Sunday April 21, at 12:00 (CET), the Osos de Rivas will host the L'Hospitalet Pioners in the second semi-final of the LNFA Serie A playoffs at the El Cantizal stadium, regular venue for the also team from Madrid, Las Rozas Black Demons, but this time is going to serve also as the house of the Osos. It is a match with a lot of excitement around it because these two teams battled it out earlier this season in the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup (competition that opens the Spanish season every year where imports are not allowed) in November of 2023. To the surprise of the entire country, Pioners achieved the upset and won at the home of the Osos with a score of 10-12 in a great planned and executed game from the team of L ́Hospitalet. Now, in the playoffs, the Osos are going to be hungry and seek revenge if they want to get to the top of the Spanish American football picture replicating what they did a couple of seasons ago. Both teams have a record of 3-3 in the last 6 games they have faced each other so it is going to be a pretty interesting match with everything at stake. Osos going with the best defense in the league It has been an amazing season from the Osos de Rivas, who are coming in hot as one of the favorites to take it all this year. The whole team has balled out week in and week out, with some new key signings that have contributed to the achievement of being the least scored defense in Spain and putting up 281 points on offense after 8 games. Where they have stood out the most this season is on defense where they are statistically the #1 in the league. They have a really special group of players on that side of the field and are probably the currently best defensive squad of the nation. There are so many names that should be highlighted, but their biggest contributors are their American Linebacker and leader of the defense Davante Gabriel, a secondary composed of great talent with players like Andy Vera, Carlos Rodríguez and Daniel Franco, and the well known in Spain, Defensive Coordinator of the Female Spanish National Team (recently crowned as the best in Europe in the European IFAF tournament), and two way lineman for the Osos, José Antonio Escobar “Chiapas”. After the departure of their National Team Quarterback in Sergio Barbero, there was doubt about how the Osos offense was gonna do in 2024. But once the regular season has ended, there is no longer a doubt. They even have one of the best rosters in Spain in terms of depth. With players like young Spanish Quarterback Adirán Meléndez who was able to defeat the powerhouse of Las Rozas Black Demons after the injury of the new leader and star Quarterback 1 in Russell Tabor. It has been around a month since Tabor went down, so maybe he is ready to return to the field at the most important time of the year. Along with that Quarterback room, there are huge names on that side of the ball that are going to resonate for sure against the Pioners. Names such as Running Back Ronald Tomasello and one of the top receiving corps in the nation with names such as Gary Tayler, Edu Pérez, David Girón, Iván Iordanov, and Pablo Olivares amongst them. Pioners with a scary offense The L'Hospitalet Pioners have had a season with a lot of ups and downs and even a lot of controversy with their case with the Zaragoza Hurricanes in Week 1. But  they have also had a pretty strong campaign this year, and have put a pretty high level of football on the field against big names such as the Badalona Dracs, with whom they played arguably the best game in the league this season in Week 5 (score of 28-34 for Badalona). All of these great performances have come in big part after what has turned out as the best mid-season signing anyone has done in the LNFA Serie A in 2024. And that is the signing of the Mexican brothers Alex (Quarterback) and Luis Enrique García (Wide Receiver). Both of them have absolutely balled out since they landed. Alex with 11 passing Touchdowns (and 15 total) and Luis Enrique with 3 receiving Touchdowns and being key for the Pioners multiple times. Along with them, some other big time contributors on the L´Hospitalet offense are Wide Receivers Jacobo Senise, Daniel Belso, Pablo Elena and the youngster Pablo Gómez, or Running Backs Oriol Adriá and Silver Salazar. On the other side of the field, players that will be key are defensive backs Iker González, Brayan Carbonell and the American Thomas Davies to stop Osos´ offense. Game´s outcome The Osos are coming in as the favorites for this game, but we gotta keep in mind that L'Hospitalet indeed was able to upset Rivas at their home 5 months ago. Now there are going to be imports on the field, so we will have to wait and see how different the outcome is going to be in comparison to that previous match. Will the Osos pass over the Pioners in their way to the final, or will the Pioners be able beat the odds and upset Spain once again? Time will tell.

Badalona Dracs and Black Demons play the first semifinal of the Spanish American Football League (LNFA) (Saturday the 20th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Camp Municipal de Montigalá) in a game that represents a re-edition of the Spanish Cup final played last December, where the Black Demons were proclaimed champions in Barcelona by a tight game 21 to 27. Badalona Dracs Badalona Dracs closed the season with a resounding victory over the L'Hospitalet Pioners (41-0), being the only undefeated team during the regular season. The Dracs have undoubtedly been the most consistent team during the year. Thanks to the outstanding season of the veteran domestic quarterback Sergi Gonzalo, as well as the spectacular performance of Alpha Jalloh who has undoubtedly been the most explosive and decisive player in the league. The player from Sierra Leone has performed tasks as a runner, receiver, quarterback and also on defense. Gonzalo has been well supported by Eric Ladero in a season in which the young wide receiver has put his name on the national scene, rising to the top of the scoring table. David Martínez and Iván Caballero complete one of the highest level receiving corps in the league (add to the equation the aforementioned Alpha Jalloh to understand Dracs passing game success). But the real danger of Badalona Dracs is their offensive versatility. The explosive running back from Illionois Ra'von Bonner defined the first half of the season, until injuries made it wise to preserve him for a bigger stage, such as this semifinal. His substitution has been more than well covered by Samuel Arias. But, as if that were not enough, the Dracs also have Mexican quarterback Marco Durán, who has not performed duties as a quarterback until their last game against the Pioners, where he threw four touchdown passes, running himself for a fifth. The Mexican has excelled in both offensive and defensive tasks, where the team has required his talent, and we have seen him as a runner and defensive back. However, logic dictates that even in an offense as overloaded as this one, he will play as the quarterback in the playoffs, with Sergi Gonzalo as a deluxe backup. On defense, the Dracs have conceded only 77 points in 8 games (only Madrid Osos has a better stat in this area with 58 points against). The Badaloneses have also finished several games with zero points against, demonstrating that they are a forceful team on both sides of the ball. The veteran defensive lineman Victor Miller, the very young Eric Figueroa, Eric Gracia, and Alex Cerezo are names to highlight on a defense in which Jeremiah Gutierrez plays a fundamental role (we have also seen him excel in offensive tasks) and in which Pep Tricas and Devon Cathcart are a wall . Black Demons Black Demons reach the playoffs in excellent shape, after beating Gijón Mariners in the last week of the regular season by a resounding 55-3. Despite this, the team from Las Rozas lost the lead of the Western Conference in its match against Madrid Osos, a place that the team has not been able to recover and that forces the Black Demons to travel to Barcelona to face what is probably the team to beat. But the Black Demons already know what it's like to beat the Dracs. In December, the team from Las Rozas beat the Dracs in the Spanish Cup Championship . The Black Demons offense is led by quarterback Theodore Landers. The Canadian has had an outstanding season, despite dealing with some minor injuries (having in Jesús García-Valcárcel a successful backup). The Canadian quarterback has had Jorge García-Valcárcel as his #1 receiver, forming a dangerous tandem with high scoring capacity. Daniel Romero, Gonzalo Haro and Dominic Coffman are the core of Black Demons' strong running game, an offensive arsenal that sustains the team and forces opposing defenses to close the box, then deliver a blow with the passing game or with Landers running himself in scramble plays. On defense, the Black Demons rely on one of the best domestic units, in which many of their players have confirmed their presence in the European League of Football with Madrid Bravos. Veterans like the defensive back Julio Aguado, who together with Bravo Álvaro Cansinos and the North American Nolan Corpening, form a deluxe secondary unit and a front seven stacked with names like Diego Irles, Daniel López, or the young linebacker Anderi Luca make one of the toughest defenses in the league. Who Will Advance? This is the game to watch. With two of the best American football teams in Europe and absolute ballers like Alpha Jalloh, Ra'von Bonner, Eric Ladero, Theodore Landers, Daniel Romero and Nolan Corpening. Both teams are loaded with ELF caliber players. The Badalona Dracs have had an excellent regular season and are playing at home, but someone could argue they have not faced any real rivals in recent months. The Black Demons showed their weaknesses in their last game against Madrid Osos, but someone could argue that they showed resilience and were tested against iron. Predicting the result of this match is quite hard, so the easiest thing is to say that we are going to have a real show.

