Categories: FallTier 4

Wild Card Wednesday Recap & Divisional Playoffs

Wild Card Wednesday Recap

The Tier 4 playoffs kicked off with an intense mix of offensive and defensive battles, with both surprises and standout performances. Let’s break down each of the games that took place.

Hard Knocks 19 – 12 Pack a Punch

Time: 9:15 PM | Date: November 20, 2024 | Location: Laval Dome [3]

In a low-scoring, defensive showdown, Hard Knocks took the win over Pack a Punch in a game where offence was hard to come by. Both teams struggled to move the ball, with Hard Knocks relying on a strong defensive performance to seal the deal.

Hard Knocks’ offensive unit was led by quarterback DonnDre Borden who managed just 5 completions on 9 attempts for 24 yards, although he did find the end zone with a touchdown pass. On the other hand, Jayden Wickham threw for 32 yards on 4 completions, with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. The offence finished with a mere 56 passing yards. Despite these numbers, the defence stepped up in a major way, led by DonnDre Borden (5 tackles, 1 interception) and Tristan D’Silva (3 tackles, 1 interception, 1 defensive touchdown). Pack a Punch had more trouble executing their game plan with only 85 total offensive yards.

Gooners 53 – 13 YUL

Time: 9:15 PM | Date: November 20, 2024 | Location: Laval Dome [2]

The Gooners completely dominated YUL, putting up an impressive 53 points and securing a comfortable win. Noah Lieblein was the star for Gooners, completing 17 of 19 passes for 182 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was deadly through the air, spreading the ball around to Crosby Wise (3 catches, 46 yards, 1 touchdown), Sebastian Segal (5 catches, 45 yards), and Nathan Twik (2 catches, 34 yards, 2 touchdowns). The offence was in full swing, and YUL couldn’t stop them.

Unfortunately for YUL, they were without their star quarterback, who had missed several games this season, despite being playoff eligible with 5 games played. YUL’s backup QB, Jean Junior Sylvain, had a tough outing, throwing 2 touchdowns but also 5 interceptions. Carlyle Fandal (6 receptions, 105 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Jalyl Jacquet (1 reception, 5 yards) were the only players to catch passes in otherwise a forgettable offensive day.

Ball So Hard University 6 – 17 Les Flagouilleurs

Time: 9:15 PM | Date: November 20, 2024 | Location: Laval Dome [1]

In a hard-fought, low-scoring affair, Les Flagouilleurs showed resilience, earning a 17-6 victory over Ball So Hard University. Les Flagouilleurs were led by an unexpectedly dominant defence, as Alex Poitras threw for 172 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, a rare off-game for him after a solid regular season. But his team made up for it with strong defensive play.

Ball So Hard University, despite an average showing from Vincent Rousseau (8 completions on 23 attempts for 73 yards and 1 touchdown), struggled to find consistency. Les Flagouilleurs’ defence, led by Gabriel Wiseman (5 tackles), Rayane Cherifi (3 tackles, 5 PD), and Lucas Quenneville (1 tackle, 1 INT), played lights out, limiting Ball So Hard University to just 6 points. Despite Alex Poitras’ struggles, his team’s defensive unit stepped up in a big way to secure the win.

Double Dippers 29 – 6 Chomedey Chodes

Time: 10:15 PM | Date: November 20, 2024 | Location: Laval Dome [2]

Double Dippers cruised to an easy 29-6 victory over Chomedey Chodes, led by an impressive performance from David Brisson, who threw for 189 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Eric Christian Schiocchet (7 catches, 65 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Christian Pedroza (4 catches, 43 yards, 2 touchdowns) were Brisson’s top targets, keeping the offence clicking.

On defence, Double Dippers were equally dominant, with Nicolas Poitevin (5 tackles) and Eric Schiocchet (4 tackles, 1 PD) making key plays. Chomedey Chodes struggled to generate offence, and their quarterback duo of Matthew Bottazzi (14 completions, 114 yards, 1 touchdown) and Jonathan Bottazzi (1 completion, 13 yards) couldn’t mount a comeback.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hard Knocks relied heavily on defence to win a low-scoring game with both teams failing to break 100 total yards on offence.
  • Gooners showed off their offensive firepower in a 53-point outburst, with Noah Lieblein playing like an MVP.
  • Les Flagouilleurs had a successful defensive performance, overcoming Alex Poitras’ struggles to win the game.
  • Double Dippers proved too strong for Chomedey Chodes, with David Brisson leading the charge for the offence.

It was a day of ups and downs, with teams overcoming adversity in different ways, and the playoffs are now off to an exciting start.

Looking Ahead: Divisional Playoffs

The Divisional Playoffs are finally here, and with the best teams in the league ready to go head-to-head, the intensity is about to reach its peak. Here’s a rundown of each matchup, highlighting the teams to watch and what’s at stake for each contest.

