Is it really possible that we have not played football or been on the fields in 3 weeks? From another historic snowstorm in Buffalo to the Thanksgiving holiday, it has been quite a while since I have seen all of you. I am thrilled to be back here writing as well as seeing everyone at the fields one last time until spring. It seems like so long ago that we had our first week of playoffs and who would have thought we would be playing outdoor football in December? I am so excited to get back out there and I know that it will be an amazing finish to a great fall season in which we crown our 5 division champions and the inaugural Draft Queens Morning Glory division champs as well!
I have included once again the division standings, statistics and will provide a little more insight into what playoffs potentially have in store for everyone. Each division will feature the records, points scored and points against for each team and their respective ranking within the division. I have removed the teams from the standings that have been eliminated from the playoffs as we just have our semifinal and championship games left to play.
Saturday will feature all sorts of Buffalo weather from high winds to light rain to cloudy with a chance of showers later in the day. I have to laugh and also feel sorry for the quarterbacks as they will surely struggle getting the ball downfield with high wind warnings in effect for all of Saturday. I am glad that everyone made it out safe from the storm and I remember there were definitely some shocking upsets that took place 3 weeks ago.
Let's get to each division and I will do my best to predict the outcomes and your division champions! Please remember to have fun, be safe, show good sportsmanship and congratulate the winning team on Saturday!
D1: Sci-Fi Hamster NEIPA Division
Last week's scores:
Sizzurp Slurpees 57 over Bad Friend Squad 40
RANKINGS:
1st) Losing Streak 9-0 / 57.7 PF (1) / 26.6 PA (1)
2nd) Wanderers 6-3 / 37.6 PF (3) / 32.8 PA (2)
3rd) Clutch Genes 3-6 / 48.0 PF (2) / 50.1 PA (5)
4th) Sizzurp Slurpees 3-6 / 32.4 PF (5) / 46.1 PA (3)
This week's matchups:
(4) Sizzurp Slurpees (3-6) @ (1) Losing Streak (9-0)
What can I say here that everyone doesn't already know? Losing Streak have been the class of the division and have beat each team twice while going undefeated by scoring nearly 60 PPG. Sizzurp Slurpees have continued to build on their chemistry and it was fun to watch them beat Bad Friend Squad and advance to the semis. Respectfully, I don't think there is anybody that would expect Matt's crew to upset Losing Streak. The thing that sucks is that they had to wait 3 weeks for the inevitable, but there will be nothing but hugs and fist bumps after this one as the Slurpees stick around to cheer for Losing Streak to beat The Wanderers in the finals. Prediction: Losing Streak wins 56-21
(3) Clutch Genes (3-6) @ (2) Wanderers (6-3) *Game of the Week #1*
It still doesn't seem right that a team with a losing record can make the playoffs, let alone have a bye week straight to the semis, but here we are. Clutch Genes handed The Wanderers one of their three losses this year and would love to do so again this week. The Wanderers just don't look the same and their championship hangover stretches over a year now for the first time in their existence. Karon and Clutch Genes are looking for his first championship as they lost in the D2 finals in the spring as did Sal and The Wanderers. Sadly, those hangovers are going to last as the winner will face Jordan and Losing Streak. Prediction: The Wanderers win in OT 43-42
Championship Preview:
(2) Wanderers (6-3) @ (1) Losing Streak (9-0)
Isn't this the matchup that everybody wants? Wanderers vs. Losing Streak Round 4, in which The Wanderers are up 2-1. This is the time for Jordan and Ralph to even the score and it doesn't seem like anything is going to stand in the way of going back-to-back the way they have played this year. The bad weather will play to Frank's style as he looks to dink and dunk his way down the field and the Losing Streak offense will be stalled without the deep ball. There are just too many weapons though for pink and it seems they have really had The Wanderers number and taken away that 6th down goal line play that other teams can't seem to stop. Prediction: Losing Streak wins 30-16