S The Tyresö Royal Crowns (1-0) will host the Carlstad Crusaders (1-0) in a pivotal Super Serien week 3 matchup. Both teams had convincing wins in their first game of the season, making this the most exciting matchup of the early Sweden season. BACKGROUND Both of these teams are considered contenders for the Super Serien title, but the Royal Crowns are expected to be THE contender. Their first game of the season could be used as evidence to that expectation. Scoring 56 points on their opponents makes Tyresö the highest scoring team in the league, and they have the offensive weapons to continue to score at a very high rate. Quarterback Jared Heywood leads one of the most talented offensive groups in the league, and he showed in week 1 how great he is at spreading the ball around to his teammates. The Tyresö defense is also full of talented players who showed dominant moments in their previous matchup, despite giving up 37 points. Stats can be misleading, as the score was 42-21 heading into the fourth quarter, when Vikings scored 16 late points. For most of the game, the Royal Crowns defense put pressure on their opponents in all phases of the game, and never let the Vikings offense get comfortable. Led by a strong defensive line, the Tyresö Royal Crowns defense looks more than capable of being dominant when needed. The Carlstad Crusaders also showed great offensive prowess, scoring 42 points in their season opener. Using a balanced attack of rushing and passing, the Crusaders overwhelmed the Kristianstad Predators defense last week. Running Back Young Kennedy led the offensive charge with 2 rushing touchdowns, and the entire receiving corps had no trouble contributing to the Crusaders offensive success. The Crusaders defense was dominant for most of their first game against the Predators. An early score aside, the Carlstad defense did not give their opponents much hope that they could be successful against them. This defensive unit was not tested last week, and looks forward to actual competition this weekend. Key Players to Watch Here are a few key players to keep a look out for heading into this weekend’s matchup. TYRESÖ ROYAL CROWNS Jared Heywood (Quarterback) 17/24 (71%), 245 yds, 5 tds Heywood showed a little bit of everything in his first professional game. He threw the ball on time, and spread the ball around according to the offensive scheme. Heywood has also shown his elusiveness and used his legs to extend plays. Most impressive about Jared Heywood is his deep ball throws, where he is extremely accurate and makes catching the ball very easy for his receivers. He will be looking to put up another great performance this week Vilgot Valeskog (Running Back) 8 att, 111 yds, 2 tds / 1 rec, 9 yds, 1 td / 1 kr, 89 yds, 1 td (209 yds all-purpose yds) Veleskog did EVERYTHING for the Royals Crowns in his Super Serien debut. His speed and explosiveness is among the best in the league, and will be on display against a better defensive unit in this game. Kevin Börzsei (Wide Receiver) 4 rec, 68 yds, 1 td Börzsei had a modest outing in week 1, according to his standards. The playmaker was still able to reach the endzone on only 4 receptions. The Royal Crowns spread the ball pretty evenly among receivers, but Kevin Börzsei seems to have a really good connection with his quarterback. Expect for him to receive a lot of targets this weekend. Edvin Taborda (Wide Receiver) 6 rec, 82 yds, 2 tds Taborda was the end zone target for the Royal Crowns in week 1. The speedster will look to do more of the same this week when the Tyresö offense calls his number. Malcolm Engström (Defensive Lineman) 8 tkls, 1 sack Malcolm Engström was able to make a huge impact in his team’s first game. Engström controlled the interior line of scrimmage all game, and was rewarded with opportunities for tackles. Despite requiring double teams, Malcolm Engström will be a major factor in the defensive success of the Royal Crowns in this matchup. Joshua Hicks (Defensive Back) 4 tkls, 2 pbus, 1 int Joshua Hicks is a ball hawk on the defense. Against the Vikings he did a really good job of identifying route combinations and making plays on the ball. He will have his hands full against the Carlstad receivers, but could end up making a lot of big plays if he has watched enough film. CARLSTAD CRUSADERS Young Kennedy (Running Back) 9 att, 125 yds, 2 tds Kennedy is a playmaker for the Crusaders. Averaging almost 14 yards per carry last week, he allowed the Crusaders offense to be multifaceted. The predators defense didn’t do much to slow him down, so it will be interesting to see how much of his success he can replicate this week. Slade Jarman (Quarterback) 19/34 (56%), 264 yds, 3 tds Jarman did not have a great first impression, by quarterback standards. Fortunately, his teammates were able to make big plays to make his overall game successful. It could have been nerves, but the lefty was very inaccurate on a lot of his throws last week. If his nerves are calmed now, we should see a better version of Jarman against the Tyresö Royal Crowns. Kristian Natunen (Wide Receiver) 6 rec, 79 yds, 1 td Similar to his time in Finland, Natunen was dependable for his quarterback and made some great catches for the Crusaders offense. His sliding touchdown catch was evidence that Natunen will be the unexpected playmaker for this group. Kristian Natunen will play an integral role in their offensive success this weekend. Willem Vancompernolle (Wide Receiver) 4 rec, 65 yds, 1 td / 1 rush, 43 yds, 1 td Vancompernolle showed his elite speed, and position versatility in week 1. As a downfield threat he was able to male every catch count, and added to his resume with a 43-yard touchdown run. Look for Willem Vancomperbnolle to take the top off the defense this week, and find a way to get in the end zone. Albin Forsman (Wide Receiver) 6 rec, 106 yds, 1 td Forsman is quarterback turned receiver, and it shows. The playmaker has an uncanny skill of finding the perfect spacing on the field to get open. He also is a matchup nightmare and uses that to his advantage when attacking defenders with his speed and sure hands. Combined with his teammates, Albin Forsman is going to be hard to stop. Mattias Eriksson (Linebacker) 9 tkls, 2 tfl, 0.5 sack Eriksson is continuing from the 2023 season, making plays. #42 was active in his team’s week 1 victory, racking up tackles and finishing plays with authority. Expect nothing less this week, as he will have to be involved in run stopping and pass coverage against a balanced offense. Matchup Analysis On paper, this game is pretty evenly matched. Both of these teams have high scoring offense, and defense that can dominate in the right environment. To call the Royal Crowns offense explosive is an understatement. Starting with the dynamic play of Jared Heywood, this unit should not have any issues scoring points in this matchup. The only question will be how many points will they need to score? The Crusaders defense is a step up from the Oslo Vikings unit, so a 50+ point performance seems unlikely. Despite that realization, the Crusaders secondary does not provide much confidence that they can compete with the Tyresö receivers. The Crusaders offense is a similarly high-powered unit. Their quarterback did not look as efficient as the team would like in their last game, but his weapons looked as dangerous as any in the Super Serien. The trio of Vancompernolle, Forsman, and Natunen will provide ample opportunity for the Crusaders to score points in this game. Combined with Young Kennedy at the running back position, this offense is well-rounded and will be a stiffer test for the Tyresö defensive unit. The Royal Crowns defense was susceptible to big plays against the Vikings, when it seemed their unit took momentum for granted or players just weren’t focused. That could be their biggest issue against a unit that is ready to score every time they get the ball. Who Will Win? This game could be a shoot out or a defensive struggle. Either way, it will be a closely contested matchup between two equally talented teams. I would consider the Tyresö Royal Crowns the favorite in this game based on the amount of player talent they possess. The Tyresö team is built to score a lot of points and make big plays defensively. The Crusaders team is talented, but seem to need more time to get going offensively, and defensively their secondary is outmatched in this game. It should be close for most of the game, but at some point Tyresö Royal Crowns will make more plays than the Crusaders to get the win.