Big Fat Panini vs Double Dippers

Saturday, Nov-23 | 13:00 | Stinger Dome [B]

Big Fat Panini will take on the Double Dippers in a highly anticipated clash. Big Fat Panini has been riding the momentum of their solid defence, but Double Dippers have shown they can dominate on both sides of the ball, especially with David Brisson leading the charge. Big Fat Panini’s defence will need to come up big, while their offence must stay balanced and target AJ Zeppetelli early and often. The Big Fat Panini are favourites here, but Double Dippers has the grit to make it a fight. The winner of this matchup will have a solid shot at advancing deep into the playoffs.

Salt’s n a Pepper vs Les Flagouilleurs

Saturday, Nov-23 | 13:00 | Stinger Dome [A]

Salt’s n a Pepper enters this matchup as the top contender, boasting an explosive offence and a defence that can shut down almost any opponent. On the other hand, Les Flagouilleurs have been a tough team to predict, showing flashes of brilliance but sometimes struggling to find consistency. Salt’s n a Pepper will need to neutralize Les Flagouilleurs’ playmakers and avoid letting them dictate the pace. For Les Flagouilleurs, the key will be controlling the clock and putting pressure on Salt’s n a Pepper’s defence with a smart, methodical approach. If Les Flagouilleurs can find their rhythm, they could make this game closer than expected.

Bullshigh vs Team V

Saturday, Nov-23 | 14:00 | Stinger Dome [B]

Bullshigh has been dominant throughout the season and will look to continue that trend as they take on Team V. Bullshigh’s offence has been clicking on all cylinders, and they’ll look to outpace Team V, who has relied on a solid defence to keep games tight. Team V’s best chance is to disrupt Bullshigh’s offensive rhythm and capitalize on any mistakes. Bullshigh has the edge on paper, but don’t count out Team V, who will look to pull off an upset. This game promises to be an exciting battle between firepower and defence.

Super Troopers vs Hard Knocks

Saturday, Nov-23 | 14:00 | Stinger Dome [A]

Super Troopers are coming off a solid end to their regular season and will face Hard Knocks, who have shown they can hang with the best. Super Troopers will need to lean on their offence, led by their dynamic quarterback in Kenny Boutilier, while Hard Knocks will rely on their experienced defence to keep the game within reach. Super Troopers will look to exploit any weaknesses in Hard Knocks’ defence, while Hard Knocks will need a perfect game plan to stymie Super Troopers’ attack.

PracticeSquad II vs Gooners

Sunday, Nov-24 | 21:00 | Stinger Dome [A]

PracticeSquad II has been one of the surprises of the season and will look to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Gooners, who have been a dominant force. The Gooners are led by the high-powered offence of Noah Lieblein, but PracticeSquad II has shown resilience, and their defence could pose a serious challenge. PracticeSquad II needs to limit Lieblein’s options and take away the deep ball to stay in the game. Gooners, however, will look to maintain their fast tempo and build an early lead. This matchup will be a test of whether PracticeSquad II can handle the pressure of facing one of the league’s most potent offences.

Pack is Back vs In N’ Out

Sunday, Nov-24 | 21:00 | Stinger Dome [B]

Pack is Back enters this matchup with a strong defence and a solid offence that can be tough to stop when clicking. However, they’ll face In N’ Out, who have been on a tear as of recent. In N’ Out’s versatility on both offence and defence makes them a dangerous playoff team, and Pack is Back will need to be at their best to contain them. If In N’ Out can slow down Pack is Back’s attack and take advantage of any mistakes, they’ll have a chance. But with Pack is Back’s well-balanced squad, In N’ Out will need to bring their A-game to have a shot.

NoFlagsGiven vs Les Studz

Sunday, Nov-24 | 22:00 | Stinger Dome [A]

NoFlagsGiven faces Les Studz, a team that has a lot of potential but has been inconsistent at times. NoFlagsGiven’s defence will be the key to this matchup, as they’ll need to disrupt Les Studz’ offensive flow. If they can create turnovers and capitalize on mistakes by Philippe Gelinas, they’ll put themselves in a great position to win. Les Studz will need to take care of the ball and stay patient offensively, as they look to exploit any gaps in NoFlagsGiven’s defence. This game could go either way, depending on who can execute when it matters most.

Pasta Arrabiat vs Mean Machines

Sunday, Nov-24 | 22:00 | Stinger Dome [B]

In the final matchup of the divisional round, Pasta Arrabiat will take on the Mean Machines. Both teams have been one of the more consistent teams this season, with balanced offences and solid defences. Mean Machines have had their ups and downs and will unfortunately be without star receiver Andrew Steinberg, who was placed on IR with a partial tear in his ankle. Pasta Arrabiat’s defence will need to key in on the other playmakers of Mean Machines and stifle their big plays, while the Mean Machines’ offence will need to stay disciplined and avoid getting caught in a shootout. Both teams have the potential to make a deep playoff run, but it will all come down to execution in this crucial game.

Final Thoughts

The Divisional Playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting weekend of football, with every matchup filled with intrigue. From high-scoring offences to gritty defensive battles, every team will be fighting for survival. Expect a weekend full of drama, and as always, the team that executes best will have the edge as they continue their journey toward the championship. Let the games begin!