D2: Trail by Wombat Galaxy IPA Division
Last week's scores:
Just Get Open 25 over Totes McGoats 24
RANKINGS:
1st) Ball Hawks 8-1 / 46.3 PF (1) / 38.3 PA (T3)
2nd) Go Deep 6-3 / 40.8 PF (2) / 33.7 PA (1)
3rd) Mavericks 5-4 / 38.0 PF (3) / 35.2 PA (2)
5th) Just Get Open 0-9 / 28.3 PF (5) / 51.8 PA (5)
This week's matchups:
(5) Just Get Open (0-9) @ (1) Ball Hawks (8-1)
First of all, congrats to John and team for beating Totes! On the other hand, Just Get Open getting into the semifinals at 0-9 and only winning 1 game including playoffs all season is "fill in the blank." I think that management should reconsider all teams making the playoffs for the spring. They won when it counted and now they face a team that hasn't played in over a month, was ravaged by injuries and could have lost the chemistry they so beautifully built during their first session together. Let's give credit where credit is due to Micah and his Ball Hawks team; they went 8-1 during their first session, beat the D2 spring champion Mavericks twice, and had the best offense in the division by a touchdown. Am I crazy to say that I think Just Get Open will beat them to advance to the finals? I'm sorry Micah, but you have not proven yourself throwing the ball in the playoffs yet, maybe this is the motivation you will need. Prediction: Just Get Open wins 33-29
(3) Mavericks (5-4) @ (2) Go Deep (6-3) *Game of the Week #2*
What happened to Mavericks this year? From D2 champions to nearly having a losing record, while upgrading their roster in the offseason, it hasn't been pretty. They split the season 1-1 against Go Deep and they were both close, down-to-the-wire games, but Go Deep looked the better team in both. Mavericks finished their season 1-3 over the last four games and Go Deep was 4-0 with a convincing win against Clutch Genes in their crossover game. Jordan and Kyle have been winning playoff games together for so long and have been tested while Paul and Jay just don't have that experience yet. I want to go with my gut and say Go Deep comes out on top, but I am going to go with the years of experience that Amber, Meagan and Manny help bring to Mavericks. Prediction: Mavericks win 27-24
Championship Preview:
(5) Just Get Open (0-9) @ (3) Mavericks (5-4)
This probably isn't what everyone thought we would be reading about for the championship prediction, but something tells me that Brian vs. Jordan isn't done yet. Just Get Open should be happy however the season ends after even making it to playoffs and Jordan will be fired up from his D1 championship win earlier in the day. These two teams have faced off in the semifinals twice before over the years, with each team knocking the other out and going on the win the finals. Mike from Mavericks has watched just about every team and player from the sidelines all day he should know exactly what the other team is going to do and Cordair matching up against him again is a sight to see. The ladies and QB play will be the difference makers in this one and Mavericks have the edge. Prediction: Mavericks win 40-29
D3: Pills Mafia Division
Last week's scores:
Laces Out! 47 over Kitna Kids 20
The Hulks 72 over 6th & Schlong 17
Boats & Hoes 55 over Laces Out! 38
The Hulks 38 over Buffalo Football Team 32
RANKINGS:
1st) Lava Covered Ninjas 9-0 / 39.8 PF (2) / 24.1 PA (1)
2nd) North Buffalo Blazers* 5-1 / 46.3 PF (1) / 28.3 PA (3)
3rd) Boats & Hoes 5-3-1 / 36.5 PF (4) / 31.4 PA (4)
5th) The Hulks 4-5 / 34.0 PF (5) / 42.2 PA (8)
This week's matchups:
(5) The Hulks (4-5) @ (1) Lava Covered Ninjas (9-0)
