#CFC10 PREVIEWS & PREDICTIONS (11): Rivalries and redemption headline postseason contests

With only a couple of weeks left in summer football in Ontario, things are heating up in the playoffs.

As the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) Conference Finals and Ontario Football Conference (OFC) Conference Semi-Finals take centre stage this weekend, the common themes are historic rivalries and redemption.

Here are a few of the games that we believe will provide the greatest intrigue, drama and fireworks:

VARSITY:

OVFL:

CAMBRIDGE LIONS @ NIAGARA SPEARS (SATURDAY JULY 30TH @ KIWANIS FIELD, 8:00PM):

The Adam Conference final is a rematch of Week 7 of the regular season between two rivals.

In their previous meeting, the Niagara Spears defeated the Cambridge Lions 42-27.  While the Spears put their perfect streak on the line, the Lions are roaring for redemption.

In last week’s win over the Essex Ravens, Jackson White lead the Lions offensive unit – completing 15 passes in 20 attempts for 358 yards and a touchdown.  Once again, he spearheads an offensive unit that has many options including Brandon Metz, Riley Boersma, Nathan McLean and Devante Hudson.

On the defensive side, Jack Hinsperger will be counted upon to carry the load in shutting down an explosive Spears offence.

Speaking of that, the Spears offence is dangerous as Tre Ford is the catalyst of creating magic with their weapons including Jordan TerrioKeagan Oshust, Cam MacDonald and Keaton Bruggeling.

Defensively, Jack Andrews Tyrrell Ford and #CFC100 Teddy Mansell continue their tenaicous attack and try to contain the Lions offence.

Each side also has two consistent kickers in Owen Charnock (Spears) and McLean (Lions).

While another chapter will be scripted on Saturday night at Kiwanis Field, the Spears have been a dominant team in all three facts of the game.  Unless the Lions can crack the Spears, the home team will advance to the league championship.

PREDICTION: Niagara Spears 38, Cambridge Lions 20

GUELPH JR. GRYPHONS @ HAMILTON VARSITY TIGER CATS (FRIDAY JULY 29TH @ RON JOYCE STADIUM, 7:30PM):

Another great rivalry in the playoffs as the Guelph Jr. Gryphons travel to Hamilton to face the Varsity Tiger Cats under Friday Night Lights.

If their last game is any indication, we could see another defensive battle where special teams could prove to be the difference. Back on June 17th, the Varsity Tiger Cats escaped with a 12-3 win.

The Varsity Tiger Cats is highlighted by offensive/special teams standout Jacob Patten.  Additionally, Nicholas Petermann, Damian Tesoro and Tyson Middlemost are viable options for #CFC100 pivot Connor Carusello.

On the opposing side, pivot Alex Douglas looks to connect in this game with receiver Tommy Nield, Jackson Taylor and Keontae King. On special teams, the Jr. Gryphons are solid with kicker Gabriel Siemieniec.

Once again though, we expect this to be a defensive contest.  The Gryphons’ unit is highlighted by Demarre Brown, Walker Breen, Brandon Ferigo and Ryan Gorgi.  The Varsity Tiger Cats’ defence has Mitchell Garland, Zach Plausini, Carson MacRae, Nate Edwards as well as #CFC100 Nolan Putt and Mitchell Thiele.

While these two teams appear to be evenly matched, we expect a few more points on the scoreboard because it is the postseason.  In this one, we predict the home team will put out the win.

PREDICTION: Hamilton Varsity Tiger Cats 24, Guelph Jr. Gryphons 20

 

JUNIOR VARSITY:

WEST DURHAM DOLPHINS @ OTTAWA MYERS RIDERS (SATURDAY JULY 30TH @ BECKWITH RECREATION PARK, 2:45PM):

No doubt about this one, the Ottawa Myers Riders have got redemption and revenge on their mind.

The team was on route to a perfect season when they met a hot West Durham Dolphins team.

Back on July 17th, the Dolphins handed the Myers Riders their first loss of the OVFL season with a 42-27 win.

With the Myers Riders focused squarely on their ultimate goal of repeating as league champions, they are expected to come into this contest shoring up all three facets of the ball to ensure another disappointing loss doesn’t happen again.

#CFCOPC pivot James Keenan spearheads the offence and expect him to go to #CFCOPC receiver Hono Iloki, running back Hayden Tripp as well as Tyrrell Brown often in this game.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins has quaterback Jaden Richards, receiver Kevon Jamieson Hanson and offensive /special teams standout Ethan Smith.

Despite the inevitable that it will be a high scoring affair, the Myers Riders are determined to settle the score at home.

PREDICTION: Ottawa Myers Riders 42, West Durham Dolphins 23