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.
A few changes have occurred in the ‘TOP 10’, especially at the top, as a result of week 4 game results and play.
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Week 1 Rankings
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VARSITY (Under 20)
1. (2) Essex Ravens (OVFL) – [4-0]
A change at the top. The province’s best 4-down team continues to defeat top flight opponents. QB Josh Deehan had his best game of the year, using receivers Dallas Boow, Josh Strong and Mark Carter effectively. Cody McCann continued his strong season running the ball and running partner Nicholas Vincent had his best game of the season. The Ravens offense has accounted for 1178 yards (6.1 average) on the ground in 4 games, 150 yards more than the second place team. The Ravens travel to Brantford this weekend.
2. (1) Burlington Stampeders (OFC) – [4-0]
So why the change. The Stampeders did not capitalize on their opportunities and their defense tackled poorly at times in their victory against the Predators. Will Finch played like the best class 2012 QB in the province. Rest assured the best 3-down football team in the province will have a chance to get the #1 spot back. They visit the Panthers this weekend.
3. (4) Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL) – [4-0]
This week the Ironmen persevered in a road game at Mississauga. A 8-0 halftime lead saw the Ironmen leave some points on the board, points which they scored in the second half. The defense continues to be a strong point of this squad. Joe Richardson continues his fine play at middle linebacker and chipped in with an offensive touchdown this week. Hamilton has a bye this week.
4. (5) Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL) – [4-0]
A surprise shut out versus the Toronto Thunder moves this team up in the CFC rankings. QB Sean Mellor has taken over from retired Kyle McLean and had an efficient game against the Thunder. Mitchell Spence continues to be the #1 target of any QB behind center for the Riders. Host the Metro Wildcats which is always an entertaining match up.
5. (7) Metro Toronto Wildcats (OVFL) – [3-1]
Defeated the Pickering Dolphins on Sunday with the defense playing a strong game in the win. The defense once again will have to be big in the potential defensive battle between the Wildcats and the Riders this weekend in Beckwith township.
6. (10) Ottawa Cumberland Panthers (OVFL) – [3-1]
The panthers posted another victory against one of the weaker OVFL squads this weekend. Nonetheless LB John Biewald, DB Will Wojcick continue their strong play on the defensive side. Running backs Isaiah Harris and Dylan Hines have played well and wildcat QB / REC / returner Mitch Baines had a kick off return TD on the weekend. Visit Kingston this weekend.
7. (3)Toronto Thunder (OVFL) – [2-2*]
Got shutout by the Riders after Jayde Rowe was limited to 11 carries. Does the fortunes of the Thunder rest on the health of Rowe? That’s why we play the games. Chance to bounce back this weekend against Oshawa.
8. (9) Brampton Bulldogs (OVFL) – [3-1]
Played a solid game defeating the Cambridge Lions 30 to 17. Gilbert Stewart rushed for just under 200 yards and the Bulldogs now post the 2nd best running attack in the OVFL. They hope that running attack will keep going in the ‘battle of Peel’ this weekend at Home.
9. (6) Twin Cities Predators (OFC) – [3-1]
They lost the battle but maybe not the war. The Predators, down a few players to injury, played great ‘bend don’t break’ defense against the talented passing game of the Stampeders. Their improvement throughout the coming weeks will be a ‘telltale’ sign whether they will get a re-match with the Stamps in the playoffs. And maybe re-focusing their energy away from complaining about the officials may help as well. š
10. (HM) Sault Ste. Marie Sabercats (OVFL) – [2-1]
These guys can play. Any day a Sabercat victory is within grasp the way they compete and coach against all their opponents. The offense, now adjusted to the loss of Lumley, is getting great production. Not to mention, the ‘no huddle’, pass attack is in full effect. Host the Cambridge Lions this weekend, surprisingly their first home game of the year.
Honourable Mentions:
Kingston Grenadiers (OVFL), Niagara Spears (OVFL), Etobicoke Eagles (OVFL)
* Toronto Thunder defeated Etobicoke Eagles in week 1 action in overtime 36 to 30 but the game was forfeited due to ‘ineligible player participation’ – Etobicoke is awarded a 20 to 0 victory
JUNIOR VARSITY (U20)
1. (1) Ottawa Myers Riders (OVFL) – [4-0]
We knew they were good but we did not expect a 63 to 7 victory against the Toronto Thunder, a solid JV team. Michael Arruda leads the league in passing with over 1000 yards, 13 TDs, and 1 INT. Will this juggernaut be touched this year? Great test against a solid Metro team this weekend.
2. (2) Burlington Stampeders (OFC) – [4-0]
Jonathan Howard may be the most elusive back in this age division and he may be playing behind the top offensive line. Again went out early against and opponent and closed the door and threw out the keys.
3. (3) Hamilton Ironmen (OVFL) – [4-0]
A monumental comeback victory against the Mississauga Warriors was spear headed by the strong play of QB Kyle Van Wynsberghe. He threw for 385 yards in the victory and was probably the best QB on the weekend. Emmett Putt, Tyler Walker, and Marc Fournier were all impressive in the receiving core. Travel to Kingston this weekend.
4. (4) Mississauga Warriors (OVFL) – [3-1]
They lost a game but did not lose their ranking position. An unfortunate breakdown in coverage on multiple occasions left the coaching staff frustrated and the Ironmen victors. This is a great team that will rebound. Tyrelle Ivey-Crichlow is the best returner in Junior Varsity football in Ontario (all do respect to Carlton Smith) and needs to be hilited more on offense. This kids got ‘it’.
5. (7) Niagara Spears (OVFL) – [3-1]
Played the Newmarket Bucs and dominated 54 to 0. We like this teams chances and could be a spoiler time and time again as the season progresses. Keep your eye on them.
6. (9) Cambridge Lions (OVFL) – [3-1]
Played the Brampton Bulldogs in what was a tremendous football game. The 37 to 28 score had much to do with the rushing and the punt return touchdown of Carlton Smith. This first year JV player has shown he is a top skill player. The defense has sputtered a bit the last 2 weeks and looks to get back on track against the talented Cumberland Panthers.
7. (5) Toronto Thunder (OVFL) – [3-1]
Lose 63 to 7 and only drop two spots? We just think the stars were aligned and the match up of styles of play was to the Riders advantage. Take our word for it, this team will respond. Coach Smith will turn them around.
8. (NR) Pickering Dolphins (OVFL) – [2-1]
Defeated a talented Metro team on the weekend and look to continue their winning ways against the Newmarket Bucs.
9. (HM) Cumberland Panthers (OVFL) – [2-2]
Competitive in their games against Myers and Mississauga but we want to see more out of this team. Play another top flight team this weekend which should be an indicator of whether they can play with the big boys.
10. (NR) Huronia Stallions (OFC) – [3-0]
After some early season field issues, which limited practice time and postponed their first game, the Stallions seem to be rounding into form. Play the Stampeders in 2 weeks which should give us a good gauge of how good this team is.
Honourable Mention:
Kingston Grenadiers (OVFL), Essex Ravens (OVFL), Metro Wildcats (OVFL)
Photo credit:
Gawain Harding
Krista Johnston
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
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