Cornelius Kinchen, a seasoned quarterback hailing from Paterson, New Jersey, shares his extraordinary football odyssey, spanning from the streets of his hometown to professional leagues across the globe. With passion, perseverance, and a relentless drive, Kinchen reflects on his memorable moments, personal challenges, and aspirations for the future. Early Inspirations and Gridiron Beginnings Growing up in Paterson, New Jersey, Kinchen's football journey was deeply influenced by his family's love for the game. Surrounded by relatives who played, including his father, brothers, and cousins, Kinchen developed an early affinity for football. Despite the challenges of his neighborhood, where many succumbed to the streets, Kinchen's determination to carve a different path fueled his ambition to excel in the sport. "At the age of 6, I started playing for the Paterson Mustangs," Kinchen recalls. "Watching my family play inspired me, and once I stepped onto the field, I knew football was my calling." Navigating High School and College Football Transitioning to high school, Kinchen's talent shone brightly on the gridiron. Starting as a sophomore at Paterson Kennedy High School, he led his team to remarkable victories, leaving a lasting mark on the school's football program. Kinchen's exceptional performance garnered recognition, earning him the title of Top Big North Quarterback in New Jersey and invitations to prestigious events like the Offense-Defense All American Bowl and the Paul Robeson All-Star Classic. Following his high school achievements, Kinchen pursued his collegiate football career, beginning at Alfred State College in New York before transferring to William Paterson University in his home state. At William Paterson, Kinchen's prowess on the field earned him accolades, including the Offensive Sophomore Player of the Year award. Professional Pursuits and Global Adventures Upon graduating from college, Kinchen embarked on a professional football journey that took him across continents. From the Hamburg Pioneers in Germany to the Amiens Spartiates in France and the Lohja Crusaders in Finland's Maple League, Kinchen showcased his talent on international stages. Despite facing setbacks, such as a shoulder injury in Finland, Kinchen's resilience and determination never waned. "My journey has been filled with highs and lows," Kinchen reflects. "But each experience has shaped me into the player and person I am today." Beyond the Gridiron: Coaching and Community Engagement Off the field, Kinchen's passion for football extends to coaching and community outreach. Whether mentoring young quarterbacks in his hometown or sharing his knowledge as a coach at various levels, Kinchen is committed to nurturing the next generation of athletes. "I believe in giving back to the community that shaped me," Kinchen says. "Coaching allows me to instill values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in young athletes." Playing Style and Impact Known for his precision passing and quick decision-making, Kinchen's playing style reflects his dedication to the craft. As a quarterback, he prides himself on leading by example and inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. "I strive to be a leader both on and off the field," Kinchen explains. "My goal is to elevate the play of those around me and lead my team to victory." Current Role and Future Ambitions As a member of the Nice Les Aigles Rouges in France's Division 2 league, Kinchen embraces his role as a leader and mentor. With his sights set on championship glory, Kinchen remains focused on achieving his goals while leaving a lasting legacy in the sport. "In football and in life, I believe in setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them," Kinchen says. "My ultimate aspiration is to win MVP honors and bring championship glory to my team." Inspirational Message Reflecting on his journey, Kinchen offers a message of resilience and determination to aspiring athletes: Believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and never let adversity deter you from pursuing your dreams. With dedication and hard work, anything is possible. Conclusion Cornelius Kinchen's football journey epitomizes the power of perseverance and passion in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. From humble beginnings in Paterson to international acclaim on the gridiron, Kinchen's story serves as an inspiration to athletes around the world, proving that with determination and grit, dreams can be realized on and off the field.

This weekend the playoffs of the Spanish American Football League (LNFA) start. Let's say that they are quite controversial due to the first week's match between L'Hospitalet Pioners and Zaragoza Hurricanes, in which the local team allegedly violated the regulations about import players on the field, which led to a claim by Hurricanes to the Spanish American Football Federation (FEFA) who ended up agreeing with Hurricanes and giving them the win. This decision, given the classification order between Hurricanes and Pioners, would end up being of vital importance for the playoffs, but Pioners would claim to the Spanish Sports Court (TAD), requesting the annulment of the FEFA decision and modifying the classification again, leaving Zaragoza Hurricanes out of the playoffs. Zaragoza Hurricanes vs L’Hospitalet Pioners, credits @HortaZgZ The Allegations: LNFA Regular Season Matchup But let's go back to the place and time of the events. In the game corresponding to the first week of the regular season between Pioners and Hurricanes, the local team (Pioners) allegedly committed a violation of the regulations by fielding more foreign players (imports and foreigners are the two categories included in the competition regulations) than allowed. Initial Reactions and Complaints The news spread like wildfire. In the stands, in internet chats and WhatsApp groups, nothing else was talked about: “Pioners have played with 4 imports and foreigners on the field.” On the field, Hurricanes head coach complained about the improper alignment to the referee, while at half-time the president of the Zaragoza Hurricanes went down to demand that the infraction was recorded in the minutes of the game. But the main referee explained that the instructions they had were not to do so and not to act as police officers, with the teams being the ones who should claim the infraction to FEFA. Even if this sounded weird,  there was nothing to suspect that the infraction could go unpunished, so everybody assumed that Pioners would lose the game due to suspension. Just a few hours later, the comments were very different. The quality of the game video recording–done by Pioners–made it impossible to appreciate the players' numbers. In addition, the broadcast of the match had also disappeared from Youtube. Hurricanes were not going to have an easy time proving what everyone had seen. FEFA's Initial Ruling: Lack of Evidence Despite everything, the Hurricanes decided to file a claim. Something that did not seem to please the Spanish American Football Federation (FEFA), fearing that in the future it would open the way to similar situations (what is usually known in sports as “winning in the offices”). The FEFA Judge decided to close the claim, alleging (confirming) that the video recording was of poor quality. At this point, it is worth remembering that the competition regulations, the same ones that limit the number of foreigners on the field, mandates the local team (Pioners) to upload the recording of the match to an intranet under quality conditions. But in this case those conditions did not allow to clearly see if Pioners had fielded more than three foreigners. Hurricanes' Persistence: Appeal to FEFA The Judge closed the file. Apparently, something that was public and noticeable to everyone was not actually so. And this despite the fact that the Hurricanes, in communications with the Judge, had announced that they were working on an evidentiary document that would need some time to be done (due to the difficulty of obtaining quality images of the aforementioned recording). FEFA Appeal Committee's Decision: Hurricanes' Victory At this point, the process becomes confusing. Despite the surprising close of the file, the Hurricanes insisted on their claim and sent the evidentiary document. The file then went to the FEFA Appeal Committee which, without transferring the information and the new documents to Pioners, but given the evidence of the images in it, decided to give the win to the Hurricanes due to improper alignment. Closed case. Or not. Pioners' Response: Appeal to TAD Given the irregular process (remember that the FEFA Judge had decided to close the file, but at the insistence of the Hurricanes, the claim had been passed to the FEFA Appeal Committee without the apparent formal procedures), Pioners claimed to the Spanish Sports Administrative Tribunal (TAD)  alleging formal defects in the administrative process. The possible violation of the competition regulations about improper alignment was no longer on the table, and the Pioners claim only talked about the formal defects of the process, especially the fact that the FEFA Appeal Committee had not given the Pioners the documentary evidence presented by the Hurricanes (which, with no doubt, is a violation of the administrative regulations). TAD's Intervention: Temporary Suspension of FEFA's Decision Along with this, and since the playoffs deadline was near, it was also requested the temporary suspension of the FEFA Appeal Committee's resolution as a precautionary measure, which the TAD accepted and already left the playoffs in a precarious situation. TAD's Verdict: Overturning FEFA's Decision But, to everyone's surprise and sooner than expected, the TAD  resolved the Pioners' appeal prior to the playoffs deadline. And it wast as expected, as there is nothing easier for an Administrative Court to resolve than a formal defect that invalidates a previous decision, without having to go into the substance of the matter. A question, by the way, that the TAD neither could have entered into because the Pioners' appeal did not mention or question it. And a Court can never decide for what it is not asked about, a legal principle that when properly applied, as in this situation, allows obtaining a result favorable to the interests of one of the parties. Fallout and Implications: Playoffs Amidst Controversy As a consequence of the poor processing of the file, the TAD invalidates the FEFA's decision to punish Pioners for inadequate alignment and gives them back the win in their first match against Zaragoza Hurricanes. And as a final consequence, this season’s playoffs will always have the shadow of the controversy, as a team that allegedly violated the competition rules fielding more import/foreigner players than allowed, finally was rewarded playing the playoffs.

