CFC CEGEP “POWER 5” (6): Top team drops out, who will survive the stretch run?

The big news on the RSEQ collegial front came out of the D2 level where defending champ Saint-Jean fell 32-30 to John Abbott. Just when everyone seemed ready to mail it in the D2 title is now wide open and up for grabs. Yes it’s only the midway point but over the latter part of 2014 and going into last weekend the “G-Men” had looked unbeatable, but looks can be deceiving. Unfortunately for John Abbott there is really no time to celebrate as they face unbeaten Valleyfield in the game of the week at the D2 level.

At the Division One level, last weekend can be considered the calm before the storm. With a one vs. two clash looming next week and potential “separation” games also being contested, teams had to guard against the pratfalls of a potential trap game scenario. Both top ranked CNDF and second ranked Champlain-Lennoxville won this weekend setting up the game of the year next week.

With their loss Saint-Jean falls out of the Power Five for the first time all year. Will another D2 team crack the Power 5? Time will tell, but for now here are this week’s Power 5 ranking.

 

WEEK SIX CFC CEGEP POWER 5 (Last week’s “Power 5” ranking in parenthesis):

 

1) LE NOTRE DAME DE COLLEGE NOTRE DAME-DE-FOY (CNDF) (1) 6-0 (won 54-27 @ Montmorency)

Alexandre Gailloux had 122 yards receiving and a score on only three catches as CNDF cruised setting up the clash with the Cougars next weekend. CNDF has been on a mission since losing in the semi’s last year and will be primed to show they are the league’s elite. (Next Up #2 Champlain-Lennoxville)

 

2) CHAMPLAIN-LENNOXVILLE COUGARS (2) 6-0 (won 24-8 @ André-Grasset)

The Cougars knew they faced a dangerous André-Grasset outfit last weekend and delivered. Champlain boasts D1’s top ranked defense and this will no doubt pay dividends as “playoff weather” draws nearer. However, the more pressing matter is this weekend’s 1 vs. 2 battle with CNDF. In 2014 CNDF had Champlain’s number and a win next week would do a lot for the Cougar psyche. (Next Up @ #1 Notre-Dame-de-Foy)

 

3) LES FAUCONS DE LÉVIS-LAUZON (3) 4-2 (won 39-24 vs Vieux Montréal)

QB Francis Bois is quietly putting together an impressive body of work completing almost 62% of his passes for over 1500 yards. Les Faucons are a leg up on the pack and will be on a mission to show they belong in the conversation with CNDF and the Cougars. We’ve said it before, they do have the offense to hang with the big boys but do they have the D? LB Raphaël Faucher and DB Jean-Philippe Lévesque lead a group with plenty of talent. The key will be if they can turn up the heat as the temperatures drop. (Next Up vs. Limoilou)

 

4) LES SPARTIATES DU VIEUX MONTRÉAL (5) (3-3) (lost 39-24 @ Lévis-Lauzon)

Les Spartiates lose a game but climb in the rankings, thus is life in the RSEQ collegial level. Clearly CNDF and Lennoxville are the class of D1, but after that it’s anyone’s guess. Can Vieux get hot at the right time and defend their crown? With talented players like running backs Edouard Montemiglio and Dynell Pierre, receivers Danny Debrosse and Joël Soucy and QB Frédéric Paquette-Perrault leading the offense one wonders if les Spartiates could be this year’s sleeper team…..stay tuned. (Next Up @ Édouard-Montpetit)

 

5) LES PHENIX D’ANDRÉ GRASSET (NR) (2-4) (lost 24-8 vs. Champlain-Lennoxville)

I am sure there are plenty who will question if 2-4 Grasset belongs in the Power 5. Keep in mind this isn’t based on record, it’s all about the best five teams and led by one of the best defenses in D1 les Phenix crack the top 5. This weekend’s game is a must win for Grasset if they have any hope of hosting a first round game. (Next Up vs. Vanier)

 

HONOURABLE MENTION: VALLEYFIELD (D2), MONTMORENCY, JOHN ABBOTT (D2)