Well, it was certainly an interesting first week of league play around the various CWOSSA leagues. As anticipated, "parity" seems to be the name of the game and I'm not sure if we've seen more competitive league games and tournaments in recent memory.The big jump of the week goes to the St. James Lions, who have earned themselves a top-4 ranking thanks to taking home the title at the JF Ross Senior Tournament, as well as a 2-0 start in league play with a Thursday afternoon win over a solid Our Lady of Lourdes team.
Here's this week's ranking:
1. St. John's College (Brantford) - AAA
Last Week: #1
The Green Eagles went 2-1 at the prestigious Purple & White in London last weekend; this coming weekend, they're hosting a tournament featuring several ranked CWOSSA clubs, so keep an eye on that.
2. Bluevale Collegiate (Waterloo) - AAAA
Last Week: #2
The Knights are "2-0" in league play, although they only played one offiical game, a 48-24 win over Elmira (they also had a "bye win" over GPSS, who do not have a team this year).
3. Waterloo-Oxford (Baden) - AAA
Last Week: #3
The Crusaders are off to a nice start, winning their home tournament as expected and picking up 2 convincing league wins.
4. St. James (Guelph) - AAA
Last Week: #10 (tie)
The Lions defeated Bishop Reding (Milton) & Cardinal Newman (Stoney Creek) en route to the JF Ross tourney title; they then posted wins over GCVI & Lourdes in league play.
5. Bishop Macdonell (Guelph) - AA
Last Week: #10 (tie)
The Celtics were expected to be down a bit after key losses from a season ago, but they opened their season with two double-digit victories over Centennial & JF Ross.
6. Waterloo Collegiate - AAAA
Last Week: #4
The first "true test" for the Vikes in league play will come next week against Jacob Hespeler. They're among the ranked teams in Brantford this weekend at the SJC tournament.
7. Kitchener Collegiate - AAA
Last Week: Not Ranked
The Raiders picked up an opening day win over Cameron Heights (made that much more impressive by CHCI's win over JHSS on Thursday). KCI's returnees and talent moved up from the WCSSAA junior champs have meshed well early in the season.
8. Lourdes - AA
Last Week: #5
The Crusaders will be in a battle --- as usual --- with Bishop Macdonell for D10's "AA" CWOSSA berth.
9. Cameron Heights - AAAA
Last Week: Not Ranked
Evening their record at 1-1 was huge as the Gaels should be able to win their next three league games, before a huge tilt with WCI on October 8th.
10 (tie). Resurrection - AAAA
Last Week: #7
The Phoenix didn't do anything wrong this week, but their calibre of wins (league wins over SBCSS & RMC) allowed a couple teams to vault over them in the rankings. Still a team that deserves to be ranked at this point.
10 (tie). Jacob Hespeler - AAA
Last Week: #6
A disappointing loss to Cameron Heights, but the Hawks will have opportunity for redemption this weekend at their home tournament.
Honourable Mention / On The Radar: St. Mary's (Kitchener), North Park (Brantford), Assumption (Brantford).