In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into the remarkable football journey of Hans Solberg, the talented offensive lineman currently making waves with the La Courneuve Flash. Early Beginnings in Small-Town Minnesota Hans Solberg, aged 25, traces his football roots back to Jordan, a quaint town in Southern Minnesota. Growing up in a community of just 6,000 people, Solberg's introduction to football came from his father, who dedicated countless hours to playing catch and instilling the fundamentals of offensive line play in his son. Solberg's early physical advantage over his peers coupled with his father's guidance ignited his passion for the sport from a young age. Navigating the College Recruitment Process Despite his prowess on the field, Solberg's journey to college football was not straightforward. With limited attention from college recruiters, Solberg and his supportive parents embarked on a proactive approach, reaching out to coaches and attending local football camps. Eventually, Solberg garnered interest from Division 3 schools, where he saw an opportunity to excel both athletically and academically. Ultimately, Concordia College emerged as the perfect fit for Solberg, where he received a warm welcome and the chance to make an impact on the field. Rising Through the Ranks at Concordia College Solberg's collegiate career at Concordia College was marked by steady progression and significant achievements. From earning reps as a freshman to securing a starting role as a junior, Solberg's dedication and adaptability shone through. His senior year saw him ascend to the role of team captain, a testament to his leadership qualities and on-field performance. Notable accolades include being named 1st Team All-Conference in the highly competitive MIAC, underscoring his status as one of the conference's top offensive linemen. Defining Moments and Memorable Achievements Throughout his college career, Solberg experienced several defining moments that shaped his football journey. From clinching unexpected victories against formidable opponents to witnessing teammates achieve remarkable feats, Solberg's collegiate years were characterized by perseverance, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Notable highlights include helping fellow teammates achieve All-American status and playing a pivotal role in record-breaking team performances. Playing Style and Contributions to Flash La Courneuve Known for his robust run-blocking abilities and unwavering conditioning, Solberg brings a unique skill set to the offensive line of Flash La Courneuve. Tasked with fortifying an already formidable unit, Solberg embraces his role with determination and a commitment to excellence. With a focus on enhancing his pass-blocking proficiency, Solberg aims to elevate his game while contributing to the team's pursuit of championship glory in France and the CEFL. Transition to European Football and Gratitude Solberg's football journey extends beyond collegiate success, encompassing a transformative experience playing football in Europe. Following graduation, Solberg initially faced uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but a fortuitous opportunity to play for the Fursty Razorbacks in Germany reignited his passion for the game. Embracing various roles on the field, Solberg cherished his time in Germany, forging lifelong friendships and leaving an indelible mark on the local football community. Acknowledgments and Future Aspirations Solberg expresses gratitude to the mentors and coaches who have guided him throughout his football odyssey, from Terry Horan at Concordia College to Lukas Schmid with the Fursty Razorbacks, and Paul Durand with Flash La Courneuve. “I honestly would say I’ve had the most fun I’ve ever had with my time in Europe. I’ve met the nicest people, learned about new languages, seen all sorts of history, and made second families aside from my own.” Looking ahead, Solberg remains focused on contributing to his team's success while relishing the opportunity to compete at the highest level of European football. With his unwavering dedication and resilient spirit, Solberg is poised to leave an enduring legacy both on and off the field.

The regular season of the 30th season in the history of the LNFA has come to an end, and with that these are the offensive players with the most number of Touchdowns in terms of passing, rushing, and receiving. Also we are going to include the most prolific kicker of the season. This is the list of the players that have tasted the endzone the most in the 2024 Spanish LNFA Serie A: Passing RUSSELL TABOR (OSOS RIVAS) The former North Carolina Tar Heel Quarterback has spent his first ever season in Europe with the Osos de Rivas, and has absolutely dominated in the LNFA A Series regular season. He has made his mark in the team from Madrid that was looking for a Quarterback after long time since National Team Quarterback Sergio Barbero left. With 19 passing Touchdowns (and 23 total), Tabor has thrown for more scores than anyone in the mediterranean country. His performance on the field this season has been even more impressive because he is still the passing leader after being injured the last two weeks of the regular season. Now, after this recital of passing touchdown after passing touchdown, comes the real challenge for Tabor in his first season playing outside the US, the playoffs. First things first, we don't know if he is ready to play yet (in which case, his back up, the Spanish Adrián Meléndez has done an amazing job). But if he is ready, everyone can expect that Tabor is going to put on a show and add a lot more Touchdowns to his count. Will Russell Tabor be able to lead the Osos de Rivas to the glory being the new kid in town? Rushing RA´VON BONNER (BADALONA DRACS) This is also Ra'von Bonner´s first season outside of the States, and he's been part of probably one of the top backfields in Europe, sharing the field with the veteran Alpha Jalloh for the Badalona Dracs. With 8 Touchdowns, the former Iowa and Temple Runningback has the rushing crown in Spain for 2024. His situation is even more impressive than Tabor´s performance, because Ra'von Bonner has not seen the field in several weeks because of an injury he suffered mid season. He's stuck around in Badalona and has been seen on the sidelines every week for the catalan team. Who knows, maybe he will be on the field again in the playoffs to take Badalona to the top of Spanish American football. Receiving ERIC LADERO (BADALONA DRACS) With just two years of playing American football under his belt at 19 years of age, the Spanish youngster Eric Ladero has cemented himself as one of the top Wide Receivers in the LNFA scene. A total of 10 times he has put a foot in the endzone this season, which puts him at the top of the receiving Touchdowns competition. That is a major accomplishment, and he is the only Spaniard at the top of one of the three major scoring stats. Now with the eyes set into the playoffs, Ladero will look to top off this amazing season bringing back the championship to the Badalona Dracs. Combined / Honorable Mention ALPHA JALLOH (BADALONA DRACS) The seasoned and well known veteran in the European American Football landscape has been playing the past few months for the Badalona Dracs, and as always anywhere he goes, he's been dominating, putting some unbelievable performances on the field. He has a huge case of being the LNFA Serie A 2024 MVP. Jalloh has scored a whopping total of 15 Touchdowns combined. He doesn't lead any of the three major  categories (according to the FEFA stats shown on their website) but has scored any way possible on the field, even on both sides of the ball. With 1 passing Touchdown, a pick six and a combined of 13 total Touchdowns rushing and receiving (for some reason the spanish federation doesn't show the exact numbers for this last stat), the usual playmaker for the Wasa Royals of Finland has put on an absolute show in the Spanish territory, and  has been a headache for every defensive coordinator in the Eastern Conference. Now, alongside his teammates on this list Ra'von Bonner and Eric Ladero, Alpha Jalloh surely doesn't want to return to the Scandinavian fields without the Spanish Bowl trophy under his arms. Kicking ANTONIO SARRÍA (LG OLED BLACK DEMONS) Being his first season kicking in the LNFA serie A, the Spaniard Antonio Sarría has crowned himself as the most prolific kicker in the Spanish first division after 10 weeks of regular season. Sarría´s golden leg has put a football through the uprights a total of 37 times for the LG OLED Las Rozas Black Demons in 2024. Now in the playoffs they are going to face the fierceful Badalona Dracs, so Antonio Sarría is going to be a much needed asset for the team from Madrid, and for sure that he is going to transform many more extra points and field goals.

