#CFC10 Summer Previews & Predictions – VARSITY (11): Who is going to the Championships?

It’s that time of year where in the blink of any eye a season can come to an end and the only certainty so far is there will be two new teams in the OFC championship game. The defending OFC North champ Huronia fell while defending OFC champion Hamilton also met with an abrupt end to their 2015 campaign.

The question now has to be……. who will advance to the OFC finals???

#6 BURLINGTON STAMPEDERS (6-2) @ #3 GUELPH JR GRYPHONS (7-1)  – Sat. Aug. 1st 17h00 Guelph University

THE MATCHUP: After starting the season 6-0 the Burlington Stampeders stumbled to the finish line losing their final two. To be fair however the Stamps losses were by two points to then top ranked Hamilton and by seven to unbeaten Guelph. A bounce here or a bounce there and Burlington could easily be heading into this one unbeaten. After years of success at the Bantam and JV levels, the Varsity Stamps have a core group that is used to the pressures the playoffs bring.

Offensively the Stamps boast one of the province’s best ground games, led by Jordan Lyons and Dom Mandalfino who can both take over any given game. Lyons and Mandalfino each rushed for over 100 yards last week, with Jordan Lyons ripping off 310 yards in their 33-23 win over the defending champion Hamilton Hurricanes.

Guelph came into the season looking to build on the success they had in 2014. They did that and more running the table and handing Hamilton their first ever defeat in the process. QB Walker Breen has looked great in his last two games, passing for four touchdowns last weekend as the Jr. Gryphons avenged their only loss of the season knocking off Brantford 30-21. Breen can hurt you with his arm and his feet and is what coaches refer to as a “play extender”, converting second downs when there is seemingly nothing. If that wasn’t enough, the Jr. Gryphons have an embarrassment of riches at QB with Team Ontario pivot Alex Douglas also seeing action providing different looks and packages. A balanced attack, Nathan Smalls leads a formidable ground attack while receivers Keith Bray, Noel Amaya and Aiden Fraser cause opposing secondaries nightmares.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: This one is a coin toss, the key here being how well the Jr. Gryphons can “contain” the Stampeders rushing attack. In the August heat each carry will take a little bit out of the Jr. Gryphons defense and the answer may lie on the offensive side of the ball for them. The Guelph attack should make enough drives and move the ball well enough to keep the defense somewhat rested. Look for Guelph to pull it out late or maybe even OT.

FINAL SCORE: GUELPH 27 BURLINGTON 24

PETERBOROUGH WOLVERINES (6-2) @ #3 TORONTO JR ARGOS (8-0)  – Sun. Aug. 2nd 14h00 St. Michaels College Field

THE MATCHUP: The other semifinal in the OFC, this one should be just as exciting. The Jr. Argos have been the surprise team of 2015 but make no mistake this is not a “Cinderella” story. Led by QB Esson Hamilton the Jr Argos are deep, talented and have been improving every game. Hamilton is a one man show who has a great arm, but more importantly can buy time allowing his talented corps of receivers to get open. In last weekend’s 40-8 win over Sudbury, Hamilton had TD strikes of 75, 55 and 50 yards as well as rushing one in himself.

Peterborough will counter with their top ranked secondary led by Devon Claypole and Sidney Parkes. Claypole had three picks last weekend, including a 51 yard pick six which was key in the Wolverines 26-8 win over defending OFC North Champs Huronia. Offensively the Wolverines are led in the air by QB Dylan Astrom, and on the ground by Devon MacCallum.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Toronto’s run doesn’t end here. Hamilton has the ability to take over a game, showing that last weekend against Sudbury. Expect much of the same as the Jr. Argos advance to the final.

FINAL SCORE: TORONTO 30 PETERBOROUGH 21

OVFL CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS:

#1 MYERS RIDERS 38 CUMBERLAND 24 – The Panthers have a lot of athletic ability but their crosstown rivals are too much.

#2 ESSEX RAVENS 44 #10 CAMBRIDGE LIONS 21 – The Ravens will dominate from start to finish.

#9 DURHAM WEST DOLPHINS 33 KINGSTON GRENADIERS 30 – In a rematch of a week one 28-27 Dolphins win, Durham West prevails again.

#5 LONDON JR MUSTANGS 38 #7 NIAGARA SPEARS 31 – Three weeks ago Niagara was the top ranked team in Ontario, next week their season will be done.