Here is CFCs ranking of the top 10 Varsity & Junior Varsity teams in Ontario summer football. The two leagues that are eligible for this ranking are the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) & the Ontario Football Conference (OFC). These two leagues do not play against one another during the regular or playoff seasons.
A few changes have occurred in the ‘TOP 10’ as a result of week 1 game results and play.
We would like to thank our ‘sharp followers’ for seeing our transcribing error featuring the Sudbury Gladiators Varsity squad. We did have them as the honourable mention, not the JV team, in our pre-season poll.
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VARSITY (Under 20)
1. (1) Burlington Stampeders (OFC) – [1-0]
The Stampeders handled the Thunderbirds from London, leading at half 32 to 0 and cruising to a 45 to 0 victory. They play cross city rivals the Hamilton-Wentworth Panthers this weekend (who won versus Argos) and should give us a clearer picture of just how good this squad is this season.
2. (2)Essex Ravens (OVFL) – [1-0]
The offensive line led the way in a game one victory versus the Cambridge Lions. Averaging 283 pounds, this may be the best Offensive Line in Ontario summer action. Remember these names: LT – Dan Benson (Class 2012), LG – Jeremy Veres (Windsor commit), C -Alex Bulcke (UBC Commit), RG – Chris Slickboer (Class 2012), RT – Evan Pavka (Windsor commit).
3. (3)Toronto Thunder (OVFL) – [0-1*]
Not quite sure how to rank the Thunder based on not knowing what players will be eligible going forward. We will take things at face value and applaud both them and Etobicoke for being a part of the GAME OF THE WEEK. Jayde Rowe had over 270 yards in 3 quarters of play. Stefan Edwards looked good in limited action at QB.
4. (5) Cumberland Panthers (OVFL) – [1-0]
New head coach Scott Westlake knew his team was good but was really happy with the teams defensive performance against the Warriors. The 15 to 7 victory celebration is short-lasted because the team must prepare for the always competitive ‘battle of Ottawa’ against cross town rivals the Myers Riders. Expect this one to go down to the wire.
5. (9) London Falcons (OVFL) – [1-0]
Dominated against an improved Brantford Bison squad winning 50 to 16. The strength of the squad may be the defensive backfield and the preparation of the coaching staff. Team Ontario West LB (2011) Lawson Seddon performed well behind a big and aggressive defensive line. Shoring up the kicking game and using the undersized offensive line to their advantage will be important going forward.
6. (10) Etobicoke Eagles (OVFL) – [1-0*]
The Eagles won the game versus Toronto (forfeit) but lost it between the white lines. Young QB Izvor Gnjdic showed flashes during the game of being a CIS prospect. Kevin Bradfield (REC) and Dylan Belair (REC) were outstanding contributors to the offensive production. Look for the coaches to make some adjustments that will benefit them against the Dolphins this weekend.
7. (7) Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL) – [1-0]
An athletic QB, big offensive line, and tremendous front 4 play paced the Ironmen to a close victory over the young and talented Niagara Spears. They will have to sure up their execution and minimize the mental mistakes and penalties to defeat the Falcons on the road this weekend.
8. (8) Twin Cities Predators (OFC) – [1-0]
Outlasted an improved Cougar team 22 to 9. Laurier commit Karsten Beney had a solid game catching 6 balls for 83 yards and 1 touchdown. Play the Jr. Argos this weekend. Circle the week 4 match up versus the Stampeders as the great evaluator of this squad.
9. (HM) Brampton Bulldogs (OVFL) – [1-0]
Despite missing 7 starters due to ‘prom weekend’ (an interesting phenomenon) the Bulldogs outlasted the well-coached team from Sault Ste Marie. The Bulldogs had some impressive play on both sides of the ball by Ricky Osei (DE), Jordan Nugent (REC), and Shaquille Johnson (REC/DB).
10. (6) Mississauga Warriors (OVFL) – [0-1]
Penalties and mental mistakes did the Warriors in against the Cumberland Panthers, losing 15 to 7. QBs Keon Hughes and Aaron Clark did enough to make the coaches optimistic going forward. Ese Mrabure-Ajufo (4 sacks) and Ricardo King-Kalloo (3 sacks) had strong performances in the losing cause as did LBs Sean Snary and Adam Selvaggio.