Congrats to Will and The Hulks for winning two games, convincingly, to advance to the semifinals against Lava Covered Ninjas. I am not sure the name of the QB that played for The Hulks, but he looked great, taking what the defense gave him and involved every player on his team. They put up 110 points in their two victories. The Ninjas haven't played in over a month and there could be a conflict or two with some of their players playing on multiple teams. They boast the 2nd rated offense and top overall defense and finished with a perfect* 9-0 record. There is tons of talent and experience for the Ninjas and The Hulks have been around a long time too, but I don't think they can keep up in this one. Prediction: Lava Covered Ninjas win 37-35
(3) Boats & Hoes (5-3-1) @ (2) North Buffalo Blazers (5-1) *Game of the Week #3*
It has been an interesting season for North Buffalo Blazers as they cruised through both divisions they played in this year. They have an extremely talented roster of both males and females and a QB that is confident in his deep ball. Boats & Hoes are far behind in their defensive rating, but have been in important playoff games before. Boats & Hoes were the ONLY team to beat the Blazers this year and I think that they can do it again if Josh doesn't try forcing throws and takes a few steps back from the line. He loves finding his receivers along the sidelines for big gains. Prediction: Boats & Hoes win 38-36
Championship Preview:
(3) Boats & Hoes (5-3-1) @ (1) Lava Covered Ninjas (9-0)
Lava Covered Ninjas beat Boats & Hoes back in September 34-20 and have a +142 point differential. Boats and Hoes struggled at the end of the season and finished with a +46 point differential. The talent on Lava is quality D1 and D2 players that have been in the league for quite some time. Laura and Josh have a very talented roster too, but struggle sometimes to get everyone to the fields. I can see either of these teams winning and competing again in D3 in the spring, but can also expect each of them to win some games if they move up to D2. Marty will be motivated after losing Draft Queens and having Totes knocked out in the playoffs a few weeks ago and will play one of the best games of his life. Prediction: Lava Covered Ninjas win 37-26
D4: Minkey Boodle Sour Division
Last week's scores:
Still Running 28 over Show Me Them TD's 15
All Razzle No Dazzle 16 over I Like Big Punts & I Cannot Lie 0
North Buffalo Knights 22 over Still Running 6
All Razzle No Dazzle 29 over Goatsack! 26
RANKINGS:
1st) Ampadu's Assets 8-1 / 43.8 PF (1) / 30.7 PA (5)
2nd) Boozin and Losing 7-1-1 / 38.0 PF (2) / 26.6 PA (T2)
3rd) North Buffalo Knights 5-3-1 / 30.1 PF (4) / 23.7 PA (1)
5th) All Razzle No Dazzle 4-5 / 25.6 PF (5) / 26.6 PA (T2)
This week's matchups:
(5) All Razzle No Dazzle (4-5) @ (1) Ampadu's Assets (8-1)
It shouldn't be too surprising that All Razzle is in the semifinals. They have a very talented team with veteran players that have been in these situations before. Clay threw great for them last time around and they only allowed 26 points in two games, with one shutout in their first two playoff games. Ampadu's didn't shock me either by finishing at 8-1, but they did do it quietly. They are not flashy, they don't brag and any player can make a game changing play for them. They won a controversial game over All Razzle back in October, with an ending that could have been much different and I know Taylor and Chris will be looking to change that. I am happy with whichever team wins as I love the players on both, but I think that All Razzle pulls off another upset like they did in the spring. Prediction: All Razzle No Dazzle wins 32-28
(3) North Buffalo Knights (5-3-1) @ (2) 5) Boozin and Losing (7-1-1) *Game of the Week #4*
How many times have I written about North Buffalo Knights vs. Boozin and Losing? Mekker vs. Darren, yellow vs. purple. These two teams have faced off many times before and it's always difficult to pick a winner. The Knights have the better defense, Boozin has the better offense. The Knights have the better jerseys, Boozin has the better Halloween costumes. The Knights have the I-formation, Boozin has Rochelle. The Knights lost to Boozin 28-25 and ten tied 20-20 earlier this year. I'm going to go with my gut and pick the purple this time around. Prediction: Boozin and Losing wins in OT 29-21
