2024 is already here and with that another season of the LNFA Serie A (Liga Nacional de Fútbol Americano, or National Football League), the earliest league in Europe to begin competition. The league is now entering week 4 of the season, using the same system established last year, consisting of 10 teams divided into two geographical conferences. It seems that FEFA (spanish federation of american football) wants to establish the 10 teams and 10 regular season weeks for the foreseeable future. Something pretty important for a federation known for the constant changes in their competitions every year. 30 YEARS OF LEAGUE HISTORY The Spanish league itself turns 30 this year. Liga AEFA, Liga Beefeater, Liga LNFA, LNFA Elite, Serie A… a lot of names and different number of teams, more or less economic problems and even a pandemic in between. Spain is certainly not the oldest country with a league in Europe, but it is steadily growing and evolving every year. After 30 years there have been eight different champions. Badalona Dracs is the winningest team in spanish history with 11 titles, then L’Hospitalet Pioners with 6, Valencia Firebats with 4, Osos de Rivas and the extinct Madrid Panteras with 2 championships. There are 3 different single title teams, the Vilafranca Eagles, Fenix Vallés, and the reigning champion Las Rozas Black Demons. TWO CONFERENCES FOR 2024 Like last year, the league is divided in two conferences, the east and the west. The east conference is formed by: Badalona Dracs, L’Hospitalet Pioners, Mallorca Voltors, Zaragoza Hurricanes, and the Barcelona Pagesos, who are newly promoted after conquering the Serie B last season,. The west conference is formed by: the reigning champion and recently crowned Spanish Cup winner LG Las Rozas Black Demons, Osos de Rivas, Alcobendas Cavaliers, Gijón Mariners and Camioneros de Coslada. Everything is well under way and as of week 4 the standings are the following: On top of the east conference are the Mallorca Voltors and Badalona Dracs, both with a 2-0 record. Currently in 3rd place is L´Hospitalet Pioners at 2-1 and tied at the bottom are Zaragoza Hurricanes (0-2) and Barcelona Pagesos (0-3). In the west, the top teams are Las Rozas Black Demons and Osos de Rivas at 2-0. 3rd place belongs to the Camioneros de Coslada standing at .500 with a 1-1 record, followed by the Gijón Mariners at 1-2, and at the tail of the conference is the Alcobendas Cavaliers at 0-3. STRUCTURE OF THIS SEASON IN SPAIN The regular season will end in April, while the playoffs and the Spanish Bowl (the Spanish league final and most important game of the year) will  take place in May. This format is relatively new, as it was created so as not to interfere with the training camps of the European League of Football (ELF). Scheduling is something that caused a lot of controversy a couple of years ago, when the season started and ended later in the year, resulting in a lot of the country’s best players having to leave their teams in the playoffs due to the ELF season. Now everything is set up for another year of American football in Spain. It seems that this season is going to be an interesting one, not only in the national competitions but at European level too with the arrival of the Madrid Bravos, the new franchise of the ELF. This marks the first time ever that Spain is going to have more than one representative at that level, with the Barcelona Dragons and the already mentioned Bravos being ELF representatives.

