The Sideline Whisperer

Predictions for Saturday, November 17th, 2012

By The Sideline Whisperer

Well, off to a pretty good start last week with two games right and one game wrong. The Krewe/Jacksonville game has been postponed or forfeited or canceled, depending on who you’re talking to. My sources tell me Boca were impressive in the second half against the Tridents, expanding a small lead to a big one in the final 40 minutes, while Pelicans proved they can still win at home with a dominating performance against Daytona. In the other game, Fort Lauderdale improved to 2-0 with a win over Miami. But enough of last week, let’s get into this Saturday’s contests: Posted on 11/17/2012		Naples (1-0) at Boca Raton (1-0) This matchup is clearly the best one of the week, as we have plenty of intrigue and two undefeated teams. Naples come in after a week off, so should be nice and rested, while Boca handily defeated the Tridents last week, although they will certainly still be feeling that first matrix contest of the season, no matter the score. Naples destroyed Miami RFC in their first game of the season, letting everyone in the South know that they won’t be giving up their title easily, but this will be their second road game in three weeks, and we know some players can’t get away from the wives that often, so who knows what kind of side the Hammerheads will bring across I-75. Boca will be looking to make a serious statement in this game, and I like the Buccaneers at home in this one. I think they have been battle-hardened by their frustrating years in D1 and will want to take it out on Naples. It will be a tight one, though, and it could go either way, especially if things come down to kicking. Boca Raton 27, Naples 24. (Result: Boca Raton 16, Naples 29.) Miami (0-2) at Miami Tridents (0-2) One of the best local rivalries in the South, this game always provides great entertainment when both teams come out wanting to play rugby. Of course, with the history involved here, that’s no guarantee, especially when a lot is on the line. Whoever loses this game will most likely find it very hard to reach the postseason, and that could mean things get a little extra tasty at the breakdown from the first minute. Both teams have suffered heavy losses in one of their games this season, while their other losses were a lot closer. I just fancy the Bumblebees will edge this one for some reason, but they’ll have to keep their cool and 15 players on the field to do so. Miami RFC 22, Tridents 19 (Result: Miami RFC 22, Tridents 23) Orlando (1-0) at Daytona (0-1) A very disappointing opening loss for the Coconuts last week at St. Pete will have left a bad taste in their mouths. In this game, they host Orlando, who had a day off last week after ‘defeating’ Krewe in controversial circumstances earlier this month after they finished regulation tied. While Daytona has some good individual talent and are at home in this contest, I just don’t see them being able to hang with Orlando for too long. Orlando 32, Daytona 20 (Result: Orlando 42, Daytona 26) Tampa Krewe (0-1) at Bay Area Pelicans (1-1) A great home win for the Pelis over Daytona last week will have given the blue and yellow some confidence coming into this west coast rivalry matchup. However, Krewe just have too much overall talent to lose this one, which I could see turning into a late rout. They will also still be angry after ‘losing’ to Orlando and won’t want to start the season in an 0-2 hole. Krewe 45, Pelicans 12 (Resul: Krewe 42, Pelicans 8) Last Week: 2-1 Season: 2-1

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