The Sideline Whisperer

Predictions for 1/30/2016

By The Sideline Whisperer

Yes, it was a little cold last weekend in the world of Florida rugby, but at least we didn't face Jonah or Snowzilla or whatever you want to call it. Posted on 1/28/2016 5:28:24 PM		We are lucky to be able to play rugby year-round in this state, and with the big month of February coming along with Ruggerfest, USA/Chile and a high school festival day in Okeechobee, this is a great time to be part of this superb sport in this state. With that said, please try to behave yourselves on the sideline this weekend and from here on. I heard we had some shenanigans at a high school game this past Saturday, which is unacceptable. I am the Sideline Whisperer, and while I don't suggest you whisper by any means while watching a game, let's make all comments positive towards all players and referees. They are all trying their best, trust me, and we certainly don't want kids seeing the kind of savage behavior we saw on the sideline last weekend. It's not a good look, and this isn't soccer, as Nigel Owens once said. Division II (Schedule and standings on RugbyFL.com) Boca Raton (1-4) vs. Fort Lauderdale (4-0) - After last week's loss up at Jacksonville, the Buccaneers are in some serious trouble if they don't win at least four of their last five matches this season. Two of those matches are very winnable against Miami (home) and Tampa (away), and they also host Jax and Orlando, two more matches they can certainly win. So, theoretically, a loss here won't be the end of things for Boca, but a win against their huge rivals would be a big help in their quest to steal one of the final two playoff spots. In their meeting with FTL earlier this month, Boca lost two late leads, falling 34-30. This one should be another close affair, and the Knights will have their own motivation to win this game, although home field in the semis might not be as much of an advantage if they have to play the Buccaneers again. But let's be honest, no D2 semifinal is easy. Bucs do just enough. Boca Raton 32, Fort Lauderdale 27 Miami Tridents (4-0) vs. Orlando (1-2) - The Tridents train will look to keep rolling here against an Orlando side who appear to have lost all their championship mojo from last season. Either that or everyone else is simply better this year. The Griffins lost by nearly 20 to Naples tow weeks ago and still have to play Fort Lauderdale, Jax and Boca this season, with two of those games on the road. A win here would be a big boost for their chances of a repeat, but I simply don't see it happening. The Tridents are on a roll, having won their four games by an average score of 48.5 to 9.8 points. I think this game will be a little closer, but not much. Tridents 40, Orlando 17 Jacksonville (4-1) vs. Miami RFC (0-4) - Jax sit atop the standings thanks to their extra game played over Tridents and Fort Lauderdale, and will probably remain there with the Bumblebees looking more like the Stumblebees once again this season. However, Jax's schedule gets A LOT tougher after this game, with road games at Boca, Orlando and Naples in February, along with a home game against Fort Lauderdale to close things out. A bonus point win here would give Jax 24 points, a total that was only good enough for fifth spot last season, and while unlikely, it's not inconceivable that they could get ZERO from those four games. Also, you might remember Jax losing three of their final four games last season to back into the playoffs. Miami, well, there's always next season. Jacksonville 52, Miami 5 Last Week: 5-1 This Season: 20-5 (80%) All Time: 172-56-1 (75.4%)

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