Women's B: The Midseason Report feat. Cassiopée Lemay, Clarence Michaud & Amy Hughes
With only one matchup taking place this past week, we're at the perfect point in the season to take a step back and evaluate how every team has performed through the first half. With only five weeks remaining in the regular season, some teams are comfortably sitting near the top of the standings while others are beginning to feel the pressure as the playoff race heats up.
Over this article, I'll be breaking down each team in Women's B while also hearing from players around the division about what's led to their team's success, the challenges they've faced and what they're hoping to accomplish before the playoffs arrive. Let's get right into these midseason reviews.
Hiboux (4-1, 34.2pts for, 10.2pts allowed)
Overall Grade: A
MVP: Charlie Couture
It should come as no surprise to see Hiboux sitting at the top of the standings. After the heartbreak of falling in the Women's 3 finals last season, this group has clearly come into the summer with something to prove.
Speaking with quarterback Cassiopée Lemay, one word kept coming up throughout our conversation: communication.
"Communication is our biggest key! On offense, we talk to each other after every play so I know what the defense did, and the girls tell me things that sometimes I don't see. We also encourage each other all the time."
That communication extends to the defensive side as well.
"Our strength is our aggressiveness. We want the ball, and our many interceptions prove it. Our communication is also on point—we talk before the snap, during the play, and after the whistle. It helps reduce the small mistakes and allows us to keep building on the good things we're doing."
I had the chance to watch Hiboux during their Week 2 blowout win over The Originals and I completely agree with what Lemay described. Both sides of the ball looked organized and disciplined, making life much easier for the quarterback.
Despite their strong start, Lemay insists the team isn't taking anything for granted.
"Even if we beat a team once, the next game is a brand-new game. Anything can happen. We might think they're going to run the same plays, but we still need to stay focused and be ready for anything."
That mindset is probably one of the biggest reasons Hiboux has looked so consistent. Rather than focusing on their record, they're focused on improving every week.
Lemay also spoke highly of her receiving corps, explaining that every receiver brings something different to the offense.
"I'm really lucky because all of my receivers are talented, and each one has her own strengths: speed, agility after the catch and reliable hands. There's also one receiver, Elenore Lacasse, who I'm playing with for the first time this season. She's a powerful receiver—fast, great hands, and once she catches the ball, she can do some magical things."
Even after last season's finals loss, Hiboux isn't treating this summer the same way.
"Right now, it's more about having fun, getting reps, trying new things, building chemistry with our rookies and working on the little details to become the best version of ourselves on the field. Losing in the finals is heartbreaking, so we're all going to fight to make it back and play our best when we get there."
When discussing the team's MVP, Lemay actually began by praising the entire defense, and it's easy to understand why. Hiboux currently leads the division in points allowed, interceptions and sacks. If she had to choose one player, though, it was Charlie Couture.
"She plays corner, and her communication is exceptional. She's always looking to improve, asking questions to both the coaches and the other girls. For our first two games, we didn't have a defensive coach, and she called the plays herself while explaining things whenever someone wasn't sure what to do. She's always cheering, always smiling, and she's incredibly aggressive attacking the ball and pulling flags."
That leadership doesn't necessarily show up on the stat sheet, but it helps explain why Hiboux has become the toughest defense in the division. Couture already leads the team in tackles while adding two interceptions, but it's the confidence and communication she brings every week that has elevated the entire unit.
With the way Hiboux is playing, it's hard not to picture them back in the championship game. The biggest difference from a season ago might simply be that they're enjoying the journey while continuing to improve every week.
The Originals (4-3, 16.6pts for, 19.4pts allowed)
Overall Grade: B
MVP: Marielle Paradis
The Originals have been one of the more difficult teams to figure out this season. They've either blown teams out or been blown out themselves, with none of their seven games being decided by a single possession. It makes me wonder how they'll respond when they eventually find themselves in a tight game late.
Marielle Paradis continues to be the heartbeat of the team and my clear MVP. She's one of the frontrunners for Two-Way Player of the Year while leading the team with seven touchdowns. Anne Povin may not have found the end zone yet, but her consistency has been a huge part of keeping the offense moving throughout the season.
The encouraging part for The Originals is their schedule. Their final three games all come against teams currently below them in the standings, giving them a great opportunity to build confidence and momentum heading into the playoffs. If they can string together a few convincing wins, they'll be a team nobody will want to see in the first round.