Honourable Mentions:
Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL), Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL), Niagara Spears (OVFL), Sault Ste Marie (OVFL)
* Toronto Thunder defeated Etobicoke Eagles in week 1 action in overtime 36 to 30 but the game was forfeited due to ‘ineligible player participation’ – Etobicoke is awarded a 20 to 0 victory
JUNIOR VARSITY (U20)
1. (1) Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL) – [1-0]
Lived up to their pre-season billing with a 42 to 20 victory over the Brampton Bulldogs. The Minto Sportsplex will be a buzz when they face cross town rivals Cumberland Panthers this saturday. No matter where both teams are in the standings this game proves to be worth more than the price of admission.
2. (3) Burlington Stampeders (OFC) – [1-0]
Won 55-10 over Thunderbirds and appear once again to be the class of the OFC. Can anyone in the OFC compete with this juggernaut?
3. (5) London Falcons (OVFL) – [1-0]
Handled an improved Bison squad 35 to 15. Better evaluation this week when they play a strong squad from the steel city.
4. (6) Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL) – [1-0]
An athletic mobile quarterback and great skill positions will potentially put the Ironmen deep in the playoffs. They defeated the Niagara Spears 17 to 14 in a close, exciting game. Don’t be surprised to see these two teams matched up again late in the playoffs.
5. (7) Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL) – [1-0]
Pelle Jorgen was tremendous in the opening weekend for the Wildcats. The team defeated an improved squad from Newmarket 28 to 6 and will need all hands on deck against the Thunder. The defensive back core performed well in the traditional Wildcats Cover 4 defense.
6. (8) Mississauga Warriors (OVFL) – [1-0]
Big. This team may be the biggest team in the OVFL Junior Varsity division. They defeated a solid team from Cumberland and look forward to continuing their winning ways against the Essex Ravens this Saturday.
7. (9) Toronto Thunder (OVFL) – [0-0*]
Defeated the Etobicoke Eagles 28 to 6 on Saturday but no ‘official posting’ on the OVFL website leads us believe that a forfeit decision is pending due to the fact that the other 2 Thunder teams forfeited their games. Nonetheless, an exciting match up against the Metro Toronto Wildcats should give us a good gauge of the Toronto teams.
8. (10) Twin Cities Predators (OFC) – [1-0]
Defeated the Chatham-Kent Cougars 44 to 17 on the weekend and look to keep their winning ways going against the Sarnia Sturgeon, who defeated the Predators “2nd” team 60 to 7.
9. (2) Brampton Bulldogs (OVFL) – [0-1]
Lost 42 to 20 to Myers but showed some good things in the process. The offense was led by Christian Strong (QB) who threw for over 250 yards. Not bad considering he is the only returning player on offense. They travel to Halton to play the Cowboys.
10. (4) Niagara Spears (OVFL) – [0-1]
Lost a close game to the Ironmen on the road but showed well in the performance. The teams strengths are at QB, 2 great receivers, and a solid running attack. The defense is no slouch either. Look for this team to go far this year. They travel to Brantford this weekend for a game against the Bisons.
Honourable Mention:
Pickering Dolphins (OVFL), Etobicoke Eagles (OVFL), Guelph Bears (OVFL), Cambridge Lions (OVFL)
*at press time their was no score posted for the Etobicoke v. Toronto game that Toronto won 28 to 6. Both other Toronto teams forfeited their games so we have to assume a decision is pending on this game.
NOTES:
a) teams eligible for ranking play in the OVFL or OFC
b) Contributors to the ranking include CFC reporters, CIS coaches, OVFL & OFC scouts – the pre-season team of contributors totaled 15 individuals…which we anticipate to grow during the course of the season
c) the only rule difference between the two leagues is that the Varsity OFC division plays 3-downs where all others play 4-downs
d) We will rank the ‘top 10’ up until and including the final regular season weekend
e) Have fun
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