#CFC10 PREVIEWS & PREDICTIONS (5): Heavyweight showdown in Hamilton this weekend

At we reach the halfway point of the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) and are deep into the Ontario Football Conference (OFC), teams are asserting their territory at the top.

Even more important are the teams fighting early on for a coveted spot in the postseason. As each week passes by, games become more crucial as a single point or loss can determine who stays in or out.

Here are a few of the games to watch for this weekend.

VARSITY:

OVFL:

SSM SABRECATS @ ESSEX RAVENS (SATURDAY JUNE 18th @ 7:00PM UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR ALUMNI STADIUM

Every game from here on in is crucial for both the SSM Sabrecats and Essex Ravens.

On Saturday night, these two teams will battle it out in Windsor.  There is only two points separating the squads in the Adam Conference standings.

The Ravens are coming into this game reeling from a 25-0 loss at the hands of Cambridge Lions.  Offensively, the team needs to get back on track and score some points in the hurry.  They will rely on Braeden Braccio to carry the load.  So far this season, he has rushed for 300 yards on 53 carries and scored a touchdown.

As for the Ravens defence, Daniel Metcalfe is expected to lead the way.  In 2016, he has accumulated a batted ball, two solo and two assisted tackles as well as 21 solo and 13 assisted tackles.

However, the Ravens defence will have to shut down the Sabrecats potent offence.  PIvot Michael Byron has completed 44 passes in 77 attempts for 640 yards and five touchdowns this summer.  His main go to target is Tristian Marshall who has amassed 325 rushing yards on 54 carries and two touchdowns during the 2016 season.

This one is a tough one to call – if the Ravens find their offence again they have a chance to end their slide. It will be a close one

PREDICTION: SSM Sabrecats 24, Essex Ravens 20

OFC:

GUELPH JR GRYPHONS @ HAMILTON VARSITY TIGER CATS (FRIDAY JUNE 17TH @ 8:00PM)

Under Friday Night Lights, two of the top teams in the Varsity South Conference are going to duke it out in Hamilton.

The Hamilton Varsity Tiger Cats are coming off a bye week so they will be well rested and fresh. Offensively, the team has numerous players who have contributed including Jacob Patten, Nicolas Petermann and Damian Tesoro. As for the Gryphons, the team hopes Tommy Nield continues his momentum as he was Week 2 Offensive Player of the Week as he caught seven passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns in  a 30-8 victory over the Brantford Bisons.

#CFC100 Connor Carusello has catapulted the Tiger Cats to the top of the standings – so far he completed 17 passes in 29 attempts for 298 yards and four touchdowns.

This contest could come down to special teams – Patten vs the Jr Gryphons phenom Gabe Siemieniec.Patten was Week 2 Special Teams Player of the Week as he was successful on three long field goal attempts and added four PAT’s  4 of 5 on convert attempts in the team’s 44-10 victory over Twin Cities Predators.

A dramatic game from start to finish as fireworks will ensue between these two squads. In the end the Ti-Cats will be too much for the Jr. Gryphons to handle.

PREDICTION: Hamilton Varsity Tiger Cats 40, Guelph Jr Gryphons 22

 

JUNIOR VARSITY:

OVFL:

ETOBICOKE EAGLES @ LONDON JR. MUSTANGS (SATURDAY JUNE 18TH @ 4:30PM TD WATERHOUSE STADIUM):

In London on Saturday afternoon, two teams jockeying for postseason positions will compete and the Etobicoke Eagles are hoping to play spoiler and hand the hosts Jr. Mustangs their first loss of the OVFL season.

Ethan Martin is a one man wrecking machine for the Jr. Mustangs. This spring/summer, he has rushed for 302 yards on 19 carries and four touchdowns.  The Eagles will have to intercept any magic he creates with main offensive target Chase Brown.

On the other side, the Eagles have explosive rusher Keanu Brown who has 389 rushing yards on 68 carries and three touchdowns so dar this season.

Although the Jr. Mustangs are strong offensively, they will have to find a way to get past the Eagles defence led by Tayo Smith and Ife Onyemenam.

However, the hosts have the advantage on special teams as Brian Garrity has come through with his consistency this season.

We’re taking the hosts to win this battle.

PREDICTION: London Jr. Mustangs 42, Etobicoke Eagles 24