Hamilton Hurricanes @ London Beefeaters – Saturday October 11, 3:00pm – City Wide Field | WATCH HERE

Arguably this could be the most competitive playoff game this weekend as the #2 Beefeaters hosts the #3 Hurricanes with both teams coming in with identical records.  They met just once during the regular campaign, a game the Beefeaters won by seven points to be able to host this semifinal.

This first meeting took place on the first day of the season and didn’t show much offence.  The Beefeaters scored one touchdown and took advantage of three conceded safeties in the first half and could only muster a field goal in the second half.  The Hurricanes weren’t much better with a conceded safety in the first half, then scored a fourth quarter touchdown.

Lots has changed since.

The Hurricanes have won three straight games coming into the playoffs and are playing great on both sides of the ball.  Their defence has given up just 16 points in total during this streak, which is their average all year.   Meanwhile their offence has played better as of late. They averaged the fourth most points per game during the regular season, however, during the win streak they have averaged over 46.  Quarterback Kayrus Sam finished the season throwing for the second most yards in the Conference with 1362 and an impressive 15 touchdowns.  He has a couple of very strong weapons to throw to, none more dangerous than All-Star Devin Quammie who caught 22 passes for 468 yards and four scores.   To complement their passing game, running back Gianluca Muraca led the Conference with 93 carries as he galloped for 576 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively they gave up the second fewest points averaging 16.3 a game.  They are a quick group able to locate the ball quickly and swarm to it.  Against the Beefeaters they will do their best to take away the running attack and make them throw it to win.

With the victory over the Hurricanes earlier in the year the Beefeaters earned the tiebreaker card and have cashed it in to host the game on Saturday.   They come into the playoffs winning three of their last four and are finally back at home for the first-time since September 20th.   They have primarily used the run game this season with Zach Dewlo, Elijah Prosper and Nick Fonti combining for 1153 yards and seven touchdowns. 

Quarterback DJ Fonti threw for 1091 yards and eight touchdowns but did lead the Conference with 12 interceptions, something he will need to control against the Hurricanes secondary.

The Beefeaters defence is led by Clay Ritschard who has been an incredible addition collecting a team high 39 tackles and four sacks.  He will no doubt need to play a major role to keep Muraca in check while shadowing Sam in case he rolls out of the pocket.

These two teams last met in the Canadian Bowl playoffs in 2023 when the Beefeaters hosted and beat the Hurricanes 50-7.  Like in 2023, the winner on Saturday afternoon will advance to the Ontario Conference Teddy Morris championship game.

Head-to-Head

Records: Hurricanes 6-2 – Beefeaters 6-2
Avg Points For: Hurricanes 33.3 – Beefeaters 33.7
Avg Points Allowed: Hurricanes 16.3 – Beefeaters 25.5

Passing Leaders: Kayrus Sam – 67 of 141 for 1362 yards and 15 touchdowns (Hurricanes) – DJ Fonti – 83 of 140 for 1091 yards and 8 touchdowns (Beefeaters)

Rushing Leaders: Gianluca Muraca – 93 carries for 576 yards and 3 touchdowns (Hurricanes) – Nick Fonti – 90 carries for 457 yards and 3 touchdowns (Beefeaters)

Receiving Leaders: Devin Quammie – 22 receptions for 468 yards and 4 touchdowns (Hurricanes) – Brandon Visouvath – 16 receptions for 349 yards and 5 touchdowns (Beefeaters)

Leading Tacklers: Hayden Pall – 22 tackles (Hurricanes) -Clay Ritschard – 39 tackles (Beefeaters)