After four months, 15 weeks, and 39 games, we are finally here, the Tier 2 Finals. The 40th contest of the season sees the number one seed Idaho Udapimps, take on fourth seeded Hard 8 tomorrow afternoon in Laval.

 

(1)Idaho Udapimps versus (4) Hard 8

Previous Meetings: Idaho Udapimps (38-33) Week 1. 

The first and only meeting between both teams happened all the way back in September. In that contest, Hard 8 led in passing yards (213 to 188), redzone visits (6 to 5), conversions (3 to 1), first downs (15 to 12), and offensive plays (38 to 31). When one team has that type of advantage, they usually win the game. 

One of main reasons why Idaho Udapimps ended up winning was because they had the edge in possession (7 to 6). That extra time with the ball resulted in a walk-off 1-yard TD by James Nguyen on the final play of the game. Talk about excitement. The rematch should deliver more of the same. 

When looking at how both teams reached championship Sunday, Hard 8 did so by knocking off the number two seed Camping Boutin (32-12) despite missing two starters on defense in Ahmed Boubacar and Rusher Jakob Sacksner. A key to their win was a suffocating defense that even though short-handed, still held their opponents to a season low 14 points, and a combined 2 for 10 on third and fourth down. 

Idaho Udapimps advanced with a (37-20) victory over the number six seed Flag Slayer Corp. The win was aided by a strong defensive effort in the second half that saw the unit intercept Quarterback Ryan Kharouf three times, after doing so just once before the break. 

This matchup features an intriguing battle between two veteran passers in the reigning Quarterback of the Year Brady O’Hanessian, and his counterpart Jeff Rosenblatt. Both pivots have played in numerous big games throughout their careers and have championships under their belt. The playoffs however have not always been kind to the duo, as each has struggled getting their teams over the top consistently. All eyes will be on them once again. Which QB will step up and help deliver his team to a championship?

 

Another matchup that could decide the game will be the that between the newly minted Receiver of the Year in DonnDre Borden (who missed the first meeting), and teammate Danick Coulombe, versus the Defensive Back duo of Sanders Armand and Ahmed Boubacar, the Defensive Player of the Year, who was also absent for the Week 1 showdown. All four players are blessed with size, speed, and reach. The deep passing plays where they are matched up against each other will be exciting. Whichever side wins this battle could very well lead their team to victory. 

 

 

When looking at the Rushers in this contest, in Yvan Salomon of Idaho Udapimps, and Sacksner of Hard 8, each bring speed and playmaking to the field. Neither player recorded a sack in the first meeting, but they still made an impact as both caused O’Hanessian and Rosenblatt to get rid of the ball quickly and at times before they wanted to. I fully expect the duo to change the zero in QB takedown column this time around..