France: D1 Elite Conference B week 4 matchups include battle of the unbeatens

| American Football | 03/19/2022

As the French top league, D1 Elite, enters its fourth week of competition, a number of teams are starting to emerge as front runners in both Conference A and B.

Week 4 presents the most anticipated battle of the regular season as pair of undefeated teams battle it out for what will most likely be seeding for the playoffs in Conference B.

Conference B matchups:

Argonauts d’Aix en Provence 3-0 vs Marseille Blue Stars 3-0

This week’s Game of the Week will see two 3-0 teams clash in what looks each’s first real test of the season.

The Marseille Blue Stars have been one of the strongest teams in the league statistically with Canadian QB Kale Scott leading the charge. The St Mary’s (USports) product has put up 564 yards and eight touchdowns in just three games. Scott has been matched offensively by Blue Stars RB Luka Jaune who ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. Against an Argonauts team that has given up 128 points this season, the Blue Stars will feel confident.

On the other hand, the Argonauts still remain unbeaten despite giving up so many scores, showing just how explosive their offense is. QB Michael Pina leads the league with 968 yards and 12 touchdowns. And with him comes league-leading RB Corentin Ducatillon who’s managed to rack up 317 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Regardless of whoever comes out on top, it’s surely going to be a high scoring game.

Catalan Grizzlys 2-1 vs Grenoble Centaures 0-3

After a close loss in week 1 to the Argonautes, the Grizzlys have gone from strength to strength, dispatching opponents with their high scoring offense. QB Jake Patricia is second in the league with 924 yards and ten touchdowns. 

Patricia will look to make short work of a Centaurs team that has only scored 23 points in a winless season thus far.

Montpellier Hurricanes 0-3 vs Ours de Toulouse 1-2

The Hurricanes have had an unfortunate start to their 2022 season after receiving a 58-7 stomping from the Marseille Blue Stars in week 1. In week 2, they lost by just three points in a game that went down to the wire and then in week 3 they managed to put 41 points up against the Argonauts but gave up 53.

The Hurricanes are winless but their teeth have already been sharpened against some of the league’s toughest opponents. Toulouse may find themselves overwhelmed against this high scoring offense who have only gotten better as the season progressed.

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.