Supernova (3-2, 20pts for, 12.8pts allowed)
Overall Grade: A-
MVP: Roseline Majeau
Even though Supernova sits at 3-2, I still consider them one of the favorites in this division. Statistically, they're second only to Hiboux in both points scored and points allowed, and what's even more impressive is they've haven’t had their full roster available.
Quarterback Clarence Michaud explained that the biggest reason for the team's success has been its experience.
"Même si notre équipe doit recruter des substituts presque à chaque match, on réussit à performer grâce à notre expérience. Toutes les filles de Supernova ont au moins de l'expérience au niveau collégial, donc même quand on est seulement deux joueuses de l'équipe originale présentes, on sait quoi faire et on est capables de prendre le lead pour aider nos substituts le plus possible, tout en ayant du plaisir."
She also made sure to credit the substitutes who have stepped in throughout the season.
"Je pense aussi que ça nous a beaucoup aidées d'avoir des substituts avec beaucoup d'expérience, qui savent jouer des deux côtés du ballon. Je leur donne donc beaucoup de crédit aussi."
That experience has allowed Supernova to stay near the top of the standings despite rarely fielding the same lineup twice. Their two losses came against The Originals in Week 1 and Wolfpack two weeks later, but Michaud already knows those rematches is who’s she's looking forward to the most.
"C'est sûr que j'espère avoir ma revanche contre les deux équipes contre qui on a perdu, soit L'Originale et Wolfpack. Par contre, je dirais surtout Wolfpack, puisque c'était un match vraiment serré, qui s'est terminé 15-14, et qui était vraiment le fun à jouer."
Michaud has been the one constant all season, playing in every game while continuing to produce as one of the division's top quarterbacks. As good as the offense has been, she believes the group still hasn't reached its full potential.
"Je dirais notre attaque en général. Mes principales joueuses offensives sont Amy au snap, Alicia comme receveuse, ainsi qu'Ishanie/Rey comme receveuse/quarts-arrière. Nous n'avons jamais joué toutes les quatre ensemble depuis le début de la saison. Alicia, surtout, n'a pas encore été présente, et c'est un atout très puissant dans notre attaque. Elle est rapide, très agile, et on a vraiment une bonne connexion receveuse/quart-arrière que j'ai hâte de démontrer."
If Alicia Anaya returns consistently for the second half, I completely agree that this offense could reach another level.
When discussing her team MVP, Michaud didn't hesitate.
"La joueuse par excellence serait Roseline Majeau. Elle sait tout faire. À la base, c'est une joueuse défensive très responsable et très à son affaire, avec un excellent football IQ. Elle joue aussi parfois en attaque, et son intelligence de jeu se voit aussi de ce côté du ballon. En plus, elle a des mains très fiables."
It's hard to argue with that assessment. Even in only two games, Majeau has already totaled 14 receptions and three touchdowns while continuing to be one of the smartest defensive players in the division. If Supernova can finally get its full roster together, I think they'll have a legitimate argument to be considered the team to beat come playoff time.
The Merge (3-3, 10.7pts for, 15.7pts allowed)
Overall Grade: B-
MVP: Samora Fanta Sacko
The Merge enters the second half of the season sitting right at .500, but it's been a tale of two units. Defensively, they've been one of the best teams in Women's B, allowing the third-fewest points in the division. Offensively, however, they've struggled to finish drives.
What's interesting is that three of their receivers currently rank inside the division's top six in receptions, showing they can consistently move the football. The issue has been converting those drives into touchdowns.
Tiffany Cipollone's impact also goes far beyond the stat sheet. She may only have one sack on the season, but she leads the division with 12 passes defended. Having seen her play this season, I can say firsthand how disruptive her length can be for opposing quarterbacks. She forces throws to be higher or quicker than quarterbacks would like, creating opportunities for the rest of the defense.
If quarterback Sarah-Maude Hamel and the offense can become more efficient in the red zone, The Merge has all the pieces to become a dangerous sleeper once the playoffs arrive.
Wolfpack (3-4, 13.3pts for, 20pts allowed)
Overall Grade: B-
MVP: Stephanie Cleroux-Drapeau
Wolfpack looked like a completely different team at the beginning of the season, starting 0-3 before turning things around with three wins in their last four games. A big reason for that shift has been the play of quarterback Lauriane Lapointe, who has become much more comfortable under center as the season has progressed.
