The French D1 Elite Championship league heads into the ninth weekend of action as the Grizzlys Catalans (4-3-1) host the Aix Argonautes (1-7) on Sunday, May 7.
The last time these two teams met earlier in the season, the Grizzlys came away with a 14-7 victory.
Catalans, who sit third in Conference B with two games to go, are coming off a two-game losing streak after dropping a 24-19 decision to the conference leading Marseilles Blue Stars two weeks ago and being edged 35-34 by the Toulouse Ours. Prior to that, they had gone unbeaten in five games. They beat the Nice Dauphins 20-15, played Toulouse to a 21-21 tie and then defeated the Argonautes 14-7, the Centaures 28-26 and Nice again, this time by a score of 10-6. They opened the season losing 26-14 to Marseilles.
The Argonauts, cellar dwellers in Conference B, beat the Grenoble Centaures 15-0 for their lone victory. They opened the season losing to Toulouse 17-7 and Marseilles 36-0 before the win. Following the loss to the Grizzlys, they were beaten by Nice 24-7 and Marseilles 7-0. Then Grenoble got by them 10-7 and Toulouse 7-0. All these low scoring games are definitely an indication that the Argonautes defense is tough. They are only giving up 14 points a game. Unfortunately, the offense can’t keep pace scoring a measly 43 points in eight games.
The Grizzlys, under head coach Enver Ramovic, rely on former Ohio State quarterback Jagger Laroe and Canadian wide receiver Jonathan Breton Robert who had a standout career at Laval University. Laroe also has last year’s DI leading receiver, Idriss Ramky, along with Aymeric Guillemaud.
This is a must win game for Catalans as they battle for the last playoff spot. The Argonautes have nothing to lose and can play spoilers.
Aix Argonautes @ Grizzlys Catalans, May 7, 12:30 CET (12:30 pm, 06:30 am EDT)