One of the most unknown and complex positions in American football, the Safety (S) is key in any Defense since it is responsible for ultimately preventing the opposing team from scoring a touchdown. To do this, this hybrid between a Cornerback (CB) and a Linebacker (LB) will have to deploy a whole set of skills that will include speed and tackling technique (being some of the strongest hitters in the game). WHAT IS A SAFETY? A Safety (S) is a Defensive Back (DB), and therefore member along with the Cornerbacks (CB) of the Defence secondary unit. The Safety position includes two different variants: the Free Safety (FS) and the Strong Safety (SS). Their tasks depend on the defensive scheme, but we could agree that in a game currently dominated by offensive passing schemes, their main responsibility is the passing game, mainly in the middle and deep zones of the field, becoming the last line of defense, without forgetting that they have to be reliable tacklers. The Strong Safety (SS) focuses on stopping the run and covering the Tight End (TE), so it will generally be bigger and stronger players, capable of tackling with the power of a Linebacker (LB). The Free Safety (FS), on the other hand, focuses on the passing game and will have to cover receivers or move across a large area of ​​the field to cover it, so speed and ball-hawking will be their main virtues. Key Responsibilities BEING THE LAST MAN In passing plays, the Free Safety must be the last man and prevent the receivers from getting behind him. Ability to read the play. He has to know where the receivers are to prevent them from going deep, and look at the Quarterback to know where he is going to throw. Speed ​​to stay close to the receiver and avoid anyone to get behind his back Ball hawk. They have to get the ball and create turnovers. STOP RUSHING GAME Depending on the offensive formation, Strong Safeties will approach the line of scrimmage acting as an extra Linebacker. As the last line of Defense, they often have to stop the Runningbacks (RB) when everyone else has failed to do so. Speed to close the gap. Good tackling technique. BLITZ Many defensive packages include Safety blitzes. These are risky defensive calls, since they will leave a position uncovered, but they can be especially disruptive since the Offensive Linemen (OL) and the Quarterback will not be aware of the Safety blitz. Ability to disguise the blitz. Speed to get to the ball before the line of scrimmage. Don’t miss the tackle! Skills Required SPEED: To stay close to the play and prevent receivers getting behind their back.. READ AND REACT: They have to read the Quarterback and react to the play. TACKLING TECHNIQUE: As the last line of defense, they can’t miss tackles. BALL-HAWK: Being able to read the play and reacting fast, they have to be able to create turnovers.. Position on the Field Safeties are usually placed 10 or 15 yards from the line of scrimmage (depending on the field position of the offense) to cover the middle and deep areas of ​​the field. This position varies depending on the coverage. In a cover 3 the Free Safety will be the center of the field, while in a Cover 2, Free and Strong Safeties will be placed approximately above the hash marks. IFL Top Performing Safeties The Italian Football League, while not as globally recognized as the NFL, showcases a remarkable depth of talent. This season, several safeties have distinguished themselves as national best Ball Hawk, intercepting the ball, or hard hitters. Each of these safeties brings a unique set of skills and qualities to the field, making them stand out in the Italian Football League. Their performances this season not only highlight their talents but also underscore the competitive spirit and high level of play within the league. Here's a look at five of the Safeties in the league so far. Dustin Huseinovic, Milano Rhinos Huseinovic is the ultimate defender for the Milano Rhinos. The active safety leads his teams in tackles (24.5), and is great in pass coverage as well, intercepting 2 passes so far this season. Dustin Huseinovic plays fast to the ball, whether it's on the ground or in the air. Valentino Rotelli, Ancona Dolphins Rotelli is another ball hawk, being second on his team in total tackles (20.5). He is a key component to the Dolphins defense being so formidable in the pas game as well, contributing 3 pass breakups so far. What sets Rotelli apart from his peers is his instincts to assess the offensive play and make quick decisions when positioning himself to disrupt his opponents. Rocco Zuchelli, Firenze Guelfi Zuchelli is a large piece of a really good defensive back group for the Guelfi. His 14.5 tackles on the season are among the top in the league for defensive backs. Rocco Zuchelli plays a versatile role on his team, allowing him to help in run support (2 tackles-for-loss) and tend to his pass coverage duties as expected (2 pass breakups). Charlie Dallape, Lazio Marines Dallape plays more of an nickel backer position for the Marines. While it looks like a linebacker spot, Dallape is in coverage more often than not, and making plays in that coverage. The versatile player has 5 breakups on the season, and will eventually get a few interceptions if his season continues to trend up. Nicolas Principi, Varese Skorpions Nicolas Principi is one of the leading tacklers on his team, as well as an active presence against the pass game each week.

In the world of football, tales of triumph over adversity are not uncommon. One such narrative is that of John Rincon, a 26-year-old player hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, whose journey through the sport has been defined by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his dreams. In this exclusive interview, Rincon takes us on a captivating journey through his football career, sharing memorable moments, proudest achievements, and the challenges he has overcome to reach the elite level of the game. Introducing John Rincon Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Rincon's passion for football was ignited at a young age, thanks to his father's influence and guidance. "My dad introduced me to the sport, and he coached me throughout my youth career," Rincon explains. "Growing up in Arizona, where football is huge, provided me with a competitive environment to develop my skills." Despite facing challenges due to his size, Rincon's love for the game propelled him forward, leading to a standout high school career that earned him recognition as Arizona's Player of the Year. Defining Moments Reflecting on his football journey, Rincon vividly recalls a pivotal moment during his senior year in high school. Facing one of the best teams in the state, Rincon seized the opportunity to shine, scoring a game-winning 35-yard touchdown that showcased his determination and perseverance. "That touchdown sealed the deal and showed me that if you wait your time, the opportunity will come," Rincon recalls. "It defined me as a player because it demonstrated the importance of patience and hard work." Proudest Achievements Throughout his football journey, Rincon has amassed a collection of accolades that speak to his talent and dedication. "Winning Arizona Player of the Year in my senior year of high school was a proud moment for me," Rincon shares. "It validated all the hard work I had put in and showcased my abilities on a statewide level." Additionally, Rincon's achievements include multiple state championships and All-Conference honors during his college career. Challenges and Triumphs Rincon's journey to success has not been without its challenges. "One of the biggest challenges I've faced is my size," Rincon admits. "Despite my talent, I received numerous rejections from college recruiters due to my height." Undeterred, Rincon turned setbacks into opportunities, seizing a scholarship offer at Baker University and making the most of his college career. "I used those rejections as fuel to prove myself. It taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience." Current Endeavors Today, Rincon finds himself playing for the Marseille Blue Stars in the FFFA D1 Elite league in France. "Joining the Blue Stars is a new chapter in my football journey," Rincon states. "I'm excited to contribute to the team's success and hopefully win a championship." With his sights set on competing in the European League of Football (ELF), Rincon remains focused on his ultimate goal. "Playing in the ELF would be a dream come true," Rincon reveals. "It's the pinnacle of European football, and I want to test my skills against the best." Closing Thoughts As Rincon continues to chase his dreams on the gridiron, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself. "In life, you're going to face rejection and disappointment," Rincon reflects. "But if you keep working hard and stay true to yourself, opportunities will come your way." With his unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic, Rincon is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of football, inspiring others to never give up on their passions.

