessed from several other powerhouses in past seasons. After a while, the drive is just not there anymore, and players aren’t willing to make the same sacrifices they were in past seasons. That 2-game losing streak was a turning point for this core, and lucky for them, they turned in the right direction. They haven’t lost a game since, and they have been absolutely dominant.

　

What they will need to do to be successful:

　

Exactly what they’ve been doing the last 4 weeks, exactly what they’ve always done: attack. They attack you on offence, and they attack you on defence. They are like sharks, if they stop moving, they die. We saw that for a few weeks earlier this season, where they looked unfocused and lethargic. They almost lost to the Big TDs, they lost to the Rainmakers for the first time in franchise history and they lost to Darkside, resulting in their first two-game losing streak in over 5 years. The key to their turnaround has been a renewed sense of pride, and an improved attention to detail. They are attacking again. As long as Wyeth keeps putting up touchdowns and the defence keeps forcing turnovers, this team will be very hard to stop. As Karim Binette himself said, ”When we’re on, we can’t be beaten by anyone. The only team that can stop DA Finest is DA Finest.”

　

　

That’s it for this week.

　

Special thanks to:

　

• Karim Binette, for the information about DA Finest.

 

• aaaaaand last but not least, the Daron Basmadjian Fan Club. I have nothing witty to add.

 

Think I’m wrong? Think I suck? Think I’m great? Think anything? Drop me a line at [email protected] and let me know how you feel. Whether it be interesting topics for the column, game facts I may have missed in my coverage or just some good old-fashioned hate mail, I welcome any and all comments.