Alex Porras: “Update from the Q” (2nd edition)

CLICK HERE FOR CEGEP POWER RANKINGS

CLICK HERE FOR CEGEP PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

CLICK HERE FOR CEGEP DIVISION 1 WEEK 5 RECAP

After a pretty uneventful first half, the CEGEP Division 1 season is about to get quite interesting. With a long awaited matchup between the top teams in each conference (Vanier Cheetahs versus CNDF), and a rematch of last year’s championship game between Vieux Montréal Spartiates and Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars, Week 6 should provide some fireworks.

Here’s what’s up with the best teams in the Q:

Vanier Cheetahs (5-0): 152 PF / 64 PA / +88

Last Game: 38-0 WIN against Garneau (1-4)

Next Opponent: CNDF (4-1)

Coming off a 6 interception game, bringing their season total up to 18 (the next best team sits at eight), the Cheetahs’ defense is currently operating at full throttle. The secondary has not allowed a passing touchdown to three of their last five opponents.  Additionally, opposing teams are averaging 12.8 points per game against the powerful cats. The offense just keeps getting the ball with great field position. With speedy defensive end Bénédicte Cayo back in the fold and the imminent return of athletic ex-defensive back turned receiver Jamie Harry, the Cheetahs seem poised to make amends for their 2013 woes.

Injured and/or Unavailable: Wade Cyr (OL/DL), François Hamel (FS), Mathieu Boucher-Paiment (OL)

Player to Watch: Lukas Redguard (DL) 21.5 tk,11 tk for loss, 3 PD

Lukas Redguard

The gigantic tackle is the consummate run-stopper. He is quicker and more athletic than most linemen he faces.  He’s quick to shake off his opponent and grab the running back before the poor lad can muster any momentum. A great complement to a fantastic secondary.

Vieux Montréal Spartiates (4-1): 134 PF / 89 PA / +45

Last Game: 28-15 WIN against Lévis-Lauzon (1-4)

Next Opponent: Champlain-Lennoxville (4-1)

While sophomore quarterback Frédéric Paquette-Perreault is still contending with some growing pains, senior CFC 100 running back Mike-Brian Lusikila keeps on delivering the goods. With play selection increasingly favoring running plays, the College Notre-Dame product has seen his workload increase to 18.6 carries per game from 15.5 over his first two seasons. The Spartiates’ defense keeps impressing and maintaining a high level of play despite having several rookies at key positions. Offseason transfer Ouissam Akhrif (DB) should be available as of this week.

Injured and/or Unavailable: Ethan Makonzo (LB), Michael Craig (RB), CFC 100 Frédérik-Xavier Duhamel (OL)

Player to Watch: CFC 100 Mathieu Betts (DL) 19 tk, 6 sk, 8 tk for loss, 1 PD

Mathieu Betts

– Photo credit: Florence Pin

Arguably one of the top defensive prospects in the country, Betts is a sack-machine. Over his 25-game CEGEP career, he’s brought down the opposing QB a staggering 22 times and tackled a running back or receiver behind the line of scrimmage an extra 13 times. He’ll be counted on to defuse the Cougars’ explosive offense.

CNDF Notre-Dame (4-1): 137 PF / 99 PA / +38

Last Game: 23-10 WIN against Montmorency (1-4)

Next Opponent: Vanier (5-0)

Nothing gives you a sense of where you stand better than a game against the top ranked team. While the CNDF veterans might want to reminisce about last year’s surprise 21-11 win against the Cheetahs, the team they’ll face on Saturday will be a much stronger one. The good news? They’re enjoying their best start since joining the top dogs in CEGEP Division 1. The bad news? It is still uncertain when senior CFC 100 QB Samuel Chénard will be available to play. That puts the onus of leading the pack on rookie David Pelletier‘s unproven shoulders…

Injured and/or Unavailable: CFC 100 Samuel Chénard (QB), Manuel St-Aubin (RB), Mathieu Boutin (DB), Nicholas Plourde (DB)

Player to Watch: Alexis Côté (RB) 68 carries, 459 Yds, 6.8 Yds per carry, 5 TD

Alexis Côté 2

In the first half of this season, Côté has proven he’s a force to be reckoned with. Because of his propensity for big plays and spectacular runs, the sophomore running back will be heavily relied for offense during the absence of top starting QB Chénard.

Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars (4-1): 234 PF / 107 PA / +127

Last Game: 49-10 WIN against Édouard-Montpetit (0-5)

Next Opponent: Vieux Montréal (4-1)

Currently on pace for a record-breaking 468 points scored (current record is 380), the Cougars have been piling up points like there’s no tomorrow. However, how will they fare against an aggressive Vieux Montréal front seven? The answer lies in the hands of the young phenom CFC 100 Cedric Joseph. On pace to a record-breaking 1268 rushing yards and 16 touchdown campaign, the Lennoxville dynamo is nothing less than an unstoppable force. Add to that a well-balanced aerial attack that has seen seven players amass at least 100 yards (no team has more than five) and you have the makings of a historically powerful offensive squad.

Injured and/or Unavailable: CFC 100 Anthony Joyal (RB), Xavier Gilbert (DB), Shakiym Hoyte (DB), Jacob Nutbrown (DB)

Player to Watch: Michael Arruda (QB) 70 completions in 124 attempts, 1348 yards, 14 touchdowns, 5 Interceptions

Michael Arruda

The last pivot to post such ridiculous passing numbers at the CEGEP level was current Sherbrooke Vert et Or QB Jeremi Roch. Although comparisons between Arruda and Roch are premature, numbers don’t lie. If Arruda can maintain his elite pace, he’ll be a top candidate for Most Valuable Player at the end of the season.

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