After 10 weeks of American football in Spain, the stage is set for the most important time of the year, the LNFA Serie A playoffs. In the Spanish first division the playoffs consist of four teams, the two best of each conference. There will be the semi-finals, played on the weekend of the 20 and 21 of April, and the final game, the Spanish Bowl, the most important match of the year in the mediterranean country, played in May. The semi-final matches will be played between the #1 Seed of one conference against the #2 Seed of the other. The result of which is that the Osos de Rivas will host the L´Hospitalet Pioners at the Cerro del Telégrafo Sports Complex in Rivas, Madrid, and the Badalona Dracs will face the LG OLED Las Rozas Black Demons at the Camp Municipal de Montigalá in Badalona, just outside of Barcelona. The Two Kings of the West Like has been usual for the past few years, the two kings of the West Conference are the Osos de Rivas and the Las Rozas Black Demons. This year it came down to their second matchup in Week 9 to decide who has the crown of the conference in 2024 in what was an amazing hard-fought game that ended up in favor of the Osos with a score of 28-21. In their semi-final, the Osos will have the chance to take revenge against the L´Hospitalet Pioners, a team that earlier this year amazed the whole country with an unbelievable upset against Rivas in their stadium at the Spanish Cup quarter-finals (Spanish competition that opens up the season every year and where imports are not allowed), where they won with a score of 10-12. Then we have the Black Demons that are going to clash against the Badalona Dracs. This is a rematch of the final of the Spanish Cup where the Demons came out as champions. It is for sure one of the most anticipated matchups of the whole season, and if things were different in that Week 9 game between Osos and Demons, this could have perfectly been the matchup in the Spanish Bowl. Is the dynasty coming back? The Badalona Dracs are the winningest team in the history of Spanish American football with 11 titles of LNFA under their belt. Not so long ago they were the absolute colossus of Spain and had a dynasty that seemed nobody could defeat from 2016 to 2021, when they won the LNFA Serie A undefeated almost every year. This season, the Dracs are making a statement to bring back the dynasty and have absolutely dominated the East Conference, being the only team in the league that is entering Week 10 undefeated. Then there is the L´Hospitalet Pioners, a classic team in Spanish American football that knows how does it feel to win it all (6 times Spanish Bowl champions) that also once had a dynasty of their own when they conquered the title 4 years in a row, from 2010 to 2013 (the last time that they have won it). Dracs only need to replicate what they have done all year long: control the rhythm of the game. They have the best backfield in the country and probably one of the best rushing attacks in Europe in 2024, and they will have to let them eat if they want to win it all. The Pioners need to believe in their domestic talent to achieve the upset once again, like they did in that Osos game in November. Also, they will need to let their star imports shine in what has been one of the most exciting passing offenses in the league the second half of the season. All or Nothing There are also other kinds of playoffs in Spain, those of the bottom teams in the competition. This year a new format is going to be played where the worst team of each conference will play a game that will decide who stays in Serie A and who is demoted to Serie B. Even though the Week 10 games have to be played, this matchup is also already set between the Alcobendas Cavaliers (West) and the Barcelona Pagesos (East). The game will be played at the CEM Bon Pastor stadium, Barcelona (because of point average), the same weekend as the semi-finals. This has been a pretty tough season for both teams, the two being the youngest squads in the competition after winning the Serie B (Spanish second division); the Cavaliers in 2022 and the Pagesos in 2023. The Alcobendas Cavaliers are known in the Spanish American football landscape because they are the only team in the Serie A without imports. Last year in their first ever season in the first division they ended up with a record of 1-7, only winning against the Camioneros de Coslada at home. This year in their second season of Serie A, despite some pretty good flashes of potential on the field and having pretty good performances against great squads, they have ended the regular season with an 0-8. They will have to display the toughness and resilience they have shown this past few years if they want to beat the Pagesos, remain in the LNFA A Series,  and compete against the best Spain has to offer. On their side is the Barcelona Pagesos who have played this year their first ever season of LNFA Serie A, also ending with a record of 0-8. They have also displayed some real good performances on the field. We highlight their second match against the powerhouse Badalona Dracs where they really put the actual Spanish Cup champions against the ropes (with a score of 19-33) in a game where all the regular starters were playing. If they want to solidify themselves as a Serie A team, they will have to put that type of performance against Alcobendas in what will be a great matchup for both.

The AFF crew preview the Kuopio Steelers ahead of the 2024 Maple League Season. 00:00 Intro 01:07 First Down 06.41 Team Preview 08.28 Steelers Biggest Changes 15:03 Nesi Carpalan (HC) Interview 27:14 Steelers Obstacles to Overcome 33:41 Josh Taylor (QB) Interview 43:39 Steelers Keys to Success 52:03 Austin Brock (WR) Interview 59:28 Last Words ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 📱 FOLLOW AMERICAN FOOTBALL IN FINLAND 📱 INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/AmericanFootballinFinland FACEBOOK: Facebook.com/AmericanFootballinFinland WEBSITE: AmericanFootballinFinland.com ☕️ BUY US A COFFEE: buymeacoffee.com/AFFPod 💰 DONATE: paypal.com/paypalme/AFF2k2/5 👕 GET MERCH: americanfootballinfinland.com/merch

Week 8 of the Portuguese American Football League brings a clash of contrasting fortunes as the winless Maia Mutts (0-2) host the title-contending Lisboa Devils (2-1) on Saturday, April 13th. This matchup marks the final game of the first half of the regular season for the Mutts. Mutts Fight for First Win The Mutts enter the game in desperate need of a victory. Having faced the toughest part of their schedule in the first half, they hope to turn things around. However, their struggles are undeniable. Currently boasting the league's worst offense and second-worst defense, they face a daunting task against the high-powered Devils. Their receivers' inability to consistently catch passes has hampered their offensive efforts, and they'll need to capitalize on every scoring opportunity. Devils Aim to Maintain Momentum The Devils, on the other hand, sit comfortably as title contenders. Their well-balanced attack, ranking second in both offensive and defensive performance, makes them a formidable opponent. However, special teams miscues plagued their last game, highlighting a need for increased focus and discipline. Nevertheless, they enter the contest as heavy favorites to secure the win. Can the Mutts Upset the Apple Cart? While the Devils appear poised for victory, the Mutts cannot be entirely disregarded. Playing at home and with their season on the line, they might find the motivation to pull off an upset. However, overcoming their offensive and defensive deficiencies will be crucial if they aim to challenge the Devils' dominance. A Battle for Momentum and Playoff Positioning This Week 8 encounter holds significance for both teams. The Mutts desperately seek their first win and a spark to ignite their season. The Devils, aiming to maintain their momentum and solidify their playoff positioning, cannot afford a complacent performance. This matchup promises an intriguing battle, with the potential for an upset brewing in the air.

