As we reach the midpoint of the CIS football schedule — only the teams in Atlantic Canada have yet to play half their games — it’s becoming increasingly clear that teams in each conference are falling into one of three categories.
First there’s the elite—the teams poised to contend not only for their conference title, but for the 49th Vanier Cup come November. Then there are the squads with the talent to pull off a Cinderella-type run in the playoffs. Finally you’ve got the programs that should start focusing on getting young players valuable reps in preparation for 2014. (Sorry, guys. Better luck next season.)
So, let’s work our way across the country from Pacific to Atlantic and see how each team stacks up at roughly the mid-point mark.
CANADA WEST (CWUAA)
Elite
Five straight Hardy Cup trophies will earn a program a lot of respect, but Calgary never seems to rest on past dominance. The Dinos’ ground game is always strong, and third-year back Mercer Timmins is carrying the load this season. With a 4-0 record, emerging playmakers and a strong defence, Calgary is the easy favourite to keep their streak of Can West titles going.
Next in line
Just as quick as Anthony Coombs, Kit Hillis, Brandon Deschamps or Cameron Shutter can hit your defence for a long touchdown, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, UBC and Regina are all capable of jumping up and pulling off a shocker. The problem with each is simply inconsistency. If any one could show a more consistent effort in all phases of the game, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of them take the Hardy Cup away from Calgary.
Need to focus on next season
Sitting at 0-4 it’s going to be an uphill climb for Alberta to make the playoffs in 2013. However, there are some golden spots for the Golden Bears. A pair of rookies, running back Ed Ilnicki and receiver Tylor Henry have started their careers strong and should provide playmaking ability on offence for years to come.
ONTARIO (OUA)
Elite
Three undefeated teams remain in the deepest conference in the country. Western, Queen’s and Guelph all possess the kind of talent required to claim the Yates Cup, the oldest trophy in North American sports. Led by second-year pivot Will Finch, Western has outscored their five opponents by 223 points—and no, that’s not a typo.
Meanwhile, Guelph seems to always come out on top in close games and Queen’s might just be the most well-rounded team in the OUA.
Next in line
It is stunning to be typing McMaster under the “next in line” subheading and not one group higher, but the 2013 version of the maroon and grey hasn’t played like the 2011 and 2012 OUA champion teams. McMaster has turned the ball over and taken penalties at an alarming rate. This squad has to clean up the miscues in order to become a favourite again in Ontario.
And while it seems one of the conferences big four will grab the Yates, it wouldn’t be a shock to see senior quarterbacks Austin Kennedy of Windsor or Aaron Colbon of Ottawa get hot and lead a magical run for his respective school in the playoffs. The Lancers and Gee-Gees are still in it.
Need to focus on next season
York, Toronto, Waterloo and Laurier are building slowly and getting more competitive. Perhaps the best story countrywide has been Carleton’s return to the football field. In time, with their structure, the Ravens will fly higher.
QUEBEC (RSEQ)
Elite
Like defence? Laval won its first meeting with Montreal this season, 16–9 — in a dazzling display of defensive football, or an offensive struggle, you decide — on September 22. The two teams rank one (31) and two (47) respectively in the CIS in terms of points allowed, not to mention one and two in the conference. In case you didn’t get the point, defence equals a Dunsmore date.
Next in line
Bishop’s, yes Bishop’s, the school Sportsnet’s Arash Madani proudly raves about, looks like a team that could crash the party and get to a Quebec final. Fifth-year passer Jordan Heather has been impressive so far in 2013. And the Gaiters have shown the ability to win close games, coming through with a pair of one-point victories over Sherbrooke on their way to a 3-1 mark through four games.
Need to Focus on Next Season
Much more was expected out of Sherbrooke and third-year pivot Jeremi Roch. The Vert et Or are 1-3 and play Montreal or Laval in three of their last four games this season. McGill has found a running back, Luis Guimont-Mota, to build around. Concordia hasn’t shown much sting in the first half of the season.
ATLANTIC (AUS)
Elite
Um….
Next in line
Ummmmmm….
Need to Focus on Next Season
All four teams out east fall under all three categories. Follow me for a second. St. Mary’s edged Acadia 14–11 to open the season. Mount Allison then beat St. Mary’s 29–15, but the Mounties lost 31–10 to St. FX before Acadia rolled the X-Men 40–11. If you think you can pick an Atlantic champion after solving that riddle, be my guest. In saying that, logic would suggest Acadia, two-time defending Loney Bowl champions, are the odds-on selection, but the Atlantic seems more wide open than ever.