OVFL Varsity: Who will win WILDCARD playoff games?


CFC has been at work compiling a coaches poll on who will win this weekends games. The results were not unanimous which means a good weekend of football is ahead. Here are the results:

Seven coaches (OVFL and CIS) helped in the predictions.

Hamilton Ironmen (3 and 5 – lost 3 games by forfeit) at London Falcons (7 and 1)
[Saturday July 31st – 8pm – TD Waterhouse Stadium]

These teams played last weekend which will add even more intrigue to this match up. Hamilton’s losses (other than forfeits) were by a total of 5 points, losing to Sault Ste Marie 8 to 7 and London 11 to 7. Hamilton has proved they have a great defense. If the offense scores when in the red zone they will have a great opportunity to win this game. Hamilton must limit the rushing yards of Alex Iessi.

London’s only blemish came against the Esssex Ravens in week 7 by a score of 39 to 6. The offense has faltered recently and like Hamilton will need to score when the opportunities are presented to them. This one was a close one for the coaches and the home field advantage tipped the scale.

London 17 Hamilton 14

Essex Ravens (5 and 3) at Niagara Spears (5 and 3)
[Saturday July 31st – 4pm – West Park HS]

These teams battle in week 2 with Niagara prevailing at home by a score of 32 to 31. Nothing suggests that this game will be any different from the first, as far as the close result. Essex enters the game with the number #1 rusher in the league (Tarrence Crawford – PICTURE, 1001 yards, 16 touchdowns) and the #4 passer (Austin Kennedy, 1361 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs). They are going to score some points. The question comes down to how many points the Spears will score. They do not have a QB who threw for more than 400 yards and their leading rusher Devon Egerter had 504 yards. Niagara’s defense will have to stop the ravens and the offense will have to score when needed.

Essex 27 Niagara 21

Pickering Dolphins (4 and 4) at Cumberland Panthers (7 and 1)
[Saturday July 31st – 4pm – Millenium Field]

These teams squared off in week 2 with cumberland prevailing 38 to 2. The panthers only blemish was last weeks square off versus the thunder. The Dolphins enter the contest with wins against only non-playoff teams. In order for the Dolphins to prevail they will have to limit the effectiveness of cumberland QB Alex Skinner and by defensive leaders Kyle Wasson, Shane Lock and Dexter Damboise. Running back Marley Patterson will need a huge effort in order for the Dolphins to win.

Cumberland 32 Dolphins 11

Etobicoke Eagles (6 and 2) at Ottawa Myers Riders (6 and 2)

[Saturday July 31st – 1pm – Minto Field]

This is the only varsity match up where the teams did not play in the regular season. This one will pit a great Myers defense versus an explosive Eagles offense. In order for the eagles to prevail they will need big games from league leader in passing Jesse Herman (1773 yards, 14 TDs, 3 INTs) and 7th leading rusher Melvin Abankwah (578 yards, 5 TDs). Myers must counter with defensive stalwarts Sam Sabourin, Ettore Lattanzio and Robbie Aitken. A shoot out does not favour the Riders. The old turf at Minto won’t help in slowing the opponent down but can they rebound from a slow finish to the year.

Etobicoke 32 Myers 27

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