The Sideline Whisperer

Predictions for 12/19/2015

By The Sideline Whisperer

Remember in last week's column when I mentioned how hard it is to repeat as champions? I also said the Tridents would make the playoffs. Of course, I then predicted Orlando would beat the Tridents last week. Boy, was I wrong. Posted on 12/17/2015 7:04:30 PM		Remember in last week's column when I mentioned how hard it is to repeat as champions? I also said the Tridents would make the playoffs. Of course, I then predicted Orlando would beat the Tridents last week. Boy, was I wrong. The progress showed last year by the 305 crew in blue and maroon has clearly transferred into this season, and with questions surrounding many of the traditionally strong SoFla sides (Boca with injuries, FTL and Miami with new coaches), this could be the year we see the Tridents back in the thick of the title race. With that said, we are only one game into the season. However, there are more intriguing D2 matchups here in Week 2 that could either clear things up or reset everything we thought we knew. Division II (Schedule and standings on RugbyFL.com) Tampa (0-1) vs. Orlando (0-1) - The Battle of I-4 is always a passionate contest, and this year's first meeting between the two teams suddenly has a whole lot riding on it thanks to both teams losing heavily on the first weekend of the season. Tampa went up to Jax and lost by 31, while Orlando fell at home by 35 to the Tridents. I think Orlando are simply more talented than Tampa and will pull this one out, assuming they have everyone traveling they should be. Remember when Tampa started 0-7 last year? Could happen again with their tough opening schedule, although they might have a shot at home against Jax in their next game before facing three straight road games at Boca, Naples and Tridents. Orlando 32, Tampa 20 Naples (1-0) vs. Fort Lauderdale (1-0) - The Knights travel across the Sawgrass to face a Naples team coming off a nice opening victory at Boca. However, the Bucs are all sorts of beat up, and Lauderdale will provide a much tougher match, even though they didn't exactly dominate Miami last week. Even with a new coach and some key departures, I think the Knights bring a win back to the east coast in this one. Fort Lauderdale 27, Naples 18 Miami Tridents (1-0) vs. Boca Raton (0-1) - The Tridents return home after last week's destruction of Orlando on the road, and will face a Buccaneers team who will be eagerly awaiting a month off to try and get healthy. While big YouTube hits will get you some temporary acclaim, starting the season 0-2 is not a good thing. The teams who finished 1-3 last season each only lost two games each, so it will be an uphill battle for anyone losing their first two contests. Tridents will want to make another statement here, and I think they will do so. Miami Tridents 24, Boca Raton 19 Miami RFC (0-1) vs. Jacksonville (1-0) - Miami didn't disgrace themselves last week in a 12-point loss to Fort Lauderdale, while Jax got off to a great start by dismantling the visiting Krewe. One interesting point is that Jax started last year 5-1 before stumbling into the final playoff spot, and won this matchup 36-27 last December. It's a long trip, but I can see the visitors edging a close one. Jacksonville 28, Miami RFC 25 Last week: 3-1 (75 %) All time: 155-52-1 (74.5%)

Code updated: 02/09/2023 2:48 3.133.108.172/Content/Articles/Article.asp