The Sideline Whisperer

Predictions for 3/12/2016

By The Sideline Whisperer

Before I get into my analysis of what is sort of the last week of the season, I want to apologize for my lack of an article last week. I was a little under the weather to say the least, but I'm feeling much more above the weather this week....well, enough to write this piece of junk anyway. Good luck to all the teams playing for something this weekend! Posted on 3/10/2016 10:19:27 PM		Division II (Schedule and standings on RugbyFL.com) Orlando (3-5) vs. Tampa (2-7) - Orlando came into last week's game against Boca needing 10 points from their final three games to potentially jump into the playoff spots. After blowing a 17-0 lead in that game, which ended in a 38-31 bonus point loss, the Griffins now face a must-win scenario here against their local rivals, who suddenly find themselves on a two-game winning streak after losing their first seven contests. They will certainly be motivated to potentially stick a fork in Orlando here, even though they lost 32-16 in the reverse fixture on the first weekend of the season. Griffins won't want their season to end just yet, and I like them at home to bounce back after last week's disaster. Orlando 32, Tampa 25 Fort Lauderdale (8-1) vs. Naples (5-2) - Barring something strange happening in the game below this one, this contest should be an exact preview of the 2v3 semifinal that will occur on April 2. Orlando, can technically jump over Naples if the Hammerheads lose this one without a bonus point, Orlando gets a bonus point win over Tampa this Saturday and then beat Naples by more than 19 points next weekend. While not impossible, I don't see that happening, so let's assume this a semi preview. Will both teams put out full squads? Probably. But will they want to let any secrets spill regarding their gameplan for the semifinal? Questionable. The Knights won this game by two points back in December, but I think Naples will want to ride into that final game vs. Orlando on a high and will edge the home team here. Naples 24, Fort Lauderdale 19 Miami (0-9) vs. Miami Tridents (9-0) - After their thrilling tie with Naples last week, the Tridents need to win this 305 battle to ensure they finish in first place and avoid a potential clash with Naples in the semis. The Bumblebees, meanwhile, are still looking for their first win of the campaign. Poor guys have come mighty close in four of their last five games, losing them by 2, 1, 7, and 12 points, but they just can't seem to get that first W. Don't see it coming here, either. Tridents 48, Miami 20 Division III (Schedule and standings on RugbyFL.com) Indian River (0-5) vs. Gainesville (6-0) - The Hogs pretty much secured their top seed last week with a statement 20-point win over Palm Beach, but can't rest on their laurels just yet. That's because Indian River have been much improved this season, with three of their five losses coming by five points or less. I don't see them slipping up here, however. Gainesville 38, Indian River 12 Daytona (1-5) vs. Tallahassee (2-4) - There's a good chance these two could meet in the consolation finals. However, I'll have as much to say about that game as I will about this one. Snore.... Daytona 28, Tallahassee 22 Palm Beach (5-1) vs. Sarasota (4-1) - Yes, I've saved the best for last here. Well, Charlee did, but whatever. This game should be a doozy with a ton riding on it. Palm Beach's quest for a home semi took a severe blow last week in a loss to Gainesville, but they can repair the damage done quickly here if they can knock off the Surge. Only two points separate these two, so whoever wins this will host a 2v3 rematch in the semifinals on Apr. 2. Brevard are locked into fourth as they've played all seven of their games already and will travel to Gainesville unless something strange happens in the game two above this one. Looking at the results this season, other than a weird two-point win over the Pelis, Sarasota has dispatched their opponents in slightly more convincing fashion, so I'll roll with the visitors. Sarasota 30, Palm Beach 24 Last Time Out: 6-2 This Season: 41-11 (78.8%) All Time: 193-62-1 (75.4%)

Code updated: 02/09/2023 2:48 18.191.176.66/Content/Articles/article.asp