The Örebro Black Knights (0-1) will face the Oslo Vikings (0-1) this weekend, as both teams aim to win their first Super Serien game of the 2024 Season. With both teams suffering convincing losses in their season openers, this game doesn’t have a clear favorite, making it an exciting matchup. BACKGROUND These two teams have history with each other, having played twice in last year’s Scandinavian Cup. Örebro were winners of both games, winning 21-13 & 37-7 at both away and home games, respectively. As much as spectators would like to believe that these two teams' history has some impact on this game, real football enthusiasts know 2023 is not the same as 2024. Both of these teams are coming off tough losses, and will try to get back on track this weekend. Last week the Örebro Black Knights suffered a tough 39-18 loss to the Stockholm Mean Machines. In a game that was 21-18 in favor of Stockholm at halftime, the Black Knights were unable to keep up with their opponents scoring prowess in the second half. The Örebro Black Knights offensive line was unable to protect their quarterback throughout the game, and gave their running backs no help in the ground game. The Oslo Vikings were dominated 56-37 by the Tyresö Royal Crowns in a game full of highs and lows. The Vikings came back from a 28-7 deficit to make the game 28-21, before the Royals Crowns took over all aspects of the game. Fortunately, the Vikings offense never quit, and continued to put up points throughout the game. Their defense provided no solutions to the Tyresö offense, outside of the mini comeback that was quickly forgotten by the end of the game. Key Players to Watch Here are a few key players to keep a look out for heading into this weekend’s matchup. OSLO VIKINGS Will Sewell (Linebacker) 6 tkls, 1 tfl Sewell led his team in tackles in their season opener, but wasn’t able to make the big impact on the game that was expected of him. Nonetheless, the Vikings Linebacker is still the most dangerous players on their defense. If the Vikings can use Sewell’s talents situationally to their advantage, he could be a huge factor in success for them this week. CJ Fowler (Quarterback) 15/28 (54%), 204 yds, 2 tds / 23 rush yds, 2 tds Fowler put on a great performance in his Super Serien debut last week. The signal caller scored 4 touchdowns (2 passing, 2 rushing) for his team, and kept his team’s spirit high in a tough loss. This week he can be expected to have a similar performance. If given time, the lefty will get the ball to his playmakers, and if pressured he has shown the ability to extend plays using his legs when necessary. Matthew Snawder (Wide Receiver) 4 rec, 75 yds, 2 tds Snawder is a big playmaker for the Vikings. The Slot receiver runs a variety of routes for them, and proved to be a scoring threat last week, finding the end zone twice for his team. Matthew Snawder is a favorite target of the Vikings quarterback, so wherever #3 is on the field, action will follow. Anthony Thach (Running Back) 5 att, 43 yds, 1 td This kid is not the starting running back, but is who everyone should be worried about. The youngster has incredible speed, field vision, and doesn’t like to be touched! Tackling him is a tall task for all defenders, and if the Vikings can work him into the game at key moments, he will have big play ability. ÖREBRO BLACK KNIGHTS Johannes Lindeus (Wide Receiver) 6 rec, 56 yds, 1 tds Lindeus is the top target for the Black Knights and had a pretty average outing last week. I expect him to bounce back this weekend, and make a few more explosive plays for the Örebro team. Trevor Vasey (Quarterback) 29/42 (69%), 324 yds, 3 tds Vasey had a long day against the Mean Machines defensive line, and was still able to be surprisingly successful. The big quarterback has a strong arm and is deceptively athletic, making him poised for another big outing this week. Cewin Eriksson (Defensive Back) 6 tkls, 1pbu, 1 int Eriksson is a leader for the Black Knights defensive unit, and his play shows that. In addition to great coverage skills from the safety position, Eriksson is a sure tackler that will make plenty of plays for his team in the run game as well. Sebastian Nilsson (Defensive Lineman) 3 tkls, 1.5 tfl, 1 sack Nilsson will most likely be the biggest person on the field, and requires a double team at all times. Despite the double team tactic, this defensive lineman will be an integral part of the Black Knights defense shutting down the run game and creating pressure against the quarterback. The Vikings quarterback should be warned, Nilsson is really fast for a defensive lineman, and hits pretty hard too. Victor Lindberg (Linebacker) 3 tkls Lindberg is a sideline to sideline player who always gets to the ball. Last week he was consistently around the ball, whether it was making a tackle, pressuring the quarterback, or forcing a ball carrier into his teammates. The glue of the Örebro defense, Lindberg will have a chance to make lots of plays in this matchup. Matchup Analysis This game is more evenly matched than the opponents both teams played against in week one. The Örebro Black Knights have the home field advantage in this game, and that could be beneficial if this game has any momentum type of plays. The Black Knights offensive unit should be able to have more success against the Vikings defense, which does not have the same strength in their defensive line play. This should allow us to see the Örebro team utilize their running game, instead of relying on another 40+ passing attempt performance from quarterback Trevor Vasey. The Örebro defense is in for another tough matchup, especially their secondary. While the Vikings might not have the same caliber of receivers as the Mean Machines, their quarterback is comfortable moving around to get his teammates open. Some of the Mean Machines biggest plays against the Black Knights came when their quarterback had to extend plays, and the Örebro coverage could not hold for the extra time. The Oslo Vikings have to feel pretty good after scoring 37 points in their season opener. The offense showed flashes of greatness, despite seeming very calculating in the play-calling selections. In this matchup, their opponents won’t force them to execute perfectly to be successful, so I expect to see some aggressive plays called at game changing moments to give the Vikings a better chance to win this game. If their offensive line is able to protect the quarterback, it could be a long day for the Örebro defensive backs. On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings will have to show a much better version of themselves than what everyone saw in Oslo against the Tyresö Royal Crowns. The Vikings didn’t do much to be optimistic about in that matchup, so it’s difficult to assume they will have much success against the Black Knights. If I were to make a hopeful speculation, it would be that the Vikings defensive line would be able to slow the run game, and force Örebro into a passing only offense. Although that plays into the Black Knights strength, it’s a strength the Vikings can better prepare for than an unknown run game. Who Will Win? I expect this game to be a real shootout. Both offenses are very talented, and both defenses have some vulnerabilities that could allow points to be made, often. The Black Knights’ defense might allow some big plays in the game, but ultimately they should be able to contain the Vikings run game enough to give their team the win. I don’t have much faith in the Vikings defense being able to make enough stops or create turnovers to keep them in the game.

