As the French Elite D1 Championship league passed the midpoint of the regular season, the North Division standings have started to become less jumbled.
The undefeated La Courneuve Flash kept their record spotless with an easy win over crosstown rivals, the Asnieres-sur-seine Molosses, while the second place Thonon Black Panthers looked impressive in beating the Saint-Ouen Cougars. Finally, the Amiens Spartiates evened their record with an easy victory over the winless Villeneuve-d’ascq Vikings.
La Courneuve Flash 49 (6-0) – Asnieres-sur-seine Molosses 7 (1-5)
Photo: Shnaider Anna
The Flash continued their dominant season over the weekend at home, taking down Molosses 49-7. The game was never close, as the hosts jumped out to a 28-0 lead at halftime and coasted from there.
Thonon-les-bains Black Panthers 35 (5-1) – Saint-ouen l’aumône Cougars 14 (3-3)
Photo: Jennifer Jacquier
The Black Panthers achieved a statement victory at home against the Cougars, as their 35-14 win kept them in second place behind the Flash, and widened the gap to the teams behind them. After the score was tied at 7-7 after the first quarter, Thonon had a dominant second quarter, outscoring Saint-Ouen 21-0, and then put the game out of reach in the third quarter. This game was all about the turnover battle, as the Thonon defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions of Cougars quarterback Brody Hahn, while the Thonon offense did not turn it over at all. The Cougars’ offense actually outgained the Black Panthers but were unable to limit the disastrous plays. Thonon quarterback Brett Hunchak had a very efficient day, throwing for four touchdowns with just 127 yards, a statline aided by the short fields his defense gave him. Akiva Wedge added 64 yards and a touchdown on the ground for the Black Panthers. Adel Bafdile led the way with two interceptions for the Black Panther defense.
Amiens Spartiates 49 (3-3) – Villeneuve-d’ascq Vikings 20 (0-6)
Photo: Kévin Devigne, Gazzette Sports
The winless Vikings were thought to be able to keep it close against the Spartiates, but they failed to do so, as Amiens took this one 49-20. The Spartiates offense, which has struggled all season, found a way to play at a high level this week. Amiens quarterback Cornelius Kinchen had a day to remember, as he completed 24 of 40 passes for 297 yards along with five touchdowns and zero interceptions. Four different receivers caught touchdown passes, including Valentin Prioul who led the team with 85 yards and two scores. On defense, the team shined as well, forcing three Viking turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble recovery). Tristan Trinquart returned an interception for a touchdown and was a perfect 7/7 on PATs as a kicker as well. For the Vikings, quarterback Hugo Vienne did not have a terrible day, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns, though he did throw two interceptions. The Vikings’ offense simply couldn’t overcome the struggles of its defense.