Tonight, the Flash de la Courneuve (3rd) host the Templiers of Elancourt (7th) in a battle of Ile-de-France.
Compared to last year’s duel, this season’s meeting seems more unbalanced due to the ‘Elancourtois’ tough league start.
Although the offensive squad of coach Emmanuel Charret showed some beautiful things two weeks ago, the defense completely crumbled against the Black Panthers, conceding 39 points (see summary video of the game). The Templiers defense has given up 974 yards since the start of the season, the worst in the Elite. On offense, although QB Zack Shaw has a duo of effective receivers in Rody Surpin (268 yards, 1 TD) and Jonathan Eckmans (171 yards, 1 TD), it has been strongly handicapped by an offensive line that has give up 10 sacks in the first three weeks.
That said, we know that the defense of La Courneuve is one of the most aggressive on opposing quarterbacks, and will give Zack Shaw‘s passing attack a hard time. With a stat line of 11 sacks, 9 assists and 2 interceptions, the defense the black and yellow Flash is indeed formidable. They have the second best scoring defense in France, conceded only 35 points.
On offense, QB Paul Durand has had a great start to the season (8 TD, 3 INT and an average of 228 yards / game). He is aided by wide receiver Mickael Doukouré, (290 yards, 5 TD) who is undeniably the best receiver the French Elite. In the backfield, the Flash also benefit from the fine running of Marcus Shaw, who has totalled 239 yards rushing and four touchdowns thus far. This may be a difficult encounter for the Templiers, whose chances of making the playoffs may already be in danger in this game.