The Stockholm Mean Machines (1-0) will host the Limhamn Griffins (0-0) this upcoming weekend, in the second week of Sweden’s Super Serien. The Mean Machines are returning from a decisive week one victory, while this will be the first game of the season for the Griffins. THE BACKGROUND The Stockholm Mean Machines started the 2024 season the way they ended 2023: Winning. In their first action of the season, the Stockholm team had an offensive explosion for 39 points and held their opponents to 18 (scoreless second half) points, continuing their dominance in the Super Serien. The reigning back-to-back champions were in a back and forth match until halftime, when their defense held their opponents in check for the second half of the game. Their offense looked as good as advertised, being highlighted by running back Kasper Wedberg and quarterback Mateo Renteria. The Limhamn Griffins are new to the Super Serien, but are the 2023 Division 1 (undefeated) champions. The Division 1 title means nothing in this matchup, but it does lead sports enthusiasts to believe the Griffins are accustomed to winning, and know how to do so effectively. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Here are a few key players to keep a look out for heading into this weekend’s matchup. STOCKHOLM MEAN MACHINES Kasper Wedberg (Running Back) 9 att, 72 yds, 2 tds / 3 rec, 49 yds (161 yds all-purpose) Wedberg had a great season opener against his former team, and he was the central focus of the Mean Machines offense. His stats were accurate of his performance, and he looked like a man amongst boys when he had the ball in his hands. Expect to see a lot of #30 in this matchup. Mateo Renteria (Quarterback) 16/23 (70%), 232 yds, 3 td, 1 int / 23 rush yds, 1 td Renteria had a great debut in the Super Serien. His first throw showed he has a rocket attached to his shoulder. Throughout the game he showed great poise, decision making, and some beautiful deep ball throws. He should have no trouble replicating his performance this week. Matthew Retzlaff (Wide Receiver) 4 rec, 62 yds, 2 tds Rettzlaff is the Mike Evans of the Super Serien, he just does what he does. With only a few catches in last week’s game, he made sure two of them were for scores. The first touchdown was  reminiscent of what we see from him every year as he got behind the defender, created space, and hauled the ball in the back corner of the endzone. Matt Retzlaff is inevitable. Anton Blomgren (Wide Receiver) 2 rec, 58 yds, 1 td / 3 pr, 28 yds / 1 kr 59 yds (145 yds all-purpose) Blomgren is a gamechanger for the Mean Machines in multiple aspects. As a returner, he puts Stockholm in great field position every chance he has, and almost scored on a 59 yard return last week. At the receiver position, he took advantage of the few targets he had, including a beautiful 47 yard over the shoulder touchdown catch that gave his team the lead heading into half time. Anton Blomgren is the X-factor for the Mean Machines team. MATCHUP ANALYSIS This matchup involves a lot more speculation than analysis. The Stockholm Mean Machines exhibited a great week 1 performance, and a lot of assumptions about their team can be made from it. Stockholm’s receiving corps is arguably the best group in the Super Serien, and their quarterback Mateo Renteria possesses all the skills necessary to give that group opportunities to confirm that assessment. Running back Kasper Wedberg is an impact player for the team, and will be heavily involved in their game plan. This offense is primed to score a lot of points in this matchup. The Mean Machines defensive front is their strength, led by Sebastian Diakiti on the defensive line. Combined with an athletic secondary group, the Stockholm defense will be opportunistic in this game, whether it be sacks, fumbles, or interceptions. What can really be relied upon is the gang tackle mentality that this group possesses, making sure every play is finished with physicality. There is not much to say about the Limhamn Griffins in this matchup. From last year’s team, we can expect to see a young athletic group who will fight to the end. That fight will have to go up against more talent, better coaching, and more experience in their opponents. It seems that they have opted not to employ import players, which could impact their overall performance in this matchup. GAME OUTCOME It’s pretty obvious that the Stockholm Mean Machines are the better team, and should win this game convincingly. But the Limhamn Griffins do have the element of surprise on their side. They have access to current film on the Mean Machines, and could use that to their advantage in terms of game planning. Despite that advantage, it won’t allow this team to compete with the reigning champs for the entirety of the game.

The Carlstad Crusaders and Kristianstad Predators face each other this weekend in Sweden’s Super Serien. This will be the first game of the season for both teams. The Carlstad Crusaders finished the 2023 Super Serien season in last place, while the Kristianstad Predators were Division 1 runner-ups. These two teams will each try to start the 2024 season with a win in the new 8-team league. THE BACKGROUND The Carlstad Crusaders have won 10 Super Serien titles, with the most recent being back in 2020. Despite the recent title drought, the Crusaders produce some of the best Swedish players every year and are always considered a challenge to their opponents. This year’s team will continue that tradition of being talented and very competitive. The offseason hasn’t given too much information about the direction head coach Christian Forsman plans to take his team, but the Crusaders culture is a fighting spirit. It can be expected that the Crusaders will look like a Super Serien title contender each week. The Kristianstad Predators are a long-time Division 1 participant, with an inconsistent history of success. The roster changes drastically year to year, making it difficult to get a handle on the organization's trajectory over any period of time. Most recently, the Predators have been a dominant force in Division 1, finishing last year in second place, only losing to the first place Limhamn Griffins by one point in their matchup. Coming into the 2024 season, the Predators have not announced many significant changes in their roster personnel, which can be an issue when competing in the highest level of football in Sweden. This week one game will tell everyone what they need to know about the competitiveness of the Kristianstad team in this season’s Super Serien. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Here are a few key players to keep a look out for heading into this weekend’s matchup. CARLSTAD CRUSADERS Slade Jarman (Quarterback) Jarman is a great addition to the Crusaders team. The 6’4 quarterback has top European experience, having played with the Wroclaw Panthers and Berlin Thunder of the ELF. Jarman even helped the Thunder make their first playoff appearance last season, throwing 21 touchdown passes in only seven games. Slade Jarman brings an elite level of playmaking and decision making to the Crusaders offense, which should be able to move the ball with ease. Kristian Natunen (Wide Receiver) Natunen is a versatile wide receiver with big play abilities. The young receiver was a key catalyst to helping the Porvoo Butchers win the Maple Bowl in Finland last season, averaging over 16 yards per catch on the season. A great route runner, with the ability to get tons of yards after the catch, Kristian Natunen will be a game changer at the wideout position for the Crusaders. Willem Vancompernolle (Wide Receiver) Vancompernolle will be an X-factor player for the Crusaders. The Belgium receiver is a former quarterback with European experience, most recently in the GFL with the Ravensburg Razorbacks. The big body receiver is prototype #1 Wide receiver, and lives up to the hype: strong, fast, and versatile. Because of his quarterback background, Vancompernolle always adds the chance of some trickery or misdirection when he is on the field. Mattias Eriksson (Linebacker) The reigning Super Serien MVP is back for more. Eriksson’s play can be defined very simply: see ball, get ball. The linebacker has consecutively led the Super Serien in tackles past two seasons, and doesn’t look to be slowing down. The team leader for the Crusaders defense, Mattias Eriksson is a sideline to sideline ballhawk. Rory Kelly (Defensive Back/ Linebacker) Kelly plays the nickel backer position for the Crusaders, causing tons of chaos for opposing teams. He was awarded Defensive back of the year in 2023, in addition to being the league leader in interceptions. Those awards are great accomplishments, but what sets Kelly apart is his versatility for the Crusaders defense. He has coverage skills comparable to a cornerback, but is a sure tackler in the run game. This allows him to play multiple positions without the Crusaders having to change personnel. Whatever position he is playing, you can be sure that Rory Kelly will be a factor for the Crusaders defense in this game. KRISTIANSTAD PREDATORS Myron Norfleet (Quarterback) Myron Norfleet is a talented throw first, dual-threat quarterback. As the Predators quarterback last season, Norfleet carved up defenses on a  weekly basis, and used his legs to extend plays when necessary. He is incredibly accurate with his deep ball passes, and is confident in his ability to throw perfect balls against tight coverage. Max Forsback (Linebacker) Forsback has spent the past two seasons in the GFL playing for the Berlin Rebels. He brings that experience and football know-how to the young predators defense. Forsback will be looked up to by his teammates when things get rough for the inexperienced team, and he will show them how to persevere. Max Forsback has great field vision and play recognition, which helps him get to the ball quickly. He also has the physicality needed to finish plays with authority. MATCHUP ANALYSIS The Carlstad Crusaders will be trying to get back to their winning ways in this matchup. Their offense has been re-tooled to compete with the top teams in the Super Serien. They have brought in an all-star caliber quarterback to lead an explosive offensive unit. Combined with an experienced defensive group that is accustomed to playing against the best players in the country, this team is primed for a dominant performance. The Predators have nothing to lose in this game, except the game itself. As newcomers to the league, they aren’t expected to win this game, but can put the entire Super Serien on notice with a great outing. It is yet to be seen how they gameplan this one, but optimistically we can expect to see a team pull out all the stops in week 1. This strategy would benefit the Predators long-term, helping them create a seed of doubt in their future opponents. If they play conservatively and try to keep the game “close” they will set a tone for a very long season. GAME OUTCOME The Carlstad Crusaders are better than the Kristianstad Predators. In the first game of the season for both teams, Carlstad’s talent alone will be enough to win this game. It will take excellent plays, great play-calling, and some well-timed luck for the Predators to pull off the upset. Anything is possible, but also the Carlstad Crusaders are the Carlstad Crusaders.