Every year we have seem to have one strange Saturday in D2 matrix play. Last week was clearly it.

Krewe shocked Miami; Orlando, whose only two previous wins this season were against Daytona, handed it to Naples by nearly 30 points; and speaking of Daytona, the Coconuts were tied on the road with Fort Lauderdale at the half before falling just short.

What does this all mean, you ask? Well, it means Krewe are well and truly back in the playoff picture, and only two separate the sides in spots two through five. It's going to be a great race to the finish here over these last few weeks with every point (and bonus point) mattering.

Division 2

Krewe (5-3) at Boca Raton (5-2) - This match was always going to be an important one, but now there's even more on the line thanks to Krewe's big win over Miami. Their season isn't totally on the line, especially as their last game is against Daytona. Boca also have plenty to play for here, as a loss would put the Bucs on the outside of the playoff positions looking in with only a couple of games left against Naples and Krewe. Two things going the Bucs way are that they should be nicely rested after skipping Ruggerfest and having a bye last week, and the fact they are at home, a place they have only given up three points at over the last two games there. I'm leaning towards the home side in a very tight, physical affair. Boca Raton 22, Krewe 17

Jacksonville (3-4) at Naples (2-5) - A long trip for Jax here, but last week's narrow loss to the Tridents should give them hope that their slim playoff hopes are barely hanging on by a thread. Naples meanwhile took a heavy loss to Orlando last Saturday that I certainly didn't see coming. With the postseason out of the question, the Hammerheads are only playing for pride at this point. The result of this game will really depend on who Jax brings down, but I think they'll bring just enough to edge this contest. Jacksonville 28, Naples 25

Orlando (3-5) at Miami RFC (6-1) - Like the Incredible Hulk, I don't think I'd like the Bumblebees when they're angry. Yes, Orlando showed they still have some life left in them after spanking Naples last weekend, but this game will be a very different story. Miami will be looking to gain their confidence back as well as cement that No. 1 seed, and this matchup should provide them with both results. Miami 42, Orlando 5

Fort Lauderdale (5-3) at Miami Tridents (5-2) - This is probably the second-biggest match of the week between two sides separated by a single point in the standings. Sure, the Tridents have a game in hand over the Knights, but they also have a much tougher remaining schedule after this with games against Boca and Miami RFC, while FtL only have to face Jacksonville. This is why a win here for either team would be HUGE. Lauderdale didn't exactly shine against Daytona last week, while the Tridents squeaked by Jax on the road. If Lauderdale is at full strength, which I have a feeling they might be, I think they have just enough to edge this one by a slight margin, although it could certainly go the other way very easily. Fort Lauderdale 32, Miami Tridents 27

Last Week: 4-2
This Season: 34-11 (75.6%)
All-Time: 83-29 (74.1)

Picture by Angie Pachcinski.