The offense has now scored at least 20 points in each of its two victories during that stretch, and the connection between Lapointe and Stephanie Cleroux-Drapeau continues to grow every week. Cleroux-Drapeau has established herself as Wolfpack's go-to receiver and remains my choice for team MVP.
The biggest question moving forward is still the defense. Wolfpack has allowed the second-most points in the division, putting added pressure on the offense every week. If that unit can tighten things up over the final five weeks, I wouldn't be surprised to see Wolfpack climb into the top four before the playoffs begin.
Cavaliers (1-3, 10pts for, 18pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C+
MVP: Julianne Di Palma
The Cavaliers are arguably the youngest teams in the division, with the majority of the roster made up of sophomore CEGEP players preparing for the upcoming RSEQ season. I had the chance to speak with coach Amy Hughes, who explained that the primary objective of the FPF season goes well beyond wins and losses.
According to Hughes, the biggest improvement from the winter has been the team's execution.
"Compared to last winter, the biggest area of improvement has definitely been execution. The rookies are getting more playing time and it's showing in the way they're running routes, being in the right place at the right time and understanding the offense. It's been especially good for our quarterback to get used to reading an active defense because that's something you can't really replicate in practice."
That's one of the biggest advantages of playing FPF during the summer. While Champlain's fall season is played 7-on-7, many of the concepts translate directly, giving the players valuable live-game experience before the collegiate season begins.
Hughes also emphasized how much confidence the younger players have gained over the past several months.
"FPF has really been key for training the rookies and helping them gain confidence and experience. Guilia on our defense barely played during the RSEQ season last year, and now she's one of our leading defensive players. It just shows how much confidence a rookie can gain by getting playing time."
The Cavaliers currently occupy the final playoff spot, tied with La Sororité, and Hughes admits the team would love to qualify.
"The season is much more about development, but we'd love to clinch that last playoff spot. The girls are motivated, they want to stay focused, execute and make the playoffs while preparing for the CEGEP season."
When discussing the team's MVP, Hughes immediately pointed to one player.
"Right now I'd say our MVP is our brand new rookie, Julianne Di Palma. She's been executing so well, catching balls and making plays all over the field. She had some big shoes to fill with two of our returning receivers not playing this summer, and she's done that immensely."
I watched the Cavaliers' opener against Supernova, and even in a tough loss, Di Palma immediately stood out. Her speed and hands were impressive against a defense filled with experienced CEGEP and university players. Already sitting inside the top ten in both receptions and receiving yards despite playing fewer games than many around her, she's shown exactly why Hughes was excited to bring her into the program early. If the Cavaliers continue developing the way Hughes hopes, they'll have a great opportunity to hold onto that final playoff spot.
La Sororite (1-3, 15.8pts for, 22.5pts allowed)
Overall Grade: C+
MVP: Catherine Schinck
With six games still remaining, La Sororité is far from out of the playoff race. Sitting tied with the Cavaliers, there's still plenty of time for this team to climb into the top six.
The offense has been somewhat inconsistent despite solid quarterback play from Catherine Schinck. One interesting statistic is that Schinck has already completed passes to 12 different receivers, showing just how much the lineup has rotated between regular players and substitutes throughout the season. While that depth can be beneficial, it also makes building offensive chemistry much more difficult.
Their losses have also come against some of the stronger teams in the division, giving La Sororité a good measuring stick of where they currently stand. The middle of July will likely determine their season, as the schedule begins to pick up considerably. If they can find more consistency offensively while continuing to compete against the division's upper half, they'll absolutely have an opportunity to play their way into the postseason.
Closing Remarks
I'd like to thank Cassiopée Lemay, Clarence Michaud, and Amy Hughes for taking the time to answer my questions and provide some great insight into their teams. It's always interesting to hear the players' and coaches' perspectives, especially in a division where every team seems to have a different story and different goals for the season.
With only a handful of weeks remaining before the playoffs, every game is going to become increasingly important. Some teams are looking to lock up home-field advantage, while others are simply trying to stay in the playoff picture. It'll be interesting to see which teams continue building momentum heading into August.
Next week, I'll give some matchup previews with the action returning next weekend. As always, if there's a player or team you'd like to see featured in a future article, don't hesitate to reach out.