The Sideline Whisperer

Predictions for Saturday, December 1st, 2012

By The Sideline Whisperer

A busy weekend of Florida rugby this week as Division 3 gets going with three matches on the schedule, while we also have four D2 matches, including a battle of the two undefeated sides in each of the divisions. Let's try and rebound here from my 2-2 outing before the Thanksgiving break. Posted on 11/30/2012		2012 FRU State Championship Cup Div. II  (Actual game results between parenthesis)  Fort Lauderdale (2-0) at Naples (2-0)  This one should be a doozy. From all reports, Fort Lauderdale are much improved from last season, and they have taken care of business against the Tridents and Miami RFC so far. Of course, neither of those two sides are expected to contend for a postseason spot, so this will be the Knights' first true test of the season. Meanwhile, Naples steamrolled Miami before being given a good game by Boca Raton, who the Hammerheads only led by one score late on before picking up an insurance try. While I don't see Fort Lauderdale pulling this one out on the road, the final margin of victory will all depend on what sort of side they travel with. Naples 24 (22), Fort Lauderdale 13 (15).  Jacksonville (1-0) at Orlando (2-0)  Call this one Doozy 2.0. Well, that's if Jacksonville, perennial poor travelers, bring a competitive side to the middle of the state. Jacksonville easily handled the Pelicans in their first game of the season back on Nov. 3, and pounded UNF, who are no slouches, 47-20 on Nov. 10. Orlando are 2-0 thanks to their controversial overtime 'victory' against Krewe and a solid 42-26 win over Daytona on the road a couple of weeks ago. I give the edge to Orlando in this one as the home team, but not by much, and a Jax upset would not surprise me in the least. Orlando 33 (51), Jacksonville 27 (24)  Boca (1-1) at Miami (0-2)  Boca head to Miami for the second time in their first three games of the season, and they'll be hoping to repeat the shellacking they handed the Tridents back earlier this month. Miami are coming off a heartbreaking one-point loss in the Miami Cup, and a bounce-back victory here could be the key to their season. I just can't see Miami pulling this one out, even at home.Boca Raton 32 (57), Miami 17 (6)  Daytona (0-2) at Tampa Krewe (1-1)  Daytona are off to a rough start this season as the only team who have yet to secure a point in matrix play. They have given up 40-plus points in both their losses to Pelicans and Orlando, but have also managed to score 20-plus points. I see that trend continuing here against Krewe, who put 42 up in their last game against the Pelicans. Krewe 52 (39), Daytona 20 (7)  2012 FRU State Championship Cup Div. III  Palm Beach (0-0) at Sarasota (0-0)  This being the first week of D3, I'm going a little blindly here with all these games. Palm Beach have the youth and pedigree, but have never been known as a great traveling side. Meanwhile, Sarasota looked pretty good in only losing to Gainesville 22-20 at All-Florida Weekend. This is a tough opening matchup for the Panthers, and I think home field will be just enough for the Saracens to pull it out. Sarasota 26 (22), Palm Beach 24 (64) Brevard (0-0) at Treasure Coast (0-0)  A good old rivalry here to begin the season. Brevard came so close to the postseason back in the spring, as they were just pipped at the post by Gainesville, and I think they should have enough firepower back this season to take care of business on the Pirates' home field. Brevard 20 (60), Treasure Coast 5 (21)  Gainesville (0-0) at Indian River (0-0)  While Indian River get to begin their first official 15s season at home, the matchup could not be more difficult. The Hogs made the D3 Sweet Sixteen last season and will be looking to open their campaign with an easy victory, which I think they will. Gainesville 55 (64), Indian River 3 (0)

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