The 2023 Italian Football League (IFL) season left us with the Parma Panthers' historic victory in the Italian Bowl played in Toledo,Ohio. It was undoubtedly an exciting and surprise-filled year, but the new season is now approaching, and expectations are high. With 9 teams competing for the championship, I've categorized them into three groups based on my point of view: Contenders, Solid Teams, and Underdogs. 2024 IFL CONTENDERS Panthers Parma , Guelfi Firenze, Dolphins Ancona PANTHERS PARMA: The Panthers, coming off their championship win last season, remain one of the favorites to clinch the title. Demonstrating both offensive and defensive solidity and led by Head Coach Brian Michitti, they aim to build on their success from the previous season. Reconfirming Michitti as HC, along with new Assistant Offensive Coordinator Jon Eagle, and Defensive Coordinator Daniele Rossi, the Panthers are in good shape to continue  their success. With the addition of 4 American imports, they aim to enhance their chances, especially in preparation for the CEFL championship, which the team certainly wants to win this year. GUELFI FIRENZE: Last season's runners-up showed offensive strength characterized by a powerful offensive line and running plays led by Quarterback Jared Gerbino. Despite the bad defeat in the Italian bowl, the Guelfies,  after restoring their logo, immediately made good trades. They signed American wide receiver Ryan De Luca and offensive linemen Robert Macaj & Mohamed Kane to strengthen an offensive unit that already demonstrated a lot in the previous season. On the defensive front, the Guelfi secured the return of Defensive Back Dejion Lynch, and made significant signings, including Diego Rinaldi (Linebacker) and Giacomo Insom (Defensive Lineman and captain of the Italian National Team ), both from Seamen Milano in the ELF. DOLPHINS ANCONA: The Dolphins Ancona are no longer a surprise in the Italian championship, through the years they have established themselves as one of the most solid teams in the IFL. This is attributed to a roster comprising both talented young players and seasoned league veterans. There are numerous updates and confirmations for the Ancona team this season, starting with the new logo, the signings of Americans Hayden Kelly (Linebacker) and Bo Sanders (Defensive Back), and the confirmation for the fourth consecutive year of American Quarterback Colin Digalbo, now a veteran of the team. Through  the years, the Dolphins have consistently demonstrated efficiency in selecting imports, and this, combined with the availability of young Italian talents, has made them, game after game, an increasingly challenging team to beat. Is this the year for the Dolphins Ancona to secure a championship victory? 2024 IFL SOLID TEAMS Skorpions Varese, Rhinos Milano, Marines Lazio SKORPIONS VARESE: The surprise of 2023, the Skorpions Varese enter their second IFL season after reaching the semifinals in their debut year. Last season Varese showed the great ability to win close games despite playing without an American player in defense. Factors contributing to their solidity include team unity, strong youth teams, and Head Coach Nick Holt's leadership. Key signings from Seamen Milano like linebacker Nicolò Fonti and Free Safety Christian Sottura on defense , Offensive Lineman Edoardo Sandonati on offense, and the addition of Quarterback Ryan Griffin, an ex-NFL player from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, raise expectations for Skorpions Varese. The question remains: is the hype justified, or is Varese truly ready for the big step? RHINOS MILANO: Despite struggling in 2023 due to offensive and defensive inconsistencies, Rhinos Milano has made strategic moves in the offseason. Thanks to the hard work of Head Coach Christian Nobile and the team’s community, notable Italian players, including Defensive lineman Claudio Nicola, Running back Manuel Savoia, and Offensive lineman Matteo Lodovichi, have joined the team. The signing  of Quarterback Hamish McClure from the University of Nevada, and experienced coaches like Offensive Coordinator Khalil Steward and Advisory Coach Brian Pariani adds strength to the Rhinos Milano lineup. If they find offensive rhythm and defensive solidity, Rhinos Milano could be a difficult opponent this season. MARINES LAZIO: The 2023 season for the former Ducks Lazio was not brilliant. The team from Rome faced various challenges due to defensive injuries, lack of experience in the offense, and the absence of a solid offensive line, making it difficult to establish a good rhythm throughout the season. The new year began with a rebranding of the logo and name, transitioning from Ducks to Marines Lazio, and a victory in the youth championship COPPA ITALIA, where the Marines dominated with a significant offensive strength. The expectations for the team this season revolve around the talent of the young players, combined with the crucial signings of new imports, Linebacker Jaren Banks and Defensive Back Charlie Dallape from Vanderbilt (Division 1), and the re-signing of Quarterback Austin Albericci, who showed great performances last year. It is hoped that these factors will be winning elements for the Marines, helping them perform better than demonstrated in the last season. 2024 IFL UNDERDOGS Warriors Bologna, Frogs Legnano, Giaguari Torino WARRIORS BOLOGNA: The union with Vipers Modena in the "Stainless Steel Warriors Romagna" project last season was nothing short of a failure. The expectations for the project were high, but the team won just  two games (one of which was a forfeit by Frogs Legnano).This year, Warriors Bologna, after ending the collaboration with Vipers, return to the IFL, announcing Samuele Rigato as Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, and Renato Gargiulo as Defensive Coordinator. Both are highly experienced names in the Italian panorama. The team has also signed Americans Ashley Brooks (quarterback) and Warren Bartlett (linebacker). The Bologna team is an unknown entity in this championship, and it is hard to predict how the season will go. Therefore, the first home game on March 2nd against Giaguari Torino will provide answers about the true value of the team. FROGS LEGNANO: With a season marked by ups and downs, the Frogs Legnano had some difficulties finding a good rhythm during the 2023 year. The team, full of  young talents, struggled with the inexperience in the IFL championship, being in their inaugural season. They alternated between excellent performances, characterized by great performances from American Quarterback Eystin Salum, and