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 2 game results and play.
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VARSITY (Under 20)
1. (1) Burlington Stampeders (OFC) – [2-0]
The Stampeders were up big at half and cruised to a 44 to 0 score over the Hamilton-Wentworth Panthers. The stamps’ may have the best passing game in the province, with some great receivers and depth at that position. The lack of size on the line and the absence of a game-breaking back will prove for an interesting match up against the bigger Predators in week 4.
2. (2)Essex Ravens (OVFL) – [2-0]
The Ravens persevered through a little adversity against a talented Warrior team. ‘Big-play’ Beau Lumley came through with a game cinching interception with a minute left in the game. The big offensive line continues to open up holes for RBs McCann and Vincent. Host the Brampton Bulldogs this weekend which should prove to be an interesting match up.
3. (3)Toronto Thunder (OVFL) – [1-1*]
The Thunder won another close ‘battle of the GTA’ this time squeaking out a regulation one point victory. Another GTA team is on the slate this week with the upstart Pickering Dolphins visiting the Thunder.
4. (7) Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL) – [2-0]
The Ironmen outlasted a talented team from London by a score of 36 to 21. Coach Underhill’s crew managed to clean up a few of the week 1 mistakes in order to prevail for the victory. This week the Ironmen host the Guelph Bears.
5. (10) Etobicoke Eagles (OVFL) – [2-0*]
The Eagles won a close contest against the Pickering Dolphins. Hosting the Metro Toronto Wildcats this weekend should be one of the ‘games of the week’ in the Varsity division.
6. (9) Brampton Bulldogs (OVFL) – [1-0]
The Bulldogs moved up three spots this week on a victory over the Halton Cowboys. The toughest test of the season is this weekend when the Bulldogs travel to Essex to play against the Ravens. This game will be won in the trenches and the Bulldog front 7 will be tested all day.
7. (8) Twin Cities Predators (OFC) – [1-0]
Hammered an under-manned Toronto Jr. Argo team on the weekend. With 3 or 4 CIS potential lineman, the mobile quarterbacking of James Fracas, and great depth and young coaching, this team is poised to give the Stampeders a run for their money in week 4. Injuries have been an early season issue for the Predators.
8. (HM) Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL) – [2-0]
The Myers Riders join the party in the top 10 this week. They squeaked out a 14 to 9 victory over cross-town rival Cumberland Panthers on the weekend. Kyle McLean (Mount Allison commit) continues to improve every game. The Riders travel to Kingston to play a strong team from the Grenadiers organization.
9. (5) London Falcons (OVFL) – [1-1]
A disappointing home loss to the Hamilton Ironmen will have the team re-focus in their efforts to climb back up the standings. This week they host the Niagara Spears who gave Hamilton all they could handle in week 1.
10. (HM) Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL) – [1-1]
Despite a week 2 loss the Wildcats enter the top 10 for the first time this season. The one-point loss to the #3 Toronto Thunder did not go unnoticed by CFC scouts. A clear picture of where this team is headed will be painted this weekend when they face off against the Etobicoke Eagles.
Honourable Mentions:
Niagara Spears (OVFL), Sault Ste Marie (OVFL), Cambridge Lions (OVFL), Kingston Grenadiers (OVFL), Cumberland Panthers (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) – [2-0]
Won the ‘battle of Ottawa’ against the Panthers 28 to 14. Like their varsity brothers, they travel down the 416 to Kingston to face the Grenadiers this weekend.
2. (3) Burlington Stampeders (OFC) – [2-0]
Another 55 point offensive performance by the Stampeders maintains second position for the Burlington team. They face the Chatham-Kent cougars in this weeks game
3. (4) Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL) – [2-0]
Two games, two close victories, as this time the Ironmen outlasted the London Falcons 24 to 22. Can they keep the momentum going against Guelph or will they have a mid-season ‘lull’? The coaches will be doing their best to prevent this from happening.
4. (6) Mississauga Warriors (OVFL) – [2-0]
They outlasted the Essex Ravens but will have to ‘clean up’ the turnovers and the lack of discipline – players and coaches. Will be a ‘game of the week’ when they face the Cambridge Lions this weekend.
5. (7) Toronto Thunder (OVFL) – [2-0]
Played an outstanding game in limiting a strong Metro Toronto run attack, prevailing by a score of 29 to 12. Play the Pickering Dolphins this weekend.
6. (8) Twin Cities Predators (OFC) – [2-0]
Defeated the Sarnia Sturgeon 38 to 14. Play the Forest City Thunderbirds this weekend.
7. (HM) Cambridge Lions (OVFL) – [2-0]
CFC gives the Lions some love this weekend as they enter the top 10 for the first time this season. Their defense is the strength, led by LB Drew Walden, and the defensive line tandem of Zachery Sauer, Dequan French-Gray and Jonathan Grant. Should be a great game versus Mississauga this week.
8. (3) London Falcons (OVFL) [1-1]
Lost a close match to the Hamilton Ironmen at home and look to rebound this week against a talented Spears team. If you can’t make the Mississauga – Cambridge game be sure to take this one in.
9. (9) Brampton Bulldogs (OVFL) [1-1]
Hard to judge a game that the final score was 94 to 6. So we won’t.
10. (10) Niagara Spears (OVFL) – [1-1]
After a close loss to the Ironmen the Spears bounced back with a great effort against the Bisons. Should test how much they improved in 2 weeks when they travel to London this weekend.
Honourable Mention:
Pickering Dolphins (OVFL), Kingston Grenadiers (OVFL)
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
Photo Credits:
top – Denise del Mundo
bottom – Ron Raymond
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