Week 5 – GSPN Newsletter: POWER Players and Key Matchups
As we approach the final games of the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to solidify. Week 5 is crucial for teams looking to secure their spot in the playoffs, but some significant absences are shaking things up. Here’s a preview of what to expect, with key players and intriguing storylines. Every seed is up for grabs, who will take it?
Bake Forrest Reefer Chiefers vs Colorado Stars
Prediction: Colorado Stars win
Key Players to Watch:
- Bake Forrest: With Ryan Bartlett and Steven Cirillo attending the Bear Down opening week, the Chiefers are missing two vital players. Jey Sev (778 passing yards, 602 rushing yards) must carry the offense alone.
- Colorado Stars: Justin Laguna takes over the team, and with Liam Knowles missing due to work, Laguna will have to shoulder the load. However, his leadership and experience make Colorado a stronger contender.
Despite Bake Forrest’s offensive weapons, Colorado’s new leadership under Laguna should give them the edge in this matchup.
Underdog University vs UCLA Bruisers
Prediction: UCLA Bruisers win
Key Players to Watch:
- UCLA Bruisers: Nick Barbiere (327 receiving yards, 7 TDs) and Anthony Nalasco (6 INTs, 25 tackles) are expected to dominate both sides of the ball. Nalasco is having a Defensive Player of the Year-worthy season, and Bagwell’s explosive offensive production could overwhelm Underdog.
- Underdog University: With Jay Bagwell (362 receiving yards, 8 TDs) continuing to shine, Underdog will need everything they have to match UCLA’s pace. Nick Barbiere and Charlie Barbiere must find chemistry on both sides of the ball for any upset hopes.
Without significant absences, UCLA’s depth and experience give them a clear advantage.
Underdog University vs Bake Forrest Reefer Chiefers
Prediction: Underdog University win
Key Players to Watch:
- Underdog University: Jay Bagwell continues to lead the charge for Underdog, and with Charlie Barbiere helping on defense, they could capitalize on Bake’s missing players.
- Bake Forrest: Jey Sev will be doing all the heavy lifting in this one without Bartlett or Cirillo. Bake will need to find a rhythm quickly or risk falling behind.
The absences hurt Bake Forrest too much, giving Underdog University a chance to take this matchup.
Colorado Stars vs UCLA Bruisers
Prediction: UCLA Bruisers win
Key Players to Watch:
- UCLA Bruisers: Nick Barbiere and Anthony Nalasco will continue their dominant run. With Jay Bagwell out for the Underdogs, the Bruisers could have an easier time defensively.
- Colorado Stars: Justin Laguna may be missing key players like Liam Knowles, but his leadership could still make this a close game. Expect him to rely heavily on Jacob Delcid and the remaining roster.
Despite Colorado’s leadership under Laguna, UCLA’s well-rounded roster will likely take the win.
Hawaii Green Wave vs Piff State Litty Lions
Prediction: Piff State Litty Lions win
Key Players to Watch:
- Piff State: Jerock Gaines (1,040 passing yards, 28 total TDs, 4 safeties) continues his MVP-level season. He’ll be the biggest challenge for Hawaii’s defense.
- Hawaii Green Wave: Lu Savage (186 receiving yards, 1 TD) and Dwuane Allen (185 receiving yards, 21 tackles) will need to be at their best to stand a chance against Piff State’s offense.
Even with Hawaii’s defensive leaders stepping up, Piff State’s balanced attack led by Gaines will likely be too much to handle.
Bincinatti Hellcats vs Rugrats University
Prediction: Bincinatti Hellcats win
Key Players to Watch:
- Bincinatti Hellcats: Ashante Worthy (597 rushing yards, 14 TDs) and Joseph Agostini (383 receiving yards, 9 TDs) will continue to carry the offense. Agostini is also a key player defensively with 25 tackles.
- Rugrats University: With Brandon Kurtzman out, Nasir Dillard will step in as a sub for the Kurtzman-Piff State matchup. Expect big games from Gavin Clark and Cam Crooms, but the Hellcats’ offense may still overpower them.
Bincinatti should have enough to win this one, despite Rugrats’ ability to keep games close.
Piff State Litty Lions vs Rugrats University
Prediction: Piff State Litty Lions win
Key Players to Watch:
- Piff State: Jerock Gaines continues to be a dual-threat on both offense and defense. With Antonio Gonzalez helping out in key moments, Piff State is set to make a strong playoff push.
- Rugrats University: Gavin Clark and Michael Casado will be critical for Rugrats in keeping this game close, but they’ll need career days against a dominant Piff defense.
Piff State’s overall depth and Gaines’ leadership should give them a comfortable victory over Rugrats.
Hawaii Green Wave vs Bincinatti Hellcats
Prediction: Bincinatti Hellcats win
Key Players to Watch:
- Bincinatti Hellcats: Ashante Worthy and Joseph Agostini will be the offensive focal points once again. Their chemistry on the field will be critical in this matchup.
- Hawaii Green Wave: Lu Savage and Dwuane Allen will need to step up on both sides of the ball, but it might not be enough to slow down the Hellcats’ high-powered offense.
The Hellcats’ depth and overall strength should be too much for Hawaii to handle in this matchup.
Game of the Week: Bincinatti Hellcats vs Rugrats University
A clash of offensive powerhouses! Look for standout performances from Ashante Worthy and Gavin Clark as they battle for the win. Rugrats’ sub, Nasir Dillard, adds an interesting dynamic to this matchup.
Player of the Week Predictions
- Ocean County: Ashante Worthy (Bincinatti Hellcats) – Worthy’s offensive versatility and defensive contributions make him a threat every time he steps on the field.
- Monmouth County: Jay Bagwell (Underdog University) – Bagwell’s absence from the game may be felt, but his ability to create big plays when he’s in is crucial for the Underdogs.
Week 5 is packed with critical matchups as teams look to lock in their playoff spots. With player absences affecting key games and Nasir Dillard stepping in for Rugrats, there’s plenty of excitement leading up to the Gee Bowl. For full stats and updates, check out the Stats tab on the GSPN website!
