Unbelievable as it may seem but we are almost at the midway point of the Ontario summer football season. With the back nine of the 2015 campaign just around the corner, teams are starting to feel the crunch as the standings tighten and the realization that there are limited reservations for the post season starts to kick in.
On the OFC side of things the two-time defending champs, the Hamilton Hurricanes show no signs of relinquishing their crown or losing a game for that matter, jumping out to 3-0 to start 2015. Preseason favourites Peterborough and Burlington also go into week four boasting unblemished records at 2-0, with the 2-0 Toronto Jr. Argos rounding out the OFC’s unbeaten teams.
In the OVFL, the contenders are starting to separate from the pretenders and teams now starting to jockey for position, as early as it may seem. So far the usual suspects have rolled with Myers, Niagara and Cambridge all unbeaten entering this week’s action. The SSM Sabercats also go into week four undefeated, posting an impressive 3-0 record. Although not a “usual suspect” as per say the Sabercats haven’t really surprised anyone, ranked in the preseason top 10 and laying claim to one of the OVFL’s top defensive units the Sabercats have delivered going 3-0. Although it’s only 2-0 the Oshawa Hawkeyes have probably raised a few eyebrows, but a win at Cumberland this weekend would definitely have everyone talking.
Don’t forget to check in for this week’s #CFC10 Summer Previews & Predictions. Week Four should be the best week yet with BIG TIME OVFL games featuring the aforementioned Sault Sabercats hosting the Essex Ravens and the Niagara Spears heading to London to take on the Jr. Mustangs. The OFC slate is no less exciting with the Brantford Bisons and Burlington Stampeders battling for second in the south while the Huronia Stallions and North Halton Crimson Tide do battle, trying to keep pace in the North. Obviously a huge amount of potential for shakeups in next week’s rankings…….but for now, here are this week’s #CFC 10 Summer Rankings.
VARSITY (UNDER 20) TOP TEN RANKINGS – WEEK 4 (previous week’s ranking in parenthesis)
1) HAMILTON HURRICANES (1) 3-0 OFC (won 39-14 vs. Brantford) The Brantford Bisons came into last week’s game off a big win over Guelph and looking to make a statement in a game that many thought would be close. Many were wrong. The Hurricanes look every bit as dominant as their 2013 and 2014 predecessors, outscoring opponents 115-14 so far en route to a 3-0 start. Next up: bye
2) NIAGARA SPEARS (2) 2-0 OVFL (won 19-10 vs. Brampton) The Spears go to 2-0 with a 19-10 win over winless Brampton. No one thought it would be that close and it looked like the Spears would run away up 19-0 at the half, but a sloppy second half and this was a ballgame. The Spears looked worthy of a top #5 team in the first half and looked anything but in the second and will need to iron this out in a hurry with London up next. Next up: vs. #8 London
3) OTTAWA MYERS RIDERS (3) 3-0 OVFL (won 72-0 vs. York Simcoe) York Simcoe offered no resistance as Myers goes to 3-0. Standout reciever and Ontario Prospect Challenge participant Phil Iloki had 196 yards receiving and 3 td catches in the win. Next up: bye
4) SAULT STE. MARIE SABERCATS (4) 3-0 OVFL (won 48-14 vs. Etobicoke) The Sabercats have forced 15 turnovers in three games….good things happen when you average 5 turnovers a game. Perhaps more impressive is the 288 yards of return yardage on 10, yup 10, picks so far. Next up: #6 Essex
5) CAMBRIDGE LIONS (6) 3-0 OVFL (won 52-20 vs. Hamilton Ironmen) The Lions have “quietly” outscored opponents 127-27. Led by an explosive offense and an opportunistic defense which already has 11 picks in only three games. Next up: bye
6) ESSEX RAVENS (8) 2-1 OVFL (won 45-43 vs. Mississauga) Essex Ravens look to be back on track with a thrilling 45-43 win against top 10 London. The Ravens boast ridiculous balance on offense ranking second in total rushing yards with 653 and fifth in passing yards with 670. Next up: SSM
7) BURLINGTON STAMPEDERS (10) 2-0 OFC (bye) Burlington’s biggest test to date coming up in the form of 2-1 Brantford. Next up: Brantford
8) LONDON JUNIOR MUSTANGS (7) 2-1 OVFL (lost 45-43 vs. Essex) Lost a thriller to Essex, the ‘Stangs drop a spot. Next up: #2 Niagara
9) PETERBOROUGH WOLVERINES (NR) 2-0 OFC (won 31-14 vs. Huronia) The Wolverines sent a message this week as to their intention on taking over the Varsity North Conference Next up: Nipissing
10) TORONTO JR. ARGOS (NR) 2-0 OFC (won 35-3 vs. Nipissing) The OFC’s Toronto Jr. Argos debut this week in the ten slot. The Argos D has been stellar allowing only ten points in two games this season Next up: Oakville
***Honourable Mention*** Brantford Bisons (OFC), Cumberland Panthers (OVFL)
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