heavy defeats. The Frogs' season begins with the signings of three key Italian players from Seamen Milano: Offensive lineman Marco Colombo (European champion with the Italian National Team), Free Safety Tommaso Calegari, and Cornerback Saad Alí. Additionally, they announced the signing  of two high-level US imports: Damon Sheehy Giuseppi from the Cleveland Browns and Quarterback Eystin Salum, mentioned previously. These signings strengthen the Legnano team and raise expectations for their performance. Despite being considered underdogs, will they manage to secure a spot in the IFL 2024 playoffs? GIAGUARI TORINO:  The Giaguari Torino is the only new entry from IFL2 in this championship series this year. Last season, they lost the semifinal in the second division against Aquile Ferrara. Despite this, they decided to take the big step and return to IFL after a 4 year hiatus. The Giaguari's season begins with the signings of former ELF players, both on defense and offense, such as wide receivers Tamsir Seck, Andrea Serra, and Lorenzo Bassi, Linebacker Enzo Mensah, and Cornerbacks Felix Proulx and Bismark Yeboah. Concerning American imports, Defensive Lineman Luke Dunsmoor and Tight End Adrian Tolber have been announced. These significant additions to the roster raise expectations considerably for the Torino team, which will show a mix of young talents and players with considerable European experience. Therefore, in my opinion, despite being defined as underdogs, the Giaguari will be a significant surprise in this season.

At the 2016 HBCU Celebration bowl, in a one-on-one matchup, the offensive team’s receiver catches a touchdown for his team. But after a replay, it was determined that the receiver was not in full control of the ball, therefore it was ruled an incomplete pass. This story is NOT about that receiver claiming redemption, it is about the defensive back who used that moment to gain his confidence back. Nolan Corpening responded two plays later with a crucial breakup to get his unit off the field. “3 years of coach ripping my confidence doesn’t matter anymore. This moment made me remember who I was as a player.” Fast forward to 2024, and Nolan Corpening II is a professional football player for the LG OLED Las Rozas Black Demons in Spain’s LNFA 1. The Corpening Origin Story Corpening grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his dad got him involved in track and field at a very early age. By the time he was 6 years old, Nolan was playing flag football, and it became his preferred sport by the time he was 12 years old. “Being an inner city kid with other talent around , it created a certain competitiveness that carried on throughout my athletic career.” Corpening is a defensive specialist, and credits some of his play-style mentors to former NFL stars Ed Reed and Champ Bailey. To Be the Best, You Have to Beat the Best Success was the norm for Nolan as a youngster playing football, whether playing offense or defense. He finished his High School career as one of the best skill players in the Charlotte area, being rated a 2 star recruit at the time. “My proudest high school moments come from me competing on the college camp circuit constantly shutting down D1 receivers at Corner and winning co-mvp my senior season in the hardest conference in all of North Carolina Football.” Football Can Change A Life Nolan is very open about his personal growth through the game of football, and was willing to give me great insight into his journey. “My challenges came mostly in college , where my attitude and confidence needed to be molded into a positive manner. Walking through the door I look more like a track athlete than a football player. So at times, a younger Nolan would put myself out there so I would have no choice but to defend my ability. In a team atmosphere where we have to compete against our teammates first in fall camp and practice, it was not as healthy as it should’ve been. My production was consistent but not falling in line or respecting who was in front of me was an issue for our Cornerback room my freshman year. My love for the game and community has been the same since my beginnings. I have always given back what I learned and passed on confidence and resilience to others.” Playing Style of Nolan Corpening Charlotte produces athletes, and Nolan Corpening is one of them. The defensive back credits his playing style directly to where he was raised. Quick footed, fast, and the ability to compete would be a brief description of Corpening on the field. Having seen him play personally, I would had that he has the “it” factor that makes him a big play type on either side of the ball. His ability to play both sides of the ball allows him to have a greater impact on a single game, making him the complete x-factor. “The way I play is a direct reflection of where I’m from. I am the outcome of this and it led to me teaching others and continuing to set the standard for those who came behind me." Player/Coach Life Nolan Corpening is currently playing for the Las Rozas Black Demons, but he is much more than that. Corpening is also the Defensive Backs coach for the Black Demons Junior and Senior teams. He has always been a leader/teacher when it comes to the game of football. “My high school showed that elite athletes were in Charlotte, mainly because we were the first to have the right coaching . This led me to teaching the coaching what I had learned in high school to the little league players and the middle school players. Even into my overseas career, I am consistently coaching Defensive backs and junior teams. Giving back the knowledge is huge to me and I will continue to coach after my playing career is over.” Reflection “The most beautiful aspect of my football career is that I can truly say I grew as a man with the game . From finding success and confidence with my talents , to understanding that the response to competition will make or break an athlete, to seeing what is too much confidence and it can blind you to the reality , and finally seeing what a championship culture is and feels like. I won 3 conference championships in college. Coming overseas my first few seasons, I was thankful for the opportunity, but then I wanted others to learn what a champion's mentality really is. In my last 3 seasons I have played in a championship game. Winning only one, but learning along the way on how to show my team how to walk , talk, and to think like a champion . Pressure is the privilege of the capable; added with the heat of our environment will eventually cut that diamond out the rough or crumble those who are not."

