HFL Power Rankings - Week 5
- Georgescu B. Andrei
- May 21
- 4 min read
1. Budapest Cowbells (3-0)
No games in the last two weeks, but no reason to move them from the top spot either. The Cowbells remain undefeated and continue to look like the most complete team in the Hungarian Football League. Their physical dominance, discipline, and consistency on both sides of the ball still make them the team to beat this season.
Until somebody proves they can slow them down, Cowbells stay at No. 1.
2. Budapest Wolves (3-1)
The Wolves also had a quiet two weeks, but they remain firmly among the elite in Hungary. Their only loss came against the undefeated Cowbells, and outside of that matchup they have looked dangerous in every phase of the game.
With one of the strongest rosters in the league and plenty of explosiveness offensively, the Wolves are still very much in the championship conversation.
3. Győr Sharks (2–2)
After a tough start to the year with two losses against the Wolves, the Sharks found their rhythm and answered with back-to-back wins over the Bulldogs and Titans.
Sharks vs Bulldogs - This was one of those games where every unit contributed. Special teams created huge momentum swings, the defense came up with key stops, and the offense capitalized early to control the game.
One of the biggest stories was young QB Kurtyák Samu making his first HFL start. The rookie stayed composed and delivered a touchdown pass to WR Emmanuel Eze late in the second quarter.
The defense also made a massive impact. Just before halftime, DB Pogátsa Bendegúz recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, helping the Sharks take full control heading into the second half.
Deyvon Butler once again proved why he’s one of the league’s most explosive players. He opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown, then later added a kickoff return touchdown that completely shifted the energy of the game. The final score was: 29-23.
Sharks vs Titans - This turned into an offensive showcase from the Sharks. From the opening quarter, they dominated the tempo and consistently found ways to attack the Titans defense.
RB Deyvon Butler delivered another monster performance, scoring five times on the ground and even adding a receiving touchdown before halftime from QB Nicholas Christopher Rooney. Every time the Titans tried to respond, Butler answered back with another explosive play.
The offense stayed balanced throughout the game, while Emanuel Eze added another rushing touchdown in the second half to keep the pressure on.
Defensively, the Sharks contributed with a safety that helped extend the momentum even further.
4. Blue Dragons Belgrade (1–2)
The Blue Dragons didn’t play during the last two weeks, but they remain at No. 4 in the rankings. Despite the losing record, they already showed plenty of potential both in the HFL and in CEFL competition.
Their physical style and athleticism make them a dangerous matchup for anyone, and their upcoming clash against the Cowbells will tell us a lot about where they truly stand this season.
5. Újpest Bulldogs (1–3)
The Bulldogs arrived in Győr with several important additions to the roster, including the return of DB Vlad Santana and new imports across the defense. Even though the team struggled to fully find its rhythm early, flashes of potential were visible throughout the game.
Offensively, RB Owen Lima Van Gorcum connected with TE Lóránth Máté for a touchdown in the second quarter, while WR Bradley Steven Schlom later added another receiving touchdown from QB Emhő Lóránt. The Bulldogs kept fighting until the final whistle and nearly created late momentum after key interceptions from DB Icham Mmadi and LB Pethe Olivér Zsolt.
Despite the loss, the new additions already showed promise. With more chemistry and faster starts, this Bulldogs squad could become a dangerous team in the second half of the season.
6. Budapest Titans (1-3)
The Titans continue to show offensive potential every single week. Their attack has been one of the most explosive units in the league, consistently putting points on the board and creating big plays through the air and on the ground. The biggest issue so far has been on the defensive side, where they’ve struggled to slow opponents down in key moments.
One of the biggest storylines this past weekend was the return of WR Gadolla Áron. The homegrown player that gained experience in America, he immediately showed why he can become a major weapon for the Titans offense for the rest of the season.
QB Johnathan Avery Bennett once again led the offense with a huge performance, throwing multiple touchdown passes while also adding rushing scores himself. WR Myles Marquise McKatherine continued to be one of his favorite targets, finding the end zone three times through the air.
Late in the game, the Titans offense kept fighting. Gadolla Áron scored on a receiving touchdown shortly after returning to the field, while RB Ambrus Előd added a fourth-quarter receiving touchdown.
The HFL playoff race is becoming more intense week after week. While the Budapest Cowbells and Budapest Wolves are currently looking safe at the top, the real battle is happening behind them.
Győr Sharks, Blue Dragons Belgrade, Újpest Bulldogs, and Budapest Titans are all fighting for the remaining playoff spots.
Only four teams will qualify for the postseason, and with the regular season entering its final stretch, every game now becomes crucial. Some teams only have two games remaining, while others still have three opportunities left to secure their place in the playoffs.
The next matchups could heavily impact the standings:
23.05 — Budapest Cowbells vs Blue Dragons Belgrade
24.05 — Budapest Wolves vs Újpest Bulldogs
The pressure is rising, and the road to the HFL playoffs is far from over.
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