This weekend, as part of Week 3, the match between Saint-Ouen Cougars and La Courneuve Flash will take place at Escutary Stadium in Saint-Ouen l'Aumône. The Flash (2-0) are the clear favorite for this match, having defeated the Molosses and the Black Panthers in two intense games where the Flash demonstrated the extent of their experience and superiority in the ELITE championship. On the other hand, the Cougars (0-1) were rather disappointing in their home defeat against the Leopards (12-21 score).
A significant recruitment effort by the Cougars that still needs to find its rhythm
The Cougars have significantly strengthened their team this off-season by bringing in numerous experienced recruits. Firstly, they signed quarterback Donovan Isom from the Berlin Thunder (European League of Football), who has experience at Texas Wesleyan University and GFL 1 with the Berlin Rebels. This American import is a major signing for the ELITE championship, having recorded 587 yards and 9 touchdown passes in a few games last season. He seems to be a perfect leader for the Cougars. The second import is Charlie Hockney, the tight end from the University of Portsmouth. Alongside them, the Offensive-Line player from the Berlin Thunder, Cédric Ouattara, will spend the season with the Cougars. They have also signed key players from the Paris Musketeers to strengthen their offense: running back Chris Vumbo, offensive lineman Max Gaye, and the return of the homegrown receiver Jefferson Alexandre.
However, this ambitious recruitment did not pay off against the promoted team (Léopards). The Cougars' offense struggled to execute their passing and running game, with only one touchdown pass scored in the fourth quarter. On a positive note, the Cougars' defense responded well, with a forced fumble and an interception converted into a touchdown (pick-six).
The Flash are stronger than ever
The Flash leads the northern conference with 2 wins and 0 losses. After a challenging opening match against the Molosses, where the European champions miraculously won in the last second with a Hail Mary (21-14 score), the Flash raised the bar against the reigning French champions, the Black Panthers. Despite the absence of Thonon-les-Bains' starting quarterback, José Tabora Jr, the Flash secured a solid away victory (21-7 score).
Led by their running back François-Guilhem Pion (40 rushes, 220 yards, 2 Touchdowns), and an ultra-dominant Offensive-Line, the Flash possesses a highly effective running game. In contrast, the Flash's passing game remains inadequate. Quarterback Léo Crémades has thrown 2 interceptions, 2 TDs, and 220 yards in 2 matches, with a completion rate of 42%, relatively low compared to the standards he had set in previous seasons.
As usual, La Courneuve's defense is very physical, adapts to different offensive game plans, and dominates its opponents.
The Flash are the Favorites, The Cougars Must do Better
The Flash is logically the favorite for this Week 3 match, and it's up to the Cougars to show a different face against an opponent far superior to the Leopards. We will see if the Cougars' offense can step up against the best defense in France. They will need a better performance from Donovan Isom, who currently has a 35% completion rate, and a defense that holds up for all four quarters to hope for a result against La Courneuve's formidable Flash. The Flash, on the other hand, aims to continue its momentum and maintain its position at the top of the ELITE championship.
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