Championship Preview:
(5) All Razzle No Dazzle (4-5) @ (2) Boozin and Losing (7-1-1)
Can anyone say "rematch!" I truly hope this is a championship preview because All Razzle is so underrated in their division. Chris can cover Rochelle if they continue to play man defense and Johnny has the corner locked up. John is better than you think playing in the middle and if that wasn't enough, they have Taylor roaming around as a safety. Dianne and Taylor are two of the best in the division and play great on both sides of the ball. On the other side of the field, Boozin and Losing finished with a +102 point differential and Darren has his team winning and having fun each week. Kevin and Mitchell have been great for them and Sarah and Rochelle are studs. This one is going to be the game to watch, if my predictions come true! Prediction: All Razzle No Dazzle wins 32-29
D5: Bliss DIPA Golden Keg Division
Last week's scores:
Trophy Wives FC 28 over Laces In! 22
Talent Juice 31 over Shattered Dreams 20
Talent Juice 39 over Sugar Daddies 38
Trophy Wives FC 30 over Gas Gang 26
RANKINGS:
1st) All About the U 7-2 / 39.4 PF (1) / 21.7 PA (2)
2nd) Your Brother 7-2 / 33.0 PF (2) / 17.3 PA (1)
6th) Talent Juice! 2-7 / 23.4 PF (6) / 30.0 PA (7)
8th) Trophy Wives FC 1-8 / 9.7 PF (8) / 40.6 PA (8)
This week's matchups:
(8) Trophy Wives FC (1-8) @ All About the U (7-2)
Does everyone remember the beginning of this week's article when I mentioned there were some shocking upsets? Well, Trophy Wives FC stole the show and won two games to advance to the semifinals as the #8 seed! Congrats to Dustin and team on the big wins and it was awesome to see everyone having so much fun! Can you all keep it up this week and continue the upsets by beating All About the U? I hope so, but I don't think so. It's been over a month since Micah has thrown a football, that I know of, and he will be looking to win his first two championships this fall. Isaac's team was hampered by injuries and just when it looked like their season was over, Mother Nature called and dropped 7 feet of snow on parts of Buffalo. Now all those players should be rested and healed and All About the U can finish their season with a championship and a move up to D4 in the spring where they rightfully belong. Prediction: All About the U wins 40-6
(6) Talent Juice (2-7) @ (2) Your Brother (7-2) *Game of the Week #5*
It looked like the Talent Juice of old as Tim led his team to two victories to advance to the semifinals. Orange looked great last time out and Tim fed Hoffman the ball 5 out of 6 plays down the field each drive it seemed, but they won and now face a very good Your Brother team that hasn't played in over a month. Your Brother won both matchups during the regular season, 36-2 and 28-8 and if they can cover Hoffman and Matt Francisco, they should be ok. This game is going to be a lot closer than most people think and I am going to go with the upset victory here with Talent Juice advancing to the finals where Tim will face off against employee, Isaac. Prediction: Talent Juice wins 32-24
Championship Preview:
(6) Talent Juice (2-7) @ (1) All About the U (7-2)
All About the U finished with a +159 point differential while Talent Juice was -59. Talent Juice beat them in the regular season 45-30 and the game wasn't even that close. Tim may have come on at just the right time and he has won multiple titles across multiple divisions. I know this one would still be special to him, playing with new teammates and coming on as of late when it mattered most. His team is motivated and energized and feels like they can beat any team right now. I am not sure what to think of All About the U as they should have an easier matchup against the surprise Trophy Wives FC, so they may play down a bit and then not be completely prepared for the championship. Prediction: Talent Juice wins 33-31
Thank you for tuning in all season and I hope that everyone has a safe, fun and awesome championship week! If you are playing in the Thursday and/or Saturday night leagues, I hope to see you there!
"The Manager"