Alex Porras: “Update from the Q” (6th edition)

Vanier Cheetahs (8-1): 278 PF / 144 PA / +134

Last Game: 47-14 WIN against Édouard-Montpetit (0-9)

Next Opponent: Vieux Montréal (7-2)

After averaging 41.8 pass attempts in their last five games, the Vanier Cheetahs reverted to their early season modus operandi, passing only 17 times and running the ball for 204 yards in 31 plays. This marked the first time the cats surpassed the 200 rushing yard plateau this season. Running back Khalil Kerr carried the ball once for five yards. Despite being in the lineup, he hadn’t touched the ball since September 27, when he ran 16 times for 76 yards. His status is worth monitoring. Meanwhile, sophomore Quaysie Gordon-Maule has stepped up with 19 carries, 190 yards and three touchdowns over his last two games. On the defensive side of the ball, Vanier remains a force to be reckoned with, having amassed a league record* 27 interceptions in 9 games (the previous mark of 22 picks in one season belonged to the 2010 Cheetahs).

* Stats are publicly available since 2009.

Injured and/or Unavailable: Wade Cyr (OL/DL), Mathieu Boucher-Paiment (OL), Daniel Verrillo (OL)

Player to Watch: Quaysie Gordon-Maule (RB) 35 carries, 6 catches, 358 yds, 8.7 avg, 4 TD

Quaysie Gordon Maule

Photo Credit: François Lebreux

If Kerr isn’t ready to carry the load, Gordon-Maule is just as dynamic an option in the backfield. After disappearing from the gridiron in 2013, the gifted track star is picking up where he left off. Against a stingy Spartiates defense, Gordon-Maule will have a chance to prove his recent success is no fluke.

Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars (5-4): 318 PF / 210 PA / +108

Last Game: 14-32 LOSS against CNDF (6-3)

Next Opponent: Lévis-Lauzon (4-5)

After a promising start to their season, the Cougars are now crashing back to earth. Where has the team that scored an average of 45 points over their first six games gone to? With no aerial touchdowns and an average of 118.5 passing yards in their last two games, these kittens look lost. At least, the defensive squad has kept things from unraveling, allowing only three touchdowns over two games. Barring a 27-point loss against the Lévis-Lauzon Faucons this weekend, the Cougars should maintain their grip on the Northeast Division’s second place. A meeting with the surging Montmorency Nomades in the first round of the playoffs is more than probable.

Injured and/or Unavailable: Jacob Nutbrown (DB), Justin François (DB)

Player to Watch: CFC 100 Cédric Lussier-Roy (LB) 41 tk, 3 sk, 4 tk for loss, 1 PD

Cedric Lussier Roy

Photo Credit: Alain Robitaille

CFC 100 Lussier-Roy is more than just a great player. He’s the defending champions’ leader. Known for his extensive use of eye black, he can inspire his teammates and instill fear in his opponents with his play.

Vieux Montréal Spartiates (7-2): 249 PF / 157 PA / +92

Last Game: 26-17 WIN against Montmorency (3-6)

Next Opponent: Vanier (8-1)

After a sensational show by running back Édouard Montemiglio (37 carries, 186 yards, 1 TD) and a steady performance from quarterback Frédéric Paquette-Perrault (14-16, 206 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int), the Spartiates’ offense is now ready for its true test: a clash with the Vanier Cheetahs’ defense. The first time these teams met, turnovers sunk Vieux Montréal’s chances.This time around, the Spartiates will be looking to enter the playoffs with some momentum and, maybe, a first week bye (a 17-point-win gets them into the second round of the playoffs). If Paquette-Perrault protects the ball adequately and the defense can pressure Vanier’s quarterback into doing the opposite, the Spartiates could vault right into the semi-finals.

Injured and/or Unavailable: Ethan Makonzo (LB), Raphaël Muntu (DB), Michael Craig (RB), Ouissam Akhrif (DB), David MacDonald (DB), Maxime Champagne (OL), Argenis Jesus Francisco (OL)

Player to Watch: Enock Makonzo (LB) 45 tk, 2 sk, 4 tk for loss, 2 PD

Enock Makonzo

Pitted against another outstanding freshman linebacker in Kean Harelimana, Makonzo has a chance to prove he can be just as dominating as his Vanier counterpart. In a game that might go down to the wire, Makonzo and his teammates will need to make sure they are the ones who deliver the last blow.

CNDF Notre-Dame (6-3): 248 PF / 202 PA / +46

Last Game: 32-14 WIN against Champlain-Lennoxville (5-4)

Next Opponent: FXGarneau (3-6)

Last week, CNDF added a couple of pages to their program’s history by clinching the top spot in their division and a semi-final appearance for the first time since they moved to the RSEQ’s top division. The return of stalwart defensive back Mathieu Boutin and the continuing dominance of sophomore running back Alexis Côté is great news for Notre-Dame. With multiple weapons on both sides of the ball and a team comprised mainly of veteran players, CNDF is poised to make a few more additions to the history books.

Injured and/or Unavailable: Manuel St-Aubin (RB), Nicholas Plourde (DB), Vincent Martin (DB), Christophe Poulin-Lapierre (LB), Joseph Poirier-Couture (OL), Nicolas Guay (OL)

Player to Watch: CFC 100 Samuel Chénard (QB) 87 for 156, 55% completion, 1224 yards, 9 TD, 2 Int

Samuel Chenard

Photo Credit: Jean Du Sablon

CFC 100 Chénard has come a long way since his rookie season. Now a veteran counted on for leadership and on-field performance, the third-year quarterback has proved his presence is paramount to his team’s success. If he can continue to protect the ball and distribute it evenly amongst his receivers, CNDF are primed for a new playoff fate.

Lead Photo Credit: Jean Du Sablon

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