D10: Playoff Picks

It's quarterfinal Tuesday in the D10 league today; here's a look at the games on tap, starting in senior:

(1) Bishop Mac vs. (8) Orangeville
Season Series:  BMAC 2-0 (67-24, 52-13)
My Pick:  Bishop Mac 58, Orangeville 23

The Bishop Mac Celtics, who suffered just one loss during the regular season, are the obvious favourites against winless Orangeville DSS.  The Celtics could essentially name their score, but I think they'll make sure to avoid injuries and rest up for the semifinals.

(2) Centennial vs. (7) CWDHS
Season Series:  CCVI 2-0 (53-13, 41-24)
My Pick:  CCVI 55, CWDHS 21

Again, another game that projects to be a mismatch on paper (then again, there's a reason why you actually play the game...).  The Spartans should win this one handily at home.

(3) Lourdes vs. (6) St. James
Season Series:  OLOL 2-0 (38-34, 43-37)
My Pick:  OLOL 44, STJ 32

Now things get interesting.  The two games between these clubs during the regular season were both decided by 6 points or less --- including one about 2 weeks ago at St. James.

The Crusaders are the favourites here, but this isn't a "gimme" by any means and is certainly a game to keep an eye on.

(4) JF Ross vs. (5) Guelph CVI
Season Series:  1-1 (GCVI 44-35, JFR 44-40)
My Pick:  JFR 47, GCVI 43

Each team won one of the regular-season meetings --- interestingly enough as a road team on the other squad's home court.  

Needless to say, the Royals will be looking to reverse that trend here.  Even with a loss at Lourdes on the last day of the regular season, the Royals have been playing well down the stretch and I think they'll eke out a win in this one.

And, moving over to the junior side of things....

(1) Bishop Mac vs. (8) Orangeville
Season Series:  BMAC 2-0 (40-6, 48-12)
My Pick:  BMAC 44, ODSS 11

Like their senior counterparts, the junior Celtics shouldn't have much trouble advancing to the semifinals today. 

(2) Lourdes vs. (7) CWDHS
Season Series:  OLOL 2-0 (38-17, 41-7)
My Pick:  OLOL 48, CWDHS 15

The Lourdes Crusaders have scored 38+ points in each game this season.  The most CW has scored in a game has been 32.  That's about all you need to know for this one --- Crusaders to roll.

(3) Centennial vs. (6) St. James
Season Series:  CCVI 2-0 (35-21, 42-26)
My Pick:  CCVI 38, STJ 24

Centennial can lock up D10's "AAAA" CWOSSA berth with a win here and losses by Orangeville (very likely) and JF Ross (toss-up).  Actually, losses alone would give the berth to the Spartans but they'll want to take care of business (and should) at home.

(4) Guelph CVI vs. (5) JF Ross
Season Series:  1-1 (GCVI 34-24, JFR 38-32)
My Pick:  GCVI 36, JFR 31

Like their senior teams, who are also meeting today, both of these clubs each won a game on the road during their two regular season meetings.  The Gaels would prefer this to be a low-scoring affair, while the Royals' chances will increase if this game is played in the high 30s (or low 40s).  I'll go with the home squad, but it's certainly another game to keep an eye on.