#CFC10 PREVIEWS & PREDICTIONS (3): Showdown involving pair of heavyweights in Windsor

Another full slate is on tap this weekend in both the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and Ontario Football Conference (OFC).

Here is a rundown of a few of the games that are the must-sees of the weekend in both the varsity and junior varsity divisions of both leagues:

VARSITY:

OVFL:

NIAGARA SPEARS @ ESSEX RAVENS (SUNDAY JUNE 5TH, 4:00PM, UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR STADIUM):

In a battle of two undefeated teams that are considered heavyweights in the Adam Conference and OVFL league this year, the Niagara Spears will be on the road to face the Essex Ravens on Sunday night.

The defending league champions Ravens are coming into this game fresh as they are coming off a bye week. It doesn’t hurt that they are hosting the Spears at home.

However, the Ravens defence will have to shut down an explosive Spears offence led by pivot Tre Ford who completed 17 passes in 21 attempts for 231 yards in last week’s win against the Brampton Bulldogs.  Ford will try to connect with one of his main targets, receiver Jordan Terrio who tallied a major and amassed 102 yards on four receptions in the team’s previous game.

#CFCOPC Jack Andrews will anchor the defensive unit and lead the charge to add pressure to the Ravens offence and have to contain their opposition’s hottest dynamic offensive tandem – Braeden Braccio who tallied a major and rushed for 176 yards on 22 carries in the Ravens opening week victory on the road against the London Jr. Mustangs and #CFC100 Jacob Savoni.

We’re predicting this contest to be competitive with fireworks and drama to ensue from start to finish.  Turnovers, capitalizing opportunities and special teams will determine the outcome.

This game could also serves as a preview of the postseason.

We’re smelling a minor upset here.

PREDICTION: Niagara Spears 32, Essex Ravens 28.

 

OFC:

 

HURONIA STALLIONS @ SUDBURY GLADIATORS (SATURDAY JUNE 4th, 4:00PM):

A case of two teams that are set for a collision course where the outcome is a virtual unknown.

For the Gladiators, pivot Chris Moustaskos will spearhead the Gladiators offence and create magic with Darcy Labelle and Graeme Stevens as was the case in last week’s victory over Oakville Titans.

Defensively, the Gladiators will be anchored by Miller Donnelly who was in beast mode against the Titans, collecting three interceptions in the game.

This one could go down to the wire.

PREDICTION: Huronia Stallions 27, Sudbury Gladiators 24

JUNIOR VARSITY:

OVFL:

WEST DURHAM DOLPHINS @ TORONTO THUNDER (SATURDAY JUNE 4TH, 11:30AM, BIRCHMOUNT STADIUM):

You have to love any battles involving crosstown rivals.  That is the case this weekend in Scarborough as these two teams will try to stake their claim for supremacy in the GTA Region.

The Durham Dolphins are hoping to keep momentum on their side after getting their first win of the season last weekend against York Region Lions.

Defence will play a significant factor in the game and the Dolphins’ unit are led by Peter Rideout and Cristian Claros-Ayala. Offensively, the one that will have an immediate impact in the game is receiver Kevon Jamieson-Hanson

However, the Dolphins defence will have their hands full trying to stop the Toronto Thunder’s top offensive weapons – Vayi Yomo who last week scored three touchdowns and rushed for 201 yards on 18 carries in the team’s win over the Hawkeyes.

Overall, this will be an entertaining and exciting game.

PREDICTION: Toronto Thunder 30, West Durham Dolphins 17

OFC:

HAMILTON TIGER CATS @ TWIN-CITIES PREDATORS (SATURDAY JUNE 4th, 9:00PM

Looking to get back on track after a disappointing defeat, the Hamilton Tiger Cats will try to hand the Twin-Cities Predators their first loss of the OFC junior varsity season.

Despite last week’s loss, the Tigers-Cats demonstrated how strong their special teams unit is this season and will count on return specialist Drake Bodi and kicker Max Sherwood to carry the load for the team.  Running back Calvin Kelly is coming off a two touchdown performance and will figure prominently in the Tiger Cats offensive equation.

PREDICTION: Hamilton Tiger Cats 27, Twin-Cities Predators 16