CFC ‘top 10’ Ontario Summer rankings: Varsity & Junior Varsity (pre-season)

Here is CFCs ranking of the top 10 Varsity & Junior Varsity teams in Ontario summer football. The two leagues that are eligible for this ranking are the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL) & the Ontario Football Conference (OFC). These two leagues do not play against one another during the regular or playoff seasons. Below is the ‘pre-season’ rankings and the criteria we use. We look forward to all of your positive and negative criticism :).

VARSITY (Under 20)

1. Burlington Stampeders (OFC)

Last year’s OFC champions look to repeat the feat this year. The Stamps’ are led by returning QB Will Finch (who played up an age division last year) and a host of other vets. Time will tell how the coaching transition (mostly new staff) effects them in their early matches.

2. Essex Ravens (OVFL)

After finishing the regular season slightly above .500 the ravens went on a roll in the playoffs thanks in part to the outstanding play of QB Austin Kennedy (Windsor Lancers) and RB Tarrance Crawford (Simon Fraser). With the entire offensive line returning and much of the defense look for the Ravens to be a force again.

3. Toronto Thunder (OVFL)

Coach Rob DiMaria is back in familiar ‘zoo’ surroundings after a ten-year hiatus. DiMaria is excited about the opportunity and says where they lack in “numbers” they make up for with “some ballers”. Look for the offensive load to be handled to RB Jayde Rowe while the defense looks for Ramon Richards to lead the way.

4. Sault Ste Marie Sabercats (OVFL)

Everyone knows the no-huddle is coming but can they stop it? RB Trevor Plumley (7 games – 16 TDs, 893 yards) is bigger and stronger while the defense will be lead by LBs Rhys Mahler and Pat McGrath and the back end will be protected by DB Iain Hutchinson. Coaches hope not to peak as early as they did last year and make a playoff run.

5. Cumberland Panthers (OVFL)

New head coach Scott Westlake knows his team has high expectations after last years heartbreaking overtime loss in the finals. Westlake is concerned about the lack of experience on the squad but hopes his team gels by playoff time. The defense will have to step up with the loss of blue chipper Ron Omara (St FX). The offense will look to a new QB as well as Alex Skinner is off to Laval. The incumbants are Darcy Laboie and youngster Duncan Laurie. Watch for RB Isaiah Harris and REC Mitchell Baines.

6. Mississauga Warriors (OVFL)

Always a class of the league the Warriors open up the season in what may be the game of the week, against the #4 ranked Cumberland Panthers. Head coach Craig Clarke likes his defense. Leading the way on the defense is Adrian Hodgson, Tethion Nicholas, Richard King-Kaloo and Sean Snary. Can new co-offensive coordinators Tom Flaxman and Adrian Dutchak get the production from their offense?

7. Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL)

Playoff darlings a year ago, losing to the eventual champions in a hard fought conference final game. A plethora of great running backs is a situation coach Rob Underhill looks forward to managing. Ryan Silvestri and Matt Barkovich will carry the load at that position and newcomer Alex Hill will start under center. Look for big things from veteran linebacker Joe Richardson as he leads a young defense.

8. Twin Cities Predators (OFC)

They battled Burlington hard for a half in last years OFC final but eventually succumbed to over powering Stampeders. Lack of depth at the ‘big-man’ positions may be their downfall this season. Look for the Predators to use their athleticism to their advantage during the season as well as a great young coaching staff.

9. London Falcons (OVFL)

A top-ten would not be complete without a team from London. The Falcons open up against the Bisons in week one and should fare well with a new head coach leading the charge.

10. Etobicoke Eagles (OVFL)

One of the most talented teams in the league in recent years, the Eagles look to build upon their playoff success from a year ago. More depth in players and in coaching should benefit the Eagles in 2011.

Honourable Mentions: Brampton Bulldogs (OVFL), Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL), Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL), Niagara Spears (OVFL)

JUNIOR VARSITY (U20)

1. Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL)

The young talented team will see what they are worth right off the mark with a visit from the Brampton Bulldogs (last years JV champs). QB Mike Arruda, up from Peewee, will likely lead the offensive charge of the Riders. NOTE: All three Riders home-openers (varsity, junior and bantam) will be dedicated to Daron Richardson in support of the Do it for Daron Foundation. Richardson, daughter of former NHL-er and Ottawa native Luke Richardson, committed suicide last year. Get out and support the cause.

2. Brampton Bulldogs (OVFL)

The reigning champs return only 4 players from last years team however a big part of the success returns with QB Christian Strong, who will arguably be the top JV QB in Ontario this summer. Coach Bernie Defour says the team is deeper and has more team speed than last year…look out. Defour says defensive tackles defensive tackles Amato Merendola and Devon Bowen will wreak havoc on other teams.

3. Burlington Stampeders (OFC)

What a season a year ago this team had. We expect the same as the depth of players and coaching in Burlington has not ‘dryed’ out in a year.

4. Niagara Spears (OVFL)

The peewee team won the OVFL crown and the JV team lost in the finals. Many of the peewee winners are moving up this season. Look for the Spears to be strong contenders for this years JV crown.

5. London Falcons (OVFL)

If you were a betting man or woman, you may get your best bang for your buck if you predicted the Falcons to go all the way this season. The growth of London Minor Football and other London football organizations helps this city be one of the top producers of players in the province.

6. Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL)

Like their Varsity counterparts, the JV team will look to run the ball by committee. Coach Ken McGuire emphasizes that his team with have to mix it up to be successful. Luckily newcomer QB Kyle Van Wynsberghe has looked impressive in pre-season action. They will find out how good they are right off the bat when they play the Niagara Spears.

7. Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL)

After the most successful regular season in franchise history the Wildcats hope to translate that this year into playoff success. Coach Steve Medcalf looks for Clinton Leonard and Pellie Jorgen to lead the way in the backfield. This may be the best one-two punch in any JV background. Thunder and Lightning of the JV age level for sure.

8. Etobicoke Eagles (OVFL)

Look for this years addition of the junior varsity Eagles to benefit from more depth in the entire organization. The Eagles have traditionally been a ‘middle tier’ team but look for this year for them to break out from the pack. The Eagles hope to start on the right foot against the Toronto Thunder in week one.

9. Toronto Thunder (OVFL)

With lots of players moving up from the Peewee division head coach Robert Allen is stressing ‘mistake-free’ football. Look for pee wee graduate Michael Willard and newcomer Brett Watson to fight for the QB position. Look for big things from RBs Nathaniel Johnson and Rakeem Simms as well as big-play receivers Shomari Murdock-Reid and Dejuan Martin. Game one versus the Eagles will be a huge test.

10. Twin Cities Predators (OFC)

Player depth and coaching depth is a plus for this organization. A strong core returns which will be advantageous for the Predators. Look for bantam lineman Andrew Pickett to continue his impressive play at the JV level. He may be the #1 lineman prospect of his age category. Can they beat the Stampeders is the question.

Honourable Mention: Pickering Dolphins (OVFL), Sudbury Gladiators (OFC), Mississauga Warriors (OVFL), Guelph Bears (OVFL), Cambridge Lions (OVFL)

NOTES:
a) teams eligible for ranking play in the OVFL or OFC
b) Contributors to the ranking include CFC reporters, CIS coaches, OVFL & OFC scouts – the pre-season team of contributors totaled 15 individuals…which we anticipate to grow during the course of the season
c) the only rule difference between the two leagues is that the Varsity OFC division plays 3-downs where all others play 4-downs
d) We will rank the ‘top 10’ up until and including the final regular season weekend
e) Have fun