Week four at the JV level showcases a few marquee matchups in both the OVFL and OFC. The feature game this weekend is in the OVFL as the third ranked London Jr Mustangs play host to seventh ranked Niagara. The defending OVFL champs have looked better and better each week, but face their first real test in the Spears. We take a look at that and the Cumberland/ Oshawa game in our weekly #CFC10 Predictions.
JUNIOR VARSITY (UNDER 17) PREDICTIONS WEEK 4:
#7 NIAGARA SPEARS (2-0) @ #3 LONDON JR MUSTANGS (3-0) Sat. June 13th 17H30 TD Stadium
THE MATCHUP: The ‘Stangs come into this one having outscored their opponents 127-33 in their first three games and looking every bit capable of repeating as OVFL champs. Offensively London boasts a three pronged attack when it comes to the ground game which features, Chase Brown, Tazie Vang Bell and Hayden Herlick. The trio have rushed for 420, 376 and 245 yards respectively and Brown and Vang Bell both average over 10 yards per carry. A testament to both their skill and the offensive line process, the ability to dominate up front and run the ball is huge on any level, especially JV. Defensively London boasts talent all over the field, but defensive back Daniel Valente has been a one man show. Valente has 24 total tackles (13 solo, 22 assists), 3 fumble recoveries, 2 picks, 2 batted balls and to top it off 2 TDs.
Look up one dimensional in the dictionary and you will see the Spears attack. So far in two games the Spears have aired it out a whopping 11 times. One could argue however that there really is no need to pass the ball when you average 290 yards a game on the ground as the Spears do. Cole Burniston has averaged 10.8 yards a carry en route to 237 yards rushing in the Spears first two wins while Maksym Nazartchyk has also showed himself capable in the early stages of the season. Defensively Niagara has forced seven turnovers in just two games, not spectacular they have been solid and have shut down their opening two opponents. Just how good are they……ask me Saturdy after this one.
LONDON PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Tazie Vang Bell, RB Hayden Herlick, RB Chase Brown, DB Daniel Valente, DB Tamurie Bringi
NIAGARA PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/REC Cole Burniston, LB Jack Scordino, DB Jake Porter, DB Reid Wiley
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Somewhere Woody Hayes is smiling, if you like three yards and a cloud of dust (or black rubber pellets this weekend) this one is for you. The two teams have combined 56 pass attempts in five games and although both have top rated ground games, the Spears have showed zero ability to throw having just as many interceptions as completions on the season….three. The inability to throw will hurt them as London is too strong on both sides of the ball and will gradually pull away.
FINAL SCORE: LONDON 36 NIAGARA 21
OSHAWA HAWKEYES (1-1) @ CUMBERLAND PANTHERS (2-1) Sat. June 13th 14H30 Millenium Field
THE MATCHUP: Through the first two weeks of the season the Panthers seemed to be following their script of previous years….gearing up for their midseason battle with Myers and then making a deep playoff run. Outscoring opponents 121-6 in their first two games Cumberland looked as powerful as ever….but then came the Thunder. Against Toronto, Cumberland turned the ball over six times and were held to a meager 134 yards total offense. Last weekend’s 21-0 loss left many questioning the Panthers status as an OVFL elite in 2015.
2014 was not kind to the Oshawa Hawkeyes as an organization….for that matter neither was 2013. But things appear to be changing in the Hawkeyes favour as all three levels have started in impressive fashion. At the JV level the Hawkeyes opened the season with a 51-0 blowout of Metro Toronto and lost by a field goal against a strong Thunder team in suspect weather. This is a statement game for these 2015 Hawkeyes, not generally seen as a perennial contender a win here would the thrust Oshawa into the postseason conversation. A well balanced attack leads a Hawkeyes team that should surprise many in 2015.
OSHAWA PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Kian Williams, DL Samuel Obiang, QB Alex Lawrie, REC Willy Dimbongi, LB Charlean Alain
CUMBERLAND PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB/FB Austin Butler, REC Jelani Yorke, QB David Maecker, LB Brenden Point, LB/FB Shane Gryszkiewicz
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Expect Cumberland to come out a little flat. Last weekend was a letdown and an eyeopener and to be honest not a lot of people saw it coming. Couple that with a hungry Oshawa squad who want to show they are in the Wettges conference echelon and you have a recipe for a second straight Panther loss.
FINAL SCORE: OSHAWA 21 CUMBERLAND 18
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