JFC: Contenders have changed but Drumhowan are favourites

By Maitiú Monaghan

Stand out young players to impress?

One of the perks of the JFC is that you are more likely to see young players getting opportunities they might not get at a 'bigger' club. There are any number of young players who have stood out across the competition.

Aaron Smyth has had a good breakout season for Currin, immediately trusted with kicking long range frees, while Oisin Lynch has shown flourishes of brilliance for Killeevan. Out in Aghabog, Senan Carolan has been impressive, and Daithi McMahon has been a constant threat for the Seans.

Tightest defence in the grade?

Statistically Currin (27) and Drumhowan (29) have been the hardest to break down, but both teams have only played two games in three rounds.

Of the teams who have played three games, Blackhill have conceded the least (52), which is probably a fair reflection for a side who have shipped goals, but have also been quite difficult to break down.

Who is proving a threat from two point range?

A number of teams have players willing to try their luck from outside the arc. Darren McElroy is deadly accurate from distance for Blackhill, as is young Daithi McMahon for the Seans. Aghabog goalkeeper Micheál Smith and Scotstown's Jack Mohan would are also prone to kicking two-pointers from placed ball situations.

Which team has kick-outs down to a fine art?

Killeevan goalkeeper Adam Langan takes his time over his kickouts, but he has a short, medium, and long range kickout in his locker. The Newbliss man does welcome the press onto him, but he has been around long enough that he can kick around it, or kick over the press.

Goalkeeper of note?

Aghabog's Micheál Smith has been particularly solid between the posts. Smith is an imposing figure with a booming kickout that is laser accurate. He's having a really good season and is an important player for Aghabog as they look to venture into the knock-out stages.

Stand out match?

Aghabog have developed a habit of leaving it late, with drama right to the death. Jack O'Hanlon's late two-pointer to salvage a draw against Scotstown was a great moment.

Any players who deserve a second look for the county team?

It is quite the step up from the JFC to the Ulster Senior Football Championship, so there aren't that many players beating down the door to get into a county setup. That said, one or two could develop into contenders. Killian Kierans has a big season ahead with the Monaghan u20s, where he will be a key figure. Elsewhere, Caolan Reilly is one who could make the leap.

What's the atmosphere been like?

The JFC always produces a loyal cohort of die-hard fans. Although the numbers at games isn't setting any records, there is a buzz at games. A lot of Junior clubs have spent a lot of time and money upgrading their facilities, which has had a wonderful effect on the sense of occasion. The modern stands in Currin and Killeevan, the sports complexes in Sean McDermott's and Blackhill are fantastic additions to the competition.

A player you'd pay to see in this grade?

Monaghan u20 star Tom Doherty (left) is a cut above the rest in the JFC. After breaking into Monaghan's Senior panel, the Drumhowan man travelled to America and has been easing himself back into club-football upon his return. Some of the skill he displays has been breathtaking and is worth paying to see.

Which team has the most room to improve?

James Wilson kicked 1-4 off the bench for Toome in their most recent game. The League finalists have had a dramatic dip in form, and as it stands will not be going through to the knock-out stages. They will need to improve in order to get through to the knock-out stages, but they are facing an uphill battle to do so.

Random talking point?

Truagh entering a team into this year’s JFC has been quite a talking-point. The restructuring of the Championships has caused some concern among Junior clubs about the future of the competition. Truagh have been a good addition this season. Three teams will be promote this season, so next year’s competition will look quite different.

Your prediction for last 8?

There is a lot still to play for in the JFC, and places up for grabs in the knock-out stages. Oram, Drumhowan, Scotstown, and Currin will definitely go through. Blackhill and Aghabog should also go through.

The seventh spot is between Truagh and Killeevan, which will probably be decided away from the football field.

The final spot is between Seans on 3 points and Toome who are pointless. Toome will fight to the death, but the Seans will go through.

Quarter-finalists: Oram, Drumhowan, Scotstown, Currin, Blackhill, Aghabog, Seans, Truagh / Killeevan.

Prediction for champions?

Before the Championship began, I predicted Drumhowan would win. That belief has only strengthened, not faltered. I also predicted that Blackhill and Toome would run them close- this week I've said that Toome won't go through. Drumhowan's main competitors are Currin, Oram, and Aghabog- but an historic Junior double awaits.