The Sideline Whisperer

Predictions for Saturday, January 26th, 2013

By The Sideline Whisperer

As the old (and awful) joke goes, I'm like butter at the moment, as I'm on a roll. 5-1 last week, including picking the Daytona over Krewe upset, but failing to pick the Jacksonville win over Orlando. That makes me 14-2 in 2013 so far, and I'm picking at a solid near 72% on the season. Come on Vegas, are you listening?!?! We need Florida rugby odds, and I'd be quite happy to provide the lines (for a small fee, of course). This week we have some interesting games on the table, including a HUGE D3 contest, so let's get going. Posted on 1/23/2013 9:54:33 PM		As always, feel free to email me at sidelinewhisperer@rugbyfl.com with your thoughts on this column. Thanks to Krewe's Joe Hilbush for his email last week, which included an admission that Krewe could possibly lose to Daytona (which they did). [Actual Results in parenthesis] Division 2 Boca Raton (5-2) at Fort Lauderdale (3-4) - This is the last divisional game for each of these teams, and there's quite a bit riding on this one. Boca need a win to really keep up with Orlando and Naples in the race for the two postseason spots, while a loss for Lauderdale here will undoubtedly put them out of contention, if they aren't already. The Buccaneers are coming off a heartbreaking loss to South Division leaders Naples, while Boca took care of Miami, although not in exactly dominating fashion. This matchup always provides some fireworks and I think the result will be a lot closer than the 33-3 hammering the Knights took earlier season. However, Boca should be able to pick up the victory here if they play to their full ability. Boca Raton 31 (17), Fort Lauderdale 10 (3) Naples (6-1) at Miami Tridents (4-3) - A rematch here of Naples' lone loss of the season, and the Hammerheads will surely be hoping the weather cooperates this time as the previous contest was played in a virtual monsoon. Naples have been winning, although not convincingly, and will have to bring their A game if they want to turn the Tridents over in their back yard. A win here for the Dade crew would be huge, as it would put them in the running for a postseason spot if they can cause some damage in the crossovers. I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick the upset, with the home field advantage and a slightly desperate attitude giving the Tridents the edge. Tridents 21 (10), Naples 17 (34) Daytona (2-4) at Jacksonville (2-3) - Who would have thought these two teams would be heading into this game coming off a win last week? Both teams gained nice upset victories over Krewe and Orlando respectively, and both need a win in this one to really maintain any playoff hopes. The problem with picking this one is that who knows which team will show up for both of these squads? Jax will be upset after losing 81-5 in the first edition of this matchup back in December, while Daytona have really shown improvement over the last three games. I'm going to roll with the Coconuts on the road. Daytona 35 (24), Jacksonville 30 (36) Orlando (4-2-1) at Bay Area Pelicans (1-4) - Orlando looked to be the favorites to run away with the No. 1 spot in the North Division before last week's hiccup against Jacksonville, and the Pelicans might find themselves up against a very angry side this Saturday, which doesn't bode well for them. Orlando won the first meeting between these two teams 45-7, and I see something close to that result happening again this weekend. Orlando 48 (29), Pelicans 10 (26) Division 3 Palm Beach (2-0) at Brevard (3-0) - We've all been waiting a few weeks for this juicy matchup, and while both of these teams are probably the favorites to find themselves in the postseason, the loser of this matchup will have to be very careful the rest of the way, as a slip-up somewhere could mean opening the door for Gainesville and the end of their playoff dreams. Each side has cruised through their opening D3 contests with ease, but that's unlikely to be the case in this, the game of the week without a doubt. Brevard had a bit of difficulty with Treasure Coast last week, and while they're at home, I can see the Panthers bringing their A game for this one and taking home the W in a tight, low-scoring affair. Palm Beach 17 (33), Brevard 12 (29) Treasure Coast (0-2) at Gainesville (2-1) - Gainesville appear to have recovered from their devastating defeat to Brevard, although last week's seven-point victory over Sarasota was a little too close for comfort. The Hogs know they have to win out if they want to have any chance of making the postseason, and shouldn't have too much difficulty here unless they're looking ahead to their final two games of the season against Brevard and Palm Beach. Meanwhile, Treasure Coast are playing for pride only at this point and shouldn't put up much resistance. Gainesville 38 (37), Treasure Coast 3 (17) Last Week (1/19/13): 5-1 Overall: 28-11 (71.8%) Picture by Facundo Manuel Fabbri. Thanks!

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