The French D1 Elite Championship league reached the midpoint of the 2022 season this past weekend and the La Courneuve Flash continue to dominate.
Although the Thonon Black Panthers have looked impressive since losing their season opener to the Flash, La Courneuve have been on a path of dominance all year so far. Meanwhile, behind these two there is a scramble with the Saint-Ouen Cougars emerging as the legitimate third place contender after their excellent showing against the Amiens Spartiates. The Asnieres Molosses and Villeneuve-d’ascq Vikings remain in a battle to stay out of the conference basement.
La Courneuve Flash (5-0) 45 – Villeneuve-d’ascq Vikings (0-5) 16
The La Courneuve Flash (5-0) continued their undefeated season with a 45-16 win over the winless Villeneuve-d’ascq Vikings. Surprisingly, the Vikings, who had entered the game at 0-4, managed to keep the game tied at 6-6 after the first quarter, giving the Flash a challenge that they have rarely seen this season. The Flash responded with a better second quarter and took a 20-9 lead into halftime. In the second half, La Courneuve dominated play and coasted to a comfortable win.
Flash RB #5 finding running room Photo: Anna Shnaider
Quarterback Leo Cremades had a big game for the Flash, finishing at 17 of 28 for 223 yards passing along with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. His favorite target was Florian Larose, who caught six passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Jason Bofunda had a big day, finishing with 13 carries for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Saint-Ouen Cougars (3-2) 45 – Amiens Spartiates (2-3) 7
In a battle of 2-2 teams, the Saint-ouen l’aumône Cougars took on the Amiens Spartiates. Amiens actually struck first and carried a 7-0 lead into the end of the first quarter. From that point, though, it was all Cougars, as they dominated the Spartiates all the way to a 45-7 victory. They scored 24 points in the second quarter and added 21 in the third quarter. Brody Hahn led the way for the Cougars, as the quarterback completed 16 of 28 passes for 355 yards and four touchdowns. Evans Sodatonou had a monster day receiving, catching seven passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Jeff Alexandre added five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. The Cougars’ defense did their part as well, forcing three Spartiates turnovers.
Thonon QB Brett Hunchak #12 Photo: (c) Mouchet Guillaume
Thonon Black Panthers (4-1) 21 – Asnieres Molosses (1-4) 6
Finally, Thonon took down Molosses in a low scoring affair, 21-6. The Thonon defense stifled their opponent’s attack, as Molosses quarterback Camille Thouray was held to just 84 yards passing. Marciano Rodrigues was the standout defender, being credited with four passes defended, and his teammates chipped in with a few more passes defended and a pair of sacks.
Thonon’s defense was stifling Photo: (c) Mouchet Guillaume
Black Panthers’ quarterback Brett Hunchak completed 16 of 25 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, and Nicolas Khandar and Akiva Wedge each scored a touchdown on the ground