The LG OLED Black Demons (2-0) will take on the Osos Rivas (2-0) this Saturday, with first place of the LNFA Western conference at stake. Although early in the season, this game could have playoff seeding implications. Team Analysis The Black Demons have not been tested much in their first two competitions, having blowout wins with resulting scores of 35-6 (Coslada Camioneros) and 36-7 (Alcobendas Cavaliers). Quarterback Theodore Landers was expected to lead the high-scoring offense, but suffered an injury against the Cavaliers. Jesús García-Valcárcel has since taken over quarterbacking duties, with little loss in terms of production so far. Emilio Ibáñez is one of the team’s top receiving targets, while running backs Dominc Coffman and Daniel Romero handle the rushing duties. Newcomer Nolan Corpening is the team’s x-factor, being able to play an important role on both offense and defense for the Demons. The LG OLED Black Demons have done a great job of scoring tons of points in their first two contests, but it remains to be seen how they will fare against quality opponents without their star signal caller. The Osos Rivas have been steamrolling opponents this season, with two blowout wins of their own by scores of 34-6 (Alcobendas Cavaliers) and 41-21 (Gijón Mariners). Signal caller Russel Tabor leads a talented group of receivers and spreads the love to each of them. In two weeks, the American quarterback has 8 passing touchdowns and almost as many receivers have caught those passes. Ángel Marín and Jorge Martín stand out as his favorite targets, but the entire receiving corps is utilized. Ronald Tomasello is the primary ball carrier in the Osos run game. Defensive Back Andy Vera brings an elite defensive mindset to the team on the other side of the ball. Key Factors This game will be a rematch of the 2023 Championship, where the Black Demons came out victorious. On paper, these two teams are very evenly matched, but the health of Black Demons quarterback Theodore Landers will play a major role in this matchup. If he is able to play, it will be one of the most competitive games of the weekend. If he is unable to go, the Black Demons will have to rely heavily on their running game, and play-calling abilities to account for his absence. Osos Rivas have a simple path to victory in this game, let Russel Tabor cook! If the Rivas team can keep up the consistent scoring their offense is known for, using all of their available weapons, they will have a good chance to win this game. Predictions This game could go either way, as both teams are talented and have not had to show their best yet. That makes this a real toss up, but the Rivas team played a stronger form of football in their last win compared to the Demons who needed a second half explosion to get their second win. This is why I will go with the Osos Rivas as winners in this matchup. .

