#CFC10 PREVIEWS & PREDICTIONS (1): Showdown in London & potential shootout in Niagara

As the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) season kickoffs this weekend on several fronts, all teams will be out with the old and ringing in the new as player and coach turnovers have occured during the offseason.

The season will begin with a bang in some main gridiron hotbeds where rivalries will be reignited and new battlelines will be drawn.

Here are previews and predictions for some key contests in the OVFL this weekend:

VARSITY:

Essex vs London Adam Conference 2015 1

ESSEX RAVENS @ LONDON JR MUSTANGS (SAT MAY 21st, 7:00pm, TD Waterhouse Stadium, London):

In a rematch of the 2015 OVFL Conference Semi-Finals, the London Jr. Mustangs host the defending OVFL Varsity Provincial Champions in the Essex Ravens.

These are two programs that have a tradition of excellence. The Ravens have been perennial powerhouses in the league while the Jr Mustangs have traditionally been a contender.

The Jr. Mustangs still vividly remember the last meeting in 2015, where the Ravens sent them packing in the postseason.  Since then. the team has been motivated to avenge the loss.

While the Jr. Mustangs defence has improved from 2015 season with the addition of #CFC100 Daniel Valente and the return of #CFC100 CLASS 2016 ranked Spencer Hood, they go up against an explosive Ravens offence.  They will have to find a way to stop many weapons highlighted by #CFC100 running back Jacob Savoni, wide receiver Brandon Speller.

The Jr Mustangs offence will have to contend this season without OVFL Rushing King Cole Kussman and #CFC100 CLASS 2015 ranked pivot Tristan Arndt. This season, the Jr Mustangs strength will lie with their receiving core, their offensive line as well as a pair of running backs expected to carrry the load for the team – Brentyne AndersonBrown and newcomer Tazie Vang Bell.

This game could serve as a preview of the 2016 postseason and already has generated a lot of hype.

PREDICTION: Essex Ravens 40, London Jr. Mustangs 38

Jean Paul Cimankinda

OTTAWA MYERS RIDERS @ TORONTO THUNDER (SAT MAY 21st, 3:00pm, Birchmount Park):

The 2015 OVFL Varsity finalists, Ottawa Myers Riders begin their season on the road and head to Toronto where they will face the hosts Thunder.

For the Thunder to have a chance against ther Myers Riders, they have to contain Jean-Paul Cimankinda, who proved last year that he was unstoppable in one on one battles.  During the 2015 season, the explosive, playmaking running back amassed 3004 rushing yards and  42 touchdowns.  He has the ability in a single game to gain multiple yards as evidenced in the 2015 season when he racked up 421 rushing yards.

Expect to see Cimankinda light it up with pivot Brayden Lassenba frequently during the game.

Another offensive weapon the Thunder will have to keep their eyes on is #CFCOPC participant Jalla Lansanah.

Equally, the Thunder’s offence have to get past a solid Myers Riders defensive front. Both the backfield and front seven are once again strong.  Highlighting the defence is Cedrick Lavigne and Daniel Barker.

As for the Thunder, one of the things to watch on their offence is the connection between pivot Connor Smith and running back Shedler Fervius. Additionally, the offensive line will be anchored by Pat Marsden.

Defensively, the Thunder have a strong core which include Emmanuel Beals in the secondary as well as linemen Tyrrell Chung and Deionte Knight.

PREDICTION: Ottawa Myers Riders 38, Toronto Thunder 20

 

Michael Warner OVFL

 

JUNIOR VARSITY:

CAMBRIDGE LIONS @ NIAGARA SPEARS (FRI MAY 20th, 7:30pm, Kiwanis Field):

If last year is any indication, we could potentially see a shootout in this opening game of the OVFL junior varsity season.

During the 2015 season, both the Cambridge Lions and Niagara Spears racked up over 300 points each.

The Lions offence is highlighted by #CFCOPC MVP pivot Michael Warner who will try to create more magic with the core of running backs and receivers at his dispense.

Meanwhile, the Spears also have a lot of weapons in their arsenal including wide receiver Chase Osinga.

This game could be decided by special teams or one team capitalizing upon a mistake from the other.

Overall, the junior varsity season starts off with an exciting contest between two traditionally competitive squads.

PREDICTION: Cambridge Lions 42, Niagara Spears 36

 

SAULT STE MARIE SABRECATS @ YORK REGION LIONS (SAT MAY 21st, 4:00pm, St. Maximillian Kolbe):

Highlighting this contest is the fact we will get our first look at the York Region Lions which is a team that consists of two former OVFL squads in York Simcoe Bucs and Markham Raiders.

The Lions will be looking to start of this new campaign with a win at home but are expected to face a tough battle against the relentless Sault Ste Marie (SSM), Sabrecats.

Of all the games this week, this one will be a tight one.

PREDICTION: York Region Lions 20, SSM Sabrecats 17

 

 

 

 

 

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