The BNL Football League is gearing up for an electrifying 2024 season! The 2024 BNL schedule begins March 9, promising thrilling clashes among six dynamic teams aiming for the coveted championship title set for July 6. In its third year of competition, the league showcases the crème de la crème of Belgium and the Netherlands' football talent. This season, the league has upped the ante with the addition of two new exciting teams: the Brussels Tigers and the Rotterdam 010 Trojans, promising fresh energy and fierce competition. The league is graced by the presence of the formidable Amsterdam Crusaders, the two-time defending champions, who have displayed remarkable skill and strategy in the past seasons. They are joined by the stalwarts of the game, the Brussels Black Angels, the Limburg Shotguns, and the Kasteel Nitros, each with their unique style and fervor. The Amsterdam Crusaders, the stars of the league, have a legacy of triumph, having clinched the BNL title in the previous two seasons. 2024 SEASON IS DIFFERENT This year's expansion to six teams not only heightens the competition but also brings in a wave of new talent and strategies, making the league an exciting spectacle for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. The blend of experienced champions and ambitious newcomers sets the stage for a season filled with unexpected twists, intense rivalries, and breathtaking football action. Whether you're a die-hard football aficionado or a newcomer to the world of BNL, this season promises to be a captivating journey through the best of European football. Make sure to check out some of the Key Matchups of the early season. Limburg Shotguns Head Coach, Emmanuel Lewis, had some interesting thoughts on the league's 3rd edition: “Going into its 3rd season the BNL is growing and will reach a new height in the Benelux competition. It will be exciting to watch and pay close attention to a ton of young upcoming talents. If you have followed the super leagues  around Europe you will find multiple Benelux natives on many rosters in key roles. This year we have an unmatched amount of young talents breaking onto the scene. I expect the BNL to be fun, exciting and full of big plays.” MARCH 9, BNL II REMATCH Week 1: Brussels Black Angels vs Amsterdam Crusaders The Season starts with a rematch from last year’s championship. The Brussels Black Angels have had an entire offseason to plan their revenge. Planning is not the same as execution, which is what the Amsterdam Crusaders plan to do in week 1 as they defend their back-to-back titles. New head coach Vito Alfarez will look to make a statement in his first game leading the Cru. MARCH 30, BNL 1 REMATCH Week 4: Limburg Shotguns vs Amsterdam Crusaders The Shotguns were a couple scores away from winning the first ever BNL championship. Two years later, the team is yet again a contender for the title heading into the 2024 season. Head Coach Emmanuel Lewis has been developing his roster the entire offseason, with this game circled on the schedule as the measuring stick. Both teams will have plenty of film under their belt by week 4, so this game could be a very closely contested contest, or an indicator of the best from the rest. Either way, all eyes will be on this game played March 30. APRIL 6, BATTLE OF CONTENDERS Week 5: Brussels Black Angels vs Limburg Shotguns This early season matchup will most likely shape the landscape of the early BNL playoff seeding. Black Angels Head Coach Derys Romuald will have his team primed to create a division of best from the rest in the league. On the other hand, the Shotguns will be one week removed from playing the reigning champs. This game will be unpredictable until it’s proven on the gridiron. WEEKS 7-14 There is no way to tell which games will be important in the second half of the season, so let’s wait until the BNL season is under way before making those types of predictions.

The Porvoo Butchers are Finland’s 2023 Maple Bowl Champions, but can they do it again in 2024? I have gone on record plenty of times comparing the prestigious team as the “Dallas Cowboys of Finland”, due to their high expectations and talent level combined with  lack of championships to show for it. But all of that is OVER, the 2023 Porvoo Butchers team proved to be the real deal (Unlike the 2023 Dallas Cowboys)! With the monkey off their back, are the Butchers poised to make another run at the title, or was last season a one-off situation? HISTORY FAVORS THE BOLD Most fans following football in Europe have very little historical background on the Maple League in Finland. That’s not your fault, but allow me to give you a quick crash course. From 2020 to 2022 the Kuopio Steelers won 3 consecutive Maple Bowls, creating what could be considered a mini-dynasty. Before that, the Helsinki Roosters owned Finland’s title as the best in the country, winning every championship from 2012 to 2019. Most football enthusiasts have lived to know about the Roosters Dynasty, which saw the organization compete internationally and be successful in the process. I have to admit, some of the best football teams I have seen play in Europe would be from a few of the Roosters squads in the “Red Era”. In 2011, the Helsinki Wolverines claimed Finland’s Maple Bowl title. Before that season, Finland football belonged to the Porvoo Butchers. From 2005 to 2010, the Butchers won 6 consecutive Maple Bowls, in what could only be considered the “Golden Era” in Finland. The era was a time when domestic players had a large role in the success of their teams, as import players were less common before the 2010s. Excluding last year’s championship, the Butchers team has not been a Maple Bowl participant since 2010, despite having some very talented teams during that period. One characteristic that has stood out about the Butchers during their Maple Bowl hiatus, as well as during their 2023 championship run, is their commitment to having Finnish-born players contribute to their team’s success. This philosophy is a major reason why we could be seeing the beginning of the Butchers’ second Dynasty run, starting with a 2024 back-to-back title. IF NOT NOW THEN WHEN Football is a chemistry sport that relies on a lot of players, coaches, and staff working together to have success. The biggest obstacle to that success is the inevitable change of personnel. It happens in all sports, but is one of the main reasons for the parity in the sport of American Football. Finland’s football landscape is no different. A constant for the “Red Era” and the Kuopio Steelers Mini-Dynasty were having key personnel remain the same, or very similar, to keep the cohesiveness of the team. The 2024 Porvoo Butchers have that recipe in hand, so there isn’t anything standing in their way from winning another title. NEW IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER There are plenty of reasons why the Butchers can repeat as champions this season, but none as important as what their opponents have done this offseason. The majority of teams in the Maple League have made significant changes to their personnel, meaning they will have to build cohesiveness throughout the season. Here are a few changes that teams have made, which actually help the Butchers chances of winning. Seinäjoki Crocodiles change Head Coach & Quarterback - The Crocodiles were the league favorite last year, and were expected to win the Maple Bowl. Despite the championship loss, they would have remained a contender for 2024 with a majority of their roster intact. But all that goes out the window when you bring in a new Head Coach & signal caller. They could still be very good, but will have a learning curve to combat early in the season. Helsinki Roosters change their Defensive Coordinator & Quarterback - The Roosters finished last season on a tear offensively. They have decided to change those pieces this year, turning to an underdeveloped Finnish quarterback, as well as bringing in a different group of foreign skill players. In a league where everyone scores points, the Roosters will be handicapped in that area. On the defensive side of the ball, we can only wait to see how those units adjust to a new leader after having the same DC and for almost a decade in helsinki. Lohja Crusaders Change Key Positions - The Crusaders have a new Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. That alone is enough change to slow down any progress they want to make from last year. But they will also have an entirely new crop of foreign players to mix in with the changes in leadership. Wasa Royals are the Wasa Royals - I honestly don’t know what changes the Royals have made, but I do know that it doesn’t matter, they will be a good team by the end of the season. But those early games when they have to figure out what they are good at is when the Butchers get a leg up on them long term. Kuopio Steelers change Head coach & Personnel - With the Mini-Dynasty over, it looks like the Steelers are heading in a new direction for the 2024 season. The new Head Coach has recruited an interesting group of players and coaches to Kuopio, but only time will tell how the group gels together throughout the season. Helsinki Wolverines Players will be Brand New - The Wolverines basically took last season off to play their young talent. That means they will have a brand new team of players this year, with all of the confusion of blending them together. RUN IT BACK Similar to other teams in the Maple League, the Butchers will have changes, but not in their key positions. The personnel that were pillars in their championship run have remained, decreasing the amount of cohesiveness that has to be built throughout the season. The Butchers will be the only team in Finland continuing from last season instead of re-adjusting. Here are a few constants that will help the team run it back in 2024. Head Coach Lasse Voipio Remains - Voipio will be able to build on last season instead of installing culture and plays during the offseason. Quarterback Brandon Gwinner Returns - Butchers will have a new OC, but that matters very little when Gwinner will be returning for his third consecutive season as the Porvoo signal caller Offensive Weapons Return - Receiver Mikko Seppänen & athlete Micky Kyei lead a talented group of skill players that are familiar with Gwinner and have built a connection that led them to a championship last season. Player of the Year Returns on Defense -  Defensive Back Zach Wright returns to a bend, but don’t break defense. It takes more than one player of course, but Zach proved with his play last season that as long as he is on the field his team has a chance to win. IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME JUST WATCH Last season only true Porvoo fans believed the team had what it took to win a Maple Bowl title. Unfortunately, I was not one of those fans. I will not make the same mistake, as this team gears up to solidify themselves as a force in Finland for 2024. I suggest that if you are reading this with any bit of skepticism that you pay close attention to Finland’s Maple League this year, and remember that I put you onto the Butchers before it all went down. You can catch them in action May 17, when they replay the 2023 Maple Bowl against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles.

Embarking on its 18th exhilarating season, the Sportklub Central European Football League (CEFL) is set to ignite the European American football scene in 2024. This year, the league will feature a diverse lineup of 12 elite international teams, including last year's champions, the La Courneuve Flash, and the champions from eight European national leagues. These formidable contenders will battle it out for supremacy and the coveted opportunity to claim victory in CEFL Bowl XVIII. 1. La Courneuve Flash - CEFL Bowl XVII champions 2. Thonon Black Panthers - French champions 3. Parma Panthers - Italian champions 4. Danube Dragons - Austrian champions 5. Florence Guelfi - Italian vice-champions 6. Stockholm Mean Machines - Swedish champions 7. Calanda Broncos - Swiss champions 8. Thalheim Graz Giants - Austrian semifinalists 9. Kragujevac Wild Boars - Serbian champions 10. Belgrade SBB Vukovi - Serbian vice-champions 11. Budapest Wolves - Hungarian champions 12. Manchester Titans - British champions 2024 SCHEDULE The competition will take place during r four weekends on the following dates: April 20, May 11, June 1, and June 22. A modified cup system will be employed: Four seeded teams, (1) La Courneuve Flash, (2) Thonon Black Panthers, (3) Parma Panthers, and (4)Vienna Danube Dragons, will skip the first round. The remaining eight teams will engage in four single-elimination first-round games, organized regionally. First round matchups on April 20: 1. Florence Guelfi (5) vs. Belgrade SBB Vukovi (10) 2. Stockholm Mean Machines (6) vs. Manchester Titans (12) 3. Calanda Broncos (7) vs. Budapest Wolves (11) 4. Thalheim Graz Giants (8)  vs. Kragujevac Wild Boars (9) The second round, scheduled for May 11, will feature the winners of the first-round games, with matchups to be determined based on the outcomes. The semifinals, set for June 1, will see winning teams from the second round battling for a spot in the CEFL Bowl XVIII. The location of the CEFL Bowl XVIII on June 22 will be determined by one of the finalists, promising an exciting conclusion to the championship. ROUND ONE GAME TO WATCH Thalheim Graz Giants (8)  vs. Kragujevac Wild Boars (9) This matchup will be interesting for anyone wanting to measure international competition. The Graz Giants had a very respectable 2023 season, going 8-2 during the regular season, finishing 3rd in the Austrian Football League. A 4-point loss to the eventual league champions, Danube Dragons, ended their season in the semifinals of the playoffs. All this information confirms that the 2024 team will be an AFL contender once again, and poised to make an immediate impact in the CEFL tournament. The Kragujevac Wild Boars are reigning CEFL Cup Champions, and returning from an undefeated championship run as Serbia’s champion. Despite their “interesting” position in the CEFL rankings, the Wild Boars are winners, and they don’t expect that to stop because their first round opponents represent Austria instead of Serbia. This team is ready to show the world how they play football in Serbia. ROUND TWO GAMES TO WATCH *Because of the seeding, I’ll take some liberties and assume the higher ranked teams will win round one. This article will also be updated after the round one games have been played. La Courneuve Flash (1) vs Stockholm Mean Machines (5) We can expect this matchup to be a look into the eventual winner of the 2024 CEFL Championship (no disrespect to the other participating teams). The Flash are the reigning champs, all eyes should be on them in this tournament. By May the team will be running on all cylinders, thanks to the French season starting in February. After surviving Parma Panthers and Thonon Black Panthers in last year’s CEFL, the Flash will be ready for anything in 2024. The Stockholm Mean Machines are the sleeper team of this year’s tournament.  After taking the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns  to the limit in last year’s CEFL, this team is eager to have some GetBack against whoever stands in their way. Danube Dragons (4) vs Florence Guelfi (5) Danube Dragons are the reigning champs in Austria, this entire tournament is icing on the cake for this organization. But it's also an opportunity to firmly cement Austria as an international powerhouse. The fact that two French teams played in the 2023 CEFL Final is a fact that isn’t being ignored by the addition of Austrian teams to this year’s field of participants. What does that have to do with the Italian team, Guelfi? Nothing, but they are in the way of the Dragons' claim to international glory. So you can expect it to be a game worth seeing. The Firenze Guelfi 2023 season ended in a championship loss to the Parma Panthers. Playing in this tournament will give Guelfi the competition it needs to avenge that losing feeling from that game. But more importantly, playing against an Austrian national champion will give the Italian based team a true indicator